Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative
ID: ARPA-H-SOL-25-118Type: 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 seeking innovative proposals for the Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative. This initiative aims to support health technology development by inviting submissions from early-career researchers and community-based organizations, focusing on addressing specific health challenges through innovative methodologies. Proposals can receive funding of up to $350,000 per year for a maximum of three years, with a two-step evaluation process that includes a solution summary and a pitch presentation. Interested parties should contact the EHI Initiative Team at EHI@ARPA-H.gov for further details, and they must adhere to the outlined submission guidelines and deadlines as specified in the solicitation documents.

    Point(s) of Contact
    The EHI Initiative Team
    EHI@ARPA-H.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The solicitation ARPA-H-SOL-25-118 outlines the Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). This initiative seeks innovative proposals from eligible entities focused on health technology development, engaging early career researchers and community innovators. The initiative features two distinct tracks: Track 1 prioritizes technology-driven innovations led by early-career investigators from U.S. research institutions, while Track 2 emphasizes community-centered technological solutions spearheaded by community-based organizations (CBOs). Proposals should address specific health challenges and showcase innovative methodologies, with a maximum funding of $350,000 per year over a maximum of three years. The submission process entails a two-step evaluation, first through a solution summary followed by a pitch presentation. Key eligibility criteria and program requirements are explicitly defined, emphasizing the need for collaboration, community engagement, and technological advancement to improve health outcomes. The document serves as a critical framework for securing federal funding to foster health innovation through rigorous selection and evaluation processes tailored to align with ARPA-H's mission.
    The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is announcing the Emerging Health Innovators (EHI) Initiative through solicitation ARPA-H-SOL-25-118. This initiative aims to engage community innovators and early-career investigators to develop innovative biomedical and community-driven health solutions. Proposers can submit their solutions through two specific tracks: Track 1 focuses on Technology-Driven Innovation for biomedical research, while Track 2 emphasizes Community-Centered Innovation that addresses community health issues. The initiative has a timeline that includes a Proposers’ Day, a deadline for solution summaries, and proposed pitch presentation dates, leading to the selection and potential award of grants. Awards will be capped at $350,000 per year for two years, with an optional extension. Eligibility requirements differ across tracks, aiming to empower early-career researchers in Track 1 and community innovators in Track 2. Proposals will be evaluated based on scientific merit, potential impact, and cost analysis. Selected performers will engage in collaborative efforts with ARPA-H throughout the grant period, adhering to a structured submission and evaluation process. This initiative aligns with ARPA-H's mission to accelerate health innovation by fostering diverse expertise and solutions.
    The EHI Pitch document provides comprehensive guidelines for submitting proposals under the ARPA-H technology-driven innovation initiative. It outlines the structure, evaluation criteria, and expectations for proposers participating in virtual pitches. Each submission includes a project summary highlighting key technical challenges, innovative technologies, and the project's goals. The document emphasizes the importance of articulating the current solutions, gaps in research, and potential impacts on affected populations if successful. Proposers must detail their management plans, personnel qualifications, and capabilities, necessitating a clear organization and commitment from key team members. The plan must also include a Statement of Work (SOW) outlining tasks, milestones, and a timeline for the project's duration, along with a detailed cost breakdown. Moreover, the document seeks to ensure a credible plan addressing technical challenges, risk mitigation, and potential plans for commercialization. By adhering to these guidelines, applicants are expected to demonstrate their project’s merit and alignment with ARPA-H's mission, ultimately contributing to advancements in health-related technologies.
    The EHI Pitch document outlines the submission guidelines for project proposals under the ARPA-H's Track 2 Community-Centered Innovation initiative. It specifies that EHI pitches are virtual and consist of a 60-minute format comprising a 40-minute presentation followed by 20 minutes for Q&A. Evaluation criteria focus on technical merit, community impact, relevance to ARPA-H's mission, and cost assessment. The document emphasizes the importance of innovative approaches to addressing existing gaps in solutions and the need for engaging community stakeholders. Proposals must include a comprehensive analysis of technical challenges, community engagement, a management plan detailing personnel qualifications, a statement of work with milestones, and a cost breakdown for each project year. It concludes with a reminder to highlight the unique aspects of the solution, the expected impact, and the contributions from EHI and ARPA-H in the success of the proposal. This document serves as a critical guide for applicants seeking federal support for innovative projects that aim to enhance community health and wellbeing.
    The document serves as a guidelines spreadsheet for proposers participating in a government Request for Proposal (RFP) process, aimed at assisting in the preparation of cost proposals for awarded contracts, specifically related to phases of project-based funding. Key requirements include detailed cost breakdowns for direct labor, subproposers, consultant fees, and miscellaneous costs across multiple periods. Proposers must summarize costs in categories such as Direct Labor, Fringe Benefits, Labor Overhead, and General & Administrative expenses, ensuring each category ties back to the total cost. The instructions emphasize the need for accuracy and justification of proposed costs, encouraging proposers to provide a clear rationale to support their financial projections and to use set templates effectively without altering embedded formulas. Each section requires specification of project phases and a complete account of resources, thus promoting transparency and a structured approach to federal funding requests. The document ultimately establishes a framework for evaluating cost proposals to expedite the review and award process within the government contracting framework.
    The Administrative and National Policy Requirements document provides essential guidelines for organizations submitting proposals to ARPA-H, a governmental entity. It outlines the format, submission requirements, and necessary disclosures related to organizational conflicts of interest, research security, human and animal subject involvement, intellectual property, and cybersecurity. Key components include: 1. **Conflict of Interest (OCI)**: Proposers must affirm if team members have affiliations that could lead to potential conflicts and provide mitigation plans if applicable. 2. **Research Security**: Proposals require disclosure of other support and affiliations, particularly concerning foreign government-sponsored recruitment programs. 3. **Intellectual Property (IP)**: Proposers must assert any IP restrictions on deliverables and provide documentation for any patented inventions used in the project. 4. **Human and Animal Subjects Research**: Evidence of IRB review and IACUC approval must be provided if the proposed work involves human or animal research. 5. **Cybersecurity**: Organizations must describe their cybersecurity practices, especially in managing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Overall, the document emphasizes transparency and compliance with legal standards for ensuring integrity in government-funded research and development efforts.
    The Administrative & National Policy Requirements Document outlines essential guidelines for proposal submissions as part of the federal grant process. Key requirements include formatting specifications, necessary disclosures regarding organizational conflicts of interest (OCI), and completion of various forms, such as the SF-424 (R&R) Application for Federal Assistance. Proposers must affirmatively declare any conflicts related to systems engineering support provided to ARPA-H and detail potential foreign participation or commitments. The document emphasizes compliance with research security, intellectual property rights, and stipulates strict requirements for human and animal subject research, including necessary institutional approvals. It mandates certification of compliance with non-discrimination and research integrity regulations, along with an assurance of a robust cybersecurity program for managing sensitive data. Proposers are also required to disclose any lobbying activities and provide assurances of compliance with various federal regulations. Overall, this document establishes a comprehensive framework for evaluating proposals, ensuring accountability, transparency, and adherence to legal standards in federal funding allocations.
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