DIU: AI Assisted Triage & Treatment Challenge

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

Executive Summary:

The AI Assisted Triage & Treatment Challenge is a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) prize challenge seeking portable, network-capable hemodynamic monitoring systems for forward combat medical environments. The goal is to enable real-time triage and predictive warning of dangerous physiological conditions in austere and Denied, Disrupted, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) settings.

Up to eight (8) finalists will share a $999,000 total prize pool and demonstrate at Sword 2026. Top performers may be invited to pursue a Prototype Other Transaction (OT) under 10 U.S.C. § 4022 without further competition.

Responses Due By: 2026-03-02 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time.

How much funding would I receive?

• $999,000 total prize pool, split among up to eight (8) finalist companies.

• Exact distribution per company is not specified.

• DIU has approved a budget and execution plan to negotiate Prototype Other Transaction (OT) projects pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 4022 following Sword 26.

• The amount of any future OT award is not specified.

What could I use the funding for?

Prize funds are awarded through the Challenge.

If selected for a Prototype OT under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, funding would support development and prototyping of:

• Portable, network-capable hemodynamic monitoring devices

• Hardware, software, and networking components

• Demonstration and battlefield testing (up to 30 systems expected for Phase 3 testing)

Specific allowable cost categories are not detailed in the announcement.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Selected teams may receive:

• Invitation to submit a Prototype OT proposal without further competition

• Participation in Sword 2026 (May 8–12, 2026)

• Engagement with DoW stakeholders and mission partners

• Potential participation in future exercises

• Consideration for scaling solutions into operational capabilities

DIU may assist in accelerating timelines for research approvals, subject to applicable processes and approvals.

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

Responses Due By: 2026-03-02 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time.

All dates are tentative and subject to change.

Prize Challenge Phases 1–3

• Feb 17, 2026: Open Call Release

• Feb 26, 2026: AMA Session (11:00 AM ET)

• Mar 2, 2026: Open Call Submission Window Closes

• Week of Mar 9, 2026: Semi-finalists Notified

• Apr 7–8, 2026: Virtual Pitches & Interviews

• Apr 10, 2026: Finalists Notified

• May 8–12, 2026: Sword 2026 Demonstration Event

• Week of Jun 8, 2026: Winners Announced

Prototype OT Phase

• June 2026: Top performers from Sword 2026 may be invited to submit a proposal for a Prototype OT pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 4022, without further competition.

Prize payment timing is not specified.

Where does this funding come from?

This Challenge is issued by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in partnership with Project Manager Soldier Medical Devices and other Department of War (DoW) stakeholders.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes:

• Any U.S. or International Participants (subject to security screening before acceptance to finals)

• Ability to demonstrate capabilities at a Department-determined test site in Europe by May 2026

• Small businesses and non-traditional defense vendors are encouraged to apply

If advancing to Phase 4 (Prototype OT), teams must either:

• Include at least one non-traditional defense contractor or non-profit research institution with significant participation, or

• Ensure at least one-third of total OT costs are paid by parties other than the government

Companies must:

• Register in SAM and obtain a CAGE code (if selected for a Prototype agreement)

Non-Traditional Defense Contractor definition is provided in accordance with 10 U.S.C 2302(9).

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The DoW seeks:

• Portable, ruggedized, lightweight hemodynamic monitoring devices

• Minimum 72-hour operation without recharge

• Wireless data transmission

• Predictive warning indicators for dangerous hemodynamic status

• Usability by medical and non-medically trained personnel

• Integration with DoW and allied systems (e.g., electronic health record, BATDOK, ATAK)

• Cloud and on-premise functionality

• Internal data logging for DDIL environments

Additional favorable attributes:

• Extensibility to TCCC, CASEVAC, MEDEVAC, resupply

• Rapid fielding capability and exportability to allies

• Existing ATO or system-of-record certification

• FedRAMP Moderate and DISA IL-5 (PA), with final product compliant with FedRAMP High

• U.S. National Security Facility Clearance

• Manufacturing capacity for up to 15,000 units in first production year

White papers are judged on:

1. Introduction

2. System Effectiveness

3. Technical Feasibility

4. System Scalability/Economics

5. Commercial Viability

6. Submission Quality

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• White paper limited to five (5) pages, 11-point Calibri, single-spaced

• Must use provided template

• Submit as PDF

• Footnotes not permitted

• References must be within page limit

• Must acknowledge familiarity with DoW Ethical Principles for AI and DIU Responsible AI Guidelines

• Must comply with 32 CFR 219 and DoDI 3216.02 if human subjects research is required

• Medical devices must seek FDA 510(k) clearance (minimally in trauma patients) and receive clearance before procurement and fielding

• Vendors with cloud solutions must meet FedRAMP and DISA IL requirements as stated

• DIU reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or modify the Challenge

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time will depend on:

• Maturity of your technical solution

• Readiness to address regulatory (FDA), security (FedRAMP, DISA IL-5), and manufacturing scale requirements

• Ability to align with Responsible AI Guidelines

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you by:

• Assessing eligibility and OT strategy

• Structuring your white paper against the six evaluation criteria

• Positioning your solution for both prize selection and follow-on Prototype OT

• Clarifying Responsible AI, regulatory, and security alignment narratives

• Preparing you for the April 7–8, 2026 pitch event

Our goal is to help you compete not just for the prize pool, but for the potential 10 U.S.C. § 4022 Prototype OT without further competition.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements for submitting application ($9,000) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation 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.

CDMRP: Arthritis Research Program (ATRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The Arthritis Research Program (ATRP) has released its anticipated funding opportunities for Fiscal Year 2026, funded through the Department of Defense’s FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and managed by the CDMRP. This pre-announcement is meant to help investigators prepare competitive proposals ahead of the official Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs). Deadlines for pre-applications and full applications will be included in the upcoming FOAs on Grants.gov once released.

How much funding would I receive?

While the total program budget for ATRP isn’t specified in the pre-announcement itself, the FY26 DoD appropriations provide funding for the ATRP as part of a broader portfolio that includes a ~$10 M allocation for arthritis research.

Per award (anticipated levels):

• Clinical Research Award

  • Research Level 1: Up to $1.3 M total costs over up to 4 years.

  • Research Level 2: Up to $3.25 M total costs over up to 4 years.

• Translational Research Award

  • Up to $800,000 total costs over up to 3 years.
    All awards count direct + indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is structured to support clinically relevant arthritis research:

Prevention & Early Diagnosis

• Identify factors predicting disease onset/progression

• Develop technologies or solutions for arthritis prevention.

Treatment & Burden Mitigation

• Topic 1: Evaluate interventions or strategies that alleviate pain/symptoms, improve function, address psychosocial factors, comorbidities, or pathologic disease burden.

• Topic 2: Develop new solutions targeting similar multifactorial elements of arthritis.

Translated into potential research areas:

• Pilot studies or full clinical trials (clinical research)

• Translational projects moving discoveries toward clinical application (without supporting clinical trials)

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Being part of a CDMRP program provides two-tier review with both scientific and programmatic relevance evaluation (via eBRAP/Grants.gov processes).

• Opportunities to influence care and policy with clinically actionable outputs.

• Access to broader CDMRP support resources and network.

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

• This is a pre-announcement only. Formal FOAs with pre-application and full application deadlines will be posted to Grants.gov and eBRAP later.

• Funding timeline (award start to end) aligns with award type (up to 3–4 years).

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, via the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), managed through the Defense Health Agency Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC).

Who is eligible to apply?

• Independent investigators at all academic levels or equivalents can apply for all award types.

• Clinical awards expect research aligned with program focus areas.

• Translational awards require preliminary data and aim to move findings toward clinical relevance.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Likely competitive applicants will:

• Address prevention, early diagnosis, treatment efficacy, or multifactorial burden mitigation of arthritis.

• Show strong preliminary data, especially for translational and clinical research.

• Demonstrate clinical relevance and potential to improve patient outcomes.

• Include multidisciplinary teams with community collaborators (patients/care partners) for applicability.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Pre-announcement is not a funding obligation or contract — final requirements and eligibility criteria will be defined in FOAs.

• Clinical trials require appropriate planning and justification.

• Applications for clinical research must include relevant preliminary/published data.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Preparation timelines vary by mechanism:

  • Clinical Research Awards may take months to draft due to data, design, and collaborator requirements.

  • Translational Awards also require solid preliminary evidence.

  • Plan ahead for eBRAP pre-applications and revision cycles before full submission. (Recommended: map to FOA deadlines once published.)

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO could support you by:

• Interpret the FOA once published and align your research to program priorities.

• Develop competitive research and budget narratives.

• Coordinate pre-application eBRAP submission and compliance checks.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The Fiscal Year 2026 Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) pre-announcement was released by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) on February 12, 2026. This pre-announcement signals anticipated funding opportunities aimed at high-impact research to prevent, detect, and resolve Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases that affect Service Members, Veterans, families, and the general public. Funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) — including pre-application and full application deadlines — have not yet been released and must be monitored on Grants.gov and eBRAP.

How much funding would I receive?

Award-specific maximums from the pre-announcement:

• Idea Development Award – Up to $800,000 total costs over up to 3 years.

• Idea Development Award – Career Development Option – Up to $550,000 total costs over up to 3 years.

• Therapeutic/Diagnostic Research Award – Up to $1,325,000 total costs over up to 3 years.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support innovative, high-impact research addressing tick-borne diseases. The pre-announcement defines mechanism-specific focus areas:

A) Idea Development Award

Pathogenesis

• Assess interactions among tick-borne pathogens (emphasis Lyme and co-infections)

• Study persistent clinical manifestations (neurologic symptoms encouraged)

• Studies on maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, congenital infections

Treatment

• Proof-of-concept for novel therapeutics or repurposing existing compounds

• Target identification/validation and early refinement of therapeutic candidates

Diagnosis

• Development/optimization of improved diagnostics for:

  • Single or multiple tick-borne pathogens (priority on direct detection of Borrelia burgdorferi)

  • Distinguish active Lyme infection from past exposure

  • Detect/diagnose maternal-to-fetal transmission, including relevant animal models

B) Therapeutic/Diagnostic Research Award

• Treatment – Evaluation/refinement of therapeutic candidates, including PK/PD and toxicology; designed to advance early/preclinical drug development.

• Diagnosis – Validation of novel diagnostics capable of single or multi-pathogen detection, distinguishing active from past infection, and detecting maternal-to-fetal transmission pathways.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• The program explicitly supports career development options for early-career investigators (with mentorship).

• Pre-application requirements and peer review support transparency in mechanism expectations.

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

• Application deadlines: Not yet released. The pre-announcement states that FOAs containing specific pre-application and application deadlines will be posted on Grants.gov and through the eBRAP portal once available.

• Funding start: After successful review, awards typically begin in the fiscal year following announcement (FY26), but exact start dates are not yet published.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding for TBDRP is provided by the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act, and administered by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development / Medical Research and Development Command (CDMRP).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies by mechanism. From the pre-announcement:

• Independent investigators at all career levels are eligible for many mechanisms.

• Career Development Option has specific requirements:

  • PI must be within 10 years of terminal degree (with exceptions for residency/family leave)

  • Mentor must be experienced (≥5 year track record in tick-borne disease research)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that are highly innovative, directly related to the defined focus areas, and translational in nature (with clear clinical relevance) are likely to be competitive. Specifically:

• Approaches that address persistent Lyme disease, novel diagnostics, and novel therapeutic strategies

• Research that demonstrates strong rationale or preliminary data aligned with CDCMRP priorities

• Early-career investigators partnered with experienced mentors (for Career Development Option)

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Clinical trials cannot be supported under these mechanisms; human studies are permitted where applicable.

• Full application submission is by invitation only after pre-proposal review.

• Mechanism‐specific eligibility and focus area alignment are strict and will be enforced in the FOA.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time varies significantly by mechanism and institutional support, but given the requirement for pre-proposals, preliminary data, and alignment with specific focus areas, investigators should plan for 6–12 weeks of preparation once the FOA is released. This accounts for drafting, internal review, and compliance checks prior to pre-application submission.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Interpret and map your research to specific TBDRP focus areas

• Develop pre-proposal drafts and strategic research narratives

• Identify data needs and plan for compliant application packages

• Coordinate mentor relationships for career development submissions

• Set milestones to meet pre-application and full application deadlines

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.