Reimagining the Next Generation of Biodefense Vaccines: DTRA's RAVEN Opportunity
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), through its Joint Science and Technology Office (JSTO) and the Research and Development-Chem/Bio Medical Vaccines (RD-CBMV) division, has launched the Reimagining Available Vaccines and Envisioning Novelty (RAVEN) initiative. This forward-looking program is designed to modernize the nation’s medical countermeasure (MCM) capabilities by funding the development of innovative prophylactic solutions that offer broader, multivalent protection against viral and bacterial threats. As the global threat landscape evolves, RAVEN seeks to deliver more robust and adaptable vaccine and pre-treatment platforms to support the health and readiness of U.S. warfighters.
Inside the RAVEN Program
RAVEN is focused on countering stagnation in the field of biological defense through the development of prototype MCMs that go beyond traditional, single-pathogen approaches. The initiative is organized around two technical thrust areas:
- Thrust Area 1: Enhance existing platform technologies to increase valency (the ability to protect against multiple viral pathogens). Ideal solutions will provide mucosal immunity, efficacy against aerosolized threats, be cold chain–independent, and offer multiple routes of administration.
- Thrust Area 2: Develop entirely new pre-treatment or vaccine platforms that currently have no clinical data. These solutions must demonstrate the potential for multivalent protection.
Proposals must clearly identify which thrust area applies and may span both. Notably, monovalent technologies will not be considered. Preference will be given to platforms that offer:
- Broad-spectrum protection (e.g., multiple viral families)
- Potential coverage against bacterial or toxin threats
- Longer windows of pre-treatment efficacy
- Relevance to Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) threat priorities
This effort is expected to culminate in prototype medical countermeasures ready for IND submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), though Phase 1 clinical trials are excluded. Projects may be proposed at any Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from 1–6.
Key Dates and Submission Requirements
While specific submission dates have not been released, important programmatic and reporting deadlines are outlined:
- Project Kick-Off: Upon award
- Monthly Meetings and Reports: Required for progress tracking
- Quarterly Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) Updates: Reflecting regulatory timelines, including ACURO (animal study) approvals
- Annual and Final Reports: Comprehensive summaries of project performance
- Regulatory Submissions: All pre-IND, IND, and/or pre-EUA documentation must be shared with the Government
We anticipate additional solicitation milestones to be announced when the Request for Prototype Proposals (RPP) is officially released.
Funding, Deliverables, and Period of Performance
The RAVEN effort is classified as CL-1, indicating high confidence that funds will be available. Key program elements include:
- Award Size: Not specified, but applicants should include complete cost proposals for the full scope of work
- Period of Performance: Up to 3 years, with potential extensions considered
- Prototype Deliverable: A medical countermeasure advanced to a higher TRL, with sufficient documentation for IND submission
All deliverables, including regulatory data, meeting minutes, study protocols, and financial reports, will be provided to the Government with Government Purpose Rights.
Advancing Human Health and Warfighter Readiness
The RAVEN initiative is a strategic investment in revitalizing U.S. biodefense capabilities. By driving innovation in multivalent vaccine and pre-treatment technologies, DTRA aims to better protect warfighters operating in complex and contested biological environments. The program aligns with national security priorities by emphasizing readiness, scalability, and rapid response against emerging biological threats.
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