This Justification (J&A) opportunity from Department Of Defense was posted on October 16, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.

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HR001124C0378 DARPA JUSTIFICATION AND APPROVAL FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION

Awarded

HR001124C0378Federal

Contract Overview

Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.

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NAICS: 541714

New

Federal

BWA Identification Core & Assay DevelopmentThe BWA Identification Core and Assay Development subcontract, managed under the Department of Defense agency W6QK Acc-Apg, focuses on the creation and supply of core biological detection technology and assays for U.S. Navy EMBD IDS projects. The primary objective is to develop assays capable of identifying toxins, viruses, and bacteria with sensitivity and specificity levels that match laboratory PCR standards. To ensure accuracy, the project utilizes biological agent panels and simulants during the testing phase. The scope of work requires the delivery of a biological detection engine, specialized assay kits, and comprehensive performance data. This effort is categorized under NAICS code 541714 and is slated for performance in Gunpowder. The solicitation was posted on November 6, 2026, with a response deadline set for December 7, 2026.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Solicitation # DARPA-PS-26-137

The Firefox program, managed by the DARPA Biological Technologies Office, is a 36-month, three-phase initiative seeking to develop a 100-channel, non-invasive brain-computer interface with 50-micron spatial and 100-microsecond temporal resolution. The program focuses on two primary technical hurdles: the creation of components for dynamic rastering and scanning of coherent optical signals to target multiple regions of interest, and the development of non-digital data processing architectures capable of handling high data rates and computational burdens. Multiple awards are anticipated, with funding ranging between 4 million and 7 million dollars per award. Awards will be issued as Other Transaction for Prototype agreements under 10 U.S.C. 4022, utilizing a milestone-based payment schedule. The selection process is multi-staged, beginning with an abstract evaluation based on technical comprehension, technical ability, and budget realism, followed by an Oral Presentation Proposal for selected candidates. Proposers must be registered in the System for Award Management and possess a Unique Entity Identifier. Key compliance requirements include adherence to ANSI laser safety limits for human tissue exposure, Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, and strict guidelines regarding organizational conflicts of interest and foreign influence risk assessments.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

POSTED

DEADLINE

Future Program: Laguna

Solicitation # DARPA-SN-27-15

Special Notice DARPA-SN-27-15, issued by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Biological Technologies Office, serves as a public notification for the forthcoming Laguna program. This notice is intended for information and program planning purposes and does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals. The program is anticipated to be a 36-month effort focused on the development and demonstration of defense-relevant specialty products formulated from U.S.-produced raw materials. These products must meet or exceed the critical performance requirements of existing military materials. Key deliverables for the program include predictive tools for material properties, life cycle assessments, technoeconomic analyses, and commercialization strategy plans. The primary point of contact for the initiative is Dr. William Mounfield. While this notice provides an overview of research interests, DARPA will not accept submissions at this time. Formal solicitation details and submission instructions will be posted on sam.gov upon release. All communications regarding this notice must remain unclassified.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

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DEADLINE

Leveraging NAMs to understand disease triggers, discover early biomarkers and develop new classes of therapeutic strategies for Type 1 Diabetes (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)The National Institutes of Health is seeking research projects to investigate the initiation and early progression of Type 1 Diabetes using human-relevant New Approach Methodologies. Utilizing human cells, tissues, organoids, and microphysiological systems, the initiative aims to identify early biomarkers and therapeutic targets to prevent significant pancreatic beta cell loss. This effort focuses on combining innovative experimental and computational approaches to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the disease. Selected awardees will join the Human Islet Research Network to foster collaboration, share data and tools, and coordinate the use of limited human pancreatic tissues. With total program funding of 12 million dollars and an expected 12 awards, the project is scheduled to begin around November 1, 2027. The overarching goal is to accelerate the translation of research discoveries into practical preventive and treatment strategies through a harmonized, multi-laboratory effort.

National Institutes Of Health

POSTED

DEADLINE

Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

Solicitation # G27AS00062

The U.S. Geological Survey is seeking a CESU partner through a Cooperative Agreement to improve the efficiency and standardization of Real-Time Quaking Induced Conversion (RT-QuIC) assay data analysis for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance. The project aims to replace subjective interpretation with a robust, automated analytical pipeline. Key deliverables include the development of machine-learning models using LSTM, CNN-LSTM, or hybrid architectures to classify fluorescence curves, the creation of an open-source application using R-Shiny or Streamlit/Python for data ingestion and visualization, and the production of a peer-reviewed publication. To ensure reliability, the partner must perform cross-lab validations across at least three independent laboratories, including the USGS National Wildlife Health Center and the University of Georgia's Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Research Study. The opportunity has a total program funding and award ceiling of 145,220 dollars, with an anticipated period of performance from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2032. Applications must be submitted via grants.gov by December 8, 2026, and must be submitted by an Authorized Organization Representative. Proposals are evaluated based on purpose and relevance, technical approach, qualifications and past performance, and budget clarity. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and provide a Unique Entity Identifier. The award is governed by DOI and USGS Terms and Conditions, and compliance with various 2 CFR 200 regulations regarding monitoring, reporting, and risk assessment is required.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Cooperative Agreement for affiliated Partner with Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

Solicitation # G27AS00064

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Eastern Ecological Science Center is soliciting applications for a cooperative agreement under solicitation G27AS00064 to conduct bioinformatic analysis of avian microbiome metatranscriptomic datasets. This research focuses on the genome assembly-based identification of viruses, prokaryotic, and eukaryotic microorganisms, with a specific emphasis on wildlife and zoonotic pathogens. The project involves analyzing shotgun metatranscriptomic data to identify taxonomic domains and estimate microbial diversity and abundance across various host species, tissues, and geographic regions. Awardees are expected to develop reproducible bioinformatic workflows, collaborate on peer-reviewed publications, and make derived data products available through repositories like ScienceBase or the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The program has a total funding ceiling of 459,000 dollars with one expected award. The anticipated period of performance runs from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2030. Applications must be submitted via grants.gov by December 7, 2026, and must be submitted by an Authorized Organization Representative. Proposals are evaluated based on purpose and relevance, technical approach, qualifications and past performance, and budget justification. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov to obtain a Unique Entity Identifier and must provide a signed biographical sketch and current and pending support documentation. Payments will be administered through the Department of the Treasury Automated Standard Application for Payments system.

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Immunohistochemical (IHC) Analysis SupportThe Immunohistochemical (IHC) Analysis Support subcontract, issued by the NASA Shared Services Center, involves providing specialized staining and chemical analysis of sectioned tissue for prime contractors on NASA Space Biosciences projects. The scope of work requires the application of antibodies and reagents to cryo-sectioned slides and the use of fluorescence microscopes and IHC staining stations to evaluate neuronal morphology. Due to the technical nature of the work, specialized training in neuro-histology is required to deliver the final analyzed slides and digital imaging reports. This opportunity is categorized under NAICS code 541714 and is associated with a performance location in zip code 94035. The solicitation was posted on November 4, 2026, with a response deadline of November 9, 2026.

NASA Shared Services Center

POSTED

DEADLINE

Service request for specimen embedding and sectioning.

Solicitation # 80NSSC27948767Q

The NASA Shared Services Center is seeking custom histology research services to support a Space Biosciences Project evaluating neuronal morphology in mouse brains exposed to radiation, isolation, and simulated microgravity. The scope of work involves planning, preliminary testing, embedding, and cryo-sectioning of specific brain regions, including the substantia nigra, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. The contractor must provide slides with sections 15 microns thick, which are to be delivered to Principal Investigator Dr. Joshua Alwood within 90 days after receipt of order. Performance will be located at the NASA Ames Research Center. This procurement is being conducted under FAR Part 12 for commercial items and services, with the government intending to issue a sole source contract to ZYAGEN, identified as the sole provider of the required services. While the agency is currently requesting capability statements from interested organizations by November 9, 2026, to determine if a competitive procurement is feasible, it explicitly states that quotes will not be reviewed or accepted at this stage. Primary coordination for this effort is managed by Cara Craft and Will Garrett.

NASA Shared Services Center

POSTED

DEADLINE

Specialized Bio-Research / Protocol Compliance ConsultantThis subcontract opportunity is for a Specialized Bio-Research / Protocol Compliance Consultant to support research and development projects for the United States Navy and Marine Corps Systems Command. The selected provider will conduct research involving recombinant DNA and human or animal subjects, ensuring all activities are executed according to strict research protocols. Key responsibilities include managing recombinant DNA activities within laboratory facilities and maintaining full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental laws regarding the handling of toxic materials. All work must be performed under the necessary IRB and IACUC approvals, with the final deliverables consisting of experimental data and feasibility reports. The contract is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 541714, specifically targeting firms with fewer than 500 employees in alignment with SBIR/STTR mandates. Interested parties must submit their responses by December 2, 2026. This role is critical for prime contractors requiring specialized expertise in bio-research compliance and the technical execution of complex laboratory protocols within the Department of Defense framework.

POSTED

DEADLINE

Biolab Mirror: Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML) Digital Twin for Intent Characterization and Bio-Containment Integrity

Solicitation # DTR27TZ02-NV001

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency, under the Department of War, is soliciting proposals for the Biolab Mirror, an AI/ML-driven Digital Twin designed to ensure bio-containment integrity and characterize intent in state-sponsored biological research facilities. The project implements a Physics-to-Mesh Zero Trust architecture that cross-validates digital telemetry from LIMS, SCADA, and BMS logs against unalterable physical and biological laws, such as thermodynamics and metabolic rates. This system aims to detect clandestine pathogen scaling and containment spoofing by identifying coherence failures. Beyond its defensive application, the Biolab Mirror will serve as a cyber-physical sandbox for simulating multi-domain attacks against high-containment infrastructure, filling a critical gap in current cyber-range emulation. This is a phased STTR program with a total small business set-aside. Phase I focuses on delivering a conceptual architecture and a working software prototype, while Phase II, with a ceiling price of 1.5 million dollars, involves full project effort over a 24-month duration. Proposals are evaluated based on technical merit, investigator qualifications, and commercial potential. Applicants must be registered in SAM and the SBA Company Registry. Compliance requirements include CMMC standards for safeguarding controlled unclassified information and strict adherence to organizational conflict of interest disclosures. Proposals must be submitted via the DSIP portal by January 6, 2026.

Defense Threat Reduction Agency

POSTED

DEADLINE

Systems Biology of Infection and Inflammation in Chronic Diseases (U19 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Solicitation # RFA-AI-28-014

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued solicitation RFA-AI-28-014 to establish centers focused on the systems-level understanding of the links between infectious pathogens, inflammatory pathways, and chronic diseases. The program supports two types of centers: Chronic and Infectious Diseases Systems Biology Centers (CIDSB), which examine the bidirectional link between chronic and infectious diseases, and Systems Biology Inflammation Centers (SBI), which focus on the role of inflammation in chronic diseases to identify precision medicine targets. The primary goals are to develop predictive computational models for disease progression, discover novel drug targets and biomarkers, and create harmonized, FAIR-compliant cross-disease datasets. The total program funding is 26 million dollars, with an expected 10 awards and an individual award ceiling of 2.5 million dollars. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by February 18, 2027. The proposal structure is multi-component, requiring an overall section, an administrative core, a data and modeling core, and a biospecimen collection and processing core, with additional requirements for research projects and optional cores depending on the center type. Evaluation is based on an overall impact score focusing on significance and the qualifications of the investigators. Awardees must comply with strict cybersecurity incident reporting requirements, notifying the HHS awarding agency within 48 hours of discovery, and must adhere to rigorous biosafety and human subjects protection standards. Applicants must maintain active SAM registration and UEI identifiers to be eligible for funding.

National Institutes Of Health

POSTED

DEADLINE

Systems Biology of Infection and Inflammation in Chronic Diseases (U19 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Solicitation # RFA-AI-28-014

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, is seeking proposals under solicitation RFA-AI-28-014 for the Systems Biology of Infection and Inflammation in Chronic Diseases. This initiative aims to advance the systems-level understanding of how infectious pathogens and inflammatory pathways contribute to the predisposition, onset, and progression of chronic diseases. The program emphasizes the integration of clinical and patient data, large-scale omics datasets, and advanced artificial intelligence and computational modeling to develop strategies for preventing, treating, and mitigating the combined effects of these conditions. This federal solicitation was posted on November 4, 2026, with a response deadline of February 19, 2027. It is important to note that clinical trials are not allowed under this specific funding opportunity. Interested parties can find further details through the provided grants portal.

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

POSTED

4 days ago

DEADLINE

in 3 months

AI Contract Overview

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is pursuing a sole-source modification under contract HR001124C0378 for Phase III of the Ice Control for Cold Environments program. This initiative aims to address operational challenges in extreme cold weather by developing biologically sourced or inspired molecules designed to inhibit or nucleate ice crystallization, propagation, and adhesion. The project is being awarded to Ginkgo Bioworks, Inc. for the formulation, testing, and scale-up of these ice-modulating molecules, with a performance period estimated between 12 and 18 months and a total value not to exceed 5 million dollars. The award is being conducted as a Cost-Plus-Fixed Fee contract without full and open competition, citing FAR 6.302-1 and 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1). This justification is based on the fact that Ginkgo Bioworks is the only responsible source capable of satisfying the agency requirements due to the proprietary data and significant scientific progress achieved during the preceding Phase I and Phase II efforts. The work will be performed in Boston, Massachusetts, under the oversight of the Department of Defense.

General Info

DARPA awards Ginkgo Bioworks $5 million for ice-modulating molecule development over 18 months.

Agency

Department Of Defense → Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

NAICS

541714 - Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)

Place of Performance

Boston, MA, 02210, USA

Set-Aside

NONE

Documents

justification-and-authorization

Low

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Timeline

PhaseAwarded

PostedOct 16

Justification (J&A)

AwardedNov 7

Contract was awarded

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Organization & Contact Information

AgencyDepartment Of Defense → Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

Contacts1 person available

OfficeARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

Organization / AgencyDepartment Of Defense → Defense Advanced Research Projects Agcy

Office AddressARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

Contacts

Jon-Paul W. Grizzle Contracting Officer

contact@example.gov

Full Description

The Ice Control for cold Environments (ICE) program BAA was solicited on August 15, 2022, for the purpose of seeking to develop solutions for extreme cold weather DoW operational challenges by discovering and optimizing biologically sourced or inspired molecules to enable tuned inhibition or nucleation of ice crystallization, propagation, and adhesion. The ICE BAA was solicited for Phase I and Phase II with a notional Phase III that was to be solicited at a later date.

This justification provides the rationale for awarding a sole-source modification to the current Phase II contractor, to continue this work into Phase III under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, "Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements."