CDMRP: FY26 Orthopaedic Research Program (ORP)

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

Executive Summary:

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

How much funding would I receive?

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

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

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

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

What could I use the funding for?

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

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

• Composite tissue regeneration following high-energy extremity trauma.

• Ligamentous trauma treatments for musculoskeletal soft-tissue instability.

• Limb stabilization and wound protectants enabling prolonged care.

• Osseointegration outcomes for prosthetic limb interfaces.

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

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

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

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

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

• Pre-announcement release: February 24, 2026.

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

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

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

Where does this funding come from?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

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

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

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

What companies and projects are likely to win?

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

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

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

• The program will not consider biomarker-only research.

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

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

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

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

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Monitor FOA release dates and mechanism details.

• Translate the final FOA into a targeted application roadmap.

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

• Guide submission strategy on eBRAP and Grants.gov.

• Support preproposal and full application review to maximize competitiveness.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Academic-Industrial Partnerships for Translation of Technologies for Diagnosis and Treatment (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

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

Executive Summary:

This NIH funding opportunity (PAR-25-338) opens a repeated standard R01 grant mechanism to support academic-industrial partnerships that translate scientific discoveries and engineering developments into new technologies, methods, tools, assays, devices, or systems relevant to disease diagnosis, risk assessment, detection, prevention, treatment, or monitoring — with the expectation of translation to use and end users. This NOFO does not allow clinical trials and does not support basic research that lacks a translational component. Multiple standard NIH due dates run through January 8, 2028 (expiration), with recurring application windows (e.g., Feb 5, 2026; Jun 5, 2026; Oct 5, 2026, etc.) — all due by 5:00 PM local time on each date.

How much funding would I receive?

Award budget limit: up to $499,000 per year in direct costs.

1. Maximum project period: 5 years.

2. Number of awards: contingent on NIH appropriations and meritorious applications (not specified).

What could I use the funding for?

Funds may be used to enhance, adapt, optimize, validate, and otherwise translate technologies, methods, assays, devices, or systems that:

• Address problems in biology, pathology, risk-assessment, detection, diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring disease.

• Advance capabilities that are suitable for end users in pre-clinical or clinical research or clinical care.

• Examples include diagnostic/imaging systems, informatics tools, analytical methods, harmonized data methods, shared research resources, and technologies optimized for low-resource settings.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The NOFO does not include special supplements, set-aside support, or technical assistance beyond standard NIH funding. (Not specified in the NOFO.)

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

• Open/earliest submission: January 5, 2025.

• Standard NIH due dates: recurring submission windows including Feb 5, Jun 5, Oct 5 of each calendar year, through January 8, 2028 (expiration). All are due by 5:00 PM local time.

• Applicants should allow time to correct any errors before each deadline.

• Estimated award start dates follow NIH standard review cycles (months after each review).

Where does this funding come from?

• Funding agency: National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• Participating NIH components:

  • National Cancer Institute (NCI)

  • National Eye Institute (NEI)

  • National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

  • Office of Research on Women’s Health (co-funding support)

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicant organizations include:

• Higher education institutions (public/private).

• Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3)).

• For-profit organizations (including small businesses).

• Local/state governments; federally recognized tribal governments.

• Federal agencies; non-U.S. entities (foreign) and foreign components of U.S. organizations.

Eligible individuals: Anyone with the skills/resources to carry out the proposed research as PD/PI.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Likely competitive projects will:

• Form true academic-industrial partnerships with complementary expertise.

• Target translation of a technology/method toward a defined end-user application.

• Demonstrate a coherent plan to enhance, optimize, validate, or translate the proposed technology.

• Show clear metrics, milestones, and feasibility for implementation or adoption.

• Address problems relevant to participating NIH institutes.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Clinical Trials: Not allowed under this NOFO.

• Commercial production: NOT supported; the grant supports translation up to pre-commercial readiness, not manufacturing.

• Basic research: Projects lacking translation emphasis are non-responsive.

• Applications must conform to NIH research and submission policies (e.g., DMS, registrations).

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Time depends on readiness of data, partnerships, and NIH registrations (e.g., SAM, eRA Commons). Typical R01 applications require weeks to months of preparation, including:

• Strategic alliance planning

• Preliminary data assembly

• Detailed research strategy

• Budget and justification

• Registrations (SAM/eRA Commons) prior to submission (can take ~6+ weeks).

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Clarify partner roles and narrative strategy for academic-industrial teams.

• Translate technical aims into NIH-aligned specific aims and research strategy.

• Advise on regulatory, translational, and commercialization framing.

• Support budget planning consistent with NIH guidelines.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) - W519TC-25-S-0001

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC), Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C) has released Broad Agency Announcement W519TC-25-S-0001 for Basic, Applied, and Advanced Scientific Research in artificial intelligence.

This is a continuously open five-year announcement valid throughout the period beginning 01 May 2024 – 31 May 2029, with proposals accepted through 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 31 MAY 2029.

AI2C is actively seeking white papers and proposals that advance Army-relevant AI technologies across autonomy, AI/ML, decision support, human-AI integration, distributed AI, and related foundational research areas.

Because this BAA is continuously open, companies can submit at any time before 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 31 MAY 2029, but new start awards are normally obligated early within each fiscal year . Early submission within the fiscal year cycle may improve timing alignment with available funds.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify a minimum or maximum award amount , but most awards range from $500k - $5m

Awards may be made using a variety of instruments, including:

• Procurement contracts

• Grants

• Cooperative agreements

• Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs)

• Other Transactions (OTs)

There is no stated funding cap, award ceiling, or target award size in the BAA.

New start awards are normally obligated early within each fiscal year.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports Basic Research, Applied Research, and Advanced Research in AI-related areas.

The BAA defines:

• Basic Research: Systematic study directed toward greater knowledge of fundamental aspects of phenomena without specific application in mind.

• Applied Research: Systematic expansion and application of knowledge to develop useful materials, devices, systems, or methods aligned to recognized Army needs.

• Advanced Research: Development of subsystems and components integrated into prototypes for field experiments or simulated environments, generally at Technology Readiness Levels 4, 5, or 6.

Foundational Research Topics of Interest include:

• Autonomous Platforms

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Algorithms (AI/ML)

• AI/ML Decision Support

• Human-AI Integration

• Synthetic Environments

• Distributed AI

• Underpinning Methodologies

• Special Topics (posted separately as amendments on SAM.gov)

There are no funding restrictions associated with this BAA.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Depending on the instrument type, benefits may include:

• Potential use of Other Transactions (OTs), which may allow negotiation of expanded intellectual property protections.

• Technology Investment Agreements (TIAs) tailored for commercial firms or research involving commercial application.

• Opportunity for cost sharing, in-kind labor, or facility sharing (optional unless required by instrument type).

• Potential transition into acquisition pathways if research demonstrates military utility.

The BAA also envisions collaboration agreements where no funds are exchanged, such as Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).

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

This BAA is a continuously open five-year announcement valid throughout the period beginning 01 May 2024 – 31 May 2029.

Proposals will be accepted through 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on 31 MAY 2029.

New start awards are normally obligated early within each fiscal year.

There is no guaranteed award timeline specified. Award start dates are determined at the time of selection and award notice.

Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a White Paper (limited to three pages) prior to submitting a full proposal.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is issued by:

• U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC), Artificial Intelligence Integration Center (AI2C)

• Issuing Acquisition Office: U.S. Army Contracting Command – Rock Island Division

The CFDA Number and Title is:

• 12.630 – Basic, Applied, and Advanced Research in Science and Engineering

Awards are issued under statutory authorities including 10 U.S.C. 4001, 10 U.S.C. 4021, and 10 U.S.C. 4022.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Institutions of higher education

• Non-profit organizations

• For-profit organizations

• Domestic or foreign entities

However:

• Government laboratories

• Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs)

• U.S. Service Academies

are not eligible to participate as prime contractors or recipients .

Foreign organizations and foreign public entities may face security restrictions. Countries on the U.S. State Department List of Countries that Support Terrorism are excluded .

Generally, cost sharing is not required and is not an evaluation factor, except where required by certain instrument types such as OTs or TIAs.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Proposals are evaluated on:

1. Scientific and Technical Merit (most important factor)

2. Potential Contribution to the Army mission

3. Qualifications and Capabilities of the team and institution

4. Cost (realism, affordability, appropriateness)

5. Past performance

All evaluation factors other than cost, when combined, are significantly more important than cost.

Projects that:

• Demonstrate clear Army relevance

• Advance state-of-the-art AI capabilities

• Show feasibility and potential transition value

• Align directly with identified foundational research topics

are most aligned with stated evaluation criteria.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions and requirements include:

• No classified submissions .

• Registration in SAM is required prior to award .

• Unique Entity Identifier (UEI/DUNS) required .

• Human Subjects and Animal Use protections apply where relevant .

• Export control (ITAR) compliance may apply to contracts .

• Grants and cooperative agreements are subject to Army Research Risk Assessment Program (ARRP) review for foreign influence risk .

• Proposals must comply with strict formatting limits (e.g., 23-page technical limit) .

Failure to meet submission requirements may result in rejection.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The BAA includes a three-stage process:

1. Obtain UEI and register in SAM.

2. Optional White Paper (maximum three pages).

3. Full proposal submission (technical volume + cost volume) .

The technical portion (Abstract, Background, Application Potential, Technical Approach) is limited to 23 pages.

The BAA does not estimate preparation time. Preparation time will depend on:

• Whether you submit a white paper first

• Whether cost documentation (e.g., DCAA-accepted accounting system) is already in place

• Whether you pursue a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, TIA, or OT

For new DoD performers, preparation can be documentation-intensive.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support:

• Topic alignment to AI2C foundational research areas

• White paper drafting (3-page compliant format)

• Full technical volume development (23-page limit compliance)

• Cost volume structuring aligned with FAR/DFARS requirements

• OT and TIA strategy positioning

• Army relevance framing and transition strategy

• Risk mitigation narrative development

We ensure strict compliance with BAA formatting, eligibility, and evaluation criteria while positioning your technology for maximum Army relevance.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($15,000 + 5%) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

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

Executive Summary:

The BARDA Broad Agency Announcement (BAA-23-100-SOL-00004, Amendment 7) is a continuously open funding vehicle supporting advanced R&D of medical countermeasures (MCMs) for CBRN threats, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. This is one of the most flexible and recurring federal funding pathways for biotech, diagnostics, and platform companies.

The submission deadline is September 25, 2028, at 4:30pm Eastern Time, unless otherwise indicated in an AOI.

This is not a traditional one-time grant—BARDA accepts submissions on a rolling basis and invites full proposals after an initial screening. Companies with relevant technologies should engage early to maximize alignment and feedback.

How much funding would I receive?

• Not specifically stated, but most awards range between $500k - $5m.

• BARDA states:

  • “Multiple awards of various values are anticipated”

  • Funding depends on:

    • Program priorities

    • Technical merit

    • Fit to Areas of Interest (AOIs)

    • Available funds

What could I use the funding for?

AOI #1: CBRN Vaccines

• 1.1. [SUSPENDED] Needle-Free Technologies to Administer Licensed Vaccines

• 1.2. Sudan Virus and Marburg Virus

  • Advanced development of monovalent vaccines against Sudan virus and Marburg virus

  • Candidate must have:

    • Demonstrated protection from lethal challenge in non-human primate studies

    • Phase 1 clinical safety data

  • Goal includes completion of Phase 2 clinical study(ies) and manufacture of sufficient clinical trial material to support outbreak response

• 1.3. Flexible Vaccine Manufacturing Platform Technologies

  • Antigen production technologies that can:

    • Progress from gene sequence to IND submission in <6 months

    • Be successfully applied to multiple infectious disease targets

    • Scale to >1 million doses

  • Proposals should address at least two CBRN threats, with optional work for additional threats

AOI #2: CBRN Antivirals and Antitoxins

• 2.1. [SUSPENDED] Anthrax Antitoxins

• 2.2. Botulism Antitoxins

  • Next-generation MCMs against botulinum neurotoxins

  • Priority for products with efficacy against serotypes A-G

  • Includes antibody-based products, small molecules, or syndrome-based therapeutics

• 2.3. Smallpox Antivirals

  • Next-generation antiviral therapeutics against smallpox

  • Preference for products with a different class or mechanism than existing FDA-approved smallpox therapeutics

  • Combination therapy potential is preferred

• 2.4. Filovirus Antivirals

  • Therapeutics for Ebolavirus and Marburgvirus

  • Includes:

    • Broad-spectrum antivirals

    • Monoclonal antibodies and related products

    • Syndrome-based therapeutics

    • Post-exposure prophylaxis products

AOI #3: Antimicrobials

• 3.1. MDR Bacteria and Biothreat Pathogens

  • Drug candidates active against biothreat pathogens and/or drug-resistant secondary infections during a CBRN, pandemic influenza, or emerging infectious disease incident

• 3.2. MDR Fungal Infections

  • Broad-spectrum antifungal candidates with novel mechanisms of action

  • Includes Candida species, including Candida auris, drug-resistant Aspergillus species, and rare molds

AOI #4: Radiological/Nuclear Threat Medical Countermeasures

• 4.1. Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS)

  • Therapeutics for:

    • Thrombocytopenia

    • Pancytopenia

    • Endothelial and vascular injury

    • GI or lung injury

    • Delayed effects of acute radiation exposure

    • Cellular therapies and hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell technologies

• 4.2. Uncontrolled Hemorrhage

  • Blood products and related technologies

  • Therapeutics that replace blood products or extend the resuscitation window

  • Therapies for cellular metabolism and hemostasis dysfunction

• 4.3. Radiation Injury and Trauma Pathophysiologies

  • Biomarker assays

  • Imaging and diagnostic tools

  • Therapeutic solutions targeting injury pathophysiology

• 4.4. Enabling Technologies and Platforms

  • Tissue chips and microphysiological systems

  • Platforms for easier therapeutic use in resource-limited settings

  • Potency assays for cellular therapies and next-generation blood products

• 4.5. [SUSPENDED] Decorporation Agents

AOI #5: Chemical Medical Countermeasures

• 5.1. Pulmonary Agents

  • MCMs to prevent and treat lung damage from agents such as chlorine and phosgene

  • Includes ARDS, pulmonary edema, pulmonary endothelial vascular injury, chemical pneumonitis, reactive airway syndrome, and pulmonary fibrosis

• 5.2. Pharmaceutical-based Agents, including Opioids and Other Respiratory Depressants

  • MCMs for life-threatening overdose from PBAs, respiratory depressants, and/or multi-drug toxicity

  • Threat-agnostic respiratory stimulants are of particular interest

  • Candidates not involving opioid receptor antagonism are prioritized

• 5.3. Vesicants

  • MCMs to ameliorate harmful effects of sulfur mustard and lewisite

  • Preference for drugs that prevent or ameliorate chronic effects

• 5.4. Nerve Agents and Organophosphorus (OP) Pesticides

  • Repurposing or label expansion of already FDA-approved medications

  • Includes treatment of muscarinic, nicotinic, seizure-causing effects, and benzodiazepine-refractory seizures

• 5.5. Knockdown Agents/Cellular Asphyxiants

  • MCMs for cyanides, hydrogen sulfide, phosphine, and related threats

  • Preference for treatments also safe and effective against smoke inhalation-related cyanide exposure

• 5.6. Novel MCM Delivery Mechanisms

  • Improved methods and/or routes of administration for new and existing MCMs

• 5.7. Innovative Approaches to Understanding Chemical Injury in Humans

  • In vitro humanized systems, organoids, organ chips, microphysiological systems, and human-relevant animal models

  • Goal is to identify therapeutic targets and support new treatment development

Under AOI #5, BARDA states that all aspects of advanced clinical stage drug development are permissible for funding, including:

• Nonclinical studies

• Safety

• Toxicology

• PK/PD

• Manufacturing

• Analytical assay development and validation

• Clinical studies, including pediatric studies

• Regulatory submission preparation

• Post-approval requirements

AOI #6: Burn and Blast Medical Countermeasures

• 6.1. Burn and Blast Traumatic Injuries Management

  • Products for full-thickness burns, severe lacerations, penetrating trauma, crush injuries, nerve and vascular trauma

  • Includes enabling technologies such as devices, software, AI-assisted capabilities, pain management, and clinical guidelines

• 6.2. Management of Head Injuries in Trauma

  • Non-invasive or minimally invasive technologies to detect neurotrauma

  • Triage tools for acute traumatic brain injuries

  • Special interest in technologies detecting/localizing internal brain hemorrhage and elevated intracranial pressure/edema

• 6.3. Hemorrhage Control

  • Gels, devices, and other adoptable MCMs for severe hemorrhage from lacerations and junctional wounds

  • Also includes technologies for early detection/localization of internal hemorrhage

• 6.4. [SUSPENDED] Non-Autologous Topical Products to Prevent or Reduce Burn Wound Conversion

• 6.5. Management of Thoracoabdominal Trauma Injuries

  • Detection/diagnosis of internal injuries

  • Portable point-of-care ultrasound and similar technologies

  • Tools to improve management, monitoring, prognosis, and treatment decisions for blunt trauma

• 6.6. Musculoskeletal Injuries

  • Technologies to evaluate, diagnose, triage, and manage traumatic MSK injuries

  • Includes complex fractures, soft tissue injuries, tendons, ligaments, and AI-enabled imaging improvements

• 6.7. [SUSPENDED] Special Instruction for Health Economic Impact Assessment of Burn MCMs

• 6.8. Platform Agnostic Software for AI Augmentation of Ultrasound Imaging Data

  • Software connecting ultrasound devices with minimal API development

  • AI/ML support for EMS and ED triage

  • Product should seek FDA clearance as required

AOI #7: Diagnostics

BARDA divides diagnostics into four threat areas:

• 7.1. Biothreats

• 7.2. Antibiotic resistance

• 7.3. Pandemic influenza

• 7.4. Threat-agnostic diagnostics

Subpoints:

7.1. Biothreat Agent Diagnostics

• 7.1.1. Biothreat Agent Diagnostics: Point-of-Care

  • Rapid point-of-care diagnostic systems for listed biothreats

  • TRL 4 or greater required

• 7.1.2. Biothreat Agent Diagnostics: Laboratory

  • Automated laboratory assays for listed biothreats

  • Single-threat and multiplex assays will be considered

  • TRL 4 or greater required

• 7.1.3. Biothreat Agent Diagnostics: Filovirus Point-of-Care and Remote Settings

  • Rapid, accurate, CLIA-waivable, field-useable molecular diagnostics for filoviruses

  • Must at minimum detect Ebola virus, Sudan virus, Bundibugyo virus, Taï Forest virus, and Marburg virus

  • TRL 3 or greater, with expectation of advancing to TRL 4 and regulatory submission

7.2. Antibiotic Resistance Diagnostics for Priority Bacterial Pathogens

• 7.2.1. Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Testing Direct from Specimen

  • Rapid ID and AMR testing from primary clinical specimens

  • Broad pathogen coverage

  • TRL 4 or greater required

• 7.2.2. [SUSPENDED] Bacterial vs. Viral Infections: Point-of-Care

• 7.2.3. AMR Sequencing Solutions

  • Sample-to-answer sequencing solutions for identifying pathogens with known and/or novel resistance determinants

  • TRL 4 or greater required

7.3. Influenza Diagnostics

• 7.3.1. Influenza Testing in an OTC and CLIA-waived environment

  • Molecular or high-sensitivity antigen tests for influenza A and B

  • Point-of-care and home-use

  • TRL 4 or greater required

• 7.3.2. [SUSPENDED] Pan-Influenza Diagnostics: Point-of-Care or Laboratory

• 7.3.3. [SUSPENDED] Point-of-Care Multiplex Assay for Detection of Influenza Virus

7.4. Threat-Agnostic Diagnostics

• 7.4.1. Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS)-Based Diagnostic for Viral and Bacterial Pathogens

  • Advanced development, clinical evaluation, and FDA clearance of mNGS-based assays

  • Laboratory and point-of-care tests are sought

  • TRL 4 or greater required

AOI #8: IEID Vaccines

• 8.1. Advanced Development of Faster or More Effective Vaccines

  • 8.1.1. Faster Vaccines

    • Licensed, domestically manufactured vaccines with goals of:

      • 100 days from sequence availability to release of first doses

      • 130 days from sequence availability to doses sufficient to immunize the U.S. and global population

  • 8.1.2. More Effective Vaccines

    • Products or formulations such as adjuvants or other technologies that:

      • Elicit a priming and protective response in immunologically naïve recipients with a single dose

      • Improve stability, sustainability, and/or utility of stockpiled vaccines

  • 8.1.3. Clinical trials to expand the age range on the label of currently licensed vaccines

• 8.2. Innovative Vaccine Product and Production Enhancements

  • 8.2.1. Platform technologies

  • 8.2.2. Manufacturing

  • 8.2.3. Assays for product release

  • 8.2.4. Administration

AOI #9: IEID Therapeutics

• 9.1. Broad Spectrum Antiviral Therapeutics for Influenza

  • New broad-spectrum direct- or indirect-acting antivirals for respiratory viral infections including influenza in outpatient settings

• 9.2. Immune Modulators or Therapeutics Promoting Lung Repair

  • Therapeutics to prevent, treat, and/or improve outcomes of ARDS caused by pandemic or seasonal influenza and other respiratory infections

• 9.3. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis – Influenza

  • Antivirals for pandemic preparedness and for people with inadequate influenza vaccine response

  • Preference for long-acting products providing at least one month of protection from a single dose

• 9.4. [SUSPENDED] COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics for Treatment

AOI #10: ImmuneChip+

BARDA seeks advanced microphysiological systems and tissue-chip technologies.

Offerors should address two or more of these five components:

• 1) Infection with a relevant pathogen, insult with toxins/toxicants, exposure to acute ionizing radiation, or exposure to chemical agents

• 2) Integration of at least two different tissues in addition to immune component(s)

• 3) Near-continuous monitoring of the MPS for at least two weeks

• 4) Semi-automated or automated manufacturing of the device

• 5) Biological characterization of the MPS and recapitulation of existing clinical data in response to injury/morbidity and various MCMs

BARDA also explicitly encourages proposals in these topic areas:

• Development of modular multi-tissue systems

• Characterization studies on known approved and unapproved therapeutic candidates

• Natural history studies of acute radiation syndrome in target organ systems

• Natural history studies in animal chip models

• Vascularized models with endothelial cells that can model vascular injury

AOI #11: [SUSPENDED] COVID-19 Immune Assay(s) Development and Implementation

AOI #12: Flexible and Strategic Therapeutics (FASTx)

BARDA seeks adaptable antiviral platforms.

Required elements in Market Research Abstract and Proposal submissions:

• Preliminary platform data demonstrating in vitro efficacy of a candidate against filoviruses

• Proposal to develop and advance candidates against two unique targets:

  • 1 filovirus

  • 1 “to be determined” HHS priority threat

• Identification of technical gaps/challenges, such as:

  • Formulation

  • Manufacturability

  • Safety and toxicity

  • Delivery to target tissues

  • Pharmacokinetics

  • Efficacy

• Justification of how common aspects of the platform can accelerate regulatory review of later products

Additional guidance:

• Therapeutic indications are preferred

• Post-exposure prophylaxis will only be considered for filovirus targets

• For this AOI, BARDA states that potential offerors must request a pre-submission call before submitting an MRA

• MRAs must be received by April 24, 2026 for consideration of an award in the 2026 fiscal year

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Yes. BARDA provides non-dilutive capital plus strategic support, including:

• Access to:

  • Animal study networks

  • Flexible manufacturing facilities

  • Regulatory and clinical expertise

• Potential progression through:

  • FDA approval, licensure, or clearance

• Engagement with:

  • BARDA experts

  • Interagency partners (PHEMCE)

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

Submission deadline:

• September 25, 2028, at 4:30pm Eastern Time, unless otherwise indicated in an AOI.

Process (3 stages):

1. Stage 1 – Pre-submission call (optional)

   • Can occur anytime

   • Response within ~1 week

2. Stage 2 – Quad Chart + Market Research Abstract

   • Submit anytime before September 25, 2028, at 4:30pm Eastern Time, unless otherwise indicated in an AOI

   • BARDA response: within 120 days

3. Stage 3 – Full Proposal (by invitation or direct submission)

   • Deadline: September 25, 2028, at 4:30pm Eastern Time, unless otherwise indicated in an AOI

   • Response: within 120 days

Where does this funding come from?

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

• Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR)

• Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)

Authorized under:

• Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

• Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness legislation

Who is eligible to apply?

• Open to ALL responsible sources, including:

  • Private companies

  • Startups

  • Academic institutions

  • Government labs

  • Teams/consortia

Requirements:

• Must be registered in SAM.gov

Special cases:

• FFRDCs and government entities must justify eligibility

Encouraged participants:

• Small businesses

• Women-, minority-, veteran-owned firms

• HBCUs and other underserved institutions

What companies and projects are likely to win?

BARDA prioritizes:

Strong alignment with AOIs, including:

• Vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and platforms for:

  • CBRN threats

  • Pandemic influenza

  • Emerging infectious diseases

High-performing proposals typically have:

• Advanced development stage (clear TRL justification)

• Strong technical and clinical data

• Clear FDA regulatory pathway

• Scalable manufacturing plan

• Commercial viability and sustainability

Evaluation criteria (in order):

1. Program relevance

2. Scientific and technical merit

3. Team capabilities and experience

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• No gain-of-function research

• All submissions must be unclassified

• Must comply with:

  • FDA regulations (GCP, GMP, GLP)

  • Export control laws

• Proposals must follow strict formatting and submission rules

• Costs to prepare proposals are not reimbursable

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Stage 2 (Quad Chart + Abstract):

  • Relatively lightweight (≤14 pages total)

• Stage 3 (Full Proposal):

  • Highly detailed and complex (up to ~120+ pages)

  • Includes:

    • Technical proposal

    • Cost proposal

    • Regulatory, manufacturing, and clinical plans

Estimated effort:

• Not specified in the solicitation

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you across all three BARDA stages:

• AOI targeting and fit assessment

• Stage 1 strategy and positioning

• Quad Chart + Market Research Abstract development

• Full proposal writing (technical + cost volumes)

• Regulatory and commercialization narrative alignment

• Review and red-teaming for BARDA evaluation criteria

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Mojave Falcon 27: Technology Assessment Event

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

Executive Summary:

The U.S. Army’s S-FCD is conducting current assessments on sustainment and logistics technologies during Mojave Falcon 27, taking place 14–27 August 2027 at Ft Hunter-Liggett, Camp Roberts, and Ft Irwin, California.

If you are building technology that advances Army Sustainment operations in contested, dispersed, and geographically isolated Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) environments, this is a live assessment opportunity.

The submission deadline is 20 Mar 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6. Late submissions will not be accepted.

This is not a traditional grant with stated funding amounts. It is an opportunity to have your technology assessed during a major Army event. If your solution aligns with sustainment priorities, you should consider applying before 20 Mar 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6.

How much funding would I receive?

Although the solicitation does not explicitly state a funding amount, contract opportunities typically follow within the range of $500k to $5m.

What could I use the funding for?

Follow on contract awards can be used to optimize technology for a defense mission need and begin an engagement with the Army for further development or use.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

If selected, your technology would be assessed during Mojave Falcon 27 (14–27 August 2027).

The event will be conducted between:

• Ft Hunter-Liggett, CA

• Camp Roberts, CA

• Ft Irwin, CA

This provides:

• Direct exposure to Army sustainment stakeholders

• Operational assessment in LSCO-relevant environments

• Evaluation in contested, dispersed, and geographically isolated scenarios

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

Open Date: 20 Feb 2026 : 10:00 GMT-6
Deadline: 20 Mar 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6

The assessment event (Mojave Falcon 27) will take place approximately 14–27 August 2027.

The solicitation does not specify:

• Selection notification dates

• Contract award dates

• Funding disbursement timing

The application deadline remains 20 Mar 2026 : 22:59 GMT-6.

Where does this funding come from?

The notice references S-FCD and the U.S. Army.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Traditional defense contractors

• Non-traditional defense contractors (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2302(9))

• Foreign-owned businesses (independently or via teaming with U.S.-owned businesses)

Requirements:

• Registration in SAM.gov

• Registration in WAWF for invoicing

• Ability to meet export control requirements (if applicable)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The Army requires integrating current functional technology to advance Army Sustainment operations that:

• Create significant advantages across the force

• Operate in contested environments

• Function in dispersed and geographically isolated LSCO environments

• Extend operational reach of units

• Prolong endurance during operations

• Enable freedom of action using new technology

Technologies aligned to these sustainment objectives are most consistent with the stated priorities.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

If your technology is chosen for participation, you will be required to provide:

• Pictures of the technology

Drawings or electronic renderings will not be accepted in place of photographs.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify application length, required attachments (beyond the photo requirement if selected), or submission complexity.

Based on the limited information provided, preparation time is not specified in the solicitation.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Assess whether your sustainment or logistics technology aligns with LSCO operational priorities

• Translate your technical capability into Army-relevant language

• Position your solution around operational reach, endurance, and freedom of action

• Prepare a concise, compliant submission aligned to the stated assessment criteria

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

H92240-26-S-C001 Naval Special Warfare Command Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

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

Executive Summary:

Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) has released Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) H92240-26-S-C001 to rapidly acquire innovative unmanned systems (UxS) capabilities for Special Operations Forces (SOF).

NSWC intends to award FAR-based Firm-Fixed-Price contracts and/or Other Transaction (OT) Agreements under 10 U.S.C. §§ 4021–23 to support:

• “UxS as a Service” subscription-based solutions

• First Person View (FPV) ISR operations

• FPV Kinetic operations

This is a multi-phase competitive process running throughout 2026/2027.

Deadlines:

• AOI 1 submissions are due 25 January 2026.

• AOI 2 and AOI 3 submissions are due 9 January 2026, 9 April 2026, 9 July 2026, and 9 October 2026.

If you have a deployable UxS platform, FPV ISR capability, or FPV kinetic solution with strong production readiness and compliance posture, this is an active acquisition pathway—not just research funding. Early submission increases the likelihood of engagement and Phase II selection.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify award amounts, funding ceilings, number of awards, or total program value.

Awards may be made as:

• FAR Part 12 Firm-Fixed-Price contracts

• Other Transaction (OT) Agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022–23

Multiple awards may be made if solutions meet technical criteria and funds are available.

If an OT Prototype Project is awarded, there is potential for a noncompetitive follow-on production agreement under 10 U.S.C. 4022(f), subject to successful prototype completion.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to deliver operational unmanned system capabilities to NSWC and SOF operators.

AOI 1: “UxS as a Service”

Subscription-based models providing:

• Complete UxS systems

• Platforms and payloads

• Communications and data transfer equipment

• Software, AI, PED systems

• Command and Control (C2) software and AI

• Launch/recovery systems

• Attachments and modular components

• Updates, upgrades, training, maintenance, and spare parts

Offerors must clearly define:

• Number of systems available

• Delivery speed and replenishment rate

• Interoperability with C2 systems

• Modular Open Systems Approach compliance

• Regulatory and compliance posture

AOI 2: FPV ISR Operations

Solutions that improve individual operator situational awareness using FPV systems capable of:

• Locating, identifying, and reporting targets

• Multi-mission ISR configurations

• Advanced ease-of-use and operational capability

AOI 3: FPV Kinetic Operations

FPV systems that enable operators to kinetically engage targets, including:

• Configurable ISR/kinetic capability

• Payload flexibility

• Advanced control modes

Technical characteristics of interest include:

• 0m–50K operational distance

• 45–60 minute duration

• Autonomous capability

• Swarm and saturation capability

• GNSS resilience

• EMI resilience

• Maritime launch capability

• Waterproof ISR sUAS sub-surface launch

• Modular payload integration

• Ability to supply at least three (3) prototypes (if applicable)

The period of performance should generally be no greater than 12 months unless otherwise negotiated.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

This CSO offers:

• Direct access to NSWC and USSOCOM experimentation venues

• Potential collaborative Statement of Work development

• Eligibility for OT prototype awards

• Potential follow-on noncompetitive production agreements

• Possible external Venture Capital interest from strategic Government partners

Solutions are treated as commercial items under DFARS 212.70.

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

Phase I – Solution Brief (White Paper / Scout Card)

Submit via Vulcan.

Deadlines:

• AOI 1: 25 January 2026

• AOI 2 & AOI 3: 9 January 2026, 9 April 2026, 9 July 2026, 9 October 2026

Government aims to provide:

• Phase I evaluation response within 45 days after submission

• Phase II evaluation notification within 30 calendar days of the demonstration/experimentation

Phase II – Demonstration / Pitch

• Conducted at NSWC or USSOCOM venues

• At offeror’s expense

• Must provide ROM pricing and schedule

• May require at least three (3) operational units and two (2) trained operators

Phase III – Proposal

• Invitation-only

• Collaborative SOW development

• Contract/OT negotiation

The solicitation does not specify award issuance timing beyond these evaluation targets.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

• Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC)

• United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)

• Department of War (DoW) (as referenced in the solicitation)

Awards are made under:

• FAR Part 12

• 10 U.S.C. §§ 4021–23 (Other Transaction Authority)

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Traditional defense contractors

• Non-traditional defense contractors (as defined in 10 U.S.C. 2302(9))

• Foreign-owned businesses (independently or via teaming with U.S.-owned businesses)

Requirements:

• Registration in SAM.gov

• Registration in WAWF for invoicing

• Ability to meet export control requirements (if applicable)

• All Phase I submissions must be unclassified

Note: Some Phase II discussions may require personnel clearances depending on venue.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Solutions will be evaluated individually based on:

Technical

• Merit and feasibility

• Relevance to AOI

• Ability to address vulnerabilities

• Innovation (as defined under DFARS 212.7001)

Importance to Agency Programs

• Operational relevance

• Business viability

• Commercial viability

Affordability

• Price and budgetary considerations

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Production readiness

• Supply chain transparency

• Compliance with NDAA and regulatory requirements

• Modular, interoperable architectures

• Clear operational utility to SOF

The Government reserves the right to move directly to award without demonstration.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Phase II participation is at the offeror’s expense.

• Costs of preparing submissions are not reimbursed.

• Technical data may require export approvals.

• Compliance may include:

  • NDAA compliance

  • Remote ID

  • FAA/ICAO/DoW compliance

  • Cybersecurity

  • Insurance/liability

• Submissions must not exceed five (5) pages for Phase I Solution Brief (12-point font).

• Only a warranted Contracting or Agreements Officer can obligate the Government.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Phase I submission requirements:

• Maximum five (5) pages

• 12-point font

• Concise, substantive response

• Technical and business overview

• Capability differentiators

• Readiness timeline

• Rough Order of Magnitude schedule and budget

For companies with a mature UxS product and clear business model, preparation time is typically measured in weeks rather than months.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Position your UxS or FPV capability against the correct AOI

• Refine your five-page Solution Brief to align with NSWC evaluation criteria

• Strengthen innovation framing under DFARS 212.7001

• Develop ROM pricing strategy

• Prepare you for Phase II demonstration requirements

• Support OT negotiation strategy and Phase III proposal development

This is an operational acquisition pathway. Positioning and clarity matter.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

OUSW-R&E/P&E Joint Rapid Fielding Activity

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

Executive Summary:

One Nation Innovation, in coordination with the Joint Rapid Fielding Activity (JRFA), is seeking qualified vendors to deliver prototype organizational, technical, and operational support services to accelerate emerging warfighting capabilities from prototyping through fielding to the Joint Force .

This opportunity focuses on building a scalable program management and technical support framework that enables rapid prototyping, experimentation, assessment, and transition of technologies aligned with Department of War (DoW) modernization and rapid capability development priorities .

The solicitation does not specify an application deadline.

If your firm can operate in classified environments, manage complex technical integrations, and accelerate technology transition at speed, this is a strategically positioned prototype opportunity with potential follow-on production or scaling awards.

How much funding would I receive?

It states that:

• This prototype will be awarded leveraging the One Nation Innovation Other Transactional Agreement (OTA) vehicle .

• The initial award may be augmented with additional prototype or production awards pending successful evaluation, operational fit, and government need .

• Multiple awards may be made based on technical merit, readiness, and mission alignment .

A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate is required as part of the proposal .

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports delivery of integrated organizational, technical, and operational support services to JRFA .

Activities may include:

• Disciplined program management and mission-engineering–informed planning

• Technology identification, maturation planning, and documentation

• Development of feasibility refinements, requirements clarification, and risk identification artifacts

• Preparation of technologies for operationally relevant testing, including safety, RMF, spectrum, airworthiness, logistics, and operator-facing materials

• Support for prototyping and experimentation events (planning, synchronization, data collection, troubleshooting, coordination)

• Integration risk identification and interoperability gap resolution

• Knowledge management systems, templates, taxonomies, and digital collaboration environments

• Outreach support to grow and nurture the defense industrial and innovation ecosystem

• Support for innovation burden sharing and experimentation with allies and security partners

Expected deliverables include:

• Monthly status reports

• Planning, maturation, and evaluation artifacts

• Readiness and integration materials

• Knowledge-management tools and repeatable processes

• Final report with metrics, lessons learned, and transition recommendations

• Other deliverables as required by the JRFA mission owner

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The solicitation states:

• The initial award may be augmented with additional prototype or production awards pending successful evaluation, operational fit, and government need .

• Successful solutions and prototypes may transition to follow-on task orders or scaling activities .

This creates a potential pathway beyond the initial prototype effort.

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

This is an Open Challenge.

• Submissions remain open for extended durations.

• Submissions are generally reviewed biweekly.

• There is no specified application deadline in the solicitation.

The solicitation does not specify a defined award decision timeline or funding disbursement schedule.

Offerors must include a Schedule outlining prototype delivery, deployment, and phased demonstration.

Where does this funding come from?

Awards will be made leveraging the One Nation Innovation Other Transactional Agreement (OTA) vehicle.

One Nation Innovation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit intermediary for rapid government acquisition and innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not explicitly define eligibility restrictions.

Proposals must include:

• Organization name

• Lead point of contact

• Contact information

Proposals must also address readiness for classified work and ability to operate within government-managed prototype environments.

No additional eligibility limitations are specified in the solicitation.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Based on the stated evaluation priorities, competitive applicants will demonstrate:

• Ability to mature technologies in pre-requirement environments aligned with DoW priorities

• Demonstrated skill in structured prototyping, experimentation planning, and data collection

• Capacity to produce test-readiness artifacts (safety, certification, interoperability, logistics) at speed and rigor

• Strength in generating bodies of evidence from technical and operational data

• Capability to field a stable, high-competence, cross-functional team that can manage complexity and resolve integration challenges rapidly

Past performance demonstrating rapid deployment or technical advisory support in DoD or dual-use adjacent environments is required .

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Proposal length is limited to 10 pages (12pt Arial font).

• A separate cover page is required.

• Required proposal sections are explicitly defined (Technical Overview, Integration Path, ROM Cost Estimate, Past Performance, Schedule, Proposed Personnel Outline).

• Solutions must meet defined mechanical, operational, safety, environmental, and integration criteria.

• Security Requirements: None.

No cost share requirement is specified.

No defined funding cap is specified.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify preparation timelines. However, the required 10-page proposal must include:

• Technical approach

• Integration readiness

• ROM cost estimate

• Relevant past performance

• Delivery schedule

• Personnel outline

For teams with an existing launcher solution or prototype, preparation time may be shorter. For earlier-stage concepts requiring detailed integration and cost modeling, preparation may require additional internal coordination.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Translate this JRFA Support challenge into a tightly aligned, evaluator-focused 10-page proposal

• Position your firm against the stated evaluation priorities

• Structure your technical narrative around rapid maturation, experimentation readiness, and transition acceleration

• Develop a compliant ROM cost estimate narrative

• Package past performance to directly address rapid deployment and advisory credibility

• Ensure security positioning is clearly articulated up to TOP SECRET requirements

This is a rolling, biweekly review opportunity. Speed and clarity matter.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

OUSW-R&E/PE Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Launcher Challenge

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

Executive Summary:

The OUSW-R&E/PE Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Launcher Challenge is an open, rolling prototype opportunity seeking solutions to design and develop a launcher system capable of reliably, safely, and efficiently deploying Group 2–3 UAS platforms.

This is an Open Challenge, meaning submissions remain open for extended durations and are reviewed biweekly. There is no specified application deadline in the solicitation.

Multiple awards may be made. Successful prototypes may transition to follow-on task orders or scaled production. If you have a modular, portable, and field-ready launcher system that meets mechanical, operational, and safety requirements outlined in the Challenge, this is a live pathway into government prototype and potential production work.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation does not specify a defined award amount, ceiling, or funding range.

Key funding notes:

• Awards will be made under the One Nation Innovation Other Transactional Agreement (OTA) vehicle.

• The initial award may be augmented with additional prototype or production awards pending successful testing and government need.

• Multiple awards may be made.

Offerors must provide a ROM Cost Estimate covering prototype execution, integration, and optional production.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports development and demonstration of a UAS launcher prototype that meets the Challenge objectives.

The launcher must:

Mechanical Requirements

• Withstand repeated launches and environmental stresses

• Allow angle and direction modifications

• Be portable and field-deployable

• Deliver sufficient launch force without damaging the UAS

Operational Requirements

• Enable rapid setup and tear-down

• Include intuitive controls

• Operate on battery, generator, or manual power with backup options

• Function in wind, rain, and temperature extremes

Safety Requirements

• Prevent accidental launches

• Protect operators and UAS

• Include an emergency stop or abort feature

• Adhere to relevant safety standards and regulations

Environmental and Maintenance Requirements

• Use corrosion-resistant materials

• Be easy to inspect and maintain

• Minimize noise and environmental impact

Integration and Future-Proofing

• Integrate with ground control stations and telemetry systems

• Allow software and hardware upgrades

• Include data logging capability

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the initial prototype award:

• Potential for additional prototype or production awards

• Opportunity to transition to follow-on task orders or scaled production

• Engagement through the One Nation Innovation OTA vehicle, designed for rapid government acquisition

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

This is an Open Challenge.

• Submissions remain open for extended durations.

• Submissions are generally reviewed biweekly.

• There is no specified application deadline in the solicitation.

The solicitation does not specify a defined award decision timeline or funding disbursement schedule.

Offerors must include a Schedule outlining prototype delivery, deployment, and phased demonstration.

Where does this funding come from?

Awards will be made leveraging the One Nation Innovation Other Transactional Agreement (OTA) vehicle.

One Nation Innovation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit intermediary for rapid government acquisition and innovation.

Who is eligible to apply?

The solicitation does not explicitly define eligibility restrictions.

Proposals must include:

• Organization name

• Lead point of contact

• Contact information

Proposals must also address readiness for classified work and ability to operate within government-managed prototype environments.

No additional eligibility limitations are specified in the solicitation.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Awards may be made based on:

• Technical merit

• Delivery readiness

• Mission alignment

Competitive solutions will demonstrate:

• Ability to accommodate Group 2–3 UAS platforms

• Modular, portable design

• Compliance with mechanical, operational, safety, environmental, and integration requirements

• Readiness for integration into government-managed prototype environments

Past performance from DoD or dual-use adjacent work demonstrating rapid deployment or technical advisory support is required.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Proposal length is limited to 10 pages (12pt Arial font).

• A separate cover page is required.

• Required proposal sections are explicitly defined (Technical Overview, Integration Path, ROM Cost Estimate, Past Performance, Schedule, Proposed Personnel Outline).

• Solutions must meet defined mechanical, operational, safety, environmental, and integration criteria.

• Security Requirements: None.

No cost share requirement is specified.

No defined funding cap is specified.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation does not specify preparation timelines. However, the required 10-page proposal must include:

• Technical approach

• Integration readiness

• ROM cost estimate

• Relevant past performance

• Delivery schedule

• Personnel outline

For teams with an existing launcher solution or prototype, preparation time may be shorter. For earlier-stage concepts requiring detailed integration and cost modeling, preparation may require additional internal coordination.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Translate your existing launcher technology into a government-aligned Technical Overview

• Position your solution against the stated mechanical, operational, and safety criteria

• Structure your Integration Path for prototype environment readiness

• Develop a defensible ROM Cost Estimate narrative

• Highlight relevant DoD or dual-use past performance

• Ensure strict compliance with page limits and required sections

This is a rolling, biweekly review opportunity. Speed and clarity matter.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Hearing Restoration Research Program (HRRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The CDMRP Hearing Restoration Research Program (HRRP) FY26 funding opportunity is now anticipated under the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act. This is your chance to secure funding to advance innovative, high-impact research that reduces the burden of hearing loss for Service Members, Veterans, and the general public. Investigators should begin planning now — the official funding opportunity announcements, including pre-application and full application deadlines, will be released soon on Grants.gov.

Pre-Applications are due on 8/25/26.

Full Proposals are due on 9/10/26.

How much funding would I receive?

The pre-announcement does not specify total program funding. However, individual award mechanisms include funding limits:

• Focused Research Award Level 1: up to $400,000 total costs over a maximum of 2 years.

• Focused Research Award Level 2: up to $1.2 million total costs over a maximum of 3 years.

What could I use the funding for?

HRRP awards can support research that:

• Improves and accelerates translation of auditory regeneration or repair mechanisms.

• Develops diagnostics differentiating sensory, neural, synaptic, or central processing disorders.

• Creates reliable in vitro human models to understand auditory cell mechanisms or evaluate therapies.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Being part of a CDMRP-managed research portfolio with a history of high-impact biomedical awards.

• Two-tier review that evaluates both scientific quality and programmatic relevance (once FOA is published).

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

• Pre-Applications are due on 8/25/26.

• Full Proposals are due on 9/10/26.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided under the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act and administered by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC) through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

Who is eligible to apply?

• Independent investigators affiliated with an eligible organization are eligible for the HRRP Focused Research Award mechanisms.

• Full eligibility details will be defined in the forthcoming FOAs on Grants.gov.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Not specified in the pre-announcement. Detailed selection criteria and program priorities will be in the formal FOAs.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Applications must conform to the requirements in the official funding opportunity announcements once posted.

• Investigators should not interpret this pre-announcement as a promise of funding.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Not specified in the pre-announcement. However, investigators should begin planning now to align with the anticipated FOA release and competitive review timeline.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can assist with:

• Interpreting eligibility and program priorities once the FOA is released.

• Drafting compelling pre-applications and full applications that align with CDMRP review criteria.

• Developing budgets and milestones that fit award mechanisms and funding levels.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Vision Research Program (VRP)

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

Executive Summary:

Urgent Opportunity: The Vision Research Program (VRP) has released a pre-announcement for FY26 anticipated funding opportunities as part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. These pre-announcements are meant to help investigators plan now — full funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) with deadlines will be posted soon on Grants.gov.

Key Opportunity: Prepare your research ideas targeting military exposure-related visual injury and treatment now — this program will fund high-impact research that advances understanding, diagnosis, treatment, stabilization, and restoration of vision after combat and operational injuries.

Pre-Applications are due on 7/28/26 and 8/25/26.

Full Applications are due on 9/10/26 and 11/12/26.

How much funding would I receive?

The pre-announcement does not specify total program funding.

Funding by mechanism in the anticipated FOA (for individual awards):

• Clinical Trial Award: up to approximately $2.6M total costs (max 3 years)

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award:

  • Funding Level 1: up to $400,000 total costs (max 2 years)

  • Funding Level 2: up to $1.2M total costs (max 3 years)

• Translational Research Award: up to $1.6M total costs (max 3 years)

• Mentored Clinical Research Award: up to $75,000 total costs (max 1.5 years)

What could I use the funding for?

Funding will support:

• Understanding and treating eye injury or visual dysfunction caused by military exposures.

• Improving diagnosis, stabilization, and treatment of eye injuries in austere and prolonged care environments.

• Restoring visual function after military exposure-related vision loss or severe impairment.

Specific allowable uses will be detailed in the full FOA.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Being part of a CDMRP-managed research portfolio with a history of high-impact biomedical awards.

• Two-tier review that evaluates both scientific quality and programmatic relevance (once FOA is published).

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

• Pre-Applications are due on 7/28/26 and 8/25/26.

• Full Applications are due on 9/10/26 and 11/12/26.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, as part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) managed by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development / Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility requirements will be defined in the full FOA, not in this pre-announcement.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Programs with strong relevance to combat and operational vision injury.

1. Projects aligned with diagnosis, acute care stabilization, and visual function restoration.

2. Investigators with evidence of clinical relevance and translational potential.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• The pre-announcement is not a promise or obligation for awards.

• Applicants must wait for the full FOA to understand eligibility, submission requirements, and restrictions.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Planning should begin now, as the pre-announcement is intended to give time for idea development.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Translate the full FOA into CEO-ready website copy once published.

• Map your project to the right mechanisms (e.g., clinical vs. translational).

• Prepare submission strategy, narrative, and budget.

• Support compliance with CDMRP requirements and two-tier review expectations.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The FY26 Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) Pre-Announcement invites investigators to prepare for upcoming funding opportunities for innovative, high-impact cancer research that supports military health and mission readiness. Final Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) with deadlines will be posted on Grants.gov; investigators should begin planning now. The deadline for application submissions is not yet specified in this pre-announcement.

Pre-Applications are due June 26th, 2026.

Full Applications are due on October 5th, 2026.

How much funding would I receive?

Maximum allowable funding varies by award mechanism as anticipated for FY26:

• Clinical Trial Award: up to $4.5 M total costs

• Idea Award: up to $600,000 total costs

• Impact Award: up to $1.5 M (single PI) or $2 M (Partnering PI)
  Note: These are maximums; actual amounts depend on the final FOA.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports:

• Clinical trials that advance preclinical research and improve cancer care.

• Innovative basic research that may introduce new paradigms (Idea Award).

• Mature, high-impact hypothesis-driven research with potential near-term impact.

• Applications must address one of the PRCRP topic areas and at least one Military Health Focus Area related to environmental exposures, mission readiness, and gaps in prevention, detection, treatment, or survivorship.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Alignment with congressional priorities for military health and cancer research.

• Inclusion in the CDMRP funding ecosystem with access to eBRAP pre-application processes and NIH/Grants.gov submission systems.

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

• Pre-Applications are due June 26th, 2026.

• Full Applications are due on October 5th, 2026.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided by the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, managed by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development, Medical Research and Development Command.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies by mechanism but generally includes independent investigators at all career stages. For Idea Awards, the Early-Career Investigator option is open to those within 7 years of last training and below associate professor rank. Exact institutional eligibility requirements will be in the final FOA.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Applications that:

• Address at least one FY26 PRCRP Topic Area not covered by other CDMRP cancer programs.

• Clearly relate proposed work to military health, mission readiness, and beneficiary cancer needs.

• Demonstrate scientific merit, innovation/potential impact, and relevance to program goals.
  Projects bridging gaps in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, quality of life, or survivorship in military populations will be competitive.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Final FOAs will specify complete eligibility, topic focus, budget limits, and submission requirements.

• Pre-announcement does not guarantee funding; investigators must wait for formal FOAs on Grants.gov.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time depends on the mechanism:

• Clinical trials need completed preclinical data and IND/IDE submissions before application.

• Idea and Impact Award proposals require scientific groundwork and alignment with topic areas.
  Plan several weeks to months for strategy, pre-proposal, and full application drafts once FOAs are released.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Interpret final FOAs and clarify topic areas.

• Craft compelling research narratives tied to military health priorities.

• Assist with budgeting, required forms, and eBRAP/Grants.gov submissions.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

DIU: AI Assisted Triage & Treatment Challenge

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

Executive Summary:

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

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

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

How much funding would I receive?

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

• Exact distribution per company is not specified.

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

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

What could I use the funding for?

Prize funds are awarded through the Challenge.

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

• Portable, network-capable hemodynamic monitoring devices

• Hardware, software, and networking components

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

Specific allowable cost categories are not detailed in the announcement.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Selected teams may receive:

• Invitation to submit a Prototype OT proposal without further competition

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

• Engagement with DoW stakeholders and mission partners

• Potential participation in future exercises

• Consideration for scaling solutions into operational capabilities

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

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

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

All dates are tentative and subject to change.

Prize Challenge Phases 1–3

• Feb 17, 2026: Open Call Release

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

• Mar 2, 2026: Open Call Submission Window Closes

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

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

• Apr 10, 2026: Finalists Notified

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

• Week of Jun 8, 2026: Winners Announced

Prototype OT Phase

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

Prize payment timing is not specified.

Where does this funding come from?

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility includes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Companies must:

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

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

What companies and projects are likely to win?

The DoW seeks:

• Portable, ruggedized, lightweight hemodynamic monitoring devices

• Minimum 72-hour operation without recharge

• Wireless data transmission

• Predictive warning indicators for dangerous hemodynamic status

• Usability by medical and non-medically trained personnel

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

• Cloud and on-premise functionality

• Internal data logging for DDIL environments

Additional favorable attributes:

• Extensibility to TCCC, CASEVAC, MEDEVAC, resupply

• Rapid fielding capability and exportability to allies

• Existing ATO or system-of-record certification

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

• U.S. National Security Facility Clearance

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

White papers are judged on:

1. Introduction

2. System Effectiveness

3. Technical Feasibility

4. System Scalability/Economics

5. Commercial Viability

6. Submission Quality

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

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

• Must use provided template

• Submit as PDF

• Footnotes not permitted

• References must be within page limit

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

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

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

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

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

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time will depend on:

• Maturity of your technical solution

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

• Ability to align with Responsible AI Guidelines

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you by:

• Assessing eligibility and OT strategy

• Structuring your white paper against the six evaluation criteria

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

• Clarifying Responsible AI, regulatory, and security alignment narratives

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

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

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

PAR-26-040: Advancing Bioinformatics, Translational Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

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

Executive Summary:

PAR-26-040 invites research teams to lead transformational advances in bioinformatics, translational bioinformatics, and computational biology. This opportunity from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) supports projects that create cutting-edge methods, tools, and computational approaches for extracting actionable knowledge from complex biological and biomedical data. Applications open April 6, 2026 and follow NIH standard due dates (first due June 5, 2026). This initiative supports scalable, generalizable innovations that accelerate biomedical discovery and improve health outcomes.

How much funding would I receive?

• Direct cost limit: Up to $250,000 per year (applicants must justify budget based on project needs).

• Anticipated total program funding: Approximately $2,500,000.

• Estimated number of awards: 10.

What could I use the funding for?

Fund research projects that:

• Develop new computational methods and tools for bioinformatics and biomedical data science.

• Leverage AI, machine learning, and large-scale computation to interpret diverse biological datasets.

• Produce durable, generalizable artifacts (software, workflows, resources) that benefit the wider research community.

• Enable translational insights with potential impact on health outcomes.

Excluded: incremental tweaks to existing tools, projects outside core bioinformatics/computational biology focus, social/ethical studies unrelated to computational method advancement.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Projects are expected to produce open science outputs (e.g., FAIR tools, publicly available code, datasets).

• Participation in NIH peer review and community of biomedical informatics researchers.

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

• Standard NIH due dates: June 5, October 5, February 5 recurring through 2029 (all due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant).

• NOFO expiration date: March 6, 2029.

• Earliest possible project start: July 2026.

Where does this funding come from?

This opportunity is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Higher education institutions (public and private).

• Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status).

• For-profit organizations, including small businesses.

• Local and state governments.

• Tribal governments and organizations.

• Foreign organizations (subject to NIH policies).

Important NIH policy: NIH will not issue awards for applications that include foreign subawards or subcontracts unless submitted to a NOFO specifically for international collaborations.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive applications will:

• Demonstrate high innovation and impact in computational biology/bioinformatics.

• Deliver tools and methods that are publicly accessible and broadly usable.

• Show rigorous validation and clear plans for dissemination.

• Integrate interdisciplinary approaches and emphasize scalability.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Foreign subawards/subcontracts are not allowed (projects with those elements will be noncompliant).

• Cost sharing/matching is not required.

• The project must align with NLM’s focus areas; non-responsive or tangential projects will not be reviewed.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time varies by complexity, but obtaining organizational registrations (SAM, eRA Commons) alone can take several weeks. Technical application drafting with rigorous computational research plans, data management strategy, and dissemination plans typically requires multiple months of coordinated effort.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Translate scientific aims into NIH-aligned application narratives.

• Help articulate innovation, significance, and approach clearly.

• Build budget justification and milestone plans that meet NIH expectations.

• Develop data management, dissemination, and impact strategies that strengthen score.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements for submitting application ($13,000) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

PAR-26-042: Research Grants in Clinical Informatics (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)

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

Executive Summary:

This funding opportunity from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at NIH supports investigator-initiated research grants in clinical informatics that develop innovative, generalizable methods and tools to transform complex health data into actionable knowledge and improve decision-making and health outcomes. Applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM local time on one of the standard NIH due dates (next dates include June 5, 2026; October 5, 2026; February 5, 2027, etc.) and the NOFO remains active until its expiration on March 6, 2029.

How much funding would I receive?

• Direct cost limit: Up to $250,000 per year (applicants must justify budget based on project needs).

• Anticipated total program funding: Approximately $2,500,000.

• Estimated number of awards: 10.

What could I use the funding for?

Fund research focused on the design, implementation, and evaluation of clinical informatics tools and methods that:

• Enable data-driven discovery and evidence-based decision-making.

• Transform raw, heterogeneous health data (e.g., EHRs, clinical notes, imaging, patient-generated data) into usable knowledge.

• Produce scalable, reproducible, domain-independent approaches broadly applicable across clinical settings.

• Improve clinical workflows, predictive analytics, decision support, interoperability, and precision health.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Potential to accelerate scientific insights and inform future research beyond the project period.

• Alignment with NLM’s mission to advance data-driven biomedical research and healthcare.

• Software, datasets, methods, and resources are expected to be disseminated widely to maximize impact.

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

• Standard NIH due dates: June 5, October 5, February 5 recurring through 2029 (all due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant).

• NOFO expiration date: March 6, 2029.

• Earliest possible project start: July 2026.

Where does this funding come from?

This opportunity is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Higher education institutions (public and private).

• Nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status).

• For-profit organizations, including small businesses.

• Local and state governments.

• Tribal governments and organizations.

• Foreign organizations (subject to NIH policies).

Important NIH policy: NIH will not issue awards for applications that include foreign subawards or subcontracts unless submitted to a NOFO specifically for international collaborations.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive applications will:

• Address transformative clinical informatics challenges and align tightly with NLM goals.

• Demonstrate innovation, scalability, and generalizability beyond narrow disease-specific problems.

• Provide clear plans for evaluation, dissemination, and sustainability of tools and methods.

• Present metrics for impact and comparison to existing approaches.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Projects must be clearly focused on clinical informatics and not be incremental improvements of existing tools.

• Projects primarily focused on social determinants of health or ethical/legal/social issues are considered non-responsive.

• Applications with foreign subawards/subcontracts are noncompliant and will not be reviewed.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time depends on your readiness, but NIH typically recommends starting months before the nearest due date to:

• Complete registrations (Grants.gov, eRA Commons, SAM/NCAGE, UEI).

• Develop a rigorous research plan with evaluation and dissemination strategies.

• Coordinate any institutional approvals.

Begin ASAP to ensure you meet the due date’s 5:00 PM local time deadline.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Translate scientific aims into NIH-aligned application narratives.

• Help articulate innovation, significance, and approach clearly.

• Build budget justification and milestone plans that meet NIH expectations.

• Develop data management, dissemination, and impact strategies that strengthen score.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements for submitting application ($13,000) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

ARPA-H - Critical Illness Immunological Reprogramming and Control Point Learning Engine (CIRCLE)

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

Executive Summary:

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), Resilient Systems Office (RSO), has released an Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) for the Critical Illness Immunological Reprogramming and Control Point Learning Engine (CIRCLE) (Solicitation Number: ARPA-H-SOL-26-139, Amendment 1).

CIRCLE seeks to reduce ICU stay length and improve outcomes by developing integrated systems that:

• Measure tissue-specific immuno-inflammatory biomarkers in near real time

• Build mechanistic, patient-specific computational “digital twin” models

• Modulate immune dysfunction using personalized therapeutic interventions

The program aims for a 25% reduction in average ICU stay length and progression toward FDA-compliant systems and clinical adoption.

Solution Summaries are due March 30th.

How much funding would I receive?

The solicitation states that multiple awards are anticipated.

• Awards will be made as Other Transaction (OT) agreements.

• The number of awards will depend on the quality of proposals and the availability of funds.

• Individual award amounts are not specified in the solicitation.

• Cost share requirements are not specified in the solicitation.

ARPA-H reserves the right to:

• Fund proposals in phases

• Segregate portions into pre-priced options

• Make partial awards

• Make no awards at all

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports the integrated development of a Measure–Model–Modulate system for critical illness, including:

TA1 – Measurement

• Biomarker discovery and validation

• Tissue-specific immune monitoring technologies

• Data generation suitable for mechanistic modeling

TA2 – Modeling

• Mechanistic computational digital twin models

• In silico clinical trials

• FDA-compliant digital twin platforms

TA3 – Modulation

• Repurposing FDA-approved immunomodulatory therapies

• Development of novel immune-modulating approaches (if justified)

• Pre-clinical and clinical validation

Associate Performers (AP1, AP2, AP3)

• Data infrastructure and standards (AP1)

• Regulatory-compliant digital twin validation environment (AP2)

• ICU-realistic validation infrastructure and clinical trial support (AP3)

Projects must focus on immuno-inflammatory mechanisms common across critical illness and integrate into ICU workflows.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

CIRCLE performers will receive:

• Access to ARPA-H resources supporting regulatory approval

• Access to clinical trial consortia to accelerate FDA approvals

• Integration into a shared CIRCLE database that will ultimately become a public resource

• Structured cross-team collaboration across TAs and APs

• Government Purpose Rights (GPR) for certain deliverables

• Potential flexible IP treatment for commercially sensitive technologies (with approval)

Open-source development is highly encouraged using permissive licenses (e.g., CC-BY, BSD, MIT, Apache 2.0).

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

Key deadlines (Eastern Time):

• Proposers’ Day: Wednesday, March 11, 2026

• Solution summary submission: Monday, March 30, 2026, 1:00 PM

• Questions & Answers (Q&A) submission: Friday, May 22, 2026, 1:00 PM

• Proposal submission: Thursday, May 28, 2026, 1:00 PM

Deadlines will be strictly enforced.

Period of Performance

The program includes milestones extending up to 5 years from award date, including:

• 3 months: Coordination plans and metric establishment

• 6 months: Research plan finalization and approvals

• 1–3 years: Model development, calibration, validation

• 4–5 years: Integrated system validation and first-in-human adaptive platform trial

Funding timing after selection is not specified in the solicitation.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from:

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

• Resilient Systems Office (RSO)

Solicitation Number: ARPA-H-SOL-26-139 (Amendment 1)

Awards will be issued as Other Transaction (OT) agreements.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible proposers include:

• Universities

• Non-profit organizations

• Small businesses

• Other than small businesses

FFRDCs and U.S. Government entities:

• May not respond as prime or sub-performers

• May engage with ARPA-H separately under specific conditions

Non-U.S. entities:

• May participate if compliant with applicable laws and regulations

• Awards will not be made to entities organized under the laws of a covered foreign country, foreign entities of concern (per CHIPS and Science Act), or individuals involved in a Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program.

All proposers must disclose Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI).

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Selectable proposals will:

• Directly address CIRCLE’s goals and objectives

• Integrate measurement, modeling, and modulation components

• Present realistic commercialization plans (for TA proposals)

• Demonstrate regulatory strategy and transition planning

• Provide strong interdisciplinary integration

• Include complete and realistic budgets

Proposals are evaluated individually (not comparatively) based solely on published evaluation criteria.

Budgets that are unrealistically high will be viewed unfavorably.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Key restrictions include:

• Funding cannot be used for human subjects research until all approvals are granted.

• Animal research requires IACUC approval prior to incurring costs.

• Performers must comply with federal human subjects and animal welfare regulations.

• Certain software and system components must be delivered with Government Purpose Rights.

• ARPA-H may impose publication restrictions if research involves sensitive information.

• All APIs must use open standards (e.g., REST, JSON, JSON-LD) unless otherwise approved.

• Existing data standards (e.g., HL7, FHIR, DICOM, LOINC, SNOMED CT) must be used where applicable.

Non-conforming proposals may be rejected without further review.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The solicitation warns that parts of the submission process may take from one business day to one month to complete.

Given the complexity of:

• Multi-TA integration

• Regulatory planning

• Data standards compliance

• Commercialization strategy

• Cross-team coordination

Companies should expect a significant preparation effort. The exact preparation time will depend on team readiness and prior integration planning.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can support you by:

• Structuring your technical narrative around the Measure–Model–Modulate framework

• Stress-testing alignment with evaluation criteria

• Translating complex science into a fundable ARPA-H narrative

• Designing commercialization and transition strategies

• Supporting budget justification and value positioning

• Coordinating multi-institutional team structures

• Preparing for OT negotiation

CIRCLE is a systems-level, high-integration program. Positioning and coherence across TAs and AP interfaces will be critical.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements for submitting the Solution Summary ($7,500) available.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Melanoma Research Program (MRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) released a pre-announcement for anticipated FY26 Melanoma Research Program (MRP) funding opportunities. This notice signals that new award mechanisms and funding will be forthcoming, but the application deadlines are not yet specified; they will be published in the formal Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) on Grants.gov and eBRAP once available.

How much funding would I receive?

• Idea Award: Maximum total costs up to $560,000 (period up to 2 years).

• Melanoma Academy Scholar Award: Maximum total costs up to $770,000 (period up to 3 years).

• Team Science Award: Maximum total costs up to $2.1 million (period up to 3 years).

• Focused Program Award – Rare Melanomas: Maximum total costs up to $2.8 million (period up to 4 years).

• Survivorship Research Award: Maximum total costs up to $1.015 million (period up to 3 years).

What could I use the funding for?

• All awards must address one or more of the FY26 MRP focus areas:

  • Identify, understand, and mitigate melanoma risk factors and develop biomarkers.

  • Develop detection/diagnosis technologies that improve risk stratification.

  • Define mechanisms of initiation, response/resistance to therapy, progression, recurrence, metastasis.

  • Develop new preclinical models representing disease evolution (cutaneous and rare subtypes).

  • Address unmet needs across cancer research spectrum for rare melanomas.

  • Address psychological/social impacts, quality of life, treatment toxicities, and survivorship issues.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Melanoma Academy Scholar Award includes mentoring, national networking, and structured career support.

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

• The pre-announcement is available now (released February 18, 2026); full FOAs will be released later on Grants.gov.

• Exact pre-application and application deadlines will be specified in those FOAs—not yet provided in the pre-announcement.

• Funding start dates will depend on the FOA timeline and award negotiations—not specified in the pre-announcement.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided through the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and administered by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development / Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC) under the CDMRP.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility for each award mechanism is defined in the full FOA. From the pre-announcement:

• Idea Award: Investigators at or above the postdoctoral level (or equivalent).

• Melanoma Academy Scholar Award: Investigators within 7 years of first faculty appointment.

• Team Science Award: Independent investigators (Assistant Professor level or equivalent).

• Focused Program Award – Rare Melanomas: Initiating PI at Associate Professor level or equivalent; Partnering PIs at Assistant Professor level or above.

• Survivorship Research Award: Independent investigators (Assistant Professor level or equivalent).

Detailed eligibility criteria (organization types, citizenship, cost share, etc.) will be in the FOA—not specified in the pre-announcement.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Not specified in the pre-announcement; CDMRP typically funds high-risk, high-gain research that aligns tightly with the listed focus areas and relevance to melanoma biology, detection, survivorship, and unmet clinical needs. Projects that integrate multidisciplinary approaches or include military/VA relevance are typically competitive, but the solicitation does not provide explicit criteria.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• The pre-announcement states that submission does not guarantee FOAs or funding.

• All applications must adhere to the final FOA instructions on Grants.gov when released.

• Preliminary data expectations, animal or human subjects requirements, and allowable costs will be defined in the FOA—not yet specified here.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Not specified in the pre-announcement because deadlines are not yet posted. Generally, planning should begin now given the complexity of CDMRP submissions and required pre-applications (e.g., eBRAP).

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Monitor the release of the official FOA and deadlines.

• Translate the FOA into a targeted application strategy.

• Help craft compelling project narrative, budget, and compliance sections.

• Provide review, editing, and submission support to maximize competitiveness.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The CDMRP Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP) Pre-Announcement for FY26 provides early notice of anticipated funding opportunities for innovative research on multiple sclerosis. This announcement is not the official funding solicitation — it is intended to give investigators advance insight to begin planning competitive proposals.

Pre-Applications are due on 7/30.

Full-Applications are due on 8/13.

How much funding would I receive?

The MSRP pre-announcement outlines proposed award types with maximum allowable funding levels (total costs, including direct and indirect):

• Clinical Trial Award
  • Level 1: up to $1,000,000 over up to 3 years
  • Level 2: up to $2,000,000 over up to 4 years

• Early Investigator Research Award
  • Up to $300,000 over up to 2 years

• Exploration – Hypothesis Development Award
  • Up to $250,000 over up to 2 years

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award
  • Up to $1,000,000 over up to 3 years

These amounts represent maximums anticipated for each mechanism; they are not guaranteed awards until the official FOA is released.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support multiple sclerosis research, across a variety of scientific aims depending on award mechanism. Key areas include:

Clinical Trial Award

• Conduct proof-of-principle or early-phase clinical trials with potential to improve clinical outcomes or inform translational feasibility.

• Research must focus on treatment approaches or evidence relevant to MS patient populations.

Early Investigator Research Award

• Support early-career investigators initiating MS research.

• Projects may explore CNS repair, protection, regeneration, correlates of disease activity, symptomatic measurements, or disease mechanisms.

Exploration – Hypothesis Development Award

• Support high-risk, high-gain conceptual studies, not clinical trials.

• Encourages innovative ideas across MS biology, disease progression, symptoms, and repair.

Investigator-Initiated Research Award

• Support rigorous, investigator-driven MS studies with strong preliminary data.

• Applies to new and established researchers; clinical trials are excluded.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• This pre-announcement gives lead time to plan research concepts and collaborations ahead of official FOA release.

• Investigators can prepare strategic proposals, letters of intent, and consortium plans before deadlines are published.

• Awardees likely benefit from CDMRP’s two-tier review process aligning scientific merit with program relevance.

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

Pre-Applications are due on 7/30.

Full-Applications are due on 8/13.

Where does this funding come from?

The MSRP is funded through the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), which received appropriations as part of the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act. The CDMRP oversees research across many disease areas, including multiple sclerosis.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies by award mechanism, but generally:

• Clinical Trial Award: Independent investigators at all career levels.

• Early Investigator Research Award: Early stage investigators (mentored; specific experience requirements).

• Exploration and Investigator-Initiated Awards: Independent investigators at all career stages; specific criteria on prior funding or experience may apply.

Final eligibility details will be in the official FOA.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects likely to be competitive will:

• Align strongly with MSRP focus areas (repair, neuroprotection, symptom biology, clinical intervention).

• Demonstrate rigorous methods, clear impact, and feasibility.

• Include strong preliminary data (where required).

• Address CDMRP priorities in multiple sclerosis research.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• The pre-announcement is not a funding solicitation — award cannot be applied for until FOAs are released.

• Clinical trials must meet relevant definitions and follow regulatory requirements.

• Some award types exclude clinical trials or have career stage restrictions.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Planning ahead based on this pre-announcement is recommended.

• Actual FOA publication will define exact due dates, which determine preparation time.

• Early strategic planning (e.g., consortium building, preliminary data generation, letters of intent) will speed application development.

How can BW&CO help?

If you’re seeking professional proposal support, experts like BW&CO Consulting can help you:

• Interpret the pre-announcement and upcoming FOA

• Identify optimal award mechanisms

• Plan research strategy and draft proposals

• Prepare budgets and compliance documents

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program (TSCRP)

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

Executive Summary:

The CDMRP has issued a pre-announcement for anticipated Fiscal Year 2026 TSCRP funding opportunities to support high-impact research in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). This early notice gives researchers time to plan and refine ideas. The full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), including deadlines and submission details, will be posted on Grants.gov in the coming weeks.

Pre-Applications are due on 7/23.

Full-Applications are due on 08/06.

How much funding would I receive?

While exact award amounts are not official until FOAs are posted, the TSCRP pre-announcement outlines three mechanisms with indicative elements:

1. Clinical Translational Research Award

• Supports studies that move promising research closer to clinical application.

• Includes potential pilot clinical trials, biomarker development, and clinical endpoint work.

• Eligible PIs include independent investigators and advanced practice clinical personnel (e.g., genetic counselors, nurses) for clinical care-focused proposals.

• Maximum duration: 3 years

• Estimated total costs: up to ~$1.6M single PI / ~$1.9M with Partnering PI option (pending FOA).

2. Exploration – Hypothesis Development Award

• For high-risk, high-gain ideas in early stages.

• Study designs must be innovative but do not necessarily require preliminary data.

• Clinical subject work must meet human-subjects protection requirements.

• Maximum duration: 2 years

• Estimated total costs: up to ~$350K (pending FOA).

3. Idea Development Award

• Supports new or cross-disciplinary ideas with preliminary data.

• Includes specific options for new-to-field investigators transitioning into TSC research.

• Maximum duration: 3 years

• Estimated total costs: up to ~$800K (pending FOA).

Note: These figures and durations are as presented in the pre-announcement and may differ slightly in the final FOA.

What could I use the funding for?

Applications must address at least one of the following TSCRP priorities:

• Neuropsychiatric aspects of TSC: Understanding, preventing, and treating TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., behavioral, pharmacological, surgical interventions).

• Tumors and cysts: Preventing or eradicating TSC-related tumors such as angiomyolipomas, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), including mechanistic insights into TSC signaling pathways.

• Epilepsy associated with TSC: Prevention, improved treatment, and mitigation of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

• Diagnostic & therapeutic technologies: Development or testing of tools and technologies that improve clinical outcomes in TSC.

• Maternal-fetal & reproductive health in TSC: Mechanisms or care improvements affecting women with TSC or LAM and their infants.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

FY26 SCIRP includes an Early-Career Partnership Option across all award mechanisms, designed to:

• Encourage collaboration between established and emerging investigators.

• Provide two individual awards under a single project with separate budgets.

• Support career development while increasing research capacity.

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

Pre-Applications are due on 7/23.

Full-Applications are due on 08/06.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is authorized by the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, which appropriated funds to the CDMRP for a wide range of research programs, including the TSCRP.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility will be defined in each FOA, but CDMRP programs typically allow:

• Independent investigators at all career levels.

• Clinical and translational researchers with relevant expertise.

• Multiple institutional types (academic, nonprofit, clinical).

(Final eligibility criteria will appear in the specific FOAs once posted.)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive applications typically:

• Align clearly with one or more of the TSCRP focus areas.

• Show strong scientific rationale and potential for impact on TSC care or understanding.

• Include translational significance or potential to advance clinical outcomes.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• The pre-announcement is not a guarantee of funding or a FOA; investigators cannot submit applications based on it alone.

• Formal submission instructions, eligibility, and restrictions will be defined in forthcoming FOAs.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Time needed varies by project, but standard CDMRP FOAs often allow several weeks to months for:

• Letter of intent (if required).

• Pre-application submission.

• Full application preparation.

Tip: Begin early by reviewing past TSCRP FOAs and planning collaborative teams, hypotheses, and preliminary data.

How can BW&CO help?

If you need assistance with strategy, positioning against TSCRP priorities, or full proposal writing support, BW&CO can:

• Align your research aims to TSCRP’s priority areas.

• Draft compelling abstracts and narratives tailored to CDMRP review criteria.

• Provide budget and compliance support based on CDMRP rules.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

CDMRP: Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP)

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

Executive Summary:

On February 17, 2026, the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) released the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP) anticipated funding opportunities for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), providing researchers with key priorities and award mechanisms to plan applications ahead of full Funding Opportunity Announcements. This pre-announcement outlines the SCIRP’s research goals and award structures, including a strong emphasis on clinical, translational, and investigator-initiated research in spinal cord injury.

Pre-Applications are due on 08/03.

Full-Applications are due on 11/12.

How much funding would I receive?

The pre-announcement specifies award maximums for each mechanism (total costs, including direct and indirect):

• Clinical Trial Award

  • Single PI: up to $4.8M over 4 years

  • Early-Career Partnership Option: up to $4.96M over 4 years

• Clinical Translation Research Award

  • Single PI: up to $2.0M over 3 years

  • Early-Career Partnership: up to $2.16M over 3 years

• Translational Research Award

  • Single PI: up to $2.0M over 3 years

  • Early-Career Partnership: up to $2.16M over 3 years

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award

  • Single PI: up to $800,000 over 3 years

  • Early-Career Partnership: up to $960,000 over 3 years

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research that advances spinal cord injury (SCI) understanding, treatment, and care across four major areas:

• Acute Injury Intervention

  • Develop and test interventions to protect spinal cord tissue after injury with measurable neurological benefit.

• Secondary Health Effects

  • Research interventions addressing long-term consequences of SCI across the lifespan.

• Psychosocial Issues

  • Test strategies for promoting psychosocial well-being tailored to people with SCI and their families/care partners.

• Rehabilitation and Regeneration

  • Advance rehabilitation strategies and regenerative/neuroplastic approaches for improved functional recovery.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

FY26 SCIRP includes an Early-Career Partnership Option across all award mechanisms, designed to:

• Encourage collaboration between established and emerging investigators.

• Provide two individual awards under a single project with separate budgets.

• Support career development while increasing research capacity.

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

Pre-Applications are due on 08/03.

Full-Applications are due on 11/12.

Where does this funding come from?

SCIRP is part of the CDMRP, a Department of Defense research portfolio funded through the Defense Appropriations Act. For FY26, the CDMRP received appropriations to fund 34 research programs including SCIRP.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies by award mechanism, but in general:

• Independent investigators at all career levels are eligible for single PI awards.

• Early-Career Partnership Option requires one early-career investigator meeting defined experience criteria.

Specific eligibility criteria and organizational requirements will be detailed in the FOAs. al relevance.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects most competitive will:

• Directly address one or more SCIRP priority research areas.

• Demonstrate scientific impact, innovation, and relevance to SCI outcomes.

• Include clear paths to clinical or translational impact (as specified by mechanism).

• (For Early-Career Partnership) show strong mentorship and collaborative planning.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Pre-applications are required before full applications.

• All research must conform to final FOA requirements once released.

• Funding opportunity terms, budgets, eligible costs, and indirect cost policies will be specified in FOAs.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time depends on research maturity and team readiness, but investigators should factor in:

• Time to align research with SCIRP priorities.

• Drafting a competitive pre-application (often weeks before FOA deadlines).

• Preparing full application (including budgets, human subjects, partnerships).
  (SCIRP pre-announcement is intended to give applicants advance planning time.)

How can BW&CO help?

If you need assistance with strategy, positioning against SCIRP priorities, or full proposal writing support, BW&CO can:

• Align your research aims to SCIRP’s priority areas.

• Draft compelling abstracts and narratives tailored to CDMRP review criteria.

• Provide budget and compliance support based on CDMRP rules.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

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

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.

Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) – Rapid Response to Weather Events Across Food & Agricultural Systems (A1712) – USDA NIFA

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

Executive Summary:

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding up to $300,000 for extension and integrated (extension + applied research) projects that address urgent impacts of recent weather-related disasters on agricultural production systems, food supply chains, and rural communities. Applications must be submitted within 45 calendar days of a qualifying weather event. Awards support 12-month rapid deployment projects.

How much funding is available?

Maximum award: $300,000 (including indirect costs). Grant duration: 12 months. Grant types: Standard and FASE (Strengthening Standard) only. Project types: Extension or Integrated (extension + applied research) only.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports rapid, solution-driven efforts that address impacts from naturally occurring weather hazards such as heat, drought, wildfires, tornados, floods, hurricanes, tropical storms, and blizzards.

1. Producer Stabilization & Extension Deployment

Projects that deliver rapid extension programs, technical assistance, and training to farmers, ranchers, and producers impacted by recent weather disasters.

Examples:

·        On-farm technical assistance and recovery protocols

·        Thermal stress mitigation strategies for livestock

·        Drought management tools for crop producers

·        Emergency feed or input optimization guidance

2. Tools & Technology for Rapid Adoption

Projects implementing tools and technologies that can be deployed within 90 days to mitigate disaster impacts.

·        Decision-support software for weather adaptation

·        Remote sensing or monitoring systems

·        Precision irrigation or water conservation technologies

·        Emergency disease or pest monitoring systems triggered by extreme weather

3. Supply Chain & Food System Resilience

Projects addressing disruptions across production, processing, distribution, and food safety logistics caused by weather events.

·        Alternative distribution models during disaster recovery

·        Cold chain stabilization strategies

·        Regional food access logistics

·        Processing infrastructure recovery support

4. Community & Rural Impact Mitigation

Projects supporting individuals, families, and communities to buffer disaster impacts and maintain safe, nutritious, and accessible food supplies.

·        Community resilience planning

·        Localized disaster-response communication strategies

·        Rapid recovery outreach programs

·        Food access coordination in affected regions

At least one activity must be implemented within 90 days of award, and all deliverables must be completed within 12 months.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond the formal funding award, there are significant indirect benefits to receiving a USDA AFRI Rapid Response award:

·        Federal validation tied to disaster resilience and food system stabilization

·        Positioning as a trusted partner for state and regional recovery efforts

·        Strengthened credibility with producers and agricultural stakeholders

·        Non-dilutive capital that extends runway during market uncertainty

·        Enhanced positioning for future USDA and federal resilience funding opportunities

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

• Applications must be submitted within 45 calendar days of a qualifying weather event. No Letter of Intent is required. Application review and processing are expedited to ensure timely project startup. Awards have a 12-month performance period.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from Congressional appropriations to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Assistance Listing: 10.310.

Who is eligible to apply?

·        Colleges and universities

·        State Agricultural Experiment Stations

·        University research foundations

·        Federal agencies and national laboratories

·        Private organizations and corporations

·        Eligible individuals (U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents)

·        Consortia of eligible entities

Foreign and international organizations are not eligible as primary applicants.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

·        Projects clearly tied to a recent documented weather event

·        Strong justification of urgency and stakeholder need

·        Solutions deployable within 90 days of award

·        High likelihood of rapid adoption by producers or food system operators

·        Clearly defined geographic scope linked to the disaster impact

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

·        Budget requests exceeding $300,000 will not be reviewed.

·        Projects must focus on short-term, urgent disaster response.

·        At least one deliverable must occur within 90 days of award.

·        All projects must include a data management plan.

·        If applied research is commodity-specific and not national in scope, matching funds may be required.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Due to the 45-day submission window, preparation timelines are compressed. Competitive applications typically require 3–6 weeks of focused development, including event documentation, stakeholder justification, and rapid deployment planning.

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?

Flat fee pricing available upon request.

Fractional support is $300 per hour.

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

Additional Resources

See the solicitation here.