FLC Technology Locator

Get one-on-one personalized assistance from the FLC's Technology Locator! The Technology Locator will help you take your technology transfer collaboration efforts to the next level by putting you in contact with the laboratories, agencies or individuals conducting work in your area of interest. Read more

February 2008 Technology Transfer Opportunities

• The FLC invites you to participate in its 34th annual national meeting, On the Innovation Trail, in Portland, Oregon, May 5-8, 2008. The meeting will provide an opportunity to connect with fellow technology transfer and commercialization professionals. The FLC technology transfer (T2) training program will be offered at three levels and is designed to meet the training requirements of all T2 professionals—from beginners to experienced practitioners. The training program, sponsored by the Education and Training Committee, will be presented in three concurrent sessions on Monday, May 5, 2008. Continuing education units (CEUs) will be offered for each course. In addition, as part of this year's program, the FLC will conduct a technology transfer town hall meeting. To determine the specific technology transfer topics of discussion, the FLC is asking for your suggestions. Please send your ideas to Andrea Snyder of the FLC Management Support Office at 856-667-7727, ext. 145, or asnyder@utrs.com.

• The Severe Trauma Simulation Army Technology Objective (ATO) is researching capabilities to realistically simulate the look, feel, smell, and clinical accuracy of severe trauma for training medics, combat lifesavers and soldiers. Severe trauma simulations will be tied to training scenarios appropriate for the current operational tempo in the global war on terrorism and include after-action review capabilities. Response date is 3/31/2008. http://www.fbo.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAD05/N6133905R0095/listing.html

• The solicitation for the DOD's FY09 Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) was released on January 10, 2008. DOD ORGANIZATIONS: The DOD Call for Proposals requests pre-proposals related to each of the ESTCP focus areas: 1) Environmental Restoration; 2) Munitions Management; 3) Sustainable Infrastructure; and 4) Weapons Systems and Platforms. BAA and NON-DOD FEDERAL ORGANIZATIONS: The BAA and Non-DOD Federal Call for Proposals requests pre-proposals on the following topics only: 1) Remediation of Contaminated Groundwater; 2) In Situ Remediation of Contaminated Sediments; 3) Characterization, Control, and Treatment of Range Contamination; 4) Military Munitions Detection, Discrimination, and Remediation; 5) Control of Non-native Invasive Species on DOD Lands and Waters; and 6) Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for DOD Installations. The due date for all pre-proposals from both the federal and non-federal sectors is March 13, 2008. Projects will be selected through a competitive selection process. More information about the solicitation, deadlines, and detailed instructions are available on the ESTCP website under Opportunities, http://www.estcp.org/opportunities/.

• The Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) is seeking proposals in response to its FY09 SERDP Exploratory Development (SEED) solicitation released on November 8, 2007, with a Statement of Need (SON) within the munitions management focus area. The SEED program is designed to provide initial funding for high-risk, high-payoff projects. Funding is limited to a maximum of $150,000 for one year. Projects will be selected through a competitive selection process. Detailed instructions and the SON for both federal and nonfederal submissions are available on the SERDP website under Funding Opportunities, http://www.serdp.org/funding/. SEED proposals from both the federal and non-federal sectors must be submitted by March 6, 2008.

• REMINDER TO FEDERAL ORGANIZATIONS: SERDP is seeking proposals in response to its FY09 core solicitation released on November 8, 2007. The core solicitation provides funding in various amounts for multi-year projects. Detailed instructions and the SONs for federal submissions are available on the SERDP website under Funding Opportunities, http://www.serdp.org/funding/. Federal proposals are due March 6, 2008, via the appropriate SERDP Executive Working Group (EWG) member. (The due date for nonfederal pre-proposals has already passed.)

• The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Highway Institute (NHI) plans to award multiple 5-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts for the development, revision, updating, and presentation nationwide of training in the broad areas of Traffic Operations and Design, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and Freight Transportation Logistics. In addition to a thorough knowledge of instructional systems design (ISD) and adult learning principles, subject-matter expertise will be required in traffic operations and design, IT, and freight transportation logistics. Training delivery methods may include traditional classroom instruction as well as distance learning formats, including asynchronous web-based training, synchronous web conference training, and blended approaches of these methodologies. It is estimated that web-based training will make up 30-50% of the work during the next 5 years. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DOT/FHWA/OAM/DTFH61-08-R-00013/listing.html

• NASA Learning Technologies seeks to enhance formal and informal education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields with the goal of increasing the number of students in those fields of study. NASA is currently evaluating the development of a NASA-based massively multiplayer online educational game (MMO). Background persistent immersive synthetic environments in the form of massive multiplayer online gaming and social virtual worlds, initially popularized as gaming and social settings, are now finding growing interest as education and training venues. There is increasing recognition that these synthetic environments can serve as powerful hands-on tools for teaching a range of complex subjects. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/NASA/GSFC/OPDC20220/MMORFI/listing.html

• The Defense Logistics Agency is seeking interested parties to become partners in the Combat Rations Network for Technology Implementation, CORANET III. This network supports workshops, meetings and short-term collaborative projects for the purpose of arriving at scientific and technical solutions to improving the efficiency of the combat ration industry and its manufacturing supply chain. The scope of the CORANET program includes all manufacturing technologies related to the production, storage and distribution of combat rations. Approximately $2 million over fiscal years 2009-15 is expected to be available annually for awards. New partners chosen to participate are eligible to receive up to $20,000 per calendar year for a project period of up to seven years. Short-term project awards, on average, range from $100,000 to $150,000 per year for 1-2 years. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due March 5, 2008. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DLA/J3/DSCP-PB/BAA020008/listing.html

• The Department of the Air Force will be soliciting proposals for R&D in the area of information fusion and understanding. This effort is intended to support development of revolutionary decision-aiding capabilities to capture, manage, exploit, reason and combine/fuse critical time-sensitive information from a variety of sources, with the goal of providing a continuous process that enables worldwide situational awareness and decision superiority. Approximately $49.9 million is expected to be available for contract awards having a five-year project period. Eligibility is unrestricted. Responses to the draft solicitation are due within two weeks of the solicitation's publication date, which was Jan. 16. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLRRS/FA8750%2D08%2DR%2D0009/listing.html

• The Air Force will be soliciting proposals for studies for the integration of directed energy nonlethal active denial technologies onto mine-resistant armored personnel vehicles. This will be a full and open competition acquisition. One contract award having a four-month project period is anticipated. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about 15 days after the FedBizOpps notice of this opportunity, which was Jan. 17. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AAC/FA9200%2D08%2DR%2D0101/listing.html

• The Department of the Army is seeking sources to develop and integrate technology enhancements for the XM-7 Networked Command Munition, Spider that is currently in production. Spider is a stand-alone weapon system consisting of three main hardware components: 1) a remote control station, 2) a repeater for extended communications, and 3) a munition control unit capable of containing up to six individual miniature grenade launchers. System enhancements will be integrated into future production of Spider systems and will address the intent of the fiscal year 2007 committee language associated with the Spider program. Work associated with the system enhancements is expected to take place over two years. No awards will be made for responses, which are due Feb. 8, 2008. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAE30/W15QKN%2D08%2DX%2D0128/listing.html

• The Army is soliciting white papers for research in the area of olfactory stimulation to support realistic training. The primary goal is to introduce the physical and psychological barriers that all caregivers must overcome before they can successfully treat severely injured soldiers. Phase I will be a 12-month effort, and funding will be approximately $75,000 to $100,000. Eligibility is unrestricted. White papers are due March 31, 2008. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAD05/N6133905R0095/listing.html

• The Army will be soliciting proposals for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle family of vehicles technology development phase. Two or more contract awards having a project period of 27 months are anticipated. A full solicitation is expected to be released on or about Jan. 31, 2008, with proposals due 60 days thereafter. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/USA/USAMC/DAAE07/W56HZV%2D08%2DR%2D0210/listing.html

• The Department of the Navy is seeking sources to provide contractor support services to assist the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory project officer in monitoring an extended user evaluation for the improvised explosive device (IED) detector dogs effort. This effort includes developing optimum military working dogs with improved capability to seek out and find IEDs with infantry and similar maneuver battalions. No awards will be made for responses, which are due Jan. 25, 2008. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/USMC/M67854/M6785408R9016/listing.html

• The Navy will be soliciting proposals for R&D in information fusion (IF) technologies and analysis. This includes development of theories of IF techniques and analysis of temporal and spatial patterns, research, development, testing, integration and delivery of IF software, among other areas of interest. One contract award having a five-year project period is anticipated. Eligibility is unrestricted. A full solicitation is expected to be released in early February 2008. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N68936D1/N6893607R0025/listing.html

• The Health Resources and Services Administration will be soliciting proposals for research support services in various disciplines, including molecular biology, immunology, microbiology and pathology. One contract award having a five-year project period is anticipated. The contractor will be required to provide postdoctoral scientists, research associates, lab technicians and lab animal technicians under the task order issued against the contract. Work will be performed onsite at the National Hansen's Disease Programs Lab Research facility in Baton Rouge using government equipment. Eligibility is unrestricted. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/HRSA/HRSA/08%2DS258%2DLR%2D0001%28SS%29/listing.html

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites R21 applications proposing exploratory research projects focused on the inception and early-stage development of highly innovative cancer-relevant technologies. The emphasis of this funding opportunity is on technically innovative molecular analysis tools with the potential to add a new quality to the investigations of the molecular basis of cancer. These technologies may be intended for molecular analyses in vitro, in situ, and/or in vivo. Approximately $3 million in FY 2009 funding is expected to be available for 10-15 grants having a project period of up to three years. Applicants may request a budget for total direct costs of up to $500,000. Eligible are institutions of higher education; for-profit organizations, including small businesses; and nonprofit organizations. Letters of intent and applications, respectively, may be submitted by any of three windows in 2008: Feb. 11/March 11, April 29/May 29, or Aug. 24/Sept. 24. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-08-006.html

• NCI invites R21 and R33 applications proposing exploratory research projects to evaluate the performance of emerging molecular analysis technologies and develop applications for an appropriate cancer-relevant biological system. These systems may cover cancer-relevant molecular analyses in vitro, in situ, and/or in vivo. Approximately $3 million in FY 2009 funding is expected to be available for 14-20 grants. For R21 applications, applicants may request a project period of up to two years and a budget for total direct costs of up to $275,000. Applicants for R33 awards may request a project period of up to three years with a budget appropriate for the science proposed. Eligible are institutions of higher education; for-profit organizations, including small businesses; and nonprofit organizations. Letters of intent and applications, respectively, may be submitted by any of three windows in 2008: Feb. 11/March 11, April 29/May 29, or Aug. 24/Sept. 24. More information on R21 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-08-007.html. For R33 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-08-008.html.

• NCI invites R21 and R33 applications proposing research projects focused on the development and/or application of innovative technologies addressing various aspects of the preparation, purification, processing, and handling of cancer-relevant samples. The overall goal is to develop technologies that maximize the quality and utility of biospecimens for molecular analyses of cancer cells and their host environments without compromising donor/patient health. Approximately $1 million in FY 2009 funding is expected to be available for up to eight grants. For R21 applications, applicants may request a project period of up to two years and a budget for total direct costs of up to $275,000. Applicants for R33 awards may request a project period of up to three years with a budget appropriate for the science proposed. Eligible are institutions of higher education; for-profit organizations, including small businesses; and nonprofit organizations. Letters of intent and applications may be submitted by any of three windows in 2008: Feb. 11/March 11, April 29/May 29, or Aug. 24/Sept. 24. More information on R21 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-08-009.html. For R33 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-08-010.html.

• NCI invites U54 linked award applications for the implementation of Comprehensive Minority Institution/Cancer Center partnerships between minority-serving institutions (MSIs) and NCI-designated Cancer Centers. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to foster and support intensive collaborations among MSIs and the cancer centers in order to develop stronger national cancer programs aimed at understanding the reasons behind the significant cancer disparities and related impacts on racial and ethnic minority and socio-economically disadvantaged populations. Approximately $7.5 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for six (three pairs) or seven (two pairs and one triad) awards having a project period of up to five years. Total direct costs budgeted in applications cannot exceed $2 million per year per pair or $2.5 million per year per triad. Eligible are MSIs in the U.S. or in territories under U.S. jurisdiction and institutions that are NCI-designated Cancer Centers. Letters of intent are due Feb. 20, 2008; applications are due March 20, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-CA-08-001.html

• NCI and the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) invite R01 and R21 applications for research projects that will enhance understanding of human decision-making processes so that individuals can make more informed and satisfying choices regarding their health. This initiative encourages collaborations between researchers studying the processes of basic judgment and decision-making, and researchers conducting cancer control investigations that will elucidate single-event decision-making processes, at the level of either the individual patient or health care provider. More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-063.html. For R21 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-064.html.

• The National Center for Research Resources (NCRR) invites S10 applications for the Shared Instrumentation Grant Program. This program provides for the acquisition or updating of expensive shared-use instrumentation not generally available through other National Institutes of Health (NIH) mechanisms. Types of instruments supported include confocal and electron microscopes, biomedical imagers, mass spectrometers, DNA sequencers, biosensors, cell sorters, X-ray diffraction systems and NMR spectrometers, among others. Approximately $43 million in FY 2009 funding is expected to be available for 125 new awards. Applications are limited to instruments that cost at least $100,000 per instrument or integrated instrument system. The maximum award is $500,000. Eligible institutions include domestic nonprofit organizations and public or private institutions such as colleges, universities and hospitals. Eligible principal investigators include any technically qualified research scientists. To be eligible to apply, three or more NIH-funded investigators who will be users of the requested instruments must be identified. Applications are due March 24, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-036.html

• NCRR also invites U24 applications for FY 2009 funding to support the Biomedical Informatics Research Network Coordinating Center. The purpose of this center is to develop, deploy and maintain key infrastructure components, including high bandwidth connectivity via Internet 2, grid-based security, file management and computational services, techniques to federate databases and shared visualization and analysis environments. One grant of up to $4.5 million will be made to support the first year of the center, which is expected to have a project period of five years. Eligible are institutions of higher education; for-profit organizations, including small businesses; and nonprofit organizations. Letters of intent are due March 17, 2008; applications are due April 16, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-RR-08-002.html

• The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) invites R01 applications for rigorous epidemiologic, small-scale clinical studies/trials and mechanistic studies to further understand cardiovascular risk and disease in HIV-infected patients and to capitalize on previous and ongoing studies in cohorts of HIV-infected participants. Approximately $8 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available to support 6-7 clinical center sites and a data coordinating center under this initiative. Applicants may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $650,000 per year. Eligibility is open to domestic organizations. Foreign organizations may only participate under subcontracts. Optional letters of intent are due Jan. 24, 2008; applications are due March 25, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HL-08-003.html

• The National Institute on Aging (NIA) invites P50 applications for an initiative to support Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Research Centers. These centers are designed to support research on AD and to serve as shared research resources that will facilitate research in AD and related disorders, distinguish them from the process of normal brain aging and mild cognitive impairment, and lead to better diagnostic, prevention and treatment strategies. Approximately $13.2 million in FY 2009 funding is expected to be available for 6-8 grants having a project period of up to five years. Applicants may request a budget for direct costs of up to $1 million per year. Letters of intent are due April 7, 2008; applications are due May 5, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AG-09-001.html

• The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) invites R01 and R21 applications proposing to determine the significance of tolerance to alcohol-induced responses and the risk for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Approximately $2 million is expected to be available for 3-5 awards. For R01 awards, applicants may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $500,000 per year. For R21 awards, applicants may request a project period of up to two years and a budget for total direct costs of up to $275,000. Letters of intent are due Feb. 25, 2008; applications are due March 25, 2008. More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AA-08-009.html. For R21 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-AA-08-010.html.

• NIAAA, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) invite R01 applications that seek to develop or contribute to a comprehensive program of research on the social, economic, cultural and community-level factors that affect developmental processes and outcomes for children living in poverty and that draw on current theoretical and methodological advances in social, behavioral and biobehavioral research. Specifically, this initiative encourages research that 1) is multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary, 2) uses existing sources of data and/or justifies new data collection efforts, 3) uses longitudinal, experimental or comparative designs, and 4) has relevance for public policy. More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-069.html. For R03 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-068.html.

• The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is seeking sources for the continuation of the Microbial Genome Sequencing Centers program. Through this acquisition, up to two large-scale Genomic Sequencing Centers for Infectious Diseases will be established to support a diverse set of genome sequencing activities, including high throughput sequencing, comparative genomic sequencing, and genotyping. This acquisition may be solicited as a 100-percent small business set-aside; contract awards having a project period of up to five years are anticipated. Responses to the sources sought notice are due Jan. 30, 2008. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/NIAID/NIH%2DNIAID%2DDMID%2DAI2008%2D010/listing.html

• NICHD and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) invite R01 applications proposing to examine the impact of food and nutrition on prevention, care and treatment of HIV-infected and -affected women, infants, and children. The goal of this program is to further an understanding of the relationship between nutrition and HIV infection. Approximately $2.3 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for 7-9 awards having a project period of up to five years. Applicants may request a budget for direct costs of up to $250,000 per year. Letters of intent are due March 10, 2008; applications are due April 10, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-07-022.html

• NICHD and NIMH also invite R03 applications for a related initiative to integrate food and nutrition into prevention, care and treatment of HIV infection and AIDS. This initiative seeks to stimulate and strengthen a multidisciplinary approach to a complex, under-researched area and to form a basis for future research and clinical care. Approximately $600,000 in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for 7-10 awards having a project period of up to two years. Applicants may request a budget for direct costs of up to $50,000 per year. Letters of intent are due March 10, 2008; applications are due April 10, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-07-023.html

• NICHD invites U01 applications for its Male Contraceptive Development Program. This program is designed to support both basic and applied research, with the ultimate goal of developing clinically useful products to regulate male fertility. Research projects may be directed to male contraceptive targets or agents involved in regulation of spermatogenesis, testicular or epididymal function, or regulation of germ cell apoptosis. Approximately $2 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for up to 10 grants having a project period of up to five years. Applicants may request a budget for direct costs of up to $200,000 per year. Eligibility is open, except for faith- or community-based organizations, tribal governments or organizations, and minority-serving institutions. Letters of intent are due April 16, 2008; applications are due May 16, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-08-005.html

• NICHD invites T32 applications for the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Institutional Predoctoral Training Program. The purpose of this program is to provide research training to predoctoral students interested in establishing research careers that use systems biology approaches to study developmental biology and the formation of structural birth defects. Students are provided a stipend to help defray living expenses during the research training experience. The stipend is based on the annual NIH stipend levels at the time of award for a 12-month appointment period. Funds also are provided to help offset the cost of tuition and fees, travel and other expenses. Eligibility is open, except for small businesses. Letters of intent are due April 25, 2008; applications are due May 25, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-054.html

• NICHD invites R01 applications proposing to elucidate the antimicrobial and prebiotic activities of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. This funding opportunity seeks to stimulate research on how oligosaccharides prevent enteric infections and to develop a new class of antimicrobial therapy to prevent or treat enteric bacterial or viral infections. Approximately $2.5 million in FY 2009 funding is expected to be available for 5-8 awards. Eligibility is open, except for for-profit organizations other than small businesses, regional organizations, and U.S. territories or possessions. Letters of intent are due Oct. 14, 2008; applications are due Nov. 14, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HD-08-004.html

• NICHD invites R01 applications for research to better understand the role of adipose tissue in the normal physiological regulation of reproduction, to discern its possible role in the etiology of diseases and disorders that impact human fertility, and to probe its potential importance in different racial/ethnic prevalence rates of certain reproductive disorders. More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-059.html. For R21 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-060.html.

• NICHD will be soliciting proposals to support additional locations and centers for the National Children's Study. This study will explore a broad range of environmental factors that could influence the health and development of children. The study's goal is to better understand how various exposures and genetic factors affect or are associated with children's health, disease and development. Offerors proposing to become a study center must propose to carry out the study at one or more of the 58 study locations listed in the announcement. Study locations where a proposing study center offers to conduct the study must be located in either the state where the proposing study center is located or a state that is contiguous with the state of the proposing study center. Only one study center will conduct the study at any single location. Eligibility is unrestricted. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-HD-08-004.html

• The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) invites institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. to submit R25 applications for continued support of a special topics course in the auditory and vestibular sciences. This course will cover a breadth of knowledge in fundamental auditory/vestibular biology, including disease and disorders, and be combined with hands-on exposure to current technologies and methodologies used in auditory and vestibular research laboratories. Approximately $1.05 million is expected to be available for one award having a project period of up to five years; the award is intended to support three courses in 2009, 2011 and 2013, respectively. Letters of intent are due May 17, 2008; applications are due June 17, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DC-08-003.html

• The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) invites R21 applications for research that develops and tests new conceptual frameworks, models and theories that explain the complex relationships between behavioral and social factors and oral health. Of particular interest are theories and models that propose mechanisms by which behavioral and/or social factors influence health and each other. Approximately $1.4 million in FY 2009 funding is expected to be available for 4-6 awards having a project period of up to two years. Applicants may request a budget for total direct costs of up to $275,000. Eligibility is open, except for eligible agencies of the federal government and faith- or community-based organizations (see note on eligibility above). Letters of intent and applications, respectively, may be submitted by either of two windows in 2008, Jan. 25/Feb. 22 or Oct. 17/Nov. 14. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DE-08-009.html

• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) invites U34 and U01 applications for investigator-initiated, multi-center clinical studies. These studies are supported through a two-part process that includes an implementation planning (U34) grant, followed by a multi-center clinical study cooperative agreement (U01). Applications for U34 awards may be submitted by either of two deadlines in 2008, March 19 or Nov. 18. More information on U34 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-057.html. For U01 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-058.html.

• NIDDK invites U01 applications to continue and expand the Drug-induced Liver Injury Network. The network has made major advances in the study of the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of hepatotoxicity due to drugs and to complementary and alternative medications, mainly herbal products. This solicitation seeks to enhance the enrollment of cases and controls from a diverse demographic background and a wide geographic distribution. Approximately $3.25 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available annually to support up to eight clinical center sites and a data coordinating center. Clinical center awards will be limited to $175,000 in direct costs (up to $270,000 in total costs); the data coordinating center award will be limited to $500,000 in direct costs (up to $750,000 in total costs). Letters of intent are due Feb. 26, 2008; applications are due March 20, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-07-012.html

• NIDDK invites DP2 applications for the Type 1 Diabetes Pathfinder Award. This award is intended to support exceptional new investigators who propose creative new research approaches that have the potential to produce a major impact on important problems in biomedical and behavioral research relevant to type 1 diabetes and its complications. Applicants must hold an independent research position at a domestic institution as of Sept. 19, 2008, and must have received their most recent doctoral degree or completed their medical internship and residency no earlier than 1998 and no later than the receipt date for applications. Applicants also must meet the solicitation's definition of "new investigator." Total funding available for this five-year program is $20 million. At least eight awards of up to $1.5 million in total direct costs are anticipated. Eligibility is open to domestic organizations (see note on eligibility above). Letters of intent are due March 13, 2008; applications are due April 10, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DK-08-001.html

• NIDA and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) invite R01 and R03 applications for research on non-coding RNAs and other post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms as they pertain to addictive processes. Areas of interest under this solicitation would broadly include identification and functional characterization of ncRNAs and post-transcriptional regulators involved in neuronal development, neuronal function, disease etiology and disease treatment. Approximately $1.5 million is expected to be available for 6-11 awards. Letters of intent are due Feb. 13, 2008; applications are due March 13, 2008. More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-016.html. For R03 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-017.html.

• NIDA and CIHR also invite R01, R03 and R21 applications for basic research in the structural and functional interactions between glial and neuronal cells, and the effects and consequences of substance abuse on these interactions within the central and peripheral nervous systems. Approximately $3 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for 10-12 new grants. Letters of intent are due Feb. 13, 2008; applications are due March 13, 2008. More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-014.html. For R03 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-013.html. For R21 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-015.html.

• NIDA invites P20 applications for the development of exploratory translational research centers on the clinical neurobiology of drug abuse and addiction. For purposes of this solicitation, an exploratory translational research center is defined as an entity with a strong primary human neurobiology focus in which preclinical research is included to directly inform or provide a mechanistic foundation for the human neuroscience/neurobiologic research. The emphasis of the solicitation is on translation between human and animal experimental investigation; extension of the research aims to the translation to clinical treatment is not required. Approximately $2.5 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for 2-3 grants having a project period of up to four years. Applicants may request a budget for direct costs of up to $600,000 per year. Eligibility is open, except for for-profit organizations other than small businesses (see note on eligibility above). Letters of intent are due Feb. 13, 2008; applications are due March 13, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-022.html

• NIDA invites P20 applications to establish pilot proteomics centers that will address the complex biological mechanisms of interactions among drugs of abuse and HIV pathogenesis, their treatments, and host responses. These centers are expected to help identify mechanisms related to susceptibility to and progression of HIV infection, viral replication, and viral evolution, particularly related to neuroAIDS. Approximately $2 million is expected to be available to support one or two centers. Awards will be limited to $700,000 in direct costs per year for three years. Eligible are institutions of higher education; for-profit organizations, including small businesses; nonprofit organizations; state governments; Indian tribal governments or organizations; and U.S. territories or possessions. Letters of intent are due Feb. 27, 2008; applications are due March 27, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-010.html

• NIDA invites R21/R33 applications for exploratory research projects focusing on the use of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging in humans so that subjects can learn to modulate their own brain activity and monitor and control activity of brain regions relevant to substance abuse. Applications may incorporate development, implementation and dissemination of requisite technology and methods, as well as feasibility testing in healthy human subjects or substance abusers. Approximately $3 million is expected to be available for 6-10 awards having a project period of up to five years. Direct costs for these awards are limited to $200,000 per year for the R21 phase and $400,000 per year for the R33 phase. Letters of intent are due Feb. 14, 2008; applications are due March 14, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-020.html

• NIDA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration invite R01 applications proposing to develop and test the effectiveness of models that integrate screening, brief intervention and referral to specialized treatment for individuals with drug abuse entering into primary care and other general medical settings. Approximately $3.5 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for 6-8 new grants. Eligibility is open, except for small businesses (see note on eligibility above). Letters of intent are due Feb. 14, 2008; applications are due March 14, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-021.html

• NIDA invites DP1 applications for its Avant-Garde Award Program for HIV/AIDS Research. This program is intended to fund scientists engaged in basic, clinical or translational research on drug abuse and HIV/AIDS. The term "avant-garde" is used to describe highly innovative approaches that have the potential to produce an unusually high impact. Sufficient funds have been set aside in 2008 to provide 2-3 awards. The awards will be for $500,000 in direct costs each year for five years. Eligibility is open to domestic organizations (see note on eligibility above). Applications are due March 26, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-003.html

• NIDA invites R01 applications for research in the area of genetics of HIV/AIDS and substance abuse. Applications are sought to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which genetic variations provide protection from or vulnerability to infection, and how drugs of abuse, medications for drug addiction, and HIV-1 treatment interact with both host and viral genes. Approximately $2 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for 4-7 awards. Letters of intent are due Feb. 27, 2008; applications are due March 27, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-009.html

• NIDA invites P30 applications for its Transdisciplinary Prevention Research Center program. The purpose of this program is to support environments in which scientists from the basic and applied/clinical disciplines can come together to develop a coherent program of transdisciplinary research. Centers supported by the program should encourage the integration of diverse basic science findings, methodologies and theories directly into the field of drug abuse prevention research. Approximately $2.5 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for 3-4 new center grants. Applicants may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $800,000 per year. Letters of intent are due March 17, 2008; applications are due April 15, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-08-012.html

• NIDA invites P30 applications for its Core Center of Excellence Grant Program. This program is designed to support the education, training and mentoring of new investigators, who should be given meaningful roles in center projects. Pilot research may occur in any area of NIDA's mission. Eligibility is open; however, foreign applicants may only serve as project or core directors and participate in center programs (see note on eligibility above). Letters of intent are due March 17, 2008; applications are due April 15, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-073.html

• NIDA invites R01 applications aimed at design, synthesis and preclinical testing of potential treatment agents for drug addiction and/or relapse prevention. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to expand existing research scope and elicit research proposals that will identify new pharmacotherapies based on current and advanced molecular and neurobiological understanding of the pathology of drug addiction and its relapse in the brain. Approximately $1.5 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for 4-6 new awards. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-08-041.html

• NIDA invites R01 applications proposing to develop sustained pharmacotherapies and behavioral treatments to reduce the risk of contraction and transmission of HIV. This solicitation focuses on reducing HIV/AIDS transmission in opiate addicts through the development and application of immunotherapy or other pharmacotherapies with the potential to overcome compliance issues with currently available treatments for opiate dependence. Approximately $4 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for 6-8 awards. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAS-08-061.html

• The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) invites U01 applications proposing to create a Drug Docking and Screening Data Resource. The goal of this resource is to increase the amount of high quality data publicly available for development, validation and benchmarking of ligand docking and screening software. Up to $5 million is expected to be available for one new cooperative agreement award having a project period of up to five years. Eligibility is open to domestic organizations (see note on eligibility above). Letters of intent are due Feb. 19, 2008; applications are due March 18, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-GM-08-008.html

• NIMH invites R25 applications for its Research Education Program. This program supports the development of mental health researchers via creative and innovative research educational programs that attract, train and advance the career development of scientists committed to research careers relevant to the mission of the NIMH. Programs may be institutional, regional or national in scope. Approximately $1.9 million in FY 2008 funding is expected to be available for awards. Applicants may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs of up to $250,000 per year. Eligibility is open to domestic organizations (see note on eligibility above). Letters of intent are due 30 days prior to the application submission date, which is Sept. 25 annually for new, resubmission, renewal and revision applications and Jan. 7 annually for AIDS applications. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-079.html

• NIMH and the Center for Mental Health Services invite R01 applications for research to reduce mental illness stigma and discrimination. This initiative encourages partnerships between (1) consumer and/or advocate organizations, communities, or state and local agencies with hands-on expertise in developing and implementing stigma reduction programs and strategies, and (2) social, behavioral and/or communication scientists with expertise in stigma research design and methodology. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-040.html

• NIMH and NINR invite R01 applications for studies on the co-occurrence and co-morbidity of mental disorders with other physical disorders. An important goal of this solicitation is to identify potent, modifiable-risk and protective factors amenable to intervention and to translate the results of such studies into initial tests of theory-driven prevention and early intervention strategies. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-029.html

• The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is soliciting proposals for its Facilities of Research Excellence (FORE) in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Training Program. This program is intended to provide short-term intensive training for researchers new to SCI research on the best practices in the field, including the standards of current research methodology, analytical procedures and functional outcome evaluations. One contract award having a five-year project period is anticipated. The contractor will be required to provide resources, capabilities and expertise in SCI research and the ability to work with multiple standard rodent models of injury. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due March 7, 2008. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/NINDS/NIH%2DNINDS%2D08%2D01/listing.html

• NINDS also is soliciting proposals to identify two FORE-SCI sites to replicate promising studies that could lead to new and effective treatments for SCI. The role of these centers will be to review and replicate novel treatments for SCI and to compare the efficacy of different treatments in a standardized environment with a minimum of variability in surgery, animal care, outcome evaluation and cellular analyses. Two contract awards having a five-year project period are anticipated. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due March 7, 2008. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/NINDS/NIH%2DNINDS%2D08%2D02/listing.html

• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) invites U24 applications for research related to mesothelioma. This funding opportunity seeks to maintain and expand the National Mesothelioma Virtual Registry and Tissue Bank. Approximately $1.1 million is expected to be available for one grant having a project period of up to five years. Letters of intent are due Feb. 26, 2008; applications are due March 26, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OH-08-002.html

• NIOSH invites R01 applications for research related to mining safety and health. The goals of this solicitation are to (1) develop and refine methods for reducing risks and for preventing or minimizing exposure to hazardous conditions in mines and (2) translate significant scientific findings into prevention practices and products that will effectively reduce mining-related illnesses and injuries. Approximately $1.5 million is expected to be available for 3-4 new grants having a project period of up to three years. Applicants may request a budget for total costs of up to $375,000 per year. Letters of intent are due Feb. 26, 2008; applications are due March 26, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OH-08-003.html

• NIOSH invites R01 applications for research to reduce the risk of injuries due to violence in the workplace. This solicitation supports the development and evaluation of new intervention strategies, the evaluation of existing interventions, and the adoption of these strategies into the workplace. Approximately $1 million is expected to be available for 2-3 new grants having a project period of up to five years. Applicants may request a budget for total costs of up to $350,000 per year. Applications are due March 26, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-OH-08-004.html

• NIOSH invites K01 applications for career development grants in occupational safety and health research. This funding opportunity is designed to support relevant, high quality research that will have an impact in reducing occupational disease and injury. The goal is to provide 75 percent "protected time" for an intensive, supervised career development experience in occupational health and safety research leading to research independence. Awards are limited to $100,000 per year in direct costs for a project period of up to three years. Eligibility is open to domestic organizations (see note on eligibility above). Applications are due Jan. 7, 2011. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-070.html

• NIOSH invites R13 applications to support high quality conferences or scientific meetings related to occupational safety and health. For the purposes of this solicitation, a conference/scientific meeting is defined as a gathering, symposium, seminar, workshop or any other organized, formal meeting where persons assemble to coordinate, exchange, and disseminate information or to explore or clarify a defined subject, problem, or area of knowledge. Awards ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for a budget period of 1-3 years are anticipated. Eligibility is open to domestic organizations (see note on eligibility above). For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-072.html

• NIA, NICHD, NIDDK, NIMH and NINDS are requesting information regarding future research priorities in the genetically related disorders of Fragile X syndrome, Fragile X Tremor Ataxia Syndrome, Premature Ovarian Failure and other relevant conditions associated with FMR1 gene function. Understanding the function and regulation of FMR1 is the focus of attention for a diverse set of researchers, and the information gleaned from one field is likely to be beneficial for an understanding of all three of the disorders. To that end, NIH has created a series of working groups, with the goal of synergizing research both within each field and across the spectrum of FMR1-associated disorders. This request for information seeks input into that process. Responses are due March 31, 2008. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-HD-08-003.html

• NCI, NHLBI, NIA, NIDDK, NINR and the Office of Behavioral and Social Science Research (OBSSR) invite R01 and R21 applications for research on the economics of diet, activity and energy balance. Projects are sought to enhance the state-of-the-science on the causes of obesity and to inform federal decision-making on effective public health interventions for reducing the rate of obesity in the U.S. More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-078.html. For R21 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-077.html.

• NCI, NHLBI, NIAAA, NICHD, NIDCD, NIDCR, NIDA, NINR, NIOSH, OBSSR and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) invite R01 applications proposing intervention research on health promotion, disease prevention, and health disparities that is jointly conducted by communities and researchers. For the purposes of this solicitation, intervention research includes quasi-experimental research projects that seek to influence preventive behaviors, treatment adherences, complementary behaviors, and related attitudes and beliefs. Natural experiments also may fall under the interventions rubric. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-074.html

• NCI, NIAAA, NIAMS, NICHD, NIDCD, NIDCR, NIDA, NIEHS, NIMH, NINR, OBSSR and the Office of Research on Women's Health invite R01 and R21 applications for research on health promotion, disease prevention, and health disparities targets medically underserved areas and medically underserved populations. Like the funding opportunity immediately above, this solicitation also encourages research that is jointly conducted by communities and researchers. Eligibility is open, except for eligible agencies of the federal government (see note on eligibility above). Letters of intent are due April 16, 2008; applications are due May 16, 2008. More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-075.html. For R21 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-076.html.

• NCI, NHLBI, NIA, NIDCD, NIDA, NIEHS, NIGMS, NIMH, NINDS, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) and the National Library of Medicine invite R01 applications proposing to develop predictive multiscale models of the physiome in health and disease. The goal of this solicitation is to move the field of biomedical computational modeling forward through the development of more realistic and predictive models of health and disease. Eligibility is open, except for eligible agencies of the federal government and faith- or community-based organizations (see note on eligibility above). Letters of intent and applications may be submitted by any of three windows in 2008, April 14/May 14, Aug. 15/Sept. 15 or Dec. 15/Jan. 14, 2009. For more information, visit: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-023.html

• NCRR, NHLBI, NIA, NIAAA, NIAID, NIAMS, NICHD, NIDCD, NIDCR, NIDDK, NIGMS, NIMH, NINDS and the National Eye Institute (NEI) invite R01 applications for research on human pluripotent stem cell from non-embryonic sources, such as reprogrammed somatic cells and cells derived from human amniotic fluid, and studies in other novel approaches for developing human pluripotent stem cells. Eligibility is open, except for eligible agencies of the federal government, faith- or community-based organizations and regional organizations (see note on eligibility above). More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-043.html. For R21 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-044.html.

• NCI, NEI, NHLBI, NHGRI, NIA, NIAAA, NIAMS, NIBIB, NICHD, NIDCD, NIDCR, NIDA, NIEHS, NIGMS, NIMH, NINDS and NINR invite R01 and R21 applications for nanoscience and nanotechnology research focused on problems in biology and medicine. This initiative seeks to leverage the contributions that nanoscience and nanotechnology can bring to the study and understanding of biological processes in health and disease. Studies that employ nanotechnology techniques and concepts and are focused on biological processes are expected to result in new insights into the physical relationships between cellular components and functional irregularities that trigger pathological abnormities. More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-052.html. For R21 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-08-053.html.

• Finally, NCI, NEI, NIA, NIAAA, NIAMS, NICHD, NIDCD, NIDCR, NIDA, NIMH, NINDS, NINR, OBSSR, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the National Human Genome Research Institute, and the Office of Dietary Supplements invite NIH-funded investigators to submit supplement applications to their currently funded research to study how interactions among of genetic and behavioral/social factors influence health and disease. The knowledge gained by such research will lead to a better understanding of the determinants of disease and inform efforts to reduce health risks and provide treatment. Up to $3 million is expected to be available for 10-20 awards having a project period of up to four years. Applicants may request a budget for direct costs of up to $250,000 per year. Eligibility is open, except for eligible agencies of the federal government and faith- or community-based organizations (see note on eligibility way above). Letters of intent are due April 13, 2008; applications are due May 13, 2008. More information on R01 awards is available at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-065.html. For R21 awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-066.html. For all other awards, visit http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-08-067.html.

• EPA will be soliciting proposals for a five-year contract to support toxicological and ecological research support services. The scope of the contract includes culturing organisms for toxicity bioassays, toxicity testing, chemical analysis, maintaining equipment, planning and conducting scientific meetings/seminars, and other services. A full solicitation is expected to be released in February 2008, with proposals due 45 days thereafter. For more information, visit: http://www.fbo.gov/spg/EPA/OAM/CMD/PR%2DNC%2D08%2D10052/listing.html

• NASA is requesting information regarding plans to simplify its announcements of opportunity (AOs). The AOs, which are issued by NASA to solicit proposals for various missions, typically require three outcomes: (1) maintain the ability for NASA to evaluate the science merit to guide selection; (2) maintain the ability for NASA to evaluate the feasibility of proposed missions to guide selection; and (3) ensure that mission teams are ready to successfully conduct Phase A mission concept studies. NASA is looking for all kinds of input, including suggestions about AOs, suggestions about the two-step selection process, and even suggestions about how to carry out this study. For more information, visit: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=128254

• NASA is seeking sources capable of providing flight dynamics support services. This includes flight dynamics analysis, operations, system development and technology support for the Flight Dynamics Analysis Branch and the Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems Engineering Branch. No awards will be made for responses, which are due Feb. 4, 2008. For more information, visit: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=128462

• NASA is seeking sources to provide science and operational support for the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, one of the world's most powerful tools to better understand the structure and evolution of the universe. This covers mission operations and data analysis, which includes the observatory operations, science data processing, and the general and guaranteed time observer support. No awards will be made for responses, which are due Feb. 6, 2008. For more information, visit: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=128430

• NASA is soliciting proposals for the design, analysis, fabrication and testing of a single, full-scale Power Conversion Unit (PCU) in support of the Fission Surface Power technology development project. The PCU will be part of a technology demonstration unit that will include a non-nuclear heat source, a waste heat rejection subsystem, and a power conditioning and distribution subsystem. Two Phase I contract awards having a project period are anticipated. Eligibility is unrestricted. Proposals are due Feb. 11, 2008. For more information, visit: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=127704

• NASA is soliciting proposals for its Constellation Lunar Lander Development Study. This study is divided into two areas, with the first area seeking both (1) to gain industry input/evaluation on the technical solution and viability of the Lunar Design Analysis Cycle 1 (LDAC-1) design and (2) innovative approaches to improve the safety and reliability of the LDAC-1. The second area seeks innovative approaches to project management and the government-industry relationship leading up to the prime contractor effort, with the goal of minimizing design, development, test and evaluation and life cycle costs. Approximately $1.5 million is expected to be available for contract awards having a project period of 180 days. Awards of up to $350,000 may be made. All categories of non-NASA U.S. institutions are eligible to submit proposals, which are due Feb. 11, 2008. For more information, visit: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=128240

• NASA will be soliciting proposals for the procurement of the R series of spacecraft for Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). This includes all launch activities and the successful completion of on-orbit verification and acceptance of all GOES R program elements. One contract award is anticipated. Eligibility is unrestricted. A full solicitation is expected to be released Jan. 25, 2008, or later, with proposals due 45 days thereafter. For more information, visit: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/synopsis.cgi?acqid=128242

• The Preeclampsia Foundation invites applications for its 2008 Vision Grant Award Program. This program is intended to provide initial funding for innovative ideas that might otherwise not be pursued due to lack of funding. Proposed research projects must be directly related to preeclampsia. Up to four grants of up to $25,000 are anticipated. Applications are due May 16, 2008. For more information, visit: http://www.preeclampsia.org/VisionGrant.asp

• Seeking Natural Chelator for Transition Metals in Food - NineSigma's client is seeking natural, consumer-friendly ingredient technology to function as a replacement for EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) in dressings and sauces.

• Acoustical Flooring Underlayment - A global specialty film and foam manufacturer invites proposals for the development of a flooring underlayment material that will provide enhanced acoustic control, reduced moisture transmission, and improved thermal insulation.

• Chewing Gum Sweetness That Lasts - A global consumer products company invites proposals for extending the duration of sweet taste in chewing gum.

• Development of Self-Healing Polymer Technology for Anticorrosion Applications - The Dow Chemical Company invites proposals for technology that imparts self-healing properties to polymer laminates and prevents corrosion of underlying metal substrates.

• Joint Development Partnership for Technology to Make the Surface of Cellulose Hydrophobic - A multibillion dollar manufacturer invites proposals describing technology or a joint research partnership for achieving the reforming of a cellulose surface with the objective of shortening the drying time of clothing made of cotton fiber after laundering.

• Low-Energy Food Sterilization Technology - A global food company invites proposals for the development of low-energy food sterilization technology.

• Nonaqueous Triggering of Shrink for Packaging - A global food packaging company invites proposals for novel technologies that would trigger the shrinkage of a vacuum-sealed polyolefin bag, using alternate sources of energy other than hot water.

• Reducing Ironing Time: Active Ironing Board Cover - A worldwide consumer goods company is seeking proposals for an ironing board cover assembly/material that is actively supporting the ironing process.

• Antifouling Technology for Gelcoats for Marine Applications - Ashland, Inc. invites proposals for technology that provides antifouling behavior to gelcoats used in water-exposed applications.

• Bio-Inspired Functional Surfaces - A Fortune 100 company invites proposals for development and engineering of materials and coatings with functional surfaces inspired by nature.

• Bonding Methods for Thin Stainless Steel Sheets - A Fortune 100 company invites proposals for adhesive application technologies to bond thin stainless steel sheets.

• Chocolate Flavor Without Guilt or Calories - A global consumer products company invites proposals for nonfat flavor carrying bio-materials that liquefy in the mouth.

• Cocoa Bitterness Reduction - A global consumer products company invites proposals for new technologies that reduce the bitter taste of cocoa powder in foods/drinks.

• Compact Overprint Varnisher - Xerox Corporation invites proposals for a compact, high-speed, low-cost, plain-paper varnishing process and associated critical process elements for integration in-line into a continuous feed printing architecture.

• Development of Food Packaging with Controlled Venting - A global food packaging corporation invites proposals for novel technologies for the controlled venting of food packaging during cooking.

• Diisocyanate-free Cushioning Technology - Sealed Air Corporation invites proposals for technologies that provide an alternative (non-isocyanate based) means for producing impact protective, packaging cushioning.

• Dynamically Reconfigurable Virtual Electrodes or Circuitry - Xerox Corporation invites proposals for concepts to create dynamically reconfigurable, optically addressable virtual electrode layouts.

• Enhanced Flotation Depressant Technology for Metal Recovery from Mineral Ores - A global chemicals corporation invites proposals for an enhanced flotation depressant technology focusing on hydrophobic gangue.

• Low-cost, High-temperature Data Tracking Device for Fuser Rolls - Xerox Corporation invites proposals for technology to record on a fuser roll various data that describes the roll over its life cycle.

• Manufacturing Methods for Steel Laminates - A Fortune 100 company invites proposals for manufacturing methods for galvanized low carbon steel laminates.

• Modeling/Design of Dies for Producing Pipe from Next Generation HDPE Resin - A Fortune 500 corporation invites proposals to develop a mathematical model or software to design a die assembly for HDPE pipes, manufactured from next generation PE resins.

• Non-luoro Textile Stain Treatment - A Fortune 500 company is seeking proposals for fabric coating technologies which can impart stain repellency properties without the use of fluorocarbon materials.

• Seamless Photoreceptor Belt for Electrophotographic Printer - A major printer supplier invites proposals for supply or development of a seamless flexible-substrate photoreceptor belt.

• "Stainless Steel" Textured Finishing Process for Consumer Products - A multibillion dollar consumer products company invites proposals for finishing processes and technologies to deposit a textured aesthetic coating that provides a "stainless steel" appearance.

• Staying in Touch in a Dynamic Mobile Network - A leading automobile manufacturer invites proposals for software and hardware technology that will be able to form a car-to-car ad hoc network.

• Technology to Detect Small Leaks in Food Packages - Sealed Air Corporation, a global packaging company, invites proposals for the development of technologies that would permit nondestructive, inline inspection of defects in heat-sealed, sterilized pouches containing food products.

• Water-Soluble Polymers that Adhere to Polyester - A major multinational consumer products company is seeking water-soluble polymers that have high affinity for polyester and can be used to modify the properties of polyester surfaces.

• Where Am I? - Next Generation Intelligent Location Awareness - A leading automobile manufacturer invites proposals for software and hardware for intelligent, real-time location awareness.

• Seeking: Innovative consumer product packaging designs and techniques - This multinational corporation seeks innovative product packaging that can enhance consumer impact, simplify manufacturing, and increase post-consumer sustainability ("green packaging"). Packaging that incorporates RFID, product tracking, and anti-counterfeit practices is of additional interest. This is not an art or decoration need. Packaging must speak to the consumer about the value of the product, ship well, and work well in production and shipping environments where efficiencies and costs are measured in the fractions of a currency unit. We are interested in your consumer packaging solutions that cut across the full range of packaging roles. While packaging concepts are acceptable, this need is not an exercise in graphic design. You should be prepared with concrete information that relates to costing, manufacturing, filling, shipping, and similar parameters. See the associated TechNeed for additional examples of what we're seeking.

• Seeking: Purchase of U.S. patents related to electronics, digital cameras, displays, and communications - A company wishes to buy U.S. patents in the following general areas: Digital cameras and imaging, including CCD, low-light imaging, high-speed imaging, non-visible wavelengths, motion/lighting compensation, and automatic focusing. Display technology, including LCD, DLP, OLED, electronic ink, flexible substrates, transparent substrates, LED (or non-incandescent/non-fluorescent) lighting, high-speed interfaces, wireless connections, and power conservation. Semiconductor software and hardware, including communications components, encryption, networking, memory, flash, hybrid storage, cooling, interfaces, connectors, and network management. Communications technology, including 3G cellular (such as HSDPA), VOIP, GPS, satellite, wireless, video and audio compression, codecs, switching, antenna design, and billing systems.. Please supply a list of IP available for sale. We welcome but do not require any indication that you may give about your valuation of the IP. We are generally willing to give the owner a free license to continue using the technology in their own business. We are also generally interested only in patents and are not looking for extensive transfer of know-how or supporting technologies.

• Seeking: Consumer packaging for cylindrically packaged food - An acknowledged difficult need: Enhancement to an existing consumer package that saves the producing company weight, money, shipping costs, and preserves the product while on sight conveying to the consumer the qualities of freshness, goodness, taste, and novelty. This new packaging must be perceived by the consumer as an enhancement in particular, a practical enhancement that makes the product easier to get to and enjoy, and if possible, even more fun. The new and attention-catching definitely has a leg up, here.

• "In-Process" Detection of Welding Defects for Large-Scale Production - Defect detection has been an after-the-fact, destructive process. Nondestructive, real-time weld monitoring can make huge production gains in a wide variety of goods.

• Prescription Pharmaceutical Products Suitable for OTC Applications - After a body of experience has built up around the use of a prescription pharmaceutical, it may become a candidate for conversion to over-the-counter sales.

• An organization seeks a rapid, inexpensive, and reliable test that can detect even small levels of acrylamide in foods. Acrylamide is a known carcinogen that appears naturally all through nature. It is also found in larger concentrations when any food is cooked and carbonized. The solution should be cost-effective to use on a large scale, and should be backed up by scientific data and patents. http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20080117A3

• A company would like to shorten the time taken by the current aging analysis methods they apply to testing foods that use oil. Oils are organic ingredients that inevitably degrade with time and they are affected by heat, cold, altitude, and transport. Current testing procedures require months. The method should be cost-effective and scientifically proven to provide accurate results equivalent to tests performed over much longer periods of time. http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20080117A4

• A company is looking for technologies to prevent garbage bags from falling into garbage cans during usage. The technology should be economical and appropriate for a low-cost, high-volume consumer product. Possible approaches include adhesives that do not leave behind residue, electrostatic approaches, frames at the top of the bag, memory materials, biomimetic approaches, or mechanical approaches. Technology should be safe for human contact and use and have an operating temperature range of 0 - 125 degrees F. http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20080110A3

• A company is looking for an odor control solution for film-based products. The technology should be compatible with a polyolefin thin film substrate that is 1 mm thick with a surface area ranging from 2 - 10 sq. ft. The technology should eliminate, neutralize, or reduce odors, and should emanate from organic matter. Surface treatments or embeddable materials are likely approaches. The solution should be safe for human use and contact, have an operating temperature range of 0-125 degrees F, and maintain effectiveness despite a product shelf-life of one year. http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20080110A4

• Testing and analysis methods for objectively measuring food qualities. Taste, mouth feel, texture, flavor, and eating quality are all highly subjective properties of foods that are all critical to the consumer acceptance of a food and its consistent quality over time. This multinational company seeks objective ways of measuring and analyzing these qualities. For centuries, food producers have employed highly skilled tasters whose sensitive and educated noses and palates maintain the high quality of the food that the company produces. Although such people are remarkably consistent in their judgments, the food qualities that they judge are inherently subjective. This organization seeks a method to objectify and measure such subjective qualities as taste, mouth feel, food texture, flavor, and eating quality, leading to an analysis method that is accurate and repeatable across many foods and across time.

• Reflective, reinforced, plastic substrate sheet. We are looking for reflective polymer or plastic sheets, with the following specification: Modulus : > 10,000 MPa, Thickness (mm) : =< 1.8, Dimensions : maximum 24 x 30 cm, Thickness fluctuation (mu) : < 50, Planarity (bending longest side) : <0.7 mm, T-stability : 2 h; 220 oC; vacuum and 4 h; 170 oC; air -> no change in shape, dimension, color, no cracks visible in SEM image, Surface quality : no pitts or hills, Color : homogeneous, more than 70 % reflection, X-ray transmission (%) : > 60 %; conditions (2 cm PMMA, 25 kVp; Mo/Mo; distance = 60 cm), Surface roughness amplitude (Ra) : < 1 mu, Surface roughness frequency (Sm) : < 150 mu, Climatic dimension stability : no change in shape upon storage (- 25 oC < T < 55 oC; RH < 80 %)

• Odor technologies for polyolefin thin films. A multinational consumer goods company is looking for an odor neutralization and/or odor elimination technology that can be applied to polyolefin thin films. The technology should be compatible with a polyolefin thin film substrate that is 1 mil in thickness, has surface area ranging from 2 - 10 sq. ft., surface treatments or embeddable materials are likely approaches. The technology should eliminate, neutralize, or significantly reduce a variety of odors; it should emanate from organic matter (including both solid and liquid materials) and be moderately strong in intensity and impact on the human nose. Technology should be safe for human use and contact (i.e. employs GRAS materials); should be effective over temperatures ranging from 0-125 degrees F; and should pass a qualitative evaluation of the odor reduction technology (i.e., a panel of "professional noses"). The technology must be cost-effective for a high volume consumer product and maintain effectiveness despite a product shelf-life of one year.

• RAID Storage Systems - This organization is seeking patented technologies that are fundamental to the architecture of RAID systems as well as in patented technologies that relate to those systems.

• Topical (or Other Non-oral) Delivery Mechanisms for Analgesic Medications - Orally administered analgesics can irritate the lining of the stomach and the intestine. But there is more than one way of getting an analgesic active into the body.

• Nanotech Briefs announces the Fourth Annual Nano 50™, the ultimate list of the top 50 technologies, products, and innovators that have significantly impacted - or will impact - key nanotechnology commercial markets, from automotive and electronics, to biomedical and materials. The Nano 50 are the best of the best - the most innovative people and design ideas that will revolutionize nanotechnology in the near-term and beyond.

Opportunities courtesy of the Illinois Technology Development Alliance, the State Science and Technology Institute, NextTECHS Technology Investment Banking, yet2.com, NineSigma, Society for Applied Learning Technology or Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment.