Risk and Threat Assessment for Biocontainment Facilities

A vital component of up-front planning.

Published April 2008

A detailed risk and threat assessment is a critical part of the up-front facility planning process. The outcome of the risk and threat assessment can significantly drive up project costs, so perform such an assessment early to learn what you are up against in time to figure out new mitigation measures or adjust program scope or budget. Access control for terrorism threats is a big thing and can add as much as 25% to your budget, and if not thought out well can adversely affect the efficient flow of program operations. After designers have optimized systems to balance risk and cost, be alert to the possibility of builders trying to ratchet up system specs (and driving up cost) to avoid risk.

- From Tradeline's International Conference on Biocontainment Facilities 2008