GUARDIAN

Tender summary

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative approaches to controllably eliminate invasive species from defined areas, primarily focused on New World Screwworm (NWS) and Brown Tree Snake (BTS)(Guam), using genetic drive technologies (GDT). GUARDIAN is composed of three optionsTechnical Areas (TAs). The first Option TA is focused on BTS eradication. Performerroposers are expected to complete modeling and laboratory testing of genetic elements in the 18-month Phase 1 and contained (laboratory or greenhouse) testing during the 18-month Phase 2. Option TA1 will emphasize: genetic precision to ensure off-target effects and GDT resistance is minimized; GDT control by designing counter measures/GDT immunization to add additional safeguards; and fieldability by ensuring laboratory and contained testing meets regulatory agency requirements to proceed to field trials and that the GDT meets requirements needed for impactful population reduction goals. Option TA2 seeks to develop innovative cell cultures methods that accelerate the study of gene drives in eukaryotic organisms and should contain elements that support Option TA1. The third Option TA focuses on population modeling of gene drives, particularly that of NWS and BTS. Solicitation Number: DARPA-PS-26-17 Type: Solicitation Base Type: Solicitation NAICS: 541714 Classification Code: AC12 Response Deadline: 2026-04-07T16:00:00 Office Address: ARLINGTON, VA POC: Dr. Catherine Campbell, DARPA/BTO, GuardianProgram@darpa.mil

What to check before bidding

• Located in United States.
• Source notice aa1e055e84e74d8b97d67753d5bb8347 on SAM.gov.
• Notice published 18 Feb 2026; Tenqual indexed it 20 Feb 2026.
• Deadline listed as 7 Apr 2026.
• 4 tender documents identified.
• Create a free tender alert to catch similar opportunities before the deadline pressure starts.