Federal Funding Opportunities

* Department of Agriculture

* Department of Defense

* Department of Energy

* National Aeronautics and Space Administration

* National Institutes of Health

* National Science Foundation

Foundation Funding Opportunities

* National Patient Safety Foundation

Department of Agriculture

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service hereby announces the maximum dollar amount on loan and grant awards under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program for FY 2003. The maximum dollar award on zero-interest loans for FY 2003 is $450,000. The maximum dollar award on grants for FY 2003 is $200,000. REDLG loans and grants are available to Rural Utilities Service electric and telephone utilities to assist in developing rural areas from an economic standpoint. The projected program level during FY 2003 for zero-interest loans is $14.966 million, and the projected program level for grants is $4 million. For more information, contact Patricia Wing, Loan Specialist, Rural Business-Cooperative Service, USDA, STOP 3225, Room 6866, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-3225. Telephone: (202) 720-9558. FAX: (202) 720-2213.

Department of Defense (DoD)

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) solicits research proposals for the Application of Advanced Laser Diagnostics to High Impact Technologies. The objectives of this program are to: (1) develop advanced laser diagnostic techniques and computer models needed to investigate processes occurring in advanced propulsion and fuel systems and (2) apply these tools to the development, evaluation and demonstration of high impact technology concepts that may lead to the validation of affordable, high-performance, low-emissions engines for air and aerospace propulsion and power systems. The research effort shall be conducted on-site in Propulsion Directorate laboratory facilities located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. Proposals are due by March 14, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/PRDA-03-02-PRK/listing.html

The AFRL Materials & Manufacturing Directorate has issued a solicitation seeking proposals for Research on Advanced NDE Methods for Aerospace Materials, Processes and Structures. Technologies that will be examined will include as a minimum: ultrasonic (UT), eddy current (EC), radiography (X-Ray), computed tomography (CT), non-contact methods such as laser based NDE, IR thermography and non-linear acoustics. This is an unrestricted solicitation. Anticipated funding for overall effort (not per contract in the event of multiple awards) is FY03: $180K FY04: $870K FY05: $870K FY06: $870K FY07: $870K FY08: $692K. Multiple awards are anticipated. Responses are due March 7, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/PRDA-03-06-MLK/listing.html

The AFRL Sensors Directorate is seeking research proposals for the ATR Modeling for Planning program. The program’s objective is to develop a capability to constructively model and simulate the entire target recognition and sensor fusion decision-making chain. Multiple awards are anticipated from a pool of $500,000 in FY 2003. The Directorate anticipates having $1 million available annually for the program in FY 04-FY 07. This an unrestricted solicitation. Responses are due March 11, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/BAA-03-02-SNK/listing.html

For the Lasercom Optical Terminal Program, Hanscom Air Force Base has issued a request for information for proposals to design, development, test, installation and fielding of an optical terminal capable of air-to-air and air-to-space communications. Responses are requested by March 21, 2003 from companies working on terminal system designs for free space optical communications for air-to-air and air-to-space applications. Depending on responses, the eventual Lasercom program may be divided into various phases, including a proto-type/demonstration phase and a design, development, test and fielding stage. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/ESC/F19628-03-R-024/listing.html

The Air Force Research Laboratory is soliciting research proposals for the Real-Time Encoding Processing program. Specifically, the lab would like to develop and evaluate advanced real time wide-band Electronic Support (ES) radio frequency (RF) receiver encoding/pre-processing/sorting concepts and techniques focused on space and high altitude platforms. Estimated total funding anticipated for the program (not per contract) in FY 2003 is $314,000. For FY 2004 and FY 2005, the estimates are $301,000 and $407,000, respectively. Only one contract award is anticipated. This is an unrestricted solicitation for domestic contractors. Responses are due by March 12, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/USAF/AFMC/AFRLWRS/BAA-03-04-SNK/listing.html

The Naval Air Systems Command has issued Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) N00421-03-R-0034 to request proposals for Developmental Aircrew Protective Clothing and Devices for use in Tactical, Rotary, and Support Aircraft. Areas of interest include new, innovative approaches to providing enhanced aircrew protection/performance in current and future Navy tactical, rotary and support aircraft. Proposals shall be limited to advanced development where feasibility has already been demonstrated. Responses are due by December 18, 2003. More information on the BAA is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/DON/NAVAIR/N00421/N00421-03-R-0034/listing.html

Department of Energy (DOE)

The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) will issue a request for proposals entitled Alternatives for Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) Source Term Location on or about January 31, 2003. The goal of the program is to select and demonstrate innovative technologies for characterizing and quantifying the remaining carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as a dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) in the subsurface. A pre-proposal conference will be held in Richland, Washington, on February 11, 2003 to present site specific information. The lab anticipates one or two contract awards from Phase I of the program will be selected to continue to Phase II characterization activities. More detailed information on the pre-solicitation announcement and pre-proposal conference registration, which must be done by February 3, is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/DOE/PAM/HQ/DE-RA26-03NT41735/SynopsisP.html

NETL also requests proposals for Development of Novel Sensors for Ultra High Temperature Fossil Fuel Applications (Solicitation No. DE-PS26-03NT41731). This solicitation, which was to be released on or about January 24 but had not been released at press time, will seek out new fundamental approaches to sensor concepts, materials, design and fabrication that have potential application in the harsh environment of the advanced fossil fuel-based energy production systems. The types of projects sought through this solicitation include laboratory and bench-scale testing as well as fundamental research that addresses the barriers associated with ultra-high temperature operation. More information is available at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2003/03-1096.htm

Through the Chemical Industries of the Future solicitation, the DOE Idaho Operations Office will seek applications for cost-shared research and development of technologies that will reduce energy consumption, enhance economic competitiveness and reduce environmental impacts of the domestic chemical industry. Approximately $6 million in federal funds are expected to be available to fund the first 12 months of selected research projects. Subject to the availability of funds, approximately $30 million is planned to fund the remaining years of the projects. DOE anticipates making 6-10 cooperative agreement awards, each with a duration of three to five years or less. A minimum of two industrial chemical companies must be involved. Responses will be due approximately April 30, 2003. More information on Solicitation No. DE-PS07-03ID14453 is available at: http://e-center.doe.gov/

The DOE Idaho Operations Office also seeks proposals for cost-shared research, development and demonstration of innovative sensor, control, automation and wireless technologies that will reduce energy consumption, minimize environmental impacts, and enhance economic competitiveness in U.S. industrial manufacturing. This solicitation addresses two separate topics: crosscutting sensors and controls; and, industrial wireless telemetry. DOE anticipates making up to four cooperative agreement awards. Approximately $12 million in federal funds are expected to be available to fund selected research projects over a five-year period. A minimum 30-50 percent non-federal cost-share is required. For profit and nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, Indian tribes and institutions of higher learning are eligible. Industrial partners must be included, either as primary applicants or as lower tier subcontractors, or as cost-share participants. Only those projects that are organized to facilitate technology transfer to the private sector, promote commercialization and enhance U.S. competitiveness will be considered. Responses are due March 31, 2003. More information on Solicitation No. DE-PS07-03ID14442 is available at: http://e-center.doe.gov/

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

The NASA Office of Space Science has issued a pre-solicitation notice for NASA Research Announcement (NRA) 03-OSS-02 entitled The New Millennium Program Space Technology-8, soliciting proposals for revolutionary advanced technology subsystem concepts that can be validated in space as part of the Space Technology 8 (ST8) flight validation opportunity planned during the 2006 timeframe. NASA has selected four subsystem technology areas for the ST8 flight validation opportunity: Deployment of Ultra Lightweight Booms, Deployment of Lightweight Solar Array, Thermal Management Subsystem for Small Spacecraft, and Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS)-Based High Performance Computing for Space. Participation is open to domestic organizations including U.S. industry, universities, nonprofit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development Centers, NASA centers, and other U.S. Government agencies. Participation is also open to foreign organizations on a cooperative, no-exchange of funds basis. Proposals will be due April 18, 2003. More information on the pre-solicitation announcement is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/NASA/HQ/OPHQDC/NRA-03-OSS-02/SynopsisP.html The NRA will be available here: http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/eps/bizops.cgi?gr=D&pin=04#104194

NASA Langley Research Center has issued the draft solicitation for the X43C Hypersonic Demonstrator Vehicle. The X43C Project will use hydrocarbon-fueled scramjet technology developed by the Air Force HyTech Program to explore the Mach 5 to Mach 7 flight regime. This procurement covers the final design, development, fabrication, assembly, integration, verification testing and associated flight test support for three hypersonic demonstrator vehicles (DV) and adaptors, a ground-test flight clearance engine and ground support equipment. Prospective offerors are invited to submit questions/comments in response to the draft RFP, which can be found at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/NASA/LaRC/OPDC20220/1-50-OCB.1148/listing.html

The Propulsion Research and Technology Project in the Next Generation Launch Technology Program (NGLTP) intends to solicit proposals for research & technology development in components and engineering capabilities for airbreathing propulsion applied to future space launch vehicles. NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) expects to issue the solicitation on February 3, 2003, with an anticipated offer due date May 5, 2003. Total award funding is anticipated to be up to $25 million for FY 04-06. Eligible applicants include U.S. industry, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and U.S. Government agencies (acting as part of a team led by industry, academia or non-profit organizations). Also, proposers can request government unique facilities if these facilities are needed to perform the work detailed in their proposals. More information is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/NASA/GRC/OPDC20220/NRA-03-GRC-PRT-01/SynopsisP.html

NASA Langley Research Center has issued an NASA Research Announcement for Advanced Aerodynamic and Structures Technologies for Subsonic Transport Vehicles under the 21st Century Aircraft Technology Program. Phase I awards or screening phase awards, will be focused on evaluating the technology or system for benefits, feasibility, and demonstration that the technology has already achieved a Technology Readiness Level. The planned duration of Phase I activities is six months. Up to 10 awards (covering both topics) may be made in FY 2003, with an anticipated funding of each award to be approximately $100,000. Phase II, or the implementation phase, which will only be open to select Phase I awards, will be focused on the maturation, development, and validation of the technology. Funding in the amount of $500,000 up to $1 million per award is expected to be available for Phase II activities in each of fiscal years 2004, 2005, and 2006. Up to five awards may be made for Phase II activities which may range up to three years in duration. Letters of intent are required in February; full proposals are due March 19, 2003. The full solicitation is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/NASA/LaRC/OPDC20220/NRA-03-LARC-02/listing.html

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

The National Eye Institute (NEI) wishes to promote research on the pathogenesis and treatment of Ocular Albinism 1 (OA1) and related developmental disorders. Toward that end, NEI solicits basic, translational and clinical research projects which will provide a clearer understanding of OA1 as well developmental retinal disorders affecting the number and routing of central visual projections. NEI intends to commit approximately $1.5 million in FY 2004 to fund an estimated 2-4 awards. An applicant may request a project period of up to five years and a budget for direct costs commensurate with the proposed work. Eligible are for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the federal government; and domestic or foreign institutions. Applications are due August 15, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-EY-03-003.html

The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) invites applications for cooperative agreements to support
research centers capable of providing large-scale capacity to sequence genomes of a variety of organisms of high biomedical interest. The goal is to spur projects for continued large-scale, state-of-the-art production of genomic sequence, coupled with the likelihood of further improvement in cost, quality and efficiency of large-scale sequencing over the term of the award. Three or four large-scale sequencing centers will be funded for a three-year term. The NHGRI large-scale sequencing effort was funded at a level of about $190 million in FY 2002, and an increase in funding is not expected for FY 2003. Eligible are for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the federal government; and domestic institutions. Optional letters of intent are due February 24, 2003; applications are due April 7, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HG-03-002.html

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has issued a presolicitation announcement for a requirement to design, development, maintenance and continual updating of several online Bioinformatic Resource Centers. Multiple awards are contemplated. Each of the Bioinformatic Resource Centers will include Internet accessible databases for at least five (5) microorganisms. Responses to the solicitation, once released on or about February 6, 2003, will be due June 2, 2003. More information on the pre-solicitation announcement of RFP-NIH-NIAID-DMID-04-34 is available at: http://www.eps.gov/spg/HHS/NIH/NIAID/NIH-NIAID-DMID-04-34/SynopsisP.html

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) solicits applications for innovative research on chronic stress and drug abuse or dependence. Research is encouraged on the epidemiology, etiology, prevention, and treatment of drug abuse/dependence, as it relates to either chronic stress or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). More specifically, research is sought to examine the relationship between chronic stress or PTSD and drug use, abuse, and dependence. Also of interest is the relationship between chronic stress or PTSD and withdrawal/abstinence, remission, and relapse. NIDA intends to commit approximately $2.5 million in FY 2003 to fund 8-10 new grants. An applicant may request a project period of up to five years. Eligible are for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the federal government; domestic or foreign institutions; and faith- or community-based organizations. Optional letters of intent are due May 19, 2003; applications are due June 18, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-DA-04-001.html

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) will provide grant support for planning and protocol development of biomedical, epidemiological and behavioral studies in priority international research areas as identified in NIDCR’s Strategic Plan and facilitated by the Office of International Health (OIH), in consultation with the international research community. The purpose of this initiative is to bring together international researchers through collaborative partnerships that conduct research according to common protocols. An applicant may request up to $100,000 in direct costs per year for each of two years. Eligible are for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the federal government; domestic or foreign institutions; and faith- or community-based organizations. Applications are due February 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-03-059.html

Multiple NIH institutes invite applications for Exploratory/Developmental Bioengineering Research Grants (EBRG) to support innovative, high risk/high impact bioengineering research in new areas that are lacking preliminary testing or development. This research can explore approaches and concepts new to a particular substantive area; research and development of new technologies, techniques or methods; or initial research and development of data upon which significant future research may be built. An applicant may request direct costs of up to $275,000 distributed over two years. Eligible are for-profit or nonprofit organizations; public or private institutions, such as universities, colleges, hospitals and laboratories; units of state and local governments; eligible agencies of the federal government; domestic or foreign institutions; and faith- or community-based organizations. Applications are due February 1, 2003. More information is available at: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-03-058.html

National Science Foundation (NSF)

NSF invites proposals for support under the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) program. Through this program, NSF establishes partnerships with leaders in the state government, higher education and industry to effect lasting improvements in a jurisdiction’s research infrastructure and its national R&D competitiveness. Twenty-two states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the U. S. Virgin Islands currently participate. Approximately $20 million is expected to be available in FY 2004 to fund 4-6 new awards. EPSCoR Research Infrastructure Improvement grants are 36- or 48-month grants of up to $9 million to support infrastructure improvements in research areas selected by the state’s EPSCoR governing committee as being critical to its future R&D competitiveness. Cost-sharing of 50 percent is required. Eligibility is restricted to those states that received 0.7 percent or less of the total NSF research funds to all sources within a state averaged over the three-year period. Proposals are due July 17, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03528

NSF invites proposals to establish high performance (45mbits per second or greater) Internet connections to a national research network. Approximately $2 million is expected to be available in FY 2003 to fund five awards ranging from $70,000 to $200,000 for two years. Cost-sharing of 100 percent is required. Eligible are U.S. colleges and universities, other nonprofit or non-academic organizations (e.g. independent museums, observatories and research laboratories), and similar organizations in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational and research activities but not currently connected to an advanced network (45 mbps). Proposals are due April 21, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03529

NSF and the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture invite research proposals to support high-throughput sequencing of the genomes of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, archaea, fungi, oomycetes and protists. Approximately $15 million is expected to be available for new awards, each ranging from $100,000 to $2.5 million for periods of up to three years. Cost-sharing is not required. Eligible are U.S. academic institutions, U.S. nonprofit research institutions and consortia of institutions with appropriate research and educational facilities. Optional letters of intent are due February 18, 2003; proposals are due April 17, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03526

NSF’s Engineering Directorate announces a research program in support of the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH). The objectives of PATH are to improve the affordability and value of homes through R&D, information and outreach, and planning and barrier analysis. Research projects may include information technology to accelerate and streamline home building, advanced panel systems, or "whole house" and building process redesign. NSF and PATH are also interested in proposals involving partnerships between research institutions, industrial enterprises, local government, and/or other broadly-defined R&D participants relevant to the home building industry. Approximately $1.5 million is expected to be available in FY 2003 to fund an estimated five awards. NSF anticipates funding awards for up to a 36-month duration with a maximum of $300,000 per project. Cost-sharing is not required. Proposals, which may be submitted by U.S. academic institutions in support of individual investigators or small groups, are due April 21, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03527

NSF invites proposals for support under the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, which focuses on the education of technicians for high tech fields, with an emphasis on two-year colleges. Among other goals, the ATE program promotes improvement in technological education at the undergraduate and secondary school levels by supporting curriculum development; the preparation and professional development of college faculty and secondary school teachers; internships and field experiences for faculty, teachers and students; and other activities. Approximately $40 million is expected to be available in FY 2004 to fund an estimated 70 awards. Grants for basic ATE projects range from $25,000 to $300,000 per year and have a duration of up to three years. Up to two awards, of up to $5 million each, will be made for national centers of excellence. Up to four awards, of up to $3 million each, will be made for regional centers. Up to four awards, of up to $1.5 million each, will be made for resource centers. All center awards will be spread over four years, some with a possibility of renewal. Grants for large-scale articulation partnerships will range from $50,000 to $100,000 per year, with a duration of three years. Cost-sharing of 100 percent is required. No organizational eligibility applies. Optional preliminary proposals are due April 23, 2003; full proposals are due October 15, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03523

NSF invites proposals for projects in any field of science, technology education or mathematics under the Instructional Materials Development (IMD) program. The IMD program has three components, which are described below. Approximately $10 million is expected to be available to fund an estimated 10-15 new awards. No organizational eligibility limit applies. Required preliminary proposals are due May 1, 2003; full proposals are due August 26, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03524

* Instructional Materials for Students – supports the creation and substantial revision of comprehensive curricula and supplemental instructional materials that (1) are research-based, (2) enhance classroom instruction, preK-12, and (3) reflect standards for science, mathematics, and technology education developed by national professional organizations. Awards for these projects may range from up to $300,000 for the development of a module to several million dollars for development of a single year of comprehensive materials. Cost-sharing of 30 percent is required.
* Assessment – supports the creation of tools for assessing student learning that are tied to nationally developed standards and reflect the most current thinking on how students learn mathematics and science. Projects can also focus on assistance to schools and districts in implementing new assessments. The maximum total request of any assessment project may not exceed $1 million per year.
* Applied Research – supports the research for development of the IMD program and projects; provides evidence for the effectiveness of materials and feedback for strengthening the portfolio; and identifies possible new directions in instructional materials and assessment. Projects will normally be funded at less than $500,000 per year.

NSF and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are establishing the NSF/FDA Scholar-in-Residence Program at FDA. This program comprises an interagency partnership for the investigation of scientific and engineering issues concerning emerging trends in medical device technology. This partnership is designed to enable investigators in science, engineering and mathematics to develop research collaborations within the intramural research environment at the FDA. Four mechanisms for research support are described below. Approximately $500,000 is expected to be available in FY 2003 to fund an estimated 3-10 awards. No organizational eligibility limit applies. Proposals are due April 14, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/pubsys/ods/getpub.cfm?nsf03525

* Faculty at FDA – For science, engineering, and mathematics faculty to conduct research for 3-12 months at FDA. Budget: Awards will range from $25,000 to $150,000 for up to one year and may include 85 percent of faculty salary and fringe benefits during the FDA residency period. Proposals must include a commitment of funds from the applicant’s home institution to support the remaining 15 percent of the salary and fringe benefits during the FDA residency.

* Graduate Student Fellowship – For science, engineering, and mathematics graduate students for one to four semesters of full- or part-time work at FDA in an area related to his/her research under the guidance of an academic advisor and an FDA mentor. Budget: Awards will be for up to one year with award amounts typically up to $30,000 and may include a stipend of $1,500 to $1,800 per month for one to four semesters (3 to 24 months), as well as additional covered expenses.

* Postdoctoral Fellowship – For engineering, science and mathematics fellows for full-time work at FDA under the guidance of an FDA mentor. Budget: Awards will be for amounts up to $55,000 per year for 1-2 years and may include 85 percent of a stipend, including fringe benefits for the postdoctoral fellow, and additional covered expenses. Proposals must include a commitment of funds from the applicant’s home institution to support the other 15 percent of the salary and fringe benefits during the FDA residency.

* Undergraduate Student Research Experiences – For engineering, science and mathematics undergraduate students for summer projects, or 1-2 semesters of part-time or full-time work at FDA in an area related to his/her academic program under the guidance of an academic advisor and an FDA mentor. Budget: Awards include stipends in amounts typically $300 per week, and some assistance with housing and/or travel expenses.

Foundation Funding Opportunities

National Patient Safety Foundation

The National Patient Safety Foundation’s (NPSF) Research Grants Program seeks to stimulate new, innovative projects directed towards enhancing patient safety in the United States. Letters of Intent (LOI) are solicited for research and development that is broadly related to identifying the causes of preventable injuries and errors and/or developing prevention strategies and methods to implement them. From these LOIs, a subset will be selected for preparation of a final proposal. Innovation and creativity are strongly encouraged, as are cross-disciplinary research teams. Any official member of a non-profit institution in the United States may apply The budget request must not exceed $100,000 for the entire term of the project. Projects may be for up to two years in duration. Responses are due by March 28, 2003. More information is available at: http://www.npsf.org/html/rfp2003.html

The January 24th edition of the RFP Bulletin of the Foundation Center highlighted the seven research funding opportunities currently available from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). NORD focuses its activities on the identification, treatment, and cure of rare "orphan diseases." All but last one listed below have deadlines of March 15, 2003; the final solicitation is due March 25, 2003. The following list is taken from the RFP Bulletin. More information on each request for proposals is available at: http://www.rarediseases.org/research/requests

* Larsen Syndrome: $30,000 for one-year. (Seed-money grant abstract deadline: March 15, 2003.)

* Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS): $30,000 for one year. (Seed-money grant abstract deadline: March 15, 2003.)

* Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC): $30,000 for one year. (Seed-money grant abstract deadline: March 15, 2003.)

* Olivopontocerebellar Atrophy (OPCA) and closely related neurological diseases: Up to $40,000 for one or two years. (Seed-money grant abstract deadline: March 15, 2003.)

* Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (NBIA) (Hallervorden-Spatz Syndrome): $30,000 for one year. (Seed-money grant abstract deadline: March 15, 2003.)

* Cat Eye Syndrome (CES): $30,000 for one year. (Seed-money grant abstract deadline: March 15, 2003.)

* NORD/Roscoe Brady Lysosomal Storage Diseases Fellowships Program: Fellowships in the amount of $50,000 to $70,000 for up to two years. (Deadline: March 25, 2003.)

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Copyright State Science & Technology Institute 2003. 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.