The Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense (JPEO-CBRND) has released a new Request for Information (RFI) focused on Innovation in Biologics Manufacturing, underscoring the organization’s mission to strengthen U.S. biodefense through next-generation bioproduction capabilities. As the premier program management office for enabling biotechnologies across the War Department, JPEO-CBRND aims to accelerate medical countermeasure development, streamline response timelines, and ensure the nation remains prepared for emerging chemical and biological threats. This RFI continues that mission by seeking industry insight into transformative manufacturing technologies capable of supporting rapid, reliable biologics production in operationally relevant environments.
RFI Overview
This RFI is strictly for information and planning. While not a Request for Proposal (RFP), the information shared will shape future acquisition strategies, technology investments, and capability development pipelines. The government emphasizes that participation is voluntary, non-compensated, and non-binding, with no guarantee of future award opportunities. Potential respondents are encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for updates should a subsequent solicitation be released.
At the core of this RFI is JPEO-CBRND’s intent to assess current industry advancements in biologics manufacturing. The office is interested in solutions that reduce production time, improve manufacturing agility, and enable scalable responses to CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear) threats.
Specific R&D Objectives
JPEO-CBRND Enabling Biotechnologies is exploring capabilities in three primary technical areas, each designed to modernize the Department of Defense’s (DoD’s) approach to biologics manufacturing:
- Biologics-Compatible Cell-Free Production Systems
The government is seeking platforms capable of producing pre-clinical materials and small GMP drug substance lots (approximately 5,000–10,000 doses). These systems must support biologics such as monoclonal antibodies and demonstrate scalability and robustness suitable for Defense applications. - Innovations in Process Control, Including Digital Twins
Respondents with advanced bioprocessing tools (particularly digital twins or model-based control) are encouraged to respond. These technologies should optimize manufacturing performance, enhance product consistency, and provide real-time intelligence to reduce operational risk. - Technologies that Reduce Product Release Time
JPEO-CBRND is evaluating mechanisms to enable real-time release testing or dramatically accelerate release timelines. Examples may include rapid analytical methods, inline quality assurance technologies, or alternative workflows that maintain GMP compliance while reducing bottlenecks.
These focus areas reflect DoD’s broader shift toward rapid, modular biomanufacturing and the need for flexible technologies that can transition between research, prototype, and pre-deployment use cases.
Key Dates and Submission Details
While the RFI does not list multiple milestones, the government provides one clear instruction for engagement:
- Responses due: December 22, 2025
- Industry responses should be submitted through the Joint Enterprise Technology Tool (JETT) by selecting “Respond to an RFI” at the following link: https://jacks.jpeocbrnd.army.mil/JETT
Respondents are requested to share capabilities aligned with the technical interest areas outlined above.
Funding and Award Expectations
Because this is an RFI, not a funding solicitation, the government has not provided estimated award numbers, dollar values, or periods of performance. Any future procurement (should one be announced) would include more concrete funding details. The information gathered through this RFI will guide potential future investments, contract structures, and program planning across JPEO-CBRND Enabling Biotechnologies.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening National Biodefense
Innovations sourced through this RFI have the potential to dramatically improve national readiness by enabling faster delivery of lifesaving biologics during crises. From accelerating antibody production to modernizing analytical workflows, these technologies will help the DoD shorten response timelines, increase manufacturing resilience, and ensure warfighters and civilians receive timely medical countermeasures.
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