National Laboratory Biotechnology Research Act of 2022

National Laboratory Biotechnology Research Act of 2022

This bill directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a National Laboratory Biotechnology Program to integrate the resources of DOE, including the Office of Science, the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, and the National Nuclear Security Administration, to provide research and development and response capabilities to respond to

• long-term biotechnology threats facing the United States, and
• any remaining threats posed by COVID-19.

The Office of Science shall support research that harnesses the capabilities of the national laboratories to address advanced biological threats of national security significance.

The Office of Science shall promote cooperative research and development activities under the program, including collaboration between appropriate industry and academic institutions to promote innovation and the creation of knowledge.

No less frequently than biennially, DOE shall develop a strategic research plan under the program.