Non-Optical Methods for High Speed Protein Control

Quick Summary

DARPA BTO is actively seeking innovative, post-competitive, awardable solutions through its Expedited Research Innovation System (ERIS) Marketplace for "Non-Optical Methods for High Speed Protein Control." This initiative aims to develop a new class of rapidly switchable, non-optogenetic protein domains for real-time cellular control, creating a versatile molecular tool for massless information transfer across cell membranes. Solutions are being sought on a rolling basis, with the notice active from June 8, 2026, to December 8, 2026.

Scope of Work

This effort requires the development of:

• Bio-compatible, modular protein domains suitable for in vivo expression.
• Domains must be regulated by a massless, non-optical external signal (e.g., magnetic fields, focused ultrasound).
• Achieve activation/deactivation kinetics of ≤ 2 seconds.
• Demonstrate robust performance of at least 300 repetitions in a living cell.
• Prove versatility for different protein regulation mechanisms (e.g., induced dimerization, allosteric control).
• Approaches that multiplex non-optogenetic protein control are encouraged.
• Out of Scope: Proposals seeking to expand, optimize, or multiplex existing optogenetic, light-based, or chemical systems.

Contract & Timeline

• Contract Opportunity Type: Special Notice
• Anticipated Award Amount: Around $400,000
• Period of Performance: 12 months
• Set-Aside: Not specified (implies solutions meeting ERIS Master Solicitation criteria)
• Response Date: December 8, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
• Published Date: June 8, 2026

Submission & Evaluation

• This is an active and immediate search for solutions, with submissions reviewed on a rolling basis.
• The Government reserves the right to make awards prior to the closing date.
• For existing ERIS awardable solutions: Flag existing solution video by emailing ERIS@darpa.mil with a specific subject line and body content.
• For new submissions: Submit a video solution through the standard ERIS submission process during designated collection periods (June-December 2026) to the Topic Area via the ERIS portal with a specific video title format. Also, send a notification email to ERIS@darpa.mil.
• Evaluation Criteria: Against standard ERIS Master Solicitation criteria, with specific interest in deep understanding of the problem, significant technical innovation, strong team capability, and clear potential for foundational impact in synthetic biology.

Additional Notes

• Topic Area: Advanced technologies for improved resilience of US operations, human health and performance optimization, and biotechnologies for production, resource utilization, and operational advantages, particularly in austere locations. Focus on convergence of AI/ML with chemistry and biology.
• Resources: ERIS Master Solicitation (SAM.gov link) and DARPAConnect resources are available.