Protean

The DARPARA2601 document outlines mandatory instructions and a template for submitting abbreviated technical volumes (Gate 2) for DARPA solicitations. Submissions, limited to 5 pages, must be in English, formatted for 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins and 12-point font (8 or 10-point for figures/tables). The page limit includes the Executive Summary, Technical Approach, Technical Ability, and Tasking and Cost, but excludes the Cover Sheet and sections 5-9. Proposers must complete a cover sheet and detail their executive summary, technical approach, team's technical ability, and a cost estimate with major tasks. Submissions must also address organizational conflict of interest, novelty of proposed work, provide representations and certifications, and disclose intellectual property. Timely submission is crucial, as late volumes will not be reviewed. A favorable response to an abbreviated volume does not guarantee a full proposal award.

The Controlled Unclassified Information Guide for the Protean Program, dated February 11, 2026, outlines policies for protecting unclassified but sensitive information related to developing medical countermeasures against chemical and biological agents. Authored by Program Manager Dr. Michael Feasel and Program Security Officer Mr. John Slawinski, the guide operates under Executive Order 13556 and DoDI 5200.48. It details specific CUI categories, including Controlled Technical Information, Export Controlled Research, Inventions, Patent Applications, and Proprietary Business Information. The document mandates adherence to DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST 800-171 for storage and processing, and outlines procedures for disclosure, challenges, and reporting unauthorized releases. The guide also provides detailed charts identifying sensitive information elements within Protean and their corresponding protection requirements, emphasizing the need to safeguard information related to novel mechanisms and intervention designs.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Biological Technologies Office (BTO) has issued Research Announcement DARPARA2601, titled "Protean," seeking innovative proposals to develop medical countermeasures for restoring protein function against chemical threat agents. This competitive funding opportunity, posted on February 11th, 2026, aims to develop prophylactics and therapeutics that provide significantly improved protection against chemical threats by focusing on key protein targets like Acetylcholinesterase, Mu Opioid Receptor, and ion channels. The program is structured in two phases over 33 months: Phase 1 (18 months) focuses on identifying novel intervention points and mechanisms of chemical intoxication, while Phase 2 (15 months) concentrates on countermeasure design and optimizing drug-like compounds. Proposals are submitted in a two-gate process, starting with a video abstract and abbreviated technical volume due March 12th, 2026, followed by full proposals due May 7th, 2026 for invited applicants. Multiple awards are anticipated, primarily as Cooperative Agreements and Research Other Transactions Awards. Special considerations include intellectual property, program security (Controlled Unclassified Information - CUI), and compliance with various federal regulations.

The S&T Protection Implementation Plan (S&T PIP) outlines strategies for protecting critical technologies associated with DARPA projects. This document, intended for federal government RFPs, federal grants, and state/local RFPs, details the prime contractor's approach to safeguarding Critical Program Information (CPI) and critical components. It covers risk management, including threats to technology, observable identification, and the protection of information at lower classification levels. The plan also addresses financial/procurement requirements, foreign involvement, and processes for managing and implementing the S&T PIP, such as audits and technical reviews. Furthermore, it outlines procedures for monitoring and reporting unauthorized disclosures and material disposition requirements. The S&T PIP is a living document, subject to periodic updates and annual reviews by the Contractor Program Security Officer and Contractor Program Manager to adapt to evolving program missions, threats, and vulnerabilities.

The provided document outlines the required content for an Oral Abstract submission to the Protean program, likely a federal grant or RFP. Submissions must include a title slide with organization and technical POC names, followed by two technical approach slides detailing how the proposed approach meets Protean program goals. A dedicated slide must describe the innovation compared to the state-of-the-art. Another slide must explain the contribution to the DARPA mission concerning national security. The team and personnel slide should highlight the proposing team's background and expertise. Finally, a slide for relevant references is required. This structure ensures a comprehensive overview of the proposal's technical merits, innovative aspects, mission alignment, and team capabilities.