This is a horrible idea. However, since I've worked in "bio defense" and have family members who still do, I can assure you that if you write the grant proposal

This is a horrible idea. However, since I've worked in "bio defense" and have family members who still do, I can assure you that if you write the grant proposal properly you should be able to pick up some US federal dollars to work on this. Possibly to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. You don't even ever have to finish it - you just need to write the reports at the proper times. </cynicism>