Science for the Benefit of the People

About the Select Agent Program

The Select Agent Program (SAP) at the NIH handles a range of functions to facilitate research with select agents.  It registers participants in the SAP and provides initial and annual SAP training as well as any additional training needed related to a specific agent or biohazard level.  The program maintains the records necessary for CDC registration of campus laboratories.  It assists with receipt of select agents, movement between NIH laboratories as well as shipping these highly regulated substances.  In addition, the NIH SAP performs a variety of regulatory functions to remain in compliance with select agent regulations.  The NIH must comply with the regulations and requirements of 42 CFR Part 73, 7 CFR Part 331 and 9 CFR Part 121. 

Anyone working with select agents must enroll in the SAP.  If you require unescorted access to areas containing select agents or areas associated with the biocontainment of select agents, you must enroll in the SAP.

What is a Select Agent?

Select agents are microorganisms (including but not limited to, bacteria, viruses and fungi) and toxins that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have determined pose a threat to humans, animals, plants or the environment.  Any microorganism or toxin capable of harming the environment or other living organisms, regardless of its origin (naturally occurring, engineered or synthesized) can be classified as a select agent.  For further information please refer to 42 CFR Part 73, 7 CFR Part 331 , and 9 CFR Part 121.     

How Do I Enroll in the Select Agent Program?

Principal Investigators or direct supervisors should email the following information:

1. Applicant's name.
2. Applicant's date of birth or NIH identification number.
3. A statement  that you would like to enroll the applicant into the SAP.

A member of the SAP will contact the Principal Investigator with follow-up information.