ERBC NOFO | DHS ST 19 108 CBD 0001

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.

• 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.

Apply for DHS ST 19 108 CBD 0001

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