DRAFT Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) ARPA-H Rare disease AI/ML for Precision Integrated Diagnostics (RAPID)

The Department of Health and Human Services' National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking proposals for the Rare Disease AI/ML for Precision Integrated Diagnostics (RAPID) program through an Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO). This draft solicitation aims to accelerate rare disease diagnosis through large-scale data curation and artificial intelligence/machine learning diagnostic models. The program consists of three technical areas: developing massive-scale rare disease datasets, discovering novel diagnostic indicators, and creating a sustainable AI diagnostic development platform. Proposers must submit solution summaries by February 14, 2025, with final proposals due on April 11, 2025. Key dates include a Proposers' Day on January 23, 2025, and final questions due by February 4, 2025.

Eligible entities for this contract include universities, non-profits, small businesses, and large businesses, with federal FFRDCs and government entities explicitly prohibited from participating. The program will be conducted over two phases: a 21-month base period followed by a 33-month option period, with multiple Other Transaction Agreement awards anticipated. Performers will be required to collaborate with Patient Experience (PX) Partners, who will be selected through a separate process. While no specific budget ceiling is established, cost sharing may be requested. The solicitation falls under the NAICS category of Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences and is classified under the PSC category of Health R&D Services, signaling the program's focus on cutting-edge medical research and technological innovation in rare disease diagnostics.