Protean Proposers Day

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Special Notice (SN) from DARPA announcing a "Protean Proposers Day" to support a planned Research Announcement (RA) for the Protean program. The Proposers Day is a virtual event scheduled for February 20th, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET. It is intended to introduce the Protean program's vision and goals, explain its mechanics and milestones, increase efficiency in proposal preparation, and encourage teaming among potential performers.

• Event Purpose: To inform potential proposers about the Protean program and facilitate team formation.
• Program Focus: The Protean program seeks innovative proposals for medical countermeasures (MCMs) to protect against current and future chemical threats, focusing on non-classical mechanisms to preserve human protein function. Key technical areas include nerve agents, synthetic opioids, and ion channel toxins.
• Registration: Advance registration is required by February 17th, 2026, 4:00 PM ET. Attendance is limited to the first 300 registrants, and early registration is strongly recommended.
• Teaming Opportunities: Attendees can submit one-page "lightning talk" slide decks summarizing their capabilities and interests, or one-page teaming profiles describing technical competencies and desired partner capabilities. These will be shared with other registered attendees.
• Submission Deadlines: Lightning talk submissions and teaming profiles are due by February 17th, 2026, 4:00 PM ET.
• Non-Solicitation: This SN is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals. Submission is voluntary, and DARPA will not reimburse costs incurred.
• Encouraged Participation: DARPA strongly encourages participation from non-traditional performers, including small businesses, academic institutions, and first-time government contractors.

Form / Attachment

This document is a 'Protean Teaming Profile Template' designed for potential bidders to outline their team's approach, capabilities, and teaming needs. It serves as a structured format for expressing interest and identifying potential collaboration opportunities for a future program.

• Project Overview: Describe the team's approach to program objectives and identify technical challenges.

• Team Capabilities: Detail existing team members, partners, relevant experience, specific strengths, institutional assets, and technology experience.

• Teaming Needs: Specify technical challenges for which collaborators are sought and other considerations for assembling a comprehensive strategy.

• Contact Information: Provide email address and phone number.

• Clearly highlight strengths and capabilities.

• Clearly delineate technical gaps for teaming/partnership opportunities.

• Provide a concise and informative summary of proposal interest and teaming objectives (one page maximum).

• Submit unclassified information only.

• Submission format: MS Word or PDF.

This template is crucial for bidders to articulate their potential contribution and identify areas where they require partners, enabling them to proactively form strong teams for an upcoming opportunity. Completing this template allows vendors to present their qualifications and teaming strategy effectively.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides guidelines for preparing and submitting a "Lightning Talk" presentation, likely for a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) or similar research opportunity. It outlines the required format, content, and submission process for potential presenters.

• Format: Single presenter, 1-3 slides, less than 5 minutes.
• Suggested Content: Summary of scientific problem, proposed strategy aligned with BAA goals, team strengths, teaming overview, and remaining needs (expertise, facilities).
• Submission: Email to ProteanTherapeutics@darpa.mil by 4:00 PM ET on February 17th, 2026.
• File Type: Landscape PDF only (no transitions, videos, or audio).
• Content Restrictions: Unclassified, non-proprietary information only.
• Email Body: Include a 2-sentence summary of the talk.
• Presentation Details: PI name, Institution, Team, Project Overview, Abstract (clear, no jargon), Graphical Abstract/Illustration (if applicable), Teaming Needs (specific challenges, expertise, facilities sought).
• Contact Information: Email and Phone Number required.

This document is crucial for any bidder intending to present as part of the opportunity. It dictates the specific requirements for a "Lightning Talk," including content, length, format, and submission deadlines. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for successful participation and communication of research proposals.