FAQs & resources

The Single Shield Prize is a competition to advance single-administration vaccine platforms for pandemic influenza A(H5N1). The prize calls for innovative solutions enabling the development of vaccines that could provide protection in only one visit. By supporting promising technologies through nonclinical studies, the Single Shield Prize aims to accelerate the development of effective single-administration pandemic influenza A(H5N1) vaccines that can be rapidly deployed during an influenza pandemic. Read more about the prize background.

To advance development of a single-administration vaccine that will protect against pandemic influenza A(H5N1), vaccine developers will need to demonstrate immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety in nonclinical studies while developing scalable manufacturing processes. Doing so will require collaboration across different fields of expertise, technological innovation, and strategic planning. The prize competition model encourages participation from both traditional and non-traditional innovators and supports collaboration, expanding the pool of creative and feasible solutions. Read more about the prize structure and program stages.

The Single Shield Prize complements, but does not overlap with several other BARDA related efforts looking at improving vaccine formulation and delivery. Pandemic Influenza falls within BARDA’s threat space, so following Stage 2 completion, successful candidates could be further supported through advanced research and development by BARDA as funding and priorities allow.

The proposed vaccine candidate must be either an inactivated virus vaccine, or a recombinant hemagglutinin (rHA) protein vaccine.

Examples of in-scope approaches include: egg-based, cell-based, recombinant protein subunit, or self-assembling scaffolded protein nanoparticles displaying HA antigens.

Entrants need not have access to an existing approved influenza product themselves; they need only submit a candidate built on one of these two in-scope platforms. 

The proposed vaccine candidate must only be administered by the following methods: intramuscular, intradermal, transdermal, subcutaneous.

The proposed vaccine candidate must be targeted toward pandemic influenza A(H5N1). The vaccine candidate may target other influenza A subtypes (e.g., influenza A(H3N2)) concurrently, as long as pandemic influenza A(H5N1) is included.

The proposed vaccine candidate must be administered in a single healthcare visit or single self-administration event. The vaccine’s active components may be released over time (for example, via slow release, controlled release, pulsatile release or self-boosting mechanisms). Strategies that rely on the simultaneous administration of separate doses or on a combination of different routes of administration at a single timepoint will not be considered for this prize competition.

Yes, a proposed vaccine candidate can incorporate multiple novel elements, provided the candidate aligns with the product requirements. 

Entrants should refer to the product requirements, and Concept Stage evaluation criteria, and to the Desired Product Attributes. The Desired Product Attributes will inform evaluation of submissions and serve as a guide to entrants for what is expected during nonclinical studies.

No, this is not required. The prize is not seeking a head-to-head comparison with existing vaccines. Vaccine candidates will be evaluated against the Desired Product Attributes, which describe target nonclinical metrics aligned with approved two-dose pandemic influenza vaccines.

An entrant must be a legal entity (such as a non-profit, for-profit, or academic institution), and/or be represented by an individual with the delegated authority to act on behalf of that legal entity.

The Primary Entrant must be a U.S.-based Concern at the time the Declaration of Intent is submitted and remain a U.S.-based Concern through the issuance of prize awards.

“U.S.-based Concern” means: (i) incorporated in the United States (including a U.S.-incorporated subsidiary even if the parent is foreign based), or (ii) unincorporated with its principal place of business in the United States. Principal place of business is defined as the primary location where management directs, controls, or coordinates the entity’s activities.

Components of the work may be performed by a team consisting of subcontractors, consultants, CROs, or partner organizations, however, the Primary Entrant must retain responsibility for substantively leading the technical effort.

See the rules, terms, and conditions for more information.

There is no minimum readiness or stage of development requirement for entrants or their proposed vaccine candidate. Operational readiness is included in the Concept Stage evaluation criteria on which submissions will be assessed. If an entrant or team has preliminary data, they are encouraged to share it as part of their Concept Stage submission.

View the Concept Stage evaluation criteria.

This is not a requirement. At the Concept Stage, entrants are asked to indicate the intended source of the antigen to be used during nonclinical studies. The antigen may be commercially available or sourced or produced through other means. Submissions will be evaluated on the degree to which the Primary Entrant and any included partners possess the capabilities required to successfully execute the proposed nonclinical studies, in accordance with the Concept Stage evaluation criteria.

There is no prescribed team composition and what is ideal may vary depending on an entrant’s proposed approach and needs. Whether an entrant chooses to team will not be a factor in evaluation; submissions will be evaluated based on entrant(s)’ ability to execute the proposed approach, in accordance with the Concept Stage evaluation criteria. Those interested in partnering can fill out the teaming form on the website and register for the September 29 Proposers’ Day to connect with other prospective entrants and partners.

Stage 1 is open to winners of the Concept Stage (Stage 0) and to new entrants who meet the eligibility requirements.

Only Stage 1 winners will be eligible to progress to Stage 2.

Read more about the prize structure and program stages.

An entrant may enter or re-enter the prize competition at Stage 1, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. For Stages 0 and 1, entrants must submit and receive approval of a Declaration of Intent to be eligible for prize awards. 

For Stage 2, only Stage 1 winners are eligible for prize awards.

Entrants will be notified whether they have received approval to submit a concept paper within five business days of submitting a Declaration of Intent. No additional details or feedback will be provided to entrants who do not receive approval.

Entrants may submit more than one entry to each stage, however, each Primary Entrant or entrant team may only be selected for one award per stage.

Evaluation criteria will be published at the opening of each stage. View the criteria for the Concept Stage.

Notifications to unsuccessful entrants will be made via email after the notification to the winner(s). No additional details or feedback will be provided to unsuccessful entrants.

No.

No. USG employees and support contractors are not eligible to be part of a submission in any capacity – whether as Primary Entrants, team members, collaborators, advisors, or any other role, and whether paid or unpaid.

An entrant shall not be deemed ineligible because the entrant used federal facilities or consulted with federal employees during the prize if the facilities and employees are made available to all entrants participating in the prize on an equitable basis.

The Primary Entrant must be a U.S.-based Concern at the time the Declaration of Intent is submitted. Foreign subcontractors and teaming partners may be included, provided they comply with the eligibility requirements. See the official rules, terms, and conditions for complete information on eligibility.

The Primary Entrant must be a U.S.-based Concern at the time the Declaration of Intent is submitted and remain a U.S.-based Concern through the issuance of prize awards. See the official rules, terms, and conditions for complete information on eligibility.

The stage awards are paid to entrants who are selected as winners under the prize rules, terms, and conditions. Unlike a grant or contract, a prize is not a cost-reimbursement mechanism and is not based on direct, indirect, proposed, or incurred costs. It is expected that winners will use the prize funds to support further development and participation in subsequent stages of the prize, or toward execution of a Phase 1 clinical trial in the case of Stage 2 winner(s).