Enabling Stress Resistance | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Enabling Stress Resistance opportunity (DARPA BAA 09-68)?

The Enabling Stress Resistance opportunity (DARPA BAA 09-68) was a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Broad Agency Announcement issued through DARPA's Defense Sciences Office. It sought to fund science and technology research focused on understanding stress and preventing stress-related harms.

What was the main goal of this solicitation?

The central goal was to produce a comprehensive, mechanistic map of how stress works across multiple domains. The intent was to build an integrated understanding that spans biology to behavior so that it can support prevention-focused interventions.

Which types of stress did the program focus on?

The solicitation specifically highlighted four stress domains: physical stress, affective (emotional) stress, social stress, and cognitive stress.

Did the program address both acute and chronic stress?

Yes. DARPA emphasized mapping stress mechanisms for both acute stress (short, intense episodes) and chronic stress (longer-lasting, repeated, or sustained exposure).

Why did DARPA emphasize both acute and chronic stress?

The emphasis suggests interest in distinguishing what is shared versus what is distinct between short-term adaptive stress responses and longer-term maladaptive changes. It also points to interest in how repeated stress may shift baseline physiology or behavior and increase vulnerability.

Was the program focused on treatment or prevention?

The program was explicitly oriented toward actionable prevention strategies. The stated aim was to enable interventions that can prevent stress effects before they become damaging, rather than focusing only on treatment after harm occurs.

What does "comprehensive, mechanistic map" mean in this context?

Based on the description provided, it refers to an integrated mapping of stress mechanisms across multiple biological and behavioral levels. This includes linking underlying mechanisms to observable outcomes across different stress domains and time scales (acute vs. chronic).

What kinds of mechanisms or levels of analysis were of interest?

The solicitation signaled interest in work that connects mechanisms across levels, including molecular and cellular pathways, neuroendocrine and immune responses, neural circuit dynamics, and observable behavioral outcomes associated with stress.

Did DARPA indicate a preference for integrating multiple measurement types?

Yes. By calling for a comprehensive mapping, the announcement implied a preference for research that integrates multiple measurement types and experimental perspectives, such as linking physiological markers and neural activity patterns with changes in cognition, mood, and social behavior under controlled stress paradigms.

Were animal models part of the expected approach?

Yes. DARPA emphasized that the mapping should be grounded in relevant animal models.

Which DARPA office issued the solicitation?

The solicitation was issued through DARPA's Defense Sciences Office.

What types of funding instruments were available?

The opportunity allowed for several instrument types, including cooperative agreements, grants, other procurement contracts, and other transaction-like arrangements as applicable under DARPA practice.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

What was the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category was listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What CFDA number was associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed was 12.910 (Research and Technology Development), commonly used for Department of Defense research funding listings.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was described as unrestricted, meaning it was open to any type of applicant entity, subject to any eligibility clarifications in the full Broad Agency Announcement text.

What kinds of organizations could potentially apply under "unrestricted" eligibility?

As described, unrestricted eligibility generally indicates that universities, nonprofit research organizations, for-profit companies, federally funded research and development centers, and other qualified entities could potentially apply, provided they met the requirements in the full announcement and could comply with applicable federal regulations tied to the chosen funding instrument.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on July 8, 2009.

What were the closing date(s) for submissions?

The original and current closing date listed was July 7, 2010.

When was the opportunity archived?

It was later archived on August 9, 2010.

Where should applicants look for the full technical scope and submission requirements?

Applicants were directed to consult the full Broad Agency Announcement document, "DARPA BAA 09-68," for complete technical scope, submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and any program-specific requirements.

Who should be contacted for trouble accessing the announcement electronically?

A BAA Coordinator contact was provided for issues accessing the announcement electronically, indicating logistical access questions were routed through DARPA's standard solicitation support channel.