Federal Funding Opportunities

Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture invites states to submit proposals for funding under the Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP). Approximately $1.35 million is available in FY 2003 for new awards. FSMIP supports studies and innovative approaches related to marketing U.S. food and agricultural products. Among other purposes, the research should seek to develop and test new or more efficient methods of processing, packaging, handling, storing, transporting, and distributing food and other agricultural products. Only State Departments of Agriculture or other appropriate state agencies are eligible to apply, but state agencies may involve industry groups and community-based organizations. Proposals are due by February 14, 2003. More information is available at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2002/02-29531.htm

Department of Defense (DoD)

The Space Based Radar Joint Program Office of the Department of the Air Force is soliciting proposals to design a pre-prototype spaceborne payload that meets the tactical/national user near real time data needs for ground moving target indication, synthetic aperture radar and digital terrain elevation data. The period of performance for this effort will be FY 2003 through FY 2005; approximately $28 million is expected to be available for funding the first year. Multiple awards will be made. Private industry, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. are eligible to submit proposals, which are due by December 24, 2002. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFSC/SMCSMSC/Reference-Number-03-14/listing.html

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) anticipates negotiating a competitive contract for R&D in engineering and the physical and life sciences. The first of 10 tasks included in this effort involves the analysis and control of airborne and waterborne chemicals aboard Navy ships for life support and environmental systems. The second task involves new methods of chemical analysis and the development of novel chemical sensors for trace analysis of contaminants in a variety of matrices including waste steams, seawater, and fuel. NRL may make multiple awards with a period of performance for one year and four one-year options. The proposed contract will be awarded under full and open competition. Responses are due December 30, 2002. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/DON/ONR/N00173/N00173-03-R-HA01/listing.html

Department of Energy (DOE)

The Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER) of the Office of Science solicits applications for research to support DOE/OBER Medical Applications Program areas in radiopharmaceuticals and molecular nuclear medicine. These program areas involve multifunctional, highly designed tracer molecules for precise in vivo tagging and noninvasive imaging assay of cellular and subcellular elements at the dynamic organ function, onset and progression of disease, and response to successful or failing therapy. Approximately $4 million is expected be available in FY 2003 to fund multiple grant awards. Previous awards have ranged from $200,000 up to $400,000 per year with terms lasting up to three years. Any for-profit or nonprofit organization, institution of higher education, and non-federal agency or entity may apply. Requested letters of intent are due by January 2, 2003; applications are due February 24, 2003. More information is available at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2002/02-29751.htm

In a pre-solicitation notice, DOE announces it will accept applications for research projects directed at innovative water management technologies and concepts for coal-fired electric utility boilers. Specifically, the solicitation seeks solutions to emerging regulations and restrictions on water use and impacts on water quality associated with the generation of electricity by coal-fired power plants. Approximately $4.8 million is expected to be available for funding research in four technical areas of interest. An estimated 5-7 awards having performance periods ranging from 12 to 36 months will be made. A minimum 20 percent cost-share applies. All interested parties, outside of other federal agencies, may apply. The formal solicitation will be available on or about December 13, 2002. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOE/PAM/HQ/DE-PS26-03NT41719-0/listing.html

Department of Health and Human Services

The National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR) of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is seeking contractors capable of incorporating the latest neuro-rehabilitation computer software and electrical/mechanical engineering developments into new multi-dimensional, high precision robotic interventions for upper or lower limbs. The goal of this project is to develop treatment related robotic aides for four separate models. All responsible sources may submit proposals, which are due March 17, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/NICHD/RFP-NICHD-2002-11/listing.html

National Science Foundation (NSF)

NSF invites proposals for research in the Ecology of Infectious Diseases (EID) program, which supports development of predictive models and discovery of general principles for relationships between anthropogenic environmental change and the transmission and evolution of infectious agents. Research should focus on understanding the ecological determinants of transmission by vectors or abiotic agents, the population and evolutionary dynamics of reservoir species, and transmission to humans or other hosts. Approximately $8 million is expected to be available in FY 2003 to fund an estimated eight awards. An award will not exceed $2 million for up to five years’ duration. No organizational eligibility limit applies. Proposals are due February 14, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03507

Foundation Funding Opportunities

The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation

The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation is accepting proposals for the 2003 Albert Lasker Medical Research Awards, which honor individuals who have made significant contributions in basic or clinical research in diseases that are the main cause of death and disability. The awards are intended to recognize contributions that have opened new fields of research, advancing novel concepts or their applications in a particular biomedical discipline. Each of two awards will consist of an honorarium of $50,000, a citation and a statuette. A third award, the Special Achievement Award in Medical Science, carries an honorarium of $25,000. Award winners may reside in any country of the world. Nominations are due by February 3, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.laskerfoundation.org/

Copyright State Science & Technology Institute 2002. Information in this issue of SSTI Weekly Digest was prepared under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration. Redistribution to all others interested in tech-based economic development is strongly encouraged — please cite the State Science & Technology Institute whenever portions are reproduced or redirected. Any opinions expressed in the Digest do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Commerce.