The uncertainty has increased because the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were conducted by a large group of conspirators rather than one individual. This approach would include a threat assessment to determine which chemical or biological agents are of most concern. To provide such assistance, the federal government has a variety of programs to prepare for and respond to chemical and biological terrorism, including response teams, support laboratories, training and equipment programs, and research efforts, as follows. Problems Identified in Preparing for Chemical and Biological Terrorism

We have identified a number of problems that require solutions in order to improve preparedness for chemical and biological terrorism. Despite this uncertainty, preparing for all possible contingencies is not practical because vulnerabilities are unlimited, so a risk management approach is needed to help focus resource investments. Given the uncertainty of the chemical and biological terrorist threat and continued fiscal concerns, the Congress may want to initially invest resources in efforts with broad applicability rather than those that are only applicable under a specific type of chemical or biological attack.
What GAO Found

Since the attacks against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the terrorist threat has risen to the top of the national agenda. Preparing for all possible contingencies is impractical, so a risk management approach should be used. This would include a threat assessment to determine which chemical or biological agents are of greatest concern. The federal government has various programs to prepare for and respond to chemical and biological terrorism, including response teams, support laboratories, training and equipment programs, and research efforts. Evaluations of chemical and biological preparedness have identified several problems and their solutions. Congress faces competing demands for spending as it seeks to invest resources to better prepare our nation for chemical and biological terrorism. Given the uncertainty of the chemical and biological threat, Congress may want to initially invest resources in efforts with broad applicability rather than in those that are applicable to a specific type of chemical or biological attack.