Makary: FDA to look into further consolidating operations

In an email to agency staff reviewed by Focus, US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Martin Makary, said he wants to consolidate many of the FDA’s operations to streamline its work. He also asked staff to be optimistic and open-minded as the agency undergoes further change.

Makary sent the agency-wide letter to FDA staff on 11 June, announcing his preliminary plans to “centralize and enhance key operational functions.” More specifically, he said he wants to consolidate various operations such as human resources, acquisitions, travel, budget, Freedom of Information (FOIA) operations, facilities management, and communications.

“By aligning these services under a unified approach, we seek to eliminate duplicative services, increase cross-communications across the FDA and deliver more consistent, efficient and responsive support – empowering the FDA’s Centers, Offices and Programs (COP) to focus more directly on their mission critical work,” said Makary.

The announcement comes months into the Trump administration’s efforts to shrink the size of the federal government, including laying off or offering voluntary early retirement to thousands of FDA staff. Many of the operations listed by Makary were affected by the recent layoffs. The commissioner did not offer details on how the new changes will happen or on the impact they will have on the agency workforce.

Makary said some operational subject matter experts at FDA will be temporarily reassigned to the Office of Operations and will help the agency figure out how to make it more integrated and agile. However, he noted that it was only the beginning of the internal planning process, and the agency has not made any final decisions.

“Change – especially at this scale – can bring questions and uncertainties, but it also brings opportunity to improve how we work, to support one another more effectively and to better serve the public,” said Makary. “I encourage you to approach this period of change with openness and optimism.”

“With your help, the FDA will restore public trust through radical transparency, gold-standard science, judicious operational management and common sense,” he added.

Makary acknowledged that any future structural changes would undergo an internal review, public notification, and congressional engagement process. He said that the Office of Operations would provide more details to managers and staff affected by the changes.

Several FDA officials, granted anonymity due to potential professional reprisals, told Focus they are uncertain what the commissioner plans to do and how it will ultimately affect the agency.

Makary: FDA to look into further consolidating operations

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