2024 OSTP Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening
S3: Science Safety Security
Update: Update: In compliance with the Executive Order on "Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research" issued on May 5, 2025, federal departments and agencies will revise or replace the 2024 Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening. This page will be updated once the new framework is available.
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released the Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening on April 29, 2024. This Framework established requirements – as a condition of receiving U.S. governmental life sciences research funding – that synthetic nucleic acids, and benchtop devices capable of synthesizing them, are only procured from providers and manufacturers that comply with the requirements of the Framework.
These screening requirements built on the recommendations in the 2023 HHS Screening Framework Guidance for Providers and Users of Synthetic Nucleic Acids. Both documents were focused on preventing access to synthetic genetic materials containing SOCs by individuals without a legitimate need for them.