How to bid on innovative solutions for Health Science Futures (HSF) at NIH

What the National Institutes of Health is buying

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking innovative research and development solutions for its Health Science Futures (HSF) mission. This initiative aims to overcome scientific and technological limitations in healthcare. They are looking for cutting-edge, often disease-agnostic projects that have the potential for real-world application and change.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation is open for submissions until March 3, 2029, at 11:59 PM ET. This extended deadline allows for a long-term submission window for innovative solutions. If you submit a solution summary, but have not yet submitted a proposal, your proposal will be evaluated under the current amendment.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is for firms involved in cutting-edge research and development, particularly those focused on health sciences and technology. The NIH is looking for projects that can expand what is technically possible in healthcare. Federal Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and government entities, including federal government employees, are not eligible to respond to this solicitation.

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 a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

Solution summaries must be submitted to the provided solutions portal. Questions should also be submitted through the designated portal. Proposal submissions are to be made via the solutions portal. Note that the option to submit proposals through Grants.gov has been removed, and you cannot submit a solution summary and proposal at the same time.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Given the focus on innovative solutions, clearly articulate the novelty and potential impact of your proposed research. Emphasize how your solution addresses scientific and technological limitations and its potential for translational real-world change. Ensure your proposal aligns with the Health Science Futures mission to expand what is technically possible in healthcare.

Pay close attention to the updated requirements, especially regarding document submission and evaluation criteria. The Task Description Document and Research Description Document will not be evaluated as part of the proposal evaluation process. Criterion 4 now includes “Budget Risk Analysis” instead of “Price Realism.” Ensure all required documents are included and that sans serif fonts are used for readability. If applicable, comply with NIH’s Genomic Data Sharing Policy.