US awards up to $510 million to boost domestic production of protective gear

(Reuters) – The Biden administration has granted up to $510 million to boost the domestic production of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as isolation gowns to restock the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) in preparation for future public health emergencies, it said on Thursday.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

The U.S. SNS, the country’s reserve of medical supplies for crisis situations, is intended to provide life-saving equipment in emergencies.

The investment is allocated to six companies that will produce isolation gowns manufactured in the U.S.

The contract recipients include Airboss Defense Group, Essential Safety Products, Gredale, New York Embroidery Studio, StringKing Lacrosse and Two One Two New York.

KEY QUOTE

“These awards also ensure that we are resupplying the SNS with domestically manufactured materials when possible. ASPR is committed to building a U.S. based supply chain that is prepared for future public health emergencies,” said Dawn O’Connell, assistant secretary for preparedness and response.

CONTEXT

The SNS played a crucial role during the COVID pandemic by distributing PPE such as N95 respirators, masks, face shields, gloves and isolation gowns to healthcare facilities nationwide.