GUARDIAN Industry Day
ID: DARPA-SN-26-24Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY (DARPA)DEF ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGCYARLINGTON, VA, 222032114, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; APPLIED RESEARCH (AC12)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/2777d4ac39db415dadad8c4d4192a71a/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is hosting an Industry Day for the Genetic Utilization for Advanced Regulation and Defense of Indigenous and Native Species (GUARDIAN) Program on January 27, 2026. This event aims to inform potential proposers about the program's objectives, which include developing Gene Drive Technologies (GDT) for the controlled elimination of the invasive Brown Tree Snake from Guam, while complying with USDA regulatory standards. The Industry Day will cover three key technical areas: GDT Precision, GDT Control, and Fielding, and while attendance is not mandatory for proposal submission, it is encouraged, especially for non-traditional performers. Interested parties must register by January 22, 2026, and can submit teaming profiles and lightning talks by January 16, 2026. For further inquiries, contact Dr. Catherine Campbell at GuardianProgram@darpa.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Dr. Catherine Campbell, DARPA/BTO
    GuardianProgram@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DARPA-SN-26-24.pdf
    DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO) is hosting a GUARDIAN Industry Day on January 27, 2026, to introduce the Genetic Utilization for Advanced Regulation and Defense of Indigenous and Native Species (GUARDIAN) Program. This program aims to develop Gene Drive Technologies (GDT) for the controllable elimination of the invasive Brown Tree Snake (BTS) from Guam within 24 months, while adhering to USDA regulatory standards. The Industry Day seeks to inform potential proposers, explain DARPA program mechanics, enhance proposal preparation, and foster teaming arrangements. The program focuses on three Technical Areas: GDT Precision, GDT Control, and Fielding. Attendance is not mandatory for proposal submission, but participation, especially by non-traditional performers, is encouraged. Opportunities for teaming profiles and lightning talks are available, with submissions due by January 16, 2026. Registration for the webcast event closes on January 22, 2026, or when capacity is reached. This notice is for informational purposes and does not constitute a formal solicitation.
    GUARDIAN_ID_ATT1_Teaming_Profile.docx
    This document outlines the requirements for submitting a proposal interest and teaming objectives for government RFPs, federal grants, and state/local RFPs. It requests information on the project overview, detailing the team's approach to program objectives and technical challenges. Proponents must describe their team's existing capabilities, including relevant experience, strengths, institutional assets, and technological expertise. Crucially, the document asks teams to identify specific technical areas or challenges for which they are seeking collaborators, along with any other considerations for assembling a comprehensive strategy. Submissions, limited to two pages and in MS Word or PDF format, must include contact information and adhere to guidance emphasizing clarity, unclassified information, and a concise summary of proposal interest and teaming needs.
    GUARDIAN_ID_ATT2_Lightning_Template.pptx
    The document provides guidance for an Industry Day Slide submission, likely for a federal government RFP or grant, focusing on Genetic Biocontrol Technology (GBT) for pest control. Submissions require a concise, unclassified, and non-proprietary single-slide presentation in landscape PDF format. Key information to include encompasses the Principal Investigator (PI) and team details, a project overview outlining strengths in genetic precision (TA1), GBT control (TA2), and field testing (TA3), and a clear abstract describing objectives and approaches to GUARDIAN technical areas. The slide should also feature a graphical abstract summarizing the problem, objectives, and approach, along with teaming needs for specific technical challenges, expertise, and research facilities. Contact information must also be provided.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    GUARDIAN Industry Day
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