AVAT PATH-SM RFI.pdf

This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a division of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The RFI seeks market research information regarding organizations with capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) for application in the discovery and advancement of broad-spectrum, small-molecule therapeutics targeting filoviruses, including Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV), and Marburg virus (MARV). The inquiry is intended to inform acquisition planning and potential structure of future solicitations rather than constitute a binding request for proposals. Responses are due by 1:00 PM EDT on June 17, 2026, and should be submitted to rppv@ati.org. Respondents must be members of the RRPV consortium to submit responses; however, non-consortium members may respond to future requests for project proposals (RPP) based on information gathered from this RFI.

BARDA specifically seeks technical information regarding AI-driven drug discovery capabilities, in vitro and in vivo testing in small animal models, nucleoside analog RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitors, broad-spectrum antiviral activity assessment, molecular design and optimization approaches, synthetic feasibility and developability, modeling and simulation capabilities including machine learning applications, and strategies for identifying and mitigating potential viral resistance mechanisms. Respondents should address strategic scope questions regarding potential funding risks, approaches to RNA virus therapeutics, AI applications in silico drug discovery, organizational evaluation and optimization of molecular designs, end-to-end examples with timelines and feasibility assessments, broad-spectrum antiviral strategies across multiple filovirus species, intellectual property approaches for AI-assisted drug design, and interest in partner-matching mechanisms. Responses must not exceed five pages and should include a cover page with administrative and contact information, a technical response, and descriptions of relevant capabilities and teaming arrangements. All proprietary or confidential information must be clearly marked.