# DoD Seeks Brain Injury Assessment Expertise

The Pentagon, through the Blast Injury Research Coordinating Office (BIRCO), issued a Request for Information seeking expertise and data to help develop standards for assessing blast-related mild traumatic brain injury. The proposed standards could inform health-hazard and survivability assessments, weapon and platform safety, and protective-gear development. This is an information-gathering action, not an announced contract award; the signal provides no funding amount, response deadline, or procurement contact.

- Researchers, medical organizations, and protective-gear manufacturers with relevant data, assessment methods, or existing standards can evaluate whether their expertise aligns with BIRCO’s RFI.
- The work may shape future DoD assessment practices and related research or protective-equipment requirements, making the RFI relevant to organizations serving defense health and safety programs.
- Because no response deadline or contract value is stated, interested organizations should consult the original RFI for submission instructions and any additional details before planning a response.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Healthcare
**Published:** October 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- Blast Injury Research Coordinating Office (BIRCO)

### Sources
- [Pentagon seeks expertise to develop brain injury assessment standards](https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-military/2026/10/15/pentagon-seeks-expertise-to-develop-brain-injury-assessment-standards) - Defense News