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Health manufacturing · Drug manufacturing

Federal grants, contracts and funding for drug manufacturers

The federal government is paying to bring drug production back to the U.S. Essential medicines, their active ingredients, sterile injectables and generics are all priorities. Money comes as manufacturing investments, research awards, and steady contracts from the VA and the Defense Logistics Agency.

71open federal bids in this field right now, updated Oct 27, 2026
10federal programs that pay for this kind of manufacturing (listed below)
875open and upcoming federal grants mention this work on Grants.gov
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Programs that pay for drug manufacturing

Many of these don't show up as ordinary grants or bids.

BARDA (HHS)
Pays to develop and manufacture vaccines, drugs, diagnostics and devices for public health emergencies, through its Broad Agency Announcement and its DRIVe startup program.
ASPR Industrial Base & Supply Chain (HHS)
Invests in U.S. production of essential medicines, their ingredients, testing and medical supplies, to cut reliance on overseas plants.
Defense Production Act, Title III (DoD)
Pays to build or expand U.S. production the military depends on, including critical drug ingredients and medical supplies.
JPEO-CBRND (DoD)
Develops and buys medical countermeasures and diagnostics that protect troops from chemical and biological threats.
NIH small business research awards
Research money (SBIR/STTR) for small companies developing new drugs, biologics, diagnostics, devices, and studies of supplements.
FDA Emerging Technology Program
Early FDA guidance for new ways of making drugs, such as continuous manufacturing, before you file.
NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership
A center in every state offering low-cost help with plant efficiency, quality systems (GMP), cybersecurity and supplier matchmaking.
Federal buyers: DLA and VA
The Defense Logistics Agency and the VA's National Acquisition Center buy drugs, devices and medical supplies. Getting on their contracts and schedules is steady federal revenue.
USDA Business & Industry Loan Guarantees
Federal backing for loans that build plants and buy equipment in rural areas.
SBA 504 loans
Long-term, fixed-rate loans for buildings and major equipment, with as little as 10% down.

Recently posted federal bids

6505--Sacubitril/Valsartan Tablets (VA-27-00014055)
Department of Veterans Affairs · Presolicitation · Due Nov 3, 2026
Methylphenidate ER
Department of Defense · Solicitation · Due Nov 6, 2026
6505--Imatinib Tablets
Department of Veterans Affairs · Solicitation · Due Oct 30, 2026
Epinephrine Injector
Department of Defense · Solicitation · Due Nov 16, 2026
Epinephrine Injector
Department of Defense · Solicitation · Due Nov 2, 2026
Morphine Sulfate Solution
Department of Defense · Presolicitation · Due Dec 21, 2026
Bicalutamide Tablets
Department of Defense · Presolicitation · Due Nov 1, 2026
6505--Tacrolimus Capsules
Department of Veterans Affairs · Presolicitation · Due Nov 20, 2026

From SAM.gov. See every bid ranked for your company.

Federal grants to know about

DoW Joint Warfighter Medical, Military Medical Research and Development Award
Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · Due Nov 15, 2026
Engineering (ENG): Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI)
U.S. National Science Foundation · Open, rolling

From Grants.gov.

Agencies buying the most right now

Department of Defense61 open bids
Department of Veterans Affairs8 open bids
Department of State1 open bids
Department of Energy1 open bids

Building or expanding a plant?

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Common questions

Can a small drug manufacturing company win federal money?

Yes. Many federal bids are reserved for small businesses, and research awards (SBIR/STTR) are only open to them. Right now 71 federal bids in this field are open.

What's the difference between a grant and a contract?

A grant funds a project the government wants to support, and you don't deliver a product to the agency. A contract buys goods or services from you. Many companies use grants to develop a product and contracts to sell it.

Can an Opportunity Zone help pay for a new plant?

It can. Investors who put capital gains into a facility in an Opportunity Zone get tax breaks, which can make your project easier to finance. Today's zones end December 31, 2026, and a new map runs 2027 to 2036. Open Purse checks whether your site qualifies.

How do I find the opportunities that fit my company?

Type your company into Open Purse. In about 20 seconds you'll see the open grants, bids, contracts coming up for re-bid, and partnership programs that fit you, each with a plain-English reason and a first step. Searching is free.

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