GUARDIAN

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). The GUARDIAN program consists of three Technical Areas (TAs) focusing on BTS eradication, cell cultures methods, and population modeling of gene drives. Proposers are expected to complete modeling and laboratory testing of genetic elements in the 18-month Phase 1 and contained testing during the 18-month Phase 2. • The first Option TA is focused on BTS eradication, emphasizing genetic precision, GDT control, and fieldability. • Option TA2 seeks to develop innovative cell cultures methods that accelerate the study of gene drives in eukaryotic organisms. • The third Option TA focuses on population modeling of gene drives, particularly that of NWS and BTS.