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 posted an Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) for the Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING) Program. This initiative seeks to develop a new class of minimally invasive, brain-connected hearing devices using AI neurotechnology to restore near-normal hearing. ARPA-H anticipates multiple Other Transaction (OT) awards. Full proposals are due August 14, 2026.
Scope of Work
The HEARING program aims to shift hearing restoration from an ear-only problem to a neurological one, engaging the brain's auditory cortex. The program is structured into three integrated Technical Areas (TAs):
- TA1: Intracortical Device(s): Develop minimally invasive neural interfaces for auditory cortical regions, suitable for chronic use without requiring surgical skull access.
- TA2: Dynamic Sound Modulator: An external, wearable hub for wireless power and communication with TA1 devices, adjusting sound in real-time based on neural signals.
- TA3: Auditory Read & Write Algorithms: Develop algorithms to decode listener intent from brain signals and control audio amplification or deliver restorative stimulation. The end deliverable is a fully integrated platform with a bidirectional brain-computer interface (BCI) system demonstrated in a first-in-human (FIH) trial.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Innovative Solutions Opening (Solicitation) leading to multiple Other Transaction (OT) Agreements.
- Period of Performance: Approximately 4.5 years, structured into three phases (Phase 1: R&D, 18 months; Phase 2: Pre-clinical, 24 months; Phase 3: Clinical, 12 months).
- Cost Sharing: Encouraged (Optional).
- Key Deadlines:
- Proposers' Day: June 8, 2026
- Q&A Due Date: June 15, 2026
- Solution Summaries Due Date: June 29, 2026
- Full Proposals Due Date: August 14, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals follow a two-step process: a mandatory Solution Summary submission, followed by a Full Proposal. Evaluation criteria, in descending order of importance, include: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Proposer's Capabilities and/or Related Experience, Potential Contribution to ARPA-H Mission and User Experience, and Assessment of Proposed Cost/Price.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Eligible Proposers: Universities, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and other than small businesses.
- Prohibitions: Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government entities are not permitted to respond as prime or sub-performers.
Additional Notes
Proposers are encouraged to attend the Proposers' Day event in Arlington, VA, to facilitate teaming and gain a deeper understanding of the HEARING Program. All proposals must address all three Technical Areas, and teams must include end-user, clinical, and regulatory expertise. Proposals must be led by a Principal Investigator (PI) under a single prime awardee.