Sole Source Bioconscientia

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.