Pentagon procures 550 million COVID-19 tests as part of White House initiative

Oct. 1 (UPI) -- The Pentagon announced Friday it has awarded six contracts with a combined value of $2.78 billion to supply millions of COVID-19 test kits to health centers, nursing homes, colleges and universities.

The Defense Department's Defense Logistics Agency awarded the contracts to procure 150 million at-home tests and 400 million point-of-care tests as part of a White House initiative. The Biden administration announced Sept. 9 its plans to regularly provide federally qualified facilities with the tests for one year.

"These test kits will be utilized across the nation in the battle against the spread of COVID-19," said Daniel Keefe, DLA troop support medical director of customer operations. "A truly amazing effort that will be undertaken by the awardees as they partner with DLA, HHS and other federal agencies in delivering this most vital product."

"I'm very proud of the work our DLA Troop Support Medical Supply Chain professionals contributed in making these COVID-19 testing awards ... supporting [Department of Defense] and whole-of-government partners," said Army Brig. Gen. Eric P. Shirley, DLA troop support commander.