Enhancement of international biodefense capacity

(a) Clarification of roles and responsibilities (1) In general The Secretary of Defense shall direct the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, in consultation with the Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, to enter into memoranda of understanding with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government to clarify the roles and responsibilities of those departments and agencies for building biodefense capabilities internationally in execution of national security and other policies of the Federal Government, with the Secretary focused on working with defense counterparts in countries that are allies of the United States. (2) Elements of memoranda of understanding The memoranda of understanding entered into under paragraph (1) shall address how each relevant department or agency selects partner countries and the feasibility of coordinating efforts with each such country. (b) Development of biodefense capabilities The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense programs, shall provide to the Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency global authority to support development of biodefense capabilities and capacities in countries that are allies of the United States, subject to review and input on an as-needed basis by leadership of the Department of Defense and the relevant combatant commands.