Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) invites small businesses to submit research proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The goal is to accelerate health outcomes by supporting the development of high-impact solutions to challenging health problems. ARPA-H is seeking novel approaches for revolutionary advances in science, technology, or systems, and specifically excludes open-ended research projects or incremental advances.

• The solicitation covers specific topic areas, with the potential for new topics to be added.

• Proposals must focus on high-impact solutions and novel approaches, not incremental advances.

• Commercialization and transition are key elements of the program.

• Deliverables include a two-stage submission process: Stage 1: Solution Summary (4 pages) and Stage 2: Technical Presentation (50 minutes).

• Specific research topics are detailed in Section 8, including:

  • Topic 1: Development of an annual test to inform women about their future fertility.
  • Topic 2: Versatile Bioadhesives with antimicrobial properties.
  • Topic 3: Universal Platform for Living Adaptive Toxin-removal (UNI-PLAT).
  • Topic 4: Curative, Non-Invasive, Long-Lasting Therapy for Endometriosis.
  • Topic 5: ARPA-H Lineage Topic (focusing on commercialization of existing ARPA-H funded technologies).
  • Topic 6: Rapid Comprehensive Diagnostic Test for Multi-System Autoimmune Disease.
  • Topic 7: Virtual Human Brain for the Development of Neurosurgical Robotics.

• Awards will be made on a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) basis.

• The solicitation accepts proposals for Phase I, Direct-to-Phase II, and Fast Track award types. Phase III proposals are not accepted.

• Anticipated timelines and budgets vary by topic, with Phase I typically 6-12 months and Phase II typically 12-24 months.

• Submissions are a two-step process: Solution Summary and Technical Presentation.

• Evaluation criteria include Technical Merit, Technical Novelty, Team & Relevant Experience, Path to Impact and Health Outcomes, and Cost Criteria.

• The submission deadline for Solution Summaries for each topic is TBD.

• Questions must be submitted via https://solutions.arpa-h.gov/ask-a-question.

• Proposers must be valid Small Business Concerns (SBCs) meeting specific employee count, ownership, and work performance requirements.

• Required registrations include SBA Company Registry (SAM.gov) and potentially others.

• Specific certifications are required, including Funding Agreement Certification and Foreign Affiliations Disclosure.

• This document is a DRAFT and subject to change. It is not a formal request for proposals.

• Proposers are encouraged to attend a Virtual Proposer's Day.

• Proposers should periodically check SAM.gov for updates and amendments.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) invites small businesses to submit research proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The BAA aims to accelerate health outcomes by supporting high-impact solutions to challenging health problems. It seeks novel approaches for revolutionary advances in science, technology, or systems, specifically excluding open-ended research or incremental advances.

• The solicitation covers multiple research topics (detailed in Section 8), with new topics potentially added via amendment.

• Proposals are expected to be for high-impact solutions, not incremental advances.

• Deliverables include technical milestones, reports (e.g., Quarterly Reports, Final Commercialization Report), presentations, and certifications.

• Awards will be made on a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) basis.

• The program is structured into three phases: Phase I (Feasibility), Phase II (Full R&D Effort), and Phase III (Commercialization, which is not part of this solicitation).

• ARPA-H offers commercialization support and resources.

• A two-step submission process: Stage 1 (Solution Summary) and Stage 2 (Technical Presentation for invited proposers).

• Key deadlines for questions and solution summaries are TBD.

• Evaluation criteria include Technical Merit, Technical Novelty, Team & Relevant Experience, Path to Impact and Health Outcomes, and Cost Criteria.

• Eligibility is limited to Small Business Concerns (SBCs) meeting specific employee, ownership, and work performance requirements.

• Specific requirements for SBIR and STTR are detailed, including those for primary investigators and research institution partners.

• Several certifications are required, including SBA Company Registry, SAM registration, Foreign Affiliations Disclosure, Funding Agreement Certification, Life Cycle Certification, and potentially VCOC Certification.

• This document is a DRAFT and subject to change. It is not a formal request for submissions at this time.

• Proposers are encouraged to check SAM.gov and the ARPA-H website for updates and amendments.

• Virtual Proposer's Day webinar will be held on TBD.

• Questions must be submitted online via a specified link.

• Submission is via the ARPA-H Solutions site; paper or email submissions will not be accepted.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Special Notice announcing an upcoming Proposers' Day for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) FY26 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) solicitation. The Proposers' Day is an optional event designed to inform the small business and research community about the upcoming solicitation and ARPA-H's objectives.

• Event Details: The Proposers' Day will be held virtually on June 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ET. Registration opens on April 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET and closes 48 hours before the event.
• Purpose of Event: To draw attention to funding opportunities, provide information on the solicitation (including program goals, topic areas, and solution summaries), share the program's scope, timeline, and scale, and offer breakout discussions with ARPA-H Program Managers.
• Who Should Attend: U.S. small businesses, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders interested in ARPA-H's SBIR/STTR programs.
• Eligibility: To be eligible for SBIR/STTR awards, proposers must be a U.S. small business with no more than 500 employees, have majority ownership by U.S. Citizens or another U.S. based small business, and perform all work in the U.S.
• Key Information: The event will cover ARPA-H's mission, funding mechanisms, FY26 SBIR/STTR topics, eligibility, proposal requirements, and submission processes.
• Important Notes: Attendance is not required to submit a proposal. Information shared will be made available on ARPA-H's Opportunities page and SAM.gov. Questions can be submitted via the provided link. This event is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee funding or constitute a commitment to submit a proposal.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) solicits proposals from small businesses for research and development projects under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The goal is to accelerate health outcomes by supporting high-impact solutions to challenging health problems. ARPA-H seeks novel approaches for revolutionary advances, excluding incremental research.

Proposals should focus on specific research topics outlined in Section 8. ARPA-H emphasizes commercialization and transition. Projects are organized into Phase I (Feasibility) and Phase II (Full R&D). Specific deliverables and reporting requirements are detailed, including quarterly reports and commercialization plans.

Awards will be made on a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) basis. This solicitation accepts proposals for Phase I, Direct-to-Phase II, and Fast Track awards.

Submissions follow a two-stage process: Stage 1 (Solution Summary) and Stage 2 (Technical Presentation). Solution Summaries are due by TBD for specific topics. Technical merit, novelty, team experience, path to impact, and cost are key evaluation criteria. Proposers must submit via the ARPA-H Solutions site.

Eligible proposers must be Small Business Concerns (SBCs) meeting specific criteria (e.g., <= 500 employees, U.S. ownership, specific work distribution for SBIR/STTR). Registration in SBA Company Registry and SAM.gov is required. Disclosures of foreign affiliations are mandatory.

This document is a DRAFT and subject to change. Important dates (Proposer's Day, Deadline for Questions, Solution Summary Deadlines) are TBD. Proposers are encouraged to check for updates. ARPA-H offers commercialization support, including an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) program.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for a Task Description Document (TDD). It is intended to guide offerors in detailing their proposed tasks to fulfill the objectives and requirements of a solicitation. Bidders should use this template to describe their approach, responsibilities, deliverables, and project milestones.

• Project Description: A brief overview of the project's objectives, aims, and background.
• Tasks: Detailed descriptions of each proposed task, including:
  • Approach to accomplish the task.
  • Organization responsible for execution.
  • Location(s) where work will be performed.
  • Technical deliverables and associated Intellectual Property (IP) assertions.
  • Identification of human subjects or animal research.
  • Estimated budget for the task.
  • Measurable milestones with associated risks and mitigations.

This template is crucial for bidders to understand the required format and content for outlining their technical approach and project plan. It ensures that all necessary details regarding task execution, deliverables, timelines, and potential risks are clearly communicated to the Government. Adhering to this template will help bidders create a comprehensive and compliant proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a template and guidance for pre-award technical presentations for the FY26 Small Business Program. It outlines the structure, content requirements, and evaluation criteria for these presentations.

• Slide Limit: Maximum of 16 slides (excluding title slides).
• Suggested Slide Breakdown: Guidance provided for sections like Technical Merit & Novelty (3 slides), Technical Risk & Mitigation (2 slides), Project Timeline (3 slides), Team (2 slides), Commercialization Plan (2-3 slides), and High-Level Project Overview (1 slide).
• Presentation Length: Limited to 50 minutes (20 min presentation, 30 min Q&A).
• Submission Requirements: In addition to the presentation, bidders must submit a Task Description Document (TDD), GANTT chart, and cost proposal.
• Evaluation Criteria: Presentations will be evaluated on Technical Merit, Technical Novelty, Team & Relevant Expertise, and Path to Impact and Health Outcomes.
• Heilmeier Questions: Specific ARPA-H Heilmeier questions are provided as prompts for key sections (Technical Merit, Technical Risk, Project Timeline, Commercialization Plan).
• Format: High-quality graphs and visuals are encouraged. Presentations can be in-person, hybrid, or virtual, as determined by ARPA-H.

This template is crucial for bidders preparing their pre-award presentations. It dictates the required content, structure, length, and evaluation focus, directly impacting proposal strategy and success. Bidders must adhere to the slide limits, content guidelines, and submission requirements to ensure their presentation is evaluated appropriately.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet template designed for bidders to submit their cost proposals. It includes various sheets for detailing labor rates, materials, equipment, travel, other direct costs (ODCs), consultants, and subcontractors, culminating in Phase I and Phase II cost summaries.

• Proposal Data: Collects basic information about the prime contractor and subcontractors, and defines the periods of performance for Phase I and Phase II.
• Labor Rates (Sheet A): Requires entry of labor categories, names/comments, hourly rates, and indication of key personnel for both Phase I and Phase II.
• Materials/Supplies (Sheet B): For itemizing materials and supplies with quantities, unit prices, and total costs, including a Basis of Estimate (BoE) for items over $1,000.
• Equipment (Sheet C): For detailing equipment with descriptions, quantities, unit prices, and total costs, including a BoE for items over $5,000.
• Travel (Sheet D): A comprehensive section for detailing travel costs, including purpose, origin, destination, number of people/days, airfare, lodging, per diem, car rental, mileage, and conference fees.
• ODCs (Sheet E): For listing and costing other direct costs not covered in other categories.
• Consultants (Sheet F): For detailing consultant costs, including description, quantity, unit price, and total cost.
• Subcontractors (Sheet G): For itemizing subcontractor costs, including labor categories, rates, quantities, and total prices.
• Phase I & Phase II Summary Sheets: Consolidate cost data from the preceding sheets to present a total cost proposal for each phase.

This template is essential for bidders to structure and submit their cost proposals in a format required by the government. It guides the detailed breakdown of all anticipated costs, including direct labor, subcontracts, consultants, materials, equipment, travel, and other direct costs, across the defined periods of performance for Phase I and Phase II. Bidders must accurately complete the green-filled cells as instructed to ensure their cost proposal is complete and compliant.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for submitting a Solution Summary for ARPA-H's Small Business Program. It outlines the required format and content for proposals, particularly for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

• Formatting: 11 pt font, minimum 0.5” margins, convert to PDF. Cover Page is not part of the 4-page limit. Charts and figures are permitted.
• Cover Page Information: Proposed Project Title, Topic # and Title, Phase (I, Direct to Phase II, Fast Track), Program (SBIR/STTR), Applicant Organization Name, UEI, and Partner Organizations.
• Solution Summary Content (Max 4 pages):
  • Brief overview of the proposed project and technology.
  • Description of the technical solution, challenges, and innovations.
  • Key activities and milestones.
  • Relevance of the technology and approach to the topic.
• Feasibility Statement (Required for Direct-to-Phase II only - Max 1 additional page): Scientific basis and evidence of project success.
• Commercialization Plan Statement (Required for Direct-to-Phase II or Fast-Track only - Max 1 additional page): Strategy, customers/markets, and transition challenges.

This template is crucial for potential bidders applying to ARPA-H's small business programs. It dictates the structure, content, and length requirements for their proposals, ensuring they address the Technical Merit and Technical Novelty evaluation criteria. Bidders must adhere to these guidelines for their submissions to be considered.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a template for a Gantt chart, which is used for project scheduling and milestone tracking. It includes sections for technical tasks and milestones, as well as a Gantt chart visualization.

• Technical Tasks & Milestones Sheet: Contains columns for Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Task/Milestone Title, Task/Milestone Description, Start Quarter (Start Q), End Quarter (End Q), Baseline Start Date, and Baseline End Date. It also indicates a project start date of 2024-01-01.
• Gantt Chart Sheet: Includes columns for WBS, Task/Milestone Title, a Go/No-Go indicator (G/N), Start Date, End Date, and a detailed quarterly breakdown (Quarters 1-24). It also contains fields for Lead Org, Title, Start Date, and Version.

This template is provided to help bidders understand the expected project timeline and structure. Bidders may be expected to use this template or a similar format to present their proposed project schedule, including key tasks, milestones, and their durations, aligned with the government's project start date and overall schedule framework.