To receive a permit for recombinant DNA research or manufacturing, you must contact the Cambridge Public Health Department at 617-665-3838, and arrange to present to the Cambridge Biosafety Committee:

1. A summary of your research or manufacturing activities
2. Your biological containment capacity
3. A description of your medical surveillance plan and your infection control program if your lab works with infectious agents
4. Verification of compliance status for all local and state health and safety regulations requiring permits (e.g., Massachusetts Medical Waste Regulations, radiation control, flammable storage)
5. A list of vendors that support the safe operation of your laboratory

Presentations generally last 20 to 45 minutes, and should provide a broad explanation of the recombinant technologies, vectors, and host organisms being used.   A sample presentation and training materials are available to applicants. Presenters should bring at least five copies of the presentation (preferably 10 copies) for distribution to the committee and attendees.  The materials should conform to the sample presentation, and should include a diagram of facility floor plans with containment levels and waste storage areas indicated. Full architectural plans are not needed.  

In addition to the presentation, each permit holder must comply with the NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant DNA Molecules and all other provisions of the Cambridge Recombinant DNA Technology Ordinance.

The Cambridge Biosafety Committee reviews and enforces permit holders’ compliance with the NIH Guidelines, local requirements, community representation on Institutional Biosafety Committees, and medical surveillance obligations.