National Institutes of Health, Division of Research Contracts, OCM/OA/OD, 6100 Executive Blvd., MSC 7540, Room 6E01, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7540

A -- THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF PATTERNED ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON THE DEAFENED AUDITORY SYSTEM SOL NIH-DC-99-08 POC Donna M. Spicer, Contracting Officer, 301-496-4487 E-MAIL: Donna M. Spicer, ds319h@nih.gov. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, is recompeting an ongoing project which is currently being performed by the Regents of the University of California, San Francisco under contract no. N01-DC-7-2105. This requirement is for research to develop methods of protecting the remaining portions of the auditory system after hair cell loss and to improve its effectiveness in extracting information provided by auditory prostheses. Previous studies have shown that certain forms of electrical stimulation provide such protective effects. The offeror shall evaluate how certain forms of chronic electrical stimulation of selected portions of the auditory system and possibly neurotropic agents maintain and possibly enhance the anatomical and physiological viability of the remaining auditory system following loss of hair cells in the manner compatible with preserving and possibly extending the function of an implanted auditory prosthesis. The offeror willbe required to come to Bethesda, Maryland yearly to present progress on their work at the Neural Prosthesis Workshop sponsored by the Neural Prosthesis Program. It is anticipated that a cost reimbursement, completion type contract will be awarded for a three year period. The solicitation is scheduled to be issued on or about September 27, 1999. Proposal will be due sixty days after the date of issuance of the solicitation. THE SOLICITATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLY IN ELECTRONIC FORMAT AT THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE (http://ocm.od.nih.gov/drc/rfp.htm) NO HARD COPIES WILL BE PROVIDED. OFFERORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROUTINELY CHECKING THIS WEB SITE FOR ANY POSSIBLE SOLICITATION AMENDMENTS THAT MAY BE ISSUED. NO INDIVIDUAL NOTIFICATION OF ANY AMENDMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED. No collect calls will be accepted. All responsible sources may submit a proosal which will be considered by the Government. See Numbered Note 26. Posted 09/14/99 (W-SN380127). (0257)

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