Overview of the RFI
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), through the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV), has released a Request for Information (RFI) titled “High Performance Antigen Diagnostics.” Through this market research effort, BARDA is seeking feedback from industry, academia, and other stakeholders to better understand the landscape of current and emerging high-performance immunoassay technologies suitable for antigen testing in near-patient settings.
While traditional antigen tests offer advantages in speed, ease of use, and cost, they often lack the analytical sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities of nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs). BARDA is interested in technologies that can bridge this gap by delivering NAAT-like performance in point-of-care, CLIA-waived, at-home, and field-deployable formats.
Technical Areas of Interest
BARDA is particularly interested in technologies capable of achieving limits of detection of approximately 1-10 pg/mL or better while maintaining the accessibility and speed needed for near-patient testing.
Areas of interest include:
- High-Sensitivity Immunoassay Platforms: Immunoassay platforms being developed or adapted for point-of-care, CLIA-waived, or at-home use, including systems with multiplexing capabilities.
- Next-Generation Detection Technologies: Novel detection approaches and assay formats that enable ultra-low limits of detection and enhanced multiplexing, including advanced signal amplification and single-molecule detection methods.
- Miniaturization and System Integration: Technologies that translate laboratory-level sensitivity into portable, deployable, and field-ready diagnostic devices.
- Continuous Monitoring Approaches: Wearable, minimally invasive, or near-continuous monitoring systems capable of detecting low-abundance antigens over time.
- Sample Processing and Concentration Methods: Innovative approaches that improve recovery and detection of low-concentration antigens through enhanced sample preparation, concentration, or processing techniques.
BARDA notes that technologies focused primarily on antibody generation or molecular recognition element development are outside the scope of this RFI. However, novel assay chemistries and sensitivity-enhancing detection strategies remain of significant interest.
Important Information for Respondents
BARDA is seeking information on both commercially available products and emerging technologies. Respondents are encouraged to provide details regarding platform maturity, workflow, sensitivity and multiplexing performance, manufacturing scalability, supply chain considerations, and existing infrastructure and capabilities.
Responses should include a cover page and a technical submission of no more than five pages. Organizations do not need to be members of the RRPV consortium to respond to this RFI; however, membership would be required to participate in any future Request for Project Proposals (RPP) associated with this requirement.
Key Dates
- RFI Issued: June 16, 2026
- Response Deadline: July 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET
Submissions should be sent via email to [email protected].
Why This Matters
This RFI provides valuable insight into BARDA’s interest in diagnostic technologies that combine the speed and accessibility of antigen testing with the sensitivity traditionally associated with molecular diagnostics.
For developers of next-generation diagnostic platforms, this is an opportunity to help shape future federal priorities in infectious disease detection, preparedness, and response.
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