Brain-computer interface program (Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency (DFBA))

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, I hereby request the following records:

Pursuant to the California Public Records Act, I hereby request the following records:

Please provide the following materials related to this agency’s Neural Engineering System Design program, DARPA and DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office research into technologies that could better enable communication between devices and the brain. The ability to chat with 1 million neurons through a brain-computer interface program.

Please provide the following materials related to the contracted institutions listed below that have proposed some bold approaches to access those million neurons. The Brown team seeks to implant 100,000 salt grain-sized sensors in the cerebral cortex to understand speech processing. Researchers at Columbia will use semiconductors placed over the cortex to study vision. Berkeley scientists will develop a miniaturized microscope to interrogate neurons and measure how they respond to visual and tactile stimulation, cochlear implants neural interfaces, related to biocompatibility and long-term implant.

AGREEMENTS AND CONTRACTS
All agreements and awarded contracts to teams at Brown, Columbia, UC Berkeley, Fondation Voir et Entendre (The Seeing and Hearing Foundation) Paradromics and the John B. Pierce Laboratory.

All agreements (in addition to any associated exhibits and amendments) related to this agency’s clinical trials including but not limited to all:
• contracts (related to purchase, use, sharing of equipment, sharing of data, and any other action related to the use of this brain-computer interface technology)
• memorandums of understanding
• intergovernmental services agreements
• nondisclosure agreements, or
• any other agreements.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Any policies regarding this agency’s use of humans in clinical trials. Responsive materials include all policies and procedures related to:
• the acquisition of the brain-computer interface technology, including guidance regarding procurement through the bidding process, third parties, or any other method
• the use of the brain-computer interface technology, including data collection, retention, and disposal
• training on and coordination of the brain-computer interface technology
• any application, affidavit, or similar records created in the course of use of this brain-computer interface technology
• the sharing of the equipment itself
• the sharing of any information gathered by the brain-computer interface technology, either with other universities, countries, or any other entity, inside or outside of the government.

PROCUREMENT
All materials regarding this agency’s acquisition of brain-computer interface technology equipment. Responsive materials include all:
• bidding and procurement materials, including the initial Request for Bids, Request for Proposals, or equivalent bidding records
• invoices and receipts related to payments for the equipment
• records related to any complimentary use of the equipment

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 calendar days, as the statute requires.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 20 business days, as the statute requires.

Sincerely,

Carol Kennard