Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) – Rapid Response to Weather Events Across Food & Agricultural Systems (A1712) – USDA NIFA

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding up to $300,000 for extension and integrated (extension + applied research) projects that address urgent impacts of recent weather-related disasters on agricultural production systems, food supply chains, and rural communities. Applications must be submitted within 45 calendar days of a qualifying weather event. Awards support 12-month rapid deployment projects.

How much funding is available?

Maximum award: $300,000 (including indirect costs). Grant duration: 12 months. Grant types: Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard) only. Project types: Extension or Integrated (extension + applied research) only.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports rapid, solution-driven efforts that address impacts from naturally occurring weather hazards such as heat, drought, wildfires, tornados, floods, hurricanes, tropical storms, and blizzards.

1. Producer Stabilization & Extension Deployment

Projects that deliver rapid extension programs, technical assistance, and training to farmers, ranchers, and producers impacted by recent weather disasters.

Examples:

·        On-farm technical assistance and recovery protocols

·        Thermal stress mitigation strategies for livestock

·        Drought management tools for crop producers

·        Emergency feed or input optimization guidance

2. Tools & Technology for Rapid Adoption

Projects implementing tools and technologies that can be deployed within 90 days to mitigate disaster impacts.

·        Decision-support software for weather adaptation

·        Remote sensing or monitoring systems

·        Precision irrigation or water conservation technologies

·        Emergency disease or pest monitoring systems triggered by extreme weather

3. Supply Chain & Food System Resilience

Projects addressing disruptions across production, processing, distribution, and food safety logistics caused by weather events.

·        Alternative distribution models during disaster recovery

·        Cold chain stabilization strategies

·        Regional food access logistics

·        Processing infrastructure recovery support

4. Community & Rural Impact Mitigation

Projects supporting individuals, families, and communities to buffer disaster impacts and maintain safe, nutritious, and accessible food supplies.

·        Community resilience planning

·        Localized disaster-response communication strategies

·        Rapid recovery outreach programs

·        Food access coordination in affected regions

At least one activity must be implemented within 90 days of award, and all deliverables must be completed within 12 months.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, there are significant indirect benefits to receiving a USDA AFRI Rapid Response award:

·        Federal validation tied to disaster resilience and food system stabilization

·        Positioning as a trusted partner for state and regional recovery efforts

·        Strengthened credibility with producers and agricultural stakeholders

·        Non-dilutive capital that extends runway during market uncertainty

·        Enhanced positioning for future USDA and federal resilience funding opportunities

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Applications must be submitted within 45 calendar days of a qualifying weather event. No Letter of Intent is required. Application review and processing are expedited to ensure timely project startup. Awards have a 12-month performance period.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from Congressional appropriations to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Assistance Listing: 10.310.

Who is eligible to apply?

·        Colleges and universities

·        State Agricultural Experiment Stations

·        University research foundations

·        Federal agencies and national laboratories

·        Private organizations and corporations

·        Eligible individuals (U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents)

·        Consortia of eligible entities

Foreign and international organizations are not eligible as primary applicants.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

·        Projects clearly tied to a recent documented weather event

·        Strong justification of urgency and stakeholder need

·        Solutions deployable within 90 days of award

·        High likelihood of rapid adoption by producers or food system operators

·        Clearly defined geographic scope linked to the disaster impact

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

·        Budget requests exceeding $300,000 will not be reviewed.

·        Projects must focus on short-term, urgent disaster response.

·        At least one deliverable must occur within 90 days of award.

·        All projects must include a data management plan.

·        If applied research is commodity-specific and not national in scope, matching funds may be required.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Due to the 45-day submission window, preparation timelines are compressed. Competitive applications typically require 3–6 weeks of focused development, including event documentation, stakeholder justification, and rapid deployment planning.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Flat fee pricing available upon request.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

See the solicitation here.

Collective Autonomy Integration (Build – Measure – Learn) – USSOCOM JATF

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

USSOCOM’s Joint Acquisitions Task Force (JATF) is seeking industry capabilities to enable Collective Autonomy for heterogeneous unmanned systems (UxS). The goal is to allow a single SOF operator to command multiple air, ground, and maritime systems through unified C2, autonomous collaboration, shared situational awareness, and resilient networking. Submissions are due May 15, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Specific award size will depend on scope and proposed effort. $500K to $5 million is a common range for these types of opportunities.

What could I use the funding for?

The Overburdened Operator - A small Special Operations Forces (SOF) team is deployed to a complex, contested environment to conduct a time-sensitive mission. The team employs a mix of organic Unmanned Systems (UxS)—including aerial drones for surveillance and a ground robot for reconnaissance—but each system operates on its own proprietary controller and data feed.

The team's operator is overwhelmed. They are forced to manage multiple systems independently, consuming immense cognitive bandwidth to de-conflict flight paths, monitor separate video feeds, and manually relay information. The UxS assets cannot directly communicate or collaborate. The result is a fragmented operational picture, delayed decision-making, and an increased risk to the mission and the force.

USSOCOM Joint Acquisitions Task Force (JATF) is initiating a "Build, Measure, and Learn" cycle to identify and integrate capabilities that enable Collective Autonomy. We are requesting capabilities from the Vulcan ecosystem to help us answer the following questions:

• Unified Command & Control (C2): How can a single operator effectively command a team of heterogeneous UxS (air, ground, maritime) from a single, intuitive interface that is hardware-agnostic?

• Autonomous Collaboration: How can a group of disparate UxS autonomously collaborate to perform complex, multi-step tasks based on a high-level commander's intent (e.g., “Find and maintain custody of all moving vehicles in this sector”)?

• Shared Situational Awareness: What solutions can automatically fuse sensor data from multiple UxS into a single, real-time Common Operational Picture (COP) that is shared among all human and machine agents?

• Resilient Network: How can this autonomous collective maintain C2 and data-sharing in a communications-contested or denied environment?

• Open Architecture: How do your capabilities leverage a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to ensure we can rapidly integrate new platforms, sensors, and algorithms in the future?

Desired End State: Operator as Mission Commander, Not System Manager

The goal is to enable a single SOF operator to effectively command a swarm of autonomous systems. In this end state, the operator issues a mission-level command, and the UxS "pack" autonomously collaborates to plan and execute the task, dynamically adapting to the changing environment.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Government Validation and Credibility:
Engagement with USSOCOM JATF signals strong alignment with Special Operations mission priorities, which can significantly enhance credibility with primes, investors, and defense partners.

Pathway to Non-Dilutive Capital:
If transitioned into SBIR, OTA, or CRADA mechanisms, companies may access non-dilutive development funding to mature and validate their technology.

Operational Feedback from SOF Users:
Direct interaction with operators and subject matter experts provides invaluable real-world feedback that accelerates product-market fit for defense applications.

Ecosystem Access:
Participation can open doors to integration opportunities across the broader USSOCOM and DoD autonomy ecosystem.

Enhanced Exit and Valuation Potential:
Demonstrated integration into SOF missions and government-backed validation can materially increase enterprise value, particularly for dual-use autonomy and AI companies.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Deadline: May 15, 2026 (23:59 CDT)

This solicitation does not guarantee funding. If selected for follow-on engagement, timelines would depend on the chosen contracting mechanism (e.g., SBIR, OTA, CRADA).selection and award are expected shortly after down-select.

Where does this funding come from?

United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), via the Joint Acquisitions Task Force (JATF).

Who is eligible to apply?

Industry partners within the Vulcan ecosystem capable of providing solutions aligned to Collective Autonomy requirements.

No geographic restrictions are stated.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Solutions most aligned with the following priorities will be strongest:

• Demonstrated capability to unify heterogeneous UxS under a single hardware-agnostic C2 interface.

• Proven autonomous collaboration enabling execution of mission-level intent without manual micro-management.

• Real-time sensor fusion into a shared Common Operational Picture.

• Resilience in communications-contested or denied environments.

• Clear adherence to a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for future extensibility.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• This solicitation is for awareness and collaboration only; it is not an acquisition action.

• NO classified or proprietary information should be submitted.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Companies should plan for 2–4 weeks to prepare a complete submission package, including:

• Company profile

• Product whitepaper

• Pitch deck

• System blueprint/architecture

• Technology development plan with TRL and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM)

Preparation time depends on existing documentation maturity.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Review the opportunity here.

Rapid Stabilization and Barcoding Challenge – Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking U.S.-based industry, academic, and nonprofit organizations to prototype a fully integrated, handheld system that eliminates cold-chain requirements for chemical and biological samples. The system must stabilize molecules at ambient conditions, integrate barcode-based lifecycle tracking, and automate sampling. Applications are due March 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding Award Size: $300K to $5 Million+

Awards will be made under the ONIX OTA in coordination with ACC-RI. Specific award size will depend on scope and proposed effort.

What could I use the funding for?

Overall Objective

DTRA is seeking to develop Rapid Stabilization and Barcoding prototypes and test these for operational relevancy. This effort aims to research and develop innovative stabilization technologies that leverage custom stable porous capillary-fibrous scaffolds, providing high permeability and improved surface-area-to-volume ratios to enhance binding and stabilization efficiency of molecules and reagents, ultimately ensuring assay consistency.  Systems should improve utility of vitrification under vacuum and rapid drying of molecules and reagents, supporting the general services for years to come.  Alternatives to lyophilization may include methodologies that avoid freezing and/or boiling of molecules or reagents, prevent solution crystallization, and eliminate the use of liquid nitrogen for storage.

To support rapid and reliable sample stabilization in field environments, the system must also incorporate robust barcode-based sample tracking.

Problem Statement

Current reliance on cold-chain logistics places a burden on the general forces due to reagents and sample degradation. Further, sample tracking approaches often rely on handwritten labels, inconsistent naming conventions, and manual tracking; all of which introduce vulnerabilities such as mislabeling and loss of chain-of-custody. This effort seeks industry solutions that will result in rapid stabilization and barcoding.

Desired Solution

·       Sustain structural stability of chemical and biological molecules for storage at room temperature for at least 12 months, in various environmental conditions.

·       Perform in a wide variety of environmental MIL STD 810H conditions, ranging from -20 ℃ to 55 ℃ and 10-95% relative humidity.

·       Mitigate degradation risks from sample matrix complexities.

·     Have a simple and standardized workflow.  End-user training should be completed within one hour, with minimal operational complexity and no specialized technical expertise required.

·       Complete the entire vitrification process, from sample collection to final stabilization, within 30 minutes.

·       Require low power, enabling operation in austere and off-grid environments.  If a battery is necessary, the system should utilize lightweight solid-state batteries.

·       Be handheld and portable, preferably less than 30 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm and weigh less than 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) is the preferred end goal.

·       Remain low in costs, at approximately $100 or less for reusable systems or $25 or less for single-use systems when purchased in quantity.

·       Integrate automated sample collection mechanisms that enable consistent and repeatable sampling.

·       Read 1D and 2D barcodes on labels, vials, and screens.

·       Be MIL STD 810H compliant for shock, dust, humidity, and temperature extremes.

·       Support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi options for direct integration with field instruments.

·       Have a minimum 12 hours of continuous and wireless scanning.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the direct funding award, there are meaningful indirect benefits:

Government Validation and Credibility:
Selection by DTRA RD-CB signals strong technical credibility in chemical and biological defense technologies, which can accelerate follow-on DoD opportunities.

Enhanced Market Visibility:
Awardees gain visibility within the CBRN defense ecosystem and may benefit from broader recognition through DoD networks.

Dual-Use Positioning:
Technologies that eliminate cold-chain requirements and improve sample tracking have applications in biodefense, public health, field diagnostics, and industrial biosurveillance.

Nondilutive Capital:
OTA-based funding allows you to mature hardware and IP without equity dilution, strengthening valuation and exit potential.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Submission Deadline: March 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM

• Anticipated Down-Select: 30–45 days after posting

Specific award start dates are not listed, but selection and award are expected shortly after down-select.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Research and Development, Chemical and Biological Technologies Directorate (RD-CB), in support of the Capability Program Executive for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Defense.

Awards will be made under the ONIX OTA in coordination with ACC-RI.

Who is eligible to apply?

• U.S.-based industry organizations

• U.S.-based academic institutions

• U.S.-based nonprofit organizations

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the scoring rubric, competitive proposals will demonstrate:

• A technically viable stabilization methodology using porous capillary-fibrous scaffolds (or alternatives that prevent freezing, boiling, crystallization, and eliminate liquid nitrogen dependency)

• Full integration of 1D/2D barcode tracking with LIMS compatibility

• Reliable automated sampling with reduced operator involvement

• Demonstrated ability to meet 12-month room-temperature stability across MIL STD 810H conditions

• Clear milestones, realistic deliverables, credible past performance, and well-justified costs/IP strategy

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Must be U.S.-based.

• Must comply with MIL STD 810H environmental requirements.

• System must meet specific SWaP-C targets and defined cost thresholds.

• Submission length limited to 2–10 pages (plus required company and past performance pages).

• Submission required via GoColosseum platform.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Given the 2–10 page technical response, plus company and past performance pages and milestone-based cost structure, most teams should expect approximately 2–4 weeks to prepare a competitive submission, depending on readiness of technical concept and prior materials.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Review the opportunity here.

ARPA-H - BIOGAMI: Biomolecular Grammar for Protein Aggregation Modulation and Intervention

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H’s BIOGAMI program is funding teams to predict, detect, and control protein misfolding before disease begins. The program targets intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and regions (IDRs), which are implicated in neurodegeneration, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic diseases and are largely considered “undruggable.”

Solution Summary Due: March 4, 2026 (12:00 PM ET)

Funding & Structure

1. Awards: Multiple OT awards anticipated

2. Program Length: Up to 48 months

3. Phases:

   • Phase 1 (0–24 months): Model IDR behavior and demonstrate early modulation and sensing

   • Phase 2 (25–48 months): Translate to preventative therapeutics and early detection tools

4. Down-selection occurs after Phase 1 based on quantitative technical metrics.

What ARPA-H Is Trying to Build

BIOGAMI aims to create a generalizable, reusable platform that can:

• Predict IDR structure, dynamics, aggregation, and interactions from sequence

• Modulate protein folding to prevent or reverse aggregation

• Identify early indicators of misfolding—before symptoms appear

• Enable new therapeutic classes for currently undruggable targets

The program emphasizes root-cause intervention, not symptomatic treatment.

Technical Scope (Both Required)

Technical Area 1 (TA1): Molecular Grammar of IDRs

TA1 teams must establish foundational models that explain how IDR sequences and environments drive protein behavior.

Key requirements include:

• Integrated AI/ML + experimental approaches

• High-throughput in vitro, cell-based, and in vivo systems

• Prediction of structure, aggregation, condensate formation, and interactomes

• Validation across diverse sequences, conditions, and post-translational modifications

• Open-source sharing of TA1 models and datasets

By Phase 2, models must predict and validate IDR properties within 60 days of receiving a sequence.

Technical Area 2 (TA2): Modulate IDPs to Detect and Control Folding

TA2 focuses on therapeutic and diagnostic translation.

Teams must:

• Prevent or reverse aggregation and restore protein function

• Develop early, clinically translatable indicators of misfolding

• Target two diseases:

  • One rare disease (<1 in 100,000)

  • One non-rare disease
    (across neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative categories)

By Phase 2, teams must:

• Demonstrate in vivo efficacy

• Preserve or restore >90% of critical protein function

• Validate ≥1 novel biomarker and prepare for FDA Biomarker Qualification engagement

Eligible Applicants

• Startups and large companies

• Universities and nonprofits

• Multi-party teams required (not prime/sub)

• Not eligible:

• FFRDCs and government entities as performers

• Entities from covered foreign countries or foreign entities of concern

• Work is prioritized to be performed in the United States.

Evaluation Criteria (In Order)

Scientific and technical merit

1. Team capability and experience

2. Relevance to ARPA-H mission and health impact

3. Cost realism and value

Commercialization Expectations

1. 5-year and 10-year commercialization plans required

2. Translation Advisory Board required

3. Active or planned commercial partnerships strongly encouraged

4. TA2 outputs expected to be positioned for pre-clinical development

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps biotech and deep-tech teams quickly determine whether BIOGAMI is the right opportunity and, if so, how to pursue it with a credible, ARPA-H–ready strategy by translating dense solicitation language into clear founder-level guidance, pressure-testing technical and team fit against TA1/TA2 requirements and metrics, shaping a compelling program narrative that aligns AI, biology, and validation, designing compliant multi-party teaming structures, aligning commercialization and open-source expectations, and proactively flagging proposal risks—so teams can move confidently toward a competitive submission or make an informed decision to walk away.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

With a flat rate of $4000, you’d work with our grant writing team to put the solution summary together and submit before the March 4th deadline.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

MassVentures START (SBIR TARgeted Technologies) Program Round 1 Grants

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

MassVentures’ START program provides non-dilutive grants to help Massachusetts companies that have already won a federal Phase II SBIR or STTR award (or equivalent) move toward commercialization. The program’s stated goals include commercialization, job growth, manufacturing expansion, and statewide innovation.

Who should apply?

1. You are a Massachusetts company that conducts R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization primarily in MA, and is committed to continuing to do so.

2. You have received a federal Phase II SBIR or STTR award (or equivalent).

3. You expect to spend START funds primarily in Massachusetts.

Timing note: There is no strict requirement on when your qualifying Phase II was received. If it was more than five years ago, you’re expected to explain why it’s still commercially relevant today.

Funding snapshot:

16 winners will receive $100k in Round 1 in 2026 (paid in two installments). Round 1 winners will be eligible to compete for 7 Round 2 awards in 2027 for $200k. Round 3 is finally for $500k for 3 awardees.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Monday, February 23, 2026 — 11:59 PM ET

• Top 16 selected - March 23, 2026

• Winners Notified - April 30th, 2026

• Winner’s breakfast - May/June

What you must submit:

1. 2026 Application Cover Sheet (contact information)

2. 1000-word summary covering: the technology, its commercial potential, and the team

3. 3-minute video

4. Cover page of your SBIR Phase II award contract (proof of award)

How applications are evaluated:

This RFP references learning “what makes a successful application” and “what judges look for” during the info session, but it does not list formal scoring criteria in the text provided.
What is explicitly required in the application suggests emphasis on:

• Clear explanation of the technology

• Credible commercial potential

• Strength of the team

Practical guidance for CEOs

1. Treat the 1000-word summary as your “investment memo”: what it is, why it wins, how it becomes a business.

2. Use the 3-minute video to make the story memorable and concrete: problem → solution → proof → market → plan.

3. If your Phase II is older than 5 years, be direct about why it still matters commercially now.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps founders and CEOs decide quickly whether this opportunity is worth pursuing and how to win it. We translate the START RFP into plain-English strategy, pressure-test fit and competitiveness, shape a clear commercialization narrative for the 1,000-word summary and 3-minute video, and manage the application end-to-end so your team stays focused on building the business. Our goal is to reduce time burden, avoid preventable mistakes, and submit a credible, CEO-ready application aligned with what MassVentures is explicitly asking for.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

With a flat rate of $2500, you’d work with our grant writing team to put the application together and submit before the February 23rd deadline.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

5G Deployable Systems – Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is conducting market research to identify deployable 5G systems that can support DHS operational needs. This Request for Information (RFI) is intended to collect technical, operational, and cost-related information from vendors to inform potential future procurement decisions. Responses must be submitted through the Vulcan platform by March 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.

How much funding would I receive?

Est. $500K to $5 million in the future, however this is currently only a Request for Information (RFI) only.

What could I use the funding for?

DHS is requesting information on deployable 5G system capabilities.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

While no funding is initially provided, responding to this RFI will offer strategic benefits, including early visibility into DHS operational requirements, increased exposure to DHS S&T stakeholders, and the opportunity to be considered for future solicitations informed by this market research. DHS also notes that it may conduct one-on-one meetings and system demonstrations with selected respondents as part of its evaluation process.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Responses must be submitted no later than March 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time via the Vulcan platform. No funding will be awarded under this RFI but funding could be awarded via other methods in Q4 2026 (estimate).

Where does this funding come from?

No funding is associated with this RFI. It is issued solely for information gathering and market research purposes by DHS S&T.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any vendor capable of providing deployable 5G systems that meet DHS operational needs may submit a response. Respondent technologies must be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or higher.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

DHS explicitly requests information from systems that:

• Are deployable and operationally relevant to DHS missions

• Support 4G LTE, 5G NSA, 5G SA, and/or ORAN technologies

• Demonstrate TRL 7, 8, or 9 maturity

• Include detailed performance, security, and cost data

• Can be demonstrated in a 1-to-2-day operational demonstration

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. DHS explicitly states that it does not intend to receive proprietary, trade secret, or confidential business information, and all submissions become the property of the U.S. Government. Participation does not transfer any intellectual property rights, and DHS is not obligated to issue a future solicitation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The RFI requires a detailed technical response covering system design, performance, security, deployment, cost models, and supporting documentation. Preparation time will vary, but respondents should expect a non-trivial effort comparable to a technical white paper plus cost and demonstration planning materials.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Position, Navigation, & Timing at the Tactical Edge – Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) is seeking Assured and Alternate Position, Navigation, & Timing (APNT) technologies that enable military forces to operate effectively in GNSS-denied, contested, or degraded environments. This call supports market research via Vulcan scout card submissions for solutions applicable to dismounted soldiers, vehicles, maritime platforms, and uncrewed systems. Submissions are due by April 30, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Est. $500K to $5 million. No funding amount is specified in the source materials. This call is explicitly positioned as market research, not a guaranteed funding award however almost certainly selected technologies will inform future procurement, trials, and funded programs.

What could I use the funding for?

Cyber & Specialist Operations Command is interested in Assured and Alternate Position, Navigation, & Timing (APNT) technologies for use by dismounted soldiers or on vehicle platforms, both static and on-the-move. The proposals should be able to contribute to the ability for Force Elements to continue to operate in a GNSS denied, contested, or degraded environment.

Potential use cases could include:

• Dismounted Soldier

• Maritime Mobility (Surface and Sub-Surface)

• Land Mobility Vehicles

• Uncrewed Vehicles (in all domains)

Technologies should be compatible with existing systems (i.e. plug and play) and may be hardware based or software based (for example, data fusion engines).

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond any future funding opportunity, participation offers meaningful indirect benefits:

Government Validation and Strategic Visibility:
Engaging directly with CSOC provides early validation from the UK Ministry of Defence’s lead command for cyber and specialist operations, signaling relevance to NATO-aligned defence priorities.

Positioning for Follow-On Contracts:
Market research submissions often inform future trials, procurements, and funded defense programs, positioning companies early in the acquisition pipeline.

Access to a High-Value Defence Ecosystem:
CSOC operates across cyber, intelligence, special operations, and electromagnetic domains, creating downstream opportunities for collaboration with allied forces, primes, and specialist units.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026 at 18:59 CDT

No funding or award timeline is specified in the materials.

Where does this funding come from?

This opportunity is issued by the Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) of the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence. No specific funding vehicle or appropriation is identified.

Who is eligible to apply?

Everyone - including US Companies.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated interests, strong submissions are likely to demonstrate:

• Proven or plausible performance in GNSS-denied or contested environments

• Applicability across multiple platforms or domains

• Plug-and-play compatibility with existing systems

• Maturity suitable for military evaluation or experimentation

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Duplicate scout cards are not permitted and will be removed.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Initial participation requires submission of a Scout Card. For a first time applicant this will take 20-40 hours to submit without assistance from BW&CO.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $4,000 for the Scout Card Submission.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Fast and Curious – DARPA Defense Sciences Office (DSO)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

DARPA’s Defense Sciences Office (DSO) is soliciting proposals under the Fast and Curious Disruption Opportunity to develop next-generation logic devices that surpass CMOS performance limits. Selected teams will receive Other Transaction (OT) prototype awards to demonstrate ultra-low-energy, high-speed, scalable logic technologies for advanced computing applications. Optional but recommended abstracts are due February 19th. Full proposals are due March 31, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET.

How much funding is available?

Estimated $1M to $5M. DARPA anticipates making multiple OT prototype awards, with total funding levels determined by proposal quality and availability of funds. The DO does not specify a fixed award size or ceiling, and funding may be awarded for Phase 1 only or for both Phase 1 and Phase 2.

What could I use the funding for?

See a detailed description here.

This program explores new device physics, materials, and architectures that enable energy-efficient, scalable, and integrable logic circuits capable of surpassing CMOS transistor switching energy and speed limits while remaining compatible with advanced microelectronic manufacturing.

Performers will fabricate and engineer non-traditional transistor-like heterostructures with ultra-low energy and high speed switching characteristics, design and develop logic in computational circuits using these heterostructures, and perform theoretical analysis and modeling to guide the device design and optimization.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, there are significant indirect benefits to receiving a DARPA Disruptioneering award:

• Government Validation and Technical Credibility: Selection by DARPA DSO signals exceptional scientific merit and alignment with long-term U.S. defense computing priorities.

• Acceleration of Deep-Tech Development: Milestone-based OT agreements allow rapid prototyping without FAR constraints, enabling faster technical progress than traditional grants or contracts.

• Enhanced Visibility and Strategic Positioning: Awardees gain visibility within DARPA, DoD, and the advanced microelectronics ecosystem, often leading to follow-on funding or partnerships.

• Stronger Commercial and Acquisition Outcomes: Retention of IP ownership and government license rights enables companies to mature technology nondilutively while increasing long-term enterprise value.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Abstracts (optional but strongly encouraged) are due February 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET. Full proposals are due March 31, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET. DARPA’s goal is to execute awards within 120 calendar days of the DO posting date (January 30, 2026), with negotiations concluding no later than May 29, 2026. The anticipated program start date is June 1, 2026.nths

Where does this funding come from?

This funding is provided by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) within the Department of Defense, administered by the Defense Sciences Office (DSO) using Other Transaction authority under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

Who is eligible to apply?

All responsible U.S. and non-U.S. organizations capable of performing the research may apply, including startups, small businesses, large companies, universities, and nonprofit research institutions.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

DARPA will evaluate proposals based on:

• Scientific and technical merit, feasibility, and innovation

• Relevance and contribution to DARPA’s mission to advance defense computing

• Clear, quantitative evidence supporting the ability to meet program metrics

• Well-defined milestones with credible risk mitigation strategies

• Reasonable and well-justified pricing

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Awards are made as Other Transactions, not grants or FAR-based contracts. Proposals must be unclassified, comply with export control and CUI requirements if applicable, and adhere strictly to DARPA’s template, submission, and milestone payment rules. Cost share may be required depending on proposer status under OT statute.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Without BW&CO’s Assistance, preparing a fully compliant and compelling proposal will likely take 150-200 hours.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

For Full Support, $15,000 Initial Fee + 5% Success Fee

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

See the solicitation here.

Chemical and Biological Technologies Fundamental Research BAA – Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is accepting rolling submissions through 2034 for fundamental research projects that advance chemical and biological defense capabilities. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) supports basic and applied research addressing counter–weapons of mass destruction (C-WMD) challenges, with a current white paper deadline of March 2, 2026 for Topic Areas B1–B6.

How much funding would I receive?

$300,000 to $5 million depending on the topic.

What could I use the funding for?

For research and development that aligns with the topics below. For more details on each topic click here.

B1. Deriving Human Physiological Endpoints via Microphysiological Systems (MPS): Bridging the Gap for Predictive Translation

DTRA is seeking fundamental research that advances microphysiological systems (organs-on-a-chip) to derive reliable, human-relevant physiological endpoints that can be translated into real-world exposure detection. Projects should develop standardized, measurable physiological signals across multi-organ MPS platforms and link those signals to in-vivo human responses, particularly for early detection of chemical and biological exposures. Emphasis is placed on novel sensing technologies, data integration, and predictive algorithms rather than therapeutics or animal studies. Read full description here.

B2. Self-Improving AI Systems for Adaptive Defense

This topic funds research into AI systems that can autonomously adapt to new chemical and biological threats without human retraining. DTRA is specifically interested in self-modifying AI architectures that can safely update their own models, structures, or code while maintaining formally verified performance and safety guarantees. Projects must focus on foundational AI theory and methods—such as formal verification, containment, and meta-learning—rather than static or manually retrained detection systems. Read full description here.

B3. Quantum-Enhanced Topological Data Analysis for Chemical and Biological Defense

DTRA seeks interdisciplinary research combining quantum computing and topological data analysis to identify complex patterns in high-dimensional chemical and biological data that classical methods cannot detect. The goal is to enable earlier warning of engineered or novel threats, improve pathogen classification, and accelerate countermeasure discovery. Projects should focus on developing quantum-enabled analytical frameworks and demonstrating clear advantages over classical computational approaches. Read full description here.

B4. Advanced Repellent Materials for Omniphobic Resistance (ARMOR)

This topic supports fundamental research into durable, PFAS-free repellent materials for textiles that resist chemical and biological threats, oils, and industrial contaminants. DTRA is looking for new material chemistries and surface architectures—particularly reentrant or textured surfaces—that achieve strong oil repellency, mechanical durability, and safety for skin contact. Research should emphasize materials science, characterization methods, and performance against chemical simulants rather than full protective suit development. Read full description here.

B5. Sensing Engineered Chemical and Biological Threats with Synthetic Biology Designs

DTRA is funding early-stage research into synthetic biology-based sensing materials that enable rapid, adaptable detection of engineered or emerging biological threats. Projects should integrate computational design, AI/ML, and synthetic biology to create novel affinity reagents or sensing elements that outperform traditional antibodies in speed, adaptability, or stability. The focus is on proof-of-concept platforms and fundamental sensing science, not deployable sensor systems. Read full description here.

B6. Free-Standing Films Used as Detection Wipes

This topic seeks fundamental research on free-standing, self-indicating films that can be used as low-cost detection wipes for chemical threats on surfaces. DTRA is interested in understanding the structural, optical, and electrical properties of cross-linked polymer films embedded with non-dye-based recognition elements that change color upon exposure to chemical agents or simulants. Research should prioritize material synthesis, reproducibility, environmental robustness, and early prototype integration rather than full system fielding. Read full description here.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, there are significant indirect benefits to receiving a DTRA fundamental research award:

Government Validation and Credibility: Selection by DTRA signals strong technical credibility and alignment with national counter-WMD priorities, which can accelerate trust with defense partners and future government sponsors.

Enhanced Visibility Within the Defense Research Community: Awardees are part of DTRA’s extramural research ecosystem, increasing exposure to DoD laboratories, academic collaborators, and future funding opportunities.

Nondilutive Technology Maturation: By advancing early-stage science with nondilutive funding, companies can de-risk core technology while preserving equity and strengthening long-term exit potential.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

For Topic Areas B1–B6, pre-application white papers are due March 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Submissions follow a two-phase process, with invited full proposals submitted after successful white paper review.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the Department of Defense through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) under CFDA 12.351.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is defined at the topic level. In general, the BAA supports extramural performers conducting basic or applied research, including universities, industry, and other research organizations, subject to topic-specific requirements. is cost-shared by non-government sources

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive projects typically:

• Address high-impact chemical or biological defense challenges relevant to C-WMD

• Advance fundamental scientific knowledge or revolutionary technical approaches

• Align with early-stage research (TRLs 1–4)

• Demonstrate strong scientific rigor and feasibility

• Fit within DTRA’s stated thrust areas or published topic needs

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Pre-application coordination is generally required before submitting a white paper, and submissions without coordination may not be reviewed. Proprietary product development and later-stage commercialization activities are outside the scope of this announcement.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Most first-time applicants (without any assistance from BW&CO) should plan for 40–60 hours of effort to prepare the white paper over 8–12 weeks, including technical writing, budget preparation, and internal reviews.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for $4000 Initial Fee for the white paper.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the program here.

Compact Oxygen Generation Medical Devices (COGM / COGM-A) – Defense Health Agency (DHA)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is soliciting prototype proposals to develop compact medical oxygen generation devices for use in austere and expeditionary military environments. This Other Transaction Authority (OTA) program supports the development of FDA-cleared oxygen generation systems for battlefield care and aeromedical evacuation. Proposals are due March 6, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Estimated $1-$2 million. The RPP does not specify a minimum or maximum award size. The government anticipates making multiple prototype OTA awards, with funding incrementally obligated over the period of performance. Total award size will depend on proposed scope, schedule, and cost realism.

What could I use the funding for?

The DHA needs to provide medical oxygen solutions in austere environments to treat service members with compromised lung function or injuries requiring oxygen therapy. The WEMT PMO is developing multiple oxygen generation and delivery systems through its Portable Oxygen (O2) program. This program aims to support casualties across all care settings, including evacuation platforms (Roles of Care 1-3 and en route). Development and approval of candidate solutions will adhere to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other relevant regulatory and industry best practices.

This effort focuses on developing two expeditionary, easy-to-maintain oxygen generation devices meeting Joint Enroute Care Equipment Test Standard and airworthiness standards:

FOCUS AREA #1: Compact Oxygen Generation, Medical (COGM)

• Priority: High

• Primary Use: Role 1 (but still usable across all Roles, including en route care)

• Capabilities: Adjustable flow rate (3-7 lpm minimum, 15 lpm desired) for use with nasal cannulas, face masks, and nebulizers.

• Target Timeline: Regulatory approvals by 2029, procurement by 2031 (shorter timeline preferred)

FOCUS AREA #2: Compact Oxygen Generation, Medical – At Altitude (COGM-A)

• Primary Use: Aeromedical evacuation platforms

• Capabilities: Similar to COGM, but with adjustable flow up to 15 lpm and high-pressure output for ventilators.

• Target Timeline: Regulatory approvals by 2030, procurement by 2032 (shorter timeline preferred)

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the direct funding, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

Government Validation and Credibility:
Selection by the Defense Health Agency signals strong technical credibility and alignment with DoD operational medical priorities—often accelerating trust with military customers, primes, and investors.

Nondilutive Technology Advancement:
This OTA enables companies to mature medical devices without equity dilution, preserving cap table value while advancing toward procurement readiness.

Follow-On Production Potential:
Successful prototypes may lead directly to a follow-on production OTA, reducing acquisition friction and shortening the path to revenue.

Enhanced Defense Market Visibility:
Awardees become part of DHA’s Warfighter Expeditionary Medicine ecosystem, increasing exposure across DoD medical and acquisition communities..

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

1. Questions Due: February 6, 2026

2. Proposals Due: March 6, 2026 (5:00 PM EST)

3. Period of Performance:

   • Up to ~24 months for COGM

   • Up to ~36 months for COGM-A

Where does this funding come from?

This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, administered through the Defense Health Agency (DHA) using Prototype Other Transaction Authority (10 U.S.C. §4022).

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible, proposals must meet at least one of the following OTA statutory conditions:

• Include a nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participating to a significant extent

• All significant participants are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors

• At least one-third of total project cost is cost-shared by non-government sources

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated on three primary factors:

• Strength and feasibility of the technical approach to meeting SOO requirements

• Credibility of the management and execution plan, including regulatory and manufacturing readiness

• Cost realism and completeness of the proposed budget

Projects starting near TRL 4 with a clear path to FDA clearance and military deployment are strongly aligned.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Proposals must comply with FDA medical device regulations

• Foreign collaborators require additional justification

• Participation in malign foreign talent programs is prohibited

• Cost sharing rules apply if nontraditional or small business criteria are not met

• Files must be submitted exactly as instructed; noncompliance may result in elimination

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Most first-time applicants (without any assistance from BW&CO) should plan for 120–200 hours of effort over 8–12 weeks, including technical writing, budget preparation, and internal reviews.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for $13000 Initial Fee + 5% Success Fee.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the program here.

Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Pipeline Program (MJFF)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full RFA before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Pipeline Program is a rolling funding program run by the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) that provides $250,000 to over $2 million in nondilutive funding to industry and industry-academia teams advancing Parkinson’s disease therapeutics. Funding supports pre-clinical and early clinical development of pharmacological, biological, and non-pharmacological interventions with clear potential to slow, stop, or delay disease progression or meaningfully reduce symptom burden. Companies can submit pre-proposals at any time, with reviews typically completed within three weeks, and invited full proposals reviewed on a quarterly cycle.

How much funding would I receive?

Award amounts typically range from $250,000 for smaller, targeted projects to upwards of $2 million for larger, multi-stage pre-clinical or clinical development programs. Final award size is determined in consultation with MJFF based on project scope, stage of development, novelty, and unmet patient need.

What could I use the funding for?

MJFF prioritizes pre-clinical and clinical programs that may slow, stop, or prevent disease progression, efforts that address moderate-to-advanced motor or non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s not well-managed by current treatments such as advanced gait disturbances (e.g., balance issues linked to falls, freezing) and cognitive changes. Activities within scope of this program include:

• Pre-Clinical: Identifying, validating and/or developing novel pharmacological and non- pharmacological interventions through pre-clinical development from early screening topre-clinical characterization and testing.

• Clinical: Progressing promising interventions with strong preclinical packages into/through initial clinical assessment exploring pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, safety/tolerability, or early proof of biology and/or clinical efficacy.For novel targets, MJFF is particularly interested in de-risking programs by supporting early proof of concept in patients to gain insight into the therapeutic potential, including exploration of biomarker-based or clinical endpoint-based efficacy.

Any intervention may be considered based on clear patient need, rationale and strong mechanism-of-action understanding. Interventions may be pharmacological (small molecules), biological (biologic, gene therapy) or non-pharmacological including surgical approaches, technology-enabled therapeutics and neuromodulation approaches. Competitive non- pharmacologic proposals will have compelling, existing data from human studies with strong potential for clinical adoption. Applicants may also propose testing of repurposed or repositioned therapies but should propose clear and robust biomarker-enabled testing strategies.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond direct funding, MJFF awards offer meaningful strategic advantages:

• Strong Scientific and Patient-Centered Validation: Selection by MJFF signals rigorous scientific merit and strong alignment with patient-driven therapeutic priorities in Parkinson’s disease.

• De-Risking for Follow-On Capital: MJFF explicitly positions this program to de-risk therapeutic programs and catalyze follow-on investment from venture capital, strategic partners, and other funders.

• Access to MJFF’s Ecosystem: Awardees gain access to MJFF’s extensive network of clinicians, researchers, industry partners, patient advisors, and proprietary research tools, datasets, and biosample repositories.

• Enhanced Exit and Commercialization Potential: Government- and foundation-validated programs often command higher valuations during licensing, acquisition, or later-stage financing due to reduced technical and clinical risk.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Pre-proposals may be submitted at any time and are typically reviewed within three weeks. If invited, full proposals are submitted during one of five annual review cycles. Funding decisions are communicated within three months of full proposal submission.

Upcoming full proposal deadlines include:

• February 22, 2026 → Funding decision May 2026

• April 23, 2026 → Funding decision July 2026

• June 25, 2026 → Funding decision September 2026

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided directly by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating cures and better treatments for Parkinson’s disease through aggressively funded translational research.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to:

• Industry applicants (biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, or other for-profit companies), or

• Academic teams partnered with an industry collaborator capable of commercial development.

Both U.S. and non-U.S. entities are eligible. The for-profit entity is expected to serve as the primary grantee and commercialization lead.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Successful applications typically demonstrate:

• A strong biological rationale for the therapeutic target, supported by genetic or in vitro/in vivo validation data.

• A clearly differentiated therapeutic approach believed to be superior to existing or pipeline therapies.

• Robust translational biomarker strategies to measure target engagement and mechanism of action.

• Clear preclinical-to-clinical translation potential with a realistic commercialization pathway.

• For clinical programs, a patient-centered development plan incorporating patient input.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

MJFF will not fund:

• Large-scale target discovery efforts (e.g., genomic or transcriptomic screening).

• Target validation using only tool compounds with no path to drug development.

• Reformulation of commercially available drugs via new routes of administration.

• Studies evaluating dietary supplements.

MJFF does not intend to serve as the sole funder and expects applicants to pursue complementary funding sources.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive pre-proposal for this opportunity will likely take 20–40 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Fractional support is $300 per hour, with most pre-proposal projects requiring 10-20 hours of expert support from strategy through submission of full proposal.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

See Request for Applications Here.

ARPA-H BioStabilization Systems (BoSS)

Executive Summary:

The ARPA-H BioStabilization Systems (BoSS) program provides multi-year support for teams developing ambient-temperature cell stabilization and scalable bioprocessing systems. Performer Solution Summaries are due February 19, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

ARPA-H anticipates multiple OT awards, with the expectation that Performer teams will be funded through multi-phase development (up to 48 months). While specific award ceilings aren't stated, ARPA-H OT programs typically support multi-million-dollar development efforts and note that several teams may be funded initially with down-selects in later phases.

What could I use the funding for?

The BioStabilization Systems (BoSS) program aims to transform how live cell-based therapies are stabilized, manufactured, and distributed. At its core, BoSS addresses a foundational bottleneck in the delivery of advanced cell and gene therapies (CGTs): the critical dependence on ultra-cold conditions (-80 to -196˚C) for storage and transport. BoSS will yield a bioprocessing system that enables scalable production of thermally stable cells, paving the way for a new era of efficient and resilient manufacturing and distribution of biologics without any need for cold storage. BoSS-developed technologies will also accelerate many other avenues in biotechnology that directly impact healthcare, including bio-surveillance, regenerative medicine, large-scale genetic testing, blood product supply, and wound repair, in addition to improving access to a wide range of existing biotherapeutics.

This ISO is intended to solicit:

1) Performer teams that can pioneer breakthrough cell stabilization technologies and integrate these technologies into a commercially viable system for producing cell therapy products at scale. Strategic partnerships are encouraged to best position technologies for commercialization success, such as assembling multidisciplinary teams that may include experts from academic, industry, regulatory, commercialization, and non-traditional backgrounds.

2) An Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) partner to reliably provide well-characterized, clinically relevant, government-selected cells to Technical Area Performers. This partner will also assess cell viability and system performance at critical junctures throughout the program.

• Background

  This year approximately 150 million Americans will use at least one thermally unstable biologic, such as a monoclonal antibody, vaccine, or cell therapy. The instability of these medicines necessitates a reliance on cold chain, which jeopardizes product effectiveness, escalates costs, and limits access due to complex, temperature-dependent manufacturing and distribution schemes. Furthermore, costly ultra-cold cryopreservation is the standard approach to extending shelf-life stability for life saving biologics such as CGTs. However, demand for CGTs continues to surge, powered by their transformative impact on healthcare and reflected in rapid market expansion. Globally, there are now >3000 CGTs in the development pipeline, ranging from pre-clinical through pre-registration phases. Innovative solutions that relieve cold chain requirements while preserving shelf-life stability are crucial to meeting this rising demand, as FDA approval and widespread patient access to CGTs rely on maintaining product quality throughout storage and distribution.

  BoSS aims to develop innovative technologies that preserve cells at ambient temperatures, a breakthrough approach we will subsequently refer to as biostabilization. Achieving biostabilization remains a two-fold challenge that has yet to be overcome. The first challenge requires cellular interventions to preserve the integrity and function of vital elements prior to undergoing stabilization, enabling cells to withstand physical changes that would otherwise cause irreversible damage. This could include delivering protectants into cells and/or altering cells in other ways to improve processing and storage resilience. To maintain the clinical utility of cell products, cellular interventions to prepare and deploy biostabilization must be both biocompatible and reversible. The second challenge involves implementing aseptic, cell-friendly handling instrumentation to deploy stabilization techniques across various production scales.
  
  One approach to address the first challenge is to adopt nature’s strategies to accomplish biostabilization. For example, ‘anhydrobiotes’ can tolerate extreme loss of water and persist in a dehydrated state for years (e.g., tardigrades, rotifers, brine shrimp), quickly regaining full function after rehydration. Molecular contributors to this resilience have been elucidated such as amorphous trehalose glass and special classes of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Recent studies have revealed cell structure re-arrangements and stress-induced formation of molecular condensates that may be essential for surviving the stresses of dry processing. Other discoveries from the genomic to the organismal scale form the natural basis of desiccation tolerance and may be adapted or improved upon for biostabilization. Solutions inspired by chemistry and materials science advances are also encouraged along with approaches that employ biocompatible polymers, scaffolds, multi-organic frameworks, or cell encapsulation to protect and stabilize cells.

  Addressing the second challenge requires development of new processing approaches and potentially new instrumentation that can yield products suitable for ambient storage. Current gold standard methods for batch processing like lyophilization (freeze-drying) are energy-intensive, slow, and challenging to apply to complex biologics. While appropriate for proteins, antibodies, and even some vaccines, lyophilization is a risky and unproven approach for high-value cell products that are widely used in the biopharma industry as starting materials, manufacturing intermediates, host cells, and cell-based therapies. Nascent technologies like microwave-assisted vacuum foam-drying, thin film freeze-drying, and polymerization gelation exhibit potential for processing complex biologics but remain at a low manufacturing readiness level (MRL), i.e., early-stage development and requires significant development to establish full-scale production. Established technologies with high MRL, such as spray-drying, commonly used for food production, offer the advantage of continuous processing and may have potential for adaptation to biologics.
  

  Successful completion of BoSS will yield a bioprocessing system designed as a platform technology for stabilizing cell biologics capable of easy integration into biomanufacturing pipelines. The bioprocessing system will enable scalable production and distribution of thermally stable cells benefiting the biopharmaceutical ecosystem that uses cells as starting materials, manufacturing intermediates, and CGTs. Breakthroughs from BoSS are expected to yield biostabilization innovations including intracellular and extracellular protectants and stabilizers, enabling bioprocessing technologies, and re-animation products. Together, BoSS bioprocessing system and biostabilization technologies will be commercially viable solutions that will establish a new paradigm for biomanufacturing designed to reduce costs and ensure that biological medicines are accessible to patients, including those living in the most remote and resource-limited communities.

• Technical Areas

  BoSS envisions that successful solutions will converge from extremophile biology, biomaterials science, biomanufacturing, pharmaceutical formulation, process engineering, and device development to unlock new bioprocessing and biostabilization solutions, bridging historical silos in biostasis science and advancing biological medicines. Proposals are required to address solutions to both technical areas:
  
  Technical Area 1 (TA1): BioPrep

  Approaches to BioPrep include preparing, protecting, and other methods of intervention to allow cells to endure and recover from biostabilization at room temperature. BioPrep solutions should be reversible interventions that support the suspension of biological activity while ensuring cellular health and integrity upon reanimation. BioPrep solutions may also include the development of re-animation techniques and solutions that rapidly restore biological activities after biostabilization.
  
  Technical Area 2 (TA2): Bioprocessing

  Bioprocessing technologies (e.g., instruments, devices) should enable the deployment of biostabilization concepts at scale. Activities may include the scale-up of an early MRL, cell-friendly processing technology, or the adaptation of scaled systems that can be re-designed to safely and gently handle cells. The proposed solution should mitigate stress on cells while achieving biostabilization with preserved quality and function for extended durations at ambient temperatures.
  
  Proposers must submit proposals to both TAs. A conforming proposal will account for all program requirements outlined in this ISO, both TA-specific and overall program milestones and metrics.

• Program Overview

  Technology commercialization is a critical part of achieving the ARPA-H mission to improve health outcomes for all Americans. To support this goal, progress will be measured by strategic metrics and milestones that must be met to advance through subsequent phases. Technologies will advance across three integrated phases designed to drive both technical advancement and commercial translation:

  •

  Phase 1 focuses on establishing the scientific feasibility of ambient biostabilization. This proof-of-concept stage includes developing innovative cell preparation approaches with enabling instrumentation that, together, are capable of inducing biostabilization as well as re-animation methods to restore function after biostabilization.

  •

  Phase 2 emphasizes integrated capability demonstrations, converging biological and manufacturing innovations into a cohesive bioprocessing system that can produce stabilized cells under simulated commercial conditions.

  •

  Phase 3 advances to scaled solution development and industry transition, preparing the bioprocessing system for market entry through GMP-compliant production, strategic industry partnerships, and validation in real-world use cases.

  Performer teams must meet increasingly stringent technological capability requirements and stabilized cell quality metrics during each phase to demonstrate progress on biostabilization technology development. Performers will choose cells used for end of phase demonstrations from a list of government-selected cell types, which will be identified at the start of the performance period. Sub-phase milestones may be demonstrated on cell types chosen by the Performer, with consideration to the restrictions identified in Table 1. In later stages, end of phase demonstrations will be permitted on cells that are aligned with Phase 3 transition partners. Ideal transitional partners for Performers are organizations equipped with established distribution networks to seamlessly integrate the developed bioprocessing system into their existing biomanufacturing pipelines for cell biologics, accelerating the path from innovation to implementation.

  At the end of the program, biostabilization technologies will demonstrate capability, scalability, and applicability of commercially viable platform technologies that enable room temperature storage and distribution of stabilized cells agnostic of cell type, supporting widespread access to biologic medicines. The ideal bioprocessing system will integrate seamlessly with biomanufacturing and fill-finish systems. Ultimately, partnerships will culminate into early adoption of a new commercially viable bioprocessing system capable of scalable production of stabilized cell products that meet Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and GMP standards with a path paved for commercialization to support broad industry adoption.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the primary funding, BoSS awardees gain several indirect strategic advantages:

Government Validation & Credibility
Selection by ARPA-H establishes strong scientific legitimacy and positions your technology as a potential national-level biomanufacturing platform.

Enhanced Visibility & Notoriety
Awardees are featured through ARPA-H communications, Proposers’ Day events, and industry engagement, increasing recognition among biotech investors, health systems, and biopharma manufacturers.

Access to a National Innovation Network
BoSS includes structured engagement with an Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) partner, FDA interactions, and optional commercialization support—creating opportunities for partnerships, pilot studies, and eventual technology adoption.

Stronger Exit, Growth, and Acquisition Potential
Nondilutive development of platform technologies can significantly improve valuation, especially for companies working in CGT manufacturing, biosurveillance platforms, or enabling bioprocessing technologies. Government validation reduces perceived technical risk for acquirers and later-stage investors.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Key dates:

• Proposers’ Day: January 29, 2026

• Performer Solution Summary: February 19, 2026

• Performer Pitch: March 26, 2026

• IV&V Solution Summary: April 17, 2026

• IV&V Pitch: May 15, 2026

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is issued through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), under the Scalable Solutions Office, using Other Transaction (OT) authority for high-risk, high-impact biomedical innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Universities, Nonprofits, Small and large commercial businesses, Non-U.S. entities (with restrictions; must not be from foreign entities of concern), Must conduct work in the U.S., FFRDCs and U.S. Government entities cannot participate as Performers.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

See full solicitation for details. Strong candidates include companies with capabilities in:

• Cell & gene therapy engineering

• Bioprocessing & biomanufacturing instrumentation

• Biomaterials, polymers, encapsulation, or intracellular protectants

• Cell preservation technologies (cryopreservation alternatives, desiccation biology)

• Microfluidics, closed-system processing, or continuous manufacturing

• Regulatory-ready biologics or device development expertise

• Advanced analytical platforms (cell viability, potency, functional assays)

Winning projects will propose integrated TA1 + TA2 solutions capable of achieving:

• Room-temperature stability (14 days → 3 months)

• Reanimation <1 hour by Phase 3

• High viability, function, and potency metrics across multiple cell types

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• No genetic manipulation of cells

• No dangerous gain-of-function research (per EO 14292)

• No demonstrations on RBCs or microbial species

• No slow (>4 hr prep or >1 day processing) methods

• No methods that cannot scale or meet GMP requirements

• No traditional lyophilization

• Teams must maintain SAM.gov registration for Step 2

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a solution summary under this opportunity will likely take 50-70 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $4,000 to submit a solution summary.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Resources

See the full solicitation here.