BioElectronics to Sense and Treat (BEST)
ID: DARPA-PS-25-12Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCYARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

NAICS

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

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is soliciting proposals for the BioElectronics to Sense and Treat (BEST) program, which aims to develop an automated bioelectronic smart bandage for managing wound infections in military settings. The program seeks innovative solutions that can monitor wounds in real-time, predict infections, and autonomously administer targeted treatments, with a focus on achieving over 80% accuracy in predicting healing outcomes and diagnosing infections. DARPA has allocated approximately $22.8 million for multiple awards, with a full proposal deadline set for May 6, 2025. Interested parties can contact Dr. Leonard Tender at BEST@darpa.mil for further information regarding the solicitation and proposal submission guidelines.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Dr. Leonard Tender
    BEST@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines a proposal related to the DARPA initiative titled "BioElectronics to Sense and Treat" (BEST). It focuses on the development of a novel technical approach that integrates bioelectronics for sensing and therapeutic applications. The structure includes a graphical representation of the approach, a summary of its uniqueness, and an assessment of key risks along with potential mitigation strategies. The proposal details estimated costs by phase, including labor and materials, and outlines the intended schedule for the project's execution. Furthermore, it emphasizes the qualifications and experience of team members and the organizational capabilities relevant to the project. The proposal underscores the importance of collaboration and strategic planning in addressing the research goals set forth by DARPA, aligning with broader federal grant and RFP initiatives aimed at advancing technology in healthcare. Overall, the document aims to secure funding and support for innovative bioelectronic solutions in medical treatment scenarios.
    The DARPA-PS-25-12 BioElectronics to Sense and Treat (BEST) program solicitation outlines the submission requirements for proposals aimed at addressing technical problems related to bioelectronics. It mandates the use of a specific abstract template, limiting submissions to a maximum of five pages, excluding supporting materials. Proposals must detail an executive summary, the proposed technical approach, anticipated technical challenges, team capabilities, estimated costs, and references. Each section focuses on critical components such as the justification of the proposed work's novelty, identification of risks, and demonstration of the team's qualifications. Estimated costs should cover labor and materials across project phases, with travel expenses to key meetings pre-calculated. The ultimate goal of the BEST program is to foster innovative solutions in bioelectronics that can effectively sense and treat medical conditions while evaluating the potential risks and challenges involved in development. Adherence to formatting and scheduling guidelines is essential for submission consideration, underscoring the program's rigorous selection process.
    Attachment C of DARPA-PS-25-12 provides mandatory guidelines for the Technical and Management Proposal submissions for the BEST program. Proposals must follow a prescribed format, not exceed 30 pages, and include specific attachments. Key elements include a cover sheet, a proposal summary, goals and impact, a technical plan, organizational capabilities, a task description document, a detailed schedule, a management plan, and personnel qualifications. Each proposal requires clear articulation of the project's objectives, technical challenges, innovation, and impact, with an emphasis on concise descriptions and measurable milestones. Additional requirements address conflicts of interest, intellectual property considerations, and proof of eligibility for participation from government entities or federally funded research and development centers. Proposals must be submitted by the specified deadline in compliance with DARPA's submission guidelines. This document serves as a comprehensive template aimed at standardizing proposal submissions while ensuring critical evaluations of innovative approaches in defense-related projects.
    The document serves as a mandatory template for cost proposal submissions related to DARPA's PS-25-12 program, focusing on both base and option phases. It outlines structured guidelines for proposers to follow, ensuring all cost-related information is presented clearly and comprehensively within specified formats. Key components include detailed breakdowns of direct labor, indirect costs, materials, equipment purchases, and travel, among others. Proposers must utilize a standard spreadsheet for cost calculations and ensure traceability of costs between prime contractors and subawardees. Additionally, the document stresses the responsibility of the prime proposer in submitting complete non-proprietary cost proposals from all subcontractors, with instructions on handling proprietary submissions. Specific requirements are stated for contractors seeking procurement contracts versus those applying for other transaction agreements for prototypes, including certifications, consultations, and cost-sharing details. The structured approach aims to facilitate expeditious government analysis and negotiation of proposals, emphasizing accurate and substantiated pricing and milestone reporting. Overall, the document reflects a thorough framework for ensuring compliance and fostering clarity in government acquisitions and research funding.
    The DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet is a tool for proposers to prepare cost proposals for government projects, including opportunities under RFPs and grants. It requires detailed documentation of costs, including direct labor, overhead, subcontractor, and consultant expenses, which must be fully supported and rationalized for review by government personnel. The spreadsheet encompasses various worksheets detailing labor rates, indirect costs, and materials needed for complete proposals, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards outlined in the FAR. Proposers must enter data into specified fields for clear financial analysis and be mindful of maintaining the integrity of the spreadsheet's structure. The primary aim is to streamline the proposal process, facilitating rapid government evaluation and contract negotiations while emphasizing the importance of accuracy and completeness in cost reporting. Feedback on the spreadsheet's functionality is encouraged to enhance its usability for future proposals. Overall, the document serves as a critical guideline for structuring comprehensive cost proposals for federal support.
    The document outlines a Risk Register following the Department of Defense (DoD) framework for categorizing risks associated with federal government projects, particularly in response to RFPs and grants. It includes structured elements such as task/milestone, risk statement, associated problems, likelihood of occurrence, and consequences impacting cost, schedule, and performance. Risks are evaluated using a 1-5 scale for both likelihood and consequence, resulting in categorized risk levels such as high, moderate, and low. The document serves as a template for project managers to identify and mitigate potential risks effectively, ensuring that they adhere to defined standards and frameworks. By systematically documenting risks, the register aims to enhance project management practices and increase the success rate of federal projects.
    The document outlines the framework for an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) between DARPA and a research performer. It provides a structure for collaboration in the development of a prototype under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, emphasizing that the final terms may differ from the provided model. Key areas include the scope of work, funding obligations, project management, patent rights, data rights, and security protocols for handling covered defense information. Proposers are allowed to suggest edits to the essential terms but such changes will not affect the evaluation of proposals. The agreement requires detailed milestone reporting and active government engagement through regular reviews. Furthermore, it stipulates conditions regarding the sharing of technology with foreign partners and mandates stringent cybersecurity measures. The overarching purpose is to foster innovation while safeguarding national interests. This comprehensive agreement serves as a foundational tool for successful collaboration between the government and the private sector in advancing critical technologies.
    The document outlines the requirements for a Task Description Document that must accompany federal government RFPs, federal grants, and state/local RFPs. Its primary objective is to structure and clarify the proposer's research plan through defined tasks and subtasks, which should lead to technical milestones specified in a separate attachment. The document emphasizes writing in the third person and providing a detailed description of each task's objectives, the approach to be taken, and the estimated completion dates along with associated milestones. Key components include the organization and location of the project work as well as measurable deliverables to track task progress. Proposers are instructed to refrain from including proprietary information and to ensure clarity in presenting their methodologies and outcomes. This systematic breakdown is essential for evaluating proposals and ensuring compliance with specified requirements.
    The document outlines requirements for completing a "Schedule of Milestones and Payments" as part of a federal request for proposals (RFP) under the BEST program. It emphasizes the importance of aligning tasks and deliverables with the specifications detailed in accompanying documents. Proposers are to populate a provided spreadsheet with milestones, deliverables, and payment details, while adhering to specific formatting guidelines: black text for required items, blue for edits, and red for new additions. Key milestones include kick-off meetings, monthly reports, technical interchange meetings, and various phases of design reviews and validations for the FA1, FA2, and FA3 devices. Additionally, regulatory, commercialization, and technical deliverables are specified with due dates following contract award. It highlights the importance of documenting all progress and signifies that payments for each milestone should align with costs outlined in the cost proposal. The overarching goal is to ensure accountability and thorough progress assessment throughout the program lifecycle, ensuring that participants meet stringent technical and regulatory objectives while advancing project deliverables effectively.
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has announced a funding opportunity for the BioElectronics to Sense and Treat (BEST) program, aimed at developing an automated bioelectronic smart bandage for wound infection management in military settings. The bandage will monitor wounds in real-time, predict infections, and administer targeted treatments autonomously. DARPA allocates approximately $22.8 million for multiple awards, with a full proposal deadline of May 6, 2025. The program is structured in two phases, focusing on developing sensing and treatment technologies in Phase I, and integrating these into a closed-loop control system in Phase II. Key performance objectives include achieving over 80% accuracy in predicting healing outcomes and diagnosing infections. Proposals must address all three focus areas: Sense, Treat, and Closed-Loop Control, and demonstrate an effective strategy for transitioning the technology to clinical use. The solicitation underscores the importance of developing innovative solutions to combat wound infections, enhancing military medical care while potentially benefiting civilian healthcare as well.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Solicitation
    Similar Opportunities
    Biological Technologies
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals for innovative research and development in Biological Technologies under the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001124S0034. This initiative aims to explore revolutionary ideas not currently addressed by existing programs, focusing on areas such as machine learning, human performance, materials technology, and biosecurity, all intended to enhance national security. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific merit, relevance to DARPA's mission, and cost realism, with submissions accepted on a rolling basis until September 10, 2025. Interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at BTOBAA2024@darpa.mil for further information.
    Hybridizing Biology and Robotics through Integration for Deployable Systems (HyBRIDS)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is soliciting proposals for the Hybridizing Biology and Robotics through Integration for Deployable Systems (HyBRIDS) initiative. This program aims to develop biohybrid robots that integrate biological and synthetic components to enhance national security applications, addressing significant engineering challenges and aiming to outperform traditional robotic systems. The initiative is crucial for advancing robotic technologies that can operate effectively in complex real-world environments, leveraging the unique capabilities of biological elements alongside engineered parts. Proposals are invited for funding amounts ranging from $100,000 to $300,000 for a 12-month effort, with submissions evaluated on a rolling basis until April 7, 2025. Interested parties can contact the BAA Coordinator at HyBRIDS@darpa.mil for further information.
    Hybridizing Biology and Robotics through Integration for Deployable Systems (HyBRIDS)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is soliciting proposals for the "Hybridizing Biology and Robotics through Integration for Deployable Systems" (HyBRIDS) initiative. This opportunity aims to develop innovative biohybrid robotic systems that integrate synthetic and biological components to surpass the capabilities of traditional robotic models, addressing significant challenges in component integration, robust design methods, and deployment obstacles. The HyBRIDS program is crucial for enhancing national security applications by transforming the field of biohybrid robotics for complex operational environments. Interested researchers should submit their proposals by April 7, 2025, with budgets ranging from $100,000 to $300,000, and can contact the BAA Coordinator at HyBRIDS@darpa.mil for further information.
    Chemistries and monoLayers for Anti-aging Kinematics (CLOAK)
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting proposals for the Chemistries and monoLayers for Anti-aging Kinematics (CLOAK) project, aimed at enhancing the longevity and performance of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) critical for precision positioning and navigation. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to address sensor drift and aging issues in MEMS, which are vital for operational reliability in GPS-denied environments, with a focus on achieving less than 10% performance degradation in Phase 1 and over 10 years of operation with ideally no degradation in Phase 2. Proposals must comply with DARPA's submission standards and include detailed cost breakdowns, with a total funding amount of up to $1.2 million available across two phases. Interested parties must submit their proposals by April 14, 2025, and can contact the BAA Coordinator at CLOAK@darpa.mil for further information.
    Reengineering Enabling Sleep Transitions in Operationally Restrictive Environments (RESTORE) Proposers Day
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is hosting a Proposers Day for its Reengineering Enabling Sleep Transitions in Operationally Restrictive Environments (RESTORE) program on March 14, 2025, in Arlington, VA. This event aims to inform potential proposers about the program's vision and objectives, particularly focusing on enhancing cognitive performance in military personnel who experience sleep deprivation due to combat operations. The RESTORE initiative seeks innovative, noninvasive neuromodulation technologies to improve sleep quality and cognitive function, addressing critical operational challenges faced by military personnel. Interested parties must register in advance, as attendance is limited to 136 in-person guests and 350 for the webcast, with the primary contact for inquiries being the BAA Coordinator at RESTORE@darpa.mil.
    Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide BAA
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting proposals for its Defense Sciences Office (DSO) Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), aimed at soliciting innovative research ideas that can lead to revolutionary advancements in national security applications. Proposals should focus on novel approaches rather than incremental improvements, covering key research areas such as Novel Materials & Structures, Sensing & Measurement, and Emerging Threats. This initiative is crucial for fostering advanced research that aligns with DARPA's mission to enhance national defense capabilities. Interested organizations can submit proposals until September 26, 2025, and should direct inquiries to the BAA Coordinator at HR001124S0039@darpa.mil.
    BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) for Extramural Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development - HT9425-23-S-SOC1
    Buyer not available
    Special Notice DEPT OF DEFENSE is seeking proposals for extramural biomedical research and development. This opportunity is issued by the DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY (DHA) under the BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA) HT9425-23-S-SOC1. The purpose of this BAA is to solicit research and development ideas to advance the state-of-the-art or increase knowledge in the field. The projects funded under this BAA should focus on basic and applied research rather than the development of specific systems or hardware solutions. The research and development funding is expected to benefit both military and civilian medical practice and knowledge. Interested parties must submit a pre-proposal through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP). If selected, the offeror will be invited to submit a full proposal or application through Grants.gov. The BAA is open for a 5-year period, from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2028. The BAA with revised research areas of interest and General Submission Instructions can be found on Grants.gov using opportunity number HT9425-23-S-SOC1.
    Strategic Technology Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting proposals for its Strategic Technology Office-wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001125S0001, aimed at funding innovative research that leads to revolutionary advances in technology for national security. Proposals should focus on disruptive technologies across various domains, including artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and robotics, while avoiding evolutionary improvements to existing practices. This initiative is critical for developing new capabilities that enhance the U.S. military's operational effectiveness and adaptability in complex environments. Interested organizations, including small and minority-owned businesses, must submit their proposals by October 31, 2025, and are encouraged to contact the BAA Coordinator at HR001125S0001@darpa.mil for further information.
    Disruptioneering Program Announcement
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking proposals for its "Disruptioneering Program Announcement" aimed at fostering high-risk, high-reward research initiatives in defense sciences. This program will utilize Other Transactions for Prototype agreements to fund projects that lead to prototype demonstrations, with a total funding cap of $2 million for combined projects and a minimum cost share of one-third in certain cases. The initiative emphasizes rapid exploration of emerging scientific advances and encourages collaboration with commercial entities, nonprofits, and universities, particularly benefiting nontraditional defense contractors with reduced restrictions. Interested parties can direct inquiries to the BAA Coordinator at DARPA-PA-24-04@darpa.mil, with proposals expected to adhere to specific guidelines and submission formats outlined in the program documentation.
    Reclaiming Bus-based Systems During Compromise (Red-C)
    Buyer not available
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the "Reclaiming Bus-based Systems During Compromise (Red-C)" program, aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity of bus-based systems through self-healing technologies. The initiative seeks to develop algorithms that enable firmware retrofitting of individual components to function as forensic sensors, collectively monitoring and repairing systems during cyber-attacks, thereby addressing vulnerabilities associated with cascading implicit trust attacks. Proposals must demonstrate approaches to generate forensic data, ensure system recovery, and maintain integrity without introducing new vulnerabilities, with a goal of achieving Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 within two years using existing hardware. Interested parties should submit their proposals by April 10, 2025, and can direct inquiries to the BAA Coordinator at RedC@darpa.mil.