Submission Resources and FAQs
Unlike most funding agencies, ARPA-H does not just provide grants to support research. Instead, we also employ a range of alternative mechanisms, including other transactions and cooperative agreements. This page is to help prospective research performers better understand the ARPA-H funding award process. We have included a list of useful resources, templates, and links to help applicants move seamlessly from initial submission to final awarded agreement. For more information about other transactions, see our OT Community.
Our Funding Award Process
Planning and Initiation ARPA-H identifies a broad research focus area or launches a specific research program | Solicitation ARPA-H releases solicitations, usually in the form of an Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) | Evaluation and Selection Proposers submit solution summaries or full proposals and ARPA-H provides feedback | Negotiation and Award(s) ARPA-H makes awards to submitter(s) after negotiating terms and conditions | Performance Performers execute tasks and receive payment per agreement milestones and payment terms | Completion and Closeout When the research is done, ARPA-H closes the agreement but provides ongoing product support |
Common Terms and Definitions
Innovative Solution Opening (ISO): ARPA-H’s unique solicitation instrument, which can either be in the form of a Program-Specific or Mission Office ISO.
- Program-Specific ISOs are used to solicit potential solutions for specific ARPA-H programs.
- Mission Office ISOs are used to solicit potential solutions that fall within a mission office area of research interest but may not be addressed by any specific ARPA-H program.
Solution Summary: A short concept summary document that potential proposers can submit to ARPA-H via an ISO prior to investing resources for a full proposal submission. ARPA-H will provide a response on the viability of and interest in the concept based on this information. Not all ISOs request or require solutions summaries so submitters should read the ISO carefully.
Proposal: A full application for a new or innovative idea submitted in response to an ARPA-H ISO. ARPA-H will use this document to make a final decision about whether or not to fund the proposed research.
Program: A collective set of research projects and activities funded by ARPA-H that focuses on a specific problem or challenge, is managed by a Program Manager, and aligns with agency’s wider R&D goals.
Other Transaction: An R&D award vehicle governed by 42 U.S.C. 290c (g)(1)(D) that is not a procurement contract (subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulations), or assistance award vehicle, such as a grant or cooperative agreement (subject to the Grant and Cooperative Agreement regulations).
Cooperative Agreement: A type of federal financial assistance vehicle to transfer something of value to carry out a public purpose and not to acquire property or services (substantial involvement on the part of ARPA-H is expected).
Doing Business with ARPA-H
ARPA-H held its first “Doing Business With ARPA-H” Industry Day event on November 13, 2024. The event highlighted ARPA-H’s mission, primary focus areas, unique R&D authorities, and means for interested entities to identify and complete submissions in response to funding opportunities. Key presenters included ARPA-H’s Director, HHS’ Senior Procurement Executive, ARPA-H’s Head of Contracting Activity, and various ARPA-H Program Managers with active opportunities for new submissions. Check out the presentation content from the event below. ARPA-H plans to host a similar event in 2025.
- Main Overview of ARPA-H
- Accelerating Program Transition
- Affordability and Accessibility
- Engaging with FFRDCs and Government Entities
- Intellectual Property Approach
- International Cooperation
- Other Transaction Benefits
- Payable Milestones
- Teaming
- You Received an Award - what's next
- All DBWA Sessions
Samples, Templates, and Links
Samples and Templates
Other Transaction Agreement Sample: This sample allows potential performers to view an OT agreement with articles and language that may be used by ARPA-H. NOTE: Included articles and language may vary depending on the program/project/effort and negotiations with performers.
Consolidated Cooperative Agreement Terms and Conditions: This template shares terms and conditions (T&Cs) that may be included in a cooperative agreement awarded by ARPA-H. NOTE: Final T&Cs may vary depending on the program/project/effort, and any draft cooperative agreement should be carefully reviewed by potential performers prior to signature.
Administrative and National Policy Template: This template outlines information, including intellectual property assertions and organizational conflicts of interest disclosure templates, that ARPA-H may request potential performers to complete and provide as part of a full proposal submission. Each ISO will specify whether the template is required as part of the proposal package.
Mission Office ISO Solution Summary Cover Page Template: This template assists submitters complete a cover page for solution summaries for ARPA-H Mission Office ISOs.
Links
ARPA-H's Solution Submission Portal: ARPA-H’s solution site, the preferred area for potential performers to submit solution summaries and full proposals in response to ISOs.
SAM.gov: Government site for potential performers to register or renew a unique entity identifier (UEI).
Grants.gov Forms: Government site for potential performers to access federal forms associated with federal financial assistance instrument application packages.
Authorities
Per 42 U.S.C. 290c, ARPA-H has the authority to award other transactions (OTs), cooperative agreements, grants, contracts, and cash prizes; however, ARPA-H primarily leverages OTs and Cooperative Agreements for R&D efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
ARPA-H advances high-potential and high-impact health research that cannot be readily accomplished through traditional research or commercial activities. The agency’s goal is to transition research into real-world applications that are affordable and available to all. ARPA-H uses ISOs, a unique solicitation instrument and process, for its research and development (R&D) efforts. Additionally, ARPA-H is not a grant-making organization and will primarily use Other Transactions and Cooperative Agreements for R&D awards. ARPA-H’s Program Managers remain involved in projects and activities throughout the life of the program to measure and evaluate project performance to ensure the best solutions advance.