Lymphatic Imaging, Genomic, and pHenotyping Technologies (LIGHT) Program

LIGHT intends to shine a light on the lymphatic system, illuminating the unseen both literally via novel diagnostic approaches and figuratively through insight gained into the critical role the lymphatic system plays in health as well as its impacts when dysfunctional. LIGHT aims to improve the lives of tens of millions of Americans by creating agile tools that are scalable, accessible, accurate and clinically useful to detect lymphatic structure and function. Multiple diagnostic technologies will enable targeted interventions that result in better patient outcomes and reduced treatment costs, and will advance our understanding of lymphatic dysfunction, a key factor in the pathophysiology of many important diseases. Signs and symptoms of lymphatic dysfunction do not manifest until the disease has progressed, and current assessment tools neither adequately appraise lymphatic anatomy nor measure lymphatic function. The Government reserves the right to select for negotiation all, some, one, or none of the proposals received in response to this ISO. If warranted, portions of resulting awards may be segregated into prepriced options. In the event the Government desires to award only portions of a proposal, negotiations will commence upon selection notification. The Government reserves the right to fund proposals in phases with options for continued work, as applicable. The Government reserves the right to request any additional, necessary documentation to support the negotiation and award process. The Government reserves the right to remove a proposal from award consideration should the parties fail to reach agreement on award terms, conditions, cost, and/or if the proposer fails to provide requested additional information in a timely manner. In all cases, the Government will have sole discretion to negotiate all instrument terms and conditions with selectees. ARPA-H will apply publication or other restrictions, as necessary, if it is determined that the research resulting from the proposed effort will present a high likelihood of disclosing sensitive information including Personally Identifiable Information (PII), Protected Health Information (PHI), financial records, proprietary data, any information marked Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU), etc. Any award resulting from such a determination will include a requirement for ARPA-H concurrence before publishing any information or results on the effort. ARPA-H seeks proposals from all eligible entities (see Section 2 Eligibility Information) to accomplish the LIGHT Program goals as described in this solicitation package. Ultimately, ARPA-H intends to negotiate multiple Other Transaction agreements (OTs) and/or Cooperative Agreements (CAs) with proposers whose proposals are most advantageous to the Government and are poised to meet the goals of the LIGHT program. Proposals are expected to use innovative approaches that may include both existing and novel technology, enabling revolutionary advances in medicine and healthcare. The LIGHT program aims to develop a comprehensive diagnostic toolkit to assess lymphatic structure and function, and potential performers should consider an approach to ensure the final technology includes an imaging modality plus biomarkers and/or genetic integration. Initially proposers should consider primary lymphatic 5 diseases as the targeted disease state; however, consideration of other chronic conditions associated with lymphatic dysfunction is encouraged. Specifically excluded are proposals that represent an evolutionary or incremental advance in the current state of the art, including clinical trials of an otherwise developed product. Additionally, proposals directed towards policy changes, traditional education and training, or center coordination, formation, or development, and construction of physical infrastructure are outside the scope of the ARPA-H mission.