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
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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.