Houston, TX — In June, the Texas A&M System won a huge federal contract to become a major national hub of vaccine production and bioterror preparedness. The contract to create a Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing is expected to last 25 years and likely is worth $1.5 billion to $2 billion. The centers are part of a federal plan to improve preparedness that is being led by the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority. Its director, Robin Robinson, spoke with the Chronicle's Eric Berger in advance of his visit Monday to Texas A&M's campus in College Station.

Q. What is the purpose of this visit?

A. In June, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary (Kathleen) Sebelius announced that Texas A&M University is one of three new centers that will be receiving funding to build or renovate facilities to develop and manufacture medical countermeasures, such as vaccines and medicines used in an emergency. The center, as a public-private partnership, will enhance the nation's emergency preparedness against emerging infectious diseases, including pandemic influenza and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. I will be in College Station to join Sen. (Kay Bailey) Hutchison and university and state and local dignitaries in the dedication of the new center at Texas A&M.

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