NOT-NS-01-007: FUNCTIONAL MICROSTIMULATION OF THE LUMBOSACRAL SPINAL CORD

Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)
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FUNCTIONAL MICROSTIMULATION OF THE LUMBOSACRAL SPINAL CORD

Release Date:  February 27, 2001

NOTICE:  NOT-NS-01-007

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP):  NIH-NINDS-01-04

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS AND STROKE (NINDS)

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/funding_announcements/RFP_all.htm 
on or about March 12, 2001. This solicitation will be issued in electronic format only.  Proposals will be due on or about May 13, 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.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Laurie A. Leonard, Contracting Officer
Contracts Management Branch
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Neuroscience Center, Room 3287
6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9531
Bethesda, MD  20892-9531
Tel:  (301) 496-1813
Fax:  (301) 402-4225
Email:  ll44s@nih.gov
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