Research Opportunity: DNA-Protein Epigenetic Chemistry Engineering (D-PECHE)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the DNA-Protein Epigenetic Chemistry Engineering (D-PECHE) research opportunity. This Special Notice seeks proof-of-concept for novel mechanisms to write and erase epigenetic base modifications in DNA, aiming to control DNA-protein interactions and study new epigenetic functions. Abstracts are due May 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
DARPA's D-PECHE program aims to explore and demonstrate novel technologies for modifying nucleic acids in vitro. The research focuses on developing mechanisms capable of modifying the epigenome, offering new opportunities to control DNA-protein interactions and to study the functions and applications of rare or novel epigenetic modifications. This is unclassified fundamental research under the product service code AC11 (National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense Military; Basic Research).
Key Requirements
Proposals should address:
- Development of novel mechanisms for writing or erasing targeted DNA base modifications.
- Demonstration of the ability to use these mechanisms to modify the epigenome of living cells.
- Development of methods to detect the presence of targeted base modifications.
- Focus on "new-to-nature" base modifications, distinct from established ones like DNA methylation.
- Research that does not involve human or animal subjects and does not duplicate other DoD programs.
Contract Details
- Type: Special Notice under DARPA BTO Office Wide Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), HR001126S0003.
- Awards: Multiple awards are intended.
- Instrument: Other Transactions for Research (OT-R).
- Period of Performance: 4 months for the study.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
Submission & Evaluation
- Abstract Due Date: May 27, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. This deadline supersedes any conflicting dates in the general BAA.
- Abstract Format: Limited to 2 pages (excluding title page and references).
- Submission Method: Abstracts must be submitted via the Broad Agency Announcement Tool (BAAT). Fax or e-mail submissions are not accepted.
- Accelerated Award Option: Proposed costs for this option must not exceed $2,000,000.
- Questions Due: May 20, 2026, to D-PECHE@darpa.mil.
- Evaluation Criteria: Overall Scientific and Technical Merit; Potential Contribution and Relevance to the DARPA Mission; and Cost and Schedule Realism.
- Selected proposers will be invited to submit Oral Proposal Packages (OPPs) approximately 4 weeks after invitation and participate in a virtual oral presentation. Late abstract submissions may not be evaluated.
Contact Information
Primary Contact: Dr. Aric Lu, DARPA/BTO (D-PECHE@darpa.mil)