This Solicitation opportunity from Department Of Defense was posted on August 7, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
Protein ENGineering (PENG)
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The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Defense Sciences Office is soliciting proposals for the Protein ENGineering (PENG) program under solicitation DARPA-PS-26-129. The program aims to develop a multifunctional, target-agnostic platform for the precise and programmable editing of endogenous proteins, transitioning proteome engineering into a software-defined discipline. This integrated platform will utilize modular targeting, generalizable effector chemistries, and multiplexed control systems to modify proteins within complex biological architectures without permanent genomic changes. The effort is structured into three phases over a 42-month period: Phase 1A focuses on foundational biochemistry and generalizability across three protein families; Phase 1B involves executing edits on unannounced targets in complex tissue systems; and Phase 2 focuses on optimization and validation in higher-order biological systems such as organoids. Awards will be issued as Other Transaction Agreements for Prototype, with a two-stage selection process requiring an initial abstract submission followed by an invitation for a full proposal. Abstracts are evaluated based on technical rationale, risk mitigation, and the team's capability to meet aggressive timelines. Successful performers must adhere to strict cybersecurity and data protection standards for Controlled Unclassified Information and utilize the Wide Area Workflow system for milestone-based invoicing and payments. While total contract values are not specified, maximum funding ceilings are provided for specific talent awards, including the Fundamental Defense Research Talent Award and Industry Immersion Program. All submissions must follow mandatory templates and formatting guidelines, with the final goal of delivering a fully integrated editing prototype platform.
General Info
Place of Performance
VASet-Aside
Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
The PENG program will establish a comprehensive, integrated platform composed of modular targeting, generalizable effector chemistries, and multiplexed control systems. Rather than developing isolated, target-specific tools, performers will integrate novel splicing, ligation, and co-translational techniques to directly recognize, modify, and rewrite endogenous proteins within complex biological architectures. Performers may explore multiple technical paths, progressively advancing their approaches from foundational validation to robust demonstrations of efficacy. Ultimately, this integrated platform will be validated in high-fidelity cellular models (e.g., organoids), to provide an integrated proof-of-concept at the tissue level.
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