Opportunity Spotlight: DARPA & Health Opportunities

Executive takeaway

This analysis highlights several upcoming funding opportunities from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Notably, DARPA invites innovative proposals for single crystal inorganic material growth, while ARPA-H focuses on advancements in robotics for health interventions. These contracts represent significant prospects for entities engaged in cutting-edge research.

What the buyer is trying to do

The agencies are seeking proposals that demonstrate groundbreaking advancements in their respective fields:

• DARPA: Proposals should revolutionize single crystal inorganic material growth, fundamentally changing the landscape of microsystems.
• ARPA-H: Focused on developing innovative robotic solutions for health applications.

What work is implied

• Research and development in crystal growth methodologies
• Initiation of new processes that yield revolutionary advancements in material science
• Innovative applications of robotics in healthcare settings
• Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams to achieve stated goals
• Potential for technology transition into applicable defense or health solutions

Who should bid / who should pass

• Companies with a strong portfolio in materials science and engineering
• Organizations specializing in robotics and autonomous systems
• Research institutions with proven capabilities in innovative research proposal submissions

• Entities that primarily provide evolutionary improvements without a focus on revolutionary developments
• Organizations lacking relevant technical expertise in the specified areas

Response package checklist

• Review of the proposal guidelines in the solicitation documents
• Verification of compliance with NAICS 541715 requirements
• Evidence of past performance in similar projects
• Detailed project timeline and milestones
• Budget estimates and resource allocation
• Additional documentation as required by each solicitation (verify in attachments)

Pricing & strategy notes

Potential bidders should research pricing by:

• Analyzing previous awards within equivalent NAICS codes
• Consulting the Federal Procurement Data System for similar projects
• Reviewing market studies on materials science and healthcare robotics for cost benchmarks

Subcontracting / teaming ideas

• Form partnerships with universities or research institutions known for materials science research
• Team with software developers specializing in health tech and robotics
• Engage consultants with government contracting experience to navigate the submission process

Risks & watch-outs

• High competition from established firms within the defense contracting sector
• Potential for shifting requirements throughout the solicitation process
• Need for clear demonstration of revolutionary, not evolutionary, advancements

Related opportunities

• Crystal Palace Program Announcement
• Area of Interest for OSC
• Future Program: NASCENT
• AIR Advanced Research Projects Agency
• Immunology and Hereditary Challenges

How to act on this

Interested bidders should:

• Review the specific solicitations linked above for detailed requirements
• Initiate team discussions to align capabilities with the project needs
• Set internal deadlines for proposal development to ensure timely submission

For expert guidance and support in navigating these opportunities, contact Federal Bid Partners LLC.