Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING)

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is issuing a solicitation under number ARPA-H-SOL-26-154 for the Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING) Program, targeting innovative neurotechnological solutions aimed at restoring hearing by intervening in the auditory cortex rather than the ear. The program seeks to develop a closed-loop system that records neural activity from the auditory cortex, dynamically modulates incoming sound in real time, and writes back missing auditory information through targeted stimulation. This effort is structured around three tightly integrated Technical Areas: TA1 involves creating minimally invasive intracortical devices with recording and stimulation capabilities; TA2 focuses on developing a wearable, wirelessly powered dynamic sound modulator; and TA3 requires designing real-time neurocomputational algorithms for decoding and encoding auditory signals, integrated with clinical neurology and audiology expertise. All three components must combine into a single, functional platform over a multi-phase development timeline with increasing complexity, with performance evaluated based on milestone achievement and intermediate metrics. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the ARPA-H Solution Submission Portal following strict formatting guidelines outlined in the solicitation's appendices. A mandatory solution summary, compliant with Appendix A, must be submitted prior to a full proposal, which must adhere to the structure in Appendix B and include supporting documents from Appendices C through F, including a cost proposal model and administrative policy template for Other Transactions. Cost submissions require justification for expenses above $15,000 with supporting documentation, and all proposals must include an updated Gantt chart reflecting project timelines. The solicitation mandates active SAM.gov registration, prohibits entities from covered foreign countries, foreign entities of concern, malign foreign talent recruitment participants, suspended or debarred firms, and federally funded research centers or government employees from participating as primes or subs. Proposers must comply with stringent data handling protocols for Controlled Unclassified Information, mark proprietary data clearly as “Proprietary” (not “Confidential”), and adhere to human and animal subject research regulations under 45 CFR § 46, 21 CFR § 56, 9 CFR parts 1–4, and the Public Health Service Policy. Invoicing must be processed through Payment Management Services with a standardized 1,000-character justification for each payment tied to accepted milestones. Evaluations prioritize scientific and technical merit, proposer capability, potential impact on ARPA-H’s mission, and cost realism, with awards expected to be issued