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EO 13527Executive OrderObama · D Quiet signal

Executive Order 13527

Establishing Federal Capability for the Timely Provision of Medical Countermeasures Following a Biological Attack

This executive order directs federal agencies to establish capabilities for rapidly delivering medical countermeasures to Americans following a biological attack. It mandates creation of a U.S. Postal Service-based dispensing model, a federal rapid response system, and continuity plans to ensure mission-essential government functions continue during such an emergency.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 737

Impact dates

  1. HHS/DHS establish national USPS medical countermeasures dispensing model for U.S. cities

  2. DHS/HHS/Defense/AG develop law enforcement escort plan for USPS countermeasure delivery

  3. HHS/DHS develop plan for countermeasures to mission-essential federal personnel

  4. DHS/HHS (with Defense) develop concept of operations and requirements for federal rapid response

Key directives

  • Establish national USPS medical countermeasures dispensing model for U.S. cities with anthrax as primary threat consideration
  • Develop plan for supplementing local law enforcement with federal law enforcement to escort USPS workers delivering countermeasures
  • Develop concept of operations and establish requirements for federal rapid response capability to dispense countermeasures
  • Develop plan for provision of countermeasures to mission-essential federal personnel to ensure continuity of operations

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Policy declaration establishing biological attack preparedness as U.S. priority

Near term (90d)

  • Federal rapid response concept of operations and requirements due
  • HHS/DHS/Defense/AG plan for law enforcement escorts of postal workers due

Long term

  • National USPS medical countermeasures dispensing model for U.S. cities due
  • Federal continuity of operations plan for mission-essential personnel due

Risks & tensions

  • Subject to availability of appropriations — funding not guaranteed
  • No enforcement mechanism for individuals; EO explicitly disclaims creating enforceable rights
  • Anthrax specified as 'primary threat consideration' may narrow preparedness scope
  • Coordination burden across four cabinet departments plus USPS and state/local entities is substantial
  • Vague on metrics for 'timely' provision or what constitutes 'sufficient' local supplementation
Executive Order 13527: Establishing Federal Capability for the Timely Provision of Medical Countermeasures Following a Biological Attack · Executive Orders