Core 2: Biosecurity Core Abstract The Biosecurity Core is responsible for the protection of the NEIDL in support of a safe and secure research environment. It does so by preventing unauthorized access to the perimeter, the facility, the BSL-4 laboratory and storage locations in order to protect the select agent program from theft, loss and release and by serving as the initial responder to incidents and events. The Biosecurity Core relies on an ongoing program of threat and risk assessment and training, management of access control systems, and coordination with other cores or departments in the management of the Personnel Suitability and Reliability Policy (PSRP). The Core is integrated with campus-wide services and provides protective services to the NEIDL 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. The core is led by the Executive Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police and the Medical Campus Public Safety Director and includes a Personnel Suitability Specialist, Systems integrators, Public Safety Officers and Shift Supervisors. The Biosecurity Core interacts on a continuous basis with the Environmental Health and Biosafety Regulations and Requirements Core (EHBRR), Facilities and Maintenance Core (FMO), NEIDL leadership and NEIDL laboratory managers to review SOPs, staffing, security issues and incidents and work collaboratively to ensure coordination between institutional and NEIDL programs. The Personnel Suitability Specialist is responsible for the initial steps in the PSRP and the follow through as elements of the process by EHRBB and Human Resources are completed. The Core then confirms that all requirements have been met before assigning access in accordance with that policy. Clearances are initiated and checked initially and then annually thereafter. Access is granted, adjusted or revoked annually or as needed. The Core is represented on the Personnel Suitability Review Team and involved in issues that require adjustment of access permissions. Systems Integrators manage a variety or security systems that allow access and do so in coordination with FMO and NEIDL IT staff. NEIDL Public Safety Officers are sworn Special State Police Officers licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety. They are trained and equipped with a firearm and other protective tools. Officer training is not limited to the police academy and includes emergency first responder, biological safety, and other NEIDL specific training. The Core not only participated in the training programs but leads and instructs on trainings related to insider threat and CPR training programs. The Biosecurity Core participates in exercises, provides subject matter expertise in their design when needed, provides training to external first responders and meets with the Boston Biosafety Working Group (local emergency medical, fire, police, public health) when necessary. The Core is involved in the transportation of highly hazardous materials and serves as primary contact to external law enf...