Please see the NIOSH email below for information about the Mask Innovation Challenge ( https://drive.hhs.gov/mask_challenge.html ).
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures (DRIVe) have partnered to launch the Mask Innovation Challenge: Building Tomorrow’s Mask. The Mask Innovation Challenge is an initiative that aims to support the development of innovative masks for use by the general public for protection against respiratory pathogens. The Mask Innovation Challenge is not connected with the activities of the NIOSH respirator approval program.
Through the Request for Information (RFI) at DRIVe (hhs.gov), BARDA and NIOSH are soliciting input on the approach, judging criteria, and testing methodology for the Mask Innovation Challenge, as well as identifying potential stakeholders that are interested in supporting the challenge. Interested parties should read the RFI in full and prepare a response to be submitted to DRIVeComments@hhs.gov by 5:00PM EST on 01/15/2021 for consideration. Please feel free to distribute this solicitation to your stakeholders or other interested parties for comment.