3 Key Facts About BARDA Funding

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA, plays a key role in securing the United States against medical threats.

Sometimes, the country faces chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats or pandemic diseases. Hence, BARDA is a unit that funds procurement initiatives that can respond to these threats.

In a nutshell, BARDA connects the government and the medical industry.

Understanding facts about BARDA and its funding processes can help companies better prepare for public health emergencies.

What is BARDA?

BARDA gives money to companies to help them create new medicines and medical tools. These tools help protect people from diseases and chemical and nuclear attacks.

Did you know that BARDA funded vaccines for the 2020 pandemic? Additionally, BARDA also funds companies conducting early research on new medicines before they become real products people can use.

BARDA helps companies bridge the “valley of death” between early research and commercialization. It provides technical and regulatory guidance as well as funding at every stage along the development pipeline for products deemed by HHS to be “high priority.”

1) BARDA Funding Is Available for Medical Projects

Since 2006, BARDA has invested over $10 billion in the advanced development of medical countermeasures. The funding has benefited the medical industry in acquiring pandemic vaccines, next-generation antibiotics, rapid diagnostics tests, and chemical antidotes. Additional areas funded by BARDA include:

• Emerging infectious diseases
• Radiation and nuclear threats
• Chemical, biological, and explosive hazards
• First-response emergency trauma care
• Preparing U.S. communities for public health disasters

In last year’s budget, President Biden allocated BARDA $828 million. The money was allocated to expand work in developing cutting-edge biomedical countermeasures and improving U.S. biodefense capabilities.

2) BARDA Funding Works Through Different Streams and Mechanisms

Rather than providing grants, BARDA forms public-private partnerships with companies by offering product development and procurement contracts. Contracts support companies in completing FDA approval activities like:

• Preclinical trials
• Clinical trials phases 1-3
• Chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC)
• Regulatory filings

BARDA awards different contract types depending on the stage of the countermeasure development process. Later stage and commercialization awards include milestone-based advanced development contracts and conditional and unconditional product procurement contracts.

3) Applying for BARDA Funding Is Easy

BARDA accepts submissions year-round for countermeasure ideas under current Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs). Companies with qualified concepts that address HHS public health priorities are invited to submit detailed technical proposals. BARDA then evaluates submissions based on review criteria emphasizing scientific merit and technical feasibility.

Once awarded, companies work closely with BARDA review teams to provide technical assistance and oversee progress. Continued funding is tied to the successful execution of the agreed-upon development plans.

Key Considerations

BARDA presents unique opportunities for companies with promising countermeasures in critical public health areas:

• Permanent open BAAs actively invite proposals
• Contract awards support companies in completing advanced development
• Hands-on support from BARDA’s industry-experienced review teams
• Products that achieve milestones may receive procurement funding

Interested applicants should understand BARDA’s rigorous review criteria and development priorities before submitting funding proposals. Overall, BARDA serves a vital role in connecting innovative technology with urgent real-world needs during public health crises.

The Bottom Line

BARDA is a government group that gives money and scientific help to companies. It helps them make the medicines and tools our country needs to keep people healthy and safe from threats like pandemics and chemical attacks. Let consultants guide you in getting BARDA funding to make the country a safer place.