DARPA Biological Technologies

The Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001124S0034 from DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO) seeks innovative proposals to advance biotechnological capabilities that enhance U.S. national security. The announcement emphasizes solutions leveraging biology’s unique properties, such as adaptability, complexity, and resilience, to support tactical readiness and address global challenges. Specific areas of interest include machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), human performance enhancement, novel materials, biosensors, biosecurity, and ecosystem restoration. The purpose of this BAA is to stimulate groundbreaking research that supports BTO’s mission to develop technologies that protect and prepare warfighters, restore function to the injured, and increase operational resilience. Proposals should align with goals such as improving predictive models for biological systems, advancing biosafety measures, or creating biohybrid systems that integrate biological and engineered components. Proposals are expected to address tactical applications or broader societal needs, such as mitigating ecosystem disruptions or developing countermeasures against emerging pathogens. The funding scope includes foundational and applied research with potential national security implications. DARPA anticipates multiple awards under this solicitation and may use procurement contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transaction mechanisms to fund projects. Proposed efforts should demonstrate how they can provide measurable benefits in line with the technical objectives outlined in the announcement. The solicitation is open to U.S. and non-U.S. entities capable of achieving the program's objectives. Proposals are encouraged from a variety of organizations, including universities, small disadvantaged businesses, and private companies. Multidisciplinary teams with expertise spanning biology, AI, materials science, and related fields are particularly welcome. Collaborations that leverage diverse technical and scientific skills are strongly encouraged to maximize innovation and impact. Abstracts and full proposals are accepted on a rolling basis until September 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET. While abstracts are optional, submitting one prior to the full proposal is recommended to receive initial feedback. Full proposals must include detailed descriptions of technical approaches, tasks, and costs, using templates provided in the BAA. Key submission instructions are provided in the BAA’s attachments and referenced terms and conditions. Submissions will be evaluated based on three main criteria: overall scientific and technical merit, relevance to DARPA’s mission, and cost and schedule realism. Proposals must outline innovative and feasible approaches, demonstrate alignment with national security objectives, and provide detailed, realistic budgets that justify costs relative to project goals. Submissions that effectively manage technical risks and offer a clear path to impactful outcomes are likely to be favored. DARPA offers resources like DARPAConnect and Project Spectrum to assist proposers in preparing and submitting competitive proposals. Periodically, “Pitch Days” may be announced to solicit targeted ideas under specific BAA areas. Through this solicitation, DARPA aims to catalyze advancements that redefine the frontiers of biological technologies and create transformative solutions that address critical challenges in national security and beyond.