Computational ADME Tox AnaLYsis for Safer Therapeutics (CATALYST) Innovative Solutions Opening
ID: ARPA-H-SOL-24-114Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTHNIH ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY FOR HEALTH (ARPA-H)Bethesda, MD, 208920004, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

PSC

HEALTH R&D SERVICES; HEALTH CARE SERVICES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AN13)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is soliciting proposals for the Computational ADME Tox AnaLYsis for Safer Therapeutics (CATALYST) Innovative Solutions Opening. This initiative aims to develop innovative in silico human physiology modeling platforms that enhance drug safety assessments and reduce reliance on animal testing in preclinical studies, focusing on leveraging AI/ML for ADME-Tox simulations. The program is structured in two phases, with Phase I dedicated to developing predictive tools and Phase II aimed at integrating these tools into regulatory submissions for IND-enabling studies. Interested parties must submit a solution summary by November 25, 2024, and proposals by February 14, 2025, with all submissions made through the designated online platforms. For further inquiries, contact the CATALYST team via email at CATALYST@arpa-h.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    CATALYST Email
    CATALYST@arpa-h.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Administrative & National Policy Requirements Document is a crucial element of federal proposal submissions, requiring comprehensive completion by applicants. It mandates adherence to formatting guidelines, including specific paper size, margins, and font size, and outlines a structured Table of Contents that includes sections on team member identification, organizational conflict of interest, research security disclosure, and various compliance requirements for human and animal subjects. Key areas of focus include intellectual property management, representations regarding tax liabilities and felony convictions, and a Controlled Unclassified Information management plan. The document emphasizes transparency in research activities and the need for conflict-of-interest disclosures, especially regarding foreign participation. It stipulates that proposals must be explicit about potential conflicts and the organization's ability to meet programmatic goals, including their handling of any intellectual property implications. The emphasis on ethical guidelines and compliance reflects the government's commitment to maintain integrity in federal grants and RFPs, ensuring that all research proposals align with national security and regulatory standards.
    The document outlines the requirements for a cost proposal related to federal government RFPs, emphasizing the need for detailed cost documentation alongside a cost spreadsheet. It requires proposers to include a narrative that encompasses various components, such as level of effort, materials, equipment purchases, travel, other direct costs, cost sharing, consultant costs, and team member costs. Specific guidelines dictate the format, including page size and font, as well as the inclusion of supporting documents for significant cost items. Proposers must provide substantial justification for large cost drivers and a value analysis explaining any proposed cost reductions that do not compromise project outcomes. Additionally, the proposal must include contact information for technical and administrative points of contact and adhere to a minimum validity period of 120 days. This structured approach aims to ensure transparency and accountability in federal funding requests, facilitating the assessment of proposals for cost-effectiveness and compliance with government standards.
    This document outlines the requirements for submitting a cost proposal for the ARPA-H-SOL-24-114 solicitation, focusing on Phases I and II of a project. The proposal requires detailed cost breakdowns for labor, team members, consultants, materials, and other direct costs, ensuring all figures are substantiated with appropriate documentation. Proposers must demonstrate reasonableness and accuracy in their cost proposals, as this information will aid government personnel in evaluating submissions. Specific instructions are given for completing various spreadsheet tabs, including labor rates, optional expenses, and cost categories, ensuring consistency across phases. Additional directives emphasize the importance of using federal travel regulations when proposing travel costs and underscores the requirement to justify any equipment purchases. The proposal prohibits the inclusion of profit or fees related to direct costs. Any team member's contributions must be clearly presented, adhering to guidelines for cost-sharing arrangements. The document's structure is segmented into distinct sections for each phase and respective cost categories, allowing for systematic data entry and ensuring comprehensive evaluation metrics for the government. Overall, this submission serves as a framework to guide applicants through the complex proposal lifecycle while aligning with federal grant stipulations.
    The Task Description Document (TDD) outlines a structured framework for developing proposals in response to federal and state/local RFPs and grants. Its purpose is to ensure that tasks are explicitly defined, with clear objectives and methodologies outlining how each task will be executed. Each task may involve delineating location, responsibilities of organizations (prime contractors, sub-awardees, or consultants), deliverables, human or animal subject involvement, and measurable milestones. The document emphasizes the importance of detailing each subtask's approach to maintaining transparency and accountability in project execution. This systematic approach aids in tracking progress and ensuring compliance with government requirements for funded initiatives. The overall goal expressed in such documents is to prepare comprehensive proposals that align with federal guidelines and meet defined objectives effectively.
    This government document outlines the requirements for submitting a Technical and Management Volume in response to federal RFPs. Proposals must not exceed 20 pages, with specific formatting guidelines, and should focus on concise yet descriptive content that addresses technical challenges and innovative approaches. Key sections to include are the Proposal Summary, which discusses objectives, impact on healthcare systems, and approaches to overcoming current limitations; a Technical Plan detailing project goals and feasible milestones; and a Capabilities/Management Plan highlighting the expertise of the proposed team. A bibliography is also encouraged without page restrictions. Important points such as equitable access, user experience, and potential risks or misperceptions should be addressed to illustrate project viability. This document serves as a guide for organizations seeking federal grants, emphasizing the need for clarity, uniqueness, and relevance in proposals to ensure proper evaluation. Overall, it aims to encourage innovative contributions that enhance healthcare outcomes and system reliability.
    The CATALYST program, facilitated by ARPA-H, aims to foster innovative research in therapeutics development through federal grants and proposals. The FAQs cover essential details regarding advertisement methods, such as the Vitals newsletter and LinkedIn announcements, and provide guidance for first-time proposers. Key submission deadlines must be adhered to, with the Solution Summary due by November 25th, 2024. Proposers may submit multiple summaries and are encouraged to identify a Product Sponsor, although it is not mandatory initially. The document outlines the evaluation process for proposals, emphasizing criteria concerning scientific merit and alignment with program goals, which include addressing unmet therapeutic needs. It also details budgetary requirements, team composition, and eligibility criteria, affirming that both domestic and international entities can apply. Importantly, CATALYST promotes the sharing of data and outcomes, particularly in Phase II, while protecting intellectual property. The guiding aim is to enhance the development of tools capable of achieving commercial success. This collaborative approach aligns with government objectives to streamline drug development and ensure accessibility and equity in therapeutics.
    The CATALYST program, initiated by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), seeks to develop AI/ML-enabled in silico human physiology modeling platforms for ADME-Tox simulation, aiming to replace ineffective preclinical animal testing methods. The program is structured in two phases over 54 months: Phase I focuses on technology development and qualification, while Phase II emphasizes regulatory adoption of the developed methodologies in IND applications. Key technical areas include data discovery methods, living systems tools, and in silico modeling. The CATALYST initiative addresses significant shortcomings in current drug development practices, where traditional animal testing often fails to predict human outcomes, resulting in a low success rate for therapeutics during clinical trials. By integrating diverse human-relevant data and utilizing advanced computational approaches, CATALYST aims to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and safety of drug development, ultimately leading to faster regulatory approvals and more effective treatments for diverse populations. The program also emphasizes ethical considerations, ensuring inclusivity in clinical trial designs and promoting equity in drug development processes. By generating robust predictive models, the CATALYST program endeavors to revolutionize the pharmaceutical landscape, ultimately advancing patient safety and health outcomes.
    The CATALYST solicitation from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) focuses on developing in silico human physiology modeling platforms to enhance drug safety assessments and reduce reliance on animal testing in preclinical studies. This initiative seeks innovative solutions leveraging AI/ML for ADME-Tox simulations to improve the drug development process. The program comprises two phases: Phase I involves the development of predictive tools and technologies, while Phase II focuses on their integration into regulatory submissions for IND-enabling studies. Key components include collaboration between methodology developers and pharmaceutical product sponsors to ensure alignment with regulatory contexts of use. Moreover, the program sets metrics for data integration, model validation, and equitable representation in clinical trials, aiming to facilitate a more effective and inclusive drug development pipeline. Successful proposals must demonstrate the capability to achieve specified technical goals while fostering diversity in clinical populations. The envisioned outcome is a significant shift towards digital methodologies that improve safety, reduce costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of bringing new therapeutics to market.
    The provided document outlines project planning details for an organization, noting specific milestones and key phases within a project schedule. It includes a section indicating whether each milestone is a "Go" or "No-Go" decision point, essential for tracking progress and determining the feasibility of moving forward. Key elements demonstrate the project's timeline segmented by quarters, allowing stakeholders to visualize task durations and transitions. The document serves to facilitate decision-making in alignment with federal grants and RFP processes, indicating the importance of structured project management in government-funded initiatives. By establishing clear targets and evaluative criteria, the file strengthens the project's capacity to meet established objectives, ensuring compliance with federal and local guidelines.
    Similar Opportunities
    Office-Wide Innovative Solutions Opening for Health Science Futures (HSF)
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is soliciting proposals for the Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) aimed at advancing healthcare technologies. This initiative seeks innovative, disease-agnostic research projects that can significantly improve health outcomes, focusing on areas such as maternal and fetal health, genetic therapies, and novel diagnostic tools. The solicitation emphasizes the development of transformative solutions rather than incremental research, with submissions required to follow a two-step process: an initial solution summary followed by a full proposal based on feedback received. Interested parties must submit their solution summaries by March 3, 2029, via the designated ARPA-H portal, and are encouraged to review the detailed submission guidelines outlined in the provided documentation.
    Office-Wide Innovative Solutions Opening for Proactive Health Office (PHO)
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is soliciting innovative research proposals aimed at enhancing health outcomes via the Proactive Health Office (PHO). The initiative focuses on developing solutions that prioritize disease prevention, early intervention, and scalable wellness-promoting behaviors, moving away from traditional reactive healthcare models. This opportunity is significant for entities capable of delivering transformative health solutions, with proposals evaluated based on scientific merit and relevance, and funding potentially awarded through Other Transactions or Cooperative Agreements. Interested parties must submit a mandatory solution summary by March 3, 2029, and can direct inquiries to the designated contact via the provided submission platforms.
    Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is soliciting proposals for the Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative, aimed at fostering innovative biomedical solutions from early-career researchers and community-based organizations. This initiative invites submissions under two tracks: Technology-Driven Innovation and Community-Centered Innovation, with a focus on addressing significant gaps in health innovation and community health management. Proposals may seek funding up to $350,000 annually for a duration of two years, with a potential extension for a third year, and must adhere to strict compliance guidelines regarding research security, intellectual property, and human and animal subject research. Interested parties should contact the EHI Initiative Team at EHI@ARPA-H.gov, with proposals due by February 5, 2025, following a Proposers' Day on January 8, 2025.
    Office-Wide Innovative Solutions Opening for Scalable Solutions Office (SSO)
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is soliciting innovative solutions aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and scalability. This opportunity invites universities, non-profits, small businesses, and similar entities to submit solution summaries and proposals that address health disparities, improve the distribution of healthcare technologies, and advance biomanufacturing innovations. The solicitation emphasizes the development of scalable technologies and collaborative distribution networks, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to revolutionize biomedicine and public health outcomes. Interested parties must submit their solution summaries by March 3, 2029, and can find further details and submission guidelines at https://solutions.arpa-h.gov. For inquiries, questions should be directed to the same website.
    DRAFT Innovative Solutions Opening ARPA-H PROactive Solutions for Prolonging Resilience (PROSPR)
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is soliciting proposals for the DRAFT Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) under the PROactive Solutions for Prolonging Resilience (PROSPR) program. This initiative aims to extend the healthspan of Americans by developing interventions that address the underlying causes of age-related health decline, including establishing a predictive Intrinsic Capacity score and repurposing FDA-approved drugs. The program emphasizes a structured, multidisciplinary approach over a five-year timeline, focusing on key milestones such as in-home assessment technologies and decentralized clinical trials to enhance accessibility in health interventions. Interested proposers can find more information and submit inquiries via the PROSPR email box at PROSPR@arpa-h.gov, with a final ISO expected to be published at a later date.
    Office-Wide Innovative Solutions Opening for Resilient Systems Office (RSO)
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is soliciting innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the resilience of healthcare systems via its Resilient Systems Office (RSO). This opportunity invites submissions from eligible entities, including universities, nonprofits, and small businesses, to address systemic challenges in healthcare and public health by leveraging cutting-edge technologies that improve care quality and availability. The solicitation emphasizes the importance of sociotechnical system innovations and adaptive solutions that enhance the reliability and interoperability of health ecosystems. Interested parties must submit solution summaries for feedback before full proposal submissions, with the solicitation open until March 3, 2029. For further inquiries, submissions should be directed to the designated online platforms, and the primary contact email is provided in the solicitation details.
    POSEIDON (Platform Optimizing SynBio for Early Intervention and Detection in ONcology)
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is soliciting proposals for the POSEIDON program, which aims to develop a Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) platform utilizing synthetic biology for early cancer intervention. The program seeks to create affordable, at-home tests capable of detecting over 30 solid tumors using breath and/or urine samples, thereby facilitating early diagnosis when treatment success is highest. This initiative is particularly important for addressing cancer detection inequities faced by underserved populations and aims to establish a marketable product priced below $100, with a project start date anticipated for August 15, 2025. Interested proposers must submit their full proposals by January 22, 2025, and can direct inquiries to the POSEIDON Team at POSEIDON@arpa-h.gov.
    ARPA-H ImagiNg Data EXchange (INDEX)
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health's Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is soliciting proposals for the Imaging Data Exchange (INDEX) program aimed at enhancing access to medical imaging data. The primary objective is to develop a sustainable platform that connects medical imaging data providers with researchers and developers, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to address the shortage of qualified radiologists and improve healthcare outcomes. This initiative is critical for advancing algorithm development and clinical studies by creating a comprehensive repository of diverse imaging datasets, including cancer digital pathology and surgical videos. Interested parties must submit their Solution Summary by January 28, 2025, with the full proposal due by March 27, 2025. For further inquiries, contact the INDEX Team at INDEX@arpa-h.gov.
    Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls and Related Services for Development of Drug Products
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is seeking proposals for Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) services to support the development of drug products. The objective of this procurement is to ensure the delivery of high-quality formulated drug products for preclinical, IND-enabling, and clinical studies, which are critical for advancing therapeutic development. This opportunity encompasses a wide range of services, including formulation development, manufacturing under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and necessary testing to meet regulatory standards. Proposals are due by February 3, 2025, with a contract period extending from September 30, 2025, to July 31, 2031, and a maximum funding amount of $49,885,703. Interested parties can contact Michelle Cecilia at michelle.cecilia@nih.gov or Valerie Whipple at valerie.whipple@nih.gov for further information.
    ADVANCING CLINICAL TRIALS READINESS (ACTR)
    Health And Human Services, Department Of
    The Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is hosting a hybrid Proposers’ Day for the Advancing Clinical Trials Readiness (ACTR) initiative. This event aims to gather insights and proposals that will enhance the readiness of clinical trials, focusing on innovative research and development in the health sector. The ACTR initiative is crucial for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical trials, ultimately contributing to advancements in healthcare solutions. Interested parties can find registration details and additional information at the provided link, and inquiries can be directed to the ACTR Email Box at ACTR@ARPA-H.GOV.