Editor’s Note: This post is part of a COVID-19 success stories series. 

As the coronavirus made its way across the globe in 2020 bringing along with it confusion and disruption, scientists and researchers worked on developing a vaccine. The question on many minds was how do we distribute this vaccine to 300 million Americans? The Medical CBRN Defense Consortium (MCDC) used the power of collaboration to drive innovation in response to the outbreak.

MCDC members worked quickly to deliver vaccines in a matter of months, not the typical 5-10 years it usually takes, resulting in countless lives saved. This effort demonstrates the speed and flexibility enabled by Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) and the collaboration model to make this response possible. OTAs encourage participation among industry and academia, including those who don’t normally work with the federal government. All five MCDC members who were awarded projects to develop COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics are non-traditional government contractors.

ATI helps non-traditionals get involved with the government by reducing barriers that typically dissuaded them from participating in government contracting. Many have never worked for the government. The government benefits by getting access to their innovative technologies, and these non-traditional contractors benefit from federally funded business opportunities, exposure, networking, experience, and future connections.

About MCDC:

MCDC focuses on innovative, safe, and effective medical solutions to counter CBRN threats. MCDC accelerates the Department of Defense’s fielding of prototypes for medical countermeasures to enhance the mission effectiveness of military personnel.