Red Blood Cell Factory (RBC-Factory)

Background
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the Red Blood Cell Factory program (RBC-Factory). The goal of this program is to develop a medical device-based platform that can insert biologically active components into human red blood cells (RBCs). This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of warfighters by allowing them to operate more effectively in extreme environments through the use of modified red blood cells (mRBCs).

The program will also assess the ethical, legal, and social impacts (ELSI) associated with these technologies.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for creating a prototype device that facilitates the insertion of cargos into RBCs. Key tasks include:
1. Defining cargo limitations and conducting in vitro and in vivo stability and safety testing.
2. Developing experimental plans that address technical challenges and risks.
3. Producing knowledge about the parameter space for cargos, including factors such as molecular weight, size, mass-to-charge ratio, viscosity, and hydrophobicity.
4. Ensuring that the proposed approach aligns with DARPA's technical goals and objectives while providing a reasonable Cost Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM).
5. Preparing an Oral Proposal Package (OPP) if invited, which includes a detailed technical approach, risk mitigation plans, program schedule, and qualifications of key personnel.

Period of Performance
The contract will be performed over a period not exceeding 21 months.

Place of Performance
The work will primarily take place in the Washington DC metro area.