SBIR / STTR #DPA26BZ05-DV020

DARPA SBIR: Universal Cell Culture Platform for Species-Agnostic Cell Lines and Autonomous Operations

This opportunity seeks innovative solutions for a universal cell culture platform to advance national security biotechnology: - Government Buyer: - Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Department of War (DoW) - Managed by the DARPA Small Business Programs Office and Contracts Management Office (CMO) - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; the solicitation is open to all qualified small businesses - Products/Services Requested: - Development of a universal, species-agnostic cell culture platform - Must enable rapid establishment of viable, reproducible cell lines from diverse non-model species (including iPSCs) - Platform must integrate autonomous, closed-loop culture automation to accelerate protocol development - Support for gene-drive and genetic-biocontrol research, including in vitro assays and safeguard strategies - Deliverables include validated cell lines, protocols, and datasets for at least four new species - Emphasis on reproducibility, genomic stability, and time-to-protocol metrics - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Direct to Phase II SBIR/STTR proposals accepted (prior Phase I-equivalent feasibility required) - Must demonstrate cross-species feasibility, automation, and gene-drive enablement - Compliance with ITAR/EAR export controls, cybersecurity, and foreign risk evaluation programs - Electronic proposal submission via the DoW SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal - Project aims to advance technology from TRL 3-4 to TRL 6 within the period of performance - Estimated contract value is $2,000,000 for an 18-month period of performance - No specific part numbers or commercial products are referenced; the focus is on R&D and prototype demonstration

Description

This solicitation is for the development of a universal cell culture platform that enables rapid establishment of species-agnostic cell lines and autonomous culture operations, under the SBIR/STTR program. The focus is on innovative cell culture technologies to support national security. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the DoW SBIR/STTR Innovation Portal. The solicitation is part of the DARPA SBIR program and allows for Direct to Phase II proposals.

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