Autonomous Interventions and Robotics (AIR) Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H)
ID: ARPA-H-SN-26-145Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTHADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY FOR HEALTH (ARPA-H)Washington, DC, 20005, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

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

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Health and Human Services, through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is seeking proposals for its Autonomous Interventions and Robotics (AIR) program, which aims to advance autonomous robotic surgery technologies. This initiative focuses on two technical areas: Autonomous Endovascular Robotics, which includes developing robotic systems for endovascular procedures and creating a simulation environment, and Microbots, which targets the development of untethered, autonomous microbots for various interventional procedures. The program is structured over a five-year timeline with specific phases and milestones, emphasizing collaboration with the FDA for regulatory approval. Interested parties are encouraged to attend a Proposers’ Day on December 16, 2025, in Washington, DC, to learn more about the program and network with potential collaborators. For further inquiries, contact the AIR Program at AIR@ARPA-H.GOV.

    Point(s) of Contact
    AIR Program
    AIR@ARPA-H.GOV
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The "ADMINISTRATIVE & NATIONAL POLICY REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT TEMPLATE" is a crucial component for federal government RFPs, grants, and state/local RFPs. This document outlines critical administrative and national policy requirements that must be completed and submitted as part of a proposal. Key sections include detailed team member identification, requiring disclosure of non-U.S. organizations or individuals, and comprehensive organizational conflict of interest affirmations and disclosures. Additionally, it mandates thorough research security disclosures in accordance with NSPM-33, including current and pending support, other organizational affiliations, and foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment program participation. The document also addresses the novelty of proposed work, intellectual property assertions, software component standards, human subjects research, animal use research, representations regarding unpaid delinquent tax liability or felony convictions, and cybersecurity program details. Adherence to formatting guidelines and submission in specified electronic formats are also required, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and national security strategies.
    ARPA-H's Health Science Futures (HSF) Office is hosting a Proposers’ Day on December 16, 2025, for the new Autonomous Interventions and Robotics (AIR) program. This event, held in Washington, DC (hybrid), aims to inform the scientific community about the AIR program's goals, technical areas, and forthcoming Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO). The AIR program seeks to develop autonomous robotic surgery, focusing on endovascular robotics (TA1) and microbots (TA2). TA1 includes developing robotic systems (TA1-A) and a simulation environment (TA1-B), while TA2 focuses on interventional microbots for specific clinical indications. Proposers can apply to only one technical area. The Proposers’ Day offers networking through optional poster sessions and teaming profiles to facilitate collaborations. Advance registration is mandatory by December 9, 2025, for in-person attendance and December 12, 2025, for virtual attendance. This notice is for informational purposes and does not constitute a solicitation.
    The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has issued an Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) solicitation, ARPA-H-SOL-26-146, for its Autonomous Interventions and Robotics (AIR) program. This program seeks proposals for autonomous robotic surgery, focusing on two technical areas: Autonomous Endovascular Robotics (TA1) and Microbots (TA2). TA1 involves developing robotic systems for endovascular procedures like thrombectomy and creating a simulation environment for testing. TA2 aims to develop untethered, autonomous microbots for various interventional procedures, excluding certain GI imaging devices. The program has a five-year timeline with distinct phases and milestones for each technical area, emphasizing regulatory approval and collaboration with the FDA. Eligibility is open to various entities, with specific restrictions on Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and non-U.S. entities.
    This government file outlines a comprehensive cost proposal spreadsheet for federal government RFPs, federal grants, and state/local RFPs. It details instructions for data entry into green-filled cells, with yellow cells automatically calculating values. The spreadsheet is structured with Proposal Data, tabs A through G, a Base tab, and two option tabs, each covering up to six time periods to account for changes in labor and indirect rates. Key sections include detailed input fields for proposal data, labor categories, hourly rates, indirect rates (Fringe, Overhead, Material Handling, G&A/F&A, Facilities Cost of Money, Fee), and specific cost breakdowns for materials, equipment, and travel across multiple phases. The document emphasizes entering subcontractor costs separately and provides a summary for travel expenses.
    The document outlines certifications for individuals involved in projects funded by ARPA-H, particularly regarding Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs (MFTRP). Both the 'Insert name of institution' and the 'Covered Individual' must certify they are not party to an MFTRP. The Covered Individual also acknowledges an annual recertification to ARPA-H. The institution is responsible for reporting any new 'covered individuals' or changes to existing conflict of commitment disclosures within 10 days of discovery. New personnel cannot begin work until ARPA-H completes a Research Security Assessment and an updated certification is returned. This ensures compliance with research security protocols and aims to prevent foreign influence in funded projects.
    This document outlines a sample Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), detailing standard articles and language for federal government RFPs. It covers the agreement's scope, term, management, administration, and payment structure, emphasizing fixed milestone payments. Key sections include intellectual property rights, foreign access to intellectual property, and disposition of tangible property. It also addresses public information release, civil rights, security, and applicable law. The agreement prohibits the use of certain telecommunications and video surveillance equipment and services from covered foreign countries, particularly China. Attachments include the Research Description Document, report requirements, a milestone payment schedule, and the Agreements Officer's Representative Appointment Memo, ensuring a structured approach to research and development projects while safeguarding government interests.
    The document outlines a project schedule framework, likely for a federal government Request for Proposal (RFP), federal grant, or state/local RFP. It details a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) with a
    The Task Description Document (TDD) template provides a structured framework for detailing tasks within government proposals, federal grants, and state/local RFPs. It requires a comprehensive breakdown of each task and subtask, including a general objective, a detailed description of the approach, and identification of any involvement with human subjects or animals, or work performed on a university campus. The document mandates naming the primary organization responsible for execution, outlining measurable milestones, and defining all deliverables to be provided to the government. This template ensures clarity, accountability, and thorough planning for proposed projects, facilitating the evaluation of progress and outcomes.
    The Biographical Sketch Common Form, updated November 1, 2023, provides instructions for individuals identified as senior/key personnel on federally funded research projects. Its primary purpose is to assess individual, team, and organizational qualifications for proposed activities. The form requires disclosure of foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs and other affiliated activities, consistent with NSPM-33, and prohibits participation in malign foreign talent recruitment programs. Applicants must provide identifying information, a persistent identifier, position title, organization, location, professional preparation, and a list of appointments and positions for the past three years. A crucial section is "Products," where individuals list citable contributions demonstrating their qualifications. The form strictly prohibits submission of personal information. Each senior/key person must certify the accuracy and completeness of the provided information, including foreign appointments, and confirm non-participation in malign foreign talent recruitment programs. Misrepresentations can lead to severe penalties. The document also includes a Privacy Act and Burden Statement outlining data usage and public reporting burden.
    The "CURRENT AND PENDING (OTHER) SUPPORT COMMON FORM" (November 1, 2023) outlines disclosure requirements for senior/key personnel on federally funded research projects. Its purpose is to assess conflicts of commitment, capacity to perform research, and potential scientific/budgetary overlap. Individuals must provide detailed information on all proposals, active projects, and in-kind contributions valued at $5,000 or more that require time commitment. This includes identifying funding sources (foreign and domestic), project titles, start/end dates, total award amounts, person-months devoted, overall objectives, and potential overlaps. Specific attention is given to disclosing consulting activities that involve research, impact funding, or conceal ties, as well as participation in foreign government-sponsored talent recruitment programs. The form prohibits submission of personal information and requires certification of accuracy and non-participation in malign foreign talent recruitment programs, with penalties for misrepresentation. The document provides a framework for transparent reporting to ensure research integrity and compliance with federal regulations like NSPM-33.
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