BoSS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To help provide timely information about all aspects of the program, this page is updated periodically in response to questions from potential performers.
Full information about BoSS and the application process is in the solicitation on SAM.gov. Ask questions via the ARPA-H Solutions Portal linked below. Please note, you will first need to sign-in or register an account to submit a question.
Eligibility
Not all foreign entities are eligible for ARPA-H funding. Awards will not be made to entities organized under the laws of a covered foreign country, defined in the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. § 3059) as Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China. Individual solicitations may allow or restrict the participation of foreign entities to varying degrees. For more information, please visit ARPA-H’s International Affairs website and FAQs: https://arpa-h.gov/engage-and-connect/international.
General Questions
No. Monoclonal antibodies, proteins (e.g., recombinant, enzymes, hormones, growth factors, cytokines), peptides, and other non-cell demonstration systems are out of scope as a demonstration system for the BoSS program.
Yes. You are welcome to bring key team members to BoSS Proposers’ Day as long as all members are registered to attend.
Contracts, Other Transactions, and Payments
All team members must sign an internal binding agreement (Articles of Collaboration) that, among other things, defines roles and responsibilities of team members and binds members to the team. Although the OT award will be between the Government and the team, only the lead agent/member appointed by the team need sign the OT on behalf of the team. This arrangement allows the Government privity of contract with all team members, even though only the agent signs the OT agreement. Reference: Section 4.6 of the ISO.
"Under the OTA team structure (not prime/sub), the lead (team agent) receives payment from the Government and then distributes funds to team members according to the terms outlined in the internal team agreement (Article of Collaboration or Multi-Party Teaming Agreement). Each team member does not invoice the Government directly; instead, the agent manages payments based on the team’s agreed-upon process.
Reference: See Section 4.6 of the ISO and minimum expectations for the Multi-Party Teaming Agreement (MPTA) in Appendix D."