AGILE MANUFACTURING GAINS AGAINST COVID
In addition, the investments in the onshore production of pipette tips was followed by supply chain investments in critical test reagents and other diagnostic supply chain resources. Tese supply chain investments ensure sustainability of the test expansion efforts made thus far, support the U.S. diagnostic infrastructure and prepare the U.S. medical system and strategic national stock- pile for the next pandemic.
MAKING GRADE
The DA2 screening and diagnostics team helped establish a national testing network in support of the national priority to reopen K-8 schools. (Photo by iStock, kevajefimija)
SCHOOL’S OUT One of the greatest challenges the DA2 screening and diagnostics team executed, on behalf of and in coordination with HHS, was the effort to establish a national testing network using untapped diagnostic testing resources and laboratory capabilities in support of the national priority to reopen kindergarten through 8th grade (K-8) schools. Tis investment included execution of three other- transaction authority agreements through Army Contracting Command – Rock Island, Illinois, to establish regional testing hubs across the United States. Te DA2 screening and diagnostics team seamlessly aligned HHS’s vision with U.S. Army program management, contracting and technical support resources, solic- iting robust interest and response from the diagnostics industry. Te White House COVID-19 test lead deemed this capability essential to reopening K-8 schools immediately; keeping them open in the fall when students return to school, and continued expanded access to testing for underserved populations across the United States.
As an example of this enhanced interagency collaboration, work- ing with the U.S. Department of State, the team ensured on-time delivery of manufacturing equipment necessary to produce COVID-19 testing materials and brought industry to the table to discuss efforts to move their manufacturing to the U.S. in support of COVID-19 testing. Working internationally, and paired with their ongoing U.S. industry engagement activities, the team was able to secure the onshore production of pipette tips, which are critical to molecular-based testing and sustainment of the nation’s blood supply. While onshore production was ramping up, the DA2 screening and diagnostics team further ensured the national supply of pipette tips for COVID-19 testing and blood product testing were never exhausted by coordinating weekly airlifts of 3 million to 6 million pipette tips per week, from approved manu- facturing facilities in Germany to distribution centers supplying the nation’s clinical laboratories. Tis effort became critical to ensuring there was no interruption of highly sensitive molecular testing in the United States.
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Not only did these investments make access to testing easier in the U.S., they also reduced the potential for exposure of high-risk individuals receiving testing from a clinic, doctor’s office or laboratory.
Army AL&T Magazine Fall 2021
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