Independent Commercialization Generative Optogenetics

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is seeking qualified organizations to establish and manage three specialized working groups focused on the responsible development, regulation, and commercialization of Generative Optogenetics (GO), a novel bioengineering platform that enables direct genetic programming of living cells using optical stimuli. This initiative, issued under the Broad Agency Announcement HR001126S0003, targets facilitators for the Independent Commercialization Working Group (ICCG), the Biosecurity Working Group (BSWG), and the Regulatory Policy Working Group (RPWG), each tasked with identifying technical, ethical, and market barriers to advance GO technologies from laboratory innovation to real-world application. Proposals must be submitted in two phases: an abstract by January 26, 2026, followed by a full proposal by March 2, 2026, with submission via DARPA’s Broad Agency Announcement Tool or Grants.gov depending on the award instrument selected. The program spans a 42-month performance period, divided into two phases, with primary performance occurring in Hadley, Massachusetts, and regular in-person working group meetings scheduled in Arlington, Virginia, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Contract awards will be issued under flexible instruments including Procurement Contracts, Cooperative Agreements, or Other Transaction Agreements, with an accelerated award option available for high-quality proposals that can be executed within 30 days of selection. Funding is capped at $1.25 million for BSWG and RPWG proposals and $1.5 million for ICCG proposals, with cost realism and budget justification being critical evaluation criteria. Proposals will be assessed based primarily on scientific and technical merit, followed by proposer capability, alignment with DARPA’s mission to create or prevent technological surprise, and cost credibility—all evaluated through a trade-off process that prioritizes innovation over lowest price. Key requirements include strict separation of personnel between technical performer and working group awards, implementation of firewalls to avoid organizational conflicts of interest, adherence to Controlled Unclassified Information handling protocols for sensitive data presented in meetings, and completion of mandatory training for all participants. Proposers must follow specified templates for abstracts and full proposals, with strict formatting rules including page limits, font sizes, and document structure. All working group participants must undergo vetting for adversarial capital affiliations, sign NDAs, and contribute to deliverables including policy refinement plans, data collection frameworks, event materials, and a final manuscript summarizing policy insights. The contracting office is located in Arlington, Virginia,