--US Army Dental & Trauma Research Detachment (USADTRD) intends to award a sole source to Dept. of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Univ. of WA (UW), D-652 Health Sciences Center, Seattle, WA 98195-7444 for dental research services.

The contract involves a research project aimed at enhancing periodontal health by identifying specific oral bacterial structures that strengthen the innate immune defense in gum tissue. These bacterial components will be integrated into a gum base currently used to deliver KSL, an antimicrobial peptide developed by the US Army Dental & Trauma Research Detachment. The University of Washington’s Department of Periodontics will utilize a germ-free mouse model to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of these natural agents, as testing with larger animal models is cost-prohibitive. The ultimate objective is to improve gingival health and offer additional protective benefits for soldiers who may be unable to maintain regular oral hygiene. This award is planned as a sole-source contract to the University of Washington’s School of Dentistry based in Seattle for specialized dental research services. Interested organizations capable of providing similar services were invited to respond by May 7, 2007. The research is designed to support defense-related health initiatives by advancing oral health technologies that enhance innate immunity within periodontal tissue.