COMPLEX TECHNOLOGY GRANTS: How to Make Your DARPA Biotech Grant Secure Funding

Innovation is the key to staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of national security. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Biological Technologies Office is at the forefront of harnessing the power of biology to address the most pressing challenges of our time. From enhancing human performance to safeguarding our ecosystems, DARPA invites visionary thinkers and cutting-edge researchers to join a mission that transcends traditional boundaries. Discover how your groundbreaking ideas can contribute to a safer, more secure future by exploring the unique opportunities and capabilities sought by DARPA.

DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office is seeking proposals leveraging biology’s unique properties to enhance national security. Here are the primary areas of focus and capabilities required:

1. Biological Systems and Technologies:
   • Develop capabilities using biology, biogeochemistry, or materials science to mitigate environmental contaminants.
   • Innovate technologies that leverage synthetic biology and ecological diversity for operations in extreme environments.
   • Create models and tools that surpass natural biological processes in speed and efficiency.
2. Biosecurity and Biosafety:
   • Develop technologies ensuring biosafety and biosecurity of biological data and AI technologies.
   • Innovate methods to characterize and prevent the spread of emerging pathogens.
3. Biomedical and Biodefense:
   • Understand disease states to support warfighter health.
   • Develop rapid manufacturing and delivery technologies for therapeutics and defense applications.
4. Human Performance:
   • Enhance neurological health, cognition, and human performance in extreme conditions.
   • Develop continuous monitoring technologies for human readiness and resilience.
5. Materials and Sensors:
   • Design materials and sensors inspired by biological systems.
   • Develop predictive tools for engineering biological systems and hybrid biological/engineered systems.
6. Ecosystem and Environmental:
   • Address threats to global food and water supplies.
   • Leverage biology for strategic, operational advantages and environmental restoration.

Submission Guidelines

• Abstracts: Submission of an abstract is encouraged before the full proposal. Abstracts may be submitted on a rolling basis until September 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET.
• Full Proposals: These should include technical and management plans and cost details and align with DARPA’s mission. Full proposals may also be submitted on a rolling basis until September 10, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET.

Now that you know the basics, what’s next?

Your next step is to create a winning grant.  These tips will help you get started:

1. Understand the Grant Requirements: Carefully review the grant guidelines and requirements. This includes understanding the eligibility criteria, submission deadlines, required documents, and specific formatting or content requirements. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for your application to be considered.
2. Conduct Thorough Research: Investigate the funding organization’s priorities and past funded projects to align your proposal with their goals. Understanding the funder’s mission and objectives can help tailor your proposal to meet their expectations and increase your chances of success.
3. Develop a Clear and Detailed Proposal: Outline a clear plan for your project, including objectives, methodology, timeline, and budget. Ensure your proposal is well-organized and presents a compelling case for why your project deserves funding. Highlight the significance and potential impact of your work.
4. Assemble a Strong Team: If applicable, gather a team with the necessary expertise and experience to execute the project. Clearly define roles and responsibilities within the proposal to demonstrate your team’s capability to successfully complete the project.
5. Plan for Proof and Evaluation: Include a section on how you will evaluate the success of your project and measure outcomes. This demonstrates accountability and provides the funder with assurance that their investment will be effectively monitored and assessed.

Relevant Information

• COMPLEX TECHNOLOGY GRANTS: $1.6B CHIPS NOFO Released – What You Need to Know Now
• COMPLEX TECHNOLOGY GRANTS: The Magic of Grants – Make Your Dreams a Reality
• VIDEO: How Do Companies Win Government Grants?

By Dana Katalinas, Vice President, APMP Member, GPA Member

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).

Dana Katalinas

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