Status: Open. Solution summaries are required and due November 30, 2026, 5:00 PM ET. Proposers' Days November 6 and 9.
Executive Summary
ARPA-H's SURPASS funds teams that run simulation-augmented platform trials testing several drug or biologic arms under one master protocol, through Other Transaction awards over five years. For-profits can lead. Solution summaries are due November 30, 2026, 5:00 PM ET.
ARPA-H will consider funding the trial expenses of the first three intervention arms in full. Teams should include at least two for-profit drug or biologic sponsors, one of them a startup or small company.
Solicitation at a Glance
- Agency: Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
- Solicitation: SURPASS Innovative Solutions Opening, ARPA-H-SOL-26-164
- Award Vehicle: Other Transaction agreements, multiple awards expected
- Funding: No amount posted
- Program length: Five years: Stage I 24 months, Stage II 36 months
- Due date: Solution summary November 30, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
Think your company qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before the November 30 deadline.
What Is SURPASS?
SURPASS builds platform clinical trials: one master protocol that tests several drug or biologic arms at once, with simulation built into the trial design. ARPA-H wants full teams that cover all three of the program's technical areas.
What Problem Is ARPA-H Trying to Solve?
Testing one drug per trial is slow and costly. Platform trials share infrastructure across arms, and simulation can help decide which arms to run and how. ARPA-H wants teams that show this model can work.
Team Requirements: What ARPA-H Is Looking For
- Full coverage: All three technical areas in one team
- Sponsors: At least two for-profit drug or biologic sponsors, one a startup or small company
- Arms: At least three intervention arms
- Sites: Six clinical sites by the end of the program
Funding and Award Terms
- Amount: No program total or award size posted
- Trial costs: ARPA-H will consider funding the trial expenses of the first three intervention arms in full
- Vehicle: Other Transaction agreements
Eligibility
- Who can apply: All responsible sources, including for-profit companies
- Foreign entities: Non-U.S. entities may take part, but there are no awards to entities of covered foreign countries
- Government entities: FFRDCs and government entities cannot be a prime or subcontractor, with a narrow exception process
How to Apply
- Attend a Proposers' Day: November 6 (in person in Washington, DC, and virtual) or November 9 (virtual)
- Submit a solution summary: required, by November 30, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Prepare a pitch package: if invited; ARPA-H estimates January 22, 2027
What Happens After You Submit?
- Pitch package: Estimated January 22, 2027
- Pitches: Estimated February 1 to 5, 2027
- Stages: Stage I runs 24 months, Stage II 36 months
Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?
It fits trial simulation and clinical data platform companies, early-stage drug or biologic developers that need a trial, and organizations that can run multi-site studies.
How BW&CO Can Help
BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For ARPA-H programs like SURPASS, we help you:
- Find your role: decide whether to lead, sponsor an arm, or supply a technical area
- Build the team: line up sponsors, sites and technical partners
- Write the solution summary: clear, compliant and on time for November 30
- Prepare the pitch: if ARPA-H invites a pitch package
- Plan the OT terms: understand what an Other Transaction award means for your team
Plan Your SURPASS Solution Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the solution summary due?
November 30, 2026, 5:00 PM ET. It is required.
How much funding is available?
ARPA-H has not posted an amount. It will consider funding the trial expenses of the first three intervention arms in full.
What award type is used?
Other Transaction agreements; ARPA-H expects multiple awards.
Can a single company apply alone?
ARPA-H wants full teams covering all three technical areas, with at least two for-profit drug or biologic sponsors.
When are the Proposers' Days?
November 6 (in person in Washington, DC, and virtual) and November 9 (virtual).
Can non-U.S. organizations take part?
Yes, except entities of covered foreign countries.
How long is the program?
Five years: a 24-month Stage I and a 36-month Stage II.
Can BW&CO help with a SURPASS submission?
Yes. BW&CO can help you plan your role on a SURPASS team and run the solution summary from outline to submission. Book a call with our team.
Source: SAM.gov notice ARPA-H-SOL-26-164