The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has announced the module "Predictions for Real-time Optimization of Microbiomes of Built Environments (PRO-MICROBE)" to develop a health index for indoor microbiomes. This initiative seeks proposals that merge innovative microbial sampling tools with advanced analytical methods to create a microbiome health index, which scores the health impact of indoor environments. The program will proceed in two stages over 24 months, focusing first on collecting microbial data from various indoor settings and correlating it with health outcomes, followed by building predictive models. The goal is to identify features of indoor microbiomes that affect occupant health, thereby informing building design and management practices to enhance health and reduce infections. Multiple awards may stem from this announcement depending on applicant quality and funding. Proposals must address defined metrics and provide a clear strategy for assessing health impacts linked to microbiomes. The project highlights the potential for improved public health, particularly in socio-economically disadvantaged communities, by promoting environments that resist pathogenic microorganisms while fostering beneficial microbial communities. This comprehensive approach aligns with ARPA-H’s mission to accelerate health innovations addressing significant challenges.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) announces the PRO-MICROBE Exploration Topic (ET) aimed at developing predictive models to optimize the microbiomes of built environments for health benefits. The initiative seeks proposals that integrate microbial sampling and analytical techniques to create a health index scoring system for indoor microbiomes. The program emphasizes understanding how indoor microbial communities affect occupant health, particularly in spaces where people spend significant time. Over a 24-month period, the effort consists of two stages: Stage I involves microbial data collection and correlation with health outcomes, while Stage II focuses on building and validating predictive models based on non-biological data. The program targets health disparities by proposing engineering methods for healthier indoor environments and enhanced biosurveillance technologies. Anticipating multiple awards, the funding will be allocated based on the quality of proposals submitted by October 4, 2024. The module announcement provides detailed instructions for proposal preparation, evaluation criteria, and administrative requirements, ensuring that applicants address all necessary components for consideration. This effort signifies ARPA-H's commitment to innovative research aimed at improving public health through the understanding of indoor microbiome impacts.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has announced the "Predictions for Real-time Optimization of MICRObiomes of Built Environments" (PRO-MICROBE) exploration topic to develop predictive models for enhancing indoor microbiome health. The initiative focuses on creating a microbiome health index that assesses the impact of indoor microbial communities on occupant health. The program will operate over 24 months in two stages, beginning with data collection through innovative microbial sampling and advanced analytical methods. Key objectives include identifying indicators linking microbial features to health outcomes, developing predictive models based on both biological and non-biological data, and addressing health disparities associated with indoor environments. The project anticipates multiple awards based on competitive proposal quality and funding availability. Proposals must fulfill specific metrics and fixed milestone deliverables, with a submission deadline set for November 4, 2024. This exploration aims to revolutionize how indoor environments are designed and managed to promote occupant health through beneficial microbial communities while mitigating pathogenic colonization.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) announces the PRO-MICROBE Exploration Topic (ET) focused on optimizing indoor microbiomes to improve occupant health. Proposals are sought to develop a microbiome of the built environment (MoBE) health index that scores indoor microbial health impacts using advanced microbial sampling and non-biological data analysis. The ET will be executed over 24 months in two stages: Data Collection and Analysis (Stage I) and Model Building and Validation (Stage II). The initiative targets health disparities by promoting environments fostering beneficial microbial communities while inhibiting pathogens. Successful proposals will link indoor microbial characteristics to health outcomes and utilize innovative methods to create predictive models for assessing indoor air quality and health risks. Key metrics include correlation analysis of microbial data to health classifications and predictive accuracy of health indices. The final deliverables involve detailed reports on sampling results, model validations, and technology developments, emphasizing collaboration with building owners and adherence to health regulations. Proposers must submit their proposals by November 4, 2024, as ARPA-H aims to expedite innovative health solutions through flexible award mechanisms supporting rapid outcomes.

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has issued a Master Announcement for funding opportunities aimed at innovative health solutions under ARPA-H-MAI-24-01. This announcement, effective from October 20, 2023, includes amendments to enhance administrative clarity and modify eligibility criteria, focusing on proposals that address significant health challenges through revolutionary approaches, particularly within the Resilient Systems Office (RSO) scope. The funding opportunity seeks to reduce barriers for non-traditional performers and create a tiered application process based on project size, ranging from smaller innovations to larger initiatives with potential budgets exceeding $50 million. Eligible applicants include universities, non-profits, and small businesses, while proposals from federally funded research centers are generally discouraged unless unique capabilities are demonstrated. The evaluation will weigh scientific merit, proposer experience, and alignment with ARPA-H objectives, with multiple awards planned based on the quality of submissions. The document also outlines administrative requirements, including SAM registration, handling of proprietary information, and compliance with human and animal research regulations. This initiative represents an extensive commitment to advancing American health resilience through innovative research and development solutions.

The Master Announcement Instruction (MAI) from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) outlines a funding opportunity aimed at innovative research to enhance public health resilience. The MAI-24-01 has been amended to extend the closing date to December 31, 2024, and establishes a tiered proposal submission process corresponding to project size. Eligible applicants include universities, non-profits, and commercial entities, while federal research centers are typically excluded unless unique capabilities are demonstrated. The funding focus is on revolutionary advances to achieve better health outcomes and includes specific areas of interest, such as resilient health infrastructure, cybersecurity in health data, and clinical trial methods. Proposals are evaluated on scientific merit, proposer capabilities, and potential health impacts, with a structured two-stage evaluation process that assesses technical and cost components. Additionally, the MAI sets forth requirements for the management of conflicts of interest, the importance of Human and Animal Subject research compliance, and the handling of proprietary information. This announcement facilitates collaboration among diverse organizations to innovate in health technologies while supporting U.S.-based research efforts. Overall, the MAI seeks to reduce barriers for non-traditional performers and encourage transformative health solutions.