Development of Radiological/Nuclear Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) And Biodosimetry Devices

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

Executive Summary:

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is actively seeking proposals to develop radiological/nuclear medical countermeasures (MCMs) or biodosimetry biomarkers and devices to support response to a radiological or nuclear public health emergency. This is a cost-reimbursement contract opportunity, not a grant, and is intended to advance technologies that reduce mortality, guide triage, and improve treatment decisions after radiation exposure. Proposals are due May 4th, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

• Total contract value: Not specified (listed as “TBD” in the solicitation)

• Contract type: Cost-reimbursement with fixed fee

• Base period funding: TBD

• Option periods: Up to two option periods, funding TBD

Because dollar amounts are not pre-set, funding levels will depend on scope, cost realism, and negotiation with NIAID.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding must support one of the two objectives below.

A. Radiological/Nuclear Medical Countermeasures (MCMs)

Funding may be used to develop safe and effective MCMs that:

• Mitigate and/or treat normal tissue injuries caused by ionizing radiation

• Reduce radiation-associated mortality or major morbidities

• Are efficacious 24 hours or later post-exposure (MCMs intended for immediate post-exposure use are generally excluded, unless otherwise noted in the objectives)

B. Biodosimetry Biomarkers and Devices

Funding may be used to advance biodosimetry biomarkers and/or devices that:

• Inform triage and treatment strategies

• Are suitable for use during a radiation public health emergency

Allowable Cost Categories (with Contracting Officer approval where required) include:

• Personnel and research labor

• Subcontracts and consultants

• Travel (including foreign travel)

• Patient care costs

• Equipment and materials

• Printing and reporting

• Research-related conferences and meetings

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to funding, awardees receive:

• A direct contractual relationship with NIH/NIAID

• Eligibility for option period extensions at the government’s discretion

• The ability to generate patents, subject to federal invention regulations

• Increased credibility for future BARDA, NIH, and DoD opportunities

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

• Solicitation issued: February 10, 2026

• Questions due: March 3, 2026 (recommended)

• Proposal deadline: May 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET

• Contract period of performance: TBD

• Funding start: After award and contract execution (date not specified)on maturity or need

Where does this funding come from?

This funding is provided by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• For-profit companies

• Small businesses

• Nonprofits and research institutions

• Universities

• Domestic and foreign entities

Applicants must be registered in SAM prior to award.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

NIAID is looking for teams that:

• Have strong scientific and technical rationale

• Address clearly defined unmet needs in radiation response

• Can demonstrate feasible development and execution plans

• Align tightly with the Research and Technical Objectives in the solicitation

Projects are evaluated primarily on technical merit, relevance to agency priorities, and availability of funds.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• You may only submit one focus per proposal (MCM or biodosimetry)

• Certain costs require prior Contracting Officer approval

• Strict compliance with human subjects, animal welfare, data sharing, and publication policies

• Funds may not be used for prohibited activities (e.g., abortion, human embryo research, needle exchange, promotion of controlled substances legalization)

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Most companies should plan for 8–12+ weeks to prepare:

• A full technical proposal and Statement of Work

• A detailed cost proposal and supporting documentation

• Required representations, certifications, and attachments

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Translate the BAA into a clear win strategy

• Define scope, milestones, and budget that survive NIH negotiation

• Draft or review the technical and business proposals

• Ensure compliance with NIH contract requirements

• Position your company for option periods and follow-on funding

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.