Biodefense Reference Material Repository (formerly UCC)

The Biodefense Reference Material Repository (BRMR), previously known as the Unified Culture Collection (UCC), is an accredited, high-quality pathogen repository that securely maintains, characterizes, and distributes the diverse bacterial and viral agents and their derivatives needed to support Department of Defense-sponsored biodefense research and development activities.

As a producer of reference materials accredited by A2LA to ISO 17034 standards, the BRMR is able to ensure purity, identity, and consistency in its products—qualities that are essential for producing meaningful and reproducible results among laboratories specializing in diagnostic, therapeutic, and vaccine development.

Housed within the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), the BRMR draws upon the Institute's extensive biodefense expertise and infrastructure to securely store, safely handle, and fully characterize its unique and historic collection of bacterial and viral select agents, their near neighbors, and other Force Health Protection relevant organisms.

High-quality BRMR-derived antigens and nucleic acids are available to DoD-associated research activities via the Joint Program Executive Office—Chemical and Biological Defense—Defense Biological Product Assurance Office (DBPAO), previously known as the Critical Reagents Program (CRP). Orders can be placed online via OSCAR (Ordering System for Critical Assays and Reagents). To register on OSCAR, please visit JACKS and complete the online registration form.

Please use the following email address if you would like to submit questions and comments to the BRMR.
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