ARPA-H FASTPASS Program: Rapid Drug Quality Screening Funding
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Quick Answer
FASTPASS (Fast Assessment of Solutions, Therapeutics, Pharmaceuticals, and Supplies) is an ARPA-H program funding development of rapid, non-destructive screening tools that can verify pharmaceutical quality and safety through packaging, without opening boxes, in near real-time. The program targets ports, warehouses, and distribution centers where drug shipments currently face slow, low-coverage inspection. The solicitation is expected to release in mid-August 2026 and will be posted on SAM.gov. A virtual Proposer Workshop is scheduled for August 24, 2026, with registration required by August 20.
What problem is FASTPASS trying to solve?
Drug-related morbidity and mortality cost the U.S. healthcare system $528 billion per year. Drug recalls affect medication used by over 150 million Americans annually, and most recalls only surface after patients have already been exposed. Rising import volumes have outpaced FDA's ability to sample and test drugs at ports, where testing today only covers a small percentage of shipments and can take weeks to complete.
What is FASTPASS funding?
The program is structured around two technical areas.
TA1 SAMPLE funds advanced through-packaging sensing technologies that evaluate a product's chemical makeup using spectrographic or other non-contact, non-destructive methods.
TA2 DETECT funds analytics and models that transform existing spectroscopic techniques and address the technical gaps needed to bring next-generation detection methods into practice, building on what TA1 performers develop.
ARPA-H is looking for teams that combine expertise in non-contact spectroscopy, artificial intelligence and machine learning, pharmaceutical chemistry, and hardware engineering.
When does FASTPASS open?
The solicitation notice ID has not yet been assigned. ARPA-H expects to release the solicitation in mid-August 2026 on SAM.gov, with full details on requirements, deadlines, submission templates, and evaluation criteria to follow at that time.
Are there events for proposers?
Yes. A virtual Proposer Workshop (Notice ID ARPA-H-SN-26-157) is scheduled for August 24, 2026, with registration required by August 20 at 12:00 PM ET through the ARPA-H Solutions site. A second hybrid Proposers' Day will follow after the solicitation is published. ARPA-H recommends attending both to improve teaming opportunities.
Does FASTPASS require teaming?
ARPA-H anticipates teaming will be necessary given the breadth of expertise required. A teaming page is available on the ARPA-H Solutions site for proposers to post profiles and connect with potential partners. Listing on this page does not represent ARPA-H endorsement or evaluation of any team or individual.
Who runs the FASTPASS program?
James Coburn, CAPT, serves as Program Manager.
FAQs
Q: What does FASTPASS stand for?
A: FASTPASS stands for Fast Assessment of Solutions, Therapeutics, Pharmaceuticals, and Supplies. It's an ARPA-H program focused on rapid, non-destructive drug quality screening.
Q: When will the FASTPASS solicitation be released?
A: ARPA-H expects to release the solicitation in mid-August 2026. It will be posted and maintained on SAM.gov once available. A specific Notice ID has not yet been assigned.
Q: What are the two technical areas in FASTPASS?
A: FASTPASS has TA1 SAMPLE, which funds through-packaging sensing technology using spectrographic or other non-contact methods, and TA2 DETECT, which funds analytics and models that build on TA1 sensing data to support next-generation detection.
Q: What kind of companies should apply to FASTPASS?
A: Companies working in non-contact spectroscopy, sensor hardware, artificial intelligence and machine learning, pharmaceutical chemistry, or hardware engineering are strong candidates. ARPA-H is specifically looking for cross-disciplinary teams rather than single-domain solutions.
Q: Is teaming required for FASTPASS?
A: ARPA-H anticipates that teaming will be necessary given the breadth of expertise the program requires. A teaming profile page is available on the ARPA-H Solutions site for proposers to find potential partners. Being listed does not mean ARPA-H has endorsed or evaluated that team.
Q: What is the Proposer Workshop and when is it?
A: The Proposer Workshop is a virtual event for the proposer community to learn more about FASTPASS, ask questions, and make connections. It's scheduled for August 24, 2026, and registration is required by August 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET on the ARPA-H Solutions site.
Q: Is there a second event after the solicitation is released?
A: Yes. ARPA-H will hold a hybrid Proposers' Day after the solicitation publishes to give additional guidance on the process. ARPA-H recommends attending both events to maximize teaming opportunities.
Q: Who is the Program Manager for FASTPASS?
A: James Coburn, CAPT, is the Program Manager for FASTPASS.
Q: What problem is FASTPASS trying to solve?
A: Drug-related morbidity and mortality cost the U.S. healthcare system $528 billion annually, and drug recalls affect over 150 million Americans each year, usually only surfacing after patients are already exposed. Current port inspection only samples a small fraction of imported drugs and can take weeks. FASTPASS aims to close that gap with in-minutes, non-destructive screening.
Q: Where can I find the FASTPASS teaming and FAQ pages?
A: Both are hosted on the ARPA-H Solutions site. You'll need to create an account or sign in to submit teaming profiles or ask questions in the FAQ section.
