Non-Cryogenic Storage System Design and Prototyping

The contract seeks the design and prototyping of transportable storage systems that eliminate the need for ultra-low temperature freezers by leveraging passive cooling technologies and phase-change materials to preserve biological tissues under clinically and research-relevant conditions. The goal is to develop rugged, temperature-flexible solutions capable of maintaining stable thermal environments during transit and extended storage, enabling broader deployment in field settings, remote locations, and resource-limited environments. Emphasis is placed on innovation in materials science and engineering to ensure reliability, scalability, and compatibility with existing clinical workflows without reliance on energy-intensive cryogenic infrastructure. The project is a subcontract under the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, with a focus on advancing medical logistics through non-cryogenic alternatives. Work is expected to be performed in Washington, and the solicitation closed on May 12, 2026. The NAICS code 334510 indicates the work involves manufacturing medical equipment and supplies, aligning the effort with the development of tangible, deployable devices rather than solely theoretical research. Successful proposals must demonstrate feasibility, durability under variable thermal stress, and clear pathways toward clinical or research adoption, prioritizing practicality and impact over laboratory-scale prototypes.