Combating Resistant Infections: BARDA’s Push for Advanced Antibiotics
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has released a pre-solicitation notice aimed at identifying qualified vendors to support the late-stage development, procurement, and stockpiling of antibiotics for critical public health threats.
Targeted programs include hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (HABP/VABP), bloodstream infections (BSI), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and biothreat pathogens, this initiative seeks to close gaps in treatment options by funding antibiotic candidates that have completed their end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA.
Timeline and Key Dates
While this is a pre-solicitation notice and not a formal Request for Proposal (RFP), key milestones are already on the horizon:
- Maximum Period of performance: Up to 120 months (10 years), inclusive of overlapping base and option periods depending on the proposed work structure
- SAM registration required: All respondents must be registered at gov
- Anticipated contract award window: September 30, 2025 – September 30, 2026
Funding Scope and Contract Structure
BARDA anticipates issuing one or more contracts with cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price elements. While specific award sizes will be disclosed in the full solicitation, the long performance window signals BARDA’s readiness to make significant, sustained investments in antibiotic programs that meet its technical and manufacturing requirements.
Vendors leveraging pre-existing manufacturing capabilities or with the ability to quickly establish domestic production pathways will be viewed favorably, particularly as BARDA emphasizes U.S.-based readiness in its biothreat strategy.
Why It Matters: Protecting Patients and National Security
Hospital-acquired infections and bloodstream infections caused by resistant bacteria represent a growing threat to global health and to national security when linked with biothreat agents. This pre-solicitation represents a proactive move by BARDA to ensure that effective antibiotics are not only developed but also manufactured domestically and stockpiled for rapid deployment in emergencies.
Companies developing next-generation antibiotics are uniquely positioned to contribute to this mission. Now is the time to prepare.
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