The Future of BioShield in Question?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Wednesday, March 7, 2007 (WASHINGTON) – Today, the Department of Health and Human Services cancelled a BioShield RFP for a medical countermeasure to treat Acute Radiation Syndrome. The original RFP for an ARS countermeasure was to be closed on February 23, 2006, with the original award date set for June 2006. That award date was extended to September 15, 2006, then November 30, 2006, then January 31, 2007, and finally to today, March 7, 2007.
According to HHS, the RFP was cancelled because none of the companies met the requirements, even though HHS had previously informed a candidate company that they were in the “competitive range.” In addition, the company itself claims it has met all the requirements.
“It seems as though HHS has dropped the ball,” said Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security. “By cancelling this RFP, the future of Project BioShield remains uncertain. The cancellation in December of its largest contract for a next-generation anthrax vaccine was itself a serious blow to the credibility of the program. Now we have another major breakdown with the project… what’s next?” asked Congressman Thompson.
“BioShield will cease to attract companies to participate if RFP’s and contracts continue to be cancelled. This latest action reaffirms our belief that rigorous oversight of BioShield is warranted, and we intend to conduct that oversight, starting with a hearing next month,” offered Congressman James Langevin (D-RI), Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science & Technology.
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