the HHS could make more money in commercial enterprises, but they choose to forego such financial benefits in order to focus on their field's challenges without concern for Quarterly Profit targets, etc.
btw, I've spoken with our ID Specialist about an interaction with a CDC expert...amazing the level of detail that person had on a very unique aspect of Infectious Diseases. it's hard to imagine a For-Profit Corporation devoting any funding to such an endeavor...but thankfully, the CDC did, and it made a huge difference for the patient...which could easily have been anyone else, including you or one of your family members.
Talk about 'Naivete'...be better prepared next time.