On 13 January, the ASM Public and Scientific Affairs Board submitted comments in response to the proposed Screening Framework Guidance for Synthetic Double Stranded DNA Providers.  The Notice proposing the voluntary guidance was published in the November 27, 2009 Federal Register by the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. ASM said that gene synthesis is now routinely performed in numerous laboratories around the world and that harmonized guidance is needed internationally to be effective. ASM suggested that the State Department be given the responsibility of working with international organizations to foster international cooperation and harmonization. The full text of the ASM letter is available at http://www.asm.org/index.php?option_com_content&view_article&id_91290.