FAQ dated 8 August.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (Last Update: 8/8/2025)

7. Are concepts involving insects in scope? Is this considered animal use?

ANSWER: Responses addressing insects are in scope if animal use is not included in the proposed solution (for more information on animal use, please see DoD Instruction

3216.01 and DHA-MSR 6025.02/DI-18).

8. What is the total award opportunity for an awardable solution?

ANSWER: We anticipate awards of up to $500K per selected proposer for periods of performance of nine months to one year.

9. Are we able to pitch a concept or does it have to be a particular program?

ANSWER: We are asking interested parties to submit capability videos addressing the posted topic areas. Awardable teams may be invited to a workshop for concept refinement and to a Pitch Day event later in the year.

10. My concept involves domestic production of necessary animal supplements that may be otherwise threatened by overseas supply chain issues. No animals are used in the process. Is this in scope?

ANSWER: Yes, this is in scope.

11. Is animal disease research in scope if no animals are purchased or used in the experiments?

ANSWER: Please see DoD Instruction 3216.01 and DHA-MSR 6025.02/DI-18 for information on animal use. If your concept involves animals but not animal use as defined in these documents, then it would be permissible. Animal disease research is in scope.

12. We are a small business with capabilities in the Ag Defense space. Is it possible to speak to a contact or mentor at DARPA or DARPAConnect regarding our concept?

ANSWER: It is not possible to discuss specific concepts related to Ag x BTO with program managers at this point in the process. Please submit your concept video. If deemed awardable, interested parties may initiate follow-on conversations.

13. Do small businesses apply to Ag BTO in the same manner as other offerors?

ANSWER: Yes. Please submit your capability video through ERIS according to the instructions on Sam.gov. You may also visit the Ag x BTO site https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/ag-bto for links to the Special Notice and other helpful information.

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1. Is the Ag x BTO program focused exclusively on biosecurity threats to our ag sector, or focused on man made threats to our ag sector, including both biosecurity and cybersecurity threats?

ANSWER: Responses addressing cybersecurity threats to the ag sector are in scope.

2. The language in the opportunity seems mostly geared towards plants, although it doesn't explicitly mention this as a focus. Our concept is mainly relevant to animal agriculture -- is that within scope? Specifically, in Technical Areas 2 and 3, the word crop is used -- is this meant to rule out solutions related to animals? More generally, the opportunity mentions that animal subjects research is precluded -- are there any exceptions to this?

ANSWER: Proposals involving animal use will not be eligible for current AgxBTO-funded events such as the workshop or pitch day. However, proposers with animal or livestock solutions may submit to the ERIS BTO Enduring Topic notice which is anticipated to be posted to the marketplace by September 1st 2025 for future consideration.

3. I am planning to submit our application through SAM.gov, but wanted to see if there was any additional steps we should take or anyone we could speak with to give more background on our solution before or after we complete the submission process.

ANSWER: It is not possible to discuss specific concepts with program managers at this point in the process. Please submit your concept video. If deemed awardable, you will then have the opportunity for follow on conversations with interested parties.

4. My project proposal involves marine organisms – specifically fish. Does this fall under DARPA's definition of an "agricultural crop" for this specific special topic call?

ANSWER: Proposals involving animal use will not be eligible for current AgxBTO-funded events such as the workshop or pitch day. However, proposers with animal or livestock https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/ag-bto solutions may submit to the ERIS BTO Enduring Topic notice which is anticipated to be posted to the marketplace by September 1st 2025 for future consideration.

5. Is there a plan for future engagement opportunities (virtual or in-person), or an alternative mechanism to gain similar insights – such as a publication, summary, or recording of the event?

ANSWER: We have a second event that will have both in person and remote options.

Please also check the Ag x BTO site for updates.

Midwest Innovators: Join Us In Person at the Iowa State University on August 12

We’re excited to offer a special in-person opportunity for innovators in the Midwest to connect directly with DARPA’s BTO and the new Ag × BTO initiative.

Event: DARPA’s Ag × BTO: Midwest Series Date: Tuesday, August 12 | 9:30 AM – 12:45 PM CT Location: Student Innovation Center Iowa State University 606 Bissell Rd, Ames, IA Registration: https://events.sa-meetings.com/website/87841/home/

(Note: Recommended in-person participation; registration closes on Tuesday, August 5)

6. Is work addressing animal parasites in scope for Ag x BTO?

ANSWER: Yes, if the work is related to the parasite itself and does not require animal use approval.

https://events.sa-meetings.com/website/87841/home/