Dear Colleagues,
I want to acknowledge the challenges we are facing as the OPTN Modernization effort moves forward. While the OPTN is evolving so we can better serve donors and patients in the future, I know we are all frustrated with the current state of flux. I am committed to the mission of the OPTN and optimistic we will emerge as a more effective organization that can proactively adapt in the face of constant innovation.
The OPTN Modernization effort started in 2023, and the last few months have been less smooth than we all hoped. A key aspect of our evolution is transitioning the support of many core OPTN functions to new contractors. Perhaps the most visible example is the support for the OPTN committees. We recognize everyone involved in the OPTN stepped forward in hopes of continuing to make the system better and the pause in activity many committee members are experiencing can be disheartening.
While we all knew that changes were going to happen, many are frustrated that components of the transition are not visible to us. The OPTN is a public private partnership which has built the foundation of transplantation in the US and made our system a model for the world. This public private partnership creates unique strengths but also brings regulations, procedures, and a system designed to safeguard the process and provide appropriate oversight. Awarding federal contracts to support the work of the OPTN involves many steps, including the solicitation, evaluation, selection, and execution of these government contracts. The public is never involved in most of the federal contracting process, and this includes all OPTN Committee and Board members.
The next major advance in the transition will be when the next round of contractors are announced. As soon as the OPTN Board is notified, the community will be notified. These announcements will only be another step. We will then begin the process of working with the new contractors within our new multivendor system. This process will also involve several steps including engaging the teams from the new contractors and subsequently resuming committee meetings. It is anticipated the majority of the committees will have the opportunity to meet before June. And while our next goal is to onboard the support required for all the OPTN committees to meet, we also need to continue to maximize alignment and ensure we appropriately prioritize efforts in a responsible manner. The Board is committed to this process.
The Modernization effort will ultimately span several years, and it will require multiple steps. I will elaborate on these steps in subsequent communications. Some steps will be sequential, and some steps may happen concurrently. Precise timelines are frustratingly elusive, but all efforts are being made to optimize the process. On behalf of the entire OPTN Board of Directors, I want to thank you for your commitment and engagement.
Sincerely,
John Magee, MD
OPTN President