HHS Unveils Recurring PPE Purchase Forecast Process

HHS Introduces New PPE Forecast System

Washington — The Department of Health and Human Services has unveiled the first official, recurring process to identify, consolidate, and publish anticipated HHS purchases of personal protective equipment covered by the Make PPE in America Act, according to Safety+Health Magazine. HHS purchases PPE for both routine operations and public health emergencies.

The HHS Personal Protective Equipment Forecast replaces one-time data collection with a system requiring updates on Jan. 15, April 15, July 15 and Oct. 15 each year. Each forecast must include known acquisitions, reasonably anticipated recurring purchases, annual replenishment, seasonal demand, emergency stock replenishment, planned program requirements and potential surge requirements.

Purpose and Benefits

The HHS Personal Protective Equipment Forecast will move the agency toward better emergency preparedness. This forecast gives domestic PPE makers a clearer line of sight into future HHS demand so they can hire workers, invest in equipment and keep production ready here at home.

Implementation Details

HHS announced the process in a Sept. 18 press release. The new system applies to PPE covered by the Make PPE in America Act for both routine operations and public health emergencies, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

The recurring schedule provides structured data on acquisitions and requirements on the four quarterly dates listed above.