# Protein ENGineering (PENG)

Canonical: https://abierto.us/opportunities/darpaps26129

- Solicitation number: DARPA-PS-26-129
- Notice type: Solicitation
- Status: Open. Offers due October 19, 2026
- Department: Department of Defense
- Agency: Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
- Contracting office: Def Advanced Research Projects Agcy (HR0011)
- NAICS: 541714 Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology)
- Product or service code: AC12 National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense - Military; Applied Research
- First posted: August 7, 2026
- Last posted: August 21, 2026
- SAM.gov: https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/8d7bb66b691a4def9e7efe4d4345bb7a/view

## Description

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative proposals for the development of a multifunctional, target-agnostic platform for precise, programmable editing of endogenous proteins. The goal of the Protein ENGineering (PENG) program is to transition proteome engineering from a collection of isolated, bespoke tools into a universal, software-defined discipline.

The PENG program will establish a comprehensive, integrated platform composed of modular targeting, generalizable effector chemistries, and multiplexed control systems. Rather than developing isolated, target-specific tools, performers will integrate novel splicing, ligation, and co-translational techniques to directly recognize, modify, and rewrite endogenous proteins within complex biological architectures.

Performers may explore multiple technical paths, progressively advancing their approaches from foundational validation to robust demonstrations of efficacy. Ultimately, this integrated platform will be validated in high-fidelity cellular models (e.g., organoids), to provide an integrated proof-of-concept at the tissue level.

## Publications

- August 7, 2026: Solicitation, due October 19, 2026. Notice be313c6423e841ae9572a0878b3d9bbb. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/be313c6423e841ae9572a0878b3d9bbb/view
- August 21, 2026: Solicitation, due October 19, 2026. Notice 8d7bb66b691a4def9e7efe4d4345bb7a. https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/8d7bb66b691a4def9e7efe4d4345bb7a/view

## Points of contact

- BAA Coordinator, PENG@darpa.mil

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Source: SAM.gov Contract Opportunities bulk extract. Confirm deadlines on SAM.gov before responding. Cite https://abierto.us/opportunities/darpaps26129.