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The Office of Research Infrastructure Programs (ORIP) supports research-related resources that create, develop, preserve and supply a variety of high-quality animal models, and related biological materials. ORIP also supports the development and implementation of tools and devices that directly benefit the welfare of research animals, improve handling of laboratory animals, and ease the management of animal facilities. This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) encourages small business concerns to submit Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications that propose innovative approaches and technologies to further develop, improve and facilitate the use of animal models and related biological materials, to meet new biomedical challenges related to improvements in the health of humans and the welfare of animal models.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals in the areas of physical sciences, engineering, materials, mathematics, biology, computing, informatics, social science, and manufacturing of interest to DARPA's Defense Sciences Office (DSO), Microsystems Technology Office (MTO), and Biological Technologies Office (BTO).

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative research proposals in the areas of physical sciences, engineering, materials, mathematics, biology, computing, informatics, social science, and manufacturing of interest to DARPA's Defense Sciences Office (DSO), Microsystems Technology Office (MTO), and Biological Technologies Office (BTO).

The Fluid Dynamics program supports fundamental research on mechanisms and phenomena governing fluid flow from the molecular to the macroscopic scale.  Proposed research should contribute to basic understanding, thus enabling the better design, predictability, efficiency, and control of systems that involve fluids.  Encouraged are proposals that address behavior of new fluid materials and innovative uses of fluids in manufacturing, energy and the environment, materials development, biotechnology, nanotechnology, sensor development, clinical diagnostics and drug delivery. While the research should focus on fundamentals, a clear connection to potential applications with significant societal/technological impact should be outlined.

This FOA invites applications for the Microphysiological Systems (MPS) for Disease Modeling and Efficacy Testing Program to develop highly reproducible and translatable in vitro models for preclinical efficacy studies through discovery and validation of translatable biomarkers, development of standardized methods for preclinical efficacy testing and definitive efficacy testing of candidate therapeutics using best practices and rigorous study design. An essential feature will be a multidisciplinary approach that brings together experts in bioengineering, microfluidics, material science, "omic" sciences, computational biology, disease biology, pathology, electrophysiology, pharmacology, biostatistics and clinical science.

This FOA invites applications for the Microphysiological Systems (MPS) for Disease Modeling and Efficacy Testing Program to develop highly reproducible and translatable in vitro models for preclinical efficacy studies through discovery and validation of translatable biomarkers, development of standardized methods for preclinical efficacy testing and definitive efficacy testing of candidate therapeutics using best practices and rigorous study design. An essential feature will be a multidisciplinary approach that brings together experts in bioengineering, microfluidics, material science, "omic" sciences, computational biology, disease biology, pathology, electrophysiology, pharmacology, biostatistics and clinical science.

Due to the ubiquitous presence of catalysis in the many aspects of goods and services impacting our lives, the Catalysis and Biocatalysis program has many potential directions for funding support.  Programs in this area encompass a blend of fundamental and innovative applied research drivers.  All programs are hypothesis-driven, and the experimental programs aimed at resolving the issues frequently combine a variety of approaches.  Chemical engineering and chemistry are intertwined.  Proposals which receive funding in this Program may include any number of the following broad scopes: Catalyst Synthesis, Characterization, Behavior and Performance Kinetics and Mechanisms of Key Catalytic Reactions Catalysis at Surfaces or in Reactor Process Streams Synthesis and Fabrication of Component Materials and Catalyst Composites Modeling and Fundamental Studies of a Catalyst or Catalytic Process Catalysts and Studies for Renewable Energy Systems. These approaches apply equally to classical inorganic or carbon catalysts as well as to enzymatic or biocatalysts.  Specialized materials synthesis procedures may be necessary to provide active catalysts in any of the studies.  Applications-driven studies, such as Biomass conversion catalysis, Electrocatalysis and Photocatalysis, involving energy interconversion devices or systems employing catalysts are highly desired.

The Interfacial Processes and Thermodynamics (IPT) program supports fundamental research in engineering areas related to: Interfacial phenomena Mass transport phenomena Molecular thermodynamics Currently, emphasis is placed on molecular engineering approaches at interfaces, especially as applied to the nano-processing of soft materials.  Molecules at interfaces with functional interfacial properties are of special interest and have uses in many new technologies, based on nano-fabrication.  These interfacial molecules may have biomolecular functions at the micro- and nano-scale.  Interfacial materials are generally formed through molecular self-directed, -templated, and/or -assembly, and they are driven primarily by thermodynamic intermolecular forces, although may be influenced by flow and electrical forces.  In some cases, these interfacial processes may also be supplemented by weak chemical reactions.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) will solicit proposals from qualified organizations capable of maintaining and expanding the NIDA Center for Genetic Studies. In this effort, the contractor will be required to: (1) Receive de-identified clinical, diagnostic, pedigree structure, environmental exposure information and other phenotypic data along with blood samples or other biospecimens from funded grants and/or contracts supporting research on the genetics of addiction and addiction vulnerability; (2) Process these data and materials to create databases, serum, DNA, RNA, and cell lines; (3) Widely distribute all data and materials in the NIDA Human Genetics Initiative to qualified investigators in the scientific community in a cost effective manner; (4) Maintain storage of data and biomaterials; (5) As stipulated by NIDA staff, perform microarray typing on pre-existing and/or new de-identified biospecimens; (6) As stipulated by NIDA staff, perform high-throughput sequencing on pre-existing and/or new de-identified biospecimens for genomic and/or epigenomic analyses; (7) Support the creation of reprogrammed cellular derivatives, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to facilitate the molecular and cellular study of brain development and addiction processes; (8) Create a cyberinfrastructure that enables interoperability and full access to distributed data, software and other information science resources as well as research summaries and outbound links for all addiction related studies available through the NIH database of Genotype and Phenotype (dbGaP) system; and (9) Faciliate NIDA genetic studies data (both genotype and phenotype) being uploaded into NIH databases such as BioSample, and the dbGaP systems.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program stimulates technological innovation in the private sector by strengthening the role of small business concerns in meeting Federal research and development needs, increasing the commercial application of federally supported research results, and fostering and encouraging participation by socially and economically disadvantaged and women-owned small businesses. The topics, listed below, are detailed on the SBIR/STTR topics homepage: Educational Technologies and Applications (EA) Information and Communication Technologies (IC) Semiconductors (S) and Photonic (PH) Devices and Materials Electronic Hardware, Robotics and Wireless Technologies (EW) Advanced Manufacturing and Nanotechnology (MN) Advanced Materials and Instrumentation (MI) Chemical and Environmental Technologies (CT) Biological Technologies (BT) Smart Health (SH) and Biomedical (BM) Technologies

The GEOMM program supports fundamental research on the mechanical and engineering properties of geologic materials including natural, mechanically stabilized, and biologically or chemically modified soil and rock. The program also addresses hydraulic, biological, chemical and thermal processes that affect the behavior of geologic materials. Research at the micro-scale on soil-structure interaction and liquefaction are included in the scope of this program. Support is provided for theoretical studies, constitutive and numerical modeling, laboratory, centrifuge, and field testing. Cross-disciplinary and international collaborations are encouraged.

The OPORP Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Award (OPORA) is being offered for the first time in FY14. It is intended to support research that evaluates the comparative effectiveness of and functional outcomes associated with prosthetic and orthotic clinical interventions and/or other rehabilitation interventions for Service Members and Veterans who have undergone limb salvage or limb amputation. The goal is to improve our understanding of and ultimately advance the implementation of the most effective prescriptions for prosthetic and orthotic devices, treatment, rehabilitation, and secondary health effect prevention options for patients, clinicians, other caregivers, and policymakers. Proposed projects should be designed to provide outcomes data regarding orthotic and prosthetic devices, and/or related clinical interventions and must include the anticipated effect on patient care metrics. Collaboration with military researchers and clinicians is encouraged, as are joint Department of Defense (DoD)-VA studies, including longitudinal outcome studies. Studies are sought that: * Compare different patient care approaches. * Include patient-centric outcome assessments. * Have the potential to generate new knowledge that can be developed into new clinical practice guidelines, and/or new prescription algorithms for prosthetic and orthotic devices. * Have the potential to develop new technology for improved prosthetic and orthotic devices, therefore improving patient outcomes. * Provide information on quality of life, reintegration, and/or return to duty/return to work as it pertains to those patients who use a prosthetic or orthotic device due to limb trauma. All applications must demonstrate direct relevance to Service Members and Veterans with traumatic extremity injury and/or amputation using prosthetics and orthotic devices. Examples of studies that are appropriate for submission to the FY14 OPORA include, but are not limited to, examination of the

Specific elements limiting the effectiveness of currently available designs and technologies include challenges wearer discomfort related to heat and ventilation, fluid penetration through materials, fit and sizing of apparel, and ease of correct donning and doffing. The objective of this research will focus on improving the material and design of gowns and respirators to address those and other issues, and demonstration of scalable production capability within US industry.

This Research Announcement (RA) solicits ground-breaking single-investigator proposals from junior faculty for research and development in the areas of physical sciences, engineering, materials, mathematics, biology, computing, informatics, and manufacturing of interest to DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO), Defense Sciences Office (DSO) and Microsystems Technology Office (MTO).

This Research Announcement (RA) solicits ground-breaking single-investigator proposals from junior faculty for research and development in the areas of physical sciences, engineering, materials, mathematics, biology, computing, informatics, and manufacturing of interest to DARPA's Biological Technologies Office (BTO), Defense Sciences Office (DSO) and Microsystems Technology Office (MTO).

This FOA aims to increase testing of populations most affected by chronic hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C; and training of health care providers. Part A is Networking & Capacity Building and Part B is Professional Education & Training. Part A strategies & activities should focus on leading and growing an existing national coalition that is geographically diverse, is in at least different 10 states; and whose members are actively involved in viral hepatitis. The aim is to share strategies, materials, and lessons learned among coalition members; provide technical assistance to conduct culturally competent educational outreach; build the capacity to test the target populations for chronic viral hepatitis; and engage members in implementing CDC’s national viral hepatitis educational campaign(s).Outcomes for Part A are: increased number and capacity of coalition members to deliver culturally competent educational outreach to target population; increased numbers of individuals tested for chronic viral hepatitis; and increased exposure to CDC’s national education campaign. Part B activities are: developing free, accurate, up-to-date, CE-accredited comprehensive web-based, on-demand hepatitis materials, resources and trainings for health care professionals. The outcomes for part B are increasing the knowledge and skills of health care professionals, including the ability to screen, diagnose, medically manage, and provide care to people with chronic viral hepatitis.

Collections in Support of Biological Research (CSBR) provides for enhancements that secure and improve existing research collections, improve the accessibility of collection-related data, develop capacity for curation and collection management, and to transfer ownership of collections that are significant to the NSF BIO-funded research community. Requests should demonstrate a clear and urgent need to secure or improve the collection, and the proposed activities should address that need. Types of biological collections that are supported include established living stock/culture collections, established natural history voucher collections, and jointly-curated ancillary collections such as preserved tissues and libraries of genetic and genomic materials. Biological research collections support essential research activities in the biological sciences. Collections are used to document biodiversity, identify species, understand organismal systems, recognize environmental shifts, explore alternate energy sources, understand evolutionary patterns, and improve agricultural, biomedical, and manufacturing applications. Natural history collections contain records of life on earth that are unique and irreplaceable, including specimens of extinct species and temporal information on changes in the ranges of native and introduced species. Many collections also house voucher-linked ancillary research materials (including DNA and frozen tissue samples, digital images, audio and video files). Living collections play a key role in the advancement and preservation of biological knowledge by providing well-characterized and documented experimental organisms to researchers at modest cost.

As a key activity, INL promotes the development of a professional network of substance use disorder prevention and treatment service providers, policymakers, academic professionals, and other stakeholders (the "workforce") to encourage and promote evidence-based, effective drug demand reduction around the world. The purpose of this project is to support the development of an international membership organization that can provide online support and materials for networking and professionalization of the workforce, partner and collaborate with existing organizations to promote the dissemination of evidence-based best practices, and convene periodic global events that create opportunities for the substance use prevention and treatment workforce to receive training and meet other stakeholders. The recipient will also be responsible for maintaining a database of education providers and training activities carried out using materials developed by INL Demand Reduction programs, including those offered by other recipients of INL Demand Reduction program funding.

The purpose of this grant is to continue to provide G.R. E.A.T. Instructor Certifications to Central American Officers plus overall management and coordination of the Program, including scheduling of trainers and training; regular review, revision, and updating of curricula and training processes; publication and production of materials and resources needed for training and for instructors in the field; maintenance and enhancement of a dual-language G.R.E.A.T. Web site; continued development of program curricula and materials to improve accessibility for Central American audiences; and monitoring and evaluation of Program implementation to ensure fidelity to the Program design and effective delivery of services.

The Molecular Separations program is part of the Chemical Process Systems cluster, which also includes 1) Catalysis; 2) Electrochemical Systems; and 3) Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics. The Molecular Separations program supports research focused on novel methods and materials for separation processes, such as those central to the chemical, biochemical, bioprocessing, materials, energy, and pharmaceutical industries. A fundamental understanding of the interfacial, transport, and thermodynamic behavior of multiphase chemical systems as well as quantitative descriptions of processing characteristics in the process-oriented industries is critical for efficient resource management and effective environmental protection. The program encourages proposals that address long standing challenges and emerging research areas and technologies, have a high degree of interdisciplinary work coupled with the generation of fundamental knowledge, and the integration of education and research. Research topics of particular interest include fundamental, molecular-level work.

The Catalysis program is part of the Chemical Process Systems cluster, which also includes: 1) the Electrochemical Systems program; 2) the Interfacial Engineering program; and 3) the Process Systems, Reaction Engineering, and Molecular Thermodynamics program. The goals of the Catalysis program are to increase fundamental understanding in catalytic engineering science and to advance the development of catalytic materials and reactions that are beneficial to society. Research in this program should focus on new concepts for catalytic materials and reactions, utilizing synthetic, theoretical, and experimental approaches. Target applications include fuels, specialty and bulk chemicals, environmental catalysis, biomass conversion to fuels and chemicals, conversion of greenhouse gases, and generation of solar hydrogen, as well as efficient routes to energy utilization. Heterogeneous catalysis represents the main thrust of the program. Proposals related to both gas-solid and liquid-solid heterogeneous catalysis are welcome, as are proposals that incorporate concepts from homogeneous catalysis. Topic areas that are of particular interest include: · Renewable energy-related catalysis with applications in electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, and catalytic conversion of biomass-derived chemicals. Catalysis aimed at closing the carbon cycle (especially conversion of CO2, methane, and natural gas to fuels and chemical intermediates). · Catalytic alternatives to traditionally non-catalytic reaction processes, as well as new catalyst designs for established catalytic processes. · Environmental catalysis (including energy-efficient and green routes to fuels and chemicals). ·

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Divisions of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS), Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF), Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB), and Materials Research (DMR) announces a follow-up solicitation on the Semiconductor Synthetic Biology for Information Storage and Retrieval Program (SemiSynBio-II). Future ultra-low energy storage-based computing systems can be built on principles derived from organic systems that are at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering. Next-generation information storage technologies can be envisioned that are driven by biological principles and use biomaterials in the fabrication of devices and systems that can store data for more than 100 years with storage capacity 1,000 times more than current storage technologies. Such a research effort can have a significant impact on the future of information storage and retrieval technologies. This focused solicitation seeks high-risk/high-return interdisciplinary research on novel concepts and enabling technologies that will address the fundamental scientific issues and technological challenges associated with the underpinnings of synthetic biology integrated with semiconductor technology. This research will foster interactions among various disciplines including biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, computer science and engineering that will enable in heretofore unanticipated breakthroughs.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Divisions of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS), Computing and Communication Foundations (CCF), Molecular and Cellular Biosciences (MCB), and Materials Research (DMR) announces a follow-up solicitation on the Semiconductor Synthetic Biology for Information Storage and Retrieval Program (SemiSynBio-II). Future ultra-low energy storage-based computing systems can be built on principles derived from organic systems that are at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, computer science and engineering. Next-generation information storage technologies can be envisioned that are driven by biological principles and use biomaterials in the fabrication of devices and systems that can store data for more than 100 years with storage capacity 1,000 times more than current storage technologies. Such a research effort can have a significant impact on the future of information storage and retrieval technologies. This focused solicitation seeks high-risk/high-return interdisciplinary research on novel concepts and enabling technologies that will address the fundamental scientific issues and technological challenges associated with the underpinnings of synthetic biology integrated with semiconductor technology. This research will foster interactions among various disciplines including biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, computer science and engineering that will enable in heretofore unanticipated breakthroughs.