Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING) - Proposers' Day

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) is seeking innovative neurotechnological solutions through the Hearing Enhancement through ARtificially Intelligent NeurotechnoloGy (HEARING) Program, with awards anticipated to be issued under Other Transaction authority, bypassing traditional Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) frameworks. This initiative aims to develop a closed-loop brain-computer interface that directly interfaces with the auditory cortex to restore natural hearing by interpreting neural intent and delivering real-time neuromodulation, targeting individuals with mild to severe hearing loss, particularly older adults, veterans, and noise-exposed workers. The program is structured around three technical areas: a minimally invasive intracortical neural interface requiring wireless bidirectional communication and in vivo safety, an external wearable Dynamic Sound Modulator with a 16-hour power budget and seamless integration with personal devices, and adaptive Auditory Read & Write algorithms that personalize neuromodulation by learning individual neural profiles while balancing latency, accuracy, recalibration frequency, and practicality in everyday environments. Interested teams are encouraged to participate in a Proposers’ Day event in Arlington, VA, to foster collaboration, with optional submission of a one-page teaming profile, a physical poster (3.75 ft x 3.75 ft), and a single slide for a 3-minute lightning talk—all due by June 3, 2026. Full proposals will be submitted via a forthcoming Innovative Solutions Opening (ISO) with a deadline of August 14, 2026, though detailed submission formats, page limits, and evaluation criteria remain forthcoming. Program management is overseen by ARPA-H’s Health Science Futures Office, under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with primary point of contact at HEARING@ARPA-H.GOV. No socioeconomic set-asides are anticipated, and while proposals must align with stringent technical performance benchmarks in safety, power efficiency, form factor, and real-world usability, the solicitation deliberately avoids prescribing traditional contract clauses, inspection locations, payment details, or cost structures, reflecting the flexible nature of Other Transaction authority. The place of performance is listed as Washington, D.C., though research and development activities are expected to occur across distributed locations nationwide. Participation requires registration through SAM.gov, and proposers must hold a valid Unique Entity ID, though no CAGE codes, security clearances, or labor compliance certifications are explicitly mandated. The absence of formal contract administration contacts, invoicing instructions, or delivery logistics underscores the program’s focus on early