> Seems strange that anybody would feel the need, given how the US is one of the richest countries, trumpets it's own abilities endlessly

Unfortunately, it's also a country where the rich like to keep their riches to themselves, and are averse to government action in general.

> I.e., it's surely capable of making its own virus test kits and face masks, if it could be bothered.

They're just outsourcing, like they do for everything.