Protean
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- DARPARA2601
- Agency
-
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
Department of Defense
- Applications due
- Award size
- Not on record
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Cooperative Agreement
- Category
-
- Science and Technology and other Research and Development
- Eligible applicants
-
- Other
- Points of contact
-
- Dr. Michael Feasel proteantherapeutics@darpa.mil
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting proposals through cooperative agreement to identify novel approaches for restoring protein function in targets affected by chemical threat agents, with focus on three protein targets: Acetylcholinesterase, Mu Opioid Receptor, and ion channels. Applicants must address three focus areas including nerve agents, synthetic opioids, and ion channel toxins, demonstrating how their proposed intervention approaches satisfy program goals and advance the state of the art. Key requirements include compliance with Science & Technology Protection Implementation Plan protocols, NIST 800-171 information security standards, and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) designation procedures. Evaluation will be based on technical approach innovation, technical ability, relevance to DARPA mission, and cost/task assessment realism. The submission process employs a two-gate approach with Gate 1 video abstract and abbreviated technical volume submissions due March 12, 2026 by 4:00 PM ET, Gate 2 full proposals due May 7, 2026 by 4:00 PM ET for selected proposers, and questions accepted until March 9, 2026 by 4:00 PM ET. A virtual proposers day is scheduled for February 20, 2026.
Awards will be made as Cooperative Agreements with typical values ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $5.9 million, with performance periods spanning 12 to 36 months or longer. The program is divided into two sequential phases totaling 33 months: Phase 1 (Base) spans 18 months focusing on identifying novel intervention points, and Phase 2 (Option) spans 15 months emphasizing countermeasure design and optimization, with technical performance metrics requiring achievement of 10,000x LD50 protection by program end. Performance of work will take place at the awardee's facilities, which may involve collaborative efforts across multiple institutions and disciplines.
Synopsis
This Research Announcement represents a solicitation for a research thrust, entitled Protean, that will focus on identifying novel ways to restore protein function to targets of chemical threat agents.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment_1_-_PROPOSAL_TEMPLATE_-_VIDEO_ABSTRACTS__REVISED_.pptx | PPTX presentation | |
| Attachment_2_-_PROPOSAL_TEMPLATE_-_ABBREVIATED_TECHNICAL_VOLUME_11FEB26.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment_4_-_Protean_CUI_Guide.pdf | ||
| Attachment_3_-_S_T_PROTECTION_IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN__PIP__TEMPLATE.docx | DOCX document | |
| Attachment_1_-_PROPOSAL_TEMPLATE_-_VIDEO_ABSTRACTS.pptx | PPTX presentation | |
| DARPARA2601.pdf |
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