Broadening Availability of Regimens for K-9s (BARK) - Open Topic

The Broadening Availability of Regimens for K-9s (BARK) initiative, DPA26BZ01-NP001, seeks to develop medical products interoperable for both human warfighters and military working dogs (MWDs). This Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) solicitation aims to reduce logistical burdens and improve medical care by creating universal medical technologies, especially for acute and tactical care. Technologies of interest include cross-species compatible filters for donor plasma, universal synthetic plasma, physiological monitoring sensors, rapidly adjustable medical devices (e.g., splints, tourniquets), interoperable medical countermeasures, and modulated dosing delivery mechanisms. The project discourages new drug discovery and research that merely tests existing products. Phase I focuses on in vitro or in silico technical feasibility and preliminary prototype design, prohibiting human or animal subject research. Phase II involves prototype fabrication, demonstration, testing in preclinical settings, and user testing. Proposed technologies must be safe and effective in both humans and canines, demonstrating performance substantially equivalent or superior to existing human-approved options. Dual-use applications for these technologies extend to military and civilian medical emergencies, veterinary medicine, and various working dog sectors. Submissions require an initial white paper detailing the proposed concept, employment, path to market, and scalability.