GUARDIAN Industry Day

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a DRAFT Program Solicitation for the GUARDIAN (Genetic Utilization for Advanced Regulation and Defense of Indigenous And Native species) program. DARPA is seeking innovative approaches to controllably eliminate invasive species, primarily focusing on New World Screwworm (NWS) and Brown Tree Snake (BTS), using genetic drive technologies (GDT).

The program is divided into three options:

• Option 1: BTS Eradication: Develop GDT for controllable elimination of the Brown Tree Snake (BTS) on Guam, aiming for field-readiness within 36 months. Emphasis on genetic precision, GDT control mechanisms, and fieldability.

• Option 2: Cell Culture Models: Develop advanced cell-culture models to predict generational behavior of GDT, mimicking sexual reproduction to accelerate study of GDTs in eukaryotic organisms. This option requires study of BTS and at least two other invasive eukaryotic species.

• Option 3: Modeling: Develop integrated computational models to predict the ecological and genetic effects of GDT on NWS and BTS, considering abiotic and biotic factors to assess efficacy, safety, and ecological impact.

• Contract Type: Other Transaction for Prototype Agreements (OT-P).

• Period of Performance: 36 months, divided into Phase 1 (18 months) and Phase 2 (18 months).

• Anticipated Awards: Multiple awards are anticipated.

• Abstract Submission: Due February 17th, 2025, 4:00 PM (Eastern Time).

• Evaluation: Abstracts will be reviewed for technical comprehension and ability. Selected proposers may be invited to submit an Oral Proposal Package (OPP) and participate in an oral presentation.

• Industry Day: January 27th, 2026.

• Open to all responsible sources, including large and small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, and research institutions.

• This is a DRAFT version and information is subject to change before the final posting.

• Key dates are approximate and subject to change.

• The solicitation coordinator can be reached at GuardianProgram@darpa.mil.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 1 to DARPA-SN-26-24, which clarifies the GUARDIAN Program Overview. The changes are indicated by bolding, highlighting, and underlining within the document.

• The "GUARDIAN Program Overview" section has been updated.

• This amendment does not change proposal deadlines or submission requirements. It serves to provide updated information about the GUARDIAN Program.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a teaming profile template intended for potential collaborators to submit information regarding their approach, capabilities, and teaming needs for a specific project. It guides interested parties on how to present their qualifications and what information the prime contractor is seeking.

• Project Overview: Description of the team's approach to program objectives and identification of technical challenges.
• Team Capabilities: Details on existing team members, partners, their relevant experience, institutional assets, and specific strengths.
• Teaming Needs: Identification of technical areas (TA) or specific technical challenges for which collaborators are sought, along with other team assembly considerations.
• Contact Information: Email address and phone number for follow-up.

This document is crucial for potential subcontractors or partners interested in collaborating on the opportunity. It outlines the specific information required to express interest and demonstrate suitability for teaming. Bidders should use this template to clearly highlight their strengths, institutional assets, and experience, while also clearly delineating any technical gaps for which they are seeking partnerships. It helps potential collaborators understand the prime contractor's needs and how to best position themselves for a teaming arrangement.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides guidance for preparing a slide to be presented at an industry day event. It outlines the required content, formatting, and submission instructions for potential bidders.

• Content: The slide should include a concise summary of proposal interest and capabilities, teaming needs, project overview, abstract, and contact information. It must detail strength areas related to Genetic Precision (TA1), GDT control (TA2), and Field testing (TA3).
• Teaming Needs: Bidders should specify technical challenges for which they seek collaborators, required expertise, and needed research facilities.
• Formatting: The slide must be unclassified, non-proprietary, presented in landscape PDF format, and should not include transitions, videos, or audio. Only one slide is permitted.
• Graphical Abstract: An optional graphical depiction summarizing the problem, objectives, and approach is encouraged.

This guidance is crucial for bidders intending to participate in the industry day. It dictates how they should present their capabilities and teaming interests, directly impacting their engagement and potential collaboration opportunities for the GUARDIAN opportunity. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for effective communication during the industry day.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Special Notice (SN) announcing an Industry Day for DARPA's potential GUARDIAN Program Solicitation (PS). The Industry Day is intended to provide information to potential performers about the GUARDIAN program, its goals, and how to respond to future solicitations. It will cover the program's vision, mechanics, and objectives, aiming to increase efficiency in proposal preparation and evaluation, and encourage teaming.

• Event Details: The Industry Day will be a webcast on January 27th, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM EST. Registration is required by January 22nd, 2026, or when capacity is reached.
• Program Focus: The GUARDIAN program aims to develop Gene Drive Technologies (GDT) to controllably eliminate the invasive Brown Tree Snake from Guam. It focuses on three Technical Areas: GDT Precision, GDT Control, and Fielding.
• Teaming Opportunities: The event facilitates teaming. Interested parties can submit a 1-2 page "Teaming Profile" by January 16th, 2026, to share their technical competencies and facilities. Attendees may also give a 5-minute "Lightning Talk" presentation (one slide) by January 16th, 2026, to outline interests and capabilities.
• Future Solicitation: The GUARDIAN Program Solicitation (PS) is anticipated in January 2025 and will be available on SAM.gov.
• Eligibility: DARPA encourages participation from non-traditional performers, including small businesses and academic institutions.
• Important Notes: Attendance is not required for future proposal submissions. Information shared will be made available on the DARPA BTO website. No classified information should be submitted in teaming profiles or lightning talks. This SN is for planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation.