BioStabilization Systems (BoSS)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
ARPA-H is soliciting proposals for the BioStabilization Systems (BoSS) program, aiming to develop a bioprocessing system for scalable production of thermally stable cell-based therapies. This initiative seeks to eliminate the critical dependence on ultra-cold storage for advanced cell and gene therapies (CGTs). Multiple Other Transaction (OT) Agreements are anticipated. Performer Solution Summaries are due February 19, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The BoSS program's core objective is to transform the stabilization, manufacturing, and distribution of live cell-based therapies. It will yield a bioprocessing system enabling scalable production of thermally stable cells, thereby removing the need for cold storage. This advancement will address a foundational bottleneck in CGT delivery and accelerate progress in other biotechnology fields such as bio-surveillance, regenerative medicine, large-scale genetic testing, blood product supply, and wound repair.
Proposals must address two technical areas:
- TA1: BioPrep: Focuses on developing methods to prepare, protect, and intervene in cells to allow them to endure and recover from biostabilization at room temperature. Interventions must be reversible and maintain cellular health and integrity upon reanimation.
- TA2: Bioprocessing: Focuses on developing instruments and devices for the scaled deployment of biostabilization concepts. This includes technologies for aseptic handling, streamlined operations, and achieving biostabilization at ambient temperatures.
Contract Details
- Type: Multiple Other Transaction (OT) Agreements.
- Duration: A 4-year (48-month) effort, structured into three phases: Phase 1 (15 months - proof-of-concept), Phase 2 (24 months - integrated capability demonstration), and Phase 3 (9 months - scaled solution development and industry transition).
- Set-Aside: None specified. Open to all responsible sources.
- Eligible Proposers: Universities, non-profit organizations, and businesses of all sizes. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and other Government entities are generally not permitted to respond as part of a Performer team.
- Place of Performance: Washington, DC.
Submission & Deadlines
- Submission Process: A two-step process involving a Solution Summary submission, followed by a Solution Pitch presentation and virtual oral presentation.
- Submission Site: https://solutions.arpa-h.gov/Submit-Solution/
- Key Dates:
- Q&A Due Date: January 22, 2026
- Proposer's Day: January 29, 2026
- Performer Solution Summary Due: February 19, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Performer Solution Pitch Due: March 26, 2026, 9:00 PM ET
- IV&V Partner Solution Summary Due: April 17, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Overall Scientific and Technical Merit
- Proposer's Capabilities and/or Related Experience
- Potential Contribution to Relevance to the ARPA-H Mission and User Experience
- Assessment of Proposed Cost/Price
Additional Notes
An Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) partner is also being sought. Proposers must have an active registration in SAM.gov.