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?
Questions Due: February 6, 2026
Proposals Due: March 6, 2026 (5:00 PM EST)
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.