Opportunity Information: Apply for DHS ST 19 108 CBD 0001
The ERBC NOFO (Funding Opportunity Number DHS ST 19 108 CBD 0001) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) discretionary funding opportunity focused on research and development engagement around synthetic biology (also described as bioengineering). S&T is DHS's primary R&D arm, responsible for managing science and technology efforts from early development through transition to real-world use for DHS operational components and the nation's first responders. The core idea behind this opportunity is that rapid progress in synthetic biology is reshaping what is possible in biology and biotechnology, and DHS wants structured, ongoing connections with the community driving those advances so it can better understand where the field is headed and help steer it in directions that maximize benefits while reducing risk.
The opportunity is motivated by the growing capability to design and engineer organisms for specific purposes. The notice frames synthetic biology as an engineering-oriented approach to biology where improved tools and techniques allow people to modify genetic information to produce desired outcomes, ranging from straightforward traits (like changing plant coloration) to advanced medical concepts (like engineered therapies designed to locate and eliminate diseased cells). Because synthetic biology sits at the intersection of engineering methods, foundational science, and commercial deployment, DHS treats it as strategically important for U.S. competitiveness. In practical terms, that means DHS is not only watching the science; it is also paying attention to the pace of commercialization, the emergence of new applications, and the broader ecosystem of developers and end users.
A central goal of the ERBC NOFO is relationship-building and community formation. DHS signals that staying competitive and responsible in a rapidly evolving bioengineering landscape requires close, durable ties to the synthetic biology community, including scientists, engineering developers, commercial companies, and end users. Through those relationships, DHS intends to keep current on technical developments and real-world impacts so it can better evaluate both the potential upsides and the potential dangers associated with synthetic biology processes. The notice is explicit that DHS wants to convene or bring together these groups in a way that helps the department understand possible future directions of the field and also influence those directions, which implies active engagement rather than passive observation.
From an administrative standpoint, the instrument type is a cooperative agreement, which typically indicates DHS expects substantial involvement with recipients during the period of performance (for example, collaboration, coordination, or iterative engagement), as opposed to a hands-off grant. The activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development, and the CFDA number listed is 97.108. Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education. The opportunity was created on June 24, 2019, with an original closing date of July 29, 2019. The listing notes an expected 30 awards, while the award ceiling is shown as 0, which usually means the ceiling was not specified in the posted data or was to be defined elsewhere in the full announcement rather than implying no funding.
In plain terms, ERBC NOFO is DHS S&T's attempt to create a structured bridge to the synthetic biology ecosystem. The government is positioning itself to track fast-moving advances, understand downstream operational and security implications, and shape the trajectory of the field by convening and collaborating with the people building the technology and the organizations using it.Apply for DHS ST 19 108 CBD 0001
- The Department of Homeland Security, Office of Procurement Operations - Grants Division in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "ERBC NOFO" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 97.108.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jun 24, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 29, 2019. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 30 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education.
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FAQs: ERBC NOFO (Funding Opportunity Number DHS ST 19 108 CBD 0001)
What is the ERBC NOFO?
The ERBC NOFO is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) discretionary funding opportunity focused on research and development engagement related to synthetic biology (also described as bioengineering).
Which DHS office is offering this opportunity?
This opportunity is offered by DHS's Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), which is described as DHS's primary research and development arm.
What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?
The central purpose is to build structured, ongoing connections between DHS S&T and the synthetic biology community so DHS can stay current on technical developments, understand real-world impacts, and help steer the field toward maximizing benefits while reducing risk.
What does DHS mean by "synthetic biology" in this notice?
The notice frames synthetic biology as an engineering-oriented approach to biology where improved tools and techniques make it possible to modify genetic information to achieve desired outcomes, ranging from relatively straightforward traits (such as changing plant coloration) to advanced medical concepts (such as engineered therapies designed to locate and eliminate diseased cells).
Why is DHS focusing on synthetic biology now?
DHS states that rapid progress in synthetic biology is reshaping what is possible in biology and biotechnology. Because the field is advancing quickly and moving toward real-world use and commercialization, DHS wants durable ties to the people and organizations driving those advances.
Is this opportunity more about research, community engagement, or something else?
Based on the description provided, a central goal is relationship-building and community formation, alongside research and development engagement. DHS emphasizes convening and bringing together key stakeholders to maintain awareness of the field's direction and to influence that direction through active engagement.
Who does DHS want to engage through this program?
DHS indicates it wants close ties across the synthetic biology ecosystem, including scientists, engineering developers, commercial companies, and end users.
What outcomes is DHS trying to achieve through these relationships?
DHS aims to (1) keep current on technical developments, (2) understand real-world impacts, (3) evaluate potential upsides and dangers associated with synthetic biology processes, and (4) help shape future directions of the field by convening and collaborating with stakeholders.
What type of funding instrument will be used?
The instrument type is a cooperative agreement.
What does a cooperative agreement imply for how the project will run?
A cooperative agreement typically indicates substantial involvement by DHS during the period of performance, such as collaboration, coordination, or iterative engagement with recipients, rather than a fully hands-off arrangement.
What activity category is this opportunity listed under?
The activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed is 97.108.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are limited to nonprofit organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, as long as they are not institutions of higher education.
Are institutions of higher education eligible?
No. The eligibility information provided states that eligible applicants are nonprofits that are not institutions of higher education.
When was the opportunity created and when did it close?
The opportunity was created on June 24, 2019, and the original closing date listed is July 29, 2019.
How many awards does DHS expect to make?
The listing notes an expected 30 awards.
What is the award ceiling?
The award ceiling is shown as 0 in the posted data. This is commonly an indicator that the ceiling was not specified in the listing data or was intended to be defined elsewhere in the full announcement, rather than meaning there is no funding.
Is DHS only monitoring the science, or also the market and applications?
DHS indicates it is paying attention not only to scientific advances, but also to the pace of commercialization, the emergence of new applications, and the broader ecosystem of developers and end users.
What larger strategic significance does DHS assign to synthetic biology?
The notice describes synthetic biology as strategically important for U.S. competitiveness because it sits at the intersection of engineering methods, foundational science, and commercial deployment.
What is DHS S&T's role in general, as described here?
S&T is described as DHS's primary R&D arm, responsible for managing science and technology efforts from early development through transition to real-world use for DHS operational components and the nation's first responders.
What is the "core idea" behind ERBC NOFO in plain terms?
In plain terms, the program is DHS S&T's attempt to create a structured bridge to the synthetic biology ecosystem so the government can track fast-moving advances, understand downstream operational and security implications, and shape the trajectory of the field by convening and collaborating with the people building and using the technology.
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