The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), has issued the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) BAA-23-100-SOL-00004. This solicitation seeks proposals for the advanced research and development of Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) to protect public health against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. This BAA aims to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and procurement of lifesaving countermeasures in preparation for national and global health emergencies.

The purpose of this BAA is to solicit proposals that focus on specific Research and Development (R&D) Areas of Interest (AOIs), including but not limited to CBRN vaccines, antivirals, antitoxins, antimicrobials, radiological/nuclear threat medical countermeasures, chemical medical countermeasures, burn and blast medical countermeasures, diagnostics, and emerging infectious disease therapeutics. Proposals should focus on achieving FDA approval, licensure, or clearance for these countermeasures. This BAA also emphasizes flexible manufacturing technologies, rapid vaccine development, and improved diagnostic capabilities.

Funding under this BAA is awarded as cost-reimbursement, cost-sharing, cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts, firm-fixed-price contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transaction agreements. BARDA encourages public-private partnerships to support the development of innovative solutions that address gaps in MCM preparedness and response. Multiple awards are anticipated based on scientific/technical merit, program priorities, and available funding.

This opportunity is open to all responsible entities, including private sector organizations, academic institutions, and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). Government entities must demonstrate that their proposed work is not otherwise available from the private sector and must provide supporting documentation from their sponsoring organization. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), minority institutions, small businesses, and women-owned small businesses are encouraged to submit proposals and partner with other entities.

The application process consists of three stages:

Stage 1: Pre-submission call with a technical point of contact (POC).
Stage 2: Submission of a Quad Chart and Market Research Abstract by September 25, 2028.
Stage 3: Submission of a Full Proposal upon invitation from BARDA.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until September 25, 2028, at 4:30 PM Eastern Time. The evaluation criteria include scientific and technical merit, program relevance, past performance, and feasibility. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the BARDA Digital Resources (BDR) Portal.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact BARDA at BARDA-BAA@hhs.gov. More information, including submission guidelines, can be found on SAM.gov, MedicalCountermeasures.gov, and Grants.gov.