The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine's Endowment for Education and Research is issuing a request for proposal for studies of the costs, accuracy, risks and benefits of ultrasound compared to other imaging modalities. Proposals should address decision analysis regarding a specific disease entity, patient symptom, or anatomic region. In addition to cost, radiation exposure can also be addressed. The purpose of the RFP is to evaluate cost consequences (projected nationally with current practice and projections of future cost savings) and safety of use of ultrasound in the initial evaluation or follow-up of patients with specific indications. The analysis should take into account the detection rates of disease(s), false-positive and false-negative rates of different imaging techniques, and consequent costs and morbidities, including unnecessary surgery and failures to perform needed surgery.

Criteria:

• The AIUM Endowment for Education and Research has allocated up to $50,000 for one or more grants in this area.
  
  
• The deadline for submission of applications is July 1, 2008.
  
  
• Only one application per individual will be accepted, and the proposal must include evidence of prior experience in similar investigations. There is no allocation for institutional overhead. The AIUM EER does not fund the purchase of capital items.
  
  
• Funds should be disbursed to tax exempt organizations. If the grant recipient is not tax exempt per IRS Publication 78, the grant recipient will be issued a 1099 for tax reporting purposes. Exempt organizations must supply a copy of their IRS Determination Letter and all others must complete a Form W9 before funds can be disbursed.
  
  
• The AIUM will distribute all funds to the PI's institution. Subdivision of funds (identified in the budget proposal) to other participants will be the responsibility of the host institution, in coordination with the principal investigator. Prior to the distribution of funds, the AIUM will require a signed agreement between the host institution and the AIUM. Institutional overhead (indirect) costs will not be funded. Funds will be disbursed on the following basis: 50% at award, 40% at 6-month progress report, and 10% at final report.
  
  
• The recipient should anticipate being invited to present the results at the annual meeting of the AIUM (travel paid for by AIUM). A progress report will be required at six months and a final report within three months of completion of the project. The AIUM should be kept informed of publications and presentations resulting from AIUM support, even after submission of the final progress report. Notation acknowledging AIUM support should be made in all publications and presentations.