Physics-Based Control Over de novo Synthesis of DNA or RNA
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- DARPA-SN-25-46
- Agency
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541714 Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Place of performance
- Arlington, Virginia 22203, United States
- Points of contact
-
- BAA Coordinator darpa-sn-25-46@darpa.mil
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Biological Technologies Office has issued a Special Notice seeking industry and research input on developing advanced biotechnological capabilities for de novo DNA and RNA synthesis. This Request for Information (RFI) focuses on exploring innovative methods of producing nucleic acid sequences through physical stimulation rather than traditional template-based approaches. The notice specifically targets research that could potentially create DNA/RNA sequences without relying on existing genetic templates, with the ultimate goal of generating functional protein production. DARPA is interested in understanding the scientific and technical challenges associated with in vivo synthesis of nucleic acids using various physical stimuli such as optical, mechanical, sound, electrical, and thermal methods. The Special Notice was posted on February 14, 2025, with responses due by March 20, 2025.
The RFI requests detailed technical information across four primary research areas: initiation strategies for DNA/RNA synthesis, elongation approaches using physical stimuli, termination methods for transcription, and a comparative analysis of current synthesis techniques. Potential respondents are expected to provide insights on performance metrics including synthesis speed, sequence length capabilities, and accuracy rates. DARPA has outlined specific submission requirements, including electronic submission to DARPA-SN-25-46@darpa.mil in PDF or Word format, with a comprehensive cover page and technical narrative addressing eight specific research questions. While no explicit contractor eligibility restrictions are mentioned, the technical complexity suggests the opportunity is best suited for advanced research institutions, biotechnology firms, and organizations with sophisticated molecular biology capabilities. The agency is considering a potential workshop on May 1st, 2025, in Arlington, VA for selected respondents, indicating an interest in further collaborative exploration of this cutting-edge research concept.
Notice text
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Biological Technologies Office (BTO) seeks to gain a better understanding of biotechnological advancements and gaps that could contribute to the ability to synthesize de novo DNA and RNA sequences in vivo. The goal of this RFI is to gather information on the possibility and challenges in developing a platform for in vivo (i.e., in a living cell) synthesis of DNA/RNA, where the nucleic acid sequence is precisely defined by patterns of physical stimulation (i.e., optical, mechanical, sound, electrical, thermal, etc.) rather than using a DNA/RNA template strand. The ultimate aim is for this template-free, de novo synthesis (i.e., capable of producing arbitrary sequences that may not be based on natural sequences) mechanism to produce DNA/RNA that can be translated into functional proteins.
Attachments
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| DARPA-SN-25-46 FINAL.pdf |
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