The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) is now operating under updated requirements as part of an additional contract extension with the government to perform some of the work on the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) during 2026. The extension agreement between UNOS and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), effective December 30, 2025, establishes a contract that may extend up to one year, structured as four optional three-month periods exercised solely at HRSA’s discretion, ending no later than December 29, 2026.
The extension terms specify that UNOS continues some of the OPTN work it has historically performed, while other work will be managed by HRSA or other contractors.
This table clarifies the duties that are still part of UNOS’ contract work and those duties that are no longer managed by UNOS.
| Operational Area | Work UNOS Continues | Work No Longer Managed by UNOS |
|---|---|---|
| IT and Organ Center | Maintenance of UNet, UNOS’ proprietary software; information security; and the Organ Center | |
| Data and Patient Safety/Compliance | Management of OPTN records and data | Management of membership and patient safety/compliance |
| Policy | Management of Review Boards | Support of OPTN policy committees |
| Finance | Collection of OPTN registration fees and support of the Finance Committee | |
| Communications and Education | Education for transplant professionals | Management of the OPTN website; distribution of communications to the public |
| Research | Support of research for presentations and publications for OPTN committees, members and the OPTN Board |
