Biomedical Research Application Evaluation and Support Services (BRAES)

The Defense Health Agency Research and Development intends to solicit a multiple-award indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract for Biomedical Research Application Evaluation and Support Services (BRAES) on behalf of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Medical Research and Development Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland, with a pre-solicitation response due by October 9, 2026.

The requirement is structured as four distinct service areas, three of which are single-vendor awards and one of which is open to multiple vendors. Single-vendor awards cover funding opportunity announcement setup within the electronic biomedical research application portal (eBRAP), oversight of electronic receipt and processing of intramural and extramural pre- and full research applications in eBRAP, and application compliance review in eBRAP. The multiple-vendor component involves scientific merit peer review and operation of a secure Contractor-owned, Contractor-operated web-based electronic system supporting peer review activities. The contract will use a Cost Plus Fixed Fee structure for non-commercial, performance-based services.

Base period of performance runs from January 28, 2027 through January 27, 2032. Each successful offeror will receive an annual Science Administration and Management task order with a minimum guaranteed amount of $2,500. Contractors must provide systems capable of supporting high volumes exceeding 10,000 pre-applications and 6,000 full applications across 30 or more research programs.

All Contractor personnel require Common Access Cards with a favorable T1 security investigation (minimum NACI), U.S. citizenship, and completion of mandatory Government training within 30 calendar days of onboarding. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 1 with self-assessment is required prior to award, with anticipated phased implementation of Level 2 during performance. Key personnel—Scientific Director, Scientific Review Manager, Consumer Reviewer Administrative Manager, and Program Support Coordinator—are non-substitutable for six months after award except under extreme circumstances.