Driving Innovation in Antibody Manufacturing
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has launched a new Request for Project Proposals (RPP) aimed at transforming the speed, efficiency, and resilience of antibody (Ab) production. Issued under the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness Consortium (BioMaP-Consortium), the initiative seeks to integrate advanced manufacturing technologies into Ab production systems to ensure faster, smarter, and more scalable responses to emerging public health threats.
Antibodies have played a central role in past outbreak responses, including anthrax, Ebola, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2. This RPP represents BARDA’s next step in future-proofing the nation’s biodefense by applying cutting-edge Advanced Manufacturing goals to Ab-based medical countermeasures.
RPP Goals and Focus Areas
BARDA seeks innovative proposals that can deliver measurable improvements across multiple biologics in its portfolio. Key priorities include the use of automation, digitization, and artificial intelligence to streamline production methods, increase process control data, and design and deploy smart algorithms to adaptively control or make decisions about production and release. The effort must be applicable across multiple biologics. Optimization of existing and novel manufacturing technologies to improve quality, decrease timelines, improve manufacturing flexibility, and reduce costs will be considered.
Offerors must be actively developing the drug candidate (at Phase 2 or beyond) and must have funding for continued development to licensure. Offerors may also propose improvements to the manufacture of drug products in BARDA’s mission that are intended for the National Stockpile. Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 4-6 will be used as a guideline for technological suitability.
Proposals and Contract Information
This RPP will use a two-stage Enhanced White Paper process:
- Stage 1 (Enhanced White Paper): Offerors submit white papers using the mandatory template.
- Stage 2 (Statement of Work & Full Cost Proposal): Selected Offerors will be invited to submit a detailed technical plan and budget.
The Period of Performance shall not exceed 36 months and is expected to begin in late Quarter 1 or early Quarter 2 of Fiscal Year 2026. Estimated funding includes ~$13.2 million for total program funds.
Eligibility and Special Considerations
- Offerors must be members of the BioMaP-Consortium at the time of proposal submission.
- There is a strong preference for U.S.-based manufacturing investments, though international partners are not excluded if work supports domestic needs.
- Small business participation is encouraged to enhance flexibility and resilience in the biomanufacturing supply chain.
Key Dates
- Solicitation Webinar: September 15, 2025 (no live Q&A)
- Virtual Teaming Speed Networking Event: September 16, 2025
- Questions Due: September 16, 2025 (by 3:00 PM ET)
- Proposals Due (Enhanced White Papers): October 1, 2025
Advancing National Preparedness
This RPP represents a critical step toward creating a next-generation antibody manufacturing ecosystem that is agile, adaptive, and capable of supporting rapid surge responses during public health emergencies. By investing in smart, scalable, and secure manufacturing, BARDA is ensuring that Ab-based countermeasures remain at the forefront of the U.S. biodefense strategy.
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