COVID-19 and Domestic PPE Production and Distribution: Issues and Policy Options
The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and its rapid emergence as a pandemic have highlighted issues relating to the production and distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE refers to worn articles or equipment that help minimize exposure to various hazards, including infectious pathogens. Given the role that PPE plays in mitigating the spread and reducing the impacts of COVID-19, PPE demand has spiked both globally and domestically while supply has been undercut by both rapid consumption as well as supply chain disruptions. According to multiple federal agencies, including the Government Accountability Office, the Food and Drug Administration, and various independent organizations, PPE continues to be in short supply, which has led to broad congressional and public interest in PPE production and distribution issues. The availability of effective PPE is critical to the ongoing pandemic response, but also has broader public health, emergency preparedness, and national security implications.
This report considers aspects of domestic production and distribution of PPE in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the report considers (1) the availability of PPE supplies, including an assessment of PPE demand related to the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) federal actions and activities undertaken to increase PPE supplies in response to the pandemic, organized by executive agency and program; and (3) other policy options under consideration concerning PPE production and distribution, also organized by executive agency and program.
Overall, this report notes that data limitations and conflicting accounts impede the complete assessment of PPE supply chains, and this may undermine federal (as well as nonfederal) efforts to respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic. To the extent that data is available, current PPE production and distribution channels appear to continue to be insufficient compared to reported need. Various mechanisms that may be utilized to increase PPE supply or productive capacity, such as the provisions in the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA), appear to be applied selectively, and implemented unevenly, potentially based on narrow experience and limited administrative infrastructure within the federal government to oversee and manage its use in a national emergency context.
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R46628Michael H. Cecire is the Coordinator of this reports and an Analyst in Intergovernmental Relations and Economic Development Policy for the Congressional Research Service.
Agata Bodie is an Analyst in Health Policy for the Congressional Research Service.
Frank Gottron is a Specialist in Science and Technology Policy for the Congressional Research Service.
Victoria R. Green is an Analyst in Health Policy for the Congressional Research Service.
L. Elaine Halchin is a Specialist in American National Government for the Congressional Research Service.
G. James Herrera is an Analyst in U.S. Defense Readiness and Infrastructure for the Congressional Research Service.
Erica A. Lee is an Analyst in Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery for the Congressional Research Service.
Heidi M. Peters is an Analyst in U.S. Defense Acquisition Policy for the Congressional Research Service.
Andres B. Schwarzenberg is an Analyst in International Trade and Finance for the Congressional Research Service.
Kavya Sekar is an Analyst in Health Policy for the Congressional Research Service.
Michael D. Sutherland is an Analyst in International Trade and Finance for the Congressional Research Service.
Karen M. Sutter is a Specialist in Asian Trade and Finance for the Congressional Research Service.