Chemical and Biological Technologies Fundamental Research BAA – Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)

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

Executive Summary:

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is accepting rolling submissions through 2034 for fundamental research projects that advance chemical and biological defense capabilities. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) supports basic and applied research addressing counter–weapons of mass destruction (C-WMD) challenges, with a current white paper deadline of March 2, 2026 for Topic Areas B1–B6.

How much funding would I receive?

$300,000 to $5 million depending on the topic.

What could I use the funding for?

For research and development that aligns with the topics below. For more details on each topic click here.

B1. Deriving Human Physiological Endpoints via Microphysiological Systems (MPS): Bridging the Gap for Predictive Translation

DTRA is seeking fundamental research that advances microphysiological systems (organs-on-a-chip) to derive reliable, human-relevant physiological endpoints that can be translated into real-world exposure detection. Projects should develop standardized, measurable physiological signals across multi-organ MPS platforms and link those signals to in-vivo human responses, particularly for early detection of chemical and biological exposures. Emphasis is placed on novel sensing technologies, data integration, and predictive algorithms rather than therapeutics or animal studies. Read full description here.

B2. Self-Improving AI Systems for Adaptive Defense

This topic funds research into AI systems that can autonomously adapt to new chemical and biological threats without human retraining. DTRA is specifically interested in self-modifying AI architectures that can safely update their own models, structures, or code while maintaining formally verified performance and safety guarantees. Projects must focus on foundational AI theory and methods—such as formal verification, containment, and meta-learning—rather than static or manually retrained detection systems. Read full description here.

B3. Quantum-Enhanced Topological Data Analysis for Chemical and Biological Defense

DTRA seeks interdisciplinary research combining quantum computing and topological data analysis to identify complex patterns in high-dimensional chemical and biological data that classical methods cannot detect. The goal is to enable earlier warning of engineered or novel threats, improve pathogen classification, and accelerate countermeasure discovery. Projects should focus on developing quantum-enabled analytical frameworks and demonstrating clear advantages over classical computational approaches. Read full description here.

B4. Advanced Repellent Materials for Omniphobic Resistance (ARMOR)

This topic supports fundamental research into durable, PFAS-free repellent materials for textiles that resist chemical and biological threats, oils, and industrial contaminants. DTRA is looking for new material chemistries and surface architectures—particularly reentrant or textured surfaces—that achieve strong oil repellency, mechanical durability, and safety for skin contact. Research should emphasize materials science, characterization methods, and performance against chemical simulants rather than full protective suit development. Read full description here.

B5. Sensing Engineered Chemical and Biological Threats with Synthetic Biology Designs

DTRA is funding early-stage research into synthetic biology-based sensing materials that enable rapid, adaptable detection of engineered or emerging biological threats. Projects should integrate computational design, AI/ML, and synthetic biology to create novel affinity reagents or sensing elements that outperform traditional antibodies in speed, adaptability, or stability. The focus is on proof-of-concept platforms and fundamental sensing science, not deployable sensor systems. Read full description here.

B6. Free-Standing Films Used as Detection Wipes

This topic seeks fundamental research on free-standing, self-indicating films that can be used as low-cost detection wipes for chemical threats on surfaces. DTRA is interested in understanding the structural, optical, and electrical properties of cross-linked polymer films embedded with non-dye-based recognition elements that change color upon exposure to chemical agents or simulants. Research should prioritize material synthesis, reproducibility, environmental robustness, and early prototype integration rather than full system fielding. Read full description here.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, there are significant indirect benefits to receiving a DTRA fundamental research award:

Government Validation and Credibility: Selection by DTRA signals strong technical credibility and alignment with national counter-WMD priorities, which can accelerate trust with defense partners and future government sponsors.

Enhanced Visibility Within the Defense Research Community: Awardees are part of DTRA’s extramural research ecosystem, increasing exposure to DoD laboratories, academic collaborators, and future funding opportunities.

Nondilutive Technology Maturation: By advancing early-stage science with nondilutive funding, companies can de-risk core technology while preserving equity and strengthening long-term exit potential.

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

For Topic Areas B1–B6, pre-application white papers are due March 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Submissions follow a two-phase process, with invited full proposals submitted after successful white paper review.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the Department of Defense through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) under CFDA 12.351.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is defined at the topic level. In general, the BAA supports extramural performers conducting basic or applied research, including universities, industry, and other research organizations, subject to topic-specific requirements. is cost-shared by non-government sources

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive projects typically:

• Address high-impact chemical or biological defense challenges relevant to C-WMD

• Advance fundamental scientific knowledge or revolutionary technical approaches

• Align with early-stage research (TRLs 1–4)

• Demonstrate strong scientific rigor and feasibility

• Fit within DTRA’s stated thrust areas or published topic needs

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Pre-application coordination is generally required before submitting a white paper, and submissions without coordination may not be reviewed. Proprietary product development and later-stage commercialization activities are outside the scope of this announcement.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Most first-time applicants (without any assistance from BW&CO) should plan for 40–60 hours of effort to prepare the white paper over 8–12 weeks, including technical writing, budget preparation, and internal reviews.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for $4000 Initial Fee for the white paper.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the program here.

Compact Oxygen Generation Medical Devices (COGM / COGM-A) – Defense Health Agency (DHA)

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

Executive Summary:

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is soliciting prototype proposals to develop compact medical oxygen generation devices for use in austere and expeditionary military environments. This Other Transaction Authority (OTA) program supports the development of FDA-cleared oxygen generation systems for battlefield care and aeromedical evacuation. Proposals are due March 6, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Estimated $1-$2 million. The RPP does not specify a minimum or maximum award size. The government anticipates making multiple prototype OTA awards, with funding incrementally obligated over the period of performance. Total award size will depend on proposed scope, schedule, and cost realism.

What could I use the funding for?

The DHA needs to provide medical oxygen solutions in austere environments to treat service members with compromised lung function or injuries requiring oxygen therapy. The WEMT PMO is developing multiple oxygen generation and delivery systems through its Portable Oxygen (O2) program. This program aims to support casualties across all care settings, including evacuation platforms (Roles of Care 1-3 and en route). Development and approval of candidate solutions will adhere to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other relevant regulatory and industry best practices.

This effort focuses on developing two expeditionary, easy-to-maintain oxygen generation devices meeting Joint Enroute Care Equipment Test Standard and airworthiness standards:

FOCUS AREA #1: Compact Oxygen Generation, Medical (COGM)

• Priority: High

• Primary Use: Role 1 (but still usable across all Roles, including en route care)

• Capabilities: Adjustable flow rate (3-7 lpm minimum, 15 lpm desired) for use with nasal cannulas, face masks, and nebulizers.

• Target Timeline: Regulatory approvals by 2029, procurement by 2031 (shorter timeline preferred)

FOCUS AREA #2: Compact Oxygen Generation, Medical – At Altitude (COGM-A)

• Primary Use: Aeromedical evacuation platforms

• Capabilities: Similar to COGM, but with adjustable flow up to 15 lpm and high-pressure output for ventilators.

• Target Timeline: Regulatory approvals by 2030, procurement by 2032 (shorter timeline preferred)

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the direct funding, awardees gain several strategic advantages:

Government Validation and Credibility:
Selection by the Defense Health Agency signals strong technical credibility and alignment with DoD operational medical priorities—often accelerating trust with military customers, primes, and investors.

Nondilutive Technology Advancement:
This OTA enables companies to mature medical devices without equity dilution, preserving cap table value while advancing toward procurement readiness.

Follow-On Production Potential:
Successful prototypes may lead directly to a follow-on production OTA, reducing acquisition friction and shortening the path to revenue.

Enhanced Defense Market Visibility:
Awardees become part of DHA’s Warfighter Expeditionary Medicine ecosystem, increasing exposure across DoD medical and acquisition communities..

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

1. Questions Due: February 6, 2026

2. Proposals Due: March 6, 2026 (5:00 PM EST)

3. Period of Performance:

   • Up to ~24 months for COGM

   • Up to ~36 months for COGM-A

Where does this funding come from?

This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, administered through the Defense Health Agency (DHA) using Prototype Other Transaction Authority (10 U.S.C. §4022).

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible, proposals must meet at least one of the following OTA statutory conditions:

• Include a nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participating to a significant extent

• All significant participants are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors

• At least one-third of total project cost is cost-shared by non-government sources

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated on three primary factors:

• Strength and feasibility of the technical approach to meeting SOO requirements

• Credibility of the management and execution plan, including regulatory and manufacturing readiness

• Cost realism and completeness of the proposed budget

Projects starting near TRL 4 with a clear path to FDA clearance and military deployment are strongly aligned.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Proposals must comply with FDA medical device regulations

• Foreign collaborators require additional justification

• Participation in malign foreign talent programs is prohibited

• Cost sharing rules apply if nontraditional or small business criteria are not met

• Files must be submitted exactly as instructed; noncompliance may result in elimination

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Most first-time applicants (without any assistance from BW&CO) should plan for 120–200 hours of effort over 8–12 weeks, including technical writing, budget preparation, and internal reviews.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for $13000 Initial Fee + 5% Success Fee.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Additional Resources

Learn more about the program here.

Michael J Fox - Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Pipeline Program (TPP)

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

Executive Summary:

The Parkinson’s Disease Therapeutics Pipeline Program (TPP) is The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) flagship therapeutic development funding program designed to accelerate promising Parkinson’s disease (PD) therapies from preclinical development through early clinical proof-of-concept. The program supports both disease-modifying and symptomatic interventions and can also fund biomarker activities that directly inform therapeutic development decisions. Funding is intended to de-risk programs, generate evidence that advances key development milestones, and attract follow-on investment.

Applications begin with a rolling pre-proposal process. For the current review cycle, the application deadline is January 8, 2027 for applicants submitting pre-proposals during the period September 19 – November 27.

Companies developing differentiated Parkinson’s therapeutics with a clear path to a meaningful development milestone over the next 2–3 years should strongly consider this opportunity.

How much funding would I receive?

Funding ranges from $1M to $5M depending on development stage and project scope.

Development Stage Maximum Budget Maximum Duration

Early preclinical discovery $1M 2 years

Development candidate selection $3M 2 years

IND-enabling studies $5M 2 years

Early clinical development $5M 3 years

Final funding decisions may differ from these amounts following reviewer feedback and discussions with MJFF staff.

What could I use the funding for?

MJFF prioritizes pre-clinical and clinical programs that may slow, stop, or prevent disease progression, efforts that address moderate-to-advanced motor or non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s not well-managed by current treatments such as advanced gait disturbances (e.g., balance issues linked to falls, freezing) and cognitive changes. Activities within scope of this program include:

• Pre-Clinical: Identifying, validating and/or developing novel pharmacological and non- pharmacological interventions through pre-clinical development from early screening topre-clinical characterization and testing.

• Clinical: Progressing promising interventions with strong preclinical packages into/through initial clinical assessment exploring pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, safety/tolerability, or early proof of biology and/or clinical efficacy.For novel targets, MJFF is particularly interested in de-risking programs by supporting early proof of concept in patients to gain insight into the therapeutic potential, including exploration of biomarker-based or clinical endpoint-based efficacy.

Any intervention may be considered based on clear patient need, rationale and strong mechanism-of-action understanding. Interventions may be pharmacological (small molecules), biological (biologic, gene therapy) or non-pharmacological including surgical approaches, technology-enabled therapeutics and neuromodulation approaches. Competitive non- pharmacologic proposals will have compelling, existing data from human studies with strong potential for clinical adoption. Applicants may also propose testing of repurposed or repositioned therapies but should propose clear and robust biomarker-enabled testing strategies.

Funding supports therapeutic development activities for Parkinson’s disease across multiple stages of development. Eligible activities include:

• Disease-modifying therapies intended to slow, stop, or prevent PD progression.

• Symptomatic therapies intended to improve quality of life and daily functioning.

• Small molecules, biologics, gene therapies, surgical approaches, neuromodulation approaches, and other technology-enabled therapeutics.

• Repurposed therapies with robust biomarker-enabled and/or clinically meaningful outcome strategies.

• Preclinical activities including hit identification, lead optimization, mechanistic studies, and clinical trial-enabling work.

• Clinical-stage activities evaluating safety, biological activity, and early efficacy signals in people with PD.

• Biomarker activities that support translational readiness, dose selection, patient stratification, mechanism confirmation, and other development decisions.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond direct funding, MJFF awards offer meaningful strategic advantages:

• Strong Scientific and Patient-Centered Validation: Selection by MJFF signals rigorous scientific merit and strong alignment with patient-driven therapeutic priorities in Parkinson’s disease.

• De-Risking for Follow-On Capital: MJFF explicitly positions this program to de-risk therapeutic programs and catalyze follow-on investment from venture capital, strategic partners, and other funders.

• Access to MJFF’s Ecosystem: Awardees gain access to MJFF’s extensive network of clinicians, researchers, industry partners, patient advisors, and proprietary research tools, datasets, and biosample repositories.

• Enhanced Exit and Commercialization Potential: Government- and foundation-validated programs often command higher valuations during licensing, acquisition, or later-stage financing due to reduced technical and clinical risk.

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

Pre-proposals may be submitted at any time and are typically reviewed within three weeks. If invited, full proposals are submitted during one of five annual review cycles. Funding decisions are communicated within three months of full proposal submission.

Upcoming full proposal deadlines include:

• June 25, 2026 → Funding decision September 2026

• August 20, 2026 → Funding decision November 2026

• October 30, 2026 → Funding decision January 2027

• January 8, 2027 → Funding decision March 2027

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided directly by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating cures and better treatments for Parkinson’s disease through aggressively funded translational research.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to:

• Industry applicants (biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, or other for-profit companies), or

• Academic teams partnered with an industry collaborator capable of commercial development.

Both U.S. and non-U.S. entities are eligible. The for-profit entity is expected to serve as the primary grantee and commercialization lead.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Successful applications typically demonstrate:

• A strong biological rationale for the therapeutic target, supported by genetic or in vitro/in vivo validation data.

• A clearly differentiated therapeutic approach believed to be superior to existing or pipeline therapies.

• Robust translational biomarker strategies to measure target engagement and mechanism of action.

• Clear preclinical-to-clinical translation potential with a realistic commercialization pathway.

• For clinical programs, a patient-centered development plan incorporating patient input.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

MJFF will not fund:

• Large-scale target discovery efforts (e.g., genomic or transcriptomic screening).

• Target validation using only tool compounds with no path to drug development.

• Reformulation of commercially available drugs via new routes of administration.

• Studies evaluating dietary supplements.

MJFF does not intend to serve as the sole funder and expects applicants to pursue complementary funding sources.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive pre-proposal for this opportunity will likely take 20–40 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

Additional Resources

See Request for Applications Here.

ARPA-H BioStabilization Systems (BoSS)

Executive Summary:

The ARPA-H BioStabilization Systems (BoSS) program provides multi-year support for teams developing ambient-temperature cell stabilization and scalable bioprocessing systems. Performer Solution Summaries are due February 19, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

ARPA-H anticipates multiple OT awards, with the expectation that Performer teams will be funded through multi-phase development (up to 48 months). While specific award ceilings aren't stated, ARPA-H OT programs typically support multi-million-dollar development efforts and note that several teams may be funded initially with down-selects in later phases.

What could I use the funding for?

The BioStabilization Systems (BoSS) program aims to transform how live cell-based therapies are stabilized, manufactured, and distributed. At its core, BoSS addresses a foundational bottleneck in the delivery of advanced cell and gene therapies (CGTs): the critical dependence on ultra-cold conditions (-80 to -196˚C) for storage and transport. BoSS will yield a bioprocessing system that enables scalable production of thermally stable cells, paving the way for a new era of efficient and resilient manufacturing and distribution of biologics without any need for cold storage. BoSS-developed technologies will also accelerate many other avenues in biotechnology that directly impact healthcare, including bio-surveillance, regenerative medicine, large-scale genetic testing, blood product supply, and wound repair, in addition to improving access to a wide range of existing biotherapeutics.

This ISO is intended to solicit:

1) Performer teams that can pioneer breakthrough cell stabilization technologies and integrate these technologies into a commercially viable system for producing cell therapy products at scale. Strategic partnerships are encouraged to best position technologies for commercialization success, such as assembling multidisciplinary teams that may include experts from academic, industry, regulatory, commercialization, and non-traditional backgrounds.

2) An Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) partner to reliably provide well-characterized, clinically relevant, government-selected cells to Technical Area Performers. This partner will also assess cell viability and system performance at critical junctures throughout the program.

• Background

  This year approximately 150 million Americans will use at least one thermally unstable biologic, such as a monoclonal antibody, vaccine, or cell therapy. The instability of these medicines necessitates a reliance on cold chain, which jeopardizes product effectiveness, escalates costs, and limits access due to complex, temperature-dependent manufacturing and distribution schemes. Furthermore, costly ultra-cold cryopreservation is the standard approach to extending shelf-life stability for life saving biologics such as CGTs. However, demand for CGTs continues to surge, powered by their transformative impact on healthcare and reflected in rapid market expansion. Globally, there are now >3000 CGTs in the development pipeline, ranging from pre-clinical through pre-registration phases. Innovative solutions that relieve cold chain requirements while preserving shelf-life stability are crucial to meeting this rising demand, as FDA approval and widespread patient access to CGTs rely on maintaining product quality throughout storage and distribution.

  BoSS aims to develop innovative technologies that preserve cells at ambient temperatures, a breakthrough approach we will subsequently refer to as biostabilization. Achieving biostabilization remains a two-fold challenge that has yet to be overcome. The first challenge requires cellular interventions to preserve the integrity and function of vital elements prior to undergoing stabilization, enabling cells to withstand physical changes that would otherwise cause irreversible damage. This could include delivering protectants into cells and/or altering cells in other ways to improve processing and storage resilience. To maintain the clinical utility of cell products, cellular interventions to prepare and deploy biostabilization must be both biocompatible and reversible. The second challenge involves implementing aseptic, cell-friendly handling instrumentation to deploy stabilization techniques across various production scales.
  
  One approach to address the first challenge is to adopt nature’s strategies to accomplish biostabilization. For example, ‘anhydrobiotes’ can tolerate extreme loss of water and persist in a dehydrated state for years (e.g., tardigrades, rotifers, brine shrimp), quickly regaining full function after rehydration. Molecular contributors to this resilience have been elucidated such as amorphous trehalose glass and special classes of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Recent studies have revealed cell structure re-arrangements and stress-induced formation of molecular condensates that may be essential for surviving the stresses of dry processing. Other discoveries from the genomic to the organismal scale form the natural basis of desiccation tolerance and may be adapted or improved upon for biostabilization. Solutions inspired by chemistry and materials science advances are also encouraged along with approaches that employ biocompatible polymers, scaffolds, multi-organic frameworks, or cell encapsulation to protect and stabilize cells.

  Addressing the second challenge requires development of new processing approaches and potentially new instrumentation that can yield products suitable for ambient storage. Current gold standard methods for batch processing like lyophilization (freeze-drying) are energy-intensive, slow, and challenging to apply to complex biologics. While appropriate for proteins, antibodies, and even some vaccines, lyophilization is a risky and unproven approach for high-value cell products that are widely used in the biopharma industry as starting materials, manufacturing intermediates, host cells, and cell-based therapies. Nascent technologies like microwave-assisted vacuum foam-drying, thin film freeze-drying, and polymerization gelation exhibit potential for processing complex biologics but remain at a low manufacturing readiness level (MRL), i.e., early-stage development and requires significant development to establish full-scale production. Established technologies with high MRL, such as spray-drying, commonly used for food production, offer the advantage of continuous processing and may have potential for adaptation to biologics.
  

  Successful completion of BoSS will yield a bioprocessing system designed as a platform technology for stabilizing cell biologics capable of easy integration into biomanufacturing pipelines. The bioprocessing system will enable scalable production and distribution of thermally stable cells benefiting the biopharmaceutical ecosystem that uses cells as starting materials, manufacturing intermediates, and CGTs. Breakthroughs from BoSS are expected to yield biostabilization innovations including intracellular and extracellular protectants and stabilizers, enabling bioprocessing technologies, and re-animation products. Together, BoSS bioprocessing system and biostabilization technologies will be commercially viable solutions that will establish a new paradigm for biomanufacturing designed to reduce costs and ensure that biological medicines are accessible to patients, including those living in the most remote and resource-limited communities.

• Technical Areas

  BoSS envisions that successful solutions will converge from extremophile biology, biomaterials science, biomanufacturing, pharmaceutical formulation, process engineering, and device development to unlock new bioprocessing and biostabilization solutions, bridging historical silos in biostasis science and advancing biological medicines. Proposals are required to address solutions to both technical areas:
  
  Technical Area 1 (TA1): BioPrep

  Approaches to BioPrep include preparing, protecting, and other methods of intervention to allow cells to endure and recover from biostabilization at room temperature. BioPrep solutions should be reversible interventions that support the suspension of biological activity while ensuring cellular health and integrity upon reanimation. BioPrep solutions may also include the development of re-animation techniques and solutions that rapidly restore biological activities after biostabilization.
  
  Technical Area 2 (TA2): Bioprocessing

  Bioprocessing technologies (e.g., instruments, devices) should enable the deployment of biostabilization concepts at scale. Activities may include the scale-up of an early MRL, cell-friendly processing technology, or the adaptation of scaled systems that can be re-designed to safely and gently handle cells. The proposed solution should mitigate stress on cells while achieving biostabilization with preserved quality and function for extended durations at ambient temperatures.
  
  Proposers must submit proposals to both TAs. A conforming proposal will account for all program requirements outlined in this ISO, both TA-specific and overall program milestones and metrics.

• Program Overview

  Technology commercialization is a critical part of achieving the ARPA-H mission to improve health outcomes for all Americans. To support this goal, progress will be measured by strategic metrics and milestones that must be met to advance through subsequent phases. Technologies will advance across three integrated phases designed to drive both technical advancement and commercial translation:

  •

  Phase 1 focuses on establishing the scientific feasibility of ambient biostabilization. This proof-of-concept stage includes developing innovative cell preparation approaches with enabling instrumentation that, together, are capable of inducing biostabilization as well as re-animation methods to restore function after biostabilization.

  •

  Phase 2 emphasizes integrated capability demonstrations, converging biological and manufacturing innovations into a cohesive bioprocessing system that can produce stabilized cells under simulated commercial conditions.

  •

  Phase 3 advances to scaled solution development and industry transition, preparing the bioprocessing system for market entry through GMP-compliant production, strategic industry partnerships, and validation in real-world use cases.

  Performer teams must meet increasingly stringent technological capability requirements and stabilized cell quality metrics during each phase to demonstrate progress on biostabilization technology development. Performers will choose cells used for end of phase demonstrations from a list of government-selected cell types, which will be identified at the start of the performance period. Sub-phase milestones may be demonstrated on cell types chosen by the Performer, with consideration to the restrictions identified in Table 1. In later stages, end of phase demonstrations will be permitted on cells that are aligned with Phase 3 transition partners. Ideal transitional partners for Performers are organizations equipped with established distribution networks to seamlessly integrate the developed bioprocessing system into their existing biomanufacturing pipelines for cell biologics, accelerating the path from innovation to implementation.

  At the end of the program, biostabilization technologies will demonstrate capability, scalability, and applicability of commercially viable platform technologies that enable room temperature storage and distribution of stabilized cells agnostic of cell type, supporting widespread access to biologic medicines. The ideal bioprocessing system will integrate seamlessly with biomanufacturing and fill-finish systems. Ultimately, partnerships will culminate into early adoption of a new commercially viable bioprocessing system capable of scalable production of stabilized cell products that meet Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and GMP standards with a path paved for commercialization to support broad industry adoption.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the primary funding, BoSS awardees gain several indirect strategic advantages:

Government Validation & Credibility
Selection by ARPA-H establishes strong scientific legitimacy and positions your technology as a potential national-level biomanufacturing platform.

Enhanced Visibility & Notoriety
Awardees are featured through ARPA-H communications, Proposers’ Day events, and industry engagement, increasing recognition among biotech investors, health systems, and biopharma manufacturers.

Access to a National Innovation Network
BoSS includes structured engagement with an Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) partner, FDA interactions, and optional commercialization support—creating opportunities for partnerships, pilot studies, and eventual technology adoption.

Stronger Exit, Growth, and Acquisition Potential
Nondilutive development of platform technologies can significantly improve valuation, especially for companies working in CGT manufacturing, biosurveillance platforms, or enabling bioprocessing technologies. Government validation reduces perceived technical risk for acquirers and later-stage investors.

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

Key dates:

• Proposers’ Day: January 29, 2026

• Performer Solution Summary: February 19, 2026

• Performer Pitch: March 26, 2026

• IV&V Solution Summary: April 17, 2026

• IV&V Pitch: May 15, 2026

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is issued through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), under the Scalable Solutions Office, using Other Transaction (OT) authority for high-risk, high-impact biomedical innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

Universities, Nonprofits, Small and large commercial businesses, Non-U.S. entities (with restrictions; must not be from foreign entities of concern), Must conduct work in the U.S., FFRDCs and U.S. Government entities cannot participate as Performers.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

See full solicitation for details. Strong candidates include companies with capabilities in:

• Cell & gene therapy engineering

• Bioprocessing & biomanufacturing instrumentation

• Biomaterials, polymers, encapsulation, or intracellular protectants

• Cell preservation technologies (cryopreservation alternatives, desiccation biology)

• Microfluidics, closed-system processing, or continuous manufacturing

• Regulatory-ready biologics or device development expertise

• Advanced analytical platforms (cell viability, potency, functional assays)

Winning projects will propose integrated TA1 + TA2 solutions capable of achieving:

• Room-temperature stability (14 days → 3 months)

• Reanimation <1 hour by Phase 3

• High viability, function, and potency metrics across multiple cell types

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• No genetic manipulation of cells

• No dangerous gain-of-function research (per EO 14292)

• No demonstrations on RBCs or microbial species

• No slow (>4 hr prep or >1 day processing) methods

• No methods that cannot scale or meet GMP requirements

• No traditional lyophilization

• Teams must maintain SAM.gov registration for Step 2

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

For a first-time applicant, preparing a solution summary under this opportunity will likely take 50-70 hours in total.

How can BW&CO help?

Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:

• Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development

• Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations

• Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

Our full service support is available for a flat fee of $4,000 to submit a solution summary.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.

Resources

See the full solicitation here.