Targeted Evaluation of Ionizing Radiation Exposure (TEI-REX) | W911NF 22 S 0002

Opportunity Information: Apply for W911NF 22 S 0002

The Targeted Evaluation of Ionizing Radiation Exposure (TEI-REX) opportunity is a Department of Defense research and development program focused on improving how the U.S. Government can detect and measure low-level exposure to ionizing radiation. The central goal is to create new biodosimetry methods that can more accurately quantify exposures below 0.75 Gray, especially in situations where traditional approaches may be too invasive, too slow, or not sensitive enough at lower doses. A major emphasis is on using samples that can be collected and/or tested with minimal burden to the individual, including minimally invasive or non-invasive collection methods. In the solicitation language, these are referred to as "TEI-REX samples." Alongside dose estimation, the program also aims to expand understanding of the exposure environment itself, meaning performers are expected not only to estimate dose, but also to contribute information that helps characterize what kind of radiation event occurred and under what conditions.

From a technical standpoint, TEI-REX is looking for performers to discover, characterize, and model biomarkers that change in response to ionizing radiation, with particular attention to lower-dose events. The intent is to move beyond single-marker or single-assay concepts and toward robust approaches that can link biological signals to dose with improved precision, while also supporting qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the exposure scenario. The program is framed to support real-world government missions, including investigation and reconstruction of exposure events and helping ensure compliance with established dosimetry protocols. In practice, this means the government is interested in capabilities that could support operational decision-making, documentation, and verification, not only basic biological insight.

Administratively, this opportunity was issued under Funding Opportunity Number W911NF 22 S 0002 and is categorized as discretionary funding within science and technology / other research and development. The funding instruments listed include cooperative agreements and procurement contracts, which signals that awards could be structured either as assistance (more collaborative research) or as an acquisition-style effort depending on the specific project and government needs. The listed CFDA number is 12.431. The issuing organization is within the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, Materiel Command, with IARPA (the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity) named in the description as the organization encouraging teaming and hosting matchmaking materials for potential performers.

Eligibility is broad and includes public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses. The posting shows an expected number of awards of up to 50, suggesting the program anticipated multiple performers, potentially spanning different technical approaches, biomarker classes, sample types, and modeling strategies. The creation date was October 18, 2021, and the original closing date was December 13, 2021. The award ceiling is listed as 0, which typically indicates the public listing does not specify a single maximum award amount and that funding levels may be determined by the government based on the proposals received, the structure of the program, and available appropriations.

A notable feature of TEI-REX is the explicit encouragement of collaboration and teaming. IARPA offered to facilitate connections between interested groups by hosting capability profiles, teaming-interest forms, and lightning talk materials on the TEI-REX webpage. Interested parties could submit those materials to TEI-REXBAASubmission-2021@iarpa.gov for screening limited to appropriateness and relevance to TEI-REX. The government also made clear that hosting these materials would not constitute endorsement of any organization or individual, and that the materials would be removed when the BAA closed (December 13, 2021) or upon request by the submitter.

In short, TEI-REX was a DoD/IARPA-driven R&D opportunity aimed at advancing practical, low-dose biodosimetry using minimally invasive or non-invasive sample types, with an emphasis on biomarker discovery and modeling that can support both dose quantification and reconstruction of radiation exposure conditions in support of government operational and compliance needs.

• The Department of Defense, Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Targeted Evaluation of Ionizing Radiation Exposure (TEI-REX)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.431.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 18, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 13, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.

Apply for W911NF 22 S 0002

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