Biological Technologies
This funding opportunity invites innovative research proposals that leverage biological technologies to enhance U.S. national security, targeting a wide range of topics from human performance optimization to biosecurity solutions.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), through its Biological Technologies Office (BTO), is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) titled "Biological Technologies" under announcement number HR001124S0034. This office-wide BAA invites proposals for basic and applied research that aligns with BTO’s mission to leverage the unique properties of biology—adaptation, replication, resilience, and complexity—to enhance U.S. national security. This includes supporting the health and readiness of warfighters, developing bio-based materials and systems, and advancing biotechnological innovations with potential tactical applications. The purpose of this announcement is to solicit innovative ideas and technologies that address critical areas in biological research relevant to defense. It encompasses a broad range of topics including but not limited to human performance optimization, AI/ML applications in biology, ecosystem and environmental security, novel material and sensor development, biosecurity, and biomedical solutions for injury and disease. DARPA is particularly interested in groundbreaking approaches that significantly exceed the current state of the art and have the potential for transformational impact on national defense capabilities. Funding is provided through various award instruments such as procurement contracts, cooperative agreements, and other transactions. Proposals can be submitted on a rolling basis through September 18, 2025. An accelerated award option is available for proposals under $2 million that meet specified conditions, allowing awards to be issued within 30 days of selection notification. Proposals are strongly encouraged to submit an abstract for feedback prior to submitting a full proposal. Eligible applicants include all responsible U.S. and non-U.S. sources. While participation from Small Businesses, Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Minority Institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities is encouraged, there are no specific set-asides. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) may apply but must first discuss eligibility with the contracting officer due to special restrictions. Proposal evaluation will focus on scientific and technical merit, relevance to DARPA’s mission, and cost and schedule realism. Special notices (SNs) and Pitch Days may be issued under this BAA to target specific topics. Additional support is available through resources like DARPAConnect, the APEX Accelerators program, and Project Spectrum to assist proposers with registration, compliance, and cybersecurity requirements. Important documents for applicants include required attachments such as abstract and proposal templates, cost templates, and special guidance on classified submissions and accelerated award options. Human and animal research considerations are also detailed for projects involving such components. The announcement emphasizes the importance of understanding and complying with requirements for fundamental and non-fundamental research and includes guidance on how DARPA will assess these categories.
Award Range
Not specified - Not specified
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Special Eligibility Considerations for Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government Entities FFRDCs FFRDCs are subject to applicable direct competition limitations and cannot propose to this solicitation in any capacity unless they meet the following conditions. (1) FFRDCs must clearly demonstrate that the proposed work is not otherwise available from the private sector. (2) FFRDCs must provide a letter, on official letterhead from their sponsoring organization, that (a) cites the specific authority establishing their eligibility to propose to Government solicitations and compete with industry, and (b) certifies the FFRDC’s compliance with the associated FFRDC sponsor agreement’s terms and conditions. These conditions are a requirement for FFRDCs proposing to be awardees or subawardees. Government Entities Government Entities (e.g., Government/National laboratories, military educational institutions, etc.) are subject to applicable direct competition limitations. Government Entities must clearly demonstrate that the work is not otherwise available from the private sector and provide written documentation citing the specific statutory authority and contractual authority, if relevant, establishing their ability to propose to Government solicitations and compete with industry. This information is required for Government Entities proposing to be awardees or subawardees. Authority and Eligibility At the present time, DARPA does not consider 15 U.S.C. § 3710a to be sufficient legal authority to show eligibility. While 10 U.S.C.§ 4892 may be the appropriate statutory starting point for some entities, specific supporting regulatory guidance, together with evidence of agency approval, will still be required to fully establish eligibility. DARPA will consider FFRDC and Government Entity eligibility submissions on a case-by-case basis; however, the burden to prove eligibility for all team members rests solely with the proposer.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
September 11, 2024
Application Closes
Not specified
Grantor
Katie Freeman
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