Organoid Cytomorphic Intelligence Resulting from Convergent Understanding and Information Transfer (O-Circuit) Proposers Workshop

SOL #: DARPA-SN-26-58Special Notice

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa)
DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCY
ARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, United States

Place of Performance

Place of performance not available

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical (541715)

PSC

National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense Military; Basic Research (AC11)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Mar 23, 2026
2
Last Updated
Apr 8, 2026
3
Action Date
Apr 3, 2026, 4:00 PM

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), through its Biological Technologies Office (BTO), is hosting a Proposers Workshop for the anticipated Organoid Cytomorphic Intelligence Resulting from Convergent Understanding and Information Transfer (O-Circuit) program. This special notice provides preliminary program details and invites interested parties to the workshop on April 10, 2026, in Arlington, VA, with a virtual option. Workshop registration is required by April 3, 2026. An amendment provides a DRAFT Program Solicitation excerpt and indicates that program abstracts are due by May 11, 2026.

Purpose of Workshop

The workshop aims to support ideation, increase proposal efficiency, and encourage teaming for the O-Circuit program. It is not a solicitation for proposals or abstracts, but attendance offers valuable insights into the program's objectives and requirements.

O-Circuit Program Overview

The O-Circuit program seeks to develop an integrated biological processing unit (BPU) by exploring methods for improving the learning, inference, and computational memory of neural tissue systems. This initiative addresses the power inefficiencies of semiconductor-based computation for "at the edge" applications, particularly for the Department of War (DoW) in austere environments, by leveraging unconventional computing concepts like synthetic biological intelligence. The anticipated acquisition strategy is an Other Transaction (OT) for Prototype awards, structured in three phases with two technical task areas: Architecture and Action.

Workshop Details & Opportunities

The workshop will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Executive Conference Center in Arlington, VA, with a virtual attendance option. Advance registration is free and required by April 3, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST, or when capacity is reached. Attendees can participate in:

  • Lightning Talks: 3-minute presentations (one slide) to showcase capabilities and interests, scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Guidance for the "Lightning Profile Slide" is provided.
  • Networking Session: Facilitates interaction among attendees.
  • Teaming Profiles: 1-2 page profiles (using a provided template) to share contact information, technical competencies, and desired partner capabilities, which will be shared with all registrants.

Key Dates & Contact

  • Workshop Registration Deadline: April 3, 2026, 4:00 PM EST
  • Proposers Workshop Date: April 10, 2026
  • Anticipated Program Abstract Due: May 11, 2026, 5:00 PM ET (as per DRAFT PS excerpt)
  • Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Zaleski, Program Manager, DARPA/BTO (O-Circuit@darpa.mil)

Important Notes

This is a Special Notice for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation. The DRAFT Program Solicitation excerpt is tentative, and the final solicitation will supersede all preliminary information. There is no set-aside specified for this notice.

People

Points of Contact

Dr. Jeffrey Zaleski, Program Manager, DARPA/BTOPRIMARY

Files

Files

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Versions

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Special Notice
Posted: Apr 8, 2026
Version 1
Special Notice
Posted: Mar 23, 2026
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Organoid Cytomorphic Intelligence Resulting from Convergent Understanding and Information Transfer (O-Circuit) Proposers Workshop | GovScope