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), BAA-23-100-SOL-00004, seeking proposals for advanced research and development (R&D) of Medical Countermeasures (MCMs). This BAA aims to accelerate partnering and decrease time to award for addressing chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. The final proposal submission deadline is September 25, 2028, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time for open areas of interest.
Purpose & Scope
BARDA's BAA-23-100-SOL-00004 is a modernized solicitation designed to improve responsiveness and efficiency in developing MCMs. It covers R&D from nonclinical stages through clinical evaluation and manufacturing. The submission process involves a three-stage approach: a Pre-submission Call (Stage 1), a Quad Chart and Market Research Abstract (Stage 2), and a full Proposal (Stage 3).
Key Areas of Interest (AOIs)
The BAA solicits proposals across various Areas of Interest, which have been subject to numerous updates through amendments. The latest Amendment 7 (March 19, 2026) introduced significant revisions, including:
- CBRN Antivirals and Antitoxins (AOI #2): Suspension of Anthrax Antitoxins (AOI 2.1) and updates to Filovirus Antivirals (AOI 2.4).
- Antimicrobials (AOI #3): Updates to MDR Bacteria and Biothreat Pathogens (AOI 3.1).
- Diagnostics (AOI #7): Comprehensive updates to introductory language and specific AOIs for Biothreat Agent Diagnostics, Antibiotic Resistance Diagnostics, Influenza Diagnostics, and Threat Agnostic Diagnostics, including Filovirus, AMR testing, Influenza testing, and Next-Generation Sequencing.
- IEID Therapeutics (AOI #9): Updates to Broad Spectrum Antiviral Therapeutics for Influenza (AOI 9.1) and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis – Influenza (AOI 9.3), with revised assessment factors.
- Reopening of AOI #12: Flexible and Strategic Therapeutics (FASTx) has been reopened. Previous amendments also modified AOIs related to CBRN Vaccines, Chemical Medical Countermeasures, Burn and Blast Medical Countermeasures, and IEID Vaccines. Bidders must ensure their proposals align with the most current AOI requirements.
Contract Details
Multiple awards are anticipated, with various values. 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.
Eligibility & Evaluation
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. Proposals will be evaluated based on Program Relevance, Overall Scientific and Technical Merits, and Offeror's Capabilities and Related Experience. Additional evaluation factors include Cost/Price, Past Performance, Subcontracting Program Evaluation, Gain of Function Research, Domestic Based Manufacturing, and Supply Chain Risk Assessment.
Submission Information
- Final Proposal Submission Deadline: September 25, 2028, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time.
- Inquiries: All contracting-related inquiries should be sent to BARDA-BAA@hhs.gov.
Important Notes
This BAA and all amendments are available on SAM.gov, MedicalCountermeasures.gov, and Grants.gov. Offerors are encouraged to participate in the TechWatch program for pre-submission engagement. Bidders should carefully review all amendments, especially Amendment 7, for the latest changes to proposal instructions, evaluation criteria, and specific Areas of Interest. Volume II, Attachment 13 (Procurements Involving Synthetic Nucleic Acid and Screening) has been rescinded.