Project Information

Bid Title

Sole Source Bioconscientia

Issuing Agency

DEPT OF DEFENSE

Location

Mississippi

Published Date

Sep 22, 2026

Closing Date

Sep 28, 2026

Government Level

Federal

Status

Closed

Ref. #

W912HZ26QA049

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Set Aside

No Set aside used

Project Description

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Sole Source Bioconscientia

Active

Contract Opportunity

Notice ID

W912HZ26QA049

Related Notice

Department/Ind. Agency

DEPT OF DEFENSE

Sub-tier

DEPT OF THE ARMY

Major Command

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Sub Command

SCO ALEXANDRIA

Sub Command 2

ENGINEER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Office

W2R2 USA ENGR R & D CTR

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General Information

• Contract Opportunity Type: Presolicitation (Original)
• Original Published Date: Sep 22, 2026 10:30 am CDT
• Original Response Date: Sep 28, 2026 02:00 pm CDT
• Inactive Policy: 15 days after response date
• Original Inactive Date: Oct 13, 2026
• Initiative:
  • None

Classification

• Original Set Aside: No Set aside used
• Product Service Code: AJ11 - GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY R&D SERVICES; GENERAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; BASIC RESEARCH
• NAICS Code:
  • 541714 - Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
• Place of Performance:
  MS 39180
  USA

Description

Presolicitation and Notice of Intent to Sole Source

The US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) ERDC-EL Biotechnology Team requires advanced R&D support to investigate and advance synthetic biology tools. The overall objective is to develop, optimize, and

validate platforms that address environmental sensing, critical material supply chain security, and sustainable biomanufacturing. The required tasks encompass:

• Project A: Development of synthetic cell systems for sensing physical and chemical stimuli via two-component signaling (TCS).


• Project B: Molecular engineering of CO2-utilizing yeast via AI-optimized Rubisco variants for austere biomanufacturing.


• Project C: Design and testing of engineered protein chromatography platforms for selective capture of Rare Earth Elements (REE).


• Project D: Development of genetically encoded conductive protein nanowires for bio-electronic sensing and energy assimilation.


• Optional Projects E & F: Bio-functionalized carbon quantum dot sensing platforms (including biodefense surrogates) and microbiologically induced calcite precipitation for geotechnical applications.

Bioconscientia, LLC possesses highly specialized, unique capabilities and proprietary institutional knowledge essential to executing this complex portfolio of synthetic biology research. The successful execution of this work requires an integrated research environment capable of combining artificial intelligence (AI)-driven protein engineering, high-throughput automated bioprocessing, and cell-free expression systems. Specifically, the contractor must have immediate, proven expertise in:

• Engineering UV-B-responsive genetic circuits and complex two-component systems (TCS).


• Developing AI-guided Rubisco variants and scaling up automated fermentation.


• Pioneering affinity-based separation platforms specifically targeted at REE recovery from e-waste and processed magnets.


• Advanced bio-electronic material fabrication (e.g., genetically encoded conductive protein nanowires and carbon quantum dot functionalization).

No other source possesses the synergistic combination of specialized personnel, advanced laboratory infrastructure, and concurrent expertise across these disparate domains (biological CO2 assimilation, bio-electronics, and REE chromatography) required to meet the Government's stringent timelines and technical objectives without unacceptable delays or duplication of cost.

The Government intends to procure from only one source under the authority RFO 6.103-1 Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements. This Notice of Intent is for information purposes only. This is not a request for quote. A solicitation will not be issued. All responsible sources may submit a capability statement to CHL-CT-Quotes@usace.army.mil, Subject Line "Sole Source Bioconsciencia" not later than the date indicated in this notice. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement. Verbal responses are not acceptable.

Attachments/Links

Contact Information

Contracting Office Address

• ERDC CONTRACTING OFC 3909 HALLS FERRY ROAD
• VICKSBURG , MS 39180-6199
• USA

Primary Point of Contact

• William Rawe
• william.t.rawe@usace.army.mil

Secondary Point of Contact

• Christine Shuck
• christine.l.shuck@usace.army.mil

History

• Sep 22, 2026 10:30 am CDTPresolicitation (Original)

Commodity Codes

• FSC AResearch and development

• NAICS 541714Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)

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