TAMPA, FL – June 15, 2026 – Ombra LLC announces it has been selected by the U.S. Army for a Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contract valued at $249,992.84 focused on MetaSCAN (Metagenomic Sensor Candidate Analyzer & Navigator). MetaSCAN will address critical Army needs by accelerating the discovery of biological sensing capabilities through advanced metagenomic analysis.
The primary objective of MetaSCAN is to analyze metagenomic data collected from contaminated water sources to identify candidate allosteric transcription factors suitable for cell-free biosensor development. By combining computational analysis and automated candidate prioritization, the platform aims to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of biosensor discovery workflows.
The project began on April 13, 2026, and is being executed by Ombra in partnership with Northwestern University, led by Dr. Julius B. Lucks, a recognized leader in synthetic biology and cell-free systems.
“MetaSCAN represents a significant advancement in our ability to rapidly identify and prioritize promising biosensor candidates from complex environmental samples,” said Michael Fieldson, President of Ombra. “We aim to reduce the time and cost associated with biosensor development while supporting Army efforts to enhance environmental monitoring and biological threat detection capabilities.”
About Ombra:
Ombra is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in advanced manufacturing, engineering solutions, biometrics, space technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technologies. Founded by a former USSOCOM Source Selection Advisory Committee Lead, Ombra draws on deep expertise to drive innovation for defense and beyond. For more information, visit ombra.us.
Company Press Contact:
Michael Fieldson
Company President
Email: [email protected]/
Office: (844) 662-7241
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the US ARMY, the Department of War, or the U.S. government.
