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.
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.