National Cancer Institute, Research Contracts Branch, PSAS, 6120 Executive Blvd, EPS/Room 638, Bethesda, MD 20892-7227

B -- IMPLANTING SURGICALLY & MAINTAIN CHRONICALLY LARGE ARRAYS OF MICROELECTRODES IN VISUAL CORTEX SOL RFQ80084(NR) DUE 030998 POC Marsha Gorham, Purchasing Agent (301)402-4509 or Patricia Haun, CO The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)intends to procure services to conduct an assessment of the feasibility of safely implanting surgically and maintaining chronically large arrays of microelectrodes in the visual cortex of non-human primates from Dr. Conrad Kufta, 14706 Crossway Road, Rockville, MD 20853. This assesssment will include analysis of and advice regarding the design and configuration of microelectrode arrays undergoing development for use in non-human primate experiments and eventually in humans. Custom design of chronic surgical implantation sites for accommondation of large microelectrode arrays of various configurations and dimensions must be accomplished. This will include consideration of brain microelectrode implantation sites as well as bone and soft tissue sites for accommodation of microelectrode leads and connectors as required for each experiment in this study. The contractor must be available to implant microelectrode arrays, including the tearment of any complications that arise during the course of the study. Background: The intramural research program of NINDS is committed to studying the feasibility of developing a visual prosthesis for the blind based on intracortical microstimulation of the visual cortex. Considerable resources have been invested in this project and the work planned for this year is necessary to answer the critical question of whether a microelectrode array can be implanted safely, function reliably and be maintained safely. Dr. Kufta will advise on surgical and technical aspects of microelectrode implantation in non-human primates and will implant microelectrode systems as required in the project. He will also advise on the likely clinical and surgical consequences of any proposed changes in microelectrode assemblies currently being designed and contracted for eventual use in blind patients. Dr. Kufta has experience in developing and applying surgical techniques for the chronic implantation of microelectrode in non-human primates and in humans, a comprehensive knowledge of the NINDS visual prosthesis program, and first hand experience implanting the type of microelectrode that will be used in this study. Dr. Kufta is a Board Certified Neurosurgeon and is the only source known to NINDS that can perform these services, and this notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals. However, if any interested party believes it can perform the above services, it may submit a statement of capabilities. Information furnished must be writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NINDS to determine if the party can perform the requirement. Capability statement must be received in the contracting office within 15 days after the publication date of this notice. (0048)

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