I don't remember it as big talk, in fact it was underplayed. They have current contracts to pack Anthrax that was not widely known.
Would imagine the Government would want a tight grip on any newsflow and 3 1/2 months is still a short time to set everything up from scratch.
Acambis had a current contract for 40 million doses for Smallpox vaccine pre Sept 11, the facilities were being upgraded after being mothballed, it was only common sense that the US Government would award it the new increased contract.
Still a lot to play for in my oppinion and PJP and ACM do have some ties.