MICROMACHINED STIMULATING MICROELECTRODE ARRAYS

Release Date:  July 9, 1998

RFP AVAILABLE:  NIH-NINDS-98-11

P.T.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

The Neural Prosthesis Program (NPP) of the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health, supports the
development of aids for the neurologically handicapped.  The NPP is developing
safe and effective methods of selective electrical stimulation of portions of the
nervous system for restoration on function in neurologically impaired
individuals.  Many potential neural prostheses, including visual, auditory, and
motor prostheses, will not be feasible until microelectrode arrays are developed
that allow multiple, small clusters of neurons to be independently stimulated. 
This project will involve research and development on thin-film microelectrode
arrays capable of independently stimulating as many as 512 such small clusters
of cells.  Specifically, these microelectrode arrays are being designed to
provide microstimulation at multiple sites in the visual cortex, the cochlear
nucleus and the lumbosacral spinal cord.  This research project will continue the
development of integrated circuit stimulating microelectrode arrays.  An
implantable platform that includes telemetry for receiving power and data for the
array will be developed.  The telemetry platform will provide a leadless, self-
contained implant.  Personnel with established expertise in materials science,
micromachining, integrated circuit design, and bioengineering will be needed to
perform this research.  It is anticipated that one award will be made for a
period of three years in February 1999.  This is not a Request for Proposals
(RFP).

The solicitation will be available electronically only.  It will be available at
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/funding/areas/contracts_management_branch/index.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 that will be considered by the agency.

INQUIRIES

Inquiries may be directed to:

Laurie A. Leonard
Contracts Management Branch
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
7550 Wisconsin Avenue, Room 901, MSC 9190
Bethesda, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-1813
Email:  LL44S@NIH.GOV


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