Biological Technologies

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), through its Biological Technologies Office (BTO), has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Biological Technologies," funding opportunity number HR001124S0034, posted on September 11, 2024. DARPA’s BTO is dedicated to harnessing the unique properties of biology, including adaptability, replication, resilience, and complexity, to revolutionize U.S. defense capabilities. The office seeks to strengthen national security by advancing research that enhances warfighter health and readiness, develops novel biological and biohybrid systems, and protects against biological threats. This BAA reflects DARPA’s long-standing approach of issuing open solicitations to encourage a wide variety of proposals across scientific, academic, and industrial communities. The purpose of this opportunity is to fund research in several key focus areas that align with BTO’s mission. These include machine learning and artificial intelligence applications in biological systems, human performance optimization, bio-inspired materials and sensors, environmental and ecosystem-level technologies, biosafety and biosecurity innovations, and biomedical and biodefense applications. Examples include advancing foundation models in biology, improving simulation of biological systems, developing biotechnology-based interventions to optimize cognitive and physical performance, creating bio-inspired materials and sensors, restoring ecosystems and ensuring food and water security, and developing medical countermeasures against pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. Proposals must demonstrate technical merit, feasibility, and relevance to DARPA’s mission of making pivotal early-stage investments in technology that could provide strategic advantage. Proposals are evaluated on three main criteria: overall scientific and technical merit, potential contribution and relevance to DARPA’s mission, and cost and schedule realism. While DARPA welcomes innovative and high-risk research, proposers must present clear technical approaches, identify risks with mitigation strategies, and ensure deliverables are achievable. Proposals that emphasize low-cost but low-risk approaches without innovation are discouraged. The submission process allows for rolling abstract and full proposal submissions until September 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET. Abstracts are strongly encouraged as an initial step, though not required. Applicants may submit through the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) or Grants.gov, depending on the award type. Attachments A through D provide templates and guidance for abstracts, technical and management volumes, cost volumes, and cost proposal spreadsheets. DARPA anticipates issuing multiple awards, which may take the form of procurement contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transaction agreements, depending on the nature of the project and applicant. Awards are open to U.S. and non-U.S. applicants, including academic institutions, industry, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations, provided they comply with export control, security, and nondisclosure requirements. The funding opportunity explicitly states that no set-asides are reserved for small businesses, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or Minority Institutions, though participation from these groups is encouraged. Non-U.S. participants are eligible under compliance conditions. Proposals may involve fundamental or non-fundamental research, with restrictions on publication possible for sensitive projects. Human and animal subjects research may be included, provided federal approval processes are followed. Additionally, DARPA may issue "Pitch Day" special notices under this BAA for targeted proposal calls. DARPA has designated Katie Freeman, Contracting Officer at the DARPA Contracts Management Office, as the primary point of contact. Inquiries can be submitted via email to BTOBAA2024@darpa.mil. Mailing correspondence should be directed to DARPA/BTO, ATTN: HR001124S0034, 675 North Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203-2114. The program anticipates renewal in future cycles, with similar BAAs historically reissued on an annual basis. This solicitation closes on September 10, 2025, after which new cycles may be published. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to submit abstracts early to receive feedback before full proposal submission.