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Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR)

The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (formerly the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness) serves as the Secretary's principal advisory staff on matters related to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. ASPR also coordinates interagency activities between HHS, other Federal departments, agencies, and offices, and State and local officials responsible for emergency preparedness and the protection of the civilian population from acts of bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.  ASPR is comprised of five main offices.


Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)

Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations (OPEO)

BARDA is responsible for providing coordination and expert advice regarding public health medical countermeasures late stage advanced development and procurement. Through the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE), BARDA also coordinates interagency efforts to define and prioritize requirements for public health medical emergency countermeasures, related research, and product development and procurement. BARDA also has responsibility for setting deployment and use strategies for medical countermeasures held in the Strategic National Stockpile.  Learn More >>

OPEO is responsible for developing operational plans and participating in training and exercises to ensure the preparedness of the ASPR Office, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Federal Government, and the public to respond to domestic and international public health and medical threats and emergencies. OPEO is also responsible for ensuring that ASPR has the systems and  logistical support in place to coordinate the Department’s operational response to acts of terrorism and other public health and medical threats and emergencies. Learn More >>

Office of Medicine, Science, and Public Health (OMSPH)

Office of Policy and Strategic Planning (OPSP)

OMSPH is responsible for providing expert medical, scientific, and public health advice on domestic and international medical preparedness policies, programs, initiatives, and activities.  OMSPH serves as the ASPR liaison to health and science professional organizations for domestic and international issues. Learn More >>

OPSP is responsible for policy formulation and coordination for preparedness and response strategic planning. In coordination with other ASPR and Departmental offices, OPSP analyzes proposed policies and Presidential directives and regulations, and develops short- and long-term policy and strategic objectives. Learn More >>

Office of Resources, Planning, and Evaluation

RPE is responsible for providing expertise and analysis in the formulation and implementation of policies, procedures and operational strategies that ensure efficient and effective allocation and utilization of program resources in support of ASPR’s mission. RPE carries out these responsibilities by formulating, monitoring, and evaluating ASPR budgets, plans and other resources that support management of human capital, facilities, and acquisitions of program services. RPE develops policies and procedures pertaining to ASPR resource utilization, analysis, and assessment of budgetary needs; oversees efforts to develop management quality assurance plans in support of preparedness programs, projects and activities. RPE provides oversight and guidance on the design, implementation, testing and evaluation of management plans, policies and procedures.
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