ARPA-H-SOL-26-165_COSMOS_QA_Set_1_2026-09-21.pdf

Comprehensive Organ System Modeling in Outer Space (COSMOS)

ARPA-H-SOL-26-165

Questions and Answers: 9/21/2026

Disclaimer: This Q&A is provided for informational purposes only and does not amend the solicitation.

Question Answer What is ARPA-H's expectation regarding proposal coordination and award between technical performer teams and CSP providers?

We are only answering questions about technical performers solicited by the COSMOS ISO. Work proposed specific to CSP tasks are out of scope for this ISO.

What is the process and expected timeline for selecting the CSPs?

We are only answering questions about technical performers solicited by the COSMOS ISO. Work proposed specific to CSP tasks are out of scope for this ISO.

Are teams required to submit solution summaries? When are full proposals due?

There will be no solution summaries for COSMOS. The full proposal deadline is October 7, 2026 at 2pm ET.

Will there be a Proposers' Day? There is no Proposers' Day for COSMOS.

The full proposal deadline is October 7, 2026 at 2pm ET.

Is there a Not to Exceed Value (NTE) for awards? What is the expected award range per performer team?

Proposers should submit a cost proposal that reflects funds needed to achieve the technical goals and objectives of the solicitation. The language ('program' 'initiative' etc) should not be interpreted as an inferred budgetary bracket or limit.

What is the Admin and National Policy Document expected submission date?

The Admin and National Policy Document expected submission date coincides with the full proposal date, which is October 7, 2026 at 2pm ET.

This looks like a lot of work for one lab and my team is focused on other diseases of these organs. How can I apply?

In keeping with the ARPA-H model, we anticipate that many proposers will need to team with other researchers, teams, entities, companies, etc. to propose. Even if your focus is on a different set of diseases, it is more than feasible to propose to COSMOS if you are the expert in manufacturing a given MPS set from healthy donors relevant to the Program.

Do we need to propose MPS and organoids for Phase I, Phase II or both?

It is strongly recommended that you read and carefully review the ISO in its entirety.

It contains all mission parameters required for COSMOS. Requirements for MPSs and organoids across Phase I and Phase II are clearly spelled out in the technical sections of the ISO.

Are we allowed to submit multiple proposals per institution?

Yes. There is no limit to proposals per institution. However, a PI can only be the lead PI on a single proposal to a given funding initiative, and must have 15-20% LOE to support any project where they are the prime proposer

Our PI cannot commit more than 15- 20% effort to this project. Are we still able to submit a proposal? Can we instead have multiple Co-PIs leading a team rather than one PI? Should our Project Manager be at 100%

FTE?

Yes. While 0.5 FTE is ideal, ARPA-H will accept 15-20% FTE for the lead PI provided there's a clear justification and plan demonstrating the PI's direct, committed involvement in the project. It is also expected that a 100% FTE Project Manager is on staff as a member of the key personnel for each proposing team.

ARPA-H prefers to have two direct lines of responsibility on each proposed project: a PI and a Project Manager. This structure allows direct accountability and alignment with the ARPA-H team. ARPA-H will not accept a plan with multiple Co-PIs or a senior scientist serving in lieu of a PI.

Should technical teams collaborate with commercial service providers (hardware or flight) for the proposal?

No. Work proposed specific to CSP tasks (hardware or flight) are out of scope for this ISO. Proposers to this ISO must only propose work specific to the technical metrics and milestones proposed in the

ISO.

Our prior efforts typically included graduate students. Are we allowed to have graduate students working on this project?

No. ARPA-H does not fund training grants.