Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for advanced research and development (R&D) of Medical Countermeasures (MCMs). This BAA, updated by Amendment 7 (March 19, 2026), seeks proposals to address threats from chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. The final proposal submission deadline for open areas of interest is September 25, 2028, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time.
Purpose & Scope
BARDA aims to accelerate partnering, improve responsiveness, and decrease the time to award for developing MCMs. Proposals should focus on R&D within specific Areas of Interest (AOIs), covering stages from nonclinical R&D to clinical evaluation and manufacturing. Offerors must identify the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of their product. The submission process involves three stages: a Pre-submission Call, a Quad Chart and Market Research Abstract, and a formal Proposal.
Key Updates from Amendment 7 (March 19, 2026)
Amendment 7 introduces significant modifications to the BAA:
- Background & Reporting: Updates to language related to BARDA's Influenza and Emerging Infectious Diseases (IEID) Division, Table 2, and Part II reporting requirements.
- Special Considerations: Addition of the ASPR Public Access Policy.
- Areas of Interest (AOI) Revisions:
- AOI #2 (CBRN Antivirals & Antitoxins): Suspension of AOI 2.1 (Anthrax Antitoxins) and updates to AOI 2.4 (Filovirus Antivirals).
- AOI #3 (Antimicrobials): Updates to AOI 3.1 (MDR Bacteria & Biothreat Pathogens).
- AOI #7 (Diagnostics): Extensive updates to introductory language and specific AOIs (7.1 Biothreat Agent, 7.2 Antibiotic Resistance, 7.3 Influenza, 7.4 Threat Agnostic), including Filovirus, AMR, Influenza, and Next-Generation Sequencing diagnostics.
- AOI #9 (IEID Therapeutics): Updates to AOI 9.1 (Broad Spectrum Antiviral for Influenza) and AOI 9.3 (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis – Influenza), along with revised assessment factors.
- Reopened AOI: Area of Interest #12 (Flexible and Strategic Therapeutics - FASTx) has been reopened. Bidders must carefully review these changes as they impact proposal content, requirements, and eligibility.
Contract Details
Multiple awards of various values are anticipated. Contract types may include Cost-Reimbursement (Cost, Cost Sharing, CPIF, CPFF) and Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP). The Government may also award grants and cooperative agreements.
Submission & Evaluation
- Final Proposal Due: September 25, 2028, at 4:30 PM ET for open areas of interest.
- Evaluation Factors: Proposals are evaluated based on Program Relevance, Overall Scientific and Technical Merits, and Offeror's Capabilities and Related Experience. Cost/Price, Past Performance, and Subcontracting Program Evaluation are also considered.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This opportunity is open to all responsible sources, including private sector organizations, Government laboratories, and academic institutions. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Institutions, and various Small Business concerns are encouraged to participate. No specific set-aside is designated for this BAA.
Contact Information
All contracting-related inquiries should be sent to BARDA-BAA@hhs.gov.