FA9453-21-S-0001-Call016 - Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI) - Space Cyber-Cognitive Overmatch (SCCO)

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Space Force, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is seeking university-led teams to establish a Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI) focused on Space Cyber-Cognitive Overmatch (SCCO). This funding opportunity supports transformational research intended to produce disruptive technologies that improve the cyber resilience, autonomy, and operational effectiveness of future U.S. space capabilities.

White Papers are due no later than (NLT) 13 August 2026, 1100 Mountain Daylight Saving Time (MDT). Only offerors whose white papers are selected will be invited to submit a full proposal. The proposal deadline has not yet been specified and will be provided in Requests for Proposals (RFPs) issued to selected teams.

Unlike many traditional research programs that emphasize incremental advances, this solicitation specifically seeks technologies capable of fundamentally changing how military space systems detect threats, defend themselves, collaborate with human operators, and operate in contested environments. The Government is particularly interested in research that progresses beyond theoretical concepts toward testbeds, demonstrations, prototypes, high-fidelity modeling, and technologies capable of transitioning into government programs or industry applications.

The lead applicant must be a university that manages a consortium consisting of at least three universities, including itself. The lead institution will receive the award and distribute funding to collaborating institutions through subawards. The solicitation requires that at least 50% of awarded funds be allocated to supporting institutions. Additional collaborations with industry, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, and other eligible organizations are encouraged.

The Government anticipates providing up to $25 million in total Federal funding under this CALL. Individual awards may vary in value but are expected not to exceed $25 million and may last for up to 60 months, subject to available funding and successful Go/No-Go performance reviews throughout the project.

Projects should address one or more aspects of cyber resilience, artificial intelligence, distributed computing, quantum technologies, cognitive electronic warfare, human-machine teaming, digital engineering, or related capabilities that improve U.S. military space operations. The technical areas listed in the solicitation are intended as guidance rather than limitations, and applicants may propose additional technologies that support Department of Defense needs while increasing technology maturity and commercialization readiness.

Because this is a two-step competitive process, organizations interested in participating should begin assembling university partnerships, defining research objectives, identifying transition pathways, and preparing their white papers well before the 13 August 2026, 1100 Mountain Daylight Saving Time (MDT) submission deadline.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states:

• The Government anticipates $25,000,000 in total Federal funding under this CALL.

• Individual awards may vary depending on the proposed effort.

• Estimated individual award values are not to exceed $25,000,000, although the Government reserves the right to modify, reduce, or exceed this amount if necessary.

• The Government reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the proposals received.

• Funding remains subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

Awards are expected to support projects lasting up to 60 months, consisting of multiple budget periods.

Continuation funding is contingent upon:

• satisfactory technical performance,

• schedule adherence,

• milestone completion,

• reporting compliance,

• Go/No-Go decision reviews, and

• continued availability of Federal funding.

What could I use the funding for?

The solicitation supports research intended to create transformative capabilities for future military space operations rather than incremental improvements.

The Government states that successful projects should advance technologies capable of transitioning beyond laboratory research into operational government programs or commercial applications. Highly desired outcomes include:

• Testbeds

• High-fidelity modeling and simulation

• Demonstrations

• Prototypes

• Increased technology readiness over the period of performance

The Statement of Objectives identifies numerous technical focus areas, including:

Threat sensing, detection, and adaptive response

Projects may include:

• Advanced cyber sensing

• Threat detection metrics

• Trusted telemetry

• Data authentication

• Data provenance

• Fraud and spoofing detection

• Vulnerability mitigation

• AI-driven autonomous response

• Real-time cyber remediation across space, ground, and communications segments.

Cyber hardening and supply chain security

Examples include:

• Zero-trust architectures

• Secure satellite flight software

• Cyber-hardened satellite architectures

• Hardware and software supply chain security

• Software isolation

• Red teaming

• Quantifiable cyber-hardening metrics.

Artificial intelligence, autonomy, and cognitive execution

Potential projects include:

• Autonomous mission planning

• Dynamic satellite operations

• AI-enabled decision making

• Edge data processing

• Knowledge extraction

• AI model resilience

• Protection against adversarial AI attacks.

Human-machine teaming

Research may address:

• Advanced operator interfaces

• Decision-support systems

• Cognitive workload reduction

• Human trust in autonomous systems

• Consequence modeling for automated decision-making.

Distributed computing and quantum technologies

Examples include:

• Space-based data centers

• Cloud, fog, and edge computing

• Distributed computing architectures

• Quantum information systems

• Quantum sensing

• Post-quantum cryptography

• Quantum-secure communications.

Cognitive electronic warfare

The solicitation also encourages research involving:

• Adaptive electronic warfare

• Electromagnetic spectrum operations

• Combined cyber-electronic warfare resilience

• Space-enabled cyber effects

• Reconfigurable RF spectrum technologies.

Digital engineering and testing

Potential activities include:

• Flexible cyber testbeds

• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

• System-of-systems integration

• High-fidelity disruption modeling

• Uncertainty quantification

• Developmental and operational testing environments.

The Government also explicitly allows applicants to propose additional technologies beyond the listed examples if they strengthen DoD research and development, improve technology maturity, support technology transition, or increase commercialization readiness while meeting Department of Defense needs.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to potential funding, selected performers may receive several forms of Government support during the program.

Government technical support

DARPA anticipates support from:

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

• NIST's Precision Photonic Synthesis Group within the Time and Frequency Division

The Government expects to provide information, analysis, and support related to vibration-hardened optical reference cavities and photonic microwave generation techniques.

Government-furnished information

By Month 6, DARPA anticipates providing performers with:

• A Government reference design for a vibration-hardened chip-scale optical reference cavity

• Associated design details

• Test data

Government-furnished testing

At the end of Phase 2:

• Final noise-performance testing will occur at a Government test facility.

• Testing will use a Government-furnished airborne platform.

• The Government will coordinate and execute the testing.

• The Government will collect and post-process test data.

Potential follow-on opportunities

The solicitation states that:

• Follow-on production contracts or transactions may be awarded pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

• During the transition between Phase 1 and Phase 2, DARPA intends to finalize technology application areas and notes there is potential for additional work based on architectural designs developed during Phase 1.

The solicitation does not guarantee any follow-on funding or production awards.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond funding, the solicitation is designed to establish a long-term research ecosystem centered on transformational space technologies.

The Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI) model is intended to create enduring university partnerships focused on solving critical U.S. Space Force science and technology challenges. Rather than funding isolated research projects, the Government is investing in multidisciplinary research teams capable of developing technologies that transition into operational military capabilities.

Potential benefits identified in the solicitation include:

• Participation in a university-led Space Strategic Technology Institute.

• Opportunities to collaborate with multiple universities under a single research program.

• Collaboration with industry partners.

• Development of testbeds, demonstrations, prototypes, and high-fidelity modeling capabilities.

• Advancement of technologies to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) throughout the period of performance.

• Opportunities for future technology transition into U.S. Space Force and other U.S. Government programs.

The Statement of Objectives also notes that, in later phases, the research ecosystem may expand to include additional:

• universities,

• industry leaders,

• international allies, and

• U.S. Government organizations including AFRL, DARPA, and other DoD laboratories.

The solicitation explains that these organizations may provide operational context, transition pathways, and end-user requirements that help mature successful technologies.

The Government also notes that continuation funding will be based on performance reviews and successful progression toward technology transition rather than simply completing research activities.

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

This is a two-step solicitation.

Step 1 – White Paper

White Papers are due no later than (NLT) 13 August 2026, 1100 Mountain Daylight Saving Time (MDT). White Papers received after this deadline will not be accepted.

Offerors must submit:

• a White Paper,

• a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate, and

• all required supporting information using the prescribed template.

Organizations cannot submit a full proposal without first submitting a White Paper.

Step 2 – Full Proposal

Only offerors whose White Papers are selected will receive a Request for Proposal (RFP).

The solicitation states that the:

Proposal Due Date and Time – To be provided in "Requests for Proposals (RFP)" sent to offerors whose white papers are selected.

Questions

Written questions are due:

10 July 2026

The Government states that questions submitted after this date may not allow sufficient time for responses.

Webinar

A Questions and Answers webinar will be held on:

• 15 July 2026

• 0900 MDT

The Government encourages organizations interested in submitting White Papers to attend.

Award timing

The solicitation does not specify a fixed award date.

Instead, it states:

The anticipated award date will be determined through dialogue between prospective Offerors and Government representatives and specified in each individual award.

Period of Performance

Successful projects may run for:

• up to 57 months of technical effort,

• plus 3 months for the final report,

• for a total period of performance of 60 months.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided through the:

• Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate

• in partnership with the United States Space Force (USSF)

under:

• Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) FA9453-21-S-0001

• Space Technology Advanced Research – Fast-tracking Innovative Software and Hardware (STAR-FISH)

• CALL 016

• Topic Area 5 – Space Strategic Technology Institute (SSTI): Space Cyber-Cognitive Overmatch (SCCO)

The solicitation states that the purpose of this CALL is to support experimentation and research involving:

• spaceflight technologies,

• space-related signal technologies,

• energy technologies,

• transportation technologies,

with this particular CALL focused on transformational cyber and cognitive capabilities for military space operations.

Who is eligible to apply?

This solicitation is structured around university-led teams.

The lead offeror is expected to be:

• one university serving as the lead institution.

The lead university is expected to partner with:

• at least two additional universities, resulting in a minimum team of three universities.

The lead university receives the award directly and is responsible for managing the consortium and issuing subawards.

The solicitation requires that:

At least 50% of awarded funds are required to go to the supporting institutions.

Additional collaborators may include:

• universities,

• for-profit entities,

• nonprofit organizations,

• state governments,

• local governments,

• tribal governments,

• small businesses.

These organizations may participate as offerors or subrecipients, consistent with the consortium structure described in the solicitation.

Other eligibility requirements include:

• registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) before award,

• compliance with applicable Federal cost principles,

• adherence to Gold Standard Science requirements,

• compliance with applicable export control requirements,

• submission of required White Papers before invitation to submit a proposal.

The solicitation also states:

• Cost sharing is not required.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation specifically excludes several categories of organizations.

These include:

• Large businesses as defined under NAICS 541715 (over 1,000 employees).

• Federal Government agencies.

• Foreign-owned organizations, which are not authorized to participate in this CALL in any capacity.

The solicitation also establishes restrictions regarding foreign nationals.

Unless an approved waiver is granted by the Contracting/Agreements Officer:

• non-U.S. citizens may not work within AFRL facilities,

• non-U.S. citizens may not access U.S. Government IT networks associated with the project.

The solicitation notes that permanent resident ("Green Card") status does not satisfy the U.S. citizenship requirement for these access purposes. Certain exceptions apply for approved international exchange personnel and dual U.S. citizens, as explicitly described in the solicitation.

Additionally:

• organizations that do not first submit a White Paper are not eligible to receive an award under this CALL.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation does not identify preferred companies or organizations. Instead, it describes the characteristics of proposals that are expected to be the most competitive.

Successful projects are likely to demonstrate a combination of technical innovation, transition potential, and practical applicability to U.S. Space Force missions.

According to the Statement of Objectives, competitive proposals should:

• Deliver transformative rather than incremental advances.

• Create technologies capable of fundamentally changing military space operations.

• Improve cyber resilience while maintaining mission performance.

• Optimize size, weight, and power (SWaP).

• Enable entirely new operational concepts.

• Demonstrate realistic pathways for transitioning technology beyond the laboratory into government programs or industry applications.

• Include testbeds, demonstrations, prototypes, or high-fidelity modeling whenever appropriate.

• Progress technologies to higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) during the period of performance.

The Government also encourages applicants to:

• Clearly define the current state of the art.

• Explain why the proposed approach is superior.

• Identify known limitations and risks.

• Describe how those risks will be mitigated.

• Incorporate horizon scanning and assessments of future adversarial threats.

• Build multidisciplinary teams spanning multiple technical and non-technical disciplines.

The technical areas identified by the Government include projects involving:

• Threat sensing and adaptive cyber response

• AI-enabled autonomous operations

• Cyber-hardening for space systems

• Zero-trust architectures

• Human-machine teaming

• Distributed computing

• Space-based data centers

• Quantum information systems

• Quantum-secure networking

• Cognitive electronic warfare

• Digital engineering

• Flexible cyber testbeds

• Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

• High-fidelity disruption modeling

The solicitation states that these areas are guidance rather than restrictions, and applicants may propose additional technologies that support Department of Defense needs while increasing technology maturity and commercialization readiness.

During evaluation, White Papers and proposals must also satisfy the Government's Go/No-Go screening criteria.

Among other things, the Government states that successful submissions should:

• Demonstrate implementation of Gold Standard Science.

• Produce immediately demonstrable results.

• Include meaningful milestones.

• Establish clear benchmarks for measuring success.

• Accelerate delivery of emerging technologies to the warfighter.

• Demonstrably advance the President's policy priorities.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation does not specify an expected number of White Paper submissions or an anticipated success rate.

However, several features indicate that this is expected to be a highly competitive opportunity.

First, the Government anticipates making one or more awards, while reserving the right to make one award, multiple awards, or no awards at all.

Second, participation requires a university-led consortium consisting of at least three universities, creating a higher organizational threshold than many standard research solicitations.

Third, the two-step process means that only White Papers selected by the Government will be invited to submit full proposals. Organizations that do not submit a White Paper are not eligible to receive an award.

The evaluation process also emphasizes:

• transformational research,

• technology transition,

• measurable progress,

• interdisciplinary collaboration,

• operational relevance,

• demonstration of immediate and longer-term impact,

• compliance with Gold Standard Science requirements.

For university teams with strong space cybersecurity, AI, autonomy, quantum, or digital engineering capabilities—and a clear transition strategy—this CALL provides a significant opportunity. At the same time, applicants should expect substantial competition given the size of the anticipated funding and the strategic importance of the research area.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. The solicitation includes several important restrictions and administrative requirements.

Consortium structure

The lead offeror must be a university leading a team of at least three universities.

The lead institution is responsible for managing subawards, and at least 50% of awarded funds must be distributed to supporting institutions.

Two-step submission process

Applicants must submit a White Paper before they can be invited to submit a full proposal.

Organizations that do not submit a White Paper are not eligible for award consideration.

Foreign participation

Foreign-owned organizations are not authorized to participate in this CALL in any capacity.

Export control

The solicitation states that technologies supported under this CALL are subject to:

• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and/or

• Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

Applicants proposing the use of foreign nationals must provide required disclosures, and additional Government review may be required.

Security

The effort is anticipated to be performed at the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) level.

Classified work is not anticipated at the beginning of the award, although security requirements may evolve during performance if approved by the Government.

Gold Standard Science

Applicants must commit to complying with the Government's Gold Standard Science requirements, including:

• reproducibility,

• transparency,

• communication of uncertainty,

• interdisciplinary collaboration,

• unbiased peer review,

• benchmarks for measuring success,

• adherence to applicable administration policies.

Cost sharing

Cost sharing or matching funds are not required.

Foreign travel

Foreign travel costs are not allowable unless approved by the Program Manager.

Construction

Major construction projects generally will not be funded without prior written authorization.

Funding availability

All awards remain contingent upon:

• availability of appropriated funds,

• successful performance,

• Go/No-Go reviews,

• continued Government priorities.How long will it take me to prepare an application?

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify how long applicants should expect to prepare either a White Paper or a full proposal.

However, prospective applicants should account for the time needed to:

• assemble a university consortium,

• identify collaborating institutions,

• develop a multidisciplinary research strategy,

• prepare a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate,

• complete the required White Paper template,

• request DoD SAFE upload access before the submission deadline,

• coordinate any required export control or foreign national documentation,

• ensure compliance with Gold Standard Science requirements.

Because White Papers are due no later than (NLT) 13 August 2026, 1100 Mountain Daylight Saving Time (MDT), interested teams should begin consortium formation and proposal development as early as possible.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support university-led teams throughout the entire application process by helping organizations:

• Evaluate alignment with the solicitation objectives.

• Develop a competitive research strategy centered on technology transition.

• Position technical innovations against the current state of the art.

• Build compelling commercialization and transition narratives consistent with DoD expectations.

• Coordinate multidisciplinary university and industry partnerships.

• Prepare compliant White Papers and, if invited, full proposals.

• Develop project plans, milestones, budgets, and supporting documentation.

• Strengthen proposal messaging while ensuring alignment with the evaluation criteria and solicitation requirements.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

DARPA | RF Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR)

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

Executive Summary:

Application Deadline: August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

DARPA is seeking proposals for the Radiofrequency Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR) program to develop next-generation radiofrequency (RF) system architectures that use optical timing technologies to improve performance on compact mobile defense platforms. The program focuses on vibration-hardened photonic microwave oscillators, supporting analog and mixed-signal components, and RF system architectures that can maintain ultra-low phase noise and timing precision in demanding military environments.

DARPA anticipates investing $58,000,000 through three to five Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022. The program is structured as a 42-month effort consisting of a 24-month component development phase followed by an 18-month system integration and demonstration phase.

This opportunity is intended for organizations capable of developing breakthrough RF and photonic technologies rather than incremental improvements. DARPA specifically excludes research that advances non-optical methods of microwave generation or produces only evolutionary improvements to existing technologies.

Companies interested in applying should begin preparing immediately. Before submitting a full proposal, applicants must complete several required pre-proposal steps, including requesting the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Addendum, submitting a required abstract, and providing a Notification of Intent to Propose.

Key dates include:

• CUI Addendum Request Deadline: July 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Required Abstract Due Date: July 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

• Notification of Intent to Propose: August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Question and Answer Deadline: August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Proposal Due Date: August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

• Estimated Period of Performance Start: December 1, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

DARPA anticipates providing:

• Total anticipated funding: $58,000,000

• Anticipated number of awards: Three to five individual awards

• Award instrument: Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022

The solicitation does not specify:

• Individual award sizes

• Minimum or maximum award amounts

• Expected funding by performer

• Funding allocations by technical area

Because DARPA expects only three to five awards across the full program budget, award values are expected to vary based on each selected proposal's scope of work and negotiated budget. The solicitation does not provide additional detail.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support the development of RF system architectures that use an optical timing backbone to improve RF performance on compact mobile defense platforms.

DARPA is seeking work in several areas, including:

Develop vibration-hardened photonic microwave oscillators

Projects may focus on technologies capable of maintaining ultra-low phase noise and precise timing under challenging environmental conditions encountered by mobile military platforms.

Target component metrics include:

• Phase noise less than -120 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset

• Phase noise less than -150 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset

• Relative timing error less than 1 picosecond for 1–100 second intervals

• Oscillator volume less than 300 cc

Develop supporting RF components

Funding may support development of vibration-hardened ancillary analog and mixed-signal components needed to preserve optical timing performance throughout an RF system, including examples such as:

• RF mixers

• Amplifiers

• Digitizers

Design complete RF architectures

DARPA is seeking architectures that use optical technologies throughout the RF system rather than simply replacing an oscillator.

Potential capabilities include:

• Optical timing backbones

• Low-noise frequency synthesis

• Stable clock distribution

• Time and frequency synchronization

• High-bandwidth optical data transfer

• Digital signal processing architectures that exploit optical timing and data movement

Demonstrate defense-relevant use cases

Proposers are expected to identify defense applications for their architectures. The solicitation identifies examples including:

• Radar

• Signal direction finding

• Communications

• Electronic warfare (EW)

Build and demonstrate integrated prototypes

The program concludes with integration of developed technologies into a brassboard prototype for testing under relevant environmental conditions on a Government-furnished airborne platform.

DARPA states that proposals should pursue revolutionary advances rather than incremental improvements to current RF technologies. Research that advances non-optical microwave generation methods or produces only evolutionary improvements is specifically excluded.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to potential funding, selected performers may receive several forms of Government support during the program.

Government technical support

DARPA anticipates support from:

• Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

• NIST's Precision Photonic Synthesis Group within the Time and Frequency Division

The Government expects to provide information, analysis, and support related to vibration-hardened optical reference cavities and photonic microwave generation techniques.

Government-furnished information

By Month 6, DARPA anticipates providing performers with:

• A Government reference design for a vibration-hardened chip-scale optical reference cavity

• Associated design details

• Test data

Government-furnished testing

At the end of Phase 2:

• Final noise-performance testing will occur at a Government test facility.

• Testing will use a Government-furnished airborne platform.

• The Government will coordinate and execute the testing.

• The Government will collect and post-process test data.

Potential follow-on opportunities

The solicitation states that:

• Follow-on production contracts or transactions may be awarded pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

• During the transition between Phase 1 and Phase 2, DARPA intends to finalize technology application areas and notes there is potential for additional work based on architectural designs developed during Phase 1.

The solicitation does not guarantee any follow-on funding or production awards.

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

Key dates include:

• CUI Addendum Request Deadline: July 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Required Abstract Due Date: July 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

• Notification of Intent to Propose: August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Question and Answer Deadline: August 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

• Proposal Due Date: August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

• Estimated Period of Performance Start: December 1, 2026.

The solicitation states that the RAAPTR program is planned as a 42-month effort, consisting of:

Phase 1 (24 months)

• Component development

• RF architecture design

• Breadboard prototype development

• Environmental testing

Phase 2 (18 months)

• Brassboard integration

• Environmental testing

• Flight testing on a Government-furnished airborne platform

The solicitation does not specify exactly when individual award agreements will be executed or when awardees will receive funding. It states only that the Estimated Period of Performance Start is December 1, 2026.

Proposal Deadline: August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

Where does this funding come from?

This funding opportunity is offered by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) through the Multi X Office (MXO).

The program is titled Radiofrequency Architectures Applying Photonic Timing and Routing (RAAPTR) and is intended to advance radiofrequency (RF) system architectures that employ optical timing technologies for defense applications.

DARPA plans to award funding through Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022.

According to the solicitation, the program is intended to support technologies that contribute to DARPA's mission of making "pivotal early technology investments that create or prevent technological surprise." Proposed efforts are evaluated in part on their potential contribution to the national security technology base.

Who is eligible to apply?

DARPA states that all responsible sources capable of satisfying the Government's needs may submit proposals.

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. organizations

• Non-U.S. organizations

• U.S. and non-U.S. individuals, provided they comply with applicable security regulations, export control laws, nondisclosure agreements, and other governing statutes

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

• Small Businesses

• Small Disadvantaged Businesses

• Minority Institutions

Foreign participants must comply with:

• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), if applicable

• Export Administration Regulations (EAR), if applicable

To be eligible for consideration, organizations must also satisfy several solicitation-specific requirements.

Applicants must:

• Request and receive the RAAPTR Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Addendum using the procedures described in the solicitation.

• Submit a timely, compliant required abstract.

• Submit a proposal under the same organization identified by a unique CAGE code.

• Meet the required Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 (Self-Assessment) requirements before award eligibility.

• Submit proposals through DARPA's Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).

Submission of the required abstract is mandatory. The solicitation states that only organizations that submit a timely, compliant abstract will be eligible to submit a full proposal.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation identifies several organizations and situations that are not eligible.

Organizations that are not eligible

The following organizations are not eligible to propose:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)

• University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs)

• Government Entities, including National Laboratories

Organizations that will not be considered

DARPA states that proposals will not be considered if the organization:

• Did not request and receive the RAAPTR CUI Addendum.

• Did not submit a timely, compliant required abstract.

• Does not meet the required CMMC Level 2 eligibility requirements before award.

• Submits through a different CAGE code than the one authorized for the CUI Addendum.

Contractor conflicts

DARPA also states that contractors or performers are prohibited from concurrently:

• Providing Systems Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA),

• Providing Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), or

• Providing similar support services to DARPA,

while also serving as a technical performer on the program, unless a written waiver is granted by the DARPA Deputy Director.

The solicitation does not identify any additional eligibility exclusions.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

DARPA evaluates proposals using three criteria, listed in descending order of importance:

1. Overall Scientific and Technical Merit

2. Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission

3. Budget and Price

Based on these evaluation criteria, the strongest proposals are likely to:

Offer innovative technical approaches

DARPA states the proposed approach should be:

• Innovative

• Feasible

• Achievable

• Complete

Address the full technical challenge

Competitive projects will present a logical technical plan with clearly defined tasks, deliverables, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies.

Demonstrate strong technical teams

DARPA expects teams to possess the expertise and experience needed to complete the proposed work and to have clearly defined management structures, responsibilities, communication pathways, and decision-making authority.

Support DARPA's mission

Projects should demonstrate how they strengthen the national security technology base and create capabilities relevant to future defense systems.

Enable technology transition

DARPA will evaluate whether proposed intellectual property restrictions could significantly affect the Government's ability to transition the resulting technology.

Present realistic budgets

Budgets should:

• Reflect the proposed technical approach.

• Demonstrate an appropriate level of effort.

• Align milestone payments with the solicitation's milestone schedule.

For projects with commercial application, the solicitation states that appropriate direct cost sharing may be a positive factor in the evaluation.

The solicitation also states that DARPA is seeking revolutionary advances in photonic RF technologies and specifically excludes research that advances non-optical microwave generation methods or results only in evolutionary improvements to the current state of practice.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation does not specify an expected number of proposals or anticipated success rate.

However, several factors indicate that this opportunity is likely to be highly competitive.

DARPA anticipates:

• $58,000,000 in total funding.

• Three to five individual awards.

The program also includes multiple mandatory pre-proposal requirements, including:

• Requesting the RAAPTR CUI Addendum.

• Submitting a required abstract.

• Submitting a Notification of Intent to Propose.

• Participating in oral presentations if invited.

Additionally, proposals are evaluated on scientific merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, and budget, with technical merit receiving the greatest weight.

The solicitation also requires applicants to demonstrate capabilities across multiple disciplines, including photonic technologies, RF systems, analog and mixed-signal components, digital architectures, system integration, environmental hardening, and platform demonstration.

The solicitation does not provide historical award rates, anticipated proposal volume, or estimated funding rate.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. This solicitation includes several technical, security, submission, and eligibility requirements that applicants should understand before investing time in preparing a proposal.

Certain research is specifically excluded

DARPA states that the following work is not responsive to this solicitation:

• Research that advances non-optical methods of microwave generation

• Research that results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice

The program is intended to support revolutionary advances in photonic RF technologies.

Submission of an abstract is mandatory

Organizations must submit a timely, compliant abstract to be eligible to submit a full proposal.

The required abstract is due:

July 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

Organizations that do not submit a compliant abstract will not be considered.

Organizations must receive the RAAPTR CUI Addendum

Only organizations that:

• Request the RAAPTR CUI Addendum, and

• Are provided access to it

may submit proposals.

The CUI Addendum request deadline is:

July 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

Organizations that do not receive the CUI Addendum will not be considered.

CMMC requirements apply

The required cybersecurity level is:

CMMC Level 2 (Self-Assessment) – Broad Protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

To be eligible for award, the proposer's CAGE code must have:

• A valid, unexpired Final Level 2 CMMC status recorded in SPRS.

• A current annual CMMC affirmation recorded in SPRS.

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)

The program operates under Controlled Unclassified Information requirements.

Applicants handling CUI must comply with:

• DoD Instruction 5200.48

• NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2

The solicitation also notes that portions of the program may involve classified information, although classified proposals are not required.

AI disclosure requirement

DARPA asks proposers to disclose whether artificial intelligence tools were used to prepare Volume 1 of the proposal.

If AI tools were used:

• The proposal must identify the tools used.

• AI-generated or AI-assisted technical content must include citations describing the tool, the content, and the purpose.

The solicitation states that this information will not be used for evaluation purposes.

Proposal submission restrictions

Applicants must:

• Submit proposals through the DARPA Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).

• Submit before the deadline.

• Email submissions will not be accepted.

• Late submissions will not be accepted.

DARPA encourages applicants to submit at least 48 hours before the deadline.

Other restrictions

Additional restrictions include:

• Pre-recorded oral presentations are not permitted.

• Contractors performing SETA, Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), or similar support services to DARPA may not simultaneously serve as technical performers without a written waiver.

• Some awards may include publication restrictions depending on whether the research is determined to be fundamental or non-fundamental research.

• The Government requires no less than Government Purpose Rights (GPR) to data developed under the program. Proposers must identify any pre-existing intellectual property restrictions that could affect technology transition.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Applicants should plan for a substantial proposal preparation effort.

The solicitation requires several activities before a full proposal can be submitted, including:

• Requesting access to the RAAPTR CUI Addendum.

• Preparing and submitting a required abstract.

• Submitting a Notification of Intent to Propose.

• Preparing a full technical proposal using multiple required templates and attachments.

• Preparing pricing documentation.

• Completing milestone schedules.

• Preparing for a potential oral presentation.

The solicitation also requires applicants to submit:

• Proposal Summary Slide

• Technical and Management Volume

• Price Volume

• DARPA Price Summary Spreadsheet

• Other Transaction Certification

• Task Description Document

• Schedule of Milestones and Payments

Organizations must also satisfy applicable cybersecurity, CUI handling, and security screening requirements.

Because of these requirements, along with the technical complexity of the RAAPTR program, applicants should allow significant time to coordinate technical contributors, subcontractors, budgets, compliance documentation, and proposal development.

The solicitation does not specify how long proposal preparation is expected to take.

How can BW&CO help?

Applying to DARPA programs requires more than writing a compelling technical narrative. Successful proposals also require a compliant submission, a clear commercialization and transition strategy where applicable, disciplined program management, and careful coordination across technical teams.

BW&CO can support applicants by:

• Determining whether the RAAPTR program aligns with your technology and business objectives.

• Developing a compliant proposal package aligned with DARPA's solicitation requirements.

• Coordinating technical writing across multiple contributors.

• Preparing milestone-based project plans and budgets.

• Reviewing proposal compliance before submission.

• Helping position your technical approach around the evaluation criteria described in the solicitation.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Zero Trust Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Roadmap AOI 26-A006

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

Executive Summary:

The Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic Rapid Capabilities Office is seeking commercial technologies that can help the Department of the Navy automate its transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). This effort focuses on discovering, inventorying, and continuously monitoring cryptographic assets across Navy and Marine Corps networks to generate automated Cryptographic Bills of Materials (CBOMs) that support enterprise-wide risk management and PQC migration.

This is an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype opportunity intended for commercial technologies that can rapidly deploy, integrate across enterprise and tactical environments, and demonstrate mature capabilities. Companies selected for Phase 2 will participate in a live demonstration of their technology.

Solution Briefs must be submitted via the Vulcan platform no later than 2359 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 07 July 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify the prototype award amount, award range, or anticipated contract value. These initial contracts typically range from $500,000 to about $5 million.

What could I use the funding for?

The prototype is intended to develop and demonstrate an automated solution capable of:

• Discovering cryptographic algorithms, protocols, certificates, key lengths, and implementations across Department of the Navy environments.

• Supporting enterprise IT, cloud, mobile systems, operational technology (OT), and tactical or embedded platforms.

• Generating machine-readable Cryptographic Bills of Materials (CBOMs).

• Continuously monitoring cryptographic assets for changes.

• Supporting PQC migration planning, vulnerability assessments, and centralized risk reporting.

• Integrating with Navy authoritative data repositories.

• Operating across secure cloud environments and disconnected, intermittently connected, and low-bandwidth (DIL) environments.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Opportunity to participate in a Phase 2 live demonstration.

• Potential for a follow-on production agreement without further competitive procedures if a prototype agreement is awarded.

• Opportunity to demonstrate commercial technology directly to NIWC Atlantic and Department of the Navy stakeholders.

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

Key dates include:

• Opportunity opens: 29 June 2026.

• Solution Brief deadline: 2359 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 07 July 2026.

• Tentative Phase 2 Pitch: 20–21 July 2026 in Charleston, South Carolina.

• Companies selected for Phase 2 will be notified in writing as soon as practicable.

• The solicitation does not specify when prototype awards will be made or when funding will be received.

Solution Briefs must be submitted via the Vulcan platform no later than 2359 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) 07 July 2026.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided through:

• Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic Rapid Capabilities Office.

• Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) N65236-26-S-0001.

• Area of Interest 26-A006: Zero Trust Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Roadmap.

• Command Focus Area: Battlespace Connectivity.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation is seeking commercial vendors capable of delivering a prototype solution.

Offerors must:

• Submit a Solution Brief through the Vulcan platform.

• Demonstrate the required Secret Facility Clearance at the time of Solution Brief submission.

• Include the prime contractor's CAGE Code.

• Meet the nontraditional business participation requirements described in CSO N65236-26-S-0001 Paragraph 6.2 or explicitly state any proposed cost share.

• Demonstrate their solution in an unclassified environment during Phase 2 if invited.

• Preference may be given to companies with solutions at a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 and prior experience with automated asset discovery, code security analysis, or enterprise-scale vulnerability scanning.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The following will not be considered:

• Contractors that do not possess the required Secret Facility Clearance at the time of Solution Brief submission.

• Solution Briefs submitted after 2359 EDT on 07 July 2026.

• Solution Briefs emailed directly to the Government point of contact instead of submitted through the Vulcan platform.

The solicitation does not identify any additional eligibility exclusions.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The strongest proposals will offer a mature, integrated commercial solution that can:

• Automatically discover cryptographic assets across enterprise, cloud, endpoint, OT, and tactical environments.

• Support both passive and active scanning.

• Automatically generate machine-readable CBOMs.

• Continuously monitor cryptographic baselines.

• Meet applicable security and compliance requirements.

• Operate within cloud-native and scalable architectures.

• Identify legacy cryptography alongside FIPS 203, FIPS 204, and FIPS 205 implementations.

• Operate in DIL environments.

• Integrate with Department of the Navy centralized repositories.

Preference may also be given to companies that:

• Demonstrate a corporate PQC migration roadmap.

• Minimize operational overhead.

• Have solutions at TRL 7 or higher.

• Can demonstrate enterprise-scale deployments and rapid scalability.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This opportunity is likely to be competitive because:

• The Government reserves the right to limit the number of companies invited to Phase 2.

• Selection is based on evaluation of the submitted Solution Briefs.

• Phase 2 requires a live demonstration of the proposed solution.

• Preference may be given to more mature technologies with demonstrated operational capability.

The solicitation does not specify the anticipated number of awards or invitees.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Applicants should be aware that:

• Solution Briefs must not contain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

• Solution Briefs must be submitted through the Vulcan platform.

• Submission as a Scout Card alone is not sufficient; the Solution Brief must also be uploaded as an attachment.

• A Secret Facility Clearance is required at submission.

• The prime contractor's CAGE Code must be included.

• Teaming partners must be identified if used to satisfy nontraditional participation requirements.

• Cost share must be explicitly stated if proposed.

• The Government requires a mandatory live, unclassified demonstration during Phase 2.

• Late submissions will not be considered.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify an expected preparation time.

However, companies should anticipate preparing:

• A compliant Solution Brief.

• Documentation supporting nontraditional business participation or cost share.

• Secret Facility Clearance information and CAGE Code.

• Materials necessary for a live technology demonstration if invited to Phase 2.How can BW&CO help?

Developing a competitive NIH cooperative agreement application requires more than a strong technical concept. Applicants must also demonstrate program alignment, a clear development strategy, meaningful collaboration, measurable milestones, and compliance with NIH requirements.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps technology companies compete for Department of Defense OTA opportunities by:

• Assessing solution alignment with the Area of Interest.

• Developing compliant, reviewer-focused Solution Briefs.

• Positioning commercial capabilities against Government evaluation criteria.

• Highlighting technical differentiators, maturity, and transition potential.

• Preparing companies for live Government pitch and demonstration sessions.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Development and Testing of a Multi-use Frameworks Playbook for Precision Medicine with AI: Integrating Imaging with Multimodal Data (PRIMED-AI) (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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

Executive Summary:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the Office of Strategic Coordination (Common Fund) and administered by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), is seeking applications to develop standardized frameworks that support the design, deployment, and adoption of multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) clinical decision support (CDS) tools.

Rather than funding development of a single AI application, this funding opportunity supports creation of practical frameworks—including standardized protocols, guidelines, and standard operating procedures—that will become part of the Precision Medicine with AI: Integrating Imaging with Multimodal Data (PRIMED-AI) Program "Playbook." These frameworks are intended to improve the development, validation, interoperability, and clinical adoption of multimodal AI tools that combine medical imaging with other health data.

Applicants must propose development of two or more distinct frameworks addressing separate framework topics. Projects that fail to propose at least two distinct frameworks will be considered non-responsive and will not be reviewed.

NIH intends to fund approximately five cooperative agreements through this opportunity.

Applications are due by October 09, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization. No late applications will be accepted.

How much funding would I receive?

NIH Common Fund intends to commit approximately:

• Approximately $2,000,000 in FY2027

• Approximately five awards, contingent upon availability of funds and receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications

Award budgets are limited to:

• Up to $300,000 in direct costs per year

Project periods may be:

• Up to two years

Budgets must reflect the actual needs of the proposed project.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports the design, development, and preliminary validation of practical frameworks that improve development and deployment of multimodal AI clinical decision support tools.

The resulting frameworks will populate the PRIMED-AI Playbook and are expected to be broadly usable across the biomedical AI community.

Applicants must develop two or more distinct framework topics, which may include areas such as:

• AI-enabled scientific discovery

• AI-ready dataset generation

• Clinical AI training frameworks

• Data quality

• Data leakage prevention

• Data lifecycle management

• Model uncertainty

• Data and model harmonization

• Generalizability across clinical environments

• Transparency and explainability

• Model cards and data cards

• Standards-based interoperability (including OMOP and FHIR)

• Privacy-enhancing technologies

• Regulatory navigation for clinical AI

Frameworks should:

• Address imaging data together with other multimodal health data

• Be practical and operational

• Adapt to the rapidly evolving AI landscape

• Clearly identify intended users

• Describe applicable data and model classes

• Define use cases and limitations

• Be suitable for adoption by the broader research community

Awardees are expected to work collaboratively to develop a shared Playbook that minimizes duplication and supports interoperability across the PRIMED-AI Program.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to funding, award recipients become members of the NIH PRIMED-AI Consortium and participate in collaborative development of the national PRIMED-AI Playbook.

Award recipients will:

• Collaborate with other Playbook awardees

• Participate in the PRIMED-AI Steering Committee

• Work with NIH program staff throughout the cooperative agreement

• Contribute frameworks to the PRIMED-AI web portal

• Participate in consortium meetings and working groups

• Attend annual in-person consortium meetings

• Participate in virtual tutorials and innovation meetings

• Participate in an in-person framework showcase at the end of Year 2

Recipients also benefit from coordination with NIH staff, Validation Centers, Logistics Centers, and other funded PRIMED-AI projects to improve consistency, dissemination, and adoption of developed frameworks.

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

Posted Date

June 30, 2026

Earliest Submission Date

September 09, 2026

Application Deadline

October 09, 2026, by 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

No late applications will be accepted.

Review timeline

• Scientific Merit Review: March 2027

• Advisory Council Review: May 2027

• Earliest Start Date: July 2027

Projects may last for up to two years, with awardees expected to meet defined milestones throughout the project period.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding opportunity is offered by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as part of the Common Fund, through the Office of Strategic Coordination (OSC). The program is administered by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) on behalf of NIH.

The funding supports the Precision Medicine with AI: Integrating Imaging with Multimodal Data (PRIMED-AI) Program, which aims to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable AI-based clinical decision support tools that integrate clinical imaging with multimodal health data.

This NOFO specifically supports development of standardized frameworks that will be compiled into the PRIMED-AI Playbook for use across the broader biomedical AI community.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

Higher Education Institutions

• Public/state-controlled institutions of higher education

• Private institutions of higher education

Nonprofit Organizations

• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status

• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS status

For-Profit Organizations

• Small businesses

• For-profit organizations other than small businesses

Government Organizations

• State governments

• County governments

• City or township governments

• Special district governments

• Federally recognized Tribal governments

• Non-federally recognized Tribal governments

• Eligible Federal agencies

• U.S. territories or possessions

Other Eligible Organizations

• Independent school districts

• Public housing authorities

• Native American Tribal organizations (other than federally recognized Tribal governments)

• Faith-based organizations

• Community-based organizations

• Regional organizations

NIH Intramural Research Program investigators may also participate under the specific requirements described in the solicitation.

Individual Program Directors/Principal Investigators (PDs/PIs) may apply if they have the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to carry out the proposed project and are affiliated with an eligible applicant organization.

Applicant organizations may submit more than one application, provided each application is scientifically distinct.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The following are not eligible to apply:

• Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations)

• Non-domestic components of U.S. organizations

• Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement

Projects will also be considered non-responsive and will not be reviewed if they:

• Do not propose two or more distinct frameworks for development.

• Propose two methods addressing the same framework topic rather than two separate framework topics.

NIH will also not accept duplicate or substantially overlapping applications that violate NIH submission policies.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The strongest applications will directly support the objectives of the PRIMED-AI Program by developing practical, broadly applicable frameworks that improve development and deployment of multimodal AI clinical decision support tools.

Competitive projects are likely to:

• Propose at least two distinct framework topics.

• Address important challenges in multimodal AI that integrate imaging with other health data.

• Produce frameworks that are practical, flexible, and usable across multiple clinical environments.

• Clearly identify intended users, applicable data types, use cases, and limitations.

• Demonstrate expertise in AI framework development.

• Include multidisciplinary teams with relevant stakeholders, such as clinicians, patients, software developers, regulators, and data scientists.

• Present strong collaboration plans with other PRIMED-AI award recipients.

• Include realistic milestones, timelines, and measurable performance metrics.

• Promote clinical AI adoption through user feedback and iterative framework improvement.

• Demonstrate how proposed frameworks will be shared and adopted by the broader research community.

NIH states that applications proposing frameworks that are duplicative of existing frameworks or represent only incremental advancements will be considered of low programmatic relevance, reducing their likelihood of funding.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This funding opportunity is expected to be highly competitive.

NIH intends to make approximately five awards while committing approximately $2,000,000 in FY2027, contingent upon available funding and the receipt of a sufficient number of meritorious applications.

Applications will undergo NIH peer review and will be evaluated based on factors including:

• Importance of the proposed research

• Innovation

• Scientific rigor

• Feasibility

• Investigator expertise

• Institutional environment

In addition, reviewers will specifically evaluate:

• The need for the proposed frameworks.

• The benefit of the frameworks to multimodal AI and precision medicine.

• Flexibility and usability across multiple clinical environments.

• How well dependencies between framework types are addressed.

• The quality of collaboration plans.

• Plans to promote clinical AI adoption and innovation.

• The experience of the project team in developing and deploying AI frameworks.

Following peer review, applications compete for funding based on:

• Scientific and technical merit.

• Availability of funds.

• Relevance to PRIMED-AI program priorities.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Applicants should carefully review the program requirements before beginning an application.

Key restrictions include:

Clinical trials are not allowed

This NOFO only accepts applications that do not propose clinical trials. Applications may include activities involving human subjects that are not considered clinical trials.

You must propose at least two distinct frameworks

Each application must propose two or more distinct frameworks addressing separate framework topics.

Projects proposing only one framework, or multiple approaches to the same framework topic, will be considered non-responsive and will not be reviewed.

Frameworks must be broadly usable

All frameworks developed under this award are expected to:

• Be shared with the broader research community.

• Be suitable for inclusion in the PRIMED-AI Playbook.

• Support extensibility and interoperability.

• Clearly identify intended users, applicable data classes, use cases, and limitations.

Collaboration is required

Recipients will be expected to:

• Participate in the PRIMED-AI Consortium.

• Collaborate with other Playbook award recipients.

• Participate in monthly Playbook Working Group meetings.

• Participate in annual in-person Consortium meetings.

• Attend virtual consortium activities.

• Participate in an in-person framework showcase at the end of Year 2.

Data sharing requirements

Applicants must submit a Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Plan.

Recipients are expected to comply with PRIMED-AI Consortium policies regarding:

• Data sharing

• Software release

• Metadata standards

• Quality control

• Public copyright licensing

• Standardization requirements

Recipients are also required to engage with the Common Fund Data Ecosystem (CFDE) for dissemination of PRIMED-AI resources.

Registration requirements

Organizations must complete all required registrations before submitting an application, including:

• System for Award Management (SAM)

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI)

• eRA Commons

• Grants.gov

Program Directors/Principal Investigators must have:

• An eRA Commons account

• A linked ORCID ID

NIH notes that registration can take six weeks or longer, so applicants should begin the registration process as early as possible.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Applicants should expect this to be a significant proposal effort.

In addition to the standard NIH application requirements, applicants must prepare:

• Two or more distinct framework concepts.

• A detailed research strategy.

• A draft framework layout.

• Early standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Framework management plans.

• A multidisciplinary team approach.

• Collaboration plans with other PRIMED-AI award recipients.

• A milestone plan with Gantt chart.

• Performance metrics.

• A Data Management and Sharing Plan.

• Resource sharing information.

• Required registrations for both the organization and PD(s)/PI(s).

Applicants must also budget for required consortium participation, including annual in-person meetings and the Year 2 framework showcase.

Because of these requirements, organizations should begin preparing well before the application deadline.

Applications are due by October 09, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time of applicant organization.

How can BW&CO help?

Developing a competitive NIH cooperative agreement application requires more than a strong technical concept. Applicants must also demonstrate program alignment, a clear development strategy, meaningful collaboration, measurable milestones, and compliance with NIH requirements.

BW&CO can help your team:

• Assess whether your project aligns with the goals of the PRIMED-AI Program.

• Refine your framework concepts to address NIH review criteria.

• Develop a compelling research strategy and project narrative.

• Create realistic milestones, timelines, and measurable deliverables.

• Strengthen collaboration and management plans.

• Prepare compliant budgets and application documents.

• Review your application for responsiveness before submission.

• Manage proposal development from kickoff through final submission.

Our team works with companies, universities, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions to prepare competitive federal funding applications while minimizing the administrative burden on technical teams.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Battlefield Pain Management – Analgesic (HT942726RE009)

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

Executive Summary:

The Defense Health Agency (DHA), through the Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA), is seeking proposals to develop an FDA-approved, single-use analgesic product for battlefield use to treat moderate to severe acute pain. The product is intended for Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), Prolonged Casualty Care (PCC), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC/MEDEVAC), and all Roles of Care.

The Government expects to make no more than two prototype Other Transaction Authority (pOTA) awards under 10 U.S.C. 4022. A successfully completed prototype project may lead to a follow-on production contract or transaction.

Proposal deadline: 30 July 2026. Companies pursuing this opportunity should begin preparing immediately because the solicitation requires a comprehensive technical, management, regulatory, and cost proposal with extensive FDA development planning.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify:

• Total program funding

• Individual award value

• Maximum or minimum award amount

The Government states only that it intends to make no more than two awards.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support development of an FDA-approved, single-use analgesic product for battlefield use, including activities such as:

• Non-clinical studies

• Clinical studies and trials

• FDA regulatory strategy and submission

• Development activities compliant with:

  • 21 CFR Part 58

  • 21 CFR Part 11

  • Applicable FDA guidance documents

• Manufacturing planning

• Quality management

• Commercial manufacturing planning

The objective is to obtain FDA approval for a rapid, single-dose analgesic indicated for moderate to severe acute pain that can be used in austere military environments.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The solicitation states that:

• A successfully completed prototype project may lead to a follow-on production contract or transaction under 10 U.S.C. 4022(f).

• The product could ultimately be fielded as part of the Battlefield Pain Management Family of Systems and potentially become part of standard issue equipment for the Joint Force.

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

The solicitation provides the following timeline:

• Request issued: 29 June 2026

• Questions due: 10 July 2026

• Proposal deadline: 30 July 2026

The solicitation estimates an overall project period of performance of eight years, consisting of:

• Objective 1: 3 years

• Objective 2 (non-clinical studies): 2 years

• Objective 3: 3 years

Funding is anticipated to be incremental, with the funding schedule provided after award.

The solicitation does not specify when awards will be made or when initial funding will be received.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

• Defense Health Agency (DHA)

• Portfolio Acquisition Executive Medical Products (PAE MP)

• Warfighter Protection and Acute Care Project Management Office (WPAC PMO)

The solicitation is administered by the:

• Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA)

Awards will be made using Prototype Other Transaction Authority (pOTA) under 10 U.S.C. 4022.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible for award, a proposal must demonstrate at least one of the following:

• At least one nontraditional defense contractor participates to a significant extent.

• At least one nonprofit research institute participates to a significant extent.

• All significant non-government participants are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors.

• At least one-third of total project costs are provided by non-federal sources.

Additional requirements include:

• Prime awardees must maintain an active SAM registration.

• Prime awardees must use their SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).

• NAICS Code 541714 must be listed in SAM prior to award.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Companies that fail to demonstrate one of the statutory eligibility conditions described above may be determined ineligible.

The Government also states proposals may be eliminated if they:

• Fail preliminary screening

• Do not comply with proposal instructions

• Fail to demonstrate required nontraditional participation or cost sharing (when applicable)

The solicitation does not identify additional ineligible applicant categories.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated evaluation criteria, the most competitive proposals will demonstrate:

• A strong technical approach for achieving FDA approval

• Well-developed non-clinical and clinical development plans

• A credible FDA regulatory strategy

• Relevant FDA approval and commercialization experience

• Strong project management

• Realistic scheduling and risk management

• Quality management systems

• Commercial manufacturing planning

• Realistic, reasonable, and complete cost proposals

Projects must clearly address the Government's objectives for developing a battlefield-ready, single-use analgesic product.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation is expected to be highly competitive.

Indicators include:

• No more than two awards are anticipated.

• Proposals undergo technical, management, and cost evaluations.

• Vendors must satisfy statutory OTA participation requirements.

• Extensive FDA regulatory planning and commercialization planning are required.

• The Government reserves the right to make no award depending on proposal quality and funding availability.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Proposal must be submitted as three separate volumes:

  • Technical

  • Management

  • Administrative and Cost

• Cost information may appear only in Volume III.

• Technical proposals must include FDA regulatory strategy.

• Project Management Plan must include:

  • Integrated Master Schedule

  • Risk Management Plan

  • Spend Plan

  • Quality Management Plan

  • Work Breakdown Structure

• Microsoft Project schedule is required.

• Searchable PDF submissions are required.

• Files may not be password protected.

• Files may not contain hyperlinks.

• Labor escalation may not exceed 3% per year.

• Foreign organizations or collaborators require additional justification.

• Accounting systems must comply with GAAP for expenditure-based agreements.

• Prime awardees must maintain active SAM registration throughout performance.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify an expected proposal preparation time.

However, the required submission includes:

• Technical volume

• Management volume

• Administrative and Cost volume

• FDA regulatory strategy

• Statement of Work

• Integrated Master Schedule

• Project Management Plan

• Commercial Manufacturing Sales Plan

• Detailed cost proposal

• Supporting documentation

• Required certifications and representations

Preparing a compliant submission is likely to require significant coordination across technical, regulatory, manufacturing, management, and finance teams.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support applicants by helping develop a compliant proposal package, including:

• Proposal strategy

• Technical narrative development

• Project management documentation

• Regulatory strategy alignment

• Cost proposal development

• Compliance review

• Proposal management through final submission

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

​Mitigating Proliferation Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence Enabled Molecular Models and Leveraging Nonproliferation Opportunities​ - DFOP0018449

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

Executive Summary:

Application Deadline: 11:59 PM ET on 7/21/2026. Organizations interested in this opportunity should plan to begin preparing their application immediately, as proposals require a detailed technical narrative, budget, monitoring and evaluation plan, and supporting documentation.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation, Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ACN/NDF), is seeking proposals to reduce the proliferation risks created by artificial intelligence-enabled molecular models (CBAIMs) while advancing beneficial AI applications for chemical and biological nonproliferation.

The program supports projects that identify vulnerabilities in AI molecular models and associated datasets, develop safeguards and mitigation measures, create technical tools and international best practices, and strengthen international cooperation to prevent the misuse of AI for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) applications.

Projects may address the full scope of the program or a clearly defined subset of the stated objectives. Awards will be made as Cooperative Agreements, meaning the Department of State expects substantial involvement throughout the project.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation provides:

• Total available funding: $4,000,000

• Anticipated number of awards: 2–5

• Award type: Cooperative Agreement

• Maximum period of performance: 24 months

The solicitation does not specify a minimum or maximum award amount per recipient. Proposals may not exceed the total availability of funds under this NOFO.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports projects that help prevent the misuse of AI-enabled molecular models while promoting responsible AI development for chemical and biological security.

Examples of supported activities include:

• Identifying foreign stakeholders involved in AI-enabled molecular design.

• Conducting technical evaluations and risk assessments of AI molecular models, datasets, computing infrastructure, and model architectures.

• Developing and testing safeguards, mitigation measures, and best practices that reduce proliferation risks.

• Piloting new methodologies to evaluate and mitigate misuse throughout the AI model lifecycle.

• Developing software tools, secure platforms, methodologies, and other technical resources that leverage AI for nonproliferation purposes.

• Developing tools that detect illicit chemical or biological material acquisition, development, diversion, proliferation, weaponization, or use.

• Publishing international guidelines, codes of ethics, best practices, institutional mechanisms, software tools, or platforms supporting responsible AI development.

• Organizing international workshops, tabletop exercises, technical exchanges, and stakeholder engagement activities.

• Providing mentorship and trainer development to foreign partners.

• Supporting recurring evaluations and red-teaming exercises to validate safeguards as technology evolves.

The Department encourages projects that produce tangible technical deliverables rather than awareness activities alone. Deliverables may include:

• Software tools

• Secure data-sharing platforms

• Methodologies

• Guidelines

• Codes of ethics

• Mitigation measures

• Technical frameworks

• Other resources supporting responsible AI molecular research and nonproliferation.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond funding, successful recipients will work closely with ACN/NDF throughout the project.

Under the Cooperative Agreement, the Department expects substantial involvement, including:

• Regular coordination with ACN/NDF.

• Quarterly milestone reviews.

• Collaboration on identifying international partners and stakeholders.

• Assistance coordinating workshops and engagement activities.

• Review and feedback on work plans and project deliverables.

• Coordination with Department of State personnel and U.S. Missions where appropriate.

• Guidance to ensure project activities remain aligned with Department priorities.

Projects may also help establish long-term international communities of practice, strengthen partnerships with government, industry, and academia, and encourage adoption of globally recognized safeguards and best practices for AI-enabled molecular models.

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

Application deadline: 11:59 PM ET on 7/21/2026.

Applications must be submitted through MyGrants. Faxed, couriered, or emailed applications are not accepted except for eligible U.S. Federal Government entities.

Following submission:

• Applications first undergo a Technical Eligibility Review.

• Eligible applications advance to a Merit Review Panel.

• Final award decisions are made by ACN/NDF leadership.

The solicitation states that awards may be made based on the initial application without discussions or negotiations.

The solicitation does not specify when award decisions will be announced or when funding will be received.

If selected:

• A pre-project implementation meeting will occur within 30 days after award.

• A draft Project Work Plan must be submitted within 30 days of award.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding is provided by the:

U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation
Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund (ACN/NDF)

The authority for this funding opportunity is Section 504 of the FREEDOM Support Act of 1992.

The Office of the Nonproliferation and Disarmament Fund develops projects that support U.S. efforts to:

• Prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

• Reduce chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

• Prevent the spread of missile and advanced conventional weapons.

• Support international nonproliferation and arms control objectives.

• Secure, remove, or destroy WMD-related materials and systems.

This funding opportunity specifically supports projects addressing proliferation risks associated with AI-enabled molecular models and opportunities to leverage AI in support of international chemical and biological nonproliferation efforts.

Who is eligible to apply?

The following U.S.-based organizations are eligible to apply:

• Domestic not-for-profit organizations, including organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status.

• Public institutions of higher education.

• Private institutions of higher education.

• For-profit organizations and businesses.

• U.S. Federal Government entities.

Organizations may also form a consortium and submit a combined proposal. In these cases:

• One organization must serve as the lead applicant.

• The remaining organizations must participate as sub-awardees.

• The lead applicant must independently meet the eligibility requirements.

Cost sharing is not required. Providing voluntary cost share is not an eligibility requirement and will not improve an application's competitive ranking.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The following organizations are not eligible under this solicitation:

• Foreign not-for-profit organizations.

• Foreign Public Entities (FPEs).

• Public International Organizations (PIOs).

Additionally, organizations are not eligible if they:

• Have an exclusion listed in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).

• Have a current debt to the U.S. Government.

• Include any excluded entity or individual identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions list as part of the proposed project.

The solicitation also notes that while for-profit organizations are eligible, the Department of State prohibits recipients from earning profit under assistance awards. Reimbursement is limited to allowable direct and indirect costs.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The Department identifies several characteristics that it will evaluate favorably.

Strong proposals are likely to:

• Directly address AI-enabled chemical and biological proliferation risks and/or leverage AI to strengthen nonproliferation objectives.

• Produce practical, deployable technical deliverables rather than awareness activities alone.

• Demonstrate experience researching, testing, or implementing safeguards for AI molecular models.

• Include meaningful technical assessments, risk evaluations, or mitigation strategies.

• Develop software tools, secure platforms, methodologies, guidelines, or other resources that can be readily adopted by researchers and industry.

• Include subject matter experts with broad international AI research and development expertise.

• Prioritize partner countries with a clear rationale.

• Demonstrate measurable nonproliferation benefits supported by data-driven analysis.

• Include long-term sustainability through communities of practice, national action plans, or ongoing partnerships.

• Deliver meaningful threat reduction within the first year of funding.

• Incorporate workshops, technical exchanges, mentorship, red-teaming exercises, and sustained stakeholder engagement.

• Present creative solutions that extend beyond the examples listed in the NOFO while remaining aligned with its objectives.

During formal evaluation, reviewers will assess:

• Responsiveness to the program objectives.

• Technical quality of the proposed activities.

• Organizational capability.

• Budget realism and cost efficiency.

• Past performance on previous grants and cooperative agreements.

If two proposals receive equivalent evaluation scores, preference will be given to the applicant with the lower indirect cost rate as a tie-breaking mechanism.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This is expected to be a highly competitive funding opportunity.

The solicitation provides:

• $4,000,000 in total available funding.

• 2–5 anticipated awards.

Applications must first pass a Technical Eligibility Review before advancing to a Merit Review Panel.

Eligible proposals will be evaluated on a 100-point scale by U.S. Government subject matter experts and, where appropriate, non-government subject matter experts.

Reviewers will evaluate:

• Proposed activities.

• Organizational capability.

• Budget.

• Past performance.

Final selections will also consider:

• Alignment with Department of State priorities.

• Support for U.S. foreign policy objectives.

• Geographic distribution of top-ranked applications.

The Department also reserves the right to make awards based solely on the initial application without discussions or negotiations, making a complete and well-developed first submission especially important.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Applicants should be aware of several important restrictions and compliance requirements.

Key restrictions include:

• Award funds may not be provided to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

• Funds may not support activities that encourage, mobilize, publicize, or manage mass-migration caravans toward the U.S. southwest border.

• Funds may not be used for legal counseling on the U.S. asylum process or referrals to legal representation in the United States.

• If the project involves Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), additional requirements apply.

• Recipients must comply with applicable Federal anti-discrimination requirements where applicable.

• Institutions of higher education must comply with applicable foreign funding disclosure requirements.

• Certain awards exceeding specified thresholds require Trafficking in Persons compliance certifications.

• All applicants must maintain an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and SAM.gov registration throughout the application and award period unless an approved exemption applies.

• Applications must be submitted through MyGrants (except eligible U.S. Federal Government entities).

• The Department of State prohibits recipients from earning profit under assistance awards.

Recipients should also review the applicable Federal regulations, Department of State Standard Terms and Conditions, and reporting requirements described throughout the solicitation.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This is a moderate- to high-effort application.

Applicants must prepare a complete proposal package that includes:

• SF-424 and SF-424A (where applicable)

• Project Proposal Narrative (maximum 10 pages)

• Detailed line-item budget

• Budget narrative

• Resumes or position descriptions for key personnel

• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Plan (maximum 3 pages, excluding the tracking document)

• Performance indicator tracking table

• Required registrations, including an active UEI and SAM.gov registration

The proposal narrative must clearly describe:

• The problem being addressed

• Program goals and measurable objectives

• Technical approach

• Activities

• Timeline

• Program partners (if applicable)

• Sustainability plan

Organizations without an active SAM.gov registration should allow additional time. The solicitation states that obtaining or renewing a registration may take anywhere from 4–8 weeks.

Because the Department may make awards based on the initial application without discussions or negotiations, applicants should submit their strongest technical and budget proposal by the application deadline of 11:59 PM ET on 7/21/2026.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps organizations develop competitive, compliant proposals for federal funding opportunities like this one.

Our team can assist with:

• Assessing whether your technology or organization aligns with the solicitation.

• Developing a proposal strategy aligned with the stated evaluation criteria.

• Writing and editing the technical proposal narrative.

• Developing measurable project objectives, milestones, and deliverables.

• Preparing compliant budgets and budget narratives.

• Developing monitoring and evaluation plans.

• Reviewing proposals for completeness and responsiveness before submission.

For this opportunity, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate strong technical expertise in AI-enabled molecular models, chemical and biological security, or closely related disciplines, along with a clear implementation strategy and measurable outcomes that align with the Department of State's stated objectives.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Autonomous Closed Loop Control Mechanical Ventilation (ACLCMV) | MTEC-26-02-Ventilator

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

Executive Summary:

The Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC), in support of the Defense Health Agency (DHA), is seeking one company to develop and demonstrate the core technologies for an Autonomous Closed Loop Control Mechanical Ventilation (ACLCMV) system. This one-year prototype project focuses on reducing technical risk by developing physiological closed-loop control (PCLC) algorithms, defining the system hardware architecture, and preparing for FDA regulatory activities before a future Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) effort.

This opportunity is intended for FDA Registered Medical Device Companies with in-house ventilator manufacturing capabilities that can rapidly mature an autonomous military ventilator for use in austere and prolonged-care environments.

Enhanced White Paper Deadline: July 15, 2026, Noon Eastern Time.

How much funding would I receive?

The U.S. Government anticipates providing:

• Up to $1.9 million total for this effort.

• One Firm Fixed Price (FFP) award is expected.

• Initial Period of Performance not to exceed 12 months.

The Government may provide additional funding and/or additional time through award modifications for scope increases or follow-on efforts, depending on project results.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research, design, development, and testing activities necessary to mature the ACLCMV concept during a 12-month technical risk reduction effort.

Required work includes:

• Development and demonstration of a Physiological Closed-Loop Control (PCLC) software algorithm.

• Definition of system hardware architecture and component selection.

• Preparation and submission of an FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application.

• Benchtop testing.

• System demonstration at Fort Detrick, Maryland.

• Program management and technical reporting.

The contractor is expected to deliver:

• System architecture

• PCLC algorithm

• Test and Evaluation Master Plan

• Benchtop validation

• Final technical report

• Monthly technical and financial reports

• Prototype demonstration

• Draft operations and user manuals

• Cybersecurity documentation

• FDA submission package

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Opportunity for non-competitive follow-on work under the OTA if the prototype effort is successful.

• Potential future production contract or transaction under 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f) following successful prototype completion.

• Potential additional funding or extended scope through award modification.

• Strategic oversight from the Joint Science and Technology Office.

The solicitation also states that competition is satisfied at the prototype stage, meaning additional competition may not be required for later development or production phases.

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

Milestone Timeline

Solicitation issued June 24, 2026

Proposers Conference July 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM EST

Enhanced White Paper deadline July 15, 2026, Noon Eastern Time

Selection notification Not specified

Expected project start September 2026 (subject to change)

Initial Period of Performance Up to 12 months

The solicitation states Offerors should plan for the project period to begin September 2026 (subject to change).

Where does this funding come from?

This Request for Project Proposals is issued by the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) in support of the Defense Health Agency (DHA).

The project is funded through the MTEC Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for prototype projects with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) under 10 U.S.C. § 4022.

Strategic oversight will be provided by the Joint Science and Technology Office.

Who is eligible to apply?

Offerors must:

• Be MTEC Members in good standing.

• Become an MTEC member at least 3 days prior to Enhanced White Paper submission.

• Possess a UEI and CAGE Code.

• Be an FDA Registered Medical Device Company.

• Have in-house ventilator manufacturing capabilities.

Subcontractors are not required to be MTEC members.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The following are not eligible:

• Organizations that are not MTEC Members in good standing.

• Prime Offerors that do not become MTEC members at least three days before submission.

• Organizations that are not FDA Registered Medical Device Companies.

• Organizations without in-house ventilator manufacturing capabilities.

• Proposals that fail to satisfy mandatory Other Transaction Authority statutory requirements described in the Proposal Preparation Guide.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The Government will evaluate proposals primarily on:

1. Technical Feasibility

2. Experience and Expertise

Competitive proposals will clearly demonstrate:

• Strong alignment with the solicitation objectives.

• Supporting preliminary data.

• A technically feasible approach.

• Ability to execute the work efficiently.

• Commercialization strategy beyond DoD.

• Manufacturing development plan.

• Experienced technical and management teams.

• Realistic project schedule.

• Appropriate budget.

Offerors are expected to explain how they meet or exceed the requirements rather than simply restating them.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation is expected to be highly competitive because:

• The Government anticipates making one award.

• Awards will be based on a best value determination.

• Technical merit and organizational experience are evaluated before price.

• Only qualified MTEC members meeting the mandatory eligibility requirements may compete.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Enhanced White Papers are limited to 10 pages (excluding required appendices).

• Submission must follow the mandatory format.

• Submission must be made through the BIDS portal.

• Only Stage 1 Enhanced White Papers are submitted initially; full Price Proposals are requested only from Offerors recommended for funding.

• The MTEC Assessment Fee is 2% of the funded award value and cannot be charged to the Government award.

• Cost sharing above statutory minimums is not required, but statutory OTA conditions must be satisfied.

• Proposals that fail mandatory requirements may be eliminated during preliminary screening.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation uses an accelerated Enhanced White Paper process designed for rapid submissions.

Applicants must prepare:

• A 10-page Enhanced White Paper.

• Warranties and Representations.

• Statement of Work / Milestone Payment Schedule.

• Current and Pending Support.

• Intellectual Property and Data Rights Assertions.

The solicitation does not specify how long applicants should expect to spend preparing an application.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Determine whether your technology aligns with the solicitation.

• Develop a competitive Enhanced White Paper that addresses the stated evaluation criteria.

• Build a compliant Statement of Work and Milestone Payment Schedule.

• Prepare required submission documents.

• Develop commercialization and transition strategies aligned with Government expectations.

• Position your proposal to clearly demonstrate technical feasibility, execution capability, manufacturing readiness, and commercialization planning.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

PRimer and prObe Manufacturing PlaTform (PROMPT) MTEC-26-03-PROMPT

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

Executive Summary:

The Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC), in support of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), is seeking proposals to develop a fully automated, man-portable, and ruggedized prototype platform capable of manufacturing clinical-quality nucleic acid primers and probes on demand in expeditionary environments. The goal is to eliminate reliance on centralized manufacturing and cold-chain logistics by enabling military personnel to rapidly produce high-quality PCR reagents in austere settings.

Applications are due by July 24, 2026, Noon Eastern Time. Companies interested in this opportunity should begin preparing immediately because the solicitation uses a competitive three-stage evaluation process beginning with a concise Solution Brief that must demonstrate both strong military relevance and technical merit.

The government is looking for prototype technologies that integrate nucleic acid synthesis, purification, and quality control into a compact system that can safely operate in forward environments with minimal operator training. Proposed solutions should also demonstrate a credible pathway toward military transition and future production.

How much funding would I receive?

Instead, the U.S. Government encourages Offerors to propose budgets that are appropriate for the scope, complexity, and duration of the proposed work. Budgets should include all direct and indirect costs across the full project period and should align with major project deliverables.

MTEC expects to make one or more awards. If no single proposal addresses the complete technical scope, multiple Offerors may be asked to collaborate.

The solicitation also states that, depending on project results, the Government may non-competitively provide additional funding, extend the period of performance, increase project scope, or pursue follow-on efforts through award modifications.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support the development of a prototype platform capable of manufacturing clinical-quality nucleic acid primers and probes in forward operational environments. Specifically, proposed projects may include work to:

• Develop a fully automated, man-portable, ruggedized manufacturing platform.

• Integrate PCR primer and probe synthesis with automated purification and first-line quality control.

• Replace traditional hazardous synthesis chemistry with field-stable alternatives.

• Design compact instrumentation optimized for reduced size, weight, and power.

• Develop systems operable by minimally trained personnel.

• Design equipment capable of meeting MIL-STD-810 environmental requirements.

• Improve oligonucleotide production speed, yield, and throughput.

• Develop purification and verification methods comparable to laboratory gold standards such as HPLC and LCMS.

• Demonstrate end-to-end manufacturing workflows that replicate commercial PCR assays.

• Produce prototypes for independent government evaluation.

The government is specifically seeking technologies capable of producing sequence-verified, high-purity oligonucleotides from a digital sequence file within hours while operating without reliance on traditional laboratory infrastructure or cold-chain logistics.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The solicitation identifies several potential advantages beyond the initial award.

If project performance is successful, the Government may:

• Provide additional funding.

• Increase project scope.

• Extend the period of performance.

• Award one or more non-competitive follow-on efforts.

• Potentially issue a non-competitive follow-on production contract or transaction pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f).

The solicitation also identifies potential follow-on work that may include:

• Nonclinical studies supporting regulatory applications.

• Quality system development.

• Manufacturing process improvements.

• Manufacturing scale-up.

• Regulatory clearance or approval activities.

• Military environmental and operational assessments.

• Additional ruggedization.

• Advanced technical testing in relevant or simulated operational environments.

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

The solicitation follows a three-stage evaluation process.

Request Issue Date
June 24, 2026.

Application Deadline
July 24, 2026, Noon Eastern Time. Solution Briefs must be received by this deadline to be considered. Late submissions may not be accepted.

Stage 1 – Solution Brief
Applicants submit a Solution Brief using the required template. The Government evaluates submissions based on:

• Programmatic and technical relevance

• Personnel and team expertise

Successful Offerors are invited to the next stage.

Stage 2 – Solution Brief Pitch

Selected Offerors present a virtual pitch to Government evaluators. The pitch expands on the proposed technology, development strategy, commercialization or transition approach, partnerships, military relevance, and competitive advantages. Stage 2 proposals are evaluated based on:

• Technical feasibility

• Potential for commercialization and transition (identified elsewhere in the solicitation as scalability and sustainment in the stage summary)

Stage 3 – Selection for Award

Offerors selected for award are invited to submit a detailed Cost Proposal before final award negotiations.

Expected Project Start

The solicitation states that Offerors should plan for the Period of Performance to begin December 2026 (subject to change).

Period of Performance

The Period of Performance may not exceed 24 months.

Where does this funding come from?

This Request for Project Proposals (RPP) is issued by the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) in support of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Strategic oversight will be provided by the Joint Science and Technology Office.

Awards will be made through MTEC's Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for prototype projects (Number W81XWH-15-9-0001) with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC). Successful Offerors will receive funding through a Research Project Award (RPA) issued under the member's MTEC Base Agreement.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible, the prime Offeror must:

• Be an MTEC Member in good standing.

• Be an MTEC Member in good standing at least three (3) days prior to proposal submission.

• Submit a proposal in accordance with the solicitation requirements.

The solicitation also states:

• Subcontractors and lower-tier subawardees do not have to be MTEC members.

• Organizations that are not currently members may join MTEC before applying.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation identifies several situations that make an Offeror ineligible.

These include:

• Prime Offerors that are not MTEC Members in good standing at least three days before proposal submission.

• Proposals that fail to satisfy the statutory requirements governing the use of Other Transaction Authority described in the Proposal Preparation Guide.

• Proposals that fail to comply with mandatory submission requirements or required formatting and are eliminated during preliminary screening.

In addition, organizations represented by certain MTEC Officers and Directors are not eligible to submit proposals because those organizations are not MTEC members.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation indicates that successful proposals will clearly demonstrate both military relevance and technical merit. It also outlines the characteristics evaluators will consider throughout the selection process.

Projects are likely to be competitive if they:

• Directly address the unmet military medical need described in the solicitation.

• Present a technically sound and well-supported approach.

• Demonstrate strong preliminary data and technical feasibility.

• Integrate synthesis, purification, and quality control into a compact field-deployable platform.

• Show a clear advantage over existing or emerging solutions.

• Include an experienced technical team with relevant facilities and resources.

• Present a realistic development strategy and military transition pathway.

• Include an effective risk mitigation plan.

• Demonstrate the potential to advance technical maturity during the project period.

• Show a viable commercialization or Government transition strategy where applicable.

The solicitation also states that merely restating requirements is insufficient. Offerors are expected to clearly explain how their proposed solution satisfies the program objectives and technical requirements.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This solicitation is expected to be competitive because it uses a three-stage evaluation process that progressively narrows the field of applicants. Only Offerors that perform well during the initial Solution Brief evaluation will be invited to present a Solution Brief Pitch, and only selected Offerors will be invited to submit a full Cost Proposal.

The Government will evaluate proposals using multiple technical and programmatic factors throughout the process. During Stage 1, proposals are evaluated equally on:

• Programmatic and Technical Relevance

• Personnel and Team Expertise

During Stage 2, proposals are evaluated equally on:

• Technical Feasibility

• Potential for Commercialization and Transition (identified elsewhere in the solicitation summary as scalability and sustainment)

The solicitation also states that proposals must do more than restate the Government's requirements. Offerors are expected to clearly demonstrate how they will satisfy the technical objectives and reduce performance risk.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes. Applicants should be aware of several important administrative and program requirements.

MTEC Membership

Prime Offerors must be MTEC Members in good standing at least three days before proposal submission.

Proposal Format

Solution Briefs must follow the mandatory template and formatting requirements provided in the solicitation. Proposals that fail to meet mandatory formatting requirements may be eliminated during preliminary screening.

Submission Requirements

Solution Briefs must be submitted through the BIDS submission portal before July 24, 2026, Noon Eastern Time. It is the Offeror's responsibility to ensure a complete and timely submission.

Period of Performance

Projects may not exceed 24 months.

Cost Sharing

Cost sharing above the statutory minimum is not required for eligibility. However, proposals must satisfy at least one of the statutory conditions governing the use of Other Transaction Authority as described in the Proposal Preparation Guide. Cost sharing is strongly encouraged.

MTEC Assessment Fee

Recipients of a Research Project Award must pay MTEC an assessment fee equal to 2% of the total funded value of the research project. This fee:

• Must be paid within 90 days after execution of the Research Project Award.

• May not be charged as a direct project cost.

Intellectual Property

The solicitation states that deliverables are anticipated to be provided to the Government with Government Purpose Rights or unlimited data rights unless different rights are asserted in the proposal and accepted by the Government.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify how long applicants should expect to spend preparing a proposal.

However, applicants should plan sufficient time to:

• Confirm or obtain MTEC membership if necessary.

• Prepare the required Solution Brief using the mandatory template.

• Develop a complete project approach and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate.

• Assemble all required supporting documents, including warranties and representations, current and pending support, intellectual property and data rights assertions, and any applicable letters of support.

• Submit all required materials through the BIDS portal before July 24, 2026, Noon Eastern Time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team develop a competitive application by supporting every stage of the proposal process, including:

• Determining whether your technology aligns with the solicitation objectives.

• Developing a compliant proposal strategy.

• Preparing the required Solution Brief.

• Strengthening the technical narrative, military relevance, commercialization strategy, and transition plan.

• Developing a defensible project budget and Rough Order of Magnitude cost estimate.

• Coordinating teaming partners where appropriate.

• Managing proposal production, compliance reviews, and submission.

Early preparation is especially important because this solicitation uses a multi-stage evaluation process beginning with a concise Solution Brief and has a firm application deadline of July 24, 2026, Noon Eastern Time.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

DIBC - Defense Manufacturing Readiness Exercise Request for Solutions (RFS) DIBC-RFS-26-02

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

Executive Summary:

The Defense Manufacturing Readiness Exercise (DMRE) is a phased prototype opportunity issued under the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to identify manufacturers and design organizations that could strengthen future U.S. defense production capacity. Rather than asking companies to build complete defense systems, the Government is looking for organizations that can fill specific production roles, demonstrate manufacturing readiness, and provide evidence that they could become qualified, contractable, and usable suppliers for future defense needs.

The exercise focuses on two manufacturing areas:

• Group 3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS/UAV)

• Munitions wiring harnesses, connectors, and electrical interconnect assemblies

The Government is encouraging participation from both traditional and nontraditional defense companies, including businesses with little or no previous defense contracting experience. Companies may participate as manufacturers, contract manufacturers, OEMs, suppliers, design owners, system integrators, testing providers, tooling providers, or other organizations that contribute to defense manufacturing readiness.

Unlike a traditional grant program, this opportunity uses a phased evaluation process. Companies first submit high-level capability information. Selected participants may then move into prototype activities, readiness assessments, and potential prototype awards.

Application Deadline: July 20, 2026 23:59 ET

If your company has manufacturing capacity, production expertise, engineering capabilities, or facilities that could support future defense production—even if you have never worked with the Department before—this is an opportunity to get on the Government's radar before future production requirements emerge.

How much funding would I receive?

Instead, it states:

• Initial aggregate funding is approximately $15,000,000 across multiple potential awards and activities.

• Subject to funding availability and Government determination, additional funding up to $100,000,000 may be considered.

• Funding may support:

  • Stage 1 Small Business Readiness Awards

  • Discovery and technical exchanges

  • Prototype awards

  • Teaming and production approach activities

  • Conversion planning

  • Validation activities

  • Milestone-based prototype activities

  • Qualification and acceptance support

  • CRMN-related analysis and readiness assessments

Funding allocations, timing, and the number of awards are not specified and may change throughout the exercise.

Topics of focus:

Topic 1: Group 3 UAS/UAV Design and Manufacturing Production Roles (DIBC-26-02-001)

The Government is seeking companies that can help strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem for Group 3 unmanned aerial systems (UAS/UAVs). Rather than requiring a single company to build an entire aircraft, the focus is on organizations that can perform specific production or design functions within a larger supply chain.

Examples of eligible capabilities include:

• Component manufacturing

• Subsystem manufacturing

• Assembly and contract assembly

• Integration support

• Contract manufacturing

• Distributed manufacturing

• Supplier support and supplier network coordination

• Ground support equipment

• Testing and inspection

• Quality assurance

• Tooling, fixtures, and test equipment

• Producer-to-incumbent teaming

• OEM participation

• System integration

• Air vehicle or subsystem design

• Configuration management

• Manufacturing and producibility engineering

• Technical data ownership or stewardship

The Government wants to understand:

• Which companies and facilities are credible candidates for these production roles.

• What work can realistically be performed in-house versus outsourced.

• What technical, manufacturing, quality, cybersecurity, supplier, and business constraints could affect production.

• What teaming arrangements are realistic.

• What Government support could reduce barriers.

• What it would take to move from existing capability to qualified, contractable, and usable defense production.

• How manufacturing readiness could be maintained after the exercise.

• How the results could support Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network (CRMN) planning.

Topic 2: Munitions Wiring Harness and Connector Production Roles (DIBC-26-02-002)

The Government is also seeking companies that can support the production of munitions wiring harnesses, connectors, electrical interconnect assemblies, and related manufacturing activities.

Companies are not expected to produce an entire munition. Instead, the Government is interested in organizations that can perform specific manufacturing or supplier functions within the production process.

Examples of eligible capabilities include:

• Wiring harness fabrication

• Connector assembly

• Electrical interconnect assembly

• Cable and wire processing

• Inspection and testing

• Quality assurance

• Tooling, fixtures, and test equipment

• Source approval support

• Supplier support

• Contract manufacturing

• Contract assembly

• Distributed manufacturing

• Producer-to-incumbent teaming

• Supplier network coordination

The Government wants to understand:

• Which companies and facilities are capable of supporting wiring harness and connector production.

• What manufacturing activities can be performed internally versus outsourced.

• What technical specifications, qualification requirements, supplier dependencies, cybersecurity requirements, and business conditions could affect production.

• What teaming opportunities are feasible.

• What Government assistance could reduce manufacturing barriers.

• What would be required to become qualified, contractable, and production-ready.

• How manufacturing readiness could be sustained after the exercise.

• How the information could support future Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network (CRMN) planning.

What could I use the funding for?

The Government intends to fund prototype activities that improve defense manufacturing readiness rather than traditional research projects.

Depending on your role in the exercise, funding may support activities such as:

• Manufacturing readiness planning

• Production role development

• Conversion planning

• Teaming development

• Validation activities

• Execution activities

• Readiness assessments

• Qualification and acceptance activities

• Supplier network development

• Manufacturing engineering

• Production approach development

The Statement of Need explains that the Government is seeking evidence that companies can move from potential manufacturing capability to qualified, contractable, and usable defense production capacity.

For the Group 3 UAS/UAV topic, potential production roles include:

• Component production

• Subsystem production

• Assembly

• Integration support

• Contract manufacturing

• Distributed production

• Testing

• Inspection

• Quality support

• Tooling

• Manufacturing engineering

• System integration

• Design ownership

• Technical data stewardship

• Producer-to-incumbent teaming

For the Munitions Wiring Harness topic, examples include:

• Wiring harness fabrication

• Connector assembly

• Electrical interconnect assembly

• Cable processing

• Inspection

• Testing

• Tooling

• Quality support

• Contract manufacturing

• Distributed production

• Supplier-network support

Companies are not expected to manufacture complete end items. The Government specifically states that it is interested in realistic, bounded production roles within larger defense production ecosystems.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond potential prototype funding, the DMRE is designed to help companies establish relationships with the defense industrial base and demonstrate their manufacturing capabilities.

Potential benefits identified in the solicitation include:

• New market opportunities and growth positioning

• Development of new business connections

• Assessment of operational resilience and agility

• Potential access to streamlined funding from the Department

• Participation in capability discovery activities

• Identification of future production role opportunities

• Inclusion in Government planning for manufacturing readiness and the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network (CRMN)

Companies may also be placed into a Manufacturing Readiness Candidate Pool, allowing the Government to retain visibility into their capabilities for future consideration even if they are not immediately selected for prototype activities.

Placement in the Candidate Pool does not guarantee an award, future funding, or advancement to Stage 2.

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

The solicitation provides the following schedule:

Milestone Date

RFS Issue Date June 25, 2026

Questions Due Date July 1, 2026

Submission Due Date July 20, 2026 23:59 ET

After submission:

1. Companies submit the Stage 1 questionnaire.

2. The Government conducts screening.

3. Selected companies may participate in discovery activities.

4. The Government determines whether companies:

   • Advance to Stage 2 Prototype Activities;

   • Receive Small Business Readiness Award consideration;

   • Enter the Manufacturing Readiness Candidate Pool; or

   • Receive No Further Action.

5. Stage 2 participants complete milestone-based prototype activities that may include:

   • Teaming and production approach

   • Conversion planning

   • Validation

   • Execution

   • Readiness assessment

The solicitation states that the Government's goal is to complete the Defense Manufacturing Readiness Exercise within 9 months from RFS issuance, although it reserves the right to extend or cancel the exercise.

The solicitation does not specify when individual award decisions or funding payments will occur. Payment schedules will be established through applicable Project Sub Agreements.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 4022 using an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA).

According to the solicitation, the DMRE supports broader Industrial Base Policy (IBP) objectives by:

• Improving manufacturing readiness

• Strengthening domestic production capability

• Increasing industrial-base resilience

• Expanding awareness of available manufacturing capacity

• Generating decision-grade evidence for future industrial-base planning

• Supporting development of the Civil Readiness Manufacturing Network (CRMN)

The Government states that the exercise is intended to improve understanding of manufacturing capabilities, production constraints, surge capacity, and readiness preservation opportunities that may support future defense production requirements.

Who is eligible to apply?

The Defense Manufacturing Readiness Exercise is open to both traditional and nontraditional performers (as defined by 10 U.S.C. § 3014), including companies with little or no prior defense contracting experience.

The Government is seeking participation from both manufacturing-side and design-side organizations.

Examples of eligible participants include:

Manufacturing-side organizations

• Manufacturers

• Contract manufacturers

• Component suppliers

• Assemblers

• Tooling providers

• Testing and inspection providers

• Manufacturing engineering providers

• Logistics and production-support providers

Design-side organizations

• Design owners

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)

• Current producers

• Technical-data holders

• System integrators

• Organizations possessing production knowledge, supplier relationships, qualification expertise, manufacturing constraints, or production opportunities relevant to the exercise

Companies may submit information for:

• Topic 1 – Group 3 UAS/UAV Design and Bounded Manufacturing Production Roles

• Topic 2 – Munitions Wiring Harness / Connector Bounded Production Roles

• Or both topic areas.

For Stage 1, respondents are not required to be DIBC members, unless otherwise specified.

However, only DIBC members may receive a prototype Project Sub Agreement award under the DIBC OTA. Companies selected for prototype award consideration must complete all applicable DIBC membership, eligibility, representation, certification, and award-readiness requirements before award execution.

Who is not eligible to apply?

However, it does specify several important limitations:

• Companies that do not complete required DIBC membership and award-readiness requirements cannot receive a prototype award.

• Organizations that submit late Stage 1 responses will not be considered.

• Stage 1 responses must be submitted exclusively through the ATI Acquisition Management Platform.

• Respondents may not submit classified information, export-controlled information, trade secrets, proprietary manufacturing data, customer-specific information, or Controlled Unclassified Information (unless submitted through approved means).

• White papers, capability statements, presentations, marketing materials, and other supplemental documentation are not permitted during Stage 1 unless expressly requested by the Government.

The solicitation does not identify any business size restrictions, geographic restrictions, nonprofit restrictions, university restrictions, or ownership restrictions beyond those explicitly stated.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The Government is looking for companies that can provide credible evidence they could contribute to future defense manufacturing—not necessarily companies that already manufacture complete defense systems.

During Stage 1, the Government may evaluate factors such as:

• Manufacturing relevance

• Facility relevance

• Production capability relevance

• Manufacturing-readiness potential

• Available manufacturing capacity

• Quality systems

• Manufacturing adaptability

• Industrial-base value

• Discovery value

• Production opportunity relevance

• Technical-data relevance

• Manufacturing-capacity matching value

For Stage 2, evaluation may consider:

• Teaming viability

• Production approach viability

• Manufacturing feasibility

• Planning credibility

• Tooling readiness

• Workforce readiness

• Supplier readiness

• Execution performance

• Readiness outcomes

• Industrial-base value

• Government value

The Government also states it may consider:

• Portfolio balance

• Manufacturing-sector diversity

• Geographic diversity

• Small-business participation

• Nontraditional participation

• Industrial-base resilience

• Overall exercise value

Rather than selecting only companies capable of producing complete systems, the Government is explicitly interested in organizations that can fill bounded production roles within broader defense manufacturing ecosystems. This includes manufacturers, suppliers, integrators, testing providers, design organizations, tooling companies, and other specialized contributors.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This opportunity is expected to be highly competitive.

Several factors contribute to the competition:

• The Government may select one or more solutions, partial solutions, role-specific solutions, phase-limited efforts, or no solution.

• Advancement through the exercise occurs in multiple stages.

• Participation in Stage 1 does not guarantee advancement to Stage 2.

• Participation in one milestone does not guarantee continuation to subsequent milestones.

• The Government reserves broad discretion to modify, expand, reduce, suspend, or discontinue participant activities throughout the exercise.

At the same time, the solicitation is intentionally broad.

Unlike many Department of Defense solicitations, the Government specifically encourages participation from:

• Traditional performers

• Nontraditional performers

• Companies with little or no prior defense contracting experience

• Manufacturers

• Design organizations

• Suppliers

• Contract manufacturers

• System integrators

Companies that can clearly demonstrate manufacturing capability, readiness potential, and realistic production roles are likely to be more competitive than those providing generic capability statements.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Some of the most important restrictions include:

• Submission Deadline: Responses must be received by July 20, 2026 23:59 ET.

• Submission Method: Stage 1 responses must be submitted exclusively through the ATI Acquisition Management Platform.

• Question Deadline: Questions are due July 1, 2026.

• Stage 1 responses must consist only of the electronic questionnaire.

• Additional documents may not be submitted unless requested.

• Respondents should provide high-level, non-proprietary information during Stage 1.

• Classified information should not be submitted.

• Export-controlled information should not be submitted.

• Trade secrets and proprietary manufacturing data should not be submitted during Stage 1.

• Communication with Government personnel regarding the RFS is prohibited unless specifically authorized through ATI or another official Government communication.

The solicitation also makes clear that participation:

• Does not guarantee funding.

• Does not guarantee placement in the Candidate Pool.

• Does not guarantee prototype award.

• Does not guarantee follow-on production.

• Does not guarantee future Government work.

The Government reserves the right to:

• Make no award.

• Make multiple awards.

• Make partial awards.

• Modify milestones.

• Pause or discontinue activities.

• Restructure teams.

• Modify participant roles.

• Cancel the effort at any time.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation is designed to minimize the burden of the initial submission.

For Stage 1, companies submit only a high-level electronic questionnaire describing topics such as:

• Company profile

• Facility profile

• Manufacturing capabilities

• Production environment

• Product areas

• Capacity indicators

• Manufacturing-readiness indicators

• Potential production roles

• Production constraints

• Technical-data availability

• Supplier dependencies

Because no technical proposal, white paper, capability statement, cost proposal, or other supplemental documentation is required during Stage 1, most qualified companies should expect a relatively modest preparation effort compared to a traditional federal proposal.

The solicitation does not specify an expected preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you determine whether your manufacturing capabilities align with the Defense Manufacturing Readiness Exercise and position your company for the strongest possible Stage 1 submission.

Our team can assist with:

• Evaluating your eligibility and fit for the opportunity.

• Identifying the most competitive production roles to emphasize.

• Translating commercial manufacturing capabilities into defense-ready language.

• Preparing clear, compliant responses to the Stage 1 questionnaire.

• Developing a strategy for potential Stage 2 prototype activities.

• Advising on DIBC membership requirements if prototype award consideration becomes available.

• Positioning your company for future Department of Defense manufacturing opportunities beyond this exercise.

Even if your company has never worked with the Department of Defense before, this solicitation is specifically intended to identify manufacturers and design organizations that can strengthen future domestic defense production capacity.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Request for Information (RFI) Special Notice DARPA-SN-26-96 Advancing Autonomous Science for Biological Applications DARPA BTO

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

Executive Summary:

Application deadline: July 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Biological Technology Office (BTO)—not a funding opportunity or solicitation for proposals. DARPA is seeking input from the scientific and technical community on the current state of autonomous science for biological applications, key technical challenges, and future investment opportunities that could inform future DARPA programs. Organizations with expertise in autonomous science, AI, robotics, laboratory automation, and related technologies should consider submitting a response before July 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) to help shape potential future research initiatives.

How much funding would I receive?

This RFI does not provide funding. Award amounts, contract values, or grant funding are not specified because this is an information-gathering request rather than a solicitation for proposals. This information can be used to apply to the DARPA BTO Broad Agency Announcement for awards under $2 million.

REQUESTED INFORMATION:

Responses should address Informatics Technologies, Physical Technologies, or Both Informatics and Physical Technologies for autonomous science. In each case, a response must address at least one of the following research areas:

1. Current state of the art of autonomous science and transformational enabling technologies to advance that state of the art

• Key existing enabling technologies broadly transferrable across scientific workflows.

• Technologies in development that will be transformational in enabling autonomous science.

• Metrics of success for judging the current state of the art and emerging technologies to surpass it (e.g., throughput, reproducibility, power usage, continuous runtime, cost per assay, etc.).

2. Key technical, organizational, or operational bottlenecks in deploying autonomous science at scale or in new domains

• Challenges to enabling rapid development and exchange of new autonomous workflows, including equipment or assays that provide unique challenges to automation.

• Challenges to interoperability between laboratories and the exchange of data and protocols.

• Measures of success in promoting more efficient, effective, and portable workflow development.

3. Application areas in which new investments could have the greatest impact and best demonstrate the unique advantages of autonomous science to solve problems not amenable to conventional approaches

• Problems of national interest where autonomous science can achieve results infeasible via conventional science, including specific applications for national security.

• Enabling technologies available or emerging to achieve those results.

• Metrics for establishing improvement over conventional approaches.

• Current commercialization strategies and business cases for future development of autonomous science.

4. Safety and security considerations in the operation of highly automated laboratories and ways these might be addressed, for example through simulation, AI digital twins, or formal verification

• Risks to safety and security in the operation of autonomous laboratories.

• Current safeguards, system-level security, traceability, and other approaches to biosecurity.

• Enabling technologies to resolve these risks.

• Measures of success for safe operation.

5. New technologies, opportunities, and challenges for maximizing productive interaction between human operators and autonomous agents in hybrid human-AI workflows

• Applications of national interest that can be achieved only by humans augmented by autonomous scientific facilities.

• Key barriers to productive interaction between human scientists and autonomous laboratories or their AI agents.

• Enabling technologies to overcome these barriers.

• Metrics of success demonstrating the advancement of human-machine partnering over unassisted human or purely autonomous systems.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Submitting a response gives organizations an opportunity to:

• Provide input that may influence future DARPA program development.

• Share perspectives on the current state of autonomous science in biological domains.

• Highlight emerging technologies, technical challenges, commercialization strategies, and national security applications.

Entities that have not previously worked with DARPA are also encouraged to engage with DARPAConnect, which offers educational resources, one-on-one guidance, and outreach to help organizations understand how to engage with DARPA.

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

Response deadline: July 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

Responses must be submitted electronically in PDF format to AutoSci-RFI@darpa.mil.

There is no funding timeline because this is an RFI rather than a funding opportunity. DARPA states that responses may be used to inform future program development, but no subsequent solicitation schedule is provided.

Where does this funding come from?

This RFI was issued by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Biological Technology Office (BTO).

Because this is an RFI, no funding source or funding program is specified.

Who is eligible to apply?

DARPA welcomes responses from all capable sources, including but not limited to:

• Private companies

• Public companies

• Individuals

• Universities

• University-affiliated research centers

• Not-for-profit research institutions

• U.S. Government-sponsored laboratories

Who is not eligible to apply?

The RFI does not specify any excluded applicant categories.

However:

• Classified information must not be submitted.

• DARPA encourages submission of non-proprietary information, and proprietary information must be clearly marked if included.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

This is not a competitive funding opportunity, so there are no awards or winners.

DARPA is seeking responses addressing one or more research areas related to autonomous science, including:

• State-of-the-art autonomous science technologies

• Technical, organizational, and operational bottlenecks

• High-impact application areas

• Safety and security for autonomous laboratories

• Human-autonomous system collaboration

Responses may focus on:

• Informatics Technologies

• Physical Technologies

• Both Informatics and Physical Technologies

How competitive will this solicitation be?

DARPA states that this RFI is issued solely for information and program planning purposes and does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals or proposal abstracts. Responses are voluntary and will not result in a contract or funding.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key submission requirements include:

• Responses are limited to 7 pages maximum using 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and standard letter-sized pages.

• Responses must be submitted as an unprotected Microsoft Word document or PDF.

• Classified information must not be included.

• Proprietary information must be clearly labeled.

• DARPA will not reimburse response preparation costs.

• Responses are voluntary.

• Proposal abstracts or formal proposals submitted in response to this RFI will be disregarded.

• DARPA is under no obligation to acknowledge or provide feedback on submissions.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Responses must include:

• A one-page cover page

• Up to three pages describing the technical approach

• One page of references

• Optional summary slides

Organizations should also identify which technology category and research area(s) their response addresses.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help organizations prepare a concise, DARPA-ready RFI response by:

• Aligning your response with DARPA's requested research areas.

• Clearly articulating technical capabilities, challenges, and proposed solutions.

• Developing commercialization and national security narratives where supported by your technical work.

• Ensuring compliance with formatting, page limits, and submission requirements.

• Producing a polished submission designed to communicate your organization's expertise effectively.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: FY26 Reconstructive Transplant Research Program (RTRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Reconstructive Transplant Research Program (RTRP) Concept Award supports highly innovative, high-risk research that could open new directions in reconstructive transplantation. The program is designed to fund new concepts and untested theories rather than incremental advances to existing work. Projects must address at least one FY26 RTRP Focus Area and be relevant to improving outcomes for catastrophically injured Service Members, Veterans, their families, caregivers, clinicians, and the American public. Clinical trials are not allowed.

This is a relatively small, early-stage funding opportunity intended to help researchers generate foundational insights that could lead to future development and larger follow-on efforts. The Defense Health Agency expects to fund approximately three awards. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. ET, September 16, 2026. Organizations interested in applying should begin preparing immediately because a required Letter of Intent must be submitted first by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), September 2, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Applicants may request up to $200,000 in total costs for the entire project period. The maximum period of performance is 18 months.

The FY26 RTRP expects to allocate approximately $0.6 million to fund approximately three Concept Award applications.

Cost sharing is not required.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support highly innovative research addressing important problems in reconstructive transplantation and vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). The award specifically supports exploration of new concepts and untested theories rather than continuation of established research programs.

Projects must address at least one of the following FY26 RTRP Focus Areas:

• Improve or optimize VCA immunosuppression.

• Identify and/or validate prognostic or diagnostic biomarkers, methods, or tools for monitoring VCA graft rejection and immunosuppression.

• Advance VCA preservation strategies.

• Develop tools for measuring VCA outcomes, including performance-based, patient-reported, and neurocognitive outcomes.

Allowable costs may include:

• Research activities supporting the proposed project.

• Travel supporting multi-institutional collaborations.

• Travel for one investigator to present project findings at one scientific or technical meeting per year.

• Required travel for the Principal Investigator to present results at one Department of War-sponsored meeting during the award period.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to funding, awardees gain the opportunity to conduct research within a Department of Defense-funded program focused on advancing reconstructive transplantation and improving outcomes for catastrophically injured Service Members and Veterans.

Award recipients may also be invited to present project progress at annual RTRP In-Progress Review meetings.

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

Key dates include:

• Letter of Intent deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), September 2, 2026

• Full application deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, September 16, 2026

• End of application verification period: 5:00 p.m. ET, September 21, 2026

• Peer review: November 2026

• Programmatic review: January 2027

Awards supported with FY26 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2027.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding opportunity is offered through the Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA) and managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) as part of the Reconstructive Transplant Research Program (RTRP).

Congress initiated the RTRP in 2012 to support research that refines reconstructive transplantation approaches and expands access to reconstructive transplants and immunotherapy. The FY26 appropriation for the RTRP is $12 million.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicant organizations include:

• Extramural and intramural U.S. Department of War organizations.

• Foreign organizations.

• Domestic organizations.

• For-profit organizations.

• Nonprofit organizations.

• Public entities.

• Private entities.

Eligible Principal Investigators include:

• Investigators at or above the level of postdoctoral fellow.

• Investigators affiliated with an eligible organization.

• Investigators regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or citizenship status.

• Investigators from academic or non-academic organizations.

An investigator may serve as PI on no more than two FY26 RTRP Concept Award applications.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation states that:

• Individuals cannot receive awards directly because awards are made to organizations.

• Investigators below the level of postdoctoral fellow are not eligible to serve as PI.

• Investigators serving as PI on more than two FY26 RTRP Concept Award applications are not eligible beyond the first two submissions received.

Applications may also be administratively withdrawn if:

• A clinical trial is proposed.

• Human subjects or specimen studies do not qualify for exempt or expedited review.

• The PI does not meet eligibility requirements.

• Required pre-application materials are not submitted.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The program is seeking projects that are:

• Highly innovative.

• High-risk with the potential to reveal new avenues of investigation.

• Focused on at least one FY26 RTRP Focus Area.

• Relevant to military health and catastrophic injury recovery.

• Supported by a strong scientific rationale despite the absence of preliminary data.

• Designed with rigorous and reproducible research methods.

Applications leveraging findings from solid organ transplantation for testing in VCA may be competitive when the rationale and potential benefits are clearly justified.

The review criteria place the greatest emphasis on:

1. Innovation

2. Relevance

3. Research Strategy and Feasibility

4. Personnel

5. Transition Plan

6. Research Sharing Plan

7. Budget

8. Environment

9. Application Presentation

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This appears to be a highly competitive opportunity.

The program expects to fund approximately three awards from a total funding pool of approximately $0.6 million.

The solicitation also notes that since FY15, the RTRP Concept Award mechanism has received 196 applications, with 26 recommended for funding.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Clinical trials are not allowed.

• Preliminary data cannot be included.

• Research involving human subjects or specimens must qualify for exempt status or expedited review.

• Projects involving painful research using domestic cats or dogs are not supported except for studies relating to military or service animals.

• Classified research data or research likely to generate classified outcomes may result in withdrawal.

• Duplicate submissions of the same research project within the RTRP during the same fiscal year are prohibited.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The application process includes both:

1. A required Letter of Intent submission.

2. A full application package.

The solicitation does not specify how long preparation will take. However, applicants must prepare multiple application components, including a Project Narrative, Statement of Work, Innovation Statement, Post-Award Transition Plan, budget materials, supporting documentation, and other required forms.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Evaluate whether your concept aligns with one or more FY26 RTRP Focus Areas.

• Position your project around the program’s primary review criteria, particularly innovation and military relevance.

• Develop a compliant Letter of Intent and full application package.

• Build a compelling research strategy and transition plan.

• Prepare budgets, supporting documentation, and submission materials.

• Manage the application process through submission and compliance review.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: FY26 Rare Cancers Research Program (RCRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Rare Cancers Research Program (RCRP) is a Department of Defense-funded grant program that supports research on cancers affecting six or fewer persons per 100,000 people per year in the United States. The program aims to improve outcomes for people with rare cancers through discovery, community building, and expansion of knowledge across the cancer landscape. Research must be relevant to Service Members, Veterans, military beneficiaries, and the American public.
RCRP offers three separate funding opportunities in FY26:

• Concept Award – supports highly innovative, untested, potentially groundbreaking ideas.
• Idea Development Award – supports promising research ideas that are ready for further development and could generate high-impact findings.
• Resource and Community Development Award – supports development of research resources, datasets, infrastructure, and community-building platforms for rare cancers research.

Applicants interested in the Idea Development Award or Resource and Community Development Award must submit a required preproposal by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), August 19, 2026. Applicants interested in the Concept Award must submit a required Letter of Intent by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), September 16, 2026, and a full application by 11:59 p.m. ET, September 30, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding depends on the award mechanism selected:

Concept Award

• Up to $140,000 total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 2 years

• Approximately 18 awards expected

Idea Development Award

• Up to $490,000 total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 3 years

• Approximately 15 awards expected

Resource and Community Development Award

• Up to $1.12 million total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

• Approximately 5 awards expected

What could I use the funding for?

Projects must address rare cancers and align with one or more FY26 RCRP focus areas.

Concept Award and Idea Development Award focus areas

• Biology

• Preclinical Research Models

• Therapy, including drug repurposing

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Models
  Resource and Community Development Award focus areas

• Platform Development

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Models

Examples of activities supported under the Resource and Community Development Award include:

• Biospecimen repositories

• Patient registries

• Databases and centralized data-sharing platforms

• Omics resources

• Longitudinal natural history studies

• Resource-sharing infrastructure

• AI/ML-enabled discovery platforms

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

In addition to funding, successful applicants gain access to a nationally recognized Department of Defense cancer research program focused on advancing rare cancers research and improving outcomes for patients, Service Members, Veterans, and their families.

The Resource and Community Development Award specifically supports the creation of lasting research resources, stakeholder networks, and community infrastructure intended to continue benefiting the field beyond the award period.

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

Concept Award

• Letter of Intent Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), September 16, 2026

• Full Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, September 30, 2026

• Peer Review: December 2026

• Programmatic Review: March/April 2027

• Awards supported with FY26 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2027.

Idea Development Award

• Preproposal Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), August 19, 2026

• Invitation to Submit Full Application: September 30, 2026

• Full Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, November 18, 2026

• Peer Review: February 2027

• Programmatic Review: March/April 2027

• Awards supported with FY26 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2027.

Resource and Community Development Award

• Preproposal Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), August 19, 2026

• Invitation to Submit Full Application: September 30, 2026

• Full Application Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, November 18, 2026

• Peer Review: February 2027

• Programmatic Review: March/April 2027

• Awards supported with FY26 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2027.

Where does this funding come from?

The Rare Cancers Research Program is managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Defense Health Agency Research and Development organization. Congress established the program in 2020 to support research of exceptional scientific merit in rare cancers. The FY26 appropriation is $17.5 million.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Foreign and domestic organizations

• For-profit organizations

• Nonprofit organizations

• Public entities

• Private entities

• Extramural and intramural organizations
  Principal Investigator eligibility varies by mechanism:

Concept Award

• Independent investigators at or above the level of postdoctoral fellow (or equivalent)

Idea Development Award

• Independent investigators at all career levels

Resource and Community Development Award

• Independent investigators at all career levels

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not provide additional eligibility exclusions beyond the stated organizational and investigator requirements.

However:

• Awards are made to organizations, not individuals. - An investigator may only serve as Principal Investigator on one application within each FY26 RCRP award mechanism.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The strongest applications will closely align with the intent of the selected mechanism.

Concept Award

• Highly innovative, untested, potentially groundbreaking concepts

• High-risk ideas that open entirely new avenues of investigation

• Novel approaches that challenge existing paradigms in rare cancers research

Idea Development Award

• Research supported by preliminary data

• Projects with strong scientific rationale

• Ideas capable of generating high-impact findings and major advancements in rare cancers research

Resource and Community Development Award

• Platforms, datasets, repositories, and infrastructure that fill major gaps in rare cancers research

• Projects with strong plans for community engagement, dissemination, sustainability, and resource sharing

• Efforts that can benefit multiple rare cancer types or subtypes

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The program is expected to be highly competitive.

Historical data provided in the solicitations show:

Concept Award

• 979 applications received

• 90 recommended for funding

Idea Development Award

• 862 applications received

• 85 recommended for funding

Resource and Community Development Award

• 103 applications received

• 23 recommended for funding

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Across all three mechanisms:

• Clinical trials are not allowed. - Projects must focus on cancers affecting six or fewer persons per 100,000 people per year in the United States. - Research must be relevant to Service Members, Veterans, military beneficiaries, and the American public.
  Additional Resource and Community Development Award requirements include:

• At least two rare cancer Patient Advocates must participate as integral members of the research team.

• Community building, dissemination, and sustainability plans are required.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation effort depends on the mechanism selected.

Concept Award

• Requires a Letter of Intent and a short blinded application package.

• Generally expected to require the least preparation effort of the three mechanisms.

Idea Development Award

• Requires a preproposal followed by an invited full application.

• Preliminary data with disease-specific rationale are required.
  Resource and Community Development Award

• Requires a preproposal followed by an invited full application.

• Requires extensive planning around community engagement, patient advocacy, dissemination, sustainment, and resource-sharing infrastructure.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support applicants with:

• Opportunity assessment and mechanism selection

• Eligibility and project fit review

• Preproposal and Letter of Intent development

• Full proposal writing and editing

• Scientific and commercialization positioning

• Reviewer-focused narrative development

• Patient advocate engagement strategy

• Budget development and compliance review

• Final submission support

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: FY26 Kidney Cancer Research Program (KCRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) has released three Fiscal Year 2026 Kidney Cancer Research Program (KCRP) funding opportunities designed to support innovative kidney cancer research, develop future leaders in the field, and accelerate new discoveries that improve outcomes for patients. Collectively, these opportunities represent approximately $10.2 million in anticipated funding across three award mechanisms.

The FY26 KCRP continues to focus on advancing the biology of kidney cancer, developing new therapeutic approaches, improving patient care and survivorship, addressing health disparities, and expanding research capacity through investigator development and collaboration.

Researchers can apply through one of three mechanisms:

Concept Award
Supports highly innovative, untested, and potentially groundbreaking ideas in kidney cancer research. This mechanism is intended for high-risk concepts that could open entirely new avenues of investigation. Preliminary data are not allowed. Awards provide up to $120,000 in total costs over one year.

Idea Development Award
Supports hypothesis-driven research projects backed by preliminary data and a well-developed scientific rationale. Projects must address important questions in kidney cancer research or clinical care and demonstrate potential for significant impact. Awards provide up to $900,000 for a single Principal Investigator or up to $1.2 million through the Partnering Principal Investigator option over three years.

Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award
Supports promising early-career investigators pursuing independent careers in kidney cancer research. In addition to funding a research project, awardees join a national mentoring and networking academy that provides intensive mentorship, scientific collaboration opportunities, leadership development, and career support. Awards provide up to $1.2 million over four years.

All three mechanisms require submission of a Letter of Intent prior to full application submission and do not allow clinical trials. Applicants should begin preparing immediately to ensure sufficient time for project development, institutional approvals, collaborator coordination, and application assembly.

The earliest deadline is the Concept Award Letter of Intent due July 28, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Idea Development Award and Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award both require Letters of Intent by September 14, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding depends on the mechanism selected.

Concept Award

• Up to $120,000 total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 1 year

• Approximately 7 awards anticipated

Idea Development Award

• Single PI Option: Up to $900,000 total costs

• Partnering PI Option: Up to $1.2 million total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 3 years

• Approximately 8 awards anticipated

Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award

• Up to $1.2 million total costs

• Maximum period of performance: 4 years

• Approximately 2 awards anticipated

What could I use the funding for?

All three mechanisms support research addressing at least one FY26 KCRP focus area, including:

• Understanding kidney cancer biology, progression, metastasis, and prevention

• Developing new screening, diagnostic, prognostic, and imaging approaches

• Advancing treatments for rare kidney cancers

• Creating novel therapeutic strategies

• Improving quality of life and survivorship

• Addressing outcomes in high-risk and underserved populations

• Expanding research capacity and developing future kidney cancer researchers

The Concept Award is intended for exploratory, high-risk concepts.

The Idea Development Award supports mature research projects with preliminary data and a clearly defined hypothesis.

The Early-Career Scholar Award supports both a research project and a structured career-development program designed to establish long-term independence in kidney cancer research.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The Idea Development Award includes a Partnering Principal Investigator option that supports formal collaborations between two investigators contributing distinct expertise to a single project.

The Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award provides:

• Intensive mentorship from established kidney cancer investigators

• National networking opportunities

• Scientific collaborations

• Monthly academy programming

• Annual and biennial workshops

• Leadership and career development training

• Access to a national peer network of kidney cancer researchers

All three mechanisms encourage multidisciplinary collaborations involving academia, industry, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal agencies.

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

Concept Award

• Letter of Intent Deadline: July 28, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

• Application Deadline: August 11, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

• Peer Review: October 2026

• Programmatic Review: December 2026

Idea Development Award

• Letter of Intent Deadline: September 14, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

• Application Deadline: September 28, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

• Peer Review: December 2026

• Programmatic Review: March 2027

Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award

• Letter of Intent Deadline: September 14, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

• Application Deadline: September 28, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time

• Peer Review: December 2026

• Programmatic Review: March 2027

Awards funded through FY26 appropriations are expected to be made no later than September 30, 2027.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs through the Kidney Cancer Research Program.

Congress established the KCRP in 2017 to support research with exceptional scientific merit and high potential impact. The program received $15 million in FY26 appropriations.

The program's mission is to promote rigorous, innovative, high-impact kidney cancer research for the benefit of Service Members, Veterans, their families, and the American public.

Who is eligible to apply?

Concept Award

• Investigators at all career levels, including postdoctoral fellows or equivalent

• Foreign and domestic organizations

• For-profit and nonprofit organizations

• Public and private entities

Idea Development Award

• Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent)

• Foreign and domestic organizations

• For-profit and nonprofit organizations

• Public and private entities

Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award

• Investigators within seven years of their most recent postdoctoral research position, clinical fellowship, or equivalent

• Must meet Early-Career Scholar eligibility requirements

• Must identify a qualified Designated Mentor

• Foreign and domestic organizations

• For-profit and nonprofit organizations

• Public and private entities

Who is not eligible to apply?

Concept Award

• Investigators below the postdoctoral fellow level (or equivalent)

Idea Development Award

• Investigators below the Assistant Professor level (or equivalent)

Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award

• Individuals currently in postdoctoral positions, clinical fellowships, or equivalent training positions at the application deadline

• Investigators more than seven years removed from their last postdoctoral position, fellowship, or equivalent training experience

Additional eligibility restrictions apply to mentors participating in the Academy mechanism.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive applications will closely align with KCRP priorities and demonstrate clear potential to advance the field.

For the Concept Award, reviewers are looking for:

• Highly innovative ideas

• Novel concepts

• New research paradigms

• Research that goes beyond incremental advances

For the Idea Development Award, reviewers are looking for:

• Strong preliminary data

• Well-developed hypotheses

• Rigorous research strategies

• Significant potential impact on kidney cancer research or patient care

For the Early-Career Scholar Award, reviewers are evaluating:

• The investigator's potential to become an independent leader in kidney cancer research

• Quality of the mentoring plan

• Strength of the career-development strategy

• Scientific merit of the proposed research

Across all mechanisms, projects that directly address FY26 KCRP focus areas and demonstrate strong scientific rationale are likely to be most competitive.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Across all three mechanisms:

• Clinical trials are not allowed.

• Applications must address at least one FY26 KCRP focus area.

• Applications must address at least one eligible kidney cancer disease type.

• Cost sharing is not required.

• Awards are made to organizations rather than individuals.

Additional mechanism-specific restrictions include:

Concept Award

• Preliminary data are not allowed.

• Applications undergo blinded review.

• Applications may not contain identifying information about investigators or institutions.

Idea Development Award

• Preliminary data are required.

Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award

• Preliminary data are required.

• Applicants must meet specific career-stage requirements.

• Applicants must identify an eligible Designated Mentor.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The FY26 KCRP funding opportunities are expected to be highly competitive.

Historical funding data demonstrates significant demand:

Concept Award

• 587 applications received since FY17

• 73 recommended for funding

Idea Development Award

• 610 applications received since FY17

• 124 recommended for funding

Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award

• 40 applications received since FY19

• 14 recommended for funding

Applicants should expect strong competition and should clearly demonstrate alignment with program priorities, innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation effort varies significantly by mechanism.

Concept Award
Typically requires the least preparation because preliminary data are prohibited and the narrative is intentionally brief. However, applicants must carefully comply with blinded-review requirements.

Idea Development Award
Requires substantial preparation due to the need for preliminary data, a comprehensive research strategy, detailed supporting documentation, impact statements, and progression planning.

Academy of Kidney Cancer Investigators – Early-Career Scholar Award
Typically requires the greatest preparation effort because applicants must develop both a research plan and a comprehensive career-development strategy while coordinating mentor participation and institutional commitments.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help applicants determine which KCRP mechanism best aligns with their technology, scientific maturity, and career stage.

Our team can support:

• Opportunity assessment and go/no-go decisions

• Mechanism selection

• Research strategy development

• Hypothesis refinement

• Innovation positioning

• Impact narrative development

• Mentor and collaborator coordination

• Compliance review

• Proposal writing and editing

• Grants.gov and submission support

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Domestic Production for Military-Critical Cylindrical Cells Request for Project Proposals | DIBC | RPP-BES-26-01

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

Executive Summary:

Companies developing domestic battery manufacturing capabilities should strongly consider this opportunity. The Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC), on behalf of the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)) Industrial Base Policy (IBP) office, is seeking prototype projects that strengthen U.S. battery supply chains in two critical areas:

1. Domestic production of military-critical 18650 and 21700 lithium-ion cells.

2. Modernization and automation of U.S.-based Silver-Zinc battery production facilities.

The Government is specifically seeking projects that reduce dependence on Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC), establish resilient domestic manufacturing capabilities, and support national security requirements. Phase I submissions are due no later than July 17, 2026 12:00 PM ET.

How much funding would I receive?

Awards typically range from $500,000 to $5 million. Proposers are required to submit pricing information and propose a total price for their project solution. The Government anticipates fixed-price agreements but may negotiate other award structures.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support prototype projects aligned with one of two Areas of Interest (AOIs).

AOI 1: Domestic Production of 18650/21700 Lithium-Ion Cells

(Requirement ID: BES-RPP-BES-26-01-001)

This AOI seeks to establish an initial domestic prototype manufacturing line for 18650 and 21700 format Li-ion cells. The objective is to create a sustainable, commercially viable production capability that meets DoD performance requirements while minimizing reliance on Foreign Entities of Concern (FEOC). Successful solutions will demonstrate a credible plan to produce cells that meet the technical specifications outlined below utilizing secure domestic supply chains.

Requirements for AOI 1 Lithium-Ion Cells

Solutions for AOI 1 must address a plan to produce 18650 and/or 21700 cells that meet the following requirements:

• Technical Specifications
• Production Line and Commercial Viability
• Safety and Certification
• Supply Chain

Technical Specifications

Energy Density (Wh/kg)

• 21700 Threshold: 270 Wh/kg
• 21700 Objective: 340 Wh/kg
• 18650 Threshold: 260 Wh/kg
• 18650 Objective: 330 Wh/kg

Notes: At standard conditions, room temperature, ½ C rate.

Energy Density (Wh/L)

• 21700 Threshold: 700 Wh/L
• 21700 Objective: 850 Wh/L
• 18650 Threshold: 680 Wh/L
• 18650 Objective: 780 Wh/L

Discharge Rate Capability (continuous/pulse)

• 21700 Threshold: 3C / 5C
• 21700 Objective: 5C / 10C
• 18650 Threshold: 1.5C / 5C
• 18650 Objective: 3C / 10C

Notes: Objective values measured at 20°C.

Cycle Life

• Threshold: 300 cycles
• Objective: 1000 cycles

Notes: ½ C charge, 1 C discharge for energy design to 80% BOL.

Storage Temperature

• Threshold: -30°C to 55°C
• Objective: -40°C to 70°C

Notes: At 100% SOC.

Operating Temperature

Threshold:

• Charge: 0°C to 55°C
• Discharge: -20°C to 55°C

Objective:

• Charge: -20°C to 60°C
• Discharge: -30°C to 60°C

Notes: Charge rate below 0°C may be reduced.

Capacity Delivered at -20°C

• Threshold: 50%
• Objective: 80%

Notes: At 1 C.

Annual Self-Discharge Rate

• Threshold: 5%
• Objective: Less than 3%

Notes: At 20°C.

Zero Volt Capability

• Threshold: No capability
• Objective: Some capability

Notes: Refers to ability for 0V storage with limited or no lifetime/performance impacts.

Cell Internal Resistance

• Threshold: 35 mΩ
• Objective: Less than 25 mΩ

Notes: At 20°C and 100% SOC.

Production Line & Commercial Viability Requirements

• Production Capacity: Demonstrate a path to achieve a minimum annual production capacity of 50 MWh for 18650 or 21700 cells within two years after award, with an objective target of scaling to 3 GWh.

• Flexibility: Describe the line's ability to cross produce both 18650 and 21700 formats.

• Commercial Viability: Include a viable business plan demonstrating the commercial marketability of the battery cells to ensure long-term sustainability of the production line.

• Cell Price: Demonstrate a clear path to achieve cost parity with high-energy Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) cells by 2030.

Safety & Certification Requirements

• Cell Level: Cells must be designed to be compliant with UL 1642 and comparable to modern COTS cells, incorporating safety features such as a cell vent and Current Interrupt Device (CID). The objective is to achieve safety performance better than high-energy COTS cells.

• Pack Level: Describe how cells will support integration into battery packs that meet UL 2054 requirements.

• Transportation: Cells must be designed to pass UN/DOT 38.3 transportation testing.

• MIL-STD-810 environmental testing for UAS batteries.

• Demonstrated fail-safe features and thermal runaway prevention for battery packs.

Supply Chain Security Requirements

Manufacturing Equipment

• Threshold: A minimum of 50% of manufacturing equipment (by value) must be secured from non-FEOC sources.

• Objective: 100% of equipment to be from non-FEOC sources.

Cell Components

Detail a plan to meet the following domestic content thresholds for electrode active materials:

• Threshold: Meet domestic content requirements as defined by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

• Objective: Achieve greater than 95% of electrode active material within each cell, by value, from sources compliant with FEOC restrictions as defined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Section 40207(a)(5).

AOI 2: Modernization of Silver-Zinc (Ag-Zn) Battery Production

(Requirement ID: BES-RPP-BES-26-01-002)

This AOI seeks to modernize and automate a U.S.-based Silver-Zinc battery prototype production facility. The objective is to create a reliable, efficient, and high-yield production source capable of meeting the stringent quality and volume demands for batteries used in critical strategic systems (such as the TRIDENT II and Minuteman III).

Requirements for AOI 2 Silver-Zinc Modernization

Solutions for AOI 2 must detail a credible, economically viable plan to modernize and automate a U.S.-based Silver-Zinc battery production facility.

Technical and Modernization Requirements

• Throughput & Efficiency: The proposed solution must demonstrate how automation and process controls will reduce battery activation and testing cycle times by at least 30% compared to current industry performance levels.

• Process Yield: The proposal must detail improvements to the zinc plate deposition and positive formation processes to increase the first-pass yield of defect-free plates to over 99%.

• Advanced Manufacturing: The proposal must include a plan to prototype and test an additively manufactured (3D-printed) battery case or internal support structure that achieves one of the following:

• Reduces component weight by at least 15%, or

• Increases internal volume for active materials by 10%.

The new component must not compromise structural integrity under relevant shock and vibration standards.

• Infrastructure & Workforce: The proposal must outline a plan to modernize critical manufacturing infrastructure and establish a robust training program to cultivate a skilled workforce.

Special Considerations

• Anticipated Security Level: Unclassified; however, Controlled Technical Information and/or Controlled Unclassified Information may be required.

• Environmental Questionnaire: All respondents will complete and submit an Environmental Questionnaire.

• Disclose any/all Foreign Investment or Control.

• Resource sharing for any proposed project.

• Anticipated Data Rights: Data rights may be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. The Government seeks to protect commercial IP while ensuring DoW’s ability to maintain supply chain visibility.

• Supply chain information for suppliers and subcontractors that includes supply chain data of components relevant to the completion of this prototype.

Consortium Members shall:

• Collect, document, and report supply chain data including data from subcontractors.

Data shall include the following:

1. Vendor name

2. Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) and/or Unique Entity Identification (UEID) code(s), if applicable

3. Part/product and descriptions to include as applicable:

a. Purchaser part number

b. Vendor part number

c. Description of if the part/product is connected to a higher or lower-level part

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Access to a DIBC Other Transaction (OT) award structure rather than a traditional FAR-based contract.

• Eligibility for follow-on production opportunities if the prototype project is successfully completed.

• Potential consideration for additional Government financial tools and incentives, including equity investments, SAFE agreements, convertible notes, revenue-sharing agreements, offtake agreements, loans, loan guarantees, and purchase commitments.

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

Key dates:

• RPP Release Date: June 22, 2026

• Questions Due Date: June 29, 2026 12:00 PM ET

• Phase I Submission Due Date: July 17, 2026 12:00 PM ET

The solicitation uses a two-phase competitive down-select process:

Phase 1:

• Quad Chart submission.

Phase 2:

• Selected applicants may be invited to submit a full proposal package.

The solicitation does not specify award announcement dates, negotiation timelines, project start dates, or expected funding disbursement dates.

The Phase I submission deadline is July 17, 2026 12:00 PM ET.

Where does this funding come from?

This opportunity originates from the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)) Industrial Base Policy (IBP) office. The project is being executed through the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and administered through Washington Headquarters Services Acquisition Directorate (WHS/AD).

Projects are expected to align with:

• Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) authorities.

• Defense Production Act Title III authorities.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation is open to DIBC Consortium Members.

Additional eligibility-related requirements include:

• Registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Responsibility determination by the Agreements Officer.

• Disclosure of any foreign investment or control.

• Compliance with applicable prototype OT authority requirements.

For prototype authority eligibility, proposed projects must satisfy at least one of the following:

• Significant participation by at least one Nontraditional Defense Contractor (NDC).

• Significant participation by at least one Nonprofit Research Institution (NRI).

• Complete participation by a small business.

• Resource contribution of at least one-third by consortium members other than those categories.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Applicants may be ineligible if they:

• Are suspended or debarred by the Federal Government.

• Are prohibited by Presidential Executive Order or law from receiving an award.

• Fail to meet DIBC Consortium membership requirements.

• Fail to satisfy statutory requirements for prototype OT authority.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated evaluation criteria, competitive projects will likely:

For AOI 1:

• Demonstrate a credible path to domestic 18650 and/or 21700 cell production.

• Meet or exceed technical performance requirements.

• Establish secure domestic supply chains.

• Reduce reliance on FEOCs.

• Present a viable commercial business case.

• Demonstrate scalability toward meaningful production capacity.

For AOI 2:

• Deliver measurable automation and modernization improvements.

• Improve throughput and yield.

• Modernize critical manufacturing infrastructure.

• Develop workforce training capabilities.

• Demonstrate economically viable modernization plans.

Across both AOIs, the Government will evaluate:

• Relevance to the AOI.

• Technical merit and feasibility.

• Schedule realism.

• Cost reasonableness.

• Data rights considerations.

• Compliance with the definition of a prototype project.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation appears likely to be highly competitive.

Reasons include:

• A two-phase down-select process.

• Evaluation focused on technical feasibility, schedule, cost, and prototype merit.

• Government discretion to decline proposals that fail any evaluation criterion.

• No guarantee of award even for technically acceptable submissions.

The solicitation does not specify the anticipated number of awards, expected applicant volume, or success rates.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• Submissions must be made electronically through the ATI Acquisition Management Portal.

• Classified information may not be submitted.

• Any CUI must comply with NIST SP 800-171 requirements.

• Environmental questionnaires are mandatory.

• Foreign investment and control disclosures are required.

• Certain DIBC agreement terms and conditions are non-negotiable.

• Supply chain reporting requirements apply to suppliers and subcontractors.

• Applicants must use mandatory templates provided by the Government.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not estimate proposal preparation effort.

Applicants should plan for a two-phase process:

Phase 1:

• Quad Chart submission.

Phase 2 (invitation only):

• Cover Page.

• Project Execution Plan.

• Pricing Package.

• Affirmation of Business Status Certification.

• Environmental Assessment Questionnaire.

• End User License Agreement (if applicable).

• Conflict of Interest Disclosure.

Given the technical, manufacturing, pricing, supply chain, environmental, and compliance requirements, applicants should expect a substantial preparation effort. The solicitation does not specify a recommended preparation timeline.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Assess fit against AOI 1 or AOI 2 requirements.

• Develop a winning Quad Chart for Phase 1.

• Build a compliant Project Execution Plan.

• Strengthen commercialization and manufacturing scale-up narratives.

• Develop pricing justification and milestone structures.

• Prepare environmental and supply-chain documentation.

• Manage proposal strategy, reviews, and submission coordination.

Review the solicitation here.

Farseer: Quantum Sensing for ISR - HQ0034-20-9-DIU

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

Executive Summary:

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking mature quantum sensing and timing technologies through its Farseer program to rapidly transition commercial quantum capabilities into operational Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) applications for the Department of War (DoW). The program focuses on four Lines of Effort (LoEs): magnetometers, gravimeters, portable clocks, and enabling component technologies. Solutions must demonstrate prototype readiness, a clear transition path to operational deployment, and a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4. Vendors may submit one solution brief per LoE and may apply to multiple LoEs. Responses are due by 2026-07-10 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time. Companies with mature quantum technologies that can be demonstrated in operational environments within three to nine months of award should strongly consider applying.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts but typically awards from DIU range from $500,000 to about $5 million.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may support prototype projects related to:

• Quantum magnetometers for ISR applications.

• Scalar absolute gravimeters and single-component gravity gradiometers.

• Portable quantum clocks for Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT), resilient communications, and coherent sensor networks.

• Component technologies that reduce Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) or improve manufacturability of quantum sensing and timing systems.

• Prototyping, manufacturing, integration, field testing, ruggedization, and operational demonstrations of qualifying technologies.

• Agile development activities and iterative technology insertions throughout the program lifecycle.

Lines of Efforts (LoE):

LoE 1: Magnetometers

The DoW seeks commercial solutions to prototype magnetometers for strategic ISR needs. Magnetometers detecting signals above 100 Hz are of potential interest, with solutions expected to operate in specific frequency ranges that are relevant to targeted DoW and commercial applications.

LoE 2: Gravimeters

The DoW seeks commercial solutions to prototype scalar absolute gravimeters and single-component gravity gradiometers for warfighter needs suitable for static, low-dynamics (e.g., maritime), or high-dynamics (e.g., airborne) contexts. Representative operational metrics are provided in Tables 2-4 based on potential applications in each context. Submissions should specify expected sensor performance in targeted DoW and commercial applications. Example commercial applications include mineral surveying, oil & gas field monitoring, and detection of sink holes or underground voids.

LoE 3: Portable Clocks

The DoW seeks commercial solutions that progress prototyping, manufacturing, integration, and field testing of portable clocks for warfighter needs that achieve the operational metrics given in Table 3. Submissions may propose solutions focused on (a) scaling clock manufacturing, or (b) integration of existing prototypes into new and legacy platforms. Platforms of relevance include Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities, resilient communications, as well as coherent sensor network applications. For the latter category of submissions, solutions may optionally focus on ruggedization of existing prototypes to military specifications and hardware/software interfaces that enable fusion of portable clock outputs with existing timing infrastructure on DoW platforms. System integration submitters can assume tactical clock RF outputs of 10 MHz, 100 MHz and 1 PPS, with the SWaP metrics indicated in Table 5.

LoE 4: Component Technologies

The DoW seeks commercial solutions to reduce the SWaP and improve the manufacturability of the current generation of quantum platforms described in LoEs 1-3 or less mature but relevant quantum sensors for ISR applications such as Rydberg electric field sensors. Maturation of components such as chip-scale lasers, micro-optics, photonic integrated circuits, cryogenics, and vapor cells that are necessary to enable operational utility of quantum sensors and clocks.

Compelling solutions will have one or more of the following characteristics:

• Clear insertion pathway to quantum sensor or clock technical solutions, which may occur in mid-course development spirals. 

• Modular and broad applicability to multiple types of quantum platforms.

• Production that can scale to mature manufacturing/microfabrication processes involving trusted manufacturers/foundries, if they are not already mature.

• Contributes to quantum supply chain robustness.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Opportunity to demonstrate technology in operational military environments.

• Participation in a multi-phase program that includes functional and operational demonstrations.

• Potential integration with Department of War mission partners.

• Eligibility for award through an Other Transaction (OT) agreement under 10 U.S.C. 4022.

• Potential direct award of follow-on production contracts or transactions without further competition upon successful completion of a prototype effort.

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

Application deadline: 2026-07-10 23:59:59 US/Eastern Time.

The solicitation follows a three-phase process:

1. Solution Brief submission.

2. Pitch session for selected companies.

3. Full proposal submission for companies invited to continue.

DIU states it will strive to notify companies within approximately 30 days if it is interested in learning more through a pitch. The solicitation does not specify award dates, contracting timelines, or funding disbursement dates. Prototype periods of performance may not exceed 24 months.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is offered by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) on behalf of the Department of War through the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process. Any resulting agreements will be awarded under Other Transactions Authority (OTA) pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 4022.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. vendors.

• International vendors.

• Vendors applying independently or collaboratively.

• Vendors that currently have or previously had contracts with DIU.

• Traditional defense contractors.

• Nontraditional defense contractors.

• Nonprofit research institutions, where otherwise eligible under OTA requirements.

• Companies proposing solutions with a minimum current TRL of 4.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation states that:

• Solutions below TRL 4 are not eligible.

• Projects with periods of performance longer than 24 months are not eligible.

• Respondents must be eligible to receive an award under 10 U.S.C. 4022.

• Companies that are suspended, debarred, prohibited by law, or otherwise determined ineligible for federal award may not receive an agreement.

No additional eligibility exclusions are explicitly specified.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated evaluation criteria and desired solution attributes, competitive projects are likely to demonstrate:

• Mature prototypes ready for operational testing within three to nine months after award.

• Clear transition pathways to operational deployment within two to three years.

• Improvements in sensitivity and SWaP beyond current state-of-the-art solutions.

• Strong technical merit and feasibility.

• Open Systems Architecture and Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) alignment where applicable.

• Evidence of manufacturability, scalability, and supply chain robustness.

• Previous laboratory, field, defense, or commercial testing results.

• Dual-use commercial market potential.

• Clear insertion pathways into military ISR applications.

• Unique, innovative, or underutilized technologies relevant to the stated mission needs.How competitive will this solicitation be?

ONR plans to fund approximately five to six awards, indicating a limited number of available selections.

The solicitation does not specify the expected number of applicants, historical success rates, or anticipated competition levels.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

The solicitation is expected to be competitive.

DIU states that it routinely receives more solution briefs than it has resources to award and that only a select group of submissions will be invited to pitch. Solution briefs are evaluated on relevance to the Area of Interest, technical merit, feasibility, innovation, and company viability.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Vendors may submit no more than one solution brief per Line of Effort.

• Solutions must have a minimum current TRL of 4.

• Periods of performance may not exceed 24 months.

• Solution briefs must be submitted through the DIU website.

• Late submissions will not be reviewed.

• Submissions must be unclassified.

• Respondents must be eligible for award under OTA authority.

• Technical data with military applications may require export approvals or licenses.

• Companies must register in SAM prior to award.

• Any awarded agreement will require compliance with Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation requests a solution brief that is approximately:

• Five written pages or fewer, or

• Fifteen slides or fewer.

Applicants must provide technical, business, prototype readiness, transition readiness, ruggedness, and commercialization information. The solicitation does not estimate preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Determine the most appropriate Line of Effort.

• Assess alignment with DIU evaluation criteria.

• Position your technology around prototype readiness, transition readiness, and dual-use value.

• Develop a compliant solution brief and supporting materials.

• Prepare for DIU pitch sessions.

• Structure technical narratives around operational military outcomes and commercialization potential.

• Support proposal development if invited to Phase 3.

Review the solicitation here.

FY27 Communications and Networking Applied Research Announcement for Office of Naval Research

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

Executive Summary:

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is seeking applied research projects that advance communications and networking technologies for distributed maritime operations and the Naval Tactical Grid. This opportunity is focused on technologies that improve connectivity, resilience, throughput, and mission-critical information exchange across naval, joint, and coalition forces operating in challenging environments.

ONR is particularly interested in projects related to advanced communications systems, networking technologies, low-probability-of-detection communications, distributed network control, and predictive network performance algorithms. The agency plans to fund approximately five to six awards.

Although white papers are not required, they are strongly encouraged and provide an opportunity to receive feedback before submitting a full proposal. To ensure full consideration, white papers should be submitted no later than July 31, 2026, 4 pm Eastern Time.

How much funding would I receive?

ONR plans to fund five (5) to six (6) individual awards valued at $250,000 to $500,000 per year using research funds. Lower-cost and higher-cost proposals will also be considered.

The period of performance may be one, two, or three years.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended for applied research projects that develop and mature communications and networking technologies for Naval operations. ONR identified the following focus areas:

• Development of long-range VHF-band data links using compact 4x4 MIMO systems based on 5G/COTS technologies and sub-MHz frequency channelization.

• Novel design and prototyping of compact electronically steered apertures for frequencies above Ka-band.

• Innovative approaches for low probability-of-detection communications against advanced electronic threats.

• Advanced techniques for distributed network control, synchronization, and scheduling.

• New algorithms for predicting network behavior, network performance, or emerging operational requirements that can be translated into traffic engineering policies.

ONR also states that it is receptive to innovative communications and networking concepts that fall outside these focus areas if they are important to Navy and Marine Corps communications and networking needs.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Offerors that submit white papers may receive Government feedback indicating whether the proposed technology appears to be of “particular value” to the Department of the Navy. This feedback is intended to help organizations assess the likelihood of funding.

ONR may also suggest modifications to project scope, budget, tasks, or applications to better align proposals with available funding and Navy priorities.

Organizations identified as offering technologies of particular value may be invited to provide an oral presentation to further discuss their approach and impact.

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

Key dates include:

• Recommended White Paper Submission Date: July 31, 2026, 4 pm Eastern Time

• Notification of White Paper Valuation: August 14, 2026

• Oral Presentations: September 10, 2026

• Notification of Selection: Full Proposals: October 5, 2026

• Recommended Full Proposal Submission: November 16, 2026, 4 pm Eastern Time

• Awards: April 15, 2027

The solicitation states that white papers should be submitted no later than July 31, 2026, 4 pm Eastern Time to ensure full and timely consideration.

Funding decisions should be made by October 5, 2026, and selected projects have an estimated award date of April 15, 2027.

Where does this funding come from?

This opportunity is offered by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) under BAA Call Number N0001426SBC11, titled FY27 Communications and Networking Applied Research. It is issued under the Navy and Marine Corps Long Range Broad Agency Announcement N0001425SB001.

The effort supports the Navy’s Information Warfare vision and communications and networking research priorities.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not provide a standalone eligibility section within this announcement. Offerors are directed to submit white papers and proposals in accordance with the parent Broad Agency Announcement N0001425SB001 or its successor.

The announcement explicitly references participation by:

• Small businesses.

• Other-than-small businesses (large businesses).

• Non-profit organizations.

• Educational institutions.

Additional eligibility requirements are not specified in this announcement.

Who is not eligible to apply?

Not specified in this announcement. Offerors should review the parent Broad Agency Announcement N0001425SB001 or its successor for any eligibility restrictions.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated program objectives, ONR is seeking projects that directly advance communications and networking capabilities for Naval operations and distributed maritime operations. Competitive projects are likely to demonstrate:

• Strong technical innovation.

• Clear relevance to Navy and Marine Corps missions.

• Measurable operational performance improvements.

• Practical concepts of operation.

• Demonstrated plans for operational evaluation.

• Clear research goals and benchmarks.

• Alignment with Gold Standard Science requirements.

Projects aligned with one or more of the five identified focus areas may be particularly responsive to the solicitation.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

ONR plans to fund approximately five to six awards, indicating a limited number of available selections.

The solicitation does not specify the expected number of applicants, historical success rates, or anticipated competition levels.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Important requirements include:

• White papers should not exceed five single-sided pages, excluding the cover page, references, and principal investigator resume.

• White papers must use 12-point Times New Roman font and margins of at least one inch.

• White papers must be submitted through the ONR Submission Portal.

• White papers must include a rough order of magnitude cost estimate.

• White papers must address Gold Standard Science requirements.

• Principal investigator resumes are limited to one page.

• Other-than-small businesses, including large businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions, must submit a subcontracting plan with their research proposal.

The solicitation also requires compliance with Gold Standard Science policies under Executive Order 14303.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify the expected preparation time.

Applicants choosing to submit a white paper must prepare a technical concept, naval relevance discussion, operational concept, operational utility assessment plan, research goals and benchmarks, Gold Standard Science discussion, rough order of magnitude budget estimate, and principal investigator resume.

Organizations invited to continue will also need to prepare a full proposal in accordance with the requirements of N0001425SB001 or its successor.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Assess alignment with ONR’s Communications and Networking priorities.

• Develop a competitive white paper that clearly demonstrates Naval relevance and technical innovation.

• Refine project scope, milestones, benchmarks, and transition strategy.

• Prepare full proposal technical and cost volumes.

• Strengthen positioning for oral presentations and ONR discussions.

• Ensure compliance with submission requirements and deadlines.

Review the solicitation here.

NIH & NIAID | RADIOLOGICAL OR NUCLEAR MEDICAL COUNTERMEASURE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT (PDS)

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), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking a single organization capable of providing comprehensive product development support for radiological and nuclear medical countermeasures (MCMs) and biodosimetry technologies. The awardee will support the development of products intended to achieve FDA approval, licensure, or clearance through a series of government-funded task orders. This opportunity is designed for organizations with broad product development capabilities spanning animal models, efficacy testing, nonclinical development, manufacturing, quality systems, and Phase I clinical studies. The proposal deadline is August 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM, Local Time. NIAID has explicitly stated that this deadline will not be extended.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation is structured as a single Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.

• Contract minimum: $2,500

• Contract maximum: $135,000,000

• One IDIQ contract is expected to be awarded.

The solicitation does not specify the value of individual task orders. Most sample task orders included in the solicitation list estimated costs as "TBD."

What could I use the funding for?

Funding will support product development activities related to radiological or nuclear medical countermeasures and biodosimetry technologies. The contractor must be capable of supporting activities across five task areas:

• Task Area A: Administrative and Technical Support

• Task Area B: Animal Model and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) Development and Efficacy Testing of Candidate MCMs

• Task Area C: Non-Clinical Studies supporting IND, NDA, and BLA submissions

• Task Area D: Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) Support

• Task Area E: Phase I Clinical Safety Studies and Support

Examples of supported activities include:

• Animal model development

• Efficacy testing in rodent and large animal models

• Biodosimetry support

• Pharmacology and toxicology studies

• Manufacturing and formulation development

• Quality assurance activities

• Phase I clinical safety studies

• Regulatory support toward FDA approval, licensure, or clearance

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The solicitation does not specify any non-financial benefits such as mentorship, commercialization support, technical assistance, networking programs, or investor introductions.

However, the contractor will work directly with NIAID through government-directed task orders and support the development of medical countermeasures intended for FDA approval, licensure, or clearance.

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

Key dates include:

• Solicitation issued: June 2, 2026

• Recommended deadline for questions: July 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST

• Proposal deadline: August 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM, Local Time (Unchanged)

• Contract period of performance: July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2034

The solicitation does not specify an anticipated award date.

Work and funding will be provided through task orders issued under the IDIQ contract after award.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not provide a specific eligibility section limiting applicants by company type.

The solicitation states that one IDIQ contract will be awarded to an organization capable of providing comprehensive product development services and notes that products may originate from industry, academia, and government agencies.

Offerors must:

• Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award.

• Demonstrate the facilities, expertise, personnel, and capabilities necessary to perform all required task areas.

Who is not eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not explicitly identify categories of organizations that are ineligible to apply.

However, organizations that cannot demonstrate the required technical capabilities, facilities, staffing, regulatory compliance, and ability to perform across the required task areas may not be competitive. The solicitation also requires SAM registration prior to award.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation strongly favors organizations capable of operating as a full-service product development partner for NIAID.

Competitive offerors will likely demonstrate:

• Experience developing radiological or nuclear medical countermeasures

• GLP-compliant animal efficacy testing capabilities

• Large-animal research capabilities

• Biodosimetry support capabilities

• Nonclinical pharmacology and toxicology expertise

• Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing capabilities

• Regulatory support experience for INDs, NDAs, BLAs, and FDA submissions

• Phase I clinical research capabilities

• Ability to execute work across all five task areas through internal resources and/or integrated subcontractor teams

The solicitation states that the contractor must be capable of carrying out task orders in each of the five task areas identified in the Statement of Work.

How competitive will this solicitation be?

This solicitation is likely to be highly competitive.

Reasons include:

• Only one IDIQ contract is anticipated.

• Maximum contract ceiling of $135,000,000.

• Requirement to support all five technical task areas.

• Significant infrastructure, regulatory, manufacturing, animal research, and clinical capabilities are required.

The solicitation does not state the expected number of proposals or anticipated success rate.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Examples include:

• Offerors must comply with extensive human subjects, animal welfare, clinical trial, data reporting, and information security requirements.

• NIH-funded clinical trials must be registered and reported through ClinicalTrials.gov.

• Contract funds may not be used for abortion activities, human embryo research, or gene-editing technologies in human embryos.

• Contract funds may not be used for needle exchange programs.

• Contract funds may not be used to disseminate false or deliberately misleading information.

• Certain direct costs may require prior approval, including foreign travel, consultant fees, subcontracts, and other specified costs.

Proposal restrictions include:

• Technical proposal page limit is 250 pages inclusive of attachments, as clarified by Amendment 1.

• CVs may not exceed 3 pages.

• Pages exceeding the limitation will not be considered.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify an estimated preparation time.

However, the proposal requires:

• Detailed technical responses

• Responses to task-order scenarios

• Cost proposals

• Regulatory and compliance documentation

• Staffing and organizational information

• Potential subcontracting plans

• Capability demonstrations across five major technical areas

Given the complexity and breadth of the requirements, applicants should plan for a substantial proposal development effort.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help organizations:

• Assess fit before investing in proposal development

• Interpret the solicitation requirements

• Build a compliant proposal strategy

• Coordinate technical, management, and cost volume development

• Manage subcontractor contributions

• Develop win themes aligned with NIAID priorities

• Review proposals for compliance with page limits, formatting requirements, and evaluation criteria

• Support final submission preparation

Review the solicitation here.

ARPA-H REST (Restorative & health-Enhancing Sleep Time) Program

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

Executive Summary:

ARPA-H is seeking ambitious teams to develop the next generation of sleep technologies through the Restorative & health-Enhancing Sleep Time (REST) program.

The program aims to redefine sleep as a measurable and controllable biological system by funding technologies that can objectively measure sleep quality at home, diagnose poor sleep (with a primary emphasis on insomnia), and deliver personalized, real-time interventions throughout the night.

REST is structured around two technical areas:

• Technical Area 1 (TA1): Measure & Diagnose

• Technical Area 2 (TA2): Control & Treat

ARPA-H is specifically looking for interdisciplinary teams that combine expertise across areas such as sleep medicine, neuroscience, AI/ML, biosensing, wearable technologies, neuromodulation, clinical research, and regulatory strategy.

A Solution Summary is required before a team can be invited to submit a full proposal.

Application deadline: August 12, 2026 at 12pm ET.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, award ranges, total program funding, or the number of awards anticipated, but typical ARPA-H awards range anywhere from $5 million to $50 million.

ARPA-H states that awards may be made through Other Transaction (OT) agreements.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding may be used to develop technologies within one or both of the following Technical Areas.

Technical Area 1 (TA1): Measure & Diagnose

• Consumer-grade in-home sleep monitoring systems

• Wearable or nearable sleep sensing technologies

• Sleep microstructure measurement technologies

• Mechanistic insomnia subtype classification systems

• In-home diagnostic systems

• Personalized sleep-related health risk prediction tools

• Human factors and usability validation

• Integration with broader REST program resources

Technical Area 2 (TA2): Control & Treat

• Closed-loop sleep intervention systems

• Noninvasive neuromodulation technologies

• Real-time physiological monitoring and feedback systems

• Adaptive treatment algorithms

• Personalized sleep intervention technologies

• Human subjects research

• Safety and tolerability validation

• Regulatory and commercialization planning

Examples of technologies referenced in the solicitation include:

• Wearable EEG

• Smartwatches

• Rings

• In/under-mattress sensors

• WiFi signal analysis

• Haptics

• Acoustics

• Transcranial electrical stimulation

• Focused ultrasound

• Targeted nerve stimulation

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Access to shared REST program resources

• Access to large-scale harmonized sleep datasets as they become available

• Participation in program-wide benchmarking efforts

• Support from a Research Integrator focused on interoperability and transition planning

• Independent verification and validation support

• Opportunities to collaborate with other REST performers

The solicitation also anticipates support for future clinical translation and commercialization activities.

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

Key dates currently identified in the solicitation are:

• Solicitation released: June 16, 2026

• Proposers' Day: July 13, 2026

• Solution Summary Deadline: August 12, 2026 at 12pm ET

• Full Proposal: By invitation only following Solution Summary review

• Full Proposal Due Date: Not specified in the solicitation

Important notes:

• Submission of a Solution Summary is mandatory.

• Only selected Solution Summaries will be invited to submit a Full Proposal.

• Submission of a Solution Summary does not guarantee invitation to submit a Full Proposal.

• Award timing is not specified in the solicitation.

Program duration:

• 66 months (5.5 years)

• Phase 1: Months 1–24

• Phase 2: Months 25–42

• Phase 3: Months 43–66

The Solution Summary deadline is August 12, 2026 at 12pm ET.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) through the Proactive Health Office (PHO).

Program:

• Restorative & health-Enhancing Sleep Time (REST)

Solicitation Number:

• ARPA-H-SOL-26-159

Award Instrument:

• Other Transaction (OT)

Who is eligible to apply?

ARPA-H states it is primarily interested in proposals from:

• Commercial performers

• Academic institutions

• Non-profit organizations

Additional requirements include:

• Work must be conducted in the United States

• Active SAM.gov registration is required

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is required

Restrictions include:

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) are generally not permitted to participate as prime or sub-performers except under limited exceptions

• Government entities, including federal employees, are generally not permitted to respond

• ARPA-H will not make awards to entities organized under the laws of a covered foreign country per 42 U.S.C. 290c(n)(1)(D)

Non-domestic performers are encouraged to collaborate with a domestic entity.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the solicitation, competitive proposals are likely to:

• Focus on insomnia as a primary use case

• Deliver objective, physiological measurement of sleep quality

• Demonstrate clinically meaningful home-based performance

• Combine multiple technical disciplines

• Incorporate AI/ML approaches

• Include strong commercialization pathways

• Demonstrate integration with the broader REST ecosystem

• Provide clear plans for data sharing, benchmarking, and interoperability

• Show a credible path toward clinical translation

ARPA-H specifically encourages teams spanning:

• Sleep medicine

• Neuroscience

• Psychiatry

• Biomedical engineering

• Wearable and in-home biosensing

• Signal processing

• Machine learning

• Neuromodulation

• Clinical trials

• Regulatory science

For TA1, proposals should also include a credible industry cost-share strategy as technologies mature toward commercialization.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Out-of-scope TA1 activities include:

• General wellness tracking only

• Sleep hygiene tools only

• Conventional sleep scoring without a credible path to diagnosis, mechanistic characterization, or health-relevant prediction

Out-of-scope TA2 activities include:

• Pharmacologic treatment-only approaches

• Non-personalized interventions

• Systems that do not use objective physiological measurements to adapt treatment

For both Technical Areas:

• Standalone infrastructure efforts without direct contribution to REST research objectives are out of scope

Additional requirements include:

• Human subjects research approvals

• Participation in program coordination activities

• Benchmarking and integration activities

• Compliance with research security reviews

• Compliance with negotiated intellectual property and data rights requirements

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The required Solution Summary is limited to:

• Maximum 6 pages for a single Technical Area

• Maximum 8 pages for proposals covering both Technical Areas

Required content includes:

• Technical Area selection

• Technical approach

• Team qualifications

• Key risks and mitigations

• Rough order of magnitude budget

• Preliminary cost-share strategy for TA1 applicants

Because REST emphasizes interdisciplinary teams, commercialization planning, human subjects considerations, regulatory strategy, and technical integration, applicants should expect substantial coordination and preparation effort.

The solicitation does not estimate preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Opportunity qualification

• Teaming strategy

• Technical narrative development

• Solution Summary preparation

• Commercialization strategy development

• Cost-share strategy development for TA1 applicants

• Proposal management

• Full Proposal preparation if invited

• Pitch preparation and coaching

• Reviewer-style compliance reviews

Review the solicitation here.

Cornerstone Initiative Request (CIR) | Reshore Enhanced Secure Heterogenous Advanced Packaged Electronics(RESHAPE) 2.0 | Cornerstone Initiative Request (CIR) Number: CS-26-1301

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

Executive Summary:

The Reshore Enhanced Secure Heterogenous Advanced Packaged Electronics (RESHAPE) 2.0 initiative is a major Department of Defense effort to build a U.S.-owned, domestic advanced packaging ecosystem for secure microelectronics manufacturing. The Government intends to fund multiple prototype projects that expand U.S. capabilities in advanced substrates, 2.5D and 3D packaging, fan-out packaging, RF packaging, advanced assembly, testing, and related manufacturing technologies.

This is a large-scale funding opportunity with an estimated total initiative value of $1,250,000,000 and an expected 4 to 10 awards. The Government is seeking projects that strengthen domestic supply chains, reshore advanced microelectronics manufacturing capabilities, and support Department of Defense programs.

Application deadline: 15 July 2026/12:00pm Central. Questions will not be accepted after 8 July 2026/12:00pm Central.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states that the total estimated value for this initiative is $1,250,000,000.00, subject to the availability of funds. The Government intends to award multiple (estimated 4 to 10) Fixed-Price Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).

The solicitation does not specify individual award sizes. The Government reserves the right to award all, some, or none of the proposed elements.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended for prototype projects that improve U.S. advanced packaging capability and capacity for defense-related microelectronics. Projects may address one or more of the following technical elements:

• Advanced Substrates

• 3D Packaging

• Fan-Out Packaging

• 2.5D Packaging

• Radio Frequency Packaging

• Design Enablement

• Department of War Multi-Chip Module Prototypes

• Back-End-of-Line (BEOL) Processes

• Advanced Assembly

• Advanced Test and Failure Analysis

The initiative supports development of domestic capabilities for advanced system integration, secure packaging, heterogeneous integration, manufacturing infrastructure, prototyping, testing, and related technologies.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential benefits include:

• Eligibility for a prototype OTA rather than a FAR-based contract.

• Potential follow-on production opportunities under 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f) if the prototype project is successfully completed.

• Opportunity to participate in a national effort to establish a domestic advanced packaging ecosystem supporting Department of Defense programs and supply chain resilience.

The solicitation explicitly states that follow-on production is not guaranteed.

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

Key dates include:

• Solicitation issued: 15 June 2026

• Questions accepted until: 8 July 2026/12:00pm Central

• White Papers due date: 15 July 2026/12:00pm Central

The solicitation uses a two-step process consisting of:

1. White Paper submission.

2. Full Proposal submission by invitation. The due date for full proposals will be provided in the Government's invitation.

Funding is expected to be provided through milestone-based payments upon successful completion and Government acceptance of agreed deliverables.

The solicitation does not specify when award decisions will be made or when funding will be received.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is being issued by Army Contracting Command – Rock Island Arsenal (ACC-RIA) on behalf of the Combat Capabilities Development Command – Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) in support of the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) Program (10 U.S.C. § 4817).

Funding supports the Department of Defense objective to strengthen the defense industrial base, expand domestic manufacturing capacity, and address supply chain vulnerabilities in advanced microelectronics packaging.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must:

• Be members with an executed Cornerstone Consortium Management Agreement.

• Have an active System for Award Management (SAM) registration.

• Have favorable status in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS).

Foreign participation, access, and transfers are restricted and reviewed on a case-by-case basis when determined to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government.

To satisfy OTA statutory requirements, projects must meet at least one condition described in 10 U.S.C. § 4022, including participation by a nontraditional defense contractor, participation by qualifying small businesses, qualifying cost share, or exceptional circumstances approved by the Government.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The solicitation favors projects that:

• Establish or expand domestic advanced packaging capabilities.

• Strengthen supply chain resilience and reduce foreign dependencies.

• Deliver measurable Government return on investment through financial, technical, or supply-chain benefits.

• Support Department of War Programs of Record.

• Demonstrate commercially viable business models and sustainable operations.

• Provide functional prototypes with clear transition pathways.

• Leverage prior Department of War and Department of Commerce investments.

• Strengthen domestic workforce, manufacturing infrastructure, and technical capability.

Priority is specifically encouraged for responses that include delivery of functional prototypes capable of transitioning to Department of War Programs of Record.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• All manufacturing and development work must be performed within the United States.

• Foreign participation is restricted and subject to Government approval.

• Participation in non-U.S. research programs is restricted without Government concurrence.

• Export-controlled information restrictions apply.

• NIST SP 800-171 cybersecurity requirements apply.

• Controlled Unclassified Information requirements apply.

• The Government will seek Unlimited Rights or, at minimum, Government Purpose Rights for work performed under the project.

• The security classification level is UNCLASSIFIED, although CUI requirements may apply.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

This opportunity will likely require a significant application effort.

The solicitation requires detailed technical, manufacturing, supply chain, financial, workforce, infrastructure, ROI, commercialization, and milestone planning information. White papers are limited to 10 pages, and invited full proposals are limited to 15 pages plus appendices and supporting materials.

Applicants responding to multiple technical elements must prepare separate responses for each element.

The solicitation does not specify an estimated preparation time.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support companies by:

• Assessing fit against the solicitation requirements.

• Identifying the strongest technical element(s) for submission.

• Developing the white paper strategy and narrative.

• Building milestone-based project plans.

• Preparing commercialization, ROI, and supply chain impact sections.

• Developing cost-share and investment positioning.

• Drafting and managing proposal submissions.

• Supporting consortium participation and OTA strategy.

MTEC Pre-Announcement: Multi-Topic Request for Proposals: Military Medical Prototype Advancement

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

Executive Summary:

The Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) has released a pre-announcement for an upcoming "Multi-Topic Request for Proposals: Military Medical Prototype Advancement." This opportunity is expected to fund military-relevant medical prototype technologies, medical techniques, knowledge products, devices, drugs, and biologics across 14 focus areas spanning prevention, infectious disease, trauma care, pain management, musculoskeletal health, and operational medicine.

This is a pre-announcement, not the final solicitation. The Request for Project Proposals (RPP) has not yet been released, and many key details—including funding amounts by topic, number of awards, deadlines, and proposal requirements—will be provided in the upcoming RPP. Companies interested in any of the 14 focus areas should begin evaluating fit and preparing for submission now because the competition is expected to be highly competitive and will use a two-stage Enhanced White Paper process.

Application deadline: Not specified in the pre-announcement.

How much funding would I receive?

The funding amount for each Focus Area has not been specified and will be described in the upcoming Request for Project Proposals. Funding availability is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for each program.

For informational purposes, MTEC states that the average size of MTEC awards for the initial Period of Performance is approximately:

• $2.0M–$3.5M

• Over a 2–3 year Period of Performance

These figures are historical averages and are not guaranteed award amounts for this opportunity.

What could I use the funding for?

Each proposal must address only one Focus Area.

Proposed solutions may include:

• Medical techniques

• Knowledge products

• Medical devices

• Drugs

• Biologics

Military relevance is a key requirement.

Focus Areas:

• Focus Area 1: Policies and practices for cross-cutting prevention

  The aim of this focus area is to develop and evaluate non-training interventions/activities that address risk and protective factors for harmful behaviors. Priority risk/protective factors to address include: morale, fairness, work-life balance, passive leadership, toxic leadership, and workplace hostility.

• Focus Area 2: Fostering Service member physical fitness through integrated primary prevention

  The aim of this focus area is to develop interventions or trainings to combat the key contributors to obesity and physical inactivity. This focus area encourages offerors to consider resource/environmental constraints and social and psychological barriers present for warfighters when developing solutions.

• Focus Area 3: Identify and reduce barriers to help-seeking

  The aim of this focus area is to identify and develop solutions against key drivers of help-seeking. Solutions should prioritize high-impact resources/services and Service member populations at elevated risk for harmful behaviors.

• Focus Area 4: Prophylactic Solutions to Prevent Battlefield and Complex Traumatic Wound Infections in Austere or Contested Environments

  The aim of this focus area is thedevelopment of solutions to prevent or delay wound infections (bacterial, fungal, and/or antimicrobial-resistant) following battlefield and complex traumatic wounds, including in austere or contested environments, for use at the point of injury and in prolonged care environments (Roles 1 and 2), without negatively impacting wound healing. High-priority pathogens include Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and invasive fungal infections.

• Focus Area 5: Pathogen Agnostic Countermeasures for the Treatment of Sepsis Caused by Wound Infection

  The aim of this focus area is the development of products, including immune modulators, novel drugs, immunotherapeutics, and other pathogen-agnostic and/or host-directed approaches, to treat sepsis following battlefield and complex traumatic wounds (excluding burn wounds), including in austere or contested environments.

• Focus Area 6: Knowledge Product Solutions for the Prevention of Infection in Traumatic Penetrating Wounds

  The aim of this focus area is the development of knowledge product solutions to optimize clinical practice guidelines for the prevention of infection in traumatic penetrating wounds.

• Focus Area 7: Bacterial Diarrhea Prevention

  The aim of this focus area is the development of solutions to prevent bacterial diarrhea resulting from high-priority pathogens (Campylobacter jejuni, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, and Shigella) in operational settings.

• Focus Area 8: Dengue Fever Prevention and/or Treatment Solutions

  The aim of this focus area is the development of prophylactic drugs and vaccines, to prevent all four serotypes of Dengue Fever.

• Focus Area 9: Prevention and Treatment of Emerging Infectious Diseases

  The aim of this focus area is on developing pathogen-agnostic and/or broad-spectrum solutions for prevention or treatment of Lassa fever virus, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV), and various hantaviruses, which are high-consequence pathogens that pose distinct risks to the deployed Joint Force.

• Focus Area 10: Musculoskeletal Injury Treatment

  The aim of this focus area is the development of solutions for musculoskeletal injury interventions for the pre-hospital environment. Specifically, this focus area seeks (1) therapeutic interventions to accelerate recovery from musculoskeletal injury or (2) solutions for the preservation of musculoskeletal health.

• Focus Area 11: Operational Suitability of Existing Pain Treatments

  The aim of this focus area is for solutions that inform risk/benefit decisions and create evidence-based recommendations for the Joint Trauma System (JTS) to refine and optimize existing Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) protocols.

• Focus Area 12: Repurposing and Novel Delivery of Approved Compounds

  The aim of this focus area is to accelerate the development of safer, opioid-sparing analgesics by leveraging the FDA's 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for repurposed drugs delivered via novel administration methods. The desired end-state is a candidate drug/device combination ready to enter Phase I clinical trials.

• Focus Area 13: Development of Novel Non-Addictive Analgesics

  The aim of this focus area is to advance the preclinical development of a novel, non-addictive analgesic compound with a mechanism of action suitable for treating acute, combat-related trauma. The desired end-state is a promising lead candidate with a data package sufficient to justify further investment in IND-enabling studies.

• Focus Area 14: Advanced Anesthesia and Procedural Pain Solutions

  The aim of this focus area is to develop and demonstrate a prototype system or therapeutic for the management of anesthesia and procedural pain in austere environments (Role 1 and 2). The goal is to produce a solution that reduces the cognitive burden on providers and can be used by non-specialists.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Potential additional benefits include:

• Potential award of one or more follow-on tasks based on successful project performance and milestone progression. Any follow-on work is expected to be awarded non-competitively to the original project awardee(s).

• Access to MTEC member teaming resources and member profiles to identify collaborators, innovators, service providers, and MTEC M-Corps subject matter experts.

• Potential access to MTEC's consortium network and relationships with the Defense Health Agency and other government agencies.

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

The application deadline is not specified in the pre-announcement.

The solicitation will use a two-stage Enhanced White Paper process:

Stage 1:

• Current MTEC members will submit Enhanced White Papers using a mandatory format provided in the forthcoming RPP.

Stage 2:

• Selected offerors will be invited to submit a full cost proposal and may be required to submit additional documentation or supplemental information.

The timing of funding availability has not been specified and will be described in the upcoming RPP.

Application deadline: Not specified in the pre-announcement.

Where does this funding come from?

The opportunity is being released through the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC). MTEC supports the Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Health Agency (DHA), DHA Research and Engineering Directorate, and other government agencies.

MTEC operates under a 10-year renewable Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), Agreement No. W81XWH-15-9-0001, with the Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA).

Who is eligible to apply?

The pre-announcement states that current MTEC members will be invited to submit Enhanced White Papers during Stage 1.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Proposed projects must fit MTEC's prototype definition.

• Proposed projects must not be exploratory in nature and must have a foundation of preliminary data.

• A minimum KRL/TRL of 3 at the time of proposal submission is required to meet the prototype definition.

• Proposed solutions must not have been submitted to MTEC under previous RPPs within the past 2 years.

Any additional eligibility requirements have not yet been specified and will be provided in the upcoming RPP.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

MTEC states that selection will be based on:

• Technical merit

• Programmatic considerations, including portfolio composition

• Availability of funds

Selection will be highly competitive.

Projects that appear most aligned with the pre-announcement are those that:

• Directly address one and only one Focus Area

• Demonstrate military relevance

• Meet the prototype definition

• Have supporting preliminary data

• Meet the minimum KRL/TRL requirements

• Address clearly identified Department of Defense medical needs

These alignment factors are explicitly described in the pre-announcement.

The detailed evaluation criteria have not yet been specified and will be provided in the upcoming RPP.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Yes.

• Each proposal must address only one Focus Area. Projects that do not align with only one Focus Area may not be considered for funding.

• Proposed projects should not be exploratory in nature and require preliminary data.

• A minimum KRL/TRL of 3 is required at proposal submission to meet the prototype definition.

• Proposed solutions submitted to MTEC within the previous 2 years may not be resubmitted.

• Additional topic-specific requirements may be established in the forthcoming RPP.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The pre-announcement does not specify the expected preparation time.

Because the opportunity uses a two-stage Enhanced White Paper process and requires prototype-stage technologies with supporting preliminary data, applicants should begin preparation before the full RPP is released. The specific submission requirements will be provided in the upcoming RPP.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help your team:

• Assess fit against the 14 Focus Areas.

• Determine whether your technology satisfies MTEC's prototype requirements and minimum KRL/TRL expectations.

• Develop the Enhanced White Paper strategy.

• Build a compelling military relevance narrative.

• Identify teaming opportunities where additional capabilities are needed.

• Prepare the Stage 1 Enhanced White Paper and any invited Stage 2 proposal materials.

Review solicitation here.