Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING)
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 the Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING) Program. This initiative seeks to develop a new class of minimally invasive, brain-connected hearing devices that utilize real-time brain signals and AI to restore hearing for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. ARPA-H anticipates making multiple Other Transaction (OT) awards. A mandatory solution summary is required by June 29, 2026, with full proposals due August 14, 2026.
Scope of Work
The HEARING program aims to shift hearing restoration from an ear-only problem to a neurological one, engaging the brain's auditory cortex. The end deliverable is a fully integrated platform with a bidirectional brain-computer interface (BCI) system demonstrated in a first-in-human (FIH) trial. Proposals must address all three integrated Technical Areas (TAs):
- TA1: Intracortical Device(s): Develop minimally invasive neural interfaces for auditory cortical regions, suitable for chronic use without requiring surgical access through the skull.
- TA2: Dynamic Sound Modulator: An external, wearable hub for wireless power and communication with TA1 devices, adjusting sound in real-time based on neural signals.
- TA3: Auditory Read & Write Algorithms: Develop algorithms to decode listener intent from brain signals and control audio amplification or deliver restorative code via stimulation.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) leading to multiple Other Transaction (OT) Agreements.
- Period of Performance: Approximately 4.5 years, structured into three phases: Phase 1 (R&D, 18 months), Phase 2 (Pre-clinical, 24 months), and Phase 3 (Clinical, 12 months).
- Cost Sharing: Encouraged (Optional).
- Key Dates:
- Proposers' Day: June 8, 2026 (Arlington, VA)
- Q&A Due Date: June 15, 2026
- Mandatory Solution Summaries Due: June 29, 2026
- Full Proposals Due: August 14, 2026
- Published: May 7, 2026
Eligibility & Set-Aside
- Eligible Proposers: Universities, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and other than small businesses.
- Prohibitions: Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government entities are not permitted to respond as prime or sub-performers.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated in descending order of importance:
- Overall Scientific and Technical Merit
- Proposer's Capabilities and/or Related Experience
- Potential Contribution to ARPA-H Mission and User Experience
- Assessment of Proposed Cost/Price
Additional Notes
Proposers are strongly encouraged to attend the Proposers' Day event for teaming opportunities and a deeper understanding of the program. Teams must include end-user, clinical, and regulatory expertise, and proposals must be led by a Principal Investigator (PI) under a single prime awardee.