The big announcement this week that the Texas A&M University System had been awarded a $176 million grant was greeted with enthusiasm throughout the state. The federal grant, along with millions from the state and private donors, will be used to build a facility that will develop and manufacture drugs that fight pandemic infections, as well as potential bioterrorism. A&M’s contract with the federal government will be in place for 25 years, giving the center the opportunity to attract additional public and private funding.