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A 7 z FD-302a (Rev. 10-6-95) @ ) r } 279A-WF-222936-USAMRIID . bIC Conimuaion of Da020t — Ld on 05/04/2006 rsge 4 b6 [at some 4 tL aeted that some of the soldiers b7c had access to suitesl | and working as assistants to various investigators. Suite access depended on the primary investigators for the different labs located in the suites. noted the '150-liter fermenter located in suites [ ] and was not used frequently. There was generally little need to produce anything on such a large scale, and the process of using the fermenter was very messy due to the parts and supplies required for operation. The only individuals could recall . specifically who used the fermenter were aes ror oO could not specifically identify the biological agents used . in the fermenter, but speculated that recombinant BA preps made with an avirulent strain of BA, non spore forming, were likely used. A virulent, spore forming strain of BA would not be used in the fermenter because it would be a safety issue. Due to the size of the fermenter, and the mess it created in the room where it was located, it would be impossible to ensure complete decontamination after use with a spore-former. The fermenter was not portable, and was located in a room dedicated specifically for the fermenter. In order to remove the fermenter, .a wall would have to be removed. Approximately one year after 9/11, there was a discussion about loaning it to a private company. The fermenter was going to be removed and transported to the company for their own use, and in exchange the company would use it to produce large amounts of some recombinant proteins for USAMRIID's use in vaccine work. However, this transaction. never occurred is not familiar with the protocols for bacteria grown in a fermenter, as fermentation biology is not[__Jarea of expertise. [jis not aware of any spores from any bacteria being grown in the fermenter. is unaware of any’ individuals who showed a special interest in the fermenter, discussed using it for ° producing the Ames strain of BA, or expressed an interest in borrowing the fermenter. [ —__] sssunes that there were equipment logs and records_pertaining to the use and maintenance of the fermenter, but can not verify this. Regarding the production process for the Ames strain of BA,[___|noted it was renograffin purified, which is part of a