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International Affairs
International cooperation can accelerate ARPA-H's mission
ARPA-H seeks to catalyze the U.S. and global innovation ecosystem in the pursuit of novel solutions to the most pressing challenges in human health and health care.
Opportunities for International Partners
ARPA-H is accelerating international collaborations that will enhance the impact of agency’s initiatives on a global scale and advance U.S. leadership in science, technology, and innovation.
Propose to become a performer or team member on an ARPA-H program
ARPA-H is looking for top talent from across the world to contribute to ARPA-H-funded research and help solve the health challenges identified by our programs and initiatives. View the list of current opportunities. You may wish to propose a solution or put your organization’s information on the collaborative Teaming page for a particular program.
Submit your high-potential, high-impact idea to one of the Mission Office-specific Innovative Solutions Openings (ISO)
To support research projects that align with our mission and Strategic Plan, ARPA-H accepts proposals from domestic and international community to its Mission Office-specific Innovative Solution Openings (ISOs) for Health Science Futures, Resilient Systems, Proactive Health, and Scalable Solutions. Learn more about these solicitations and how to submit your idea.
Apply to become an international spoke in ARPANET-H
The ARPANET-H health innovation network connects people, innovators, and institutions around the world to ensure the transition of health research innovations into solutions that reach all patients and communities. This “hub and spoke” model has many benefits, including access to network events, expert resources, and influential forums, as well as possible research and development funding opportunities. International entities can submit an application to join ARPANET-H through the Dallas-based Customer Experience Hub or the Boston-based Investor Catalyst Hub (or both).
Become a transition partner to translate ARPA-H solutions to foreign markets and health care systems
Health challenges in America often mirror those worldwide. ARPA-H-funded research can produce solutions that benefit patients globally. We want to engage with partners that can help us adapt our innovative approaches and technologies in health systems and markets around the world. Reach out to international@arpa-h.gov to start the conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more? Contact the ARPA-H Division of International Affairs at international@arpa-h.gov.
Yes. Our world is interconnected, and the most challenging health problems cannot be solved by any one country.
Yes. Each solicitation defines eligibility and requirements for non-U.S. persons and non-U.S. entities to participate. Please see the solicitations for detailed instructions.
Foreign entities are invited to submit proposals for consideration so long as participants agree to comply with federal laws and policies applicable to ARPA-H funding agreements. In no case will awards be made to entities organized under the laws of a covered foreign country* or entities suspended or debarred from business with the U.S. Government.
*defined in the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. § 3059)] as Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China.
The Division of International Affairs at ARPA-H is responsible for promoting and managing international collaborations, partnerships, and initiatives that advance the agency's mission of driving innovation in biomedical research. The Division of International Affairs formulates and executes ARPA-H's global collaboration strategy by identifying key international stakeholders, potential partners, and research opportunities that align with the agency's mission and enhance the impact of ARPA-H's initiatives on a global scale.
Eligibility criteria for international funding opportunities vary. ARPA-H welcomes applications from qualified international researchers, institutions, and organizations. Specific eligibility criteria, including qualifications and project scopes, are detailed in the guidelines accompanying each program solicitation on SAM.gov. In general, like U.S. participants, international partners can participate in ARPA-H research contracts as either a “prime organization” or on a team as a “subcontractor.” Interested international partners may sign up on “teaming” pages on our website – linked from each program description page – which are provided to facilitate teaming.
International partnerships, like domestic partnerships, should advance the goals of ARPA-H programs and other funding opportunities. ARPA-H continues to solicit innovative proposals for health and health care research and development (R&D) across its four missions areas: Health Science Futures, Resilient Systems, Scalable Solutions, and Proactive Health.
ARPA-H follows HHS financial assistance regulations and policies. For financial assistance awards, the methodology would need to be otherwise in accordance with HHS requirements, which places an 8% cap for indirect costs reimbursed to foreign entities awarded HHS cooperative agreements. For other transactions (OTs), there is greater latitude for negotiating costing methodologies. Proposers would need to provide their methodology to the ARPA-H Program Manager for approval, to ensure it meets the nature and needs of the project.
They will vary depending on the award type as well as the project and will not be unique to international participants. Financial assistance awards will follow regulatory requirements for reporting. However, additional reporting will be negotiated for all award types. ARPA-H Program Managers are significantly involved with performer progress; therefore, ARPA-H Programs typically follow a monthly reporting structure.
This will depend on the nature and needs of the project and is not a unique consideration for international participants. Project manager costs are not forbidden nor discouraged on ARPA-H awards, but the type, amount, and mix of labor is subject to negotiation.
No, at this time only U.S. citizens are eligible to become Program Managers.
Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply. Proposals must be led by one PI under a single organization, and the composition and roles of additional team members or co-PIs are the responsibility of the proposing team. Co-PIs from other institutions are allowed. Non-U.S. companies can register for a unique entity identifier (UEI), which is required to submit a proposal. A non-U.S. company does not need to be represented by a U.S.-based organization, but they do need to make sure they are addressing how their solution will be of benefit to the U.S. taxpayers.
Like U.S. performers, all intellectual property terms are negotiated by the parties in the process of finalizing a funding agreement.
ARPA-H requests pre-notification before Performer’s transfer of IP to a foreign entity under certain circumstances, such as sale of the Performer and all of its assets, as well as exclusive licensing. As the transfer of IP could result in a change to the proposed and awarded project plan including the proposed technology adoption, ARPA-H reserves to right and in some cases may be required to propose alternatives or possibly terminate award if transfer involves a covered foreign entity.
There is no preference for an international entity performing as a prime contractor or subcontractor. It is dependent on the merits of the proposal and the qualifications of the proposer.
