Award Notice -- Drug Autoinjectors

Chemical nerve agent exposure has immediate health effects on exposed individuals. Treatment of exposure to susceptible organophosphorus nerve agents having cholinesterase activities as well as organophosphorus or carbamate insecticides requires the use of Atropine Sulfate. Without very rapid administration of Atropine Sulfate and other pharmaceuticals exposure is most likely terminal. Delays in administration of Atropine Sulfate and other related pharmaceuticals that result in survival or exposed individuals may result in long term adverse health impacts. As such, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has a requirement for autoinjectors filled with specific drugs at specific dosages necessary following pharmaceutical industry standards to protect against and mitigate the effects on individuals exposed to weapons of mass destruction. The pharmacologic actions induced by a nerve agent require rapid administration of a medical countermeasure to prevent death in an exposed person. This contract will deliver critically needed drug autoinjectors to replace the expiring chemical nerve agent antidote autoinjector delivery devices currently in the Department's stockpiles. This contract meets an urgent and compelling need of protecting U.S. employees at U.S. Embassies and Posts from attack and exposure to chemical nerve agents. This contract was awarded under the authority of FAR 6.302-2 "Unusual and Compelling Urgency". In accordance with FAR 6.305 (Availability of the Justification), the proposed contract action and Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (JOFOC) citing this authority is being published within 30 days after contract award.