DRIVe EZ-BAA Standard
Supports United States health-security innovators during early development stages with streamlined pathway contracting.
The BARDA Division of Research, Innovation, and Ventures (DRIVe) Easy BAA Standard track is the fastest BARDA funding mechanism for early-stage health-security companies, capping awards at $750,000 per project under solicitation EZ-BAA-22-100-SOL-00003. DRIVe was established within BARDA to accelerate non-traditional health-security innovations and the EZ-BAA was designed to dramatically simplify access for early-stage companies that lack the resources to compete in full BAA competitions. The mechanism funds work across early R&D, non-clinical development, process development, formulation, data science, novel algorithms, clinical validation, manufacturing, regulatory activities, and real-world studies, depending on which Areas of Interest are currently open.
The application process eliminates a full proposal in favor of a two-step intake: a brief inquiry email triggers a 30-minute alignment call with DRIVe program managers, after which applicants submit a 12,500-character abstract through the BARDA Digital Resources portal. Projects are limited to three to four main tasks or deliverables, and project duration is typically six to twelve months. Cost-share (cash or in-kind) is encouraged and must be clearly indicated in the abstract. Awards typically reach negotiation within twelve weeks of the initial inquiry. The estimated annual pool is approximately $25 million across all open AOIs, representing roughly 50 awards at an average of $500,000 each. Eligible TRL range is 2 through 6; all organization types except individuals may apply, provided they are U.S.-registered and U.S.-based.
As of mid-2026, the EZ-BAA umbrella mechanism remains active but no Areas of Interest are currently posted; DRIVe advises checking the BARDA Accelerator Network and the ImmuneChip+ BAA for near-term opportunities. Companies that succeed at the Standard track and demonstrate feasibility are well positioned to apply for the DRIVe EZ-BAA Plus Phase, which funds advanced development up to $20 million under the same simplified application structure.
Transformative health-security innovations across early R&D, non-clinical development, process development, formulation, data science and novel algorithms, clinical studies or clinical validation, manufacturing, regulatory activities, or real-world studies. Specific AOIs are published when funded.
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