Broad-Spectrum Antagonists For Editors (B-SAFE)
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals to identify and optimize novel molecules that exhibit inhibitory effects on Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated proteins (CRISPR-Cas) gene editing processes. The Broad-Spectrum Antagonists for Editors (B-SAFE) program is explicitly seeking transformative approaches enabling the discovery or design of novel inhibitors of gene editing technologies with enhanced activity, utility, and breadth of coverage. Novel inhibitor activity will be assessed in vitro over the course of the program and a subset of top performing molecules will be selected for scale-up at quantities sufficient for testing and evaluation by Department of Defense (DoD) stakeholders. In concert, DARPA is interested in exploring methods to rapidly discover inhibitor molecules for novel gene editing technologies beyond CRISPR-Cas systems to keep pace with the rapidly advancing field and promote the safe, controlled use of these technologies. Research that generates incremental improvements to the existing state-of-the-art are specifically excluded.
Award Range
Not specified - Not specified
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
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
June 14, 2024
Application Closes
August 12, 2024
Grantor
US Department of Defense (DARPA - Biological Technologies Office)
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