Q: Who is SAIC and what is its role in the SMA Project?
A: Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) is the nation’s largest employee-owned research and engineering company. As the prime contractor for the SMA Project, SAIC supports the NINDS in the management of all aspects of this program. These activities include (1) soliciting research proposals and managing panels of scientific experts for proposal review, (2) awarding research subcontracts, and (3) monitoring the course of subcontracted research projects and working with funded investigators to achieve performance milestones. SAIC serves as a resource center for Offerors and provides other management/administrative services to NINDS in support of the SMA Project.

Q: Who can submit a pre-proposal to the SMA Project?
A: Funding for the SMA Project is open to any U.S. or non-U.S. organization with the appropriate expertise (e.g., therapeutics development or neurodegenerative disorders) and adequate resources to perform any resulting subcontract (in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in the RFP). Offers will not be accepted from any SAIC employee or business unit.

Q: Is there a limit on the number of proposals a researcher or group can submit for support?
A: No. But, while there is no limit on the number of proposals an Offeror can submit, it is expected that an Offeror carefully consider his/her own time/effort responsibilities prior to submitting a proposal and that ample time be devoted to completing any proposed research for and funded by the SMA Project.

Q: What is the duration of support for an approved project?
A: Time lines for proposed research are expected to be as efficient/short as possible, yet feasible to complete the approved research. SAIC’s contract with the NINDS for the SMA Project ends September 30, 2007. Research results/products should be available for use by others as early during the period of this contract as possible.

Q: Can only one award be made for each RFP?
A: No. The number of awards made for each RFP depends on the number of qualified submissions and the best use of funds (determined by the NINDS) to meet the overall goals of the SMA Project.

Q: Will I own the intellectual property developed from my funded SMA research project?
A: Yes. An intellectual property clause will be included in the Subcontract Agreement, which will require the development of an intellectual property plan for research tools and products that are successfully developed with funding through the SMA Project. The intellectual property plan will be in compliance with the Bayh-Dole Act and as such will provide for the Government to acquire a non-exclusive license for the use of the product. Additionally, the plan must ensure that the product is freely available for use within the SMA Project and should not impose inappropriate reach-through royalty terms. The full intellectual property clause can be found in the Subcontract Agreement.

Q: Is it true that my subcontract can be terminated at any time?
A: Technically yes. However, the SMA Project hopes that this will not happen. A subcontract will be terminated if the milestones outlined in the subcontract cannot be achieved in a timely way. The purpose of each RFP is to request the production of a specific product (e.g., mouse model, cell line, and SMN detection kit). The SMA Project hopes to generate the products/research tools and works closely with funded investigators to ensure their successful development. Frequent updates keep SAIC informed of progress between milestones and allow SAIC to provide assistance in meeting milestones if necessary.

The SMA Project is
managed by