# SAM #W912HZ26QA049

Sole Source Synthetic Biology R&D Support for US Army ERDC-EL Biotechnology Team

**Buyer:** U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center
**Posted:** September 22, 2026
**Respond By:** September 28, 2026
**Identifier:** W912HZ26QA049
**NAICS:** 541714, 541715

This opportunity is a sole-source procurement by the US Army Corps of Engineers ERDC-EL Biotechnology Team for advanced synthetic biology R&D support from Bioconscientia, LLC.
- Government Buyer:
  - Department of the Army
  - U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
  - Environmental Laboratory (EL) Biotechnology Team
- OEM/Vendor:
  - Bioconscientia, LLC (sole-source provider)
- Services Requested:
  - Development of synthetic cell systems for environmental sensing (physical and chemical stimuli)
  - Molecular engineering of CO2-utilizing yeast with AI-optimized Rubisco variants for biomanufacturing
  - Design and testing of engineered protein chromatography platforms for selective capture of Rare Earth Elements (REE)
  - Development of genetically encoded conductive protein nanowires for bio-electronic sensing and energy assimilation
  - Optional projects: bio-functionalized carbon quantum dot sensing platforms and microbiologically induced calcite precipitation for geotechnical applications
- Unique Requirements:
  - Bioconscientia, LLC possesses proprietary capabilities in AI-driven protein engineering, high-throughput bioprocessing, and cell-free expression systems
  - Expertise in UV-B-responsive genetic circuits, affinity-based REE recovery, and advanced bio-electronic material fabrication
  - No other source is considered capable of meeting the technical requirements within the Government's timelines
- The contract supports environmental sustainability and national security objectives

### Description

<p><u>Presolicitation and Notice of Intent to Sole Source</u></p>

<p>The US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) ERDC-EL Biotechnology Team requires advanced R&amp;D support to investigate and&nbsp;advance synthetic biology tools. The overall objective is to develop, optimize, and<br />
validate platforms that address environmental sensing, critical material supply chain&nbsp;security, and sustainable biomanufacturing. The required tasks encompass:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Project A: Development of synthetic cell systems for sensing physical and chemical&nbsp;stimuli via two-component signaling (TCS).</li>
	<li>Project B: Molecular engineering of CO2-utilizing yeast via AI-optimized Rubisco&nbsp;variants for austere biomanufacturing.</li>
	<li>Project C: Design and testing of engineered protein chromatography platforms for&nbsp;selective capture of Rare Earth Elements (REE).</li>
	<li>Project D: Development of genetically encoded conductive protein nanowires for&nbsp;bio-electronic sensing and energy assimilation.</li>
	<li>Optional Projects E &amp; F: Bio-functionalized carbon quantum dot sensing platforms&nbsp;(including biodefense surrogates) and microbiologically induced calcite precipitation&nbsp;for geotechnical applications.</li>
</ul>

<p>Bioconscientia, LLC possesses highly specialized, unique capabilities and proprietary&nbsp;institutional knowledge essential to executing this complex portfolio of synthetic biology&nbsp;research. The successful execution of this work requires an integrated research&nbsp;environment capable of combining artificial intelligence (AI)-driven protein engineering,&nbsp;high-throughput automated bioprocessing, and cell-free expression systems.&nbsp;Specifically, the contractor must have immediate, proven expertise in:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>Engineering UV-B-responsive genetic circuits and complex two-component systems&nbsp;(TCS).</li>
	<li>Developing AI-guided Rubisco variants and scaling up automated fermentation.</li>
	<li>Pioneering affinity-based separation platforms specifically targeted at REE recovery&nbsp;from e-waste and processed magnets.</li>
	<li>Advanced bio-electronic material fabrication (e.g., genetically encoded conductive&nbsp;protein nanowires and carbon quantum dot functionalization).</li>
</ul>

<p>No other source possesses the synergistic combination of specialized personnel, advanced&nbsp;laboratory infrastructure, and concurrent expertise across these disparate domains&nbsp;(biological CO2 assimilation, bio-electronics, and REE chromatography) required to&nbsp;meet the Government&#39;s stringent timelines and technical objectives without unacceptable&nbsp;delays or duplication of cost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Government intends to procure from only one source under the authority RFO 6.103-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This Notice of Intent is for information purposes only. This is not a request for quote. A solicitation will not be issued. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement to CHL-CT-Quotes@usace.army.mil, Subject Line &quot;Sole Source Bioconsciencia&quot; not later than the date indicated in this notice. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Verbal responses are not acceptable.</p>

[View original listing](https://sam.gov/opp/0e76bd13cb9b4d1d8b87b91ae9bf1ce5/view)