Bid guide
How to bid on ASCENT-IBO for HHS
What HHS is buying and why it matters
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking information related to the Accelerating Safe Clinical Evaluation of Novel Treatments: Ibogaine for Better outcomes in OUD (ASCENT-IBO) initiative. This effort focuses on accelerating the safe clinical evaluation of ibogaine as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder.
This is an opportunity for professional services firms with expertise in clinical evaluation, drug development, or related fields to contribute to a significant public health challenge. Your input could help shape future solicitations and research directions.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Area of Interest was published on August 05, 2026. The deadline for responses is October 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. All submissions must be received by this time.
This notice also mentions details about a Proposers' Day event. Attending such events can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities before the final submission deadline.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for professional services firms, research organizations, and academic institutions with expertise in clinical trials, pharmacology, substance use disorder treatment, and regulatory affairs related to novel therapeutic agents. Firms with a strong background in drug development and FDA pathways for new treatments will find this particularly relevant.
The category for this opportunity is professional services, indicating a need for specialized knowledge and experience rather than general commodities or construction.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the full details of this opportunity, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the "View original source" link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required for every bid.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
When responding to an Area of Interest or Special Notice, focus on clearly articulating your organization's capabilities and relevant experience. Highlight specific projects or research that align with the stated goals of accelerating ibogaine's clinical evaluation for opioid use disorder.
Pay close attention to any specific questions or areas of interest outlined in the attached Special Notice ARPA-H-SN-26-158. Tailor your response to directly address these points. If a Proposers' Day event is mentioned, consider attending to gain a deeper understanding of the agency's objectives and to ask clarifying questions.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Health and Human Services, Department of; the original posting controls.