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

A -- ELECTRODES FOR FUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION SOL RFP No. NIH-NINDS-96-03. 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), has a requirement for the design, fabrication, and testing, in an animal model, of electrodes for use in functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS) systems. The objective of this research and development project is to develop stimulating electrodes suitable for chronic FNS in humans that permit safe, reliable, graded activation of selected muscles. In order to encourage the broadest competition, the particular type of electrode and the muscles to be activated are not specified. Offerors will define this focus in association with a collabortaing clinical research group. The contract will not support performance of the clinical program. The research efforts shall concentrate on developing electrodes that are capable of selectively activating specific functional muscle groups required by the collaborating clinical group. Offerors are encouraged to consider innovative approaches to the design of electrodes with a focus on obtaining reliable, selective, controlled, graded stimulation. Human studies shall not be supported under the contract, but is is expected that the research effort will conclude at a point where human studies will be the next logical step. 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 biomedical engineering, material science, physiology, rehabilitation medicine, and animal testing. It is anticipated that one award, on a cost-reimbursement basis, will made for a period of three years. This is not a Request for Proposals. Request for Proposals (RFP) No. NIH-NINDS-96-03 will be issued on or about February 9, 1996, with responses due approximately 60 days thereafter. Interested organizations should request either a streamlined version of 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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