How to bid on Non-Optical Methods for High Speed Protein Control with DARPA

What DARPA is buying and why it matters

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is looking for new ways to control proteins inside cells without using light. Specifically, they want rapidly switchable, non-optogenetic protein domains that can enable real-time control. This effort aims to create a versatile molecular tool for information transfer across cell membranes, which would enhance existing synthetic biology platforms. This is an opportunity for vendors to contribute to advanced biological research and development.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The deadline for this Special Notice is December 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. After this date, DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO) will be actively seeking innovative, awardable solutions through the ERIS Marketplace that address the need for these new protein control methods. Amendment 1 clarified the notice deadline, but the revised date was not provided.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms with expertise in professional scientific research and development, particularly in synthetic biology, molecular biology, and protein engineering. Vendors who can develop novel, rapidly switchable, non-optogenetic protein domains for real-time cellular control would be a good fit. This is for entities capable of creating robust molecular tools for massless information transfer across cell membranes.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, you will need to click the “View original source” link on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response, clearly articulate the novelty and feasibility of your proposed non-optical protein control methods. Emphasize how your solution provides rapid switching capabilities and real-time control within cells. Detail how your proposed molecular tool facilitates information transfer across cell membranes and how it can integrate with or supplement existing synthetic biology platforms.

Ensure your proposal highlights the potential impact and versatility of your technology. Provide a clear explanation of your technical approach, including any preliminary data or theoretical foundations that support your claims. Focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the scientific challenges and how your solution offers a robust and innovative answer.