DHA Wound Infection Barrier Prototype OT

Executive summary

The Defense Health Agency seeks a prototype Barrier Combination product for battlefield wounds: a physical barrier infused or impregnated with antibacterial and/or antifungal activity. One prototype Other Transaction will be awarded. Proposals are due November 6, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern.

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The final product must have FDA approval or clearance, so this fits a team whose antimicrobial barrier product is already on a defined FDA path, not an early concept.

Solicitation at a glance

• Agency: Defense Health Agency (DHA), Warfighter Protection and Acute Care Project Management Office, Fort Detrick, Maryland
• Opportunity: Request for Prototype Proposals, Battlefield Wound Infection Prevention and Treatment (BWI P&T) Barrier Combination
• Notice ID: HT9427-26-R-E020
• Authority: Prototype Other Transaction, 10 U.S.C. 4022
• Funding: Not stated in the SAM.gov notice; one award
• Technology maturity: The final product must have FDA approval or clearance
• Due date: November 6, 2026, 12:00 p.m. Eastern (extended from October 23, 2026)

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What is the BWI P&T Barrier Combination?

A combination wound treatment made of a physical barrier that protects the wound and an antibacterial and/or antifungal activity released from the barrier, to stop organisms from spreading and avoid systemic infection.

What problem is DHA trying to solve?

DHA's Warfighter Protection and Acute Care office needs a product that both protects a battlefield wound and releases antibacterial and/or antifungal activity, to prevent organisms from spreading and avoid systemic infection.

Priority capability areas: what DHA is looking for

• Barrier: a physical barrier that protects the wound
• Antimicrobial activity: antibacterial and/or antifungal activity infused or impregnated in the barrier and released from it
• Regulatory path: a final product with FDA approval or clearance

Eligibility

The request for prototype proposals sets the participation rules. Prototype Other Transactions under 10 U.S.C. 4022 generally require at least one nontraditional defense contractor or small business participating to a significant extent, or a one-third cost share, unless another statutory condition applies. Confirm the terms in the RPP on SAM.gov.

How to apply

• Download the RPP and attachments from the SAM.gov notice, including the Statement of Objectives and cost templates.
• Watch for amendments. DHA has said another amendment with offeror questions and answers will be posted.
• Send questions to the contracting contacts listed on the notice.
• Submit by November 6, 2026, 12:00 p.m. Eastern.

What happens after you submit?

• Evaluation: DHA evaluates proposals under the RPP
• Award: one prototype Other Transaction

Is this opportunity a good fit for your company?

It fits a company with an antimicrobial wound barrier or dressing already moving through FDA approval or clearance. It does not fit early-stage concepts or barrier products with no antimicrobial or antifungal activity.

How BW&CO can help

BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For prototype Other Transactions like this DHA request, we help you:

• Read the RPP and Statement of Objectives against your product
• Plan teaming to meet the 4022 participation rules
• Frame your FDA path for evaluators
• Build the technical and price volumes
• Manage amendments and the submission deadline

Plan your DHA prototype proposal

Frequently asked questions

Who issued this request?

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity, for DHA's Warfighter Protection and Acute Care Project Management Office at Fort Detrick, Maryland.

When are proposals due?

November 6, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern. The original due date was October 23, 2026.

How many awards will DHA make?

One.

How much funding is available?

The SAM.gov notice does not state an amount. Check the RPP and cost attachments.

What kind of award is it?

A prototype Other Transaction under 10 U.S.C. 4022.

Does the product need FDA approval?

Yes. The final product must have FDA approval or clearance.

What counts as a Barrier Combination product?

A wound treatment with a barrier component that is infused or impregnated with antimicrobial and/or antifungal properties.

Will there be more amendments?

DHA has said another amendment with offeror questions and government responses will be posted.

Can BW&CO help with a DHA prototype proposal?

Yes. We help teams read the RPP against their product, plan teaming and write a compliant proposal. Book a call with our team.

Source: SAM.gov: HT9427-26-R-E020, BWI P&T Barrier Combination prototype