Synopsis:
The Defense Sciences Office (DSO) of
the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA) is sponsoring two Proposer’s
Day workshops to discuss new strategies
that will allow for rapid testing for
Salmonella (a three-step process defined
as: 1) detection, 2) identification,
and 3) subtyping). Though ideally new
strategies would complete the entire
process from detection through subtyping
within 2 days, technologies that shorten
the time frame for any of the three
steps are of interest. Of particular
interest are those methods/technologies
that are effective in a variety of
food matrices and are capable of subtyping.
The development of more rapid and specific
analytical detection methods for Salmonella
will provide approaches that improve
our efforts to detect contamination
that may affect soldier and public
health and may be applicable to a broader
spectrum of pathogens and contaminants.
It is anticipated that SAFE-developed
techniques will also complement surveillance
and outbreak-related schemes utilized
by Federal agency partners.
The SAFE proposer’s day workshops will be held at two locations on two different dates with the same overview information being presented at each. This will give participants the option of the most convenient location and date. Access will be limited to one of the two workshops in order to ensure broad public attendance. The East Coast Workshop will be held on Wednesday June 10, 2009, at the Hyatt Regency in Reston, VA. The West Coast Workshop will be held on Friday, July 17, 2009, at the Westin Market Street in San Francisco, CA. The goals of the session are: (a) introduce the research community (industry, academia, and Government) to the SAFE program vision and goals, (b) explain the current need for accelerated Salmonella detection/identification/subtyping, (c) assess current capabilities, and (d) encourage and promote multi-disciplinary teams among potential research organizations that have the relevant expertise, facilities, and potential for executing a research and development plan responsive to the SAFE program.
The proposer’s day workshop will start with an overview presentation by DARPA in conjunction with the FDA, CDC, USDA, and DHS. Participants are encouraged to prepare posters describing previous or potential R&D capabilities consistent with the program goals in order to facilitate discussions and formation of well-rounded teams to meet the program metrics. For poster submissions, a one-page abstract must be submitted by May 29, 2009, 4:00PM ET to the East Coast registration website, or by July 2, 2009, 4:00PM ET to the West Coast registration website. 4ft x 4ft posters will be accommodated on a space available basis and will be accepted in order of submission for each location.
There are no registration fees to attend these teaming and information sessions. Details on the workshops, including registration and poster information, can be found at the following URLs:
East Coast Workshop: http://www.eventmakeronline.com/dso/View/Index.asp?meetingid=656. The password for login is: safeeast
The registration deadline date is May 22, 2009.
West Coast Workshop: http://www.eventmakeronline.com/dso/View/Index.asp?meetingid=657. The password for login is: safewest
The registration deadline date is June 29, 2009
Registration is limited by the venue capacity (maximum of 75 people, maximum of two from each institution). Additional personnel may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Again, access will be limited to one of the two workshops in order to ensure broad public attendance. Early registration is strongly recommended as space is limited by venue capacity. This special announcement is not a request for proposals; any so sent will be returned.
Other Point of Contact
Administrative Point of Contact for DARPA SAFE EAST:
Katherine Frattini, Contractor Support to DARPA/DSO; Email: kfrattini@sainc.com
Administrative Point of Contact for
DARPA SAFE WEST:
Mara Scheele, Contractor Support to
DARPA/DSO; Email: mara.scheele.ctr@darpa.mil
This announcement is not a request
for proposals; any so sent will be
returned. Nor does this announcement
guarantee any funding should a Broad
Agency Announcement be published related
to these workshops.
Contracting Office Address:
3701 North Fairfax Drive
Arlington, Virginia 22203-1714
Primary Point of Contact:
Jon K Mogford,
Program Manager, DSO
DARPA-BAA09-29@darpa.mil
Phone: 000-000-0000
Fax: 000-000-0000
