Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS)

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), a component of the National Institutes of Health, issued solicitation ARPA-H-SOL-26-148 for the Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) Exploratory Topic program. This initiative is categorized under NAICS 541715 for Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) and PSC AN13 for Health R&D Services, Health Care Services, and Experimental Development. The agency intends to issue multiple awards using Other Transaction award types to advance research in these fields. No set-aside has been designated for this procurement, and the primary place of performance is Washington, DC.

The application process is divided into two intake groups and requires a mandatory solution summary submission prior to a full proposal. For Intake Group 1, solution summaries are due by July 9, 2026, with full proposals due on August 6, 2026. Intake Group 2 requires solution summaries by January 7, 2027, and full proposals by February 6, 2027. While a solution summary is a prerequisite for submission, no awards or funding are provided as a result of the summary phase alone. The final response deadline for the solicitation is February 26, 2027.

Project documentation includes eight attachments such as the Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) instructions, an Other Transaction bundle, and dedicated submission portals for solution summaries and full proposals. Additional resources provided include registration details for Q&A sessions and specific documentation regarding the BRAINS Exploratory Topic. The BRAINS Team serves as the central point of contact for this solicitation.