March 8, 2017
During a conversation with SMSA spokesperson, Mike Bowen, Dr. Robin Robinson, former Director of BARDA and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within HHS, said:
"I still believe that the U.S. Government should enforce the BuyAmerica contracting policy towards masks and respirators. Further DoD, VA, and HHS should band together to issue contract(s) jointly with U.S.-based manufacturers of these products for ready usage and stockpiling. Please relate my position to the SMSA."