Resources for Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Applications
About ARPA-H
The newly launched Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) supports transformative research to drive biomedical and health breakthroughs – ranging from molecular to societal – to provide transformative health solutions for all. A new component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ARPA-H is authorized with a budget of $1 billion for Fiscal Year 2023.
The agency works to advance high-potential, high-impact biomedical and health research that cannot be readily accomplished through traditional research or commercial activity.
This new agency released its first Broad Agency Announcement (request for proposals) on March 15, 2023. The proposal process differs from that typically utilized by the National Institutes of Health or other federal agencies and includes two phases: a 3-page abstract followed by a full proposal (if invited).
Open Funding Opportunities
- First Agency-wide Open BAA closes March 14, 2024
Program Updates
- New ARPA-H Biomedical Data Fabric Toolbox (BDA): Draft Solicitation
- Feedback on the draft solicitation is due by September 20, 2023 to MAIQuestions@arpa-h.gov. ARPA-H anticipates holding a virtual Proposers’ Day on September 27, 2023. A final solicitation will be posted on September 29, 2023.
Support and Resources for U-M Researchers
Support Teams
The Office of the Vice President for Research is working to aggregate and develop new resources to support teams from across the University of Michigan in their pursuit of ARPA-H funding by:
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- Disseminating timely information on ARPA-H opportunities
- Providing resources to support faculty in developing successful applications to ARPA-H
- Identifying program manager candidates from within the U-M research community
- Creating a network of faculty interested in ARPA-H funding
OVPR’s Office of Research Development can provide proposal management support, including timelines and task lists, drafting supporting documents, editing, and graphic design.
Coaching Programs
OVPR has recruited U-M faculty with strong track records of DARPA support and mentors-in-residence from Innovation Partnerships to serve as peer coaches for researchers seeking ARPA-H funding. There are two coaching options available, and U-M researchers able to apply for one or both:
- One-on-One Coaching
Coaches will provide ARPA-H applicants with guidance on developing and refining their application. Potential applicants are expected to submit to ARPA-H within six months of receiving coaching. - Workshop Coaching
Faculty who are interested in ARPA-H funding will have an opportunity to learn more about the ARPA-H proposal format. The workshop will cover what we know about ARPA-H, and give faculty tools to develop their research idea in the framework of the ARPA-(H)eilmeir Questions. We’ll also provide an orientation to the ongoing tools, templates and services OVPR is providing to faculty interested in pursuing ARPA-H funding.
Informational Sessions
- January 3 Research Seminar: Prepare to write successful new ARPA-H grants (jointly sponsored by the U-M College of Pharmacy and OVPR)
- February 16 OVPR Information Session about ARPA-H
- March 16 OVPR Information Session about ARPA-H
ARPA-H Programs
RECENTLY ANNOUNCED
Biomedical Data Fabric Toolbox
ARPA-H is seeking proposals to enhance the value extracted from biomedical research data
ARPA-H aims to advance next-generation software tools to synthesize and speed the use of health research data, with early use cases in cancer and a partnership with the National Cancer Institute.
Those interested in applying are encouraged to review the draft solicitation and provide feedback to MAIQuestions@arpa-h.gov by September 20, 2023. ARPA-H anticipates holding a virtual Proposers’ Day on September 27, 2023. A final solicitation will be posted on September 29, 2023.
ONGOING
Novel Innovations for Tissue Regeneration in Osteoarthritis
Novel Innovations for Tissue Regeneration in Osteoarthritis (NITRO) aims to address current issues surrounding osteoarthritis treatment by developing new ways of helping the human body repair its own joints. In particular, the program focuses on three technical areas: injectable bone regeneratives, injectable cartilage regeneratives, and replacement joints built from human cells.
Precision Surgical Interventions
Precision Surgical Interventions (PSI) aims to help all surgical procedures reach their intended goal with no errors and no need for re-operation. The program aims to develop solutions to two major surgical problems: tumor edge visualization and critical anatomy visualization.
Stay Informed
If you are interested in learning more about ARPA-H, please sign up for the OVPR ARPA-H Listserv.
Questions
If you are seeking assistance on an application, please contact ovpr-arpa-h@umich.edu, or Lisa Prosser, lisapros@umich.edu.