Bid guide
How to bid on Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) for NIH
What the agency is buying
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking research proposals for its Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) program. This initiative focuses on developing solutions for brain injury repair. This is an "Other Transaction" award, which means it is not a traditional government contract.
This opportunity is for firms involved in advanced research and development related to neural structures and brain health. It offers a chance to contribute to cutting-edge medical science with potential for multiple awards.
Key dates and deadlines
This solicitation was published on July 02, 2026. There are two intake groups for submissions. For Intake Group 1, solution summaries are due by July 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET, with full proposals due by August 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.
For Intake Group 2, solution summaries are due by January 7, 2027, at 5:00 PM ET, with full proposals due by February 6, 2027, at 5:00 PM ET. The overall deadline for this opportunity is February 26, 2027, at 5:00 PM ET. No awards will be made based solely on solution summary submissions.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for small businesses and research organizations specializing in professional services related to medical research, neuroscience, biotechnology, and advanced healthcare solutions. Firms with expertise in brain injury, neural repair, and innovative therapeutic approaches will find this particularly relevant.
The "Other Transaction" award type often suits organizations that can bring novel approaches and technologies that might not fit standard procurement models.
How to respond
To access the full details of this opportunity, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link 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.
Once you have reviewed the Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) ARPA-H-SOL-26-148, you must submit a solution summary by the relevant deadline for either Intake Group 1 or Intake Group 2. This is a mandatory step before submitting a full proposal.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Given the nature of this research-focused "Other Transaction" award, emphasize innovation and the potential impact of your proposed solution. Clearly articulate the scientific merit and technical feasibility of your approach to brain injury repair. Highlight any unique methodologies, technologies, or expertise your team possesses.
Pay close attention to the specific criteria outlined in ISO Section 5.4.4 CRITERIA 4: ASSESSMENT OF PROPOSED COST/PRICE, as this was recently updated. Ensure your cost proposal is well-justified and aligns with the scope of work. For both the solution summary and the full proposal, be concise, clear, and directly address all requirements specified in the solicitation.
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 National Institutes of Health; the original posting controls.