BARDA Animal Model Development 2011-2016

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Animal Model Development 2011-2016 Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract was established to support the development of animal models for medical countermeasures against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN) threats, influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. The contract vehicle was designed to enable the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to rapidly procure specialized research services for creating and characterizing animal models that can be used to test potential medical interventions. The solicitation (RFP-BARDA-10-100-SOL-00025) specifically sought contractors capable of developing sophisticated animal research models to support national health preparedness and response capabilities.

The task orders under this IDIQ consistently focused on developing animal models for specific pathogens and radiation-related conditions, with typical values ranging from approximately $300,000 to $7.5 million and performance periods spanning several months to multiple years. Battelle Memorial Institute emerged as a frequent prime contractor, receiving numerous task orders for developing models of diseases like Burkholderia pseudomallei, anthrax, and radiation syndromes. Other notable contractors included SRI International and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) from the United Kingdom. The task orders were predominantly cost-plus-fixed-fee and consistently funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), with no set-aside designations. The work involved sophisticated scientific activities such as DNA sequencing, genomic annotation, animal model characterization, and development of research protocols for testing medical countermeasures.