NOT-NS-02-009: CORTICAL CONTROL OF NEURAL PROSTHESES

Department of Health
and Human Services (HHS)
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CORTICAL CONTROL OF NEURAL PROSTHESES

Release Date:  February 12, 2002

NOTICE:  NOT NS-02-009

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

RFP AVAILABLE:  NIH-NINDS-02-07

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National 
Institutes of Health, announces the availability of a Request for Proposals 
(RFP) to support research on Cortical Control of Neural Prostheses. The goal 
of this research is to establish the feasibility of generating control signals 
from cortical neurons involved in the voluntary control of limb movement.  The 
focus of this research will be on the development of chronic microelectrode 
recording techniques in primates with a gyrencephalic brain, which can 
realistically be adapted to human implantation.  There will also be research 
on extracting control signals from the recorded neural activities.  Results 
from this area of research are needed by the Neural Prosthesis Program for 
providing information on the design of microelectrode recording array, the 
selection of recording sites, the number of cells required for providing 
stable and functional control signals, and the plasticity in recorded cell 
populations when the neural activity is co-opted to control an artificial 
device.  Based on the results of these studies the contractors will make 
recommendations about the feasibility of future human studies.  Experiments on 
human subjects, however, are not included in the current supported research 
program.  It is anticipated that two cost-reimbursement type contracts will be 
made for a period of four years in September 2002.  This is not a Request for 
Proposals (RFP).  THIS SOLICITATION WILL BE AVAILABLE ELECTRONICALLY ONLY.  It 
will be available electronically and may be accessed through the FedBizOpps 
(URL:  http://www.fedbizopps.gov) or through the NINDS website at the following 
URL address:  (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/funding/funding_announcements/RFP_all.htm) 
15 or more calendar days after the issuance of this synopsis.  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.  All responsible sources may submit a proposal, which shall be 
considered by the agency.

Inquiries may be directed to:

Desiree Wheeler, Contract Specialist
Contracts Management Branch
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH
NeuroScience Center, Suite 3287
6001 Executive Boulevard, MSC 9531
Bethesda, Maryland  20892
301-496-1813
E-Mail:  [email protected]
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