Published
ARPA-H anticipates teaming will be necessary to achieve the goals of agency programs and initiatives. We look for multidisciplinary performers because we know that contributions from groups across the biomedical ecosystem are necessary to realize successful healthcare solutions.
Joining forces...
ARPA-H is tackling difficult problems with the aim to demonstrate commercial readiness and revolutionary (not evolutionary) impact. While teaming is not required, it is rare that a single performer can accomplish all expected tasks. Thus, prospective proposers are encouraged to form teams with varied technical expertise in order to submit a proposal. Some of the expertise required may be obvious, depending on the program topic. Researchers working in medicine, biotechnology, data science, artificial intelligence, molecular chemistry, and engineering are good candidates. Expertise in manufacturing and logistics, regulatory and reimbursement pathways, medical devices, patient advocacy, data security and privacy, hospital management, and venture capital are also extremely valuable for a well-rounded team.
While ARPA-H will not recommend direct pairings, some programs may provide guidance on the kinds of memberships expected in the team you assemble. For instance, academic institutions may be asked to team with a commercial company. International organizations may be encouraged to pair with U.S.-based firms. Patient advocacy groups or healthcare providers may need to provide user perspectives and partner with researchers performing more technical work. The specific program and its solicitation will outline the scope of work and if there are any specific partnerships expected.
Down to the details
You should explore teaming options early. ARPA-H helps facilitate teaming opportunities in several ways. The first is Proposers’ Day – an event where you’ll be able to network with other interested proposers for a given program or initiative. The second is ARPA-H's Solutions Portal, where you can create a “teaming profile” for a particular open program to outline your group’s unique expertise and what you’re searching for in complementary teaming partners. You can then review other teaming profiles to identify collaborators. Aim to solidify teaming arrangements before the final proposal deadline.
The type of teaming structure or arrangement is important for the purposes of proposal submission and potential contract award. In a prime/sub teaming structure, only the prime negotiates the contract directly with the government; subcontractors are contracted under the prime and do not have direct access to government personnel to deal with contractual disputes. While subs can be changed by the prime or established after the initial government contract is awarded, the government may lose the ability to closely oversee and manage the subcontracted work under this model. Payments are made to the prime, who disburses to the subs.
In a partnership teaming structure, two parties have entered into a partnership that is a separate legal entity. In this scenario, both parties share jointly in the responsibilities and rewards of the partnership. Any future contract award(s) would go to the partnership, and the partnership could enter into commercial contracts with participating subs. ARPA-H would only have privity of contract with the partnership entity – not the subs involved. Such a legal entity would need to be established before the time of award.
In a multi-party teaming structure, each member of the group enjoys privity of contract with the government, allowing ARPA-H staff clear and direct channels of communication with all performers. In a multi-party scenario, your team should work together in advance to agree on your Articles of Collaboration. This agreement establishes the multiparty members and must be in place before the government can negotiate an award to the group. It is beneficial to begin this collaboration process well before proposal submission so the team will be ready if selected for negotiations.
Where to begin
Interested parties should carefully review all proposal and eligibility criteria to create the most promising teaming structure. For more information on the proposal and award process, explore the contracting resources on our Other Transactions Community webpage or review ARPA-H's Submission Resources.