Key Dates

Related Announcements

None

Issued by

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB)

Purpose

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), in collaboration with the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), seeks comments and input focusing on innovative biosensing technologies to accelerate the development of a non-invasive, inconspicuous wearable alcohol sensor that continuously detects blood alcohol concentrations with high accuracy and high resolution in real-time. The non-invasive wearable alcohol sensor is intended to be multiplexed with user authentication capability. This RFI invites inputs and comments from public and private sector biosensor developers, including but not limited to the research community, small- or large- scale industries, and other entities.

Background

Recent breakthroughs in non-invasive detection technologies combined with artificial intelligence (AI) analytics have the potential to revolutionize the current biosensing device space. These advances provide the right timing to accelerate the development of an innovative, non-invasive, wearable alcohol sensor that will accurately detect, measure, and report blood alcohol concentrations in real-time, possibly with multiplexing and user authentication capability. Such a device will serve as an important tool to accurately detect and quantify alcohol consumption, individualize diagnosis, and enhance clinical research paradigms. It will enable a holistic view of the progression of alcohol misuse and inform treatment efficacy, recovery/relapse, as well as provide insights for disease prediction and prevention.

Information Requested

NIAAA and NIBIB seek information on cutting-edge, non-invasive, passive biosensing technologies, such as advanced infrared spectroscopic technology  that can be inconspicuously worn, and include advanced AI analytics and data access platform. This RFI will not consider invasive alcohol sensing technologies or technologies that detect alcohol in breath or sweat. The wearable platform of interest can be a standalone miniaturized wearable or a smartwatch-like form factor. The final wearable form factor must be both water and tamper resistant.  Input sought includes, but not limited to, the following:

• Biosensing technologies that accurately measure blood alcohol concentrations, possibly with one or more other analytes, in real-time non-invasively and passively.
• Approaches in maintaining the highest degree of sensitivity and specificity when quantifying blood alcohol concentrations continuously for 24 hours or longer.
• Potential biometrics for passive user identification and device anti-tampering and detection solutions.
• Possibilities for a reliable and efficient power source for maximum, continued sensor operation and analytical performance with reduced recharging frequency.
• Remote data access with data security and privacy protection strategies and flexible data integration with common research or digital health platforms.
• Non-invasive transcutaneous sensing technologies that are compatible with a variety of skin tones. 

How to Submit a Response

All comments must be submitted electronically to NIAAA-NBIBAlcoholSensor@mail.nih.gov. Please include the Notice number "NOT-AA-24-005" (without the quotes) in the subject line. Responses to this RFI will be accepted through April 08, 2024. Responders are free to address any or all the topics listed above and/or to provide feedback on relevant issues. Responses to this RFI are voluntary. Do not include any proprietary, classified, confidential, trade secret, or sensitive information in your response. The submitted information will be reviewed by NIH staff. Disclaimer

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and should not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the Federal Government, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), or individual NIH Institutes and Centers. The NIH does not intend to make any awards based on responses to this RFI or pay for the preparation of any information submitted or for the Government's use of such information. No basis for claims against the U.S. Government shall arise as a result of a response to this request for information or from the Government’s use of such information.

NIH will use the information submitted in response to this RFI at its discretion and will not provide comments to any responder’s submission. However, responses to the RFI may be reflected in future planning activities and funding opportunity announcements. The information provided will be analyzed and may appear in reports. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. No proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should be included in your response. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s).

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

NIAAA-NIBIBAlcoholSensor@mail.nih.gov