Resuscitation and Prevention of Ischemia-Induced Dysfunction (RAPIID) - TA1/TA2

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation, DARPA-PS-26-124, from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Biological Technologies Office (BTO) seeks proposals for the Resuscitation and Prevention of Ischemia-Induced Dysfunction (RAPIID) program. The program aims to develop a far-forward, shelf-stable, scalable capability that is equivalent or superior to stored whole blood for early resuscitation, reducing reliance on cold chain and donor logistics. This will be achieved by developing a blood analog system (BAS) comprising blood analog components, delivery formats, point-of-care diagnostics, and clinical practice guidelines. The goal is to advance technologies to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 for components and TRL 8 for devices/diagnostics, enabling potential use by FY 2029.

This solicitation requests proposals for Phase 1 ONLY of the following Task Areas (TAs):

• TA-1: Individual Blood Analog Components: Development of shelf-stable components such as oxygen carriers, platelet-derived products, or dried plasma. Proposals for oxygen carriers or platelet-like particles must also include a TA-2 detection technology.

• TA-2: Blood Analog System (BAS) Fielding Technologies: Development of delivery formats and point-of-care diagnostics for far-forward use, supporting transfusion decisions and analyzing blood analog effects.

• Type of Instrument: Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype.

• Period of Performance: Phase 1 is 12 months (Months 1-12). Phase 2 is an option for 24 months (Months 13-36).

• Questions Due Date: June 3, 2026, 4:00 PM ET.

• Proposal Due Date: June 24, 2026, 4:00 PM ET.

• Submission: Full proposals required, following instructions in Section 5.2.

• Evaluation Criteria: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to DARPA Mission, and Cost and Schedule Realism.

• Eligible applicants include large and small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, and research institutions. FFRDCs, UARCs, and Government Entities are not eligible.

• Organizations awarded funding for TA-1/TA-2 are NOT eligible for TA-3/TA-4 awards, and vice versa, to maintain independence.

• Information on Phase 2 (TA-3 and TA-4) is provided for context but is not covered by this solicitation.

• Proposals must address either TA-1 or TA-2, with a specific exception for oxygen carrier/platelet-like particle proposals requiring a TA-2 component.

• Proposers must have a Unique Identity ID and be registered in SAM.gov.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide for the Resuscitation and Prevention of Ischemia-Induced Dysfunction (RAPIID) program. Its purpose is to ensure the protection of RAPIID information in accordance with DoD directives and NIST requirements.

• Scope: Applies to information, material, and processes generated by the RAPIID program.
• CUI Categories: Identifies categories such as Privacy (PII), Military Personnel Records, and Operations Security Information (OPSEC).
• FOIA Exemptions: Outlines relevant exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), particularly Exemption 6 (Privacy) and Exemption 4 (Trade Secrets/Commercial Information).
• Protection Requirements: Mandates storage and processing of RAPIID CUI in accordance with DODI 5200.48 and DFARS 252.204-7012.
• Reporting: Details procedures for reporting unauthorized disclosures and data breaches.
• Guidance Charts: Provides tables to assist in identifying sensitive information, relevant markings, and dissemination controls, including specific guidance for physical blood samples and raw/processed data.
• Definitions: Includes definitions for key terms such as 'de-identified samples,' 'pre-processed data,' and 'processed data.'

This guide is crucial for potential bidders to understand the handling, protection, and disclosure requirements for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) related to the RAPIID program. Compliance with these CUI guidelines, including storage, processing, and reporting protocols, will be a critical aspect of any contract awarded under this program. Bidders must familiarize themselves with the types of information classified as CUI and the specific protection measures required to ensure compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a spreadsheet intended for bidders to detail their proposed schedule of milestones and payments for Technical Area 1 (TA-1) and/or Technical Area 2 (TA-2) of the RAPIID program. It requires bidders to align their proposed milestones, due dates, deliverables, and payments with the Task Description Document (Attachment E).

• Instructions Sheet: Provides guidance on completing the spreadsheet, including the use of black text for required items, blue text for edits to required items, and red text for newly added proposer milestones. It clarifies that "ACA" means "After Contract Award" and highlights sections not to be filled by proposers.
• TA-1 Milestone Schedule: Contains pre-populated minimal milestones and deliverables based on Section 2.3 of the Program Solicitation. Bidders must add their own milestones and deliverables as needed. Key milestones include various meetings (kick-off, monthly, annual), reports (monthly, annual, final), site visits, and specific TA-1 deliverables such as FDA meeting requests, protocol submissions, design reviews, and IND-enabling studies reports, with associated due dates (ACA).
• TA-2 Milestone Schedule: Similar to TA-1, it includes pre-populated program meetings and deliverables. Bidders must propose their own additional milestones. Key TA-2 milestones include coordination plans with TA-3 and TA-4, conceptual design review, interim progress updates, and critical design review, with associated due dates (ACA).

This attachment is critical for proposal development. Bidders must use it to outline their technical approach, project timeline, and associated costs. It requires careful alignment with the Program Solicitation and other attachments (Volume II - Attachment B, Cost Proposal Spreadsheet - Attachment C, and Attachment E) to ensure a compliant and competitive proposal. The detailed milestone and deliverable schedules will form a key part of the awarded contract.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Task Description Document (TDD) template, required as Attachment E for the RAPIID TA-1 and/or TA-2 opportunity. For an Other Transaction (OT), the TDD is binding and details the specific work to be accomplished in the project. It should break down the proposed research plan into tasks and subtasks, outlining objectives, metrics, milestones, and deliverables.

• Objective: A general description of the project's goal.
• Tasks/Subtasks: Detailed breakdown of the work to be performed.
  • For each task/subtask, include:
    • General objective description.
    • Detailed approach.
    • Identification of human subjects/animal involvement.
    • Identification of on-campus performance at a university.
    • Primary organization responsible for execution.
    • Measurable milestones (metrics, deliverables, demonstrations).
    • Definition of all deliverables (data, reports, software).
• Example Table: Provides a structured format for detailing tasks, leads, support, locations, descriptions, milestones, and deliverables.

Bidders must use this template to detail their proposed research plan. It requires a clear, structured breakdown of all technical work, including objectives, methodologies, responsible parties, and measurable outcomes. This document is crucial for demonstrating the feasibility and technical approach of the proposed effort and will be binding if selected for an OT. It should align with the Schedule of Milestones and Payments (Attachment F).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a model "Other Transaction" (OT) agreement template that DARPA intends to use for prototype awards. It outlines the general terms and conditions that may be included in future awards. Proposers are encouraged to suggest edits for DARPA's consideration by providing a copy of the model OT with track changes as part of their proposal package. Proposed changes will not be evaluated, but rationale for non-administrative edits is required.

• Agreement Structure: Defines the agreement between the Government (DARPA) and the Performer, including key details like Agreement Number, Purchase Requisition Number, Total Amount, Funds Obligated, Authority (10 U.S.C. § 4022), and Effective Date.
• Articles: Covers essential contractual elements such as Scope of Agreement, Term, Management, Obligation and Payment, Disputes, Patent Rights, Data Rights, Foreign Access to Technology, Safeguarding Covered Defense Information, Follow-On Production Contracts, Title to Property, Civil Rights Act, Public Release, Order of Precedence, Execution, and Prohibition on Contracting for Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment.
• Attachments: References critical supporting documents including Task Description Document (TDD), Report Requirements, Schedule of Milestones and Payments, AOR Appointment Memo, Certifications, Property/Equipment, and Associate Performer Agreement.
• Definitions: Provides specific definitions for terms used throughout the agreement, such as "Agreement," "Background RAPIID Technology," "Data," "Government Purpose Rights," "Performer," "RAPIID Technology," and "Subject Invention."

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it provides a clear understanding of the contractual framework and standard terms DARPA anticipates using for Other Transactions. It highlights key areas such as intellectual property rights (patent and data rights), reporting requirements, foreign access controls, and property disposition. Bidders should review this model agreement carefully to understand potential obligations and to formulate any proposed modifications with supporting rationale.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet template designed for proposers to submit detailed cost proposals. It assists the government in reviewing and evaluating proposed costs across various categories and performance periods (Base and Options).

• Proposer Information: Requires the proposer's name, CAGE code, and proposal ID.
• Cost Breakdown: Includes sections for Direct Labor, Fringe Benefits, Labor Overhead, Subcontracts, Consultants, Other Direct Costs (Materials, Equipment, Travel, etc.), Material Handling, G&A, and Cost of Money.
• Period of Performance: Allows for cost entry across Base and up to five Option periods (O-I through O-V).
• Task-Level Detail: Requires a breakdown of costs by task identified in the Statement of Work.
• Instructions: Provides guidance on filling out yellow cells, not deleting rows/columns, and linking costs across different sheets.
• Rate Information: Requires input for labor rates, fringe benefits, overhead, and G&A rates, with specific tabs for Labor Rates and Indirect Rates.

This spreadsheet is critical for bidders to accurately detail their proposed costs. It outlines the required format and categories for cost submissions, ensuring consistency and facilitating government evaluation. Bidders must carefully populate all relevant sections, ensuring that costs are fully supported and align with the solicitation's requirements and the technical proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Attachment B, is a mandatory Cost Proposal template for all RAPIID Phase 1 and/or TA-2 proposal submissions. It requires proposers to detail all cost components for RAPIID Phase 1.

• Format Requirements: English language, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, single-spaced, 11-point Calibri font (9-point for captions). Submissions must be in .pdf, .odx, .doc, .docx, .ppt, .pptx, .xls, or .xlsx formats.
• Mandatory Spreadsheet: Proposers must use Attachment C: DARPA Standard Cost Proposal Spreadsheet, ensuring all tabs and formulas are editable and intact.
• Content Requirements: Includes a Cover Sheet, Cost Summary (max 1 page), detailed cost breakdowns for Prime and Subawardees (Labor, Indirect Costs, Materials & Supplies, Equipment, Travel, ODCs, Cost Sharing, Consultant Costs), Rate Agreements, and specific requirements for Other Transaction for Prototypes (OTPs).
• Traceability: Costs must be traceable between prime and subawardees, and across multiple attachments (Cost Proposal, Spreadsheet, TDD, Schedule of Milestones).
• Subawardee Submissions: Prime proposer is responsible for compiling non-proprietary subawardee cost proposals. Proprietary proposals can be submitted separately.

This attachment is critical for bidders to understand the specific cost proposal structure, content requirements, and formatting necessary for a compliant submission to the RAPIID TA-1 and TA-2 opportunity. Failure to adhere to the prescribed format may result in the proposal not being reviewed. It emphasizes the need for detailed cost justification, traceability, and the use of provided templates for efficient evaluation and negotiation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the mandatory Technical and Management Proposal (TMP) template for all TA-1 and TA-2 proposal submissions to DARPA-PS-26-124. It outlines the required components and formatting for proposals.

• Formatting Requirements: English language, 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins, single-spaced, size 11 Calibri font (size 9 for captions), .pdf, .doc, .docx, or .odx formats.
• Page Limits: TMPs for TA-1 or TA-2 only: max 8 pages. TMPs for TA-1 and TA-2: max 12 pages. Page limits exclude Cover Sheet, Technical figures/tables/charts, and TMP Sections 1, 5-11. Sections 2-4 are included in the page limit.
• Content Sections: Includes Cover Sheet, Technical Assessment, Technical Approach, Technical Ability, Team Member Identification, Organizational Conflict of Interest Affirmations, Novelty of Proposed Work, Determination of Process Improvements, Representations and Certifications, Intellectual Property (IP), and an optional Appendix.
• Submission Instructions: Proposals must be submitted via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) by the due date specified in Section 5 of the PS.

This template is critical for bidders to understand the structure, content requirements, page limitations, and submission process for their proposals. Adherence to the format is mandatory for review. It details specific information required for technical assessments, management plans, team composition, IP assertions, and conflict of interest disclosures.