Barda Other Transaction Agreement

The Barda Other Transaction Agreement: What You Need to Know

The Barda Other Transaction Agreement, also known as OTA, is a unique contracting vehicle utilized by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the purpose of stimulating the research and development of medical countermeasures against potential bioterrorism attacks, pandemics, and other public health emergencies.

What sets the OTA apart from traditional government contracts is its flexibility and streamlined procurement process, which allows for rapid acquisition of innovative solutions from non-traditional sources, such as small businesses, start-ups, academia, and industry partners.

Under the OTA, BARDA is authorized to enter into agreements with eligible organizations and individuals, in which the usual federal procurement regulations and requirements are waived or modified. This allows for more agile and efficient collaboration between the government and private sectors, and enhances the ability to respond quickly and effectively to emerging threats.

The OTA also provides incentives for private sector partners, such as intellectual property rights, licensing agreements, and commercialization opportunities, which help to foster innovation and drive the development of new medical countermeasures.

To be eligible for the OTA, organizations must demonstrate that they have the necessary technical and scientific expertise, as well as a viable proposal for the development of a medical countermeasure. Additionally, they must be willing to share risk and invest their own resources in the project.

In summary, the Barda Other Transaction Agreement is a powerful tool for BARDA to engage with a diverse range of partners in the development of medical countermeasures, and to accelerate the availability of critical solutions for public health emergencies. By embracing innovation and collaboration, the OTA represents an important step forward in the fight against bioterrorism and other catastrophic events.