Battelle Awarded Contract to Advance US Biological Threat Reduction

The $93.3 million contract will support the Defense Threat Reduction Agency's biological threat reduction initiatives.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 7:20am

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Battelle, a leading research and development organization, has been awarded a $93.3 million contract by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to execute biological threat reduction initiatives. The contract, known as the Scientific and Technical Engagement Partnership (STEP) 2.0, will leverage Battelle's scientific and technical expertise to strengthen disease detection, characterization, and reporting capabilities, reducing the risk of biological threats.

Why it matters

Battelle's role in this contract is crucial in protecting the U.S. homeland and deployed forces from the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), including biological threats. By partnering with DTRA and global collaborators, Battelle will help build resilient biosurveillance and biosecurity systems, a critical step in safeguarding national security.

The details

The STEP 2.0 program operates under DTRA's Global Threat Reduction (GTR) Directorate, whose mission is focused on protecting the U.S. from WMD proliferation. Battelle's contract includes a $52.9 million base period, with a total potential value of $93.3 million over the full period of performance. Battelle will leverage its robust pool of scientific and technical expertise to effectively execute planned and emerging requirements related to biological threat reduction.

  • The contract was awarded on February 26, 2026.

The players

Battelle

A leading research and development organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with a long history of helping nations build resilient biosurveillance and biosecurity systems.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)

A U.S. Department of Defense agency responsible for safeguarding the U.S. homeland and deployed forces from Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) proliferation.

Dan Pikora

The General Manager of Battelle's National Security Business.

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What they’re saying

“Battelle has a long and proud history of helping nations build resilient biosurveillance and biosecurity systems. With this new contract, we will expand that mission by partnering with DTRA and global collaborators to strengthen disease detection, characterization, and reporting capabilities that reduce the risk of biological threats before they can cause harm.”

— Dan Pikora, General Manager of Battelle's National Security Business

What’s next

The contract will commence immediately, with Battelle working closely with DTRA to execute the planned and emerging biological threat reduction initiatives over the full period of performance.

The takeaway

This contract award highlights Battelle's expertise and commitment to national security, as the organization leverages its scientific and technical capabilities to help protect the U.S. and its allies from the growing threat of biological weapons and disease outbreaks.