Rapid Stabilization and Barcoding Challenge – Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is seeking U.S.-based industry, academic, and nonprofit organizations to prototype a fully integrated, handheld system that eliminates cold-chain requirements for chemical and biological samples. The system must stabilize molecules at ambient conditions, integrate barcode-based lifecycle tracking, and automate sampling. Applications are due March 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM.
How much funding would I receive?
Funding Award Size: $300K to $5 Million+
Awards will be made under the ONIX OTA in coordination with ACC-RI. Specific award size will depend on scope and proposed effort.
What could I use the funding for?
Overall Objective
DTRA is seeking to develop Rapid Stabilization and Barcoding prototypes and test these for operational relevancy. This effort aims to research and develop innovative stabilization technologies that leverage custom stable porous capillary-fibrous scaffolds, providing high permeability and improved surface-area-to-volume ratios to enhance binding and stabilization efficiency of molecules and reagents, ultimately ensuring assay consistency. Systems should improve utility of vitrification under vacuum and rapid drying of molecules and reagents, supporting the general services for years to come. Alternatives to lyophilization may include methodologies that avoid freezing and/or boiling of molecules or reagents, prevent solution crystallization, and eliminate the use of liquid nitrogen for storage.
To support rapid and reliable sample stabilization in field environments, the system must also incorporate robust barcode-based sample tracking.
Problem Statement
Current reliance on cold-chain logistics places a burden on the general forces due to reagents and sample degradation. Further, sample tracking approaches often rely on handwritten labels, inconsistent naming conventions, and manual tracking; all of which introduce vulnerabilities such as mislabeling and loss of chain-of-custody. This effort seeks industry solutions that will result in rapid stabilization and barcoding.
Desired Solution
· Sustain structural stability of chemical and biological molecules for storage at room temperature for at least 12 months, in various environmental conditions.
· Perform in a wide variety of environmental MIL STD 810H conditions, ranging from -20 ℃ to 55 ℃ and 10-95% relative humidity.
· Mitigate degradation risks from sample matrix complexities.
· Have a simple and standardized workflow. End-user training should be completed within one hour, with minimal operational complexity and no specialized technical expertise required.
· Complete the entire vitrification process, from sample collection to final stabilization, within 30 minutes.
· Require low power, enabling operation in austere and off-grid environments. If a battery is necessary, the system should utilize lightweight solid-state batteries.
· Be handheld and portable, preferably less than 30 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm and weigh less than 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) is the preferred end goal.
· Remain low in costs, at approximately $100 or less for reusable systems or $25 or less for single-use systems when purchased in quantity.
· Integrate automated sample collection mechanisms that enable consistent and repeatable sampling.
· Read 1D and 2D barcodes on labels, vials, and screens.
· Be MIL STD 810H compliant for shock, dust, humidity, and temperature extremes.
· Support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi options for direct integration with field instruments.
· Have a minimum 12 hours of continuous and wireless scanning.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Beyond the direct funding award, there are meaningful indirect benefits:
Government Validation and Credibility:
Selection by DTRA RD-CB signals strong technical credibility in chemical and biological defense technologies, which can accelerate follow-on DoD opportunities.
Enhanced Market Visibility:
Awardees gain visibility within the CBRN defense ecosystem and may benefit from broader recognition through DoD networks.
Dual-Use Positioning:
Technologies that eliminate cold-chain requirements and improve sample tracking have applications in biodefense, public health, field diagnostics, and industrial biosurveillance.
Nondilutive Capital:
OTA-based funding allows you to mature hardware and IP without equity dilution, strengthening valuation and exit potential.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Submission Deadline: March 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Anticipated Down-Select: 30–45 days after posting
Specific award start dates are not listed, but selection and award are expected shortly after down-select.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding is provided by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Research and Development, Chemical and Biological Technologies Directorate (RD-CB), in support of the Capability Program Executive for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Defense.
Awards will be made under the ONIX OTA in coordination with ACC-RI.
Who is eligible to apply?
U.S.-based industry organizations
U.S.-based academic institutions
U.S.-based nonprofit organizations
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Based on the scoring rubric, competitive proposals will demonstrate:
A technically viable stabilization methodology using porous capillary-fibrous scaffolds (or alternatives that prevent freezing, boiling, crystallization, and eliminate liquid nitrogen dependency)
Full integration of 1D/2D barcode tracking with LIMS compatibility
Reliable automated sampling with reduced operator involvement
Demonstrated ability to meet 12-month room-temperature stability across MIL STD 810H conditions
Clear milestones, realistic deliverables, credible past performance, and well-justified costs/IP strategy
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Must be U.S.-based.
Must comply with MIL STD 810H environmental requirements.
System must meet specific SWaP-C targets and defined cost thresholds.
Submission length limited to 2–10 pages (plus required company and past performance pages).
Submission required via GoColosseum platform.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Given the 2–10 page technical response, plus company and past performance pages and milestone-based cost structure, most teams should expect approximately 2–4 weeks to prepare a competitive submission, depending on readiness of technical concept and prior materials.
How can BW&CO help?
Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:
Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development
Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations
Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
Fractional support is $300 per hour.
For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.
Additional Resources
Review the opportunity here.