GUARDIAN
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative approaches for its GUARDIAN program, focused on controllably eliminating invasive species such as the New World Screwworm (NWS) and Brown Tree Snake (BTS) using genetic drive technologies (GDT). Awards are anticipated as Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements.
Scope of Work
The program is structured into three Technical Areas (TAs):
- TA1 (BTS Population Control): Develop GDT for controllable elimination of BTS on Guam, aiming for field-readiness within 36 months. This includes laboratory and contained testing, ensuring genetic precision, minimizing off-target effects, and designing GDT safeguards.
- TA2 (Cell Culture Models): Develop advanced cell-culture methods to accelerate the study of gene drives in eukaryotic organisms, supporting TA1.
- TA3 (Modeling): Develop integrated computational models to assess the efficacy, safety, and ecological impact of GDT on NWS and BTS populations.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements (10 U.S.C. § 4022).
- Duration: TA1 and TA3 are 36-month efforts (two 18-month phases); TA2 is an 18-month Phase 1 effort.
- Set-Aside: None specified. Solutions are encouraged from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, universities, and research institutions.
- Abstract Submission Deadline: March 9, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.
- Questions Due: March 3, 2026.
- Oral Presentations: Anticipated April 2026.
- Overall Response Date: April 7, 2026, 4:00 PM ET (for invited oral proposals).
Evaluation & Key Requirements
Evaluation criteria include Technical Comprehension, Technical Ability, and Cost. Selected proposers will be invited to submit an Oral Proposal Package and participate in an Oral Presentation. Bidders must:
- Adhere to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) guidelines.
- Utilize the provided Excel templates for cost proposals and milestone schedules.
- Proposers may suggest edits to the Model Other Transaction for Prototype Agreement.
- Significant participation from at least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution is required.
Contact Information
For questions, contact Dr. Catherine Campbell, DARPA/BTO at GuardianProgram@darpa.mil.