How to bid on Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING) for NIH

What the agency is buying

The National Institutes of Health, through its Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H), is seeking innovative solutions for its Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING) program. This initiative aims to advance neurotechnology for hearing enhancement.

ARPA-H anticipates making multiple Other Transaction (OT) awards. This is an opportunity for firms with cutting-edge research and development capabilities in artificial intelligence and neurotechnology related to hearing.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on July 24, 2026. The deadline for proposal submissions is August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. A mandatory solution summary must be submitted before a full proposal, but no funding is provided for solution summaries.

Recent updates to the solicitation include the addition of a Gantt chart requirement, an increase in the threshold for backup documentation from $10,000 to $15,000, and clarifications to the program schedule and proposal review criteria.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is best suited for professional firms specializing in advanced research and development, particularly those with expertise in artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, and hearing enhancement solutions. Organizations capable of developing innovative, high-impact technologies in these areas will find this solicitation relevant.

A Proposers' Day event was held in Arlington, Virginia, to facilitate teaming and provide a deeper understanding of the HEARING Program. While the event has passed, the information shared there would be valuable for understanding the agency's focus.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation details, you need to view the original source on the portal. Click the provided link to open the opportunity. 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. However, for many bids, documents are accessible without an account. Remember that a solution summary is a mandatory first step before submitting a full proposal.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all amendments to the solicitation. The recent updates regarding the Gantt chart, increased backup documentation threshold, and clarified schedule and review criteria are critical for a compliant and competitive proposal.

Given the focus on 'innovative solutions' and 'Other Transaction' awards, emphasize the novelty and potential impact of your proposed neurotechnology. Clearly articulate how your solution addresses the core goals of the HEARING program.

Ensure your mandatory solution summary is concise and compelling, as it is a prerequisite for submitting a full proposal. Pay close attention to the clarified proposal review criteria to tailor your full proposal effectively.