INTERfering and Co-Evolving Prevention and Therapy | Apply Online

INTERCEPT (DARPA BAA 16-35) FAQ

What is the INTERCEPT opportunity (DARPA BAA 16-35)?

INTERfering and Co-Evolving Prevention and Therapy (INTERCEPT), listed as DARPA BAA 16-35, is a funding opportunity from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), specifically within DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO). It focuses on creating new approaches to prevent and treat infections caused by rapidly evolving viral pathogens.

What is the main scientific idea behind this program?

The solicitation centers on exploring and developing "therapeutic interfering particles" as a novel countermeasure. The concept is to use engineered or otherwise designed viral-like particles that can interfere with a disease-causing virus inside a host.

What are "therapeutic interfering particles" in the context of this solicitation?

Based on the summary provided, therapeutic interfering particles are engineered or designed viral-like particles intended to disrupt, outcompete, or otherwise interfere with a pathogenic virus inside a host. The goal is to limit infection, reduce viral load, slow viral adaptation, or improve treatment outcomes for viruses that evolve rapidly.

What types of pathogens is INTERCEPT focused on?

The program is focused on rapidly evolving viral pathogens, especially viruses that mutate quickly and may evade conventional therapies.

What outcomes or effects is DARPA aiming to achieve with proposed approaches?

The opportunity highlights several intended effects of successful approaches, including limiting infection, reducing viral load, slowing a virus's ability to adapt, and improving treatment outcomes against fast-mutating viruses.

How does this approach differ from traditional antivirals or vaccines?

INTERCEPT is described as pushing beyond traditional antivirals and vaccines by investing in a countermeasure concept designed to keep pace with, and potentially co-evolve against, viruses that change quickly.

What is the funding category for this opportunity?

The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding for science and technology and other research and development activities.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The summary ties this opportunity to CFDA number 12.910.

What award instruments might DARPA use for INTERCEPT?

DARPA indicates multiple possible award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, "other" transaction-style mechanisms, and procurement contracts.

What does it mean that multiple award instruments are possible?

In this summary, the presence of multiple instruments signals flexibility in how projects may be structured and managed. It also suggests DARPA may consider a range of research approaches, from early exploratory studies to more applied development work, depending on proposer capability and the technical plan.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to a wide range of applicant types, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full announcement text.

What kinds of organizations are typically included under "unrestricted" eligibility?

The summary notes that open eligibility of this type typically allows participation by universities, non-profits, for-profit companies (including small businesses), federally funded research and development centers, and other qualified entities, as long as they meet the program and contracting requirements specified in the BAA.

Which DARPA office is sponsoring this opportunity?

The program is associated with DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO).

What is the closing date for this opportunity?

The original and current closing date listed in the summary is July 7, 2016.

When was the opportunity created and posted?

Both the creation date and the posted date are listed as April 28, 2016.

Is the award ceiling provided in the summary?

No. The award ceiling is not specified in the summary data provided.

Is the number of expected awards provided in the summary?

No. The number of expected awards is not specified in the summary data provided.

Where would an applicant look for funding ranges, project duration, milestones, and evaluation criteria?

The summary indicates that these details (such as funding ranges, anticipated project durations, desired milestones, and evaluation criteria) would typically be found in the full BAA text.

What stage(s) of research does DARPA appear to be open to under this program?

Based on the summary, DARPA appears open to a range of efforts, from early exploratory studies through more applied development work, depending on proposer capability and the specific technical plan.

What is the broader motivation for INTERCEPT as described in the summary?

The summary frames INTERCEPT as motivated by defense and public health needs, emphasizing adaptable tools that remain effective even when a virus mutates, diversifies, or develops resistance to conventional interventions.