Request for Information: Biomolecule Purification
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) Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking novel methods for Biomolecule Purification. The goal is to inform the development of a universal purification platform capable of separating and recovering multiple large, complex molecules with high specificity, purity, and yield from complex feedstock. This initiative aims to decrease purification time and complexity, potentially eliminating the need for current multistep chromatography processes. Responses are due June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Purpose & Scope
DARPA MTO is conducting market research to understand current advances and challenges in purifying biologically produced proteins and other critical molecules. The RFI also seeks to identify new operational capabilities enabled by novel purification approaches. This information will directly inform the development of a new program.
Key Areas of Interest
Respondents should address two primary topic areas:
- Topic Area 1 – Novel Approaches:
- Technologies for single purification methods tunable to specific molecules.
- Methods for separating multiple large complex molecules using a single tunable unit without affinity tags.
- Enabling reusability of purification platforms/matrices.
- Paths to a universal purification platform beyond tunability.
- Methods for purifying de novo designed molecules.
- Topic Area 2 – Impact and Capabilities:
- Future capabilities, markets, or Concepts of Operations (CONOPS) enabled by separating large complex molecules.
- Improvements to existing capabilities, markets, or CONOPS.
- How purification method improvements can enable small-scale or expeditionary manufacturing.
- New operational capabilities enabled by small-scale or expeditionary manufacturing.
Submission Details
- Due Date: June 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
- Submission Email: Unclassified responses must be sent to DARPA-SN-26-66@darpa.mil.
- Format: Unprotected Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or PDF file.
- Page Limit: Maximum of 4 pages per topic area, excluding the cover page and references.
- Content: Responses should include a cover page, discussion of capabilities/challenges, theoretical/simulation discussion, development strategy, current data, risk assessment, and references.
Eligibility & Important Notes
Responses are welcome from all capable sources, including private/public companies, individuals, universities, research institutions, and U.S. Government-sponsored labs. This RFI is for information and program planning purposes only and does not constitute a formal solicitation. DARPA will not acknowledge receipt, provide feedback, or reimburse costs incurred in responding.