Engineering Sleep for Cognitive Performance
SBIR Opportunity Analysis
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is seeking proposals under the SBIR program to develop and demonstrate a wearable, non-invasive, closed-loop system that enhances the restorative functions of sleep to sustain cognitive performance under operational stress. To achieve this, the contractor must design a device that monitors real-time neurophysiological signals and delivers precisely-timed, non-pharmacological interventions like auditory or photic stimulation to target slow-wave sleep. Technical requirements emphasize achieving a 15% improvement in cognitive performance metrics under sleep restriction and maturing the prototype to Technology Readiness Level 6 for rigorous human validation testing. Proposals for this opportunity, designated under topic number DPA26BZ03-DV012, are being accepted for Phase I and Direct to Phase II awards from June 24, 2026, until the application deadline on July 22, 2026.