MTEC Pre-Announcement: “PRimer and prObe Manufacturing PlaTform (PROMPT)”
This pre-announcement describes a government effort to develop a fully automated, man-portable, and ruggedized prototype for on-demand manufacturing of clinical-quality nucleic acid primers and probes in far-forward or austere environments. The system must replace hazardous synthesis chemistry with field-stable alternatives and integrate automated purification and quality control, with a clear strategy for navigating undefined regulatory pathways. The period of performance for any resulting award is not to exceed 24 months, with budgets commensurate with the project's stage of development. The acquisition will use a two-stage approach involving solution briefs and a pitch event, with the RPP expected to be released soon and a 30-day proposal preparation period. No specific budget amounts or location for performance of services are mentioned.