The Biological Technologies Office (BTO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is hosting a Webinar, on Monday, March 20, 2018, at 12:30 PM ET, in support of the anticipated Biostasis Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). DARPA seeks novel molecular interventions to reversibly slow and/or pause the functions and preserve viability of living cells without reliance on cold temperature. This event will provide critical information on the program vision, program objectives, and opportunities associated with the development of an interdisciplinary proposal to respond to the BAA.
Program Objective and Description
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals to develop novel technology that will reversibly slow down and/or pause biological processes and protect the functional integrity of the biological system that has been slowed or paused without the use of temperature manipulation. Specifically excluded is research that primarily results in evolutionary improvements to the existing state of practice.
Biostasis aims to provide a new capability to military and civilian health operations as an adjunct/alternative to traditional responses to trauma and acute infection, and can also be applied to logistical issues related to the transport and use of biological reagents and therapeutics that rely on cold chain. Slowing the overall reaction rates of biochemical processes by lowering temperature is routinely applied via cryopreservation for simple systems (e.g., cell line preservation), but is impractical for use on more complex multicellular tissues. Rather, DARPA seeks to establish new capabilities for preserving biological viability without relying on temperature manipulation. The successful products of the Biostasis program represent a new class of medical interventions and countermeasures and will enable a significant paradigm shift in the treatment of the injured warfighter.
To achieve this capability, Biostasis will focus on developing and characterizing new molecular interventions that capitalize on fundamental principles of the biochemistry of life to slow down and/or pause cellular functions and preserve viability under challenging conditions; slowing life to save life. The ability to reversibly slow down and/or pause biological systems is desirable for immediate response to battlefield trauma, slowing of acute infection, and room temperature stabilization of diagnostic reagents, therapeutics, and blood products.
Registration Information
Participants must register to attend the Biostasis Webinar through this registration website. Advance registration is required for every individual intending to view the Webinar, regardless of whether said individuals will be watching the webcast as a group. The Webinar URL will be provided once participants have registered. Webinar registration is limited to 500 remote participants. There is no fee for the Webinar. The Webinar will cover technical and cost proposal instructions. Therefore, both technical/scientific staff and administrative/contracting representatives from the office of sponsored research/programs are encouraged to attend.
Registration Opens: As of publication of this announcement.
Registration Closes: Friday, March 16, 2018 at 12:00 PM ET or when capacity is reached, whichever comes first.
Please refer to the Biostasis Webinar (DARPA-SN-18-36) in all correspondence.
Disclaimers
Viewing of the Biostasis Webinar is voluntary and is not required to propose to the Biostasis BAA. The Webinar does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals or abstracts. This announcement is issued solely for information and program planning purposes and is not a request for proposals; any so sent will be returned without review.
Point of Contact
Dr. Tristan McClure-Begley, Program Manager, DARPA/BTO
