The Biological Technologies Office (BTO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is hosting an in person and virtual Industry Day for the potential proposer community in support of a planned Program Solicitation (PS) for the Genetic Utilization for Advanced Regulation and Defense of Indigenous and Native Species (GUARDIAN) Program. The Industry Day will be held on January 27th, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM (EST). Advance registration is required. Note: all times listed in this announcement and on the registration website are Eastern Standard Time.

The Industry Day’s goals include:

1. Introduce the GUARDIAN program vision and goals to the research community
2. Explain the mechanics of a DARPA program in general and the objectives and milestones of this program in particular
3. Increase efficiency in proposal preparation and evaluation
4. Encourage and promote teaming arrangements among organizations that have the relevant expertise, research facilities, and capabilities for executing research and development responsive to GUARDIAN program goals

DARPA anticipates releasing the GUARDIAN Program Solicitation (PS) in January 2025. When released, the PS will be available on https://sam.gov/. The Industry Day will include a brief overview presentation by government personnel, as well as an information session during which the DARPA Program Manager, BAA coordinator, and contracting officer will respond to questions from participants. The Industry Day will also include “lightning talks,” during which potential performers can highlight their technical capabilities so that teaming relationships can be developed. It is expected that GUARDIAN will require strong teaming efforts by the performers, in order to successfully innovate and integrate multidisciplinary critical technologies necessary to meet all of the metrics of the program.