Director, USAMRAA, 820 Chandler St, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5014

A -- BONE HEALTH & MILITARY MEDICAL READINESS (OSTEOPOROSIS AND RELATED BONE DISEASES) SOL CBD-BHR-0804 POC Craig D. Lebo, Contracting Officer, 301-619-2036 The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command is soliciting research proposals for studies of bone physiology in populations of military age. This effort is coordinated with the National Coalition for Osteoporosis and Related Bones Diseases, and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). The goal of this program is to advance understanding of methods to improve bone health of young men and women, enhancing military readiness by reducing the incidence of fracture during physically intensive training and reducing the incidence of osteoporosis later in life. Research insights into fundamental mechanisms of bone biology and pathogenesis of bone diseases (such as osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, and osteogenesis imperfecta) contribute to these goals. We solicit proposals to continue the program on biomechanical influences on bone including basic science and science applications. For this announcement, high priority will be given to epidemiological and laboratory projects that address specific topics related to dietary factors that moderate biomechanical effects on bone, including: (1) The allelic variation in Vitamin D receptor and bone density/structure and fracture risk; (2) Influence of geographical and racial variables on dietary intake needs for vitamin D (including influence of sunscreens and occupations such as submariners); (3) Dietary intake requirements for calcium and vitamin D to optimize bone mineral accretion in young men and women of recruit age (ages 17-20); (4) Interaction of exercise and calcium intake on bone physiology and fracture risk; (5) Role of IGF1 (and other somatotrophic factors regulated by dietary intake) on bone structure and function; (6) Applications of microimaging techniques in animal models to study bone structure and function beyond that provided by bone mineral density studies. Proposals will be selected for funding on the basis of high quality science; relevance to military populations will also be considered in these awards. Projects are typically $200K/year and 2-4 years in duration and must be completed by 30 September 2006. At least $5M will be available for the life span of these projects. A special category of "concept exploration" proposals (CEP) will also be considered this year. CEPs allow investigators to conduct pilot studies and develop preliminary data for novel hypotheses that fall within the specific topic areas, with the intent that full proposals submitted to future solicitations may further expand on CEP successes; total direct costs for these studies should not exceed $100K; approximately 10 concept exploration proposals are expected to be funded; previously untested concepts and investigators new to this field of research will receive priority. Full proposals must be submitted according to general instructions contained in the Broad Agency Announcement 99-1 (available on the internet at http://www.usamraa.army.mil). Letters of intent containing a proposed title, brief description of project scope (<150 words), and investigator and institution identification, are due by 1 November 2000. These are for planning purposes, and investigators should not expect a response to their letter of intent. Full proposals are due by 4:00pm EST 20 December 2000. Investigators will be notified about funding recommendations by April 2001. Send letters of intent and 20 copies of full proposals only to: Commander, U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, ATTN: MCMR-AAA (Bone Health), 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5014. Posted 08/04/00 (W-SN482676). (0217)

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