SAM #DARPA-SN-26-67

DARPA Solicitation for Novel Epigenetic DNA Modification Research (D-PECHE)

DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO) is seeking research proposals for the DNA-Protein Epigenetic Chemistry Engineering (D-PECHE) program. - Solicitation aims to develop novel enzymatic mechanisms for writing and erasing epigenetic base modifications in DNA - Focus is on technologies that can modify the epigenome and control DNA-protein interactions - Emphasis on rare or novel modifications, excluding DNA methylases/demethylases - Research must demonstrate new DNA base modification methods in living cells and validate these in vitro - No specific vendors, OEMs, or products are listed; opportunity is open to innovative technology development - Human and animal subjects research is excluded - Period of performance is 4 months, with monthly technical progress evaluations and milestone-based continuation - Abstracts are due by May 27, 2026; oral proposals will follow invitations - Place of performance and contracting office is DARPA, Arlington, VA

Description

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals to demonstrate proof-of-concept for novel mechanisms for writing and erasing epigenetic base modifications in DNA. Mechanisms capable of modifying the epigenome offer new opportunities to control DNA-protein interactions and to study the functions and applications of rare or novel epigenetic modifications. This research opportunity will result in demonstrations of novel technologies to modify nucleic acids in vitro.

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