Notice Number: NOT-HD-15-030

Key Dates
Release Date: October 5, 2015
Response Date: New Date December 31, 2015 per issuance of NOT-HD-15-037. (Original Date: November 5, 2015)

Related Announcements
NOT-HD-15-037

Issued by
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)

Purpose

This Notice is a time-sensitive Request for Information (RFI) from the Gynecologic Health and Disease Branch (GHDB) of NICHD. The GHDB is working to develop priorities for the next decade of gynecologic health and disease (GHD) research. To help inform this process, we seek input from the public on the current state of the science, the highest priorities moving forward, and potential conceptual or technical barriers to overcome.

Background

The GHDB supports basic, translational and clinical research programs related to gynecologic health throughout the reproductive lifespan, beginning at puberty and extending through the early menopause. The Branch portfolio currently includes studies on menstrual disorders, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovary syndrome, and pelvic floor disorders, as well as studies of the mechanism underlying chronic pelvic pain, vulvodynia, and dysmenorrhea. Obstetric fistula and female genital cutting (female genital mutilation) are also of interest as they apply to both international and immigrant communities. Consideration is also given to studies of gynecologic health in girls. The Branch also supports research training and career development programs for investigators interested in women’s reproductive health and/or gynecology. Additional information may be found at: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/org/der/branches/ghdb/Pages/overview.aspx.

Information Requested

This Request for Information (RFI) invites researchers in academia and industry, health care professionals, patient advocates, representatives of health advocacy organizations, members of scientific or professional organizations, and other interested members of the public to provide comments and suggestions.

We welcome input that includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Identification of the most significant advances over the past five years in a GHD-related area of interest/expertise. These could include insights into pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, and/or treatment of the relevant condition.
• Description of the most critical gaps to be addressed in order to further GHD research. Comments might include the gaps which are most practical to pursue, and/or more high risk approaches that could give the highest potential short-term and long-term payoffs.
• Identification of transformative fields of research and new technical capabilities which could have a significant impact on gynecological research and clinical practice in the next ten years.
• Identification of new partnerships that could more effectively address specific gynecologic conditions.
• Anticipation of conceptual, practical or technical challenges which may impede progress in the field, and suggestions for approaches to overcome them.
• Recommendations for appropriate benchmarks for gauging progress in the field.

How to Submit a Response

To ensure consideration, responses should be submitted by email to GHDB@mail.nih.gov no later than Thursday, December 31, 2015. Responses to this RFI are voluntary. Proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information should not be included in your response. You will see an electronic confirmation acknowledging receipt of your response, but may not receive individual feedback.

The NICHD will use the information submitted in response to this RFI at its discretion and will not provide comments to any responder's submission. The Government reserves the right to use any non-proprietary technical information in any resultant solicitation(s). This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a solicitation for applications or an obligation on the part of the United States (U.S.) Government to provide support for any ideas identified in response to it. No basis for claims against the U.S. Government shall arise as a result of a response to this request for information or from the Government’s use of such information.

Inquiries

Please direct all inquiries to:

Gynecologic Health and Disease Branch (GHDB)
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Email: GHDB@mail.nih.gov