Machine Learning Models for Predictive Engineering and Optimization of Biomining Essential Resources
ID: DTRA24C-001Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

Machine Learning Models for Predictive Engineering and Optimization of Biomining Essential Resources

Agency

Agency: DODBranch: DTRA

Program

Type: STTRPhase: BOTH
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop machine learning models for predictive engineering and optimization in biomining essential resources. The objective is to create a computational tool that leverages advances in synthetic biology and AI/ML to enhance the selective extraction and recovery of critical materials, such as structural metals and rare earth elements, which are vital for high-tech and clean-energy sectors. This initiative is particularly important as it aims to provide environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional mining methods while addressing the growing threats posed by advancements in synthetic biology and materials science in the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) spectrum. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is currently closed, with the application due date having been October 23, 2024, and further details can be found at the DOD SBIR/STTR website.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Similar Opportunities
    Far Forward Manufacturing of CBRN Sensors -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense is seeking proposals for the Far Forward Manufacturing (FFM) of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) sensors, aimed at enhancing the production capabilities of these critical technologies. The objective is to accelerate the development of sensors that are minimal in size, weight, and power consumption while enabling near real-time detection and transmission of threat information to warfighters, thereby reducing reliance on complex supply chains. This initiative is vital for ensuring force readiness and adaptability in modern warfare, with potential applications extending beyond the military to commercial sectors such as clinical diagnostics and environmental sensing. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is currently in the pre-release phase, with proposals due by January 28, 2026, and further details can be found at the provided source link: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Microphysiological systems to Assess Pretreatment Immunogenicity and Efficacy (MAGPIE) -
    DOD
    The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking proposals for the development of Microphysiological Systems (MPS) to assess pretreatment immunogenicity and efficacy for vaccines against high-consequence pathogens, under the SBIR program. The primary objective is to create immune microphysiological systems (iMPS) that can accurately model human immune responses in vitro, thereby accelerating the discovery and validation of medical countermeasures essential for warfighter readiness. This initiative addresses the limitations of traditional in vitro and in vivo models, which are often slow and do not fully replicate the complexity of the human immune system, ultimately hindering rapid vaccine development. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is currently in the pre-release phase, with the open date set for January 7, 2026, and the application due date on January 28, 2026. For more information, please visit the official solicitation link at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Integrated Deployable Microsensors for Chemical Detection -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD) is seeking proposals for the development of integrated deployable microsensors for chemical detection under the SBIR program, specifically identified as CBD254-007. The objective is to design and fabricate low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) microsensors capable of detecting chemical warfare agents and pharmaceutical-based agents in vapor and aerosol forms, providing near real-time early warning in complex operational environments. This technology is crucial for enhancing rapid response and decision-making in both military and civilian applications, particularly for first responders in environmental detection and health monitoring. Proposals are due by January 28, 2026, with the opportunity opening on January 7, 2026, and further details can be found at the official solicitation agency website: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    OPEN TOPIC - Expeditionary Biologics-on-Demand (BOND) -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on the development of an OPEN TOPIC - Expeditionary Biologics-on-Demand (BOND) system. The primary objective is to create a portable, high-performance system for on-demand protein production that maximizes purity, potency, and quality through advanced automation and machine learning techniques. This initiative aims to enhance supply chain resilience and medical countermeasure capabilities by enabling localized production of diverse biologics, including therapies and vaccines, particularly in forward-deployed locations. The solicitation is currently in pre-release status, with an open date of January 7, 2026, and a close date of January 28, 2026. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the DOD SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Novel Sampling Tickets for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) of Chemical and Biological (CB) Threat Materials -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of novel sampling tickets designed for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) to detect chemical and biological threat materials. The objective is to create physically semi-porous, flexible coupons that can enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of handheld Raman detectors, which currently require bulk samples and struggle with mixtures of materials. This initiative is crucial for improving the capabilities of fielded handheld Raman spectrometers, enabling them to detect trace amounts of hazardous substances such as toxins and fentanyl analogs from various surfaces. The solicitation is currently in the pre-release phase, with proposals due by January 28, 2026, and further details can be found at the DOD SBIR website.
    Unbiased Behavioral Discovery Platforms -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DoD), through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is seeking innovative solutions for the development of unbiased behavioral discovery platforms aimed at enhancing the detection and development of medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. The primary objective is to create automated, high-throughput technologies that can quantify novel animal behaviors in preclinical models, thereby improving the sensitivity and specificity of behavioral evaluations without requiring human annotation or invasive procedures. This initiative is critical for advancing defense health capabilities and ensuring rapid response to emerging threats, with a focus on ethical considerations and minimizing animal handling. The opportunity is currently in the pre-release phase, with applications opening on January 7, 2026, and closing on January 28, 2026. Interested parties can find more information and submit proposals through the official SBIR website.
    Complex Geometries for Extended Wear Respirators Towards Regenerable Particulate Matter Protection -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop a rugged, 3D-printable, PFAS-free particulate filtration impactor system for extended-wear respirators in military environments. The objective is to create a regenerable filtration system that can be easily manufactured at the point of need, attach to existing respirators (such as the M50 and commercial half-masks), and effectively trap aerosols while minimizing breathing resistance and clogging during high aerobic activity. This initiative addresses the significant health risks posed by high levels of airborne particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) that military personnel face, particularly in operational environments. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is currently in pre-release, with the open date set for January 7, 2026, and the application due date on January 28, 2026. For more information, visit the DOD SBIR website at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    OPEN TOPIC - Tactical CB Visualization -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking innovative solutions through the SBIR program to enhance situational awareness and decision support for Warfighters operating in Chemical and Biological (CB) contested environments. The objective is to develop a tactical visualization tool or capability that integrates with Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) kits and various respirators, focusing on Human-Machine Interface (HMI) concepts to improve size, weight, and power (SWAP) demands. This opportunity is critical for ensuring effective communication and data visualization in dynamic battlefield scenarios, with potential dual-use applications in civilian sectors such as emergency response and manufacturing. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on January 7, 2026, with proposals due by January 28, 2026, and can find more information at the DOD SBIR website.
    Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment for pLEO Constellations -
    DOD
    The United States Space Force (USSF), through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is seeking innovative solutions for a Secure Multi-Source Data Fusion Environment tailored for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (pLEO) constellations. The objective is to develop an adaptable software platform capable of ingesting, integrating, and analyzing high-volume, low-latency data from diverse space-based sources, thereby enhancing real-time situational awareness and advanced analytics while adhering to zero-trust security principles. This initiative is critical for supporting the Department of Defense’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) and aims to facilitate dynamic mission adaptability across both government and commercial applications. Interested parties should note that the solicitation is set to open on January 7, 2026, with proposals due by January 28, 2026, and further details can be found at the provided source link: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.
    Shelf-Stable Nucleic Acid Synthesis Reagents for Field-Deployable Diagnostics -
    DOD
    The Department of Defense's Chemical and Biological Defense Program (CBDP) is seeking innovative solutions for the development of shelf-stable nucleic acid synthesis reagents aimed at enhancing rapid diagnostic capabilities in expeditionary environments. The primary objective is to create reagents that remain effective at room temperature, function reliably across a temperature range of -20°C to 55°C, and maintain a shelf life of at least 12 months, while also improving the yield of synthesized nucleic acids. These advancements are critical for enabling the rapid development and deployment of diagnostic assays in resource-constrained settings, particularly in response to emerging threats and infectious diseases. Interested parties should note that the solicitation number is CBD254-010, with the application due date set for January 28, 2026, and further details can be found at the provided source link: https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/topics-app/.