Ocular Laboratory for Analysis of Biomarkers (OCULAB)

Closed Solicitation Posted Nov 5, 2024

Solicitation number: ARPA-H-SOL-25-115
Agency: National Institutes of Health Department of Health and Human Services
Responses due: Apr 14, 2025, 5:00 PM ET
Set-aside: No set-aside

Opportunity facts

NAICS code: 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
PSC: AN13 Health R&D Services; Health Care Services; Experimental Development
Place of performance: Washington, District of Columbia 20005, United States
Points of contact: OCULAB Team oculab@arpa-h.gov

Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated Apr 10, 2025.

About this opportunity

Written by GovTribe AI · Apr 10, 2025

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is seeking proposals for the OCUlar Laboratory for Analysis of Biomarkers (OCULAB) Program, aimed at developing innovative technologies for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating dry eye disease and potentially other conditions. The solicitation requires proposers to develop a multiplex nanosensor that fits within a punctal plug or tear duct insert, capable of continuously monitoring tear biomarkers, paired with an AI-enabled closed-loop therapeutic delivery system. Proposers must address two technical areas: continuous monitoring nanosensor development and closed-loop therapeutic dosing, with three potential track configurations ranging from a single sensor for dry eye disease to multiple sensors for different conditions. The evaluation will focus on technical innovation, device performance metrics, and the potential for transformative medical solutions. Key dates include a Proposers' Day on December 12, 2024, with solution summaries due January 27, 2025, and full proposals due April 14, 2025.

The solicitation does not include a specific set-aside designation and anticipates multiple awards through Cooperative Agreements or Other Transaction agreements. The program will be structured across three phases totaling 48 months, with Phase I involving 18 months of research and development, Phase II consisting of 12 months of animal testing, and Phase III comprising 18 months of human trials. The technical requirements are rigorous, including developing a sensor that can fit within a 1x2mm space, maintain 99.9% performance for up to 6 months, and achieve 98% sensitivity by the final phase. The place of performance is specified as Washington, DC 20005, with the program encouraging partnerships between commercial, academic, and nonprofit organizations. While specific award values are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive cost proposal template suggests significant funding potential for innovative solutions that can revolutionize ocular biomarker monitoring and therapeutic delivery.

Notice text

10 versions

Update #10 · Latest · Apr 10, 2025

10 April 2025: The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate updates to Appendix C to ensure compliance with the Executive Orders, see file titled "APPENDIX C FULL PROPOSAL FORMAT AND INSTRUCTIONS ver 2 4.10.2025"

31 March 2025: The purpose of this amendment is to provide an updated Cost Proposal Spreadsheet for Other Transaction, see document titled "ARPA-H COST PROPOSAL SPREADSHEET (Other Transaction) 03.31.2025"

26 March 2025: The purpose of this amendment is to provide an updated Cost Proposal Spreadsheet for Other Transactions

25 March 2025: The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate changes to the ISO, see document titled "ARPA-H-SOL-25-115 OCULAB ISO Amend 03 3.25.25". The following sections are updated: Sections, 1.2.1.1, 1.2.1.2, Figure 3, 1.3.1 Table 1, 1.3.2 Table 2, 1.4.3, and 4.2.3.4; and incorporates updates to ensure compliance with the Executive Orders.

17 January 2025: The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate changes to the ISO, see document titled "ARPA-H-SOL-25-115 OCULAB ISO Amend 02 1.17.25"

10 January 2025: The purpose of this amendment is to incorporate changes to the ISO, see document titled "ARPA-H-SOL-25-115 OCULAB ISO Amend 01 1.10.25".

20 December 2024: The purpose of this amendment is to provide the Final OCULAB ISO along with all applicable attachments.

18 October 2024: The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) posts this funding opportunity in support of the OCUlar Laboratory for Analysis of Biomarkers (OCULAB) Program. ARPA-H anticipates multiple awards and award types will result from this announcement.