Virtual-Integrated Twin for Autonomous Lifesaving (VITAL)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation from DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO) seeks innovative approaches for the Virtual-Integrated Twin for Autonomous Lifesaving (VITAL) program. The program aims to develop continuously updating digital twin models of the cardiovascular system. These models will combine patient data with biological physics to simulate interventions in real-time and predict their outcomes before they are applied to a patient. The ultimate goal is to shift medical care from reactive to anticipatory intervention, improving outcomes across acute, chronic, and emergent clinical settings.

• Development of High Fidelity (HF) digital twin models representing underlying physical, biochemical, and anatomical dynamics.

• Development of Reduced Order Models (ROMs) suitable for real-time responsiveness and continuous updating, derived from HF models.

• Integration of HF and ROM models into a pipeline for intervention simulation and prediction.

• Continuous validation of models to establish bounds of physiological modeling.

• Focus on either chronic conditions (e.g., heart failure) or acute perturbations (e.g., hemorrhagic shock).

• Anticipated Awards: Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Contract Type: Other Transaction for Prototype agreements.

• Period of Performance: 36 months, divided into two phases (Phase 1: 15 months, Phase 2: 21 months).

• Abstract Submission Deadline: May 20, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.

• Proposer's Day: March 31, 2026.

• Questions Due Date: April 23, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.

• Oral Presentations: By Government invitation, July 23, 2026 (anticipated).

• Evaluation will be based on Technical Approach, Technical Ability, and Budget.

• Open to all responsible sources, including large and small businesses, non-traditional defense contractors, universities, and research institutions.

• Attachments include an Abstract Summary Slide Template, Abstract Instructions and Template, and Oral Presentation Proposal (OPP) Package Guidance.

• Proposers must submit abstracts; successful abstract submissions may lead to an invitation to submit an OPP package and participate in oral presentations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides guidance for preparing and submitting an Oral Presentation Proposal (OPP) Package for the Virtual-Integrated Twin for Autonomous Lifesaving (VITAL) opportunity. It outlines major procedures and instructions, but the invitation to submit an OPP will take precedence in case of conflict.

• Important Dates (Anticipated):
  • Oral Package Questions Due: June 23, 2026
  • OPP Package Submission Due Date: July 10, 2026
  • Oral Presentation Date: July 23, 2026
• Submission Method: Via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).
• OPP Package Content:
  • Title Page (.pdf): Must include Proposer Name, Title, Date, POCs (technical & administrative), Place(s) of Performance, Proposal Validity Period (min 180 days), Other Team Members, and statements regarding SETA/A&AS conflict and justification for using Other Transactions (OTs) for Prototypes.
  • Oral Presentation (.pptx): Limited to 40 minutes presentation + 20 minutes Q&A. Must include Technical Approach (innovative claims, risks/mitigation), Facilities/Teaming/Personnel Qualifications, and Teaming/Subcontractors. Constraints: max 20 slides, min 12-point font, video demos allowed. CUI files must be encrypted.
  • Model Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype (Attachment A): Includes Task Description Document, Report Requirements, Schedule of Milestones and Payments, etc. Proposers may suggest edits.
  • DARPA Cost Spreadsheet (Attachment B): Required for prime and subcontractors, covering Phase 1 and Phase 2.
  • Technical Clarification Document (TCD): Max 7 pages, formal response to program office feedback.
  • Technical Supporting Narrative (TSN): Max 7 pages, detailing technical/experimental approach, system architecture, methods, data sources, risk mitigation, and alignment with program metrics.
• Evaluation Criteria (Descending Order of Importance): Technical Approach, Relevant Qualifications, Budget, Data Rights.

This document is critical for understanding the submission requirements, deadlines, and evaluation criteria for the VITAL OPP. Bidders must adhere to the specified formats, content, and submission procedures. The document also clarifies the use of Other Transactions (OTs) for prototypes and the required documentation for cost and technical proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for an abstract summary slide, intended for use in proposal submissions. It outlines the required sections for presenting key information about a proposal.

• Full Proposal Title: The main title of the proposal.
• Organization Name(s): Names of the proposing organization(s).
• Technical POC Name(s): Names of the technical points of contact.
• Graphic: Placeholder for a relevant graphic.
• Problem Description: Outline of the need and problem being addressed.
• Goal Description: Statement of the proposal's objective.
• New Ideas: Description of innovative concepts.
• Existing Approaches/State of the Art: Overview of current methods or technologies.

This template guides bidders on the essential components and structure required for their abstract summary slide. It helps ensure all critical information is presented clearly and concisely, as expected by the government.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a mandatory template for submitting abstracts for the DARPA Virtual-Integrated Twin for Autonomous Lifesaving (VITAL) Program Solicitation (DARPA-PS-26-26). It outlines the required components and formatting for abstract submissions, which are necessary to be invited for an Oral Presentation Package.

• Abstract Content: Must include sections for Proposed Approach, Technology Challenges, and Technical Ability. Each of these sections is limited to 1 page and contributes to the overall 7-page limit.
• Page Limits: A maximum of 7 pages for text, figures, and tables in the main subsections. The title page, references, estimated cost (up to half a page), and an optional Overview Infographic are excluded from this limit. An Abstract Summary Slide is also required as a separate document.
• Formatting: Submissions must be in English, formatted for 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins, and use a 12-point font. Figures, tables, and charts must be legible with 8- or 10-point font sizes.
• Submission Level: Abstracts should be UNCLASSIFIED. Proposers must clearly mark any proprietary information.
• Cover Sheet: Includes fields for Proposer Organization, Abstract Title, Date, Technical and Administrative Points of Contact (POCs), Other Team Members, Estimated Total Cost, Estimated Period of Performance, and identification of other solicitations proposed to.
• Affirmation: Proposers must affirm they do not provide SETA, A&AS, or similar support services to any DARPA office.

This template is critical for any proposer intending to respond to the VITAL Program Solicitation. It dictates the structure, content, length, and formatting requirements for the initial abstract submission. Failure to adhere to this template may result in an incomplete or non-compliant submission. Bidders must carefully follow all instructions regarding page limits, content sections, and formatting to ensure their abstract is considered.