Research Opportunity: DNA-Protein Epigenetic Chemistry Engineering (D-PECHE)
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) is soliciting innovative proposals for the DNA-Protein Epigenetic Chemistry Engineering (D-PECHE) research opportunity. This Special Notice seeks proof-of-concept for novel mechanisms to write and erase epigenetic base modifications in DNA, aiming to control DNA-protein interactions and study rare epigenetic modifications. Abstracts are due May 27, 2026.
Scope of Work
DARPA is looking for research that demonstrates novel technologies to modify nucleic acids in vitro. Key areas include:
- Developing novel mechanisms for writing or erasing targeted DNA base modifications.
- Demonstrating the ability to use these mechanisms to modify the epigenome of living cells.
- Developing methods to detect the presence of targeted base modifications.
- Focusing on "new-to-nature" base modifications, distinct from established ones like DNA methylation.
- All research must be conducted as unclassified fundamental research.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice, leading to awards under Other Transactions for Research (OT-R).
- Duration: The period of performance for the initial study is 4 months.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Abstract Due: May 27, 2026.
- Published: May 6, 2026.
- DARPA intends to make multiple awards.
Submission & Evaluation
- Abstracts: Limited to 2 pages (excluding title page and references). Late submissions may not be evaluated.
- Evaluation Criteria: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit; Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission; and Cost and Schedule Realism.
- Selected proposers will be invited to submit an Oral Proposal Package (OPP) and participate in a virtual oral presentation, approximately 4 weeks after invitation.
Additional Notes
This Special Notice is released under the DARPA BTO Office Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), HR001126S0003. Research involving human subjects or animal subjects is explicitly out of scope, as is research that duplicates work under other DoD programs.