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Reliable Peripheral Interfaces (RPI) - DARPA BAA 11-08 FAQs

What is the Reliable Peripheral Interfaces (RPI) opportunity?

Reliable Peripheral Interfaces (RPI) is a DARPA Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) research solicitation (Funding Opportunity Number DARPA BAA 11-08) focused on advancing technologies for durable, high-performance connections between the human peripheral nervous system and external devices.

What is the main technical goal of this solicitation?

The central technical goal is to create reliable in vivo peripheral nerve interfaces that can both (1) record peripheral motor signals (to interpret a user's intent to move) and (2) deliver sensory stimulation signals (to provide meaningful sensory feedback).

What kinds of capabilities is DARPA trying to enable with these interfaces?

DARPA is targeting interfaces that support two-way communication: reading motor intent from peripheral nerves for device control, and writing sensory information back through stimulation so users can receive feedback that is meaningful for function.

Why is reliability emphasized so strongly in this program?

The solicitation frames the effort as a materials-and-systems development challenge where long-lasting performance in vivo is essential. DARPA emphasizes demonstrating major improvements in reliability as well as improvements in the amount and quality of usable information obtained from peripheral motor recordings.

What does DARPA mean by "materials-and-systems development challenge" in this context?

Based on the description, DARPA is looking for advances that span design, fabrication, testing, and analysis, rather than a narrow focus on only one component. The program is positioned as core technology development needed to make the interfaces durable and high-performing in vivo.

What is the operational objective behind this research?

The larger operational objective is to mature peripheral nerve interface technologies toward clinical viability so wounded service members can better control advanced prosthetic limbs, with more natural and capable movement and potentially improved sensation.

Is this opportunity considered basic research, applied research, or development?

The posting describes it as science and technology research and development under DARPA's Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) mechanism.

What funding mechanism is being used for this opportunity?

This solicitation is issued as a DARPA Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), specifically DARPA BAA 11-08, under DARPA's MTO.

What types of award instruments can DARPA use under this BAA?

The opportunity allows multiple possible award instruments, including cooperative agreements, grants, other transactions, and procurement contracts. This gives DARPA flexibility to select the instrument it considers most appropriate for a given effort and performer.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The listing indicates there is no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning the opportunity is open to a broad range of applicants (for example, universities, small businesses, large businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations), subject to any specific limitations that may be stated in the full BAA text.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number associated with the opportunity is 12.910, Research and Technology Development.

Were there amendments to the solicitation, and what changed?

Yes. The posting notes several amendments that primarily address administrative and schedule details rather than changing the core technical thrust. Amendment 01 corrected an administrative error related to the proposal due date. Amendment 02 further revised the full proposal due date. Amendment 03 revised Section II (Award Information), with changes called out in the attached revised full DARPA BAA 11-08 document.

Did the amendments change the technical scope of the program?

Based on the information provided, the project vision remained centered on peripheral nerve interfaces for prosthetic control and sensory feedback. The amendments mainly updated proposal due dates and adjusted or clarified award-related information in the formal solicitation.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on October 25, 2010, with a creation date of November 10, 2010.

What was the closing date, and did it change?

The original closing date was December 9, 2010, and the final (current) closing date was December 17, 2010. The change reflects the due date revisions described in the amendments.

Is this solicitation still open?

No. The archive date is June 17, 2011, indicating the solicitation is no longer active after that point.

Does the listing provide an award amount range (award floor/ceiling)?

No specific award range is provided in the public listing. The award floor and award ceiling fields are listed as 0, which typically indicates the listing does not specify those amounts and applicants need to consult the full BAA for expected funding ranges and related details.

Where can applicants find the full announcement package and official details?

The posting directs applicants to the MTO Solicitations Page for the full announcement package and details, including the revised BAA documents referenced by the amendments.

Who is the point of contact listed in the posting?

The contact listed for access issues is Dr. Jack W. Judy, Program Manager and MTO BAA Coordinator.

What additional requirements or review criteria might appear in the full BAA?

The posting notes that the full BAA attachment is where applicants would find complete technical areas of interest, submission instructions, evaluation criteria, and considerations that often apply to in vivo research (such as security or human-subjects considerations), along with the updated sections referenced by the amendments.

What kinds of proposal details are likely located in Section II (Award Information)?

The posting specifically mentions that Amendment 03 revised Section II, Award Information, and that the changes are called out in the attached revised full DARPA BAA 11-08 document. Applicants would typically consult that section for funding expectations, number of awards, periods of performance, and other financial or award-structure details (to the extent provided in the BAA).