DOD signs $126M deal with 3M to up N95 mask production

The Defense Department has signed a $126 million contract with 3M for the increased production of 26 million N95 medical-grade masks per month, starting in October 2020.

"Spearheaded by the Department's Joint Acquisition Task Force (JATF), and funded through the CARES Act, this increased production/industrial capacity will continue to ensure a sustainable supply chain of N95 respirators and resupply the Strategic National Stockpile in response to the increased national demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic," according to a statement from Lt. Col. Mike Andrews, a DOD spokesman.

To increase production capacity, Andrews said 3M will expand its facility in Aberdeen, SD, and also perform initial production in Wisconsin.

Under the deal, 3M will "design, procure, and implement necessary production facilities and equipment to expedite existing delivery schedule and increase N95 respirator production by at least 312 million annually within the next twelve months," Andrews said.