Targeted Neuroplasticity Training (TNT) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): DARPA Targeted Neuroplasticity Training (TNT) - BAA 16-24

What is the Targeted Neuroplasticity Training (TNT) opportunity?

TNT is a DARPA Broad Agency Announcement (DARPA BAA 16-24) from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, within DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO). It is a research and development funding opportunity focused on new approaches to accelerate and strengthen cognitive skill learning in healthy adults.

Which DARPA office is sponsoring this program?

The program is sponsored by DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO).

What problem or goal is TNT trying to address?

The program aims to make learning faster and improve how well learned cognitive skills persist over time (retention), while maintaining a strong safety and tolerability profile. DARPA is seeking interventions that strengthen cognitive skill acquisition and help skills "stick" longer after training.

Who is the intended population for the proposed interventions?

The opportunity is focused on healthy adults.

What kind of approach is DARPA looking for?

DARPA is looking for technologies and protocols that use noninvasive peripheral neurostimulation to influence the brain's capacity for synaptic plasticity and, in turn, enhance cognitive skill learning.

What does "noninvasive peripheral neurostimulation" mean in this announcement?

In this context, it means stimulation applied to nerves or targets outside the brain, rather than implanted devices or direct brain stimulation. The emphasis is on peripheral pathways that can modulate central nervous system circuits related to plasticity.

Is the program mainly about building a device, or about neuroscience research?

It is both. TNT is described as a dual technology-and-neuroscience program: it seeks practical noninvasive stimulation systems and training approaches that measurably enhance learning, and it also requires mechanistic insight into the peripheral-to-central neural pathways that enable targeted neuroplasticity.

What kinds of outcomes does DARPA want performers to demonstrate?

The program objectives described include (1) demonstrating that peripheral stimulation can reliably modulate plasticity-related neural circuitry, and (2) showing that those biological effects translate into real cognitive improvements, such as improved acquisition of complex skills.

Does TNT require measuring biological or neural mechanisms, not just performance?

Yes. Proposers are expected not only to create an intervention, but also to help map the relevant anatomy and function. This includes identifying which peripheral pathways connect to which central brain systems, how those pathways modulate plasticity, and what measurable changes occur in the brain and behavior.

What does it mean to "map" the anatomy and function in TNT?

Based on the announcement summary, mapping refers to characterizing which peripheral neural pathways connect into which central brain systems, how those pathways regulate or modulate plasticity-related circuitry, and what measurable biological and behavioral changes are associated with stimulation and training.

Is long-term retention a requirement, or only short-term learning gains?

Long-term retention is explicitly emphasized. The opportunity highlights optimizing intervention protocols so that benefits persist over the long term, not only immediate improvements during training.

What is the program's stance on safety and side effects?

Safety and tolerability are highlighted as key requirements. The description underscores an expectation of rigorous safety and tolerability evaluation alongside performance outcomes, and it states the approach should produce no side effects.

What type of funding opportunity is this?

This is a DARPA Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for research and development.

What is the funding category and CFDA number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under the Science and Technology / Research and Development category with CFDA 12.910.

Who is eligible to apply?

The opportunity is described as open to an unrestricted set of eligible applicants, meaning participation is not limited to a narrow class of institutions, as long as applicants meet any additional eligibility details described in the full announcement.

What award instruments might DARPA use for TNT?

DARPA indicates multiple possible award instruments depending on the proposed work and performer relationship, including cooperative agreements, grants, "other" arrangements, and procurement contracts.

When was this announcement posted, and what is the closing date?

The posting/creation date is April 1, 2016. The original and current closing date is June 2, 2016.

How many awards did DARPA anticipate making?

DARPA anticipated making around 30 awards.

Is there a stated maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

No award ceiling is specified in the information provided.

What is the overall "end state" DARPA is looking for?

The intended end state is an optimized, evidence-backed intervention that improves cognitive skill acquisition and retention in healthy adults, paired with a clear biological explanation of how peripheral stimulation influences central plasticity-related circuits, and supported by a clean safety profile.