A -- FUNCTIONAL MICROSTIMULATION OF THE LUMBOSACRAL SPINAL CORD

Notice Date

February 22, 2001

Contracting Office

Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Neuroscience Center, Suite 3287, MSC 9531, Bethesda, MD, 20892-9531

ZIP Code

20892-9531

Solicitation Number

RFP-NIH-NINDS-01-04

Response Due

May 14, 2001

Point of Contact

Kirkland Davis, Chief, Contracts Management Branch, Phone (301) 496-1813, Fax (301) 402-4225, Email kd17c@nih.gov -- Kirkland Davis, Chief, Contracts Management Branch, Phone (301) 496-1813, Fax (301) 402-4225, Email

E-Mail Address

Kirkland Davis (kd17c@nih.gov)

Description

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), NIH announces the availability of a Request for Proposal to support the development of neural prostheses to restore lost function in neurologically injured individuals. Neural prostheses replace or supplement neurological function by directly interfacing with the nervous system. Microstimulation with microelectrodes implanted into neural tissue in the spinal cord can directly activate neural circuits. Microstimulation may also functionally modify the neural circuitry in the spinal cord. Animal and human studies have shown the potential of microstimulation to provide focal, controlled activation of neural tissue. At the same time, studies of spinal cord circuitry have demonstrated plastic circuitry that might be functionally activated and or modified by suitable microstimulation with our without other sensory stimulation. Current research has provided information about the locations of afferent and efferent neurons as well as interneurons controlling urinary function in the cat spinal cord using both normal and acutely spinalized animals. Studies have demonstrated the possibility of activating bowel and genito-urinary function in intact animals and in acutely spinalized animals. Now studies are needed to demonstrate the feasibility of functional restoration in chronically spinalized animals. The purpose of this project is to design, develop, and evaluate microstimulation of the lumbosacral spinal cord as a method of controlling genito-urinary and bowel function. Male and female animal models (excluding chimpanzees) should be investigated for studies of bladder and bowel function. Prospective offerors are expected to have personnel resources adequate to conduct the proposed research with expertise in the following areas: neuroengineering, anatomy and physiology of the sacral spinal cord, and chronic microstimulation of the spinal cord. It is anticipated that two (2) cost-reimbursement type contracts may be awarded for a maximum period of up to four years. Request for Proposals (RFP) No. NIH-NINDS-01-04 will be AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY and may be downloaded at URL http://www.ninds.nih.gov/funding/currentrfps.html on or about March 12, 2001. This solicitation will be issued in electronic format only. Proposals will be due on or about May 14, 2001. The exact proposal receipt date will be specified in the solicitation. OFFERORS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ROUTINELY CHECKING THIS WEBSITE FOR ANY POSSIBLE SOLICITATION AMENDMENTS THAT MAY BE ISSUED. NO INDIVIDUAL NOTIFICATION OF ANY AMENDMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED. This advertisement does not commit the Government to award a contract. All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which will be considered by the agency. See Note 26. ***** Laurie A. Leonard, Contracting Officer Contracts Management Branch National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke e-mail: LL44S@nih.gov

Web Link

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Record

Loren Data Corp. 20010226/ASOL002.HTM (D-053 SN50E3I1)