BioStabilization Systems (BoSS)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), under the National Institutes of Health, is soliciting innovative solutions for its BioStabilization Systems (BoSS) program. This initiative aims to develop bioprocessing systems for scalable production and distribution of thermally stable cell-based therapies, eliminating the critical dependence on ultra-cold storage. The opportunity seeks both Performers and Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) partners.
Program Overview
The BoSS program addresses a foundational bottleneck in advanced cell and gene therapies (CGTs) by seeking to enable scalable production of thermally stable cells. This will facilitate efficient and resilient manufacturing and distribution of biologics without cold storage, impacting healthcare areas like bio-surveillance, regenerative medicine, and blood product supply.
Scope of Work
Proposals are required to address two technical areas:
- Technical Area 1 (TA1) - BioPrep: Focuses on developing methods to prepare, protect, and intervene in cells to allow them to endure and recover from biostabilization at room temperature, maintaining cellular health and integrity upon reanimation.
- Technical Area 2 (TA2) - Bioprocessing: Focuses on developing instruments and devices for the scaled deployment of biostabilization concepts, including technologies for aseptic handling and achieving biostabilization at ambient temperatures.
Contract Details
- Anticipated Awards: Multiple Other Transaction (OT) Agreements.
- Program Structure: A 4-year (48-month) effort divided into three phases: Phase 1 (15 months - proof-of-concept), Phase 2 (24 months - integrated capability demonstration), and Phase 3 (9 months - scaled solution development and industry transition).
- Eligibility: All responsible sources, including universities, non-profit organizations, and businesses of all sizes. Multi-party teaming arrangements are required. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and other Government entities are generally not permitted as Performers.
Submission & Evaluation
This is a two-step process involving a Solution Summary submission followed by a Solution Pitch presentation.
- Performer Solution Summary Due: February 19, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Performer Solution Pitch Due: March 26, 2026
- IV&V Partner Solution Summary Due: April 17, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- IV&V Solution Pitch Due: May 21, 2026
- Evaluation Criteria: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Proposer's Capabilities/Experience, Relevance to ARPA-H Mission/User Experience, and Proposed Cost/Price.
- Submission Site:
https://solutions.arpa-h.gov/Submit-Solution/
Amendments & Key Updates
- Amendment 4 (May 14, 2026): Extended the IV&V Solution Pitch deadline to May 21, 2026. It also updated Attachments 3A (Cost Proposal Narrative) and 4A (Cost Proposal Spreadsheet) specifically for IV&V partners, removing references to TA1/TA2. The deadline for IV&V Solution Summaries was NOT extended.
- Amendment 3: Amended Attachments 3 and 4, changing "lead organization" to "lead member" and updating instructions.
- Amendment 2: Clarified out-of-scope approaches, updated capability requirements, IV&V partner entity types, and reporting requirements.
Additional Information
Proposers must have an active registration in SAM.gov. For more program information, visit https://arpa-h.gov/explore-funding/programs/boss.