Sole Source Bioconscientia
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- W912HZ26QA049
- Agency
-
Engineer Research and Development Center
US Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541714 Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- PSC
- AJ11 General Science And Technology R&D Services; General Science And Technology; Basic Research
- Place of performance
- Mississippi 39180, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center intends to sole-source advanced research and development support in synthetic biology tools to Bioconscientia, LLC, with capabilities statements due by September 28, 2026.
The work encompasses four primary projects and two optional projects addressing environmental sensing, critical material supply chain security, and sustainable biomanufacturing. Project A develops synthetic cell systems for sensing via two-component signaling; Project B involves molecular engineering of CO2-utilizing yeast with AI-optimized Rubisco variants for austere biomanufacturing; Project C designs engineered protein chromatography platforms for rare earth element capture; Project D develops genetically encoded conductive protein nanowires for bio-electronic sensing and energy assimilation. Optional Projects E and F address bio-functionalized carbon quantum dot sensing platforms (including biodefense surrogates) and microbiologically induced calcite precipitation for geotechnical applications.
Bioconscientia is identified as the sole source based on specialized, proprietary capabilities in UV-B-responsive genetic circuits, complex two-component systems, AI-guided Rubisco variant development, high-throughput automated bioprocessing, cell-free expression systems, affinity-based separation platforms for rare earth element recovery, and advanced bio-electronic material fabrication. The contract will be firm-fixed price, funded with FY26 RDT&E funds, and awarded as a new non-personal services contract. The contracting officer will establish fair and reasonable pricing through cost and price analysis, including comparison to an Independent Government Estimate and historical R&D costs.
Notice text
Presolicitation and Notice of Intent to Sole Source
The US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) ERDC-EL Biotechnology Team requires advanced R&D support to investigate and advance synthetic biology tools. The overall objective is to develop, optimize, and
validate platforms that address environmental sensing, critical material supply chain security, and sustainable biomanufacturing. The required tasks encompass:
- Project A: Development of synthetic cell systems for sensing physical and chemical stimuli via two-component signaling (TCS).
- Project B: Molecular engineering of CO2-utilizing yeast via AI-optimized Rubisco variants for austere biomanufacturing.
- Project C: Design and testing of engineered protein chromatography platforms for selective capture of Rare Earth Elements (REE).
- Project D: Development of genetically encoded conductive protein nanowires for bio-electronic sensing and energy assimilation.
- Optional Projects E & F: Bio-functionalized carbon quantum dot sensing platforms (including biodefense surrogates) and microbiologically induced calcite precipitation for geotechnical applications.
Bioconscientia, LLC possesses highly specialized, unique capabilities and proprietary institutional knowledge essential to executing this complex portfolio of synthetic biology research. The successful execution of this work requires an integrated research environment capable of combining artificial intelligence (AI)-driven protein engineering, high-throughput automated bioprocessing, and cell-free expression systems. Specifically, the contractor must have immediate, proven expertise in:
- Engineering UV-B-responsive genetic circuits and complex two-component systems (TCS).
- Developing AI-guided Rubisco variants and scaling up automated fermentation.
- Pioneering affinity-based separation platforms specifically targeted at REE recovery from e-waste and processed magnets.
- Advanced bio-electronic material fabrication (e.g., genetically encoded conductive protein nanowires and carbon quantum dot functionalization).
No other source possesses the synergistic combination of specialized personnel, advanced laboratory infrastructure, and concurrent expertise across these disparate domains (biological CO2 assimilation, bio-electronics, and REE chromatography) required to meet the Government's stringent timelines and technical objectives without unacceptable delays or duplication of cost.
The Government intends to procure from only one source under the authority RFO 6.103-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This Notice of Intent is for information purposes only. This is not a request for quote. A solicitation will not be issued. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement to CHL-CT-Quotes@usace.army.mil, Subject Line "Sole Source Bioconsciencia" not later than the date indicated in this notice. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Verbal responses are not acceptable.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| A02.09 Restriction of Competition MFR_Signed_Redacted.pdf |
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