The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is preparing for a potential pandemic with steps that include expanding the ability of employees to work remotely, as well as having cots, food and water in data centers in the event of a quarantine. The cost will likely run into the millions of dollars for the department, which has 110,000 full-time employees and 50,000 contractors. The USDA made a preliminary estimate of $23 million for remote working, including supplying computers, computer security training and help desk.”]