DHS Biodetection Improvement Act

This legislation aims to enhance the Department of Homeland Security's biodetection capabilities by directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to conduct an assessment. This assessment will evaluate how the Department has utilized Department of Energy national laboratories and sites for research and development related to its biodetection missions. Within 180 days of enactment, the Secretary must submit this assessment to Congress, along with a comprehensive strategy. This strategy will detail how DHS plans to coordinate with DOE national laboratories to address biodetection research and development needs. Key components of this strategy include identifying suitable biodetection technologies, developing an acquisition plan for these technologies for existing BioWatch jurisdictions, and conducting external evaluations to identify potential gaps and failure points. Furthermore, the strategy requires assisting in the development of clear program and technical requirements for future DHS environmental biodetection programs, in partnership with federal, state, local, tribal governments, academic institutions, and the private sector. The bill also mandates that the Secretary provide Congress with an update on the assessment and strategy, including any implementation challenges, within one year of the Act's enactment.