MISSION
The mission of the Integrated Consortium of Laboratory Networks (ICLN) is to coordinate federally sponsored analytical laboratory services for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents. The ICLN does this through planning, identifying resources, providing laboratory surge capacity support, and defining key process steps for information exchange and data sharing during an incident. During CBRN incidents, the ICLN provides timely, credible, and interpretable data in support of surveillance, early detection, and effective consequence management.
The ICLN’s integrated laboratory response contributes to stronger early detection and consequence management capabilities for the federal government, consistent with the requirements of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 9 (Defense of US Agriculture and Food), HSPD-10 (Biodefense for the 21st Century), HSPD-21 (Public Health and Medical Preparedness), HSPD-22 (Domestic Chemical Defense), and Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 8 (National Preparedness).
Additional information on the ICLN can be found in the ICLN Fact sheet and Poster or in ICLN related reports, including the 2017 ICLN Food Safety and Modernization Act and the 2016 ICLN Office of Health Affairs Annual Report.
MEMBERS
The ICLN is a partnership of nine federal agencies:
- Department of Agriculture
- Department of Defense
- Department of Energy
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of the Interior
- Department of Justice
- Department of State
- Environmental Protection Agency
For more information about the organizational structure of the ICLN, please visit the Structure & Members Page.
ACTIVITIES
ICLN partners endeavor to:
- Promote organization and coordination of assets and resources;
- Address critical issues affecting the reliability of data provided to decision makers;
- Provide an initial analysis and ongoing advice and coordination; and
- Serve as a forum for the discussion and dissemination of information.
The ICLN has two major interagency groups:
- At the strategic level, the Joint Leadership Council (JLC) is composed of senior leadership members from each signatory Department or Agency and is charged with assuring the appropriate strategy is in place to support an effective all-hazard laboratory response capability.
- At the operational level, the Network Coordinating Group (NCG) is composed of representatives from each signatory Department or Agency and operational leaders from individual laboratory networks. The NCG is charged with promoting enhanced commonality and integration of network functions.
The ICLN provides an effective forum for integrating network operations and strategies. The Department of Homeland Security chairs the JLC and NCG.
Historical documentation associated with the ICLN includes the Charge and Charter document, and the 2005, 2012, and 2016 ICLN Memorandums of Agreements.
- The “Charge and Charter” document provides the background of the need, the authorities, vision, scope and structure of the ICLN, and the function and functional relationships of the entities which make up the ICLN.
- The 2005 ICLN Memorandum of Agreement, 2012 ICLN Memorandum of Agreement, and the 2016 ICLN Memorandum of Agreement set out the federal relationships required to establish the ICLN and describe the purpose, the authorities/limitations, as well as the commitments of the signatories.