Bid guide
How to bid on Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) for NIH
What the NIH is buying and why it matters
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is seeking research proposals for its Brain Repair of Any Injured Neural Structure (BRAINS) program. This initiative aims to fund projects focused on repairing injured brain and nerve tissue. This is an opportunity for organizations to contribute to cutting-edge medical research with the potential for multiple awards.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
A virtual Proposers' Day was held on June 9, 2026, to provide more information about the BRAINS program. A recording of this event will be available. The deadline for submitting a mandatory solution summary is February 06, 2027, at 5:00 PM ET. No awards or funding will be provided based solely on the submission of these summaries. They are a required step to be considered for future funding opportunities under this program.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for professional research organizations, academic institutions, and companies specializing in neuroscience, regenerative medicine, or related fields. Firms with expertise in brain and nerve tissue repair, and those capable of conducting advanced research, will find this program relevant. The category for this solicitation is professional services.
How to respond
To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. 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 to view all documents, though this is not always required. Interested parties must review the BRAINS Special Notice ARPA-H-SN-26-153 and Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) ARPA-H-SOL-26-148. A solution summary is a mandatory submission to be considered for a proposal.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Since a solution summary is mandatory, focus on clearly articulating your proposed approach to brain and nerve tissue repair. Highlight your organization's unique capabilities, relevant past research, and the potential impact of your solution. Ensure your summary directly addresses the goals of the BRAINS program as outlined in the Special Notice and ISO documents. Pay close attention to all instructions for the solution summary submission to ensure compliance.
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.