How to bid on biotechnology R&D for BARDA Drive, Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Office of Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response is seeking biotechnology research and development services through its BARDA Drive program. This is a reissuance of an existing program, indicating an ongoing need for these services.

For small businesses, this presents an opportunity to contribute to important government initiatives in biotechnology and potentially secure long-term contracts given the program's continuous nature.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This solicitation was published on October 18, 2022. The deadline for submissions is October 18, 2027, at 3:00 PM ET. This extended deadline suggests a broad agency announcement structure, where proposals may be accepted on a rolling basis or during specific windows within this period. Vendors should review the full announcement for details on submission windows or evaluation cycles.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms specializing in biotechnology research and development. Given it is a reissuance, companies with prior experience in similar government or private sector R&D projects, particularly those related to health preparedness and response, would be well-suited.

The solicitation falls under the professional services category, indicating a need for specialized expertise and scientific rigor.

How to respond

To access the full details of this opportunity, click “View original source” to open the solicitation on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.

You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all attached documents. However, for many bids, documents are accessible without an account. It is crucial to review the attached announcement and any amendments for specific instructions on how to prepare and submit your response. Additionally, visit the program's website for more information.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Since this is a reissuance of an existing program, thoroughly review past announcements or program information if available, to understand the agency's priorities and successful project types. Tailor your proposal to clearly address the specific biotechnology research and development needs outlined in the solicitation.

Highlight your firm's unique capabilities, scientific expertise, and any relevant past performance in similar R&D projects. Ensure your proposal is well-structured, clear, and directly responds to all requirements. Pay close attention to any evaluation criteria mentioned in the full announcement to strengthen your submission.