Protean
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), under the Department of Defense, has issued a Research Announcement (RA) titled "Protean." This solicitation seeks proposals for a research thrust focused on identifying novel ways to restore protein function to targets of chemical threat agents. The program aims to develop medical countermeasures (MCMs) providing complete protection against current and future chemical threats. Gate 1 submissions are due March 12, 2026, with Gate 2 (Full Proposals by invitation) due May 7, 2026.
Scope of Work
The Protean program requires the development of prophylactics and/or therapeutics that protect protein function against chemical threat challenges exceeding 10,000x LD50s. Key objectives include identifying novel regulatory points for selected protein targets (Acetylcholinesterase, Mu Opioid Receptor, ion channels), characterizing chemical intoxication mechanisms for broad protection, evaluating protein conformation/binding site contributions to function, and developing a pipeline for optimizing chemical matter for in vivo efficacy.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Solicitation (Research Announcement)
- Anticipated Award Instruments: Cooperative Agreements and Research Other Transactions Awards.
- Period of Performance: 33 months total (Phase 1: 18 months; Phase 2: 15 months).
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Published Date: February 11, 2026
- Gate 1 Submission Deadline: March 12, 2026
- Gate 2 Submission Deadline (Full Proposal): May 7, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals follow a two-gate submission process:
- Gate 1: Requires a Video Abstract and an Abbreviated Technical Volume, due March 12, 2026. Evaluation criteria include Technical Approach, Technical Ability, Relevance to DARPA Mission, and Cost and Task Assessment.
- Gate 2: Full Proposals are by invitation only, following successful Gate 1 evaluation, and are due May 7, 2026.
Key Requirements & Compliance
Proposers must address Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements, utilizing the provided Protean CUI Guide. A Security & Technology (S&T) Protection Implementation Plan (PIP) is also required, detailing strategies for protecting critical technologies and information. All proposers must be registered in SAM and possess a Unique Entity ID. Foreign entities may participate if compliant with U.S. regulations.
Important Attachments
Mandatory templates are provided for the Video Abstract, Abbreviated Technical Volume, S&T Protection Implementation Plan, and the Protean CUI Guide. Adherence to these templates, including specific formatting and page limits, is critical for compliant submissions.