Computational ADME Tox AnaLYsis for Safer Therapeutics (CATALYST) Innovative Solutions Opening
ID: ARPA-H-SOL-24-114Type: Presolicitation
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 foster innovative research in drug development, specifically focusing on in silico human physiology modeling platforms to enhance drug safety assessments and reduce reliance on animal testing. The program is structured in two phases: Phase I involves developing predictive tools and technologies, while Phase II focuses on their integration into regulatory submissions for IND-enabling studies. Interested parties must submit solution summaries by November 25, 2024, at 5:00 PM ET, and can find more information and submission guidelines on the ARPA-H website or by contacting 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.
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