Biological Technologies

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Biological Technologies Office (BTO) is soliciting proposals for innovative biological technologies research that leverages biological properties and processes to revolutionize warfighter protection capabilities. The agency is specifically seeking transformative science that goes beyond evolutionary improvements to existing practices, covering research areas including machine learning and AI in biological systems, combat casualty care, human performance, materials and sensors, agricultural and environmental technologies, security and surveillance, and biomedical applications. Proposals must be submitted through the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT) and must include a mandatory 2-page abstract before full proposal submission, with DARPA subsequently indicating whether proposers will be invited to submit complete proposals. Evaluation criteria prioritize overall scientific and technical merit, potential contribution to DARPA's mission, and cost realism. The solicitation operates on a rolling submission window from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, with proposals accepted throughout this period.

This opportunity contains no set-aside designations and encourages participation from historically Black colleges, small businesses, and minority institutions, while also allowing non-U.S. organizations to participate. The maximum accelerated award value is $2,000,000, with potential awards made within 30 days of selection for proposers who elect the accelerated award option and agree to predetermined terms and conditions. Multiple award instruments are possible, including procurement contracts, cooperative agreements, and other transaction agreements, with specific model templates provided for each award type. The solicitation supports both base periods and optional extension phases, with milestone-based payment structures available for Other Transaction agreements. While no specific place of performance is designated, the research must maintain appropriate security protocols for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and comply with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) standards for information processing and storage.