Protein that helps load RecA onto ssDNA during transformation (PubMed:17803906, PubMed:22904190). Required for DNA transformation (PubMed:9535083, PubMed:10223974, PubMed:12123453). Not required for DNA uptake but for a later stage of transformation (PubMed:12123453). Thought to interact at the cell pole with newly imported transforming ssDNA which it binds cooperatively, protecting linear and circular ssDNA from nuclease action (PubMed:14617176, PubMed:17803906). Forms bridges between DNA segments (PubMed:17803906). Favors the loading of RecA onto ssDNA and formation of RecA-DNA filaments, triggering RecA-catalysis of ATP-driven homologous DNA pairing (PubMed:17803906). Homodimer; forms tail-to-tail dimers, forms nucleoprotein complex (NPC) which requires at least 30 nucleotides (nt) of ssDNA becoming optimal with 50 nt (PubMed:22904190). Interacts with RecA, forms mixed DprA-RecA-ssDNA filaments (PubMed:17803906). Localizes to the cell poles during competence (By similarity). Expressed under conditions that induce DNA competence (PubMed:9535083). The regions responsible for dimerization and for DprA-RecA interaction partially overlap, it is suggested that when RecA interacts with the DprA-ssDNA NPC it rearranges or disrupts the DprA dimer, leading to nucleation of RecA on ssDNA (PubMed:22904190). Loss of transformation (PubMed:9535083, PubMed:10223974, PubMed:12123453, PubMed:14617176). Imported DNA is very rapidly degraded (PubMed:14617176). Belongs to the DprA/Smf family. Extended N-terminus.