The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 is a validation of the Chemical Security Analysis Center, said Paul Strang, acting director of the Office of National Laboratories at the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate.

In a guest post published Monday, Strang said the NDAA enacted by President Joe Biden last month gives full authorization to CSAC and underscores the importance of scientific research in addressing homeland security.

CSAC is the only federal laboratory that uses research, analysis and knowledge management to aid emergency planning and response to chemical threats. It has become the first recourse of ER teams looking for information on chemical event scenarios, Strang asserted.

Since its transition to DHS S&T in 2006, CSAC has been instrumental in the agency’s campaigns, including mitigating the spread of illicit opioids, and preparing for and simulating hazardous chemical dispersions in the military as well as the community.

The center is also a result of DHS’ partnership with the U.S. Army, which has led to the creation of the Chemical Security Laboratory for national readiness, Strang noted.