U.S. Army Research Office, AMXRO-PR, P.O. Box 12211, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211

A -- BIOTECHNOLOGY INFORMATION FACILITY Sol DAAH04-96-R-BAA2. Due 011596. Contact, Dr. Donna M. Cookmeyer, 919-549-4343/ Contracting Officer, Janet Lockhart, 919/549-4267. The Chemical and Biological Sciences Division of the U.S. Army Research Office (ARO, 4300 S. Miami Blvd., P.O. Box 12211, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2211) solicits proposals from U.S. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and Minority Institutions (MI) for the Development of facilities that will support current research in biotechnology, especially in areas of Army interest such as biodegradation and remediation, enzyme characterization and design, biodetection of chemical and biological agents, signal transduction, and the study of materials with extraordinary properties from biological sources. Appropriate areas to consider for support facilities include, but are not limited to: establishing computing, data, and communications networks; data collection and analysis; installing and disseminating databases; establishing technical support systems; updating available curricula in biotechnology; developing symposia, conferences, workshops, and/or seminar series in biotechnology. It is expected that the bulk of the funds awarded will be used to develop information resources as described above to support research in biotechnology. As part of this larger effort, the Army will entertain the possibility of allotting some portion of the funds to be used for upgrading existing facilities (dedicated to supporting biotechnology research) or acquiring new instrumentation and equipment. Priority will be given to research proposals that promote productive collaborations and encourage technology and information sharing/transfer with Army scientists and engineers in order to maximize the effects of Army investments. Up to 10% of the available funds may be used in conjunction with an industrial partner to enhance the resources available to the HBCU or MI. Proposals designed to organize and unite disparate disciplines in biotechnology and to develop a communications network of research, information, and analysis are strongly encouraged. It is anticipated that one award will be made which will be fully funded in the amount of approximately $9 million over a 5-year period. Original and nine copies of institutionally approved, signed, completed proposals must be submitted to ARO, ATTN: AMXRO-ICA (DAAH04-96-R-BAA2) no later than 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on January 15, 1996. Proposals must be submitted and will be evaluated in accordance with the ARO Broad Agency Announcement which may be obtained from ARO, ATTN: AMXRO-PR. The points of contact for this solicitation are: Technical, Dr. Donna Cookmeyer, (919) 549-4343; Contracting, Janet Lockhart, (919) 549-4267. (293)

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