National Medical Technology TestBed(NMTB), 11165 Mountain View Avenue, Suite 121, Loma Linda, CA 92354

A -- PROPOSALS SOLICITED FOR RESEARCH THAT WILL RESULT IN COMMERCIALIZABLE TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE MILITARY AND CIVILIAN HEALTHCARE SOL NMTB 99-1 DUE 042699 POC Lydia Pearson, Contracts Administrator, 909-558-3244 or 909-558-6184 INTRODUCTION This is the FY 1999 National Medical Technology Testbed (NMTB) Broad Agency Announcement issued under Cooperative Agreement DAMD 17-97-2-7016 with the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity. This announcement is intended to solicit proposals for research that will result in commercializable products that will improve the delivery of military and civilian healthcare to the nation's population. This announcement is an expression of interest only and does not commit NMTB to make any award or pay for any response preparation costs. There will be no formal request for proposal or any solicitation document issued regarding this BAA. As described below, certain candidates that submit a two-page letter of interest will be invited to submit a comprehensive detailed application for final evaluation. Questions concerning this announcement may be addressed to Ms. Lydia Pearson at 909-558-3244, Fax 909-558-3254 or E-mail lpearson@ahs. llumc.edu. BACKGROUND NMTB was established at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC), Loma Linda CA, in March 1992 as a prototype defense conversion program. In October 1992, $5 million was made available to NMTB by Congress "for laboratory and other efforts associated with research, development, and other programs of major importance to the Department of Defense." In March of 1993, NMTB was incorporated as a nonprofit public benefit organization. The objective for NMTB has been to develop a comprehensive suite of deliverable technologies that would provide measureable improvement in military and civilian health care delivery cost and effectiveness. Previous research ares of interest have been in medical instrumentation, management of trauma and shock, hypertension, diabetes, neurological disorders, the prevention of premature delivery, and modalities that may improve the rate of tissue and bone healing. Today, the mission of NMTB is still to improve military and civilian healthcare by facilitating the development and application of technology products for medical use. Although a recipient of Federal research funding since the early 1990s, NMTB does not, itself, perform scientific research. Instead, it identifies, evaluates, and selects researchers throughout the country with the most promising projects to receive the Federal funding. Over the years, 51 projects have been funded with over $16 million. CURRENT AREAS OF RESEARCH EMPHASIS NMTB is especially interested in receiving proposals for research projects in the following areas: a. Telemetry -- remote diagnosis and treatment b. Genetic engineering -- especially accelerated wound and bone healing and cholera and dysentery prevention c. Biomaterials -- especially for knee and hip replacements and radioactive stents to prevent heart attack and stroke d. Metabolic control -- especially treatment of shock, obesity, and diabetes e. Pattern recognition/cancer detection f. Oxygen separation from air/treatment of lung disease Proposals for research into technology development and application for health care areas not mentioned above are not excluded from consideration. Also, a wide range of research methods are acceptable, ranging from mathematical models, laboratory bench work, the study of animal models, human individuals, to population studies. However, only those proposals that advance a testable and hence disprovable hypothesis or devise, develop, adapt or use advanced technology for the purpose of improving health care will be selected. A small fraction of NMTB funds may be used to support early, highly innovative research and development when pilot data is not yet available. Use of Loma Linda Medical Center to clinically test and evaluate the practicality of technologies may be possible. Proposals concerned with pharmaceutical products, health care organizations, or health care policy do not usually meet the intent of this program and are not usually favorably considered. AWARD SELECTION PROCESS In response to this announcement, potential applicants may submit a two-page introductory letteridentifying: the purpose and importance of the proposed work; the hypothesis to be challenged; why the proposed work is innovative; the technology expected to result from the research with a projected timetable; an estimate of overall costs for personnel, equipment, and supplies; the qualifications of the principal investigator; and the total length of time requested to complete the project. These two-page introductory letters are then reviewed by a panel of technical, business, and administrative experts who evaluate and rank the projects based on the information contained in the letters. They determine which applicants will be asked to become final candidates by submitting detailed and comprehensive applications. These applications are prepared and submitted in accordance with instructions provided by NMTB. Once received, the final applications undergo thorough scientific and business evaluations by experts in the field of the research being proposed. This evaluation will take place at the annual award selection meeting and will focus on the central idea of the research, its importance to telemedicine, biomedicine, and improved healthcare, and its unique aspects. Technical merit, cost effectiveness, and adequacy of the proposed budget are important considerations. The proposer(s) qualifications and articles published are also considered during the scientific review. The business evaluation will review the application to identify factors such as: expected profit margin; expected market size; expected market share; useful life of technology; production time to marketability; cost of marketing; technology development hurdles; regulatory hurdles; intellectual property property protection; and the importance of the technology. During the meeting, the panel will evaluate the full applications, prioritize them based on their scientific merit and economic potential, and forward its funding recommendations to NMTB's Board of Directors. Existing or continuing projects with demonstrated success will also be evaluated given program priorities and funding availability. NMTB's Board of Directors will give final approval to projects selected. AWARD AND POST AWARD ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERATIONS a. NMTB encourages commercial activities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, historically black colleges and universities, and minority institutions to submit proposals in response to this BAA. b. The period of performance for projects funded under this BAA is one year. No-cost extensions may be requested. Second and subsequent year funding may also be applied for. c. NMTB reserves the right to select for award any, all, part, or none of the responses received. The amount of funding offered by NMTB may not be the same as the amount requested. d. To be eligible for an award, applicants must meet appropriate minimum standards contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations, OMB Circulars, and other Government directives. e. Requirements and procedures for conducting a project that has received an award are contained in a subcooperative agreement(not a procurement contract or grant)signed by the awardee institution and NMTB. f. Payment to the awardee is through the submission of monthly invoices on a cost reimbursement basis. g. The award will not provide for the payment of a fee or profit. Approved indirect costs and G & A will be paid. h. Costs of purchasing personal computers and other general purpose equipment are not reimbursable. i. Travel costs are reimbursable if the travel is directly related to the conduct and completion of the project. j. Periodic scientific and financial progress reports are required. k. NMTB will require a "fair" level of future compensation for the funding it provides. This compensation will be in the form of royalties and/or equity and will be used in funding applicants in subsequent years. TIMETABLE FOR APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND AWARD SELECTION a. April 26, 1999 -- two page proposals due b. May 10, 1999 -- review panel meets c. May 17, 1999 -- applicants notified of results d. August 9, 1999 -- full proposals due e. September 13, 1999 -- award selection panel meeting f. October 4, 1999 -- award notification letters mailed Posted 03/26/99 (W-SN313261). (0085)

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