Federal Business Opportunities synopsis for NRA NNH04ZUU002N, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Research Announcement: NASA's Office of Biological and Physical Research (OBPR), solicits proposals for NASA Specialized Center of Research (NSCOR) for the Estimation of Solid Tumor Cancer Risks from Space Radiation.
The central focus of this solicitation is research that will provide the basis for estimation of solid tumor cancer risks from space radiation. Analysis of epidemiological data on human and animal populations exposed to ionizing radiation is not expected to lead to the desired levels of accuracy, and cannot provide the understanding of biological processes intervening between radiation exposure and manifest disease. However, it is also recognized that molecular biology mechanisms, by themselves, are necessary but not sufficient as a basis for human risk estimates. This solicitation assumes that the required advances will evolve from studies with animal models and tissues, elucidating mechanisms hypothesized on the basis of cellular and molecular studies, and extrapolating the knowledge acquired to different species; in particular, to humans. This solicitation does not solicit large-population animal studies or proposals for life-span studies or similar investigations.
All applicants are required to discuss how their research may lead to risk estimates for protons and HZE particles, using animal models, including transgenic models of human cancers and how the proposed results can be extrapolated to estimate human solid tumor cancer risk from space radiation. In this context, cross-species comparisons using intermediate biological models representative of complex human models (e.g., skin, rat trachea, lung, etc.) may be of interest. In some cases, such extrapolations may not be obtainable directly from the research proposed; in those cases, investigators are required to make a compelling case for the argument that their research will result in major advances that are required for future extrapolation.
An assessment of the statistical power of analysis associated with the research is required, keeping in mind the NASA objective of attaining ±50% as the error in the predicted probability of excess solid tumor cancer fatality. It is likely that other consequences of space radiation exposure will become incorporated in future radiation risk assessments and need to be considered by investigators, where appropriate. While attainment of the eventually desired error margin may not be possible for current investigations, it is nevertheless a requirement that investigators attempt to provide a realistic, quantitative assessment of the extent to which their proposed research is likely to contribute to this objective.
Radiation exposures required to conduct the research will use ground-based irradiation facilities at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in Upton, New York. NASA will not fund beam time or related expenses at accelerator facilities other than BNL.
The primary criterion for an award will be scientific merit. Proposers are encouraged to establish interdisciplinary teams. All participants in this solicitation are strongly encouraged to promote general scientific literacy and public understanding of life sciences, the space environment, and the OBPR programs through formal and informal education opportunities. Where appropriate, supported investigators will collaborate with NASA to develop a plan for communicating their work to the public.
Starting on or about June 11, 2004, this solicitation will be available electronically via the Internet at:
http://research.hq.nasa.gov/code_u/nra/current/NNH04ZUU002N/index.html
The solicitation will be open for the period June 11, 2004 through August 13, 2004; proposals may be submitted at any time throughout the period.
For those who do not have access to the Internet, paper copies of this NRA can be obtained by calling (202) 479-9030, ext. 277. Please leave a voice mail message stating your full name, address with zip code, telephone number with area code, and the NRA number (NNH04ZUU002N).
The technical point of contact for this effort is Dr. David Tomko, Code UB, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC 20546-0001. This notice constitutes a NASA Research Announcement as contemplated in FAR 6.102 (d) (2). Notice of Intent to propose is due July 12, 2004. Proposal due date is August 13, 2004.
This is a broad Agency announcement as specified in FAR 6.102 (d) (2).
Notwithstanding the posting of this opportunity at FedBizOpps.gov, Grants.gov, or at both sites, NASA reserves the right to determine the appropriate award instrument for each proposal selected pursuant to this announcement.
