PENG

The Defense Sciences Office within the Department of Defense is seeking innovative proposals for the development of a multifunctional, target-agnostic platform capable of precise and programmable editing of endogenous proteins. This initiative, known as PENG under solicitation DARPA-PS-26-129, aims to advance biological engineering by enabling direct, controlled modification of native proteins without relying on traditional genetic modifications or exogenous components. The platform must be adaptable across diverse protein targets, support high specificity and efficiency, and operate within complex cellular environments to facilitate robust, scalable applications. Proposals should emphasize novel mechanisms, engineering principles, and experimental validation strategies that push the boundaries of current protein editing technologies. Submissions are due by October 19, 2026, with the solicitation posted on August 7, 2026. This federal opportunity is open to organizations capable of delivering transformative research outcomes with potential national security implications. The program does not specify a set-aside type or NAICS code, and performance locations are not constrained to a particular geographic area. Interested parties are directed to the official DARPA website for full solicitation details, including evaluation criteria and technical requirements. While no point of contact information is listed publicly, all submissions must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the official solicitation document to be considered.