July 22, 2019

USACE Funding Opportunity: Development of Genomics and Behavioral Assays for Understanding Neurotoxicity of Chemicals and Effects on Performance

Request for Statements of Interest Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit

Project Number W912HZ-19-SOI-0034

Project Title: Development of Genomics and Behavioral Assays for Understanding Neurotoxicity of Chemicals and Effects on Performance

Full RSOI: USACE_W912HZ-19-SOI-0034

Responses to this Request for Statements of Interest will be used to identify potential investigators for studies to be sponsored by the Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to provide research for the development of genomic approaches and behavioral assays to understand the potential neurotoxicity of chemicals and effects on performance and decision-making.

Approximately $70K is expected to be available to support this project for the base year and up to $140K additional funds per year for two (2) option years. This would provide potential funding of $210K (based on funding availability) over the anticipated 3-yr project life.

Project Description
This project will determine changes in behavior that can be linked to neurotoxicity and potential effects on performance and decision-making. The project is focused on one species, the zebrafish (Danio rerio), as well as on gut microbiome composition after chemical exposure. The ultimate goal is to understand the neurotoxic effects of chemicals on zebrafish behavior and performance as well as to elucidate the potential implication of the gut microbiome on neurotoxicity through the gut-brain axis.
The outcome of this project will be the development of a neurobehavior pathway that links chemical exposure to zebrafish adult behavior as well as to changes in the gut microbiome, endpoints that can be used to evaluate effects on performance and decision-making.

Please send responses or direct questions to:
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
ERDC Contracting Office (ECO)
3909 Halls Ferry Road
Vicksburg, MS 39180

Timeline for Review of Statements of Interest
Review of Statements of Interest will begin after the SOI has been posted on the CESU website for 10 working days.

Posted: 7/22/19.