A Shift Toward Host-Response Diagnostics
The Medical CBRN Defense Consortium (MCDC), managed by Advanced Technology International (ATI), has released a Request for Information (RFI) titled Host-Based Diagnostics for Acute Infections. Issued in support of the Capability Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (CPE CBRND), this effort supports ongoing market research for the Advanced Differential Diagnostics (ADD) program.
The ADD program focuses on advancing diagnostic capabilities that leverage the body’s early biological response to infection rather than relying solely on pathogen detection. This reflects a broader strategic objective: enabling faster, more flexible, and threat-agnostic diagnostics that can support operational decision-making across the full spectrum of CBRN environments.
By prioritizing host-response biomarkers, the government is aiming to improve early detection, predict disease progression, and guide treatment decisions, ultimately strengthening warfighter resilience and recovery.
What They’re Looking For
At the core of this RFI is a call for mature, host-based diagnostic solutions that can assess infection severity and inform clinical decisions using measurable biological signals such as gene expression or other host biomarkers.
Two key capability areas define the government’s interest:
- Anticipating Severe Outcomes
Diagnostics that can predict complications such as sepsis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), or respiratory deterioration based on real-time host response data. - Enabling Smarter Treatment Decisions
Tools that support therapeutic selection and monitoring by identifying patient-specific immune responses, including hyperinflammation or immune suppression.
The government is particularly interested in technologies at Technology Readiness Level 4 or higher, signaling a preference for solutions with demonstrated feasibility and a clear path toward deployment.
In addition to technical maturity, proposed solutions should align with operational realities. Desired characteristics include rapid turnaround times, high diagnostic accuracy, portability for use in low-resource settings, and compatibility with minimally invasive sample types like fingerstick or peripheral blood.
Submissions must include a concise white paper of no more than three pages, along with a one-page quad chart. The government has emphasized that technical approach, product maturity, and clinical and regulatory readiness will be the most heavily weighted factors during review.
Deadlines & Engagement Opportunities
MCDC has outlined several important milestones for organizations interested in either in-person or offline submissions:
- Deadline to Request In-Person Meeting: May 1, 2026 at 12PM ET
- RFI Submissions for In-Person Participation: May 7, 2026
- In-Person Engagement Sessions: May 12-13, 2026 (Annual Membership Meeting)
- Final RFI Response Deadline: May 20, 2026 at 12PM ET
All responses must be submitted via email to [email protected]. MCDC membership is not required for submission to this RFI.
Why This Matters
This RFI highlights a continued evolution in how the Department of War approaches infectious disease diagnostics. By investing in host-based approaches, the government is moving toward solutions that can operate effectively even when the specific pathogen is unknown, a critical advantage in contested or rapidly evolving threat environments.
Beyond military applications, these technologies also carry strong dual-use potential. Host-response diagnostics could play a significant role in civilian healthcare by enabling earlier intervention, improving treatment precision, and reducing the burden on healthcare systems during infectious disease outbreaks.
If your company is considering applying for federal funding, your journey starts here. EverGlade is a national advisory firm helping innovators navigate the federal funding ecosystem. We support companies across the funding lifecycle, from early-stage strategy through proposal development, negotiations, and post-award execution, connecting breakthrough innovation with non-dilutive funding. We support programs across federal agencies including ARPA-H, BARDA, DARPA, DTRA, NIAID, CPE CBRND, DOE, and DFC, among others.
