In October 2001, terrorists contaminated the U.S. mail stream with anthrax. This resulted in the illness and death of federal employees and created fear for the American public. The threat of a similar attack occurring continues to exist today. Federal, state and local authorities, as well as United States Postal Inspectors, have been contacted to assess numerous hoaxes and suspect materials.

It is imperative that clear procedures for assessing and managing security and biological threats be available to protect the health and safety of federal and civilian employees in our federal mail centers. The information contained in the following pages has been coordinated with several interagency working groups of federal and non-federal experts. Each document gives credit to those who have contributed their expertise.