Assay Development for Superior Understanding of Response and Efficacy (ASSURE)

The Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), is soliciting proposals for innovative, multiplexed, high-throughput assay technologies that can comprehensively evaluate immune responses to vaccination or infection across CBRN threats, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. The program, titled Assay Development for Superior Understanding of Response and Efficacy (ASSURE), seeks to de-risk the development of novel assay platform technologies that measure cellular and mucosal immunity while being sample-sparing and scalable, with potential to support new correlates of protection. Eligible offerors must be members of the RRPV Consortium and will be evaluated on their technical approach, relevant experience, ability to develop multiplexed high-throughput assays with rapid results, and cost reasonableness. Proposals must demonstrate clear clinical use cases and potential for commercial translation and technology adaptation across different pathogens. The deadline for submission of initial proposals, consisting of a 5-page abstract and 1-page quad chart, is December 18, 2025.

This solicitation carries no set-aside designation and anticipates awarding 4-5 projects totaling approximately $8 million, with individual project periods up to 24 months beginning in the third quarter of 2026. The ASSURE program will employ a two-stage evaluation process in which selected but unfunded proposals may be placed in a two-year "Basket" for future consideration. Teaming and cost-sharing are encouraged to strengthen proposals and accelerate development timelines. The place of performance is identified as Summerville, South Carolina 29486. This opportunity falls under NAICS code 541714 (Research and Development in Biotechnology, except Nanobiotechnology) and PSC code AN42 (Health R&D Services; Health Care - Other; Applied Research).