CoasterChase

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), through its Biological Technologies Office (BTO), has released the Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) HR001125S0014 titled “CoasterChase.” This initiative seeks innovative research proposals that investigate how selective neuromodulation of the enteric nervous system—particularly in the small intestine—can alter acute stress responses. The CoasterChase program is based on a growing body of scientific evidence suggesting that stimulation of neurons within the gut can influence systemic biomarkers associated with the stress response, including neuropeptide Y (NPY) and cortisol. DARPA intends for this research to contribute significantly to improving warfighter performance under stress and potentially mitigating long-term effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CoasterChase focuses on developing an ingestible, multimodal platform capable of both sensing and stimulating the enteric nervous system. Phase 1 of the 24-month program will focus on the separate development of sensing and stimulation devices, while Phase 2 aims to integrate these technologies into a single ingestible capsule for real-time, closed-loop control of stress biomarkers. The research must include in vivo animal studies (excluding non-human primates, cats, and dogs) to explore behavioral and cognitive outcomes related to neuromodulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Proposals must address two critical Functional Areas (FAs): FA1, which focuses on the biological and behavioral impacts of enteric neuron stimulation, and FA2, which centers on the development of the ingestible platform. Funding for CoasterChase is expected to reach up to $25 million total, with multiple awards anticipated depending on proposal quality and alignment with DARPA's objectives. Funding instruments may include Procurement Contracts, Cooperative Agreements, or Other Transaction Agreements (either for Research or for Prototypes). Although no specific award floor or ceiling is given, applicants are advised to scale their budgets appropriately to the proposed scope of work. Matching is not required for this opportunity. Eligibility is open to all responsible sources capable of fulfilling the program's needs, including U.S. and non-U.S. entities, provided they meet applicable compliance regulations. DARPA encourages participation from small businesses, minority institutions, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), although no set-asides are allocated. University-Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) may only participate with prior DARPA approval. Projects involving animal use must receive approvals from both the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and the U.S. Army’s ACURO office before initiating any data collection. The application process includes two key deadlines. While abstract submission is optional, it is strongly encouraged and must be submitted by July 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET. Full proposals are due no later than August 28, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET. Proposers must submit their applications using a series of templates and forms provided in Attachments A–F of the BAA. The program is expected to begin in January 2026. Applicants are also expected to participate in an Industry Day on July 7, 2025, and may be required to attend program reviews and submit to regular teleconferencing updates with DARPA. Evaluations will prioritize scientific and technical merit, team capability, relevance to DARPA’s national security mission, and cost realism. To be considered, proposals must address both FAs and outline a clear integration strategy between biological discovery and engineering platform development. For questions, applicants may contact DARPA at CoasterChase@darpa.mil. All correspondence should reference HR001125S0014 and be directed to DARPA/BTO at 675 North Randolph Street, Arlington, VA 22203-2114.

Applicants should identify a Project Manager to coordinate efforts and are encouraged to submit an abstract.