Merlin to support BNBI bioterror database

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. company Merlin International has been contracted to support the Battelle National Biodefense Institute in managing a biological terrorism risk database.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Maryland-based National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center is managed and operated by BNBI. Under the announced contract, Merlin will support BNBI with management of bioterrorism risk documents and records.

As part of the deal, Merlin, a Denver-based information technology solutions provider, will assess the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center's data requirements and potential limitations in order to offer BNBI the appropriate level of technical management support.

"Fighting the threat of bioterrorism is an essential part of our nation's defense," Mark Zalubas, Merlin International enterprise solutions division vice president and chief technology officer, said in a statement.

"Due to the danger posed by these agents, following the latest approved procedures is imperative. Well-organized and accessible enterprise content management is therefore an essential part of ensuring the success of that mission."