Military Specific Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT)

The United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), on behalf of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), Center for Military Psychiatry & Neurosciences Research (CMPN) is issuing this Notice of Intent to award a new contract on a sole source basis. This is not a request for proposal. This notice does not represent a commitment by the Government to pay for costs incurred from the preparation and/or submission of the data in response to this notice.

The Government intends to award a sole source contract, in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1(a)(2), to the University of Miami (UM), 4300 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33127 as the only responsible source to meet this military unique requirement. The period of performance for this requirement is for four (4) years from the date of award; 15 September 2025 – 14 September 2029.

The CMPN seeks to expand on a collaborative study with UM in the effectiveness of Mindfulness Training (MT) on military personnel. MT enhances cognitive function and well-being, potentially benefiting military personnel by improving attention and working memory for mission-related tasks. The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has requested to utilize UM’s Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT) for armored crews, a streamlined 4-week MT program with embedded practice designed to optimize performance and well-being in demanding situations.

MBAT was custom developed by UM for high threat environments tailored to warfighter neurophysiology operations tempo within a military context and uniquely structured for combat effectiveness. The UM, through its proprietary method, will be responsible for contextualizing MBAT for armored crews, developing embedded practices, and completing a pilot phase study to optimize delivery (Phase 1). Following completion of Phase 1, the UM will provide and evaluate MBAT on computer-based metrics and operational simulator performance (Phase 2). Finally, the UM will provide evidence -based recommendations for MBAT implementation for 3ID (Knowledge Product)(Phase 3).

This requirement builds on 15 years of Department of Defense (DoD) funded research, conducted with the UM, to systematically investigate mindfulness training within DoD units and is military specific. The UM Laboratory possesses a unique foundation of peer-reviewed expertise, developed through collaborations with multiple DoD agencies and evidenced by over fifteen publications, making it uniquely qualified as it holds the intellectual property for this MBAT study to support the military specific requirement.

Any sources that believe they are eligible and capable of providing this military specific research and development requirement must respond in writing. Responses must be supported with clear and convincing evidence articulating the ability to provide the military specific research requirement. A request for documentation will not be considered an affirmative response. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether a competitive procurement is in the best interest of the Government. If no written responses are received by the date listed below, which reflects forty-five (45) days after publication of this notice, the contract will be awarded without further remark.

This notice is provided solely as information to the marketplace.

Contact Information: Questions may be submitted to Mr. Keith C. Crum at keith.c.crum@health.mil no later than 3:00pm EST on Monday 11 August 2025.