How to bid on Biomedical and Human Performance Research and Development with DHA

What the agency is buying

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) is looking for research and development ideas in biomedical and human performance. This Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) seeks basic and applied research that can benefit both military and civilian medical practices and knowledge. They are interested in advancing the state-of-the-art and increasing understanding, rather than developing specific systems or hardware.

This is an opportunity for organizations with innovative research concepts in these fields to secure funding. The BAA is open for a five-year period, allowing for continuous submission of ideas.

Key dates and deadlines

This BAA is continuously open for submissions from August 1, 2023, through July 31, 2028, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Pre-proposals can be submitted at any time during this five-year period. If your pre-proposal is invited, full proposals can also be submitted under this BAA through July 31, 2028.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for organizations engaged in professional scientific study and experimentation, particularly those focused on basic and applied research in biomedical and human performance. Firms with expertise in advancing medical knowledge and understanding, rather than just developing specific products, will find this BAA relevant. It targets entities capable of conducting extramural research and development.

How to respond

To respond, you must first submit a pre-proposal through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP). Pre-proposals can be submitted at any time. If the USSOCOM is interested in your pre-proposal, you will receive an invitation via eBRAP to submit a full proposal. Full proposals must then be submitted through Grants.gov.

You can find the BAA and the "General Submission Instructions" document by searching for opportunity number HT9425-23-S-SOC1 on Grants.gov. You may need to create a free account to view documents.

Tips for a competitive response

Since this is a research and development solicitation, clearly articulate the scientific merit and potential impact of your proposed work. Emphasize how your research aligns with both military and civilian medical practice and knowledge. Highlight the novelty and feasibility of your approach.

Pay close attention to the instructions for both pre-proposal and full proposal submissions. Ensure your pre-proposal is concise and compelling enough to warrant an invitation for a full submission. For the full proposal, provide a detailed and well-structured plan, including your methodology, expected outcomes, and the qualifications of your team. Adhering strictly to all submission guidelines will be crucial.