Somnus
ID: 353867Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

DARPA - Biological Technologies Office (DOD-DARPA-BTO)

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Other

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/353867

Additional Information

https://sam.gov/opp/545c3b03089945028ef42b8d4fc9e794/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is inviting proposals for the Somnus research initiative, which aims to explore the molecular mechanisms linking gut microbiome interactions and the restorative effects of sleep on cognitive performance. This opportunity is open to all responsible sources capable of meeting the government's needs, with a focus on identifying specific intestinal regions relevant to sleep and immune responses, while adhering to ethical guidelines and providing detailed experimental designs. Up to $2 million in funding is available for individual projects lasting up to 18 months, with proposals due by June 17, 2024. Interested applicants can reach out to Matthew Pava at Somnus@darpa.mil for further information and clarification.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Somnus@darpa.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DARPARA2402-Amendment-01.pdf
    Amendment 1 to DARPARA2402 introduces a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document relevant to the Somnus Research Announcement (RA). This amendment is limited in scope, as it specifies that no other modifications have been made to the original declaration. The inclusion of the FAQ suggests a desire to clarify processes or expectations associated with the research announcement, likely aimed at supporting potential applicants or stakeholders involved in the grant and proposal processes. By addressing common inquiries, the amendment aims to facilitate a smoother interaction with the RFP and grant guidelines. Overall, this document reflects the government’s effort to enhance transparency and accessibility in the funding and research application process.
    DARPARA2402-Attachment_2-Proposal_Template-Volume_1-Summary_Slide.pptx
    DARPARA2402-Attachment_4-Proposal_Template-Volume_2-DARPA_Standard_Cost_Proposal_Spreadsheet.xlsx
    DARPARA2402-Attachment_6-Model_Research_Other_Transaction__OT_.docx
    Somnus_FAQ_V3.pdf
    The DARPA Somnus program aims to investigate the effects of sleep deprivation on molecular pathways intertwining the gut and brain. Up to $2 million in funding will be allocated for individual projects lasting up to 18 months, with no limit on collaboration from various institutions, although clear explanations of cooperative efforts are necessary. The Current RA is not a follow-on from the previous Somnus BAA; no awards were made from that. Human research isn’t permitted, and proposals must clarify the intestinal regions chosen for study, based on their relevance to sleep and immune responses. Proposers should detail the number of biospecimens, experimental designs, and ensure adherence to ethical guidelines. Automated methods of sleep deprivation are acceptable, but proposals must include a gold-standard control. Required specimens include blood and fecal samples at various checkpoints, with emphasis on securing sufficient volumes for analyses. The project discourages the use of sugar-based rewards in behavioral tasks. Additionally, alternative data collection methods and analyses outside DARPA specifications are allowed as long as the total costs remain within the funding limit. This structured inquiry is pivotal for understanding host-microbiome interactions under sleep deprivation conditions.
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