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A technical panel of federal and non-federal reviewers, with expertise directly relevant to the Challenge, will evaluate the solutions based on the criteria listed below. The solutions and evaluation statements from the technical panel will then be reviewed by federal employees serving as judges, who will select the Challenge winners, subject to the final decision by the Award Approving Official. 

The points assigned to each set of evaluation criteria are guidelines from NCATS to indicate which scientific criteria are of emphasis and interest to NCATS.

Challenge Stage 1: Ideation and Planning
Total points: 100
Number of winners: up to 10
Criterion                                                                                                       Relative Weight
Innovation                                                                                                    20 points

• What are major strengths and weaknesses of the solution proposed?
• Given that innovation is considered using a groundbreaking or paradigm-shifting approach or using existing approaches in an innovative way, to what degree is the proposed design innovative, creative and original?
• Has the innovator or team of innovators demonstrated that appropriate expertise was utilized during development of the design?
• Did the team identify potential roadblocks and suggest additional expertise that would be utilized to facilitate resolution of roadblocks to implementation?

Team                                                                                                            15 points

• Does the team include adequate expertise for identifying appropriate biomedical use cases and developing solutions using quantum algorithms?
• Does the team have experience in developing and deploying quantum algorithms in different technical domains (e.g., engineering)?

Feasibility                                                                                                    15 points

• How feasible is the proposed approach for developing and implementing quantum algorithm solution (e.g., design, pre- and post-processing of data, access to hardware and software)?
• Has the team provided evidence of access to high performance computing-based quantum simulators for testing the algorithms prior to implementation on quantum hardware?
• Has the team provided evidence of access to the requisite quantum hardware necessary to successfully complete the Challenge?

Approach                                                                                                     35 points        

• Does the proposed solution detail the utility of the developed methods including expected outcomes?
• How well does the proposed solution describe how the proposed algorithm is expected to be superior to the current-state-of the-art approaches including improvements in accuracy, specificity, speed, or prediction power?
• To what degree does the planning include details relevant to algorithm design, including integration with classical approaches for implementation (e.g., details of classical and quantum processing steps in a computational workflow, quantum subroutines)?
• How well does the proposal depict how the proposed algorithms would be tested on quantum simulators and quantum hardware?
• For the deployment of the proposed algorithms, how will they be optimized for working across varying quantum hardware?
• To what degree does the proposal include details relevant to algorithm design, including integration with classical approaches for implementation (e.g., details of classical and quantum processing steps in a computational workflow, quantum subroutines)?
• How well does the proposal describe how error-mitigation will be considered in the algorithm development?
• To what degree does the proposal detail how these workflows are robust, reusable, and flexible for automated deployment? Are there details of the utility of the developed methods, including expected outcomes?
• Does the proposal include adequate metrics along with the timeline to demonstrate the progress towards the milestones stated in the Challenge.
• Does the proposal include a biomedical use case that is amenable to a quantum computing-based solution?
• How successful is the proposal in explaining the proposed methodology's design, its potential applications, and most importantly, the rationale for its effectiveness?
• Does the proposal explain why a quantum or hybrid algorithm is needed for the proposed solution?
• Did the team identify potential risks and roadblocks how those would be addressed in the proposal to enable algorithm implementation on the quantum hardware?

Potential Impact                                                                                           15 points

• How significant is the potential impact of the proposed algorithm to human health with respect to the overall utilization of novel quantum technologies?
• For reproducible research, how well would the proposed algorithms align with FAIR data principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable)?

A technical panel of federal and non-federal reviewers, with expertise directly relevant to the Challenge, will evaluate the solutions based on the criteria listed below. The solutions and evaluation statements from the technical panel will then be reviewed by federal employees serving as judges, who will select the Challenge winners, subject to the final decision by the Award Approving Official.

For Stage 2, virtual site visits will be conducted during which a presentation will be given to a panel of subject matter experts and program officials who will have an opportunity to ask questions.

The points assigned to each set of evaluation criteria are guidelines from NCATS to indicate which scientific criteria are of emphasis and interest to NCATS.

Challenge Stage 2 Milestone 1: Testing of Algorithm on a Simulator
Total points    50       
Number of winners: up to 5
Criterion                                                                                                       Relative Weight
Documentation of progress                                                                         25 points
Based on the written summary:

• To what degree has the team of innovators demonstrated progress towards the milestones of the Challenge per the metrics included in the proposal?
• Did the team provide details to demonstrate progress in data encoding, pre-processing, data analyses, and other steps needed to complete the Challenge?
• Did the team provide adequate details to demonstrate progress on algorithm design, development of classical-quantum workflows, and resource estimation for execution on a simulator and on quantum hardware?
• Did the team provide convincing results from executing and testing the quantum algorithms on simulator for the proposed use case?
• Did the team select and have access to appropriate hardware and software stack to move forward with deploying and verifying the algorithms on quantum hardware?
• Did the team analyze and discuss optimization pathways to address potential classical bottlenecks from a quantum perspective and process for integrating quantum solutions with classical workflows if it applies? 

Demonstration of progress                                                                          25 point
Based on the pre-recorded presentation and site visit:

• To what degree has the team described error and bias mitigation strategies at various stages and identified strategies of algorithm implementation for improved results.
• Has the team included any alternative series of algorithms to demonstrate what can be done beyond classical means?
• Did the team provide convincing results on the initial implementation of algorithms on a simulator?
• Did the team analyze the scaling of the workflow to accommodate realistic problems?
• Did the team develop strategies to overcome roadblocks for successful transition to the implementation of algorithms on quantum hardware?

Challenge Stage 2 Milestone 2: Algorithm Utilization on Quantum Computing Hardware
Total points    50       
Number of winners: one (1) winner and one (1) runner-up
Criterion                                                                                                       Relative Weight
Documentation of progress                                                                         25 points
Based on the written report:

• Does the report adequately describe the current stage of development of the proposed solution?
• Has the innovator(s) adequately described potential roadblocks and solutions 

Demonstration of algorithm                                                                        25 points
Based on the presentation and virtual site visit:

• Did the team provide details to demonstrate progress in data encoding, pre-processing, data analyses, and other steps needed to complete the Challenge?
• To what degree has the team used error and bias mitigation strategies for successful algorithm implementation on quantum hardware?
• Did the team provide convincing results on successful implementation of algorithms on quantum hardware?
• Did the team demonstrate an improvement with respect to the state-of-the-art approaches?
• Did the team successfully address the issue of scaling in the workflows to accommodate realistic problems?
• To what degree has the team of innovators demonstrated progress towards the milestones of the Challenge per the metrics included in the proposal?
• Did the team provide ways to generalize their approaches various biomedical contexts of use including enhancing the current computational workflows by integrating quantum solutions as applicable?

Registration and Submission Process:

Note: Although the challenge announcement is posted at Challenge.gov, registration information and complete submissions (as pdf files) must be sent via email to NIHQuantumChallenges@mail.nih.gov. Entries will be accepted only from innovators from whom complete registration information and submissions are received via email (together or separately) by the submission deadline on April 4, 2025.

The registration forms can be downloaded from the “Resources” tab.

Registration Requirements:
To be eligible to submit an entry to this prize competition, interested participants (whether an Individual, Team, or Entity) must submit complete registration information via email to NIHQuantumChallenges@mail.nih.gov prior to the Submission Deadline. Additional instructions on about who must submit registration information and what must be included is provided below.

Individual participants must complete the registration. For teams, the Team Lead must complete the registration. For entities, the designated entity Point of Contact (POC) must complete the registration.

The registration forms can be downloaded from the “Resources” tab.

Information to be provided to register for the challenge:

• Indicate whether you are registering for this Challenge as an individual or on behalf of a team (group of individuals) or entity (legally established organization, institution, or corporation).
• Indicate whether you intend to use Federal funds from a grant award, cooperative agreement or other transaction to develop your Challenge submission or to fund efforts in support of your Challenge submission, which requires registration as an entity that is the awardee or recipient of the grant, cooperative agreement or other transaction.
• For individuals and teams, provide name and contact information for all participants.
• For entities, provide the entity name and location, and the contact information for a designated entity POC in addition to all other participants.
• For individuals and teams, each participant, completes a certification that you have read and understand the official eligibility criteria, rules, and requirements of the Challenge, agree to participate in the Challenge, and acknowledge that you must comply with the official eligibility criteria, rules, and requirements.
• For entities, the designated point of contact, in addition to the other participants, provides a certification that you have read and understand the official eligibility criteria, rules, and requirements of the Challenge, agree to participate in the Challenge, and acknowledge that you must comply with the official eligibility criteria, rules, and requirements.

A technical assistance webinar for registrants will be held for the Quantum Sensing Challenge on November 13, 2024. NIH staff will be available to answer questions related to the challenge. Information about the webinar will be made available to registered participants. Interested participants are encouraged to submit questions regarding the challenge to NIHQuantumChallenges@mail.nih.gov.

Submission Requirements:
To participate in the NIH Quantum Sensing Technology Challenge, the name of every innovator, whether an individual, team (group of individuals), or entity, must be listed on the required Cover Page. Please review the Judging Criteria for the Challenge and address the criteria in your submission.

For Teams: Each participating Team is required to identify a Team Lead who will submit entries on behalf of the Team members. The Team Lead is responsible for all communications with the Challenge sponsors. To be eligible to receive a cash prize, the Team Lead must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents can participate as a member of a team that otherwise satisfies the eligibility criteria; however, citizens and non-permanent residents are not eligible to win a monetary prize (in whole or in part). In the event that a dispute regarding the identity of the Team Lead who actually submitted the entry cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the NIH, the affected submission will be deemed ineligible.

For Entities: Each participating Entity is required to identify one Point of Contact who will submit entries on behalf of the Entity. The Point of Contact is responsible for all communications with the Challenge sponsors. In the event of winning a cash prize, the prize will be paid directly to the Entity, not to the Point of Contact. To be eligible to receive a cash prize, the Entity must be incorporated in and maintain a primary place of business in the United States. As stated in the Participation Rules, Participants intending to use Federal grant, cooperative agreement, or OT funds (where permissible) must register for and participate in the Challenge as an Entity on behalf of the awardee institution or organization. In the event that a dispute regarding the identity of the Point of Contact who actually submitted the entry cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the NIH, the affected submission will be deemed ineligible.

All submissions must include a statement agreeing to the Challenge terms & conditions by including the following in the Cover Page: “I understand and agree that each innovator for the Challenge must comply with all terms and conditions of the Challenge rules, and participation in this Challenge constitutes each such innovator’s full and unconditional agreement to abide by these rules.” Submissions that do not include this language will be deemed non-compliant and will not be evaluated.

The registration and submission forms can be downloaded from the “Resources” tab.

Detailed Stage 1 submissions should be created using the format below and must be submitted in pdf format prior to the deadline of April 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET at the following email address: NIHQuantumChallenges@mail.nih.gov.

Detailed instructions:

Stage 1 Submission Requirements

All submissions must be written in English and cannot be handwritten. NIH requires 1” margins, the use of font that is at least 11 pt in size, and generally recommends the use of either Arial, Georgia, Helvetica, or Palatino Linotype. It is recommended that the written document has at least 1.0 line spacing.

Each submission must include:

Cover Page

• Title of Submission
• Team or Entity Name
• Lead Contact Name  
•  Logo (optional) 
• Team or Entity location (State, Country) 
• Indicate the specific challenge area your proposed solution targets:

1. Quantum-enabled Approaches to Advance Biomedical Applications
2. Quantum-enabled Approaches for Early Detection and Diagnostics
3. Quantum-enabled Sensing and Imaging Devices for Diagnostics and Monitoring

Project and Data (up to 12 pages inclusive of project description and all figures, tables and data). It is preferable that this section is presented in the order stated below to facilitate evaluation and judging. Submissions must not include HHS’s logo or official seal or the logo of NIH or NCATS and must not claim federal government endorsement.

Please organize the submission into the sections as indicated below.

EXAMPLE FORMAT

SECTION 1

COVER PAGE (up to 1 page; this does not count toward the 12-page limit)
Please include the following information on the cover page:

• The innovator or lead innovator’s name and contact information

Please include the statement below. Submissions without this statement will not be evaluated:
“I understand and agree that each innovator for the Challenge must comply with all terms and conditions of the Challenge rules, and participation in this Challenge constitutes each such innovator’s full and unconditional agreement to abide by these rules.”

SECTION 2

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED SOLUTION (12-page limit)
Please include the following sections and content in the description of the proposed solution.

Plain Language Summary (0.5 page)

• Provide a concise summary of your submission that can be easily understood by a general audience.  
• Describe your proposed solution, emphasizing its significance and innovation.  
• Note that the winners’ summary section will be shared publicly and used for broader dissemination to inform the public about the contributions and significance of your work.

Team Composition and Expertise (1 page)

• Provide details about your team, emphasizing any interdisciplinary expertise that will be needed to address the proposed biomedical use cases. 
• Provide details on the team’s experience in designing and implementing quantum-enabled sensing technologies. 

Novelty of the Idea (1 page)

Highlight the novelty and innovation of your proposed idea.

• Describe how the proposed solution is better than existing solutions for the proposed biomedical context of use. 

Quantum Sensing Approach (8 pages)

• Explain why the proposed biomedical or clinical use case is suitable for addressing through quantum-enabled sensing technological approaches. 
• Explain why a novel quantum-based sensing or measurement approach is needed to solve the stated problem.
• Provide a clear explanation, scientific rationale, and evidence base for your proposed technological solution.
• Describe the technical specifications of the proposed solution and discuss challenges that may arise through its development and their resolutions.
• Describe potential strategies for validation and testing of these technologies for the proposed biomedical use cases. 
• If adopting or repurposing existing quantum technologies to a new biomedical use case, describe how you will optimize the technology for the new context. 
• Include details on the novelty of the approach in comparison with the existing approaches.  
• Describe how the biomedical and/or clinical use cases will provide demonstrable evidence of improvement compared to the current state-of-the-art technologies in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, signal-to-noise ratio, spatial and temporal resolution, ease of use, overcoming cytotoxicity or photodamage, lower use of resources and processing time, and/or adding new measurement capabilities. 
• Include performance metrics and a timeline that will prove you have reached your objectives and to demonstrate the progress towards the milestones stated in the challenge. Measurable outcomes must be included.  

Feasibility and Potential Impact (1.5 page)

• Provide details on the feasibility of implementing the proposed solution for the biomedical contexts of use, potential roadblocks, and strategies for overcoming the roadblocks.
• Describe the potential translational impact of your idea on advancing the use quantum sensors in health science. 

SECTION 3

REFERENCES (1 page; include only the most relevant citations; this section does not count toward the 12-page limit)
Please use APA style () for citations and references. 

Only complete submissions will be considered.

Stage 1 winners will be invited to submit entries for Stage 2.

For Stage 2, Stage 1 winners will be required to submit a written progress report and pre-recorded presentation that describe progress towards the Milestone 1. Stage 1 winners will also be required to participate in a virtual site visit with technical experts and NIH staff.  Those who attain Milestone 1 will be invited to provide a final demonstration of a working prototype during a virtual site visit that includes a video presentation and live discussion.

The detailed submission requirements and instructions are provided below:

The milestone progress for this next stage consists of the following:

1. Written summary (10-page limit) of the progress made toward demonstration of a working prototype (PDF format)
2. A prerecorded presentation (30 min) documenting and explaining progress and results (MP4 format)
3. A 30-minute virtual site visit to give subject matter experts the opportunity to ask questions of the innovators based on the submitted materials (Microsoft Teams)

All submissions must be written in English and cannot be handwritten. NIH requires 1” margins, the use of font that is at least 11 pt in size, and generally recommends the use of either Arial, Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Palatino Linotype. It is recommended that the written document has at least 1.0 line spacing.

A link to a secure file transfer service for these materials will be provided prior to the submission deadline.

1.- Written summary (10-page limit) of the progress made toward demonstration of a working prototype

Please see the below general template to assist with the written portion of the Milestone progress demonstration.

Please organize the submission into the sections as indicated below, and submit in PDF format.

Cover Page (1 Page, does not count toward 10-page limit)

• Title of Submission
• Team or Entity Name
•  Logo (optional)
• Team or Entity location (State, Country)

Description (Up to 10 Pages)

You may include up to 10 pages inclusive of project description and all figures, tables and data). It is preferable that this section is presented in the order stated below to facilitate evaluation and judging. Submissions must not include HHS’s logo or official seal or the logo of NIH or NCATS and must not claim federal government endorsement.

Summary

Briefly outline the biomedical problem and the quantum-enabled sensing approach that is being developed to solve it

Changes to Team Composition

If there have been any changes to key personnel since the submission of the Stage 1 proposals, please briefly describe those changes. 

Demonstration of the Approach and Results

• Describe the progress towards a working prototype including adequate details on the design and technical specifications of the technology.
• Describe to what degree does the demonstration provide a clear path toward a successful outcome for the proposed biomedical and/or clinical use case.
• Describe any meaningful changes and challenges to the approach described in the project proposal, and if so, explain how this could impact the project’s outcome.

References (1 Page, does not count toward 10-page limit)

2.- Expectations for a prerecorded 30-minute presentation to demonstrate progress and prototype readiness are listed below:

• Please submit a video of no longer than 30 minutes, in MP4 format.
• Describe the design and technical specifications depicting physical and experimental components of the prototype technology
• Present adequate details on the testing of the prototype technology and the outcomes for the proposed biomedical and/or clinical use case.

3.- A virtual site visit will be arranged for the team to provide subject matter experts the opportunity to ask questions of the innovators based on the submitted materials.

• A 30-minute virtual site visit will be scheduled using Microsoft Teams for a date after the submission of the materials.
• NIH Program Staff will be present to moderate the virtual site visit.
• A panel of at least three subject matter experts who reviewed the materials will be present to ask questions and clarifications based on the submitted materials.
• Please limit the participants to key personnel on the projects.

Participation in the Challenge as part of a Team or US Based Entity is allowed, however cash prizes cannot be disbursed to non-US citizens. Efforts as part of a team or entity are able to be recognized.

Please submit all proposals to NIHQuantumChallenges@mail.nih.gov by the submission date. Registration forms must be submitted by the date listed for an application to be accepted.

This is not a standard scientific review process or peer review process. It's a two stage process. First, The submissions will be evaluated by a panel of subject matter experts who will provide what's called an objective review as opposed to a peer review. Then the second stage will be by Federal employees who will assess programmatic fit and finalize the review results.

For project specific questions, please contact the program lead Geetha Senthil (senthilgs@mail.nih.gov) for any discussions related to submission topics. For general inquiries, please contact the general mailbox NIHQuantumChallenges@mail.nih.gov

You may develop technology intended for submission to the Challenge using those funds as long as it is within the scope of and allowable within the terms of the grant you have received from the awarding institution. We urge you to contact your program and grants management officials of the awarding institution for specific details on what is allowable regarding technology development for the Challenges.

There are no restrictions on how the prize funds are used. One caveat is that if you actively use Federal funds from a Grant contract, property agreement, or other award to develop your submission to this challenge. then, those funds must be treated as program income per grants policy or contract policy.

You will be contacted by program officials with instructions. You must enroll in SAM.gov and fill out form in order to receive a cash prize. Funds may be distributed to US Citizens or Green Card holders ONLY.

Yes. Individuals, Teams and Entities are required to complete the registration forms provided on the Challenge announcement by the submission date.

Yes. Reviewers will be selected based on their relevant expertise in the field.

The solution can be developed anywhere in the world; however, only US Citizens, permanent residents, and entities incorporated in and that maintain a primary place of business in the United States are eligible to receive a prize.

Each successful submission is eligible to receive a cash prize in the amount listed for each stage/milestone. For teams, the prize can be disbursed among multiple team members (US Citizens/Permanent Residents only)

Submissions will be treated as confidential, and will only be seen by internal program staff and reviewers.

That is correct. If the federal funds are awarded to the institution, the most common situation, a submission that uses those funds must be submitted on behalf of the institution.

From the rules on the challenge announcement: “Federal grantees and recipients of cooperative agreements or other transaction (OT) awards are eligible to participate in the Challenge but may not use Federal funds from a grant award, cooperative agreement, or OT award to develop their Challenge submission or to fund efforts in support of their Challenge submission unless use of such funds is consistent with the purpose, terms, and conditions of the grant award, cooperative agreement, or OT award. Each Participant (whether participating as a Team or Entity) intending to use Federal grant, cooperative agreement, or OT award funds must register for and participate in the Challenge as an entity on behalf of the awardee institution, organization, or entity. If a winning Participant uses Federal grant, cooperative agreement, or OT award funds to participate in the Challenge, the prize must be treated as program income for purposes of the original grant, cooperative agreement, or OT award in accordance with applicable Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards [2 CFR § 200].”

A budget is not required to be submitted for this challenge.

The team can change members as required to meet the needs of the solution, provided any new members meet the eligibility criteria.

The team can decide how funds will be disbursed among the team members. Registration in SAM.gov is only required by any individual/entity who will be receiving a prize disbursement.

The prize should be counted as program income on the grant. Please get clarity from program staff from your grant’s awarding institution, and your universities Authorized Organizational Representative.

No. Only teams that have won Stage 1 will be invited to participate in Stage 2.

Teams are required to get letters of support from institutes/companies with quantum hardware to demonstrate their algorithms. Use of Quantum Hardware will not be provided as part of this Challenge. For letters of support, NIH asks that innovators provide a statement indicating that the team has the available resources and access to hardware required to complete the milestones.

Individuals are able and encouraged to apply. This challenge will not have a networking event to assist in establishing teams. If necessary, Individuals are encouraged to reach out to anyone they feel has the expertise necessary to form a successful team.

The solutions will be evaluated by their own merit, and by their success in achieving the milestone criteria listed, regardless of the hardware that is used.

Individuals, groups of individuals, or entities who participate in this challenge allow NIH, or others on behalf of NIH, to use their submissions for governmental purposes, for example, non-commercial and educational purposes. Other intellectual property rights are retained by the participants.

From the challenge rules: “By participating in this Challenge, each Participant (whether an individual, group of individuals, or entity) grants to the NIH an irrevocable, paid-up, royalty-free nonexclusive worldwide license to reproduce, publish, post, link to, share, and display publicly the submission on the web or elsewhere, and a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice, or have practiced for or on its behalf, the solution throughout the world. Each Participant will retain all other intellectual property rights in their submissions, as applicable. To participate in the Challenge, each Participant must warrant that there are no legal obstacles to providing the above-referenced nonexclusive licenses of the Participant’s rights to the federal government. To receive an award, Participants will not be required to transfer their intellectual property rights to NIH, but Participants must grant to the federal government the nonexclusive licenses recited herein.
(8) Each Participant (whether an individual, group of individuals, or entity) agrees to follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.
(9) Each Participant (whether an individual, group of individuals, or entity) participating in this Challenge must comply with all terms and conditions of these rules, and participation in this Challenge constitutes each such Participant’s full and unconditional agreement to abide by these rules. Winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements herein.”

For project specific questions and metrics discussions, please reach out to the program lead Geetha at senthilgs@mail.nih.gov.

Yes. To be eligible to receive a cash prize, the Team Lead must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents can participate as a member of a team that otherwise satisfies the eligibility criteria; however, citizens and non-permanent residents are not eligible to win a monetary prize (in whole or in part). In the event that a dispute regarding the identity of the Team Lead who actually submitted the entry cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the NIH, the affected submission will be deemed ineligible.

From the challenge rules: “A participant shall not be an employee of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS, or any other component of HHS) acting in their personal capacity;
Who is employed by a federal agency or entity other than HHS (or any component of HHS), should consult with an agency ethics official to determine whether the federal ethics rules will limit or prohibit the acceptance of a prize under this Challenge.”

From the Challenge rules: “A Participant (whether an individual, group of individuals, or entity) shall not be deemed ineligible because the Participant used federal facilities or consulted with federal employees during the Challenge if the facilities and employees are made available to all Participants participating in the Challenge on an equitable basis.”

To be eligible to receive a cash prize, the Team Lead must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents can participate as a member of a team that otherwise satisfies the eligibility criteria; however, citizens and non-permanent residents are not eligible to win a monetary prize (in whole or in part). In the event that a dispute regarding the identity of the Team Lead who actually submitted the entry cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the NIH, the affected submission will be deemed ineligible. 

For the types of technologies that are within the scope of this Challenge, please consult the description within the Challenge announcement, or contact the program lead Geetha Senthil for project suitability.

The descriptions should be sufficient for the judges of the Challenge competition to reach a decision about the effectiveness of the submission. Other than that, there is no requirement to submit fully described (enabled) IPs. The focus is on the effectiveness and completeness of the submission and not on the sufficiency of IP details.

From the challenge rules: “By participating in this Challenge, each Participant (whether an individual, group of individuals, or entity) grants to the NIH an irrevocable, paid-up, royalty-free nonexclusive worldwide license to reproduce, publish, post, link to, share, and display publicly the submission on the web or elsewhere, and a nonexclusive, nontransferable, irrevocable, paid-up license to practice, or have practiced for or on its behalf, the solution throughout the world. Each Participant will retain all other intellectual property rights in their submissions, as applicable. To participate in the Challenge, each Participant must warrant that there are no legal obstacles to providing the above-referenced nonexclusive licenses of the Participant’s rights to the federal government. To receive an award, Participants will not be required to transfer their intellectual property rights to NIH, but Participants must grant to the federal government the nonexclusive licenses recited herein.
(8) Each Participant (whether an individual, group of individuals, or entity) agrees to follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies.
(9) Each Participant (whether an individual, group of individuals, or entity) participating in this Challenge must comply with all terms and conditions of these rules, and participation in this Challenge constitutes each such Participant’s full and unconditional agreement to abide by these rules. Winning is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements herein.”

Applicants are not required to go through apply through their university’s Authorized Organization Representative in order to participate in this challenge. However, if federal funds awarded to the university are used to develop the submission, the submission must be made in compliance with the university’s policies and procedures and with the terms and conditions of award that apply to the funds used to develop the submission.

It depends on the federal agency.
From the eligibility criteria in the challenge announcement: “To be eligible to win a prize under this Challenge, a Participant (whether an individual, group of individuals (team), or entity) —
4.      Shall not be a federal entity or federal employee acting within the scope of their employment;
5.      Shall not be an employee of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS, or any other component of HHS) acting in their personal capacity;
6.      Who is employed by a federal agency or entity other than HHS (or any component of HHS), should consult with an agency ethics official to determine whether the federal ethics rules will limit or prohibit the acceptance of a prize under this Challenge;

Yes. Submitted materials will be treated as confidential throughout the process. After winners are announced, non-technical summaries of the wining submissions will be publicly available.

The project should remain as initially proposed, but the approach can change according to the needs of the solution to meet the milestones as necessary.