Review of Matters Relating to U.S. Army Laboratories and Research Activities in the San Francisco Area

GAO reviewed a number of allegations concerning activities at the Letterman Army Institute of Research (LAIR) and the Letterman Army Medical Center Area Laboratory. It was alleged that unauthorized biological research was being conducted at LAIR, an outbreak of fever linked to LAIR research activities had occurred among the staff, and physicians from a nearby medical center refused for philosophical reasons to work at the adjacent LAIR facility. Several questions were also raised about the relocation of the Laboratory to LAIR, including: (1) whether the Government was adequately compensated for the sale of vacated buildings and abandoned equipment at the Laboratory's original location; (2) whether the Laboratory buildings and equipment were properly decontaminated when they were being used and when the relocation took place and what procedures were followed in disposing of contaminated waste; and (3) what research activities remain at the original location.