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 -- THIN-FILM INTRACORTICAL RECORDING MICROELECTRODES SOL RFP No. NIH-NINDS-96-10. Due 071296. Contact Point, Laurie Leonard, 301/496-1813, Contracting Officer, Kirland L Davis, 301/496-9203. The Neural Prosthesis Program (NPP) of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), is supporting the development of microelectrode array capable of recording from up to 64 sites located on a probe with multiple penetrating shanks. The broad objectives of the project are to develop multi-channel penetrating electrode arrays for both central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) recording that will operate reliably in the hostile ionic environment within the body over decades of use in chronic implants. This will require the integration of micromachined electrode structures with active electronics and with integral flexible ribbon cables or with integral telemetry systems. This project will support the development and testing of the chronic recording electrode arrays. Electrode systems that include active electronics and ribbon cables will be tested in-vitro and in chronic animals. Probes will be furnished to the NPP for testing by other investigators. The goal is to design, fabricate and test multiple-site intracortical recording microelectrode probes. The contractor shall also acquire or develop associated cables, connectors and head mounts to produce a reliable signal path between the recording sites on a microelectrode probe and an extracoporal mating connector. This project will require established expertise in micormachining, bioengineering, integrated circuit design, integrated circuit fabrication, and animal studies. 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-96-10 will be issued on or about May 15, 1996 with responses due approximately 60 days thereafter. Interested organizations should request either a streamlined version or an 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. (110)

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