The Board's decision was implemented by a negotiated contract modification. BioPort is the only FDA-approved manufacturer of the anthrax vaccine. In June 1999, BioPort requested extraordinary contractual relief under Public Law 85-804 because it had insufficient cash to continue operations after August 1 and was unable to borrow additional funds. The Board decided to increase the contract per-dose price, reduce the total doses to be purchased, and exercise early the final option of the contract. The Board imposed conditions to protect the Government's investment.
Anthrax is extremely lethal and presents a clear and present danger to U.S. servicemembers.
It is the weapon of choice for biological warfare and at least 10 potential adversaries have worked to develop the capability to use anthrax against U.S. forces. Immunization against the deadly threat of anthrax is a Department of Defense initiative to more fully protect the members of the military Services. The immunization program consists of a series of six vaccinations per servicemember over an 18-month period, followed by an annual booster. Anthrax vaccination plans were first announced in December 1997. In March 1998, the vaccination program was accelerated for troops assigned or deploying to Southwest Asia.