Skip to main contentPsst! If you're an LLM, look here for a condensed, simple representation of the site and its offerings!

LiveFree Webinar — Wednesday, July 8 at 2:00 PM EDT

Register Free →
logo
Get CLEATUSFree Trial

BRAIN Initiative: Development and Validation of Novel Tools and New Approaches for Neuroscience Research

Active
Grant

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

AI Contract Overview

Show more

The BRAIN Initiative is preparing to issue a funding opportunity to support the development of innovative tools and approaches for interrogating cell-specific and circuit-specific processes in the central nervous system, consolidating three existing tool development programs into one unified solicitation. The initiative seeks transformative technologies that enhance the ability to map and monitor anatomical and functional connections within the brain, with emphasis on improving selectivity, sensitivity, and spatiotemporal resolution. This includes novel genetic and non-genetic methods for delivering molecules to specific cells, advanced sensors and tracers for imaging neural activity, and new techniques for recording and modulating neural circuits using optical, electrical, magnetic, or acoustic modalities. The scope also extends to capturing intracellular signaling and the role of non-neuronal cells in circuit function, aiming to deepen understanding of brain architecture and dynamics. Projects at all stages of development are eligible, from early conceptual ideas to optimization of existing platforms with high potential for broad adoption, with strong preference given to approaches that overcome current technical barriers and significantly advance the field. The funding opportunity will use the RP1 activity code and is currently in a forecast phase, with no applications being accepted at this time. The notice serves to provide researchers with advance notice to build collaborations and refine project proposals. The National Institutes of Health, under the Department of Health and Human Services, is the administering agency, and inquiries should be directed to the BRAIN Initiative contact at braintools@nih.gov. The anticipated posting date for the formal solicitation is June 24, 2026.

General Info

BRAIN Initiative to fund transformative tools for mapping and monitoring brain circuits with enhanced selectivity and resolution.

Agency

Department Of Health And Human Services → National Institutes Of HealthView Agency

NAICS

541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) View NAICS

Place of Performance

Not specified

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

(0)

No documents available

AI Contract Breakdown

Uniform Contract Format

No contract breakdown available.

Cannot generate Contract Breakdown because no documents were found from this contract's source.

Timeline

Posted

forecast

Ready to pursue this opportunity?

Start your free trial to track this contract, build proposals with AI assistance, and manage your pipeline.

Organization & Contact Information

Show more
AgencyDepartment Of Health And Human Services → National Institutes Of Health
Contacts1 person available
OfficeUS
Organization / Agency
Department Of Health And Human Services → National Institutes Of Health
View Agency Profile
Office AddressUS
Contacts
BRAIN Initiative
contact@example.gov

Full Description

Show more

The Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to solicit applications for research to develop novel tools and approaches that enable the interrogation of cell-specific and circuit-specific processes in the central nervous system. This NOFO consolidates  three current BRAIN Initiative tool development programs.

Projects that focus on developing a broad range of new research tools to delineate anatomical and functional connections between cells and circuits, and to expand our knowledge of brain architecture and function are encouraged, such as projects that:

  1. Develop novel tools to characterize/define cell-types, circuits, and cellular components in the nervous system with greater selectivity and sensitivity, including:
    • new genetic or non-genetic technologies/approaches (for delivering genes, proteins, and chemicals to access and/or manipulate cells of interest)
    • novel sensors or tracers for imaging or monitoring molecules, structures, and activities within single cells and circuits with significant advances in sensitivity, selectivity, or spatiotemporal resolution
  2. Develop new technologies and novel approaches for recording and modulation of neural cells and circuits, including:
    • approaches to address major challenges and enable transformative understanding of dynamic signaling in the central nervous system
    • approaches that utilize any modality, such as optical, electrical, magnetic, or acoustic recording/manipulation
    • approaches to target neuronal electrical signals or other forms of neural activity, including intracellular signaling and engagement of non-neuronal cells in circuit function.

Projects at broad stages of development are supported, from unique and innovative technologies that are in the earliest stage of development (including new and untested ideas that are in the initial stages of conceptualization) through the optimization of existing instrumentation with transformative potential in order to facilitate broad adoption. Applications that offer transformative approaches that break through existing technical barriers and substantially improve current capabilities are strongly encouraged. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. This NOFO will utilize the RP1 activity code. 

Similar Contracts

NAICS: 541715
New
Federal
Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering and Test (COMET) Follow-On ContractThe COMET Follow-On Contract supports a broad range of engineering, ground system development, spacecraft processing, and launch, landing, and recovery operations critical to NASA’s Exploration Systems Development programs including Exploration Ground Systems, the Space Launch System, and the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. It encompasses end-to-end capabilities for preparing and managing flight hardware at Kennedy Space Center, ensuring mission readiness for crewed and uncrewed deep space missions. The contract also extends its support to the International Space Station Program and the Launch Services Program, facilitating integrated operations across multiple high-priority NASA initiatives as well as commercial partnerships and collaborative ventures at the KSC facility. This contract is positioned as a forecast opportunity with a NAICS code of 541715, indicating its focus on research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. Performance will occur at Kennedy Space Center, though the precise location is listed as TBD, reflecting the evolving nature of infrastructure planning. The Point of Contact for the opportunity is Nicholas Reinert, with Natalie Colvin serving as the Small Business Specialist, ensuring accessibility for diverse vendors. The contract is anticipated to be awarded following the posted forecast date of October 1, 2031, and will likely serve as a critical enabler for the next phase of U.S. space exploration activities involving sustainable lunar missions, deep space transit, and advanced ground infrastructure development.
Kennedy Space Center

POSTED

in over 5 years

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 541715
New
Federal
FILMSS (Fully Integrated Lifecycle Mission Support Services) 3FILMSS 3 is a contract issued by NASA’s Ames Research Center to deliver comprehensive program, science, engineering, operations, and project management support across a broad spectrum of mission-critical initiatives. The contract encompasses biosciences flight development projects including mission implementation, instrument development, and technology advancement, as well as collaborative science programs such as astrobiology and virtual institutes. It also supports aeronautics research projects and various internal Ames offices, ensuring seamless integration of technical expertise and operational efficiency throughout the lifecycle of these efforts. Additionally, the contract provides specialized technical and professional services tailored to Ames Mission Support functions, enabling the center to advance its scientific and aeronautical objectives. The contract falls under NAICS code 541715 and is forecasted for release with a posted date of April 1, 2029. Primary point of contact for inquiries is Arlene D. Schwartz, with Robert E. Watts designated as the Small Business Specialist. Performance will be centered at Moffett Field, where the full scope of activities will be executed. Although the solicitation number and set-aside details are not specified, the contract is structured to facilitate robust support for NASA’s strategic priorities through integrated lifecycle services, with emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and mission readiness.
Ames Research Center

POSTED

in almost 3 years

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 541715
New
Federal
Aeronautics and Spaceflight Systems Engineering Support Services (ASSESS) IIThe Aeronautics and Spaceflight Systems Engineering Support Services II contract is designed to advance NASA’s mission by enabling cutting-edge research and technology development across aeronautics and spaceflight systems. It focuses on supporting scientific inquiry, engineering design, analysis, and development activities that push the boundaries of current capabilities, with particular emphasis on increasing the technology readiness level of emerging systems critical to future NASA missions. The scope includes the implementation of technology programs, test operations, systems analysis, conceptual design, and comprehensive program and project management support to ensure seamless integration and execution of complex aerospace initiatives. Work under this contract will be conducted primarily at NASA’s Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, with the primary focus on sustaining and enhancing the agency’s technical infrastructure and innovation pipeline. The contract supports a broad spectrum of technical disciplines essential to the development of next-generation aircraft and spacecraft, ensuring alignment with evolving mission objectives. Point of contact for inquiries is Mary E. Livingston, with Robert E. Watts serving as the Small Business Specialist, reflecting a commitment to broad participation. The contract falls under NAICS code 541715 and is forecasted for release in 2029, positioning it as a strategic vehicle for long-term R&D collaboration with industry and academic partners.
Ames Research Center

POSTED

in almost 3 years

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 541715
New
Federal
Marshall Engineering Technicians and Trades Support (METTS) IVThe METTS IV contract provides comprehensive engineering technician and trades support services to the Marshall Space Flight Center, specifically supporting the Engineering Directorate, Facilities Management Office, and various other programs and projects across the center. The contractor is responsible for delivering a broad range of technical services that span multiple disciplines and are critical to the successful execution of NASA’s mission-critical activities at Huntsville. This includes hands-on technical work, system maintenance, fabrication, testing, and other specialist trades, all performed in alignment with the detailed requirements outlined in the Performance Work Statement. The contractor must also ensure effective management and oversight to guarantee compliance with performance standards, schedule adherence, and quality control across all assigned tasks. All work is conducted at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, and the contract is categorized under NAICS code 541715 for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences. Point of contact for program inquiries is Myron H. Tapscott, while Danielle R. Barnes serves as the Small Business Specialist, indicating an emphasis on small business participation. The forecasted posting date is October 1, 2027, signaling the anticipated timing for future solicitation activity.
Marshall Space Flight Center

POSTED

in over 1 year

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details
NAICS: 541715
New
Federal
Engineering and Technical Support Services for Flight Research and Development (ETSS)The contract involves providing comprehensive engineering and technical support services for flight research and development at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center, located in Edwards. The scope covers a wide range of specialized disciplines including research, flight operations, aerodynamics, propulsion, dynamics and controls, advanced systems development, flight instrumentation, systems integration, aerostructures research, and range and subscale flight research. Additionally, support for safety and mission assurance is a critical component of the work, ensuring the reliability and security of flight research missions. The contractor is expected to supply all necessary personnel, services, and materials to support flight research projects, internal research and development efforts, and various technical functions. This includes providing disciplinary engineering expertise across multiple research and technical domains to support NASA’s ongoing innovation and operational goals in aerospace engineering. The work is forecasted to be under the NAICS code 541715, with key agency contacts identified to facilitate communication and coordination.
Armstrong Flight Research Center

POSTED

in 6 months

DEADLINE

N/A
View Details