CDMRP: FY26 Epilepsy Research Program (ERP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Epilepsy Research Program (ERP) from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), managed by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command, is expected to fund innovative research focused on post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and related comorbidities.

The program’s goal is to improve quality of life for Service Members, Veterans, caregivers, and the broader epilepsy community by advancing understanding of the biological mechanisms, epidemiology, progression, and treatment of PTE.

This announcement is a pre-announcement, meaning investigators should begin preparing ideas now. Application deadlines have not yet been released. The official Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), which will include submission deadlines, will be posted on Grants.gov.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding amounts depend on the award mechanism.

• Idea Development Award

  • Maximum funding: $1 million total costs

  • Maximum period of performance: 3 years

• Leveraging Research Award

  • Maximum funding: $800,000 total costs

  • Maximum period of performance: 3 years

• Research Partnership Award

  • Maximum funding: $2 million total costs

  • Maximum period of performance: 3 years

• Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Leadership Award

  • Maximum funding: $1.6 million total costs

  • Maximum period of performance: 4 years

• Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Faculty Award

  • Maximum funding: $800,000 total costs

  • Maximum period of performance: 3 years

Total costs include direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

ERP funding supports research designed to advance understanding of post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and related conditions. Applications should address at least one of the program’s focus areas:

Markers and Mechanisms of PTE

• Identification of biomarkers predicting epilepsy development

• Research into biological mechanisms that could prevent epileptogenesis or seizure activity

Epidemiological Characterization of PTE

• Identifying predictors of epilepsy development

• Studying patient outcomes such as latency to epilepsy onset, comorbidities, and mortality

• Measuring impacts on quality of life for patients and caregivers

Longitudinal Studies of PTE Progression

• Tracking disease progression over time

• Evaluating treatment outcomes and quality of care

• Studying interactions between epilepsy and comorbid conditions such as psychiatric disorders, cognitive deficits, sleep disorders, and fatigue

Innovative Research Tools and Technologies

• Artificial intelligence or bioinformatics tools

• Clinical databases and advanced device technologies for seizure detection and diagnosis

• Models for studying post-traumatic epilepsy

• Tools enabling future clinical trials

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Some award mechanisms provide benefits beyond funding.

For example:

• Research Partnership Award

  • Supports collaborative research between two named Principal Investigators

• Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Leadership Award

  • Provides funding to lead a virtual research center

  • Includes responsibilities such as mentoring investigators and facilitating collaboration

• Virtual Post-Traumatic Epilepsy Research Center – Faculty Award

  • Supports early-career researchers or investigators new to the PTE field

  • Includes mentorship and career development within a collaborative research environment

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

The process will include:

• Pre-application submission through eBRAP

• Pre-applications will be Letters of Intent

• Full applications will follow the requirements outlined in the final FOAs on Grants.gov

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, which provides funding for the Epilepsy Research Program (ERP).

The program is administered by:

• Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)

• Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command

ERP focuses on research that benefits Service Members, Veterans, caregivers, and the broader epilepsy community.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility depends on the award mechanism:

• Idea Development Award

  • Independent investigators at any career level may serve as Principal Investigator

• Leveraging Research Award

  • Independent investigators at any career level may serve as Principal Investigator

• Research Partnership Award

  • Two named Principal Investigators who are independent investigators at any career level

• Virtual P-TERC Leadership Award

  • Director and Deputy Director must be independent investigators with:

    • Strong history of PTE research funding

    • Peer-reviewed publications

    • Mentorship experience

• Virtual P-TERC Faculty Award

  • Early-career investigators or investigators new to the PTE field

What companies and projects are likely to win?

ERP prioritizes research that:

• Advances understanding of post-traumatic epilepsy and associated comorbidities

• Improves quality of life for Service Members, Veterans, and caregivers

• Demonstrates innovation or high creativity

• Challenges existing research paradigms

• Leverages existing datasets, cohorts, or research infrastructure

• Includes strong collaborations where appropriate

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key requirements include:

• Pre-applications must be submitted through eBRAP

• All pre-applications are Letters of Intent

• Full applications must follow the requirements of the final Funding Opportunity Announcements on Grants.gov

• Applications must align with the ERP’s focus areas on post-traumatic epilepsy

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time will depend on the complexity of the project and research team.

Typical CDMRP submissions involve:

• A Letter of Intent (pre-application)

• A full application including research plan, budget, and supporting documentation

Because official deadlines have not yet been released, investigators should begin developing project concepts now so they are ready once the FOAs are posted.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO supports companies and research teams pursuing CDMRP and other federal research funding by:

• Identifying the most competitive award mechanism

• Developing a compelling proposal narrative aligned with program priorities

• Structuring the research plan and milestones

• Coordinating multi-institution collaborations

• Managing the full submission process through eBRAP and Grants.gov

Our team has extensive experience helping applicants pursue defense health and biomedical research funding.

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: FY26 Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP) is expected to release funding opportunities through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) to support impactful research addressing Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease–related dementias (AD/ADRD).

The program’s mission is to fund solution-oriented research that improves quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and the general public.

Congress appropriated $15.0 million for the FY26 Alzheimer’s Research Program.

The FY26 AZRP is expected to support research that improves diagnosis, prevention, risk reduction, and quality of life for individuals affected by AD/ADRD.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding depends on the award mechanism.

Transforming Care Award

• Maximum funding: $1.6M total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Career Initiation or Transition Partnership Option (CITPO):

• Maximum funding: $1.8M total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Transforming Diagnosis Award

• Maximum funding: $1.5M total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Career Initiation or Transition Partnership Option (CITPO):

• Maximum funding: $1.7M total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Transforming Research Award

• Maximum funding: $1M total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 3 years

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports non-incremental, solution-focused research addressing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD).

The allowable research depends on the mechanism.

Transforming Care Award

Supports well-designed non-incremental clinical research or clinical trials in dementia care that provide solutions for individuals living with AD/ADRD.

Projects may address:

• Care interventions

• Strategies or technologies for dementia care

• Tools that improve daily living and support systems

• Approaches that reduce caregiver burden and stress

• Methods that improve quality of life for individuals with dementia

Applications are encouraged to prioritize both:

• Individuals living with AD/ADRD

• Their care partners

Transforming Diagnosis Award

Supports solutions-oriented research addressing barriers to diagnosis, disease monitoring, or prognosis.

Barriers may include:

• Diagnostic technologies

• Cost barriers

• Access to diagnostic tools

• Clinical implementation challenges

• Biomarker validation

• Disease monitoring methods

• Lack of longitudinal data for prediction or prognosis

Research may include:

• Prospective human subject recruitment

• De-identified human samples, specimens, or datasets

Transforming Research Award

Supports research that reduces risk and prevents the development of AD/ADRD.

Applications must address one of two focus areas:

Risk factor knowledge

• Identification or validation of risk or protective factors

• Environmental, epigenetic, genetic, lifestyle, or occupational risks

Risk reduction solutions

• Non-pharmacological methods

• Technologies

• Prevention strategies that reduce risk of AD/ADRD

The program encourages studies leveraging existing cohorts or datasets, including cohorts 65 years or younger.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The pre-announcement does not specify additional non-funding benefits.

However, CDMRP programs typically provide:

• Access to a two-tier review system combining scientific peer review and programmatic review to ensure scientific merit and mission relevance.

• Opportunities to collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and community stakeholders affected by the disease.

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

The pre-announcement states that:

• Pre-announcements are released first

• Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) with full application details will follow.

Applications must comply with the final FOAs published on:

• CDMRP website

• Grants.gov

• eBRAP

Where does this funding come from?

This funding comes from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Department of Defense.

Key facts:

• Funding was appropriated through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.

• CDMRP manages biomedical research programs supporting the health of Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and the American public.

Who is eligible to apply?

Detailed eligibility criteria will be provided in the official Funding Opportunity Announcements.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The AZRP supports projects that:

• Address critical needs in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias

• Deliver solution-oriented outcomes

• Improve diagnosis, prevention, or patient quality of life

• Demonstrate clear relevance to Service Members, Veterans, their Families, or the broader public

Projects that show strong scientific merit and mission relevance are prioritized through CDMRP’s two-tier review process.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Restrictions and requirements are not specified in the pre-announcement.

These details—including allowable costs, research scope limitations, and regulatory requirements—will be defined in the full Funding Opportunity Announcements.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The preparation timeline is not specified in the pre-announcement.

CDMRP programs often use a two-stage process that may include:

• Pre-application submission

• Invitation to submit a full application

However, the specific process for FY26 AZRP is not specified in the pre-announcement.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO supports teams pursuing CDMRP funding by:

• Assessing project fit with the AZRP mission and research priorities

• Developing a competitive technical narrative

• Structuring proposals to align with CDMRP review criteria

• Managing submission strategy, compliance, and timeline

• Coordinating collaborators, investigators, and supporting documentation

Our team has extensive experience supporting Department of Defense CDMRP grant applications.

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: FY26 Autism Research Program

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

Executive Summary:

The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Autism Research Program (ARP) from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) will fund innovative, high-impact research with clinical relevance that improves outcomes for individuals with autism and their families. The program released this pre-announcement to allow investigators time to plan proposals before the formal Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are released.

The FY26 ARP was funded through the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act. Investigators should begin preparing now because the program will require a pre-application before submission of a full proposal once the FOAs are released.

Application deadline: The deadline is not specified in the solicitation. Deadlines will be published in the FY26 ARP funding opportunity announcements when they are released on Grants.gov.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding depends on the specific award mechanism.

Career Development Award

• Maximum funding: $750,000 total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 3 years

Clinical Trial Award

• Maximum funding: $1.5 million total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Clinical Trial Award – Nested Early-Career Investigator Option

• Maximum funding: $1.75 million total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

Idea Development Award

• Maximum funding: $750,000 total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 3 years

Total costs include direct and indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

Each mechanism supports different types of autism research.

Career Development Award

• Supports early-career independent investigators or established investigators transitioning into autism research.

• Projects must pursue research with the potential to have a major impact on autism.

• Supported activities include:

  • Innovative, high-impact research ideas

  • Early-phase, proof-of-principle clinical trials

• Preliminary data is required.

Clinical Trial Award

• Supports research with the potential to have a major impact on the treatment and/or management of autism.

• Projects must involve clinical trials supported by preliminary data.

Clinical Trial Award – Nested Early-Career Investigator Option

• Allows a senior investigator (initiating PI) to collaborate with a young investigator.

• Supports the development of investigators pursuing careers in autism clinical trial research.

Idea Development Award

• Supports innovative, high-impact ideas that advance understanding of autism and lead to improved outcomes.

• Includes a Partnering PI Option allowing collaboration between two investigators.

• Clinical trials are not allowed under this mechanism.

All mechanisms require preliminary data relevant to the proposed project.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The program includes several structural benefits:

• Career Development Award supports the transition of researchers into the autism field.

• Clinical Trial Award – Nested Early-Career Investigator Option provides structured development for young investigators.

• Idea Development Award – Partnering PI Option encourages collaboration between investigators.

These structures are designed to expand the autism research workforce and accelerate impactful research.

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

• Pre-announcement released: March 2, 2026

• Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) will be posted on Grants.gov.

• Pre-application submission through eBRAP is required before submitting a full application.

• Application submission is by invitation only after review of the pre-application.

• Pre-application and full application deadlines are not specified in the pre-announcement.

• Funding start dates are not specified in the pre-announcement.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding for the program comes from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and is administered by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command.

The program is part of the Department of Defense’s Autism Research Program (ARP).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies by mechanism.

Career Development Award
Applicants must:

• Be independent investigators at or below the level of Assistant Professor, or equivalent,

  or

• Be established investigators in a field other than autism at or above the level of Assistant Professor seeking to transition into autism research.

Additional requirements:

• Must not have previously received a Career Development Award (or equivalent) from any CDMRP program or other federal agency.

• Must not have received more than $250,000 in total direct costs for previous or concurrent autism research as a PI of federally or privately funded non-mentored peer-reviewed grants.

• Must hold a Ph.D., M.D., M.D./Ph.D., or equivalent at the time of pre-application submission.

• Must not be a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or other mentored researcher.

Clinical Trial Award

• Independent investigators at any career level.

Clinical Trial Award – Nested Early-Career Investigator Option
Young investigator must:

• Be currently in postdoctoral training or have completed postdoctoral training.

• Be no more than 7 years from receipt of a terminal degree.

• Commit at least 50% time to the project.

Idea Development Award

• Independent investigators at any career level.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the pre-announcement, competitive applications will likely:

• Propose innovative, high-impact research addressing autism

• Demonstrate strong preliminary data

• Show potential for major impact on understanding, treatment, or management of autism

• Align with the goals of the specific award mechanism

• For collaboration options, demonstrate meaningful partnerships between investigators

Applications must clearly demonstrate scientific merit and potential impact.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Pre-application submission through eBRAP is required before submitting a full application.

• Full applications are submitted by invitation only.

• Preliminary data is required for all mechanisms.

• Idea Development Award applications cannot support clinical trials, including a clinical trial aim.

• Career Development Award applicants must meet prior funding and career stage restrictions.

All applications must conform to the final Funding Opportunity Announcements posted on Grants.gov.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify preparation time.

However, because the ARP uses a two-stage process (pre-application followed by invitation-only full application), applicants typically need time to:

• Prepare a competitive pre-proposal

• Develop preliminary data and a detailed research plan

• Assemble collaborators and institutional approvals

Investigators are encouraged to begin planning early before FOAs are released.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support applicants throughout the ARP application process, including:

• Evaluating project fit with ARP mechanisms

• Developing a competitive proposal strategy

• Structuring impact-focused research narratives

• Managing the pre-application and full application process

• Preparing supporting documents and compliance materials

• Coordinating multi-investigator collaborations

Our team has extensive experience supporting Department of Defense CDMRP grant applications.

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: FY26 Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP)

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

Executive Summary:

Act now to prepare for the FY26 Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP) funding opportunities — anticipated to open on Grants.gov imminently. This chance is critical for investigators aiming to drive innovative, high-impact research that will eradicate deaths and suffering from lung cancer, with a focus on outcomes that benefit Service Members, Veterans, their families, and the general public. Exact pre-application and application deadlines will be posted in the final NOFOs on Grants.gov when released.

How much funding would I receive?

Award amounts for the FY26 LCRP are specified by mechanism:

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

• Translational Research Award (Level 1): Up to $1.35M total costs over 3 years.

• Translational Research Award (Level 2 – Clinical Trial Option): Up to $1.85M total costs over 4 years.

• Patient-Centered Outcomes and Survivorship Award: Up to $975,000 total costs over 3 years.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research in the following Areas of Emphasis:

• Biology & Etiology: Mechanisms of lung cancer initiation and progression.

• Prevention & Risk Reduction: Innovative prevention and recurrence reduction strategies.

• Detection, Diagnosis & Surveillance: Improved early detection and disease monitoring.

• Treatment & Prognosis: Novel treatments, biomarkers, and metastasis management.

• Health Outcomes & Survivorship: Survivorship quality of life, comorbidity impacts, and disparities reduction.

Each mechanism has specific focus and eligibility criteria detailed in the forthcoming NOFOs.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The pre-announcement does not specify additional benefits (e.g., data resources or training support). These may be described in the final funding opportunity announcements.

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

• Pre-application and application deadlines: Not yet released; will be included in the NOFOs on Grants.gov once published.

• Funding decisions: Award timing will follow the CDMRP review process described in the final announcements.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding arises from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and is administered through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Defense Health Agency Research and Development.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility (e.g., investigator types, institution requirements) will be outlined in the final NOFOs. The pre-announcement does not include full eligibility details.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Applicants are more competitive if they:

• Align tightly with one or more Areas of Emphasis.

• Demonstrate innovation and potential clinical impact.

• Address relevance to military health (e.g., Veteran populations, exposures).

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Some mechanisms (e.g., Idea Development) do not allow clinical trials.

• Specific restrictions and requirements will be in the NOFOs once released.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time depends on the mechanism, project maturity, and whether preliminary data or partnerships are needed. Start planning now to align with the mechanisms and Areas of Emphasis.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Decode the final NOFO requirements.

• Align your research strategy to maximize impact.

• Draft and polish pre-applications/ applications.

• Manage submission logistics and compliance.

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: FY26 Orthopaedic Research Program (ORP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Orthopaedic Research Program (ORP) pre-announcement outlines anticipated funding opportunities supporting innovative, high-impact research to advance treatment and rehabilitation for orthopaedic injuries sustained during combat and service-related activities. This pre-announcement is intended to help teams plan now; it is not a promise of funding. Full Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) with submission deadlines will be posted on Grants.gov and eBRAP when released.

How much funding would I receive?

Specific award budgets and totals are not yet provided in the pre-announcement. A sampling of anticipated mechanisms includes:

• Applied Research Award – up to $950,000 total costs over up to 3 years.

• Clinical Research Award (Level 1) – up to $2,000,000 total costs (4-year max).

• Clinical Research Award (Level 2) – up to $3,200,000 total costs (4-year max).
  (Total awards by mechanism and number of awards are not specified at this stage.)

What could I use the funding for?

Projects must address one or more of the FY26 ORP focus areas, including:

• Battlefield fracture-related infection (prevention, early detection, eradication strategies).

• Composite tissue regeneration following high-energy extremity trauma.

• Ligamentous trauma treatments for musculoskeletal soft-tissue instability.

• Limb stabilization and wound protectants enabling prolonged care.

• Osseointegration outcomes for prosthetic limb interfaces.

• Return-to-duty strategies to optimize reintegration and reduce reinjury.

• Military women’s health impacts of orthopaedic care.
  Funding applies to research that improves patient function, restores mobility, and maximizes return to duty in military and service-related contexts.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The pre-announcement does not list additional benefits (e.g., mentoring, training, networking) beyond funding support.

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

• Pre-announcement release: February 24, 2026.

• FOAs release: Posted later on Grants.gov and eBRAP (dates not yet specified).

• Pre-application and application deadlines: To be included in the full FOAs.

• Funding start dates: Determined after FOA release and award negotiations (not specified).
  (All deadlines and schedules will be in the final FOAs — not provided in this pre-announcement.)

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is authorized by the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and administered by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development / Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC) through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility for each award mechanism will be defined in the full FOAs. From the pre-announcement:

• Independent investigators at all career levels are eligible for many mechanisms, particularly clinical research awards.

• Preproposal required: Some mechanisms require a preproposal through eBRAP, and full application is by invitation only.
  (Complete eligibility details — including institution types, citizenship, and cost share — will be in the FOAs and are not specified here.)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Specific companies or project profiles most likely to win are not described in the pre-announcement. Competitive applications will align with the ORP focus areas and demonstrate potential to advance orthopaedic care in military and clinical contexts.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• The ORP will not consider applications proposing strategies infeasible in battlefield environments for fracture-related infection or tissue regeneration alone.

• The program will not consider biomarker-only research.

• Preproposal submission is required for certain mechanisms; full applications may be by invitation only.

• All submissions must comply with final FOA instructions posted on Grants.gov.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

With deadlines and FOA details not yet posted, exact preparation time cannot be stated. Given CDMRP’s typical structure, planning should begin now to develop compelling science narratives, compliance documents, and required eBRAP preproposals.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Monitor FOA release dates and mechanism details.

• Translate the final FOA into a targeted application roadmap.

• Develop high-impact narrative, budget, and compliance materials.

• Guide submission strategy on eBRAP and Grants.gov.

• Support preproposal and full application review to maximize competitiveness.

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.

ARPA-H SSO: “AGENTIC AI-ENABLED CARDIOVASCULAR CARE TRANSFORMATION” (ADVOCATE)

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

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H is now accepting proposals for ADVOCATE: Agentic AI-Enabled Cardiovascular Care Transformation, a major new Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) focused on deploying autonomous, FDA-regulated clinical AI agents for cardiovascular disease (CVD) care at national scale.

This program is designed to fund teams that can build, validate, and deploy patient-facing AI agents, paired with independent supervisory AI, and integrate them directly into real healthcare systems. Selected performers will work closely with FDA, large health systems, and ARPA-H leadership to establish a blueprint for scalable, reimbursable agentic AI in healthcare. A Solution Summary is mandatory and is due February 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. Full proposals are by invitation only and are due April 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.

How much funding would I receive?

• Total award size: Not specified in the solicitation

• Number of awards: Multiple awards anticipated

• Funding mechanism: Other Transaction (OT) Agreements

• Program length: Up to 39 months

  • Phase 1A: 12 months

  • Phase 1B: 12 months (option)

  • Phase 2: 15 months (option)

What could I use the funding for?

Funding must support development, validation, and deployment of agentic AI systems for cardiovascular care, aligned to one or more of the following Technical Areas (TAs):

TA1 — CVD Agent (Patient-Facing Clinical AI)

• Autonomous or semi-autonomous AI agents that:

  • Provide diagnostic and treatment assistance

  • Adjust prescriptions for CV conditions (FDA medical device)

  • Integrate real-time EHR and wearable data

  • Deliver 24/7 outpatient care management

• Clinical reasoning using multimodal inputs (text, voice, image, video)

• FDA regulatory engagement and authorization

• Deployment into real health systems for scalability studies

TA2 — Supervisory Agent (AI Oversight & Control)

• Disease-agnostic AI that:

  • Monitors safety, accuracy, uncertainty, and risk of clinical AI

  • Enables real-time control and auditability

  • Supports FDA Medical Device Development Tool (MDDT) qualification

• Continuous post-market monitoring functionality

• Strong preference for open-source solutions

TA3 — Scaled Implementation (Health Systems Only)

• Integration of TA1 and TA2 agents into live clinical workflows

• Access to EHR production and pre-production environments

• Execution of large-scale Scalability Studies

• Clinical outcome, cost, and reimbursement evidence generation

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Selected teams receive:

• Direct engagement with FDA throughout development

• Access to real EHR data, clinicians, and patients (via TA3 performers)

• Participation in large, ARPA-H-funded scalability studies

• Validation by an independent IV&V partner

• Visibility with payers and CMS-relevant evidence generation

• Potential facilitation of investor engagement by ARPA-H

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

Key dates (firm):

• Posting date: January 13, 2026

• Proposers’ Day: January 23, 2026 (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST)

• Proposers’ Day registration deadline:

  • In-person: January 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST

  • Virtual: January 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST

• Solution Summary due: February 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST

• Full proposal due (if invited): April 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST

Funding timing after submission is not specified and is contingent on negotiations and down-selection decisions.

Where does this funding come from?

• Agency: Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)

• Office: Scalable Solutions Office (SSO)

• Authority: Other Transaction (OT)

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. startups and growth-stage companies

• Universities and academic teams

• Non-profit organizations

• Non-federal research organizations

Not eligible:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)

• Federal government entities or employees (as performers)

• Entities from covered foreign countries or foreign entities of concern

• Organizations with unmitigable ARPA-H conflicts of interest

TA3 applicants cannot apply to TA1 or TA2.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

ARPA-H is explicitly seeking teams that:

• Are building agentic (not rules-based) clinical AI

• Can meet FDA medical device or MDDT requirements

• Have real experience integrating with EHRs and health systems

• Can demonstrate a path to non-inferiority vs cardiologists

• Are prepared for open data sharing and multi-party collaboration

• Can scale beyond pilots into national deployment

Incremental clinical decision support tools are unlikely to be competitive.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Foundation models cannot be developed from scratch

• Solutions must be interoperable with other agents

• Clinical AI must pursue FDA authorization or qualification

• Extensive data-sharing and collaboration are mandatory

• Foreign talent, ownership, or funding risks are heavily scrutinized

• TA1 and TA2 proposals must remain technically independent

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Solution Summary: ~2–4 weeks for competitive teams

• Full Proposal: ~6–10 weeks if invited

Team formation, regulatory strategy, and data architecture must be addressed early.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps teams:

• Translate ADVOCATE requirements into a clear, fundable narrative

• Position technical capabilities against TA-specific metrics

• Shape FDA and commercialization strategy language

• Design compliant multi-party teaming structures

• Avoid common ARPA-H disqualifiers

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.