Biofilm development at a surface is the net result of several physical, chemical, and microbial processes including the following: 1) transport of dissolved and particulate matter from the bulk fluid to the surface; 2) firm microbial cell attachment to the surface; 3) microbial transformations (growth, reproduction, etc.) within the biofilm resulting in production of organic matter; 4) partial detachment of the biofilm due primarily to fluid shear stress. This report presents a framework for analyzing the interrelated processes contributing to biofilm development. Some of the available rate and composition data are presented so that the relative process rates can be compared.