GUARDIAN

Amendment / Modification

• Clarifies submission instructions and proposal abstract content.

• Updates the Abstract Due Date and Time to March 9th, 2026, by 12:00 PM (ET).

• Specifies that abstracts should be sent to GuardianProgram@darpa.mil by March 9th, 2026, 5:00 PM (ET).

• Notes that files containing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) must be encrypted.

• States that all proposal abstracts must be submitted via DARPA's Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT).

• Clarifies that the terms and conditions on the referenced website do not apply to this solicitation, but are for obtaining BAAT instructions.

• Provides updated guidance on Abstract Content, including page limits for specific sections:

  • Technical Understanding: no more than 1 page
  • Technical Challenges: no more than 1 page
  • Technical Ability: no more than 1 page
  • Estimated Cost: no more than ½ page
  • Remaining space for proposed solution description.

• The title page and references do not count towards the 5-page limit per Technical Area (TA).

• Submission instructions and proposal abstract content.

• Abstract Due Date and Time.

• Abstract submission email and deadline.

• Abstract Content structure and page limits.

• Proposal abstracts are due by March 9th, 2026, 12:00 PM (ET).

• Submission method is exclusively through DARPA's BAAT.

• Specific page limits and content structure for abstracts have been detailed.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a model "Other Transaction" (OT) agreement template that DARPA provides for proposers to suggest edits for consideration. It outlines the general terms and conditions that DARPA intends to include in awards made under this authority (10 U.S.C. § 4022). The final terms will be specific to each award and may vary from this model.

• Proposal of Edits: Proposers may suggest edits to this model OT and must submit a copy with track changes as part of their proposal package. Proposed changes will not be evaluated and should be commensurate with the technical approach.

• Agreement Structure: The document details the standard articles and attachments for an OT agreement, including scope, term, management, payment, intellectual property rights, data rights, and foreign access to technology.

• Scope of Agreement: The principal purpose is to engage in research and development for a prototype, as detailed in Attachment 1 (Task Description Document).

• Milestone Payments: Payments are made based on accomplished milestones, as outlined in Attachment 3 (Schedule of Milestones and Payments).

• Intellectual Property & Data Rights: Articles 7 and 8 define the rights of the performer and the government regarding subject inventions and data developed under the agreement. Generally, the government receives Unlimited Rights for data related to the deliverable prototype and data delivered per Attachment 2.

• Reporting: Various reports are required, including Technical Status Reports, Business Status Reports (if applicable), a Data Management Plan, and a Final Report, submitted via the DARPA VAULT website (Attachment 2).

• Follow-on Potential: Article 11 indicates the government may award a follow-on production contract or OT after successful completion of the agreement.

• Nontraditional Contractor Participation: Article XX requires that at least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution participates significantly, with specific attestations and details required.

• Fundamental Research: The document notes that the research is intended to be fundamental research, exempting it from certain cybersecurity requirements (Article 10) and publication restrictions (Article 15), though this may change via modification.

• Proposers must include comments providing rationale for any non-administrative edits suggested.

• DARPA reserves the right to reject suggested edits.

• The document includes placeholders for specific project details, performer information, and financial data.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Program Solicitation (PS) from DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO) seeks proposals for the GUARDIAN program, aiming to develop innovative, safe, and rapid deployment methods for mitigating the risk of non-native species impacting U.S. agriculture and ecosystems. The primary focus is on the New World Screwworm (NWS) and the Brown Tree Snake (BTS), utilizing advanced genetic drive technologies (GDT).

The program is divided into three Technical Areas (TAs):

• TA1: Brown Tree Snake (BTS) Population Control: Develop GDT capable of controllable elimination of BTS on Guam, aiming for field-readiness within 36 months. This includes laboratory testing, contained testing, and developing precision GDT with safeguards against resistance and off-target effects.

• TA2: Cell Culture Models of Gene Drive Technologies: Develop advanced cell-culture models to predict generational behavior of GDT in eukaryotic organisms, accelerating research and testing for multiple species.

• TA3: Modeling: Develop integrated computational models to assess the efficacy, safety, and ecological impact of GDT on NWS and BTS, considering abiotic and biotic factors.

• The program is a 36-month effort, executed over two 18-month phases for TA1 and TA3. TA2 is an 18-month effort (Phase 1 only).

• Awards are anticipated to be Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype Agreements.

• Abstract Submission Deadline: March 9th, 2026, 12:00 PM ET.

• Abstracts will be reviewed, and selected proposers may be invited to submit an Oral Proposal Package (OPP) and participate in an Oral Presentation.

• Oral presentations are anticipated in April 2026.

• Evaluation criteria include Technical Comprehension, Technical Ability, and Cost.

• Solutions are encouraged from all responsible sources, including large and small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, universities, and research institutions.

• Specific conditions apply to Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and Government Entities.

• An Industry Day was held on January 27, 2026. A Q&A document (FAQs) will be posted.

• Questions regarding the solicitation can be sent to GuardianProgram@darpa.mil by March 3rd, 2026.

• Attachments include a Model Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype, a Cost Spreadsheet, and a GUARDIAN CUI Guide.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Guide for the DARPA GUARDIAN program. It provides guidance on identifying, protecting, and marking information and material designated as CUI associated with the GUARDIAN effort. It is intended to ensure the protection of GUARDIAN information in accordance with relevant DoD and NIST standards.

• Program Overview: Details the GUARDIAN program's objective to rapidly adapt and deploy genome editing tools against invasive species.
• Authority: Cites Executive Order 13556 and DoDI 5200.48 as the basis for CUI.
• CUI Categories: Defines categories such as Controlled Technical Information (CTI) and Operational Security (OPSEC) relevant to the program.
• Protection Requirements: Outlines storage and processing requirements for CUI, referencing DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST 800-171.
• Disclosure Procedures: Specifies protocols for public disclosure, FOIA requests, and foreign disclosure.
• Information Protection Guidance Charts: Provides a table categorizing different types of information (e.g., pre-decisional budget, gene drive constructs, test results) with their respective reasons for control, distribution statements, and remarks.

This guide is crucial for potential bidders to understand the handling and protection requirements for sensitive information related to the GUARDIAN program. It highlights the types of data that may be considered CUI, the specific controls that apply, and the procedures for dissemination and reporting. Bidders must adhere to these CUI guidelines when preparing proposals and performing any awarded work, particularly concerning technical information, operational security, and export control.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing cost proposal templates and milestone schedules. It provides detailed worksheets for breaking down costs, including direct labor, subcontracts, consultants, other direct costs (ODCs), and general and administrative (G&A) expenses. It also includes templates for materials, equipment, and travel.

• Total Amount Sheet: A comprehensive cost breakdown structure for direct labor, subcontracts, consultants, ODCs, G&A, and fee/profit. Requires traceable formulas for all calculations.
• Materials-Supplies Sheet: Template for detailing material and supply costs, including quantity, unit price, vendor, and basis of estimate.
• Equipment List Sheet: Template for listing proposed equipment, including justification, type, quantity, cost, vendor, and basis of estimate.
• Travel Sheet: Template for detailing travel costs, including purpose, destination, duration, per diem rates, airfare, car rental, and conference fees.
• Other ODCs Sheet: Template for detailing miscellaneous other direct costs.
• Milestone Sheets (TA1, TA2, TA3): Templates for outlining project milestones, deliverables, due dates, and associated payments for different technical tasks (e.g., BTS Schedule, Cell Models, Modeling).

Bidders must use these templates to structure and submit their cost proposals and project schedules. Detailed instructions and notes within the spreadsheet guide the completion of each section, emphasizing the need for traceable formulas, supporting documentation, and adherence to specific formatting and content requirements. The milestone sheets are crucial for understanding payment schedules and project phasing.