Notice of Intent to Increase the Ceiling on N66001-15-C-4038

This is a notice of intent to increase the ceiling of Contract N66001-15-C-4038 to Case Western Reserve University, awarded by SSC Pacific on behalf of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Defense Sciences Office (DARPA/DSO) on 22 June 2015 for a performance period of eighteen (18) months. This effort demonstrates the feasibility of restoring natural sensation of foot contact and pressure, along with the mechanical loading of the ankle, to trans-tibial amputees by appropriately modulating patterns of electrical stimulation applied to the intact peripheral sensory nerves. The CWRU team has demonstrated closed loop sensory feedback between implanted electrodes and lower limb prosthetic device. This groundbreaking work is advancing DARPAs neurotechnology portfolio in support of President Obamas BRAIN Initiative. This additional effort seeks to add tasking to this effort with these specific aims: 1) extend their findings to additional human patients including an additional trans-tibial- and two trans-femoral amputees in order to validate these results, 2) determine the chronic stability of sensory perceptions, 3) map stimulus threshold, location, modality and intensity of sensory responses, 4) Perform functional testing of the effects of sensory stimulation on standing and walking balance, biomechanics and cognitive effort, 5) Integrate transducer outputs from a microprocessor-controlled leg into the laboratory based stimulation control system The NAICS code for this procurement is 541712. Due to the nature of Research and Development efforts, DARPA could not have reasonably estimated the results of the research from this program, which has seen breakthroughs that will benefit from continued research under this current contract. This action includes a ceiling increase of approximately $970,000. This notice of intent is not a request for competitive proposals or quotes and will be posted for 15 days. A determination by the Government not to compete based upon response to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Interested parties may submit comments in writing to the Contract Specialist, Ms. Megan Ashley, Code 22530, SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific who may be reached by telephone at +1 (555) 000-0000 or via email to contact@example.gov.