Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING)
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) has issued a Special Notice for the Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING) Program. This notice announces a Proposers' Day event to inform potential bidders about the program's goals and facilitate teaming for the forthcoming Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO). ARPA-H anticipates multiple awards using Other Transaction Award types. The Special Notice response date is August 14, 2026.
Program Purpose & Scope
The HEARING program aims to develop a novel hearing-assistive platform that directly engages the brain's hearing centers to improve hearing in complex environments. This involves creating a closed-loop system for hearing loss by targeting the auditory cortex, enabling safe access, capturing brain signals, and filling in missing sound information.
Key Technical Areas (TAs) include:
- TA1: Intracortical Device(s) for minimally invasive neural interfaces.
- TA2: Dynamic Sound Modulator (wearable device) acting as a central hub.
- TA3: Auditory Read & Write Algorithm for brain-computer interfaces.
Proposers' Day Details
- Date: June 8, 2026
- Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid event)
- Purpose: To inform the scientific community about the program's technical areas, goals, and the structure of the forthcoming ISO, and to facilitate teaming among potential proposers.
- Activities: Overview presentations, Q&A session, poster session, and virtual teaming profiles.
- Registration: Required via https://solutions.arpa-h.gov/HEARING. Registration opens May 7, 2026, and closes June 3, 2026, for in-person attendance, and June 5, 2026, for virtual attendance.
- Optional Deliverables: Physical poster, 3-minute lightning talk (in-person), and a "teaming profile."
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Opportunity Type: Special Notice
- Anticipated Award Type: Other Transaction Award (multiple awards expected)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Special Notice Response Date: August 14, 2026
- Published Date: May 8, 2026
Additional Notes
Attendance at the Proposers' Day is optional and not a prerequisite for future submissions. This Special Notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation. The Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) for the HEARING program is anticipated to follow this event. For inquiries, contact the HEARING Team at HEARING@ARPA-H.GOV.