Critical Illness Immunological Reprogramming and Control Point Learning Engine (CIRCLE) Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO)
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
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has issued an Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) for its Critical Illness Immunological Reprogramming and Control Point Learning Engine (CIRCLE) program. This solicitation seeks proposals to develop a Control Point Validation Engine aimed at improving intensive care unit (ICU) health outcomes, reducing stay times, and lowering associated costs by assessing, predicting, and treating immuno-inflammatory dysregulation before it causes organ failure. ARPA-H anticipates awarding multiple Other Transaction (OT) Agreements.
Purpose & Scope
The CIRCLE program is a 5-year, 3-phase initiative designed to achieve a 25% reduction in average ICU stay through personalized immunotherapy. The program is structured around three Technical Areas (TAs) and three Acceleration Platforms (APs):
- TA1 (Measure): Develop real-time, tissue-specific immuno-inflammation biomarker sensors and diagnostics.
- TA2 (Model): Create personalized computational models (digital twins) to predict critical illness trajectories and identify control points.
- TA3 (Modulate): Develop and test interventions to modulate the immune response.
- APs: Provide independent verification, validation, data analysis, FDA-compliant modeling platforms, and clinical trial support.
Contract Details & Eligibility
- Contract Type: Other Transaction (OT) Agreements.
- Duration: 5-year, 3-phase program.
- Awards: Multiple awards are anticipated.
- Set-Aside: This is an unrestricted opportunity, open to universities, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and other than small businesses. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and U.S. Government entities are not permitted to participate as prime or sub-performers. Non-U.S. entities may participate if compliant with regulations.
Submission & Evaluation
- Key Dates:
- Proposers' Day: March 11, 2026
- Solution Summaries Due: March 30, 2026, 1:00 PM ET (mandatory pre-requisite)
- Questions Due: May 22, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
- Full Proposals Due: May 29, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
- Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be assessed based on Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Proposer's Capabilities and/or Related Experience, Price/Value Analysis, and Relevance to the ARPA-H Mission.
- Submission Requirements: Proposers must use provided templates for the Solution Summary (Att A), Technical & Management Volume (Att B), Task Description Document (Att C), Cost Proposal Workbook (Att D), and Administrative & National Policy Document (Att F). Strict formatting, page limits (e.g., 40 pages for Type A technical proposals), and content requirements apply. A commercialization strategy narrative is required, and open-source technologies are encouraged. The cost proposal must utilize a Resource Sharing agreement workbook.
- Contractual Framework: The Model OT Agreement (Att E) provides insight into ARPA-H's standard terms, including IP rights, data rights, payment structures (fixed milestone), and reporting requirements.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact the ARPA-H RSO CIRCLE ISO Coordinator at CIRCLE@ARPA-H.gov.