DTRA selects Black & Veatch to work in Ukraine

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Oct. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency has selected U.S. firm Black and Veatch for biotech work in Ukraine.

Black and Veatch is tasked by DTRA assist Ukraine in developing the country's capacity to detect, diagnose, report and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, which could include biological weapons of mass destruction.

Under terms of its DTRSA contract, Black and Veatch will support implementation of the agency's Cooperative Biological Engagement Program with the Ukrainian government, worth potentially $85 million up to 2017, the company said.

"We will continue to provide our client with best practices in preventing the spread of biological weapons, technology and pathogens," Black and Veatch Federal Services President Bill Van Dyke said. "We understand the client's needs and goals required for successful, sustainable results."

Two years ago Black and Veatch completed Ukraine's first Bio-Safety Level 3 laboratory under a previous DTRA contract, the first BSL-3 laboratory commissioned for the U.S. agency.

Black and Veatch provided the first BSL-3 laboratory facility to enhance Ukraine's existing Soviet-era bio-surveillance system to detect and respond to bioterrorism and potential pandemics.