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Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) at U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
BARDA's FY2023 Achievements BARDA’s Division of Contract Management and Acquisitions (CMA) provides contracting support and related activities to fulfill its mission through its business relationships. In fiscal year (FY) 2023, CMA completed over 700 actions, surpassing $5.75 billion, reflecting robust collaboration with private sector partners through the strategic use of Other Transaction Authority (OTA) consortiums and Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs). Notably, BARDA surpassed the FY22 budget by $1.3 billion, showcasing the successful transition of contracts previously issued in collaboration with the Department of Defense. BARDA’s unique authorities, distinct from similar government agencies, concentrate on advanced research and development (R&D) to fortify the nation's health security. Strategic Adoption of OTA Consortiums Under my leadership, BARDA's recent expedition with OTA consortiums has been transformative, fostering collaboration and innovation within the biomedical research community. These consortiums have streamlined the acquisition process, empowering BARDA to engage seamlessly with various industry partners and nurture a more agile and responsive ecosystem. Additionally, this agility has allowed BARDA to substantially reduce procurement timelines and accelerate the research and development lifecycle while navigating intricate partnering landscapes and ensuring swift responses to emerging health threats. Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs): A Catalyst for Innovation My team and I have led the charge in enhancing BARDA's utilization of BAAs, refining our acquisition strategy, and establishing a comprehensive framework for sourcing inventive solutions to targeted research and development hurdles. Through our collaborative efforts to broaden the approach to BAAs, we've empowered BARDA to engage a more diverse range of stakeholders, including venture capitalists and academics, thus extending our reach and encouraging a wider array of proposals. This inclusive team approach has sparked innovative ideas, leading to breakthroughs that conventional procurement avenues might not have achieved. Consequently, with our concerted efforts, BARDA has expedited the advancement of medical countermeasures while nurturing a dynamic environment conducive to ongoing learning and adaptation."My team and I have led the charge in enhancing BARDA's utilization of BAAs, refining our acquisition strategy, and establishing a comprehensive framework for sourcing inventive solutions to targeted research and development hurdles"
Celebrating BARDA's Success Stories BARDA's journey with OTA consortiums and BAAs has expanded under my leadership to include diverse portfolios and innovative investment opportunities. BARDA's current portfolio stands as a testament to the impact of forward-thinking acquisition strategies, from the rapid development of medical countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases to groundbreaking advancements in vaccine technologies. The collaboration with industry partners through OTA consortiums played a pivotal role in expediting the development of mRNA vaccine platforms. This approach proved instrumental during the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where BARDA's proactive engagement with consortiums led to the swift development and distribution of vaccines. The Unsung Heroes: BARDA CMA's Team of Senior Leaders Alongside me stands a cadre of unsung champions whose contributions have been nothing short of indispensable in our journey toward success. Within this group, a core of exceptionally skilled leaders has emerged as the driving force behind the strategic execution of our acquisition initiatives. Their unwavering commitment and unparalleled expertise have served as the cornerstone of BARDA CMA's triumphs, propelling the achievements of OTA consortiums and BAAs. The Case for Increased OTA Utilization in Government Agencies My achievements at BARDA underscore a broader perspective on why R&D-heavy government agencies should extensively leverage OTAs. Traditional procurement processes often lag behind the speed of scientific and technological advancements. OTAs are designed for agility and collaboration and can seamlessly align with the dynamic nature of research and development. Government agencies can benefit immensely from OTAs to rapidly respond to unforeseen challenges and emerging threats. Enhancing the Knowledge Base of Government Acquisition Community As the Director of the CMA division, I have played a pivotal role in introducing insights into our innovative approach. Over the past year, under my guidance, CMA has made significant strides driven by feedback received during BARDA Industry Day. The opportunities and streamlined procedures presented resonate with the needs of valued private-sector collaborators. Through my leadership and extensive experience, BARDA CMA has been transformed into a trailblazer in the field, providing numerous avenues to funding opportunities. Each of these avenues serves as a vital access point for potential industry collaborators, reflecting my leadership and the wealth of knowledge and expertise I've gained over the years. Elevating Government Acquisitions to Foster Innovation BARDA's success with OTA consortiums and BAAs stands as a beacon of inspiration for R&D-focused government agencies. By embracing these innovative acquisition models, agencies can navigate uncertainties, accelerate timelines, and cultivate a culture of continuous innovation, ultimately advancing their missions to protect and enhance public health. The knowledge shared here contributes to the government acquisition community by offering insights into BARDA's innovative approach. BARDA's journey is a testament to the transformative power of collaborative and forward-thinking acquisition strategies in driving innovation for public health preparedness and response. Conclusion As BARDA CMA leads the charge in transforming government acquisitions within biomedical innovation, I extend a personal invitation for you to engage with us. Connect directly with me at Joffrey.benford@hhs.gov to delve deeper into our groundbreaking journey and uncover avenues for collaboration. Together, let's amplify our efforts to advance healthcare and fortify national preparedness.