The Department of Health and Human Services, specifically the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is seeking proposals for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract proposals. The topic of the solicitation is "Ultra-Fast Dose Rate (FLASH) Radiation Detectors and Safety Systems for Cancer Treatment".
The research aims to develop radiation detectors that can accurately measure ultra-fast dose rates of 40-120 Gy/second, which is necessary for the implementation of FLASH radiation therapy in the clinic. Current devices lack the response times required for this level of dose rate.
The potential impact of this technology is significant, as FLASH radiation therapy has been shown to have fewer side effects compared to regular radiation therapy. The development of reliable radiation detectors will enable the safe utilization of FLASH treatment techniques in cancer treatment.
The solicitation is open for Fast-Track and Direct-to-Phase II proposals. The anticipated number of awards is 2-3, and the budget for Phase I is up to $400,000 for up to 12 months, while Phase II has a budget of up to $2,000,000 for up to 2 years. Proposals that exceed the budget or project duration may not be funded.
For more information and to submit a proposal, interested parties can visit the SBIR topic link at https://www.sbir.gov/node/2451713. The solicitation can be found at https://sam.gov/opp/aa72581c848947f0b61c15062e604862/view. The application due date is November 14, 2023.