Through its four integrated service divisions, the Facility Maintenance and Operation Core (FAC-OPS) provides high containment operational management monitoring and oversight;routine facilities preventive maintenance and upkeep of the GNL physical plant that supports the entire facility including the high containment space and a preventative maintenance plan for all BSL4 equipment and systems;non-routine emergency repairs of BSL4 equipment and systems;and specialized training for facilities personnel working in and around BSL4 space and associated building systems. This core ensures continuous scientific support by combining management of base science support and high containment operational systems thus better maintaining synchrony with scientific program needs. Functional safety and security is ensured by independent oversight by autonomous entities from other cores that have supervisory responsibilities (biosafety, security, GMP&GLP compliance). The scientific, engineering and biosafety training activities within the GNL are interlinked with a succession of training experiences at increasing levels of biosafety for individuals with no previous experience within biocontainment. The progression of scientists and support staff through these levels is an important function of the training mission of the GNL which incorporates all levels of biosafety including BSL4. The amalgamation of science support, biocontainment and engineering services gives scientific and engineering staff increased opportunities to understand the integrated nature of such a facility and the importance of communication within the operational elements.

Public Health Relevance

The Facility Maintenance and Operation Core provides high containment management and oversight, preventive maintenance and upkeep of the GNL physical plant, and specialized training for facilities personnel working in and around the BSL4 labs and associated systems. Operations and maintenance is closely coordinated with scientific program needs to ensure optimum support and maximum productivity.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
National Biocontainment Laboratory Operation Cooperative Agreement (UC7)
Project #
5UC7AI094660-04
Application #
8820992
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAI1-PRJ-M (J1))
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2014-05-01
Budget End
2015-04-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$4,365,324
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Medical Br Galveston
Department
Type
DUNS #
800771149
City
Galveston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77555
Gilchuk, Pavlo; Mire, Chad E; Geisbert, Joan B et al. (2018) Efficacy of Human Monoclonal Antibody Monotherapy Against Bundibugyo Virus Infection in Nonhuman Primates. J Infect Dis 218:S565-S573
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