GUARDIAN Genetic Drive for Invasive Species Control

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 Technical Areas (TAs). The first Option TA is focused on BTS eradication. Proposers 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. The purpose of Amendment 1 to DARPA-PS-26-17, the GUARDIAN (Genetic Utilization for Advanced Regulation and Defense of Indigenous and Native species) Program Solicitation (PS), is to clarify the submission instructions and proposal abstract content.