| In support of the national biodefense strategy, the departments of homeland security and defense seek to provide early warning of biological attacks to save lives. This research study focuses on these department’s efforts to seek, acquire and employ environmental biodetection technologies. By employing the rational actor model as the initial guide for examining biodetection research and development efforts, this study provides insights into how and why the departments operationalized biodetection capabilities the way they did. Because this research study compares the BioWatch program found within the Department of Homeland Security with the Department of Defense’s Guardian installation protection program, the focus is on threat biological agents that could be employed in an aerosol form against people. A detailed account including a historical perspective of threat bioagents and biodetection technologies is provided. Internal organizations within each department responsible for research, development, acquisition and employment of biodetection technologies are examined. Additionally, several factors are considered and analyzed to explain why one department put into place a more operationally effective biodetection capability than the other in support of the national biodefense strategy. These factors include executive level support, effects of bureaucratic age, and task environment. This comparative analysis provides an understanding of how technology supports national efforts to protect Americans from the threat of biological weapons and in the broader context, how bureaucracies can more effectively utilize emerging technologies. |
