Sources Sought Novel and Enhanced Modalities for Optic Nerve Imaging

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Health Science Futures Mission Office is seeking information on novel and enhanced modalities for optic nerve imaging to support technology and research development activities, with responses due July 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.

ARPA-H seeks current and emerging technologies capable of single axon resolution imaging to track nerve growth along the optic nerve to the brain following optic nerve transection or whole eye transplantation. Priority areas include novel single axon resolution imaging modalities such as photoacoustic imaging and quantum diamond magnetic imaging that can travel to research sites or hospitals; enhanced MRI/PET technologies with novel tracers offering minimal toxicity and high resolution, transportable to transplant hospitals; imaging modalities capable of capturing the optic nerve, chiasm, optic tract, and early visual system targets in a single image; imaging technologies ready for human clinical trials within two years; and technologies differentiating native retinal ganglion cells from iPSC-derived RGCs at the transection site.

Responses must not exceed six pages, single-spaced, 12-point font with one-inch margins, and should address state-of-the-art capabilities, research gaps, and near-future directions with quantitative metrics and published literature references. Submission must include entity name, points of contact, CAGE code, Unique Entity ID, DUNS number, technical capabilities, RFP response intent (prime or subcontractor), subcontracting possibilities, at least two relevant contracts within the last 36 months, active U.S. Government contracts or vehicles, rough annual cost estimates with pricelist if available, and delivery timeline. NAICS 541715 applies. This is a voluntary sources sought notice only; responses will not be evaluated for contract award and do not constitute binding commitments.