Improving Contract Transparency at BARDA Act
2/5/2024, 2:30 PMSummary of Bill HR 4459
Bill 118 hr 4459, also known as the Improving Contract Transparency at BARDA Act, aims to increase transparency and accountability in the contracting process at the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). BARDA is an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services that is responsible for developing and procuring medical countermeasures to respond to public health emergencies.The bill requires BARDA to publish on its website a comprehensive list of all contracts awarded by the agency, including the name of the contractor, the amount of the contract, and a description of the goods or services provided. This information must be updated regularly and made easily accessible to the public.
Additionally, the bill requires BARDA to provide a justification for any sole-source contracts awarded by the agency. Sole-source contracts are contracts that are awarded without a competitive bidding process. The justification must explain why the contract was awarded without competition and demonstrate that the contractor is the only source capable of providing the goods or services required. The goal of the Improving Contract Transparency at BARDA Act is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent efficiently and effectively by increasing transparency in the contracting process at BARDA. By requiring the agency to publish information about its contracts and provide justifications for sole-source contracts, the bill aims to hold BARDA accountable for its contracting decisions and promote greater oversight of the agency's activities.
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Current Status of Bill HR 4459
Bill HR 4459 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since July 3, 2023. Bill HR 4459 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on July 3, 2023. Bill HR 4459's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of July 7, 2023Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 4459
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 4459
Primary Policy Focus
HealthAlternate Title(s) of Bill HR 4459
Improving Contract Transparency at BARDA ActImproving Contract Transparency at BARDA ActTo amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to specify the duration of contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions awarded or entered into with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, and for other purposes.Comments
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Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 4459
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