Contracts Management Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Federal Building, Room 901, 7550 Wisconsin Ave., MSC 9190, Bethesda, MD 20892

A -- STANDING BY FUNCTIONAL NEUROMUSCULAR STIMULATION Sol RFP No. NIH-NINDS-96-09, Due 052896, contact point, Laurie Leonard, 301/496-1813, Contracting Officer, Kirkland L. Davis, 301/496-9203. The Neural Prosthesis Program (NIPP) of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) National Institutes of Health (NIH), supports research and development on systems to restore function in neurologically impaired individuals through functional neuromuscular stimulation (FNS). Clinical research supported by the NPP has resulted in functional upper extremity systems for quadriplegic individuals. This initiative will conduct research on a system for people afflicted with paraplegia that would allow them to independently rise and remain standing so that they can do activities that they cannot accomplish in a wheelchair. Specifically, the feasibility of developing a splint-free, low-energy standing system through FNS will be investigated. The goal is to develop a system that permits an individual to rise and stand for periods of at least 20 minutes and then sit again unassisted. Standing must be maintained without requiring exhausting muscular exertion or significant conscious attention to maintain balance. The system must also leave the hands and arms free for other tasks. 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-96-09 will be issued on or about March 25, 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). Request 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. (067)

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 0008 19960312\A-0008.SOL)