RBC-Factory Industry Day

Background
The Biological Technologies Office (BTO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is hosting a virtual Proposers Day to support a planned Program Solicitation for the Red Blood Cell Factory (RBC-Factory). The goal of this initiative is to introduce the program vision and goals to the research community, explain DARPA program mechanics, and promote collaboration among organizations with relevant expertise.

Work Details
The Proposers Day will include:

1. Overview presentations by government personnel;
2. An information session for participant questions;
3. Opportunities for potential performers to present their technical capabilities through 'lightning' talks;
4. Virtual sidebars with Program Manager Dr. Christopher Bettinger on January 8, 2025, to discuss whether specific approaches are within scope.

The RBC-Factory program aims to create a medical device platform that modifies human red blood cells (RBCs) with biologically active components ('cargoes') to enhance performance in extreme environments. It seeks innovative proposals that demonstrate novel approaches for modifying RBCs at scale, excluding genetic modifications.

Period of Performance
The anticipated publication of the solicitation is in December 2024, with activities related to the Proposers Day occurring on January 7, 2025, and virtual sidebars on January 8, 2025.

Place of Performance
The Proposers Day will be conducted virtually.