PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS:

• Baylor College of Medicine
• The Methodist Hospital Research Institute
• Rice University
• Texas A&M Health Science Center
• University of Houston
• University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
• University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
• University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

KEY DATES:
Release Date: April 8, 2008
Application Receipt Deadline: April 16, 2008

PURPOSE OF THIS REQUEST FOR APPLICATION:The Alliance for NanoHealth (ANH, www.nanohealthalliance.org) is issuing a High End Instrumentation (HEI) Request for Proposals (RFP) for the support of shared research equipment in recognition of the need for, and advantages of, continuing investment in critical instrumentation for the advancement of biomedical nanotechnology research. Awards are reserved for a single major item of equipment that is at least $200K in total cost, with the expectation that proposals that exceed $600K must also include matching fund mechanisms for the remaining balance. Principal Investigators (PI’s) must be able to assume administrative and scientific oversight responsibility for the shared instrument and be prepared to develop a business plan for the operation and maintenance for the equipment that may involve a cost recovery or “user fee” system.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:
This RFP invites applications that identify the need for a single high end item of equipment that is critical for the development and/or clinical translation of nanotechnology. Proposed instrumentation should enhance the collective capability and infrastructure of ANH Community.

FUNDS AVAILABLE:
The ANH will provide funding for the acquisition of the equipment only. The ANH intends to commit approximately $600K to fund approximately 1 to 3 new grants in response to FY2008 funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This RFP is a one-time solicitation. The award will be issued on or before October 15, 2008.

ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS AND PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS:
Faculty members at all ANH institutions are eligible to apply. If you are uncertain whether your institution is a member, please contact Dr. Jason Sakamoto, Chief Operating Officer of the ANH (see below for contact information). Applicants must demonstrate the credentials, experience, knowledge, and resources necessary to host the shared equipment and to establish a system to accommodate users from the ANH Community.

WHERE TO SEND INQUIRIES:
We encourage inquiries concerning this RFP and welcome the opportunity to answer questions from potential applicants. This RFP is administered by the ANH — kindly direct your questions to Dr. Jason Sakamoto (Contact information below).

SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION:
Signature by an appropriate institutional representative will be required ONLY IF the application is selected to be funded by the ANH review committee—at which time, applicants will be required to prepare their budgets and detailed proposal according to their institutional and HRSA guidelines.

Please submit applications in PDF format to:
Jason Sakamoto, Ph.D.
COO, Alliance for NanoHealth
Tel: (713) 500-2466
E-mail: jason.sakamoto@uth.tmc.edu

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:
Please use at least .5” margins and 10-point font. The proposal should be limited to one (1) page (not including a title page with contact information for principal investigators). Required information is listed below.

1. Title Page & PI Contact Information (Not included in 1-Page Limit)
2. Description of Equipment (Included in 1-Page Limit)
   Identify the piece of equipment and present its critical nature with respect to fulfilling gaps in research & development and/or the clinical translation of nanotechnology. Demonstrate the ability to operate, maintain, and provide access for members of the ANH community to the shared instrument.
3. Budget Summary and Justification (Included in 1-Page Limit)
   Provide a brief statement of cost and justification. It is not necessary to include an itemized budget at this time. Justification entails providing language pertaining to the scope of the purchase. If the request exceeds $600K, please provide details regarding the matching fund mechanism that will assist in the purchase of the desired instrumentation.