Contracts Management Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Federal Building, Room 901, 7550 Wisconsin Avenue, MSC9190, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-9190

A -- INSULATING BIOMATERIALS Sol RFP No. NIH-NINDS-96-04 due 041296. Contact Point, Laurie Leonard, 301/496-1813, Contracting Officer, Kirkland Davis, 301/496-9203. The Neural Prosthesis Program of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports research on the evaluation and development of biomaterials for neural prostheses. This research contract will develop biomaterials for the long-term insulation of implantable stimulating and recording microelectrodes and interconnect cables. In-vivo and in-vitro studies will be conducted. Neural prosthetic implants need to function in the hostile ionic environment of extracellular fluids for periods of decades. Studies by NPP investigators have demonstrated reliable operation in in-vitro soak tests of both flurocarbon and silicone insulated silicon microdevices and wires for prolonged periods. Accelerated testing of these materials at elevated temperatures suggests that they will function reliably for periods of decades. In-vivo testing of these materials has begun but significant additional work is required before they can be used with confidence in chronic applications for many decades. The primary emphasis of this research is to evaluate, in an animal model, biomaterials that, by in-vitro testing, appear to be capable of functioning for decades. Additional studies will evaluate potential insulating biomaterials by accelerated and long-term in-vitro testing. Research to determine the underlying chemical and physical basis of successful insulating materials with the goal of the rational design of new materials with improved properties will also be required. Histopathological studies to evaluate tissue response to the implanted biomaterials are supported through a separate research contract and are not a major focus of this work. Offerors are encouraged to subcontract a portion of the work if they lack facilities or expertise to respond to all aspects of the RFP within their organizations. Prospective offerors shall be required to obtain institutional approval for all animal studies and follow the PHS guidelines for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Performance of the research project will require expertise in material science, biomaterials, microelectronic packaging, and animal testing. It is anticipated that one award, on a cost-reimbursement basis, will be made for a period of three years. This is not a Request for Proposals. Request for Proposals (RFP) No. NIH-NINDS-96-04 will be issued on or about February 9, 1996, with responses due approximately 60 days thereafter. Interested organizations should request either a streamlined version or an entire RFP document. If no selection is made, a streamlined version of the RFP will be provided. The streamlined version includes only the Statement of Work, deliverable and reporting requirements, special requirements, and technical evaluation criteria. After examination of these documents, any organization interested in responding to the RFP must request the entire RFP either in writing or by FAX request (301-402-4225). Requests must cite the RFP number referenced above. Please supply this office with two (2) self-addressed mailing labels. All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the Government. Refer to numbered note 26. (017)

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