The FY20 Defense Appropriation Act provides $10 million to the Department of Defense Military Burn Research Program (MBRP) to support a research portfolio in the treatment of burns and the trauma associated with burn injuries sustained during combat or combat-related activities. Outcomes of successful research are anticipated to benefit Service members, Veterans, and the general public.  The managing agent for the anticipated Program Announcement/Funding Opportunity is the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).

The MBRP is providing the information in this pre-announcement to allow investigators time to plan and develop ideas for submission to the anticipated FY20 funding opportunity. This pre-announcement should not be construed as an obligation by the Government. The FY20 MBRP Program Announcement and General Application Instructions for the following award mechanism will be posted on the Grants.gov website. Pre-application and application deadlines will be available when the Program Announcement is released. 

The MBRP encourages applications that propose research that advances the development or refinement of interventions, technologies, or knowledge projects that will enable non-medical personnel or medical first responders to provide appropriate burn care closer to the point of injury to enhance the potential for better long-term outcomes. Applications submitted to the FY20 MBRP must address at least one of the following Focus Areas:   

• Burn care solutions for use by non-medical first responders in a Prolonged Field Care (PFC) scenario.
• Burn care solutions for use by the medical first responder in the pre-hospital setting (not necessarily in a PFC scenario).

https://cdmrp.army.mil/pubs/press/2020/20mbrppreann

 

Clinical Translational Research Award

Independent investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent) may be named as PI in the application.

• Supports clinical research projects that are likely to have a major impact on therapy by applying promising and well-founded laboratory, pre-clinical, or clinical research findings to the care of the burn-injured patient.
• The proposed study must include clinical research, and may include initial proof of concept trials, studies involving use of human anatomical substances, observational studies, and/or involve some retrospective data analysis.
• Large randomized clinical trials are discouraged.
• Preliminary data is required.
• Animal research is not allowed.

• ·         Pre-application is required; application submission is by invitation only.

• Maximum funding of $1.5 million (M) for total costs (direct costs plus indirect costs)

• ·         Maximum period of performance is 4 years

 

A pre-application is required and must be submitted through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) at https://eBRAP.org prior to the pre-application deadline. All applications must conform to the final Program Announcement and General Application Instructions that will be available for electronic downloading from the Grants.gov website. The application package containing the required forms for the award mechanism will also be found on Grants.gov. A listing of all CDMRP and other USAMRDC extramural funding opportunities can be obtained on the Grants.gov website by performing a basic search using CFDA Number 12.420. 

Submission deadlines are not available until the Program Announcements are released. For email notification when Program Announcements are released, subscribe to program-specific news and updates under “Email Subscriptions” on the eBRAP homepage at https://eBRAP.org. For more information about the MBRP or other CDMRP-administered programs, please visit the CDMRP website (https://cdmrp.army.mil).

Point of Contact:

CDMRP Public Affairs
301-619-9783
usarmy.detrick.medcom-cdmrp.mbx.cdmrp-public-affairs@mail.mil

The FY20 Defense Appropriation provides $15 million (M) to the Department of Defense Autism Research Program (ARP) to provide support for research of exceptional scientific merit and innovation with high impact that focuses on autism spectrum disorders (ASD).  As directed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, the Defense Health Agency J9, Research and Development Directorate, manages the Defense Health Program’s Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation.  The managing agent for the anticipated Program Announcements/Funding Opportunities is the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).

Subject to the FY20 Congressional appropriation for ARP funding, FY20 ARP Program Announcements and General Application Instructions for the following award mechanisms will be posted on the Grants.gov website.  Pre-application and application deadlines will be available when the Program Announcements are released. 

https://cdmrp.army.mil/pubs/press/2020/20arppreann

Clinical Trial Award

Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent), or

Nested Early-Career Investigator Option: Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent) may collaborate on a single application with a young investigator (at the level of postdoctoral fellow up to early-career independent faculty) who meets the following criteria at the application submission deadline date:

• Must be in a current postdoctoral training position or have completed postdoctoral training by the application deadline
• Is no more than 7 years from the receipt of a terminal degree

• ·         Has the freedom to commit at least 50% time to the project

• Supports research with the potential to have a major impact on the treatment and/or management of ASD.
• Preliminary data relevant to the proposed clinical trial are required.
• Pre-application is required; application submission is by invitation only.

• ·         Nested Early-Career Investigator Option: Supports the development of young investigators pursuing or wishing to pursue a career in ASD clinical trial research.

• Maximum funding of $2,000,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs).
• Maximum period of performance is 4 years.

• ·         Nested Early-Career Investigator Option:

• Maximum funding of $2,300,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs).

• ·         Maximum period of performance is 4 years.

Clinical Translational Research Award

Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent)

• Supports early-phase, proof-of-principle clinical trials with the potential to have a major impact on the treatment and/or management of ASD.
• Preliminary data relevant to the proposed project are required.

• ·         Pre-application is required; application submission is by invitation only.

• Maximum funding of $600,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs).

• ·         Maximum period of performance is 3 years.

 

Idea Development Award

Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent)

Multiple PI Option: 
Up to two investigators may collaborate on a single application, each of whom will be recognized as a Principal Investigator and receive a separate award. 

• Supports the development of innovative, high-impact ideas that advance the understanding of ASD and ultimately lead to improved outcomes. Preliminary data relevant to the proposed project are required.
• Pre-application is required; application submission is by invitation only.

• ·         Clinical trials or applications including a clinical trial aim are not allowed.

• Maximum funding of $550,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs).

• ·         Maximum period of performance is 3 years.

A pre-application is required and must be submitted through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) at https://eBRAP.org prior to the pre-application deadline.  All applications must conform to the final Program Announcements and General Application Instructions that will be available for electronic downloading from the Grants.gov website.  The application package containing the required forms for each award mechanism will also be found on Grants.gov.  A listing of all CDMRP and other USAMRDC extramural funding opportunities can be obtained on the Grants.gov website by performing a basic search using CFDA Number 12.420. 

Submission deadlines are not available until the Program Announcements are released.  For email notification when Program Announcements are released, subscribe to program-specific news and updates under “Email Subscriptions” on the eBRAP homepage at https://eBRAP.org.  For more information about the ARP or other CDMRP-administered programs, please visit the CDMRP website (https://cdmrp.army.mil).

Point of Contact:

CDMRP Public Affairs
301-619-9783
usarmy.detrick.medcom-cdmrp.mbx.cdmrp-public-affairs@mail.mil

After a two-year advocacy and grassroots campaign by ASAE and the UBIT Coalition (of which NAVREF was a part), Congress repealed a section of the 2017 tax law that required associations and other tax-exempt organizations to pay UBIT on employee benefits such as parking and transportation.

As part of a massive, bipartisan year-end spending and tax package agreed to this week, Congress repealed a section of the 2017 tax law that required associations and other tax-exempt organizations to pay a 21 percent unrelated business income tax (UBIT) on employee benefits, such as parking and transportation. Ultimately, Congress recognized that nonprofit employee benefits like parking and transit assistance are not a trade or business conducted for the production of income and therefore should not be regarded as taxable under the UBIT statute.

Los Angeles, CA, November 12, 2019 - Representatives from Brentwood Biomedical Research Institute (BBRI) and Sepulveda Research Corporation (SRC) announced this week that the two nonprofit corporations of the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) merged on October 31, 2019 resulting in the Greater Los Angeles Research and Education Foundation (GLAVREF).

BBRI and SRC are currently leading forces for VAGLAHS in providing the medical facility with flexible funding mechanisms for the conduct and functions related to approved research, education, and training at the West Los Angeles and North Hills campuses of the VA. According to GLAVREF Board Chairman Dr. David Beenhouwer, “The merger will unite BBRI and SRC into a single non-profit corporation, GLAVREF, serving the research and educational needs of

VA Greater Los Angeles. Moving forward, this will streamline processes, increase efficiency and strengthen our ability both to provide the best services for the GLA research community and to help compete successfully for diverse funding opportunities.”

Established in 1988, BBRI has managed funds totaling $217,137,381 to advance the mission of research and education for the health of Veterans at VAGLAHS. “The merger of BBRI and SRC joining together as GLAVREF is an exciting time in Veterans research. We are striving to become one organization that provides efficient and effective services to the research community and all stakeholders of the VAGLAHS,” noted Thoyd Ellis, Acting Executive Director/CFO at BBRI.

Established in 1989, SRC has managed funds totaling $66,549,877 to advance the mission of research and education for the health of Veterans at North Hills VA; the system merged with VAGLAHS in 1998. Of the merger, SRC Executive Director Bonita L. Krall states “A merger has been on my radar for many years and it is exciting that GLAVREF is finally happening. It is in the best interest of our research and education community to have a single entity support their endeavors to improve the lives and well-being of our Veteran population. We look forward to continuing our proficient support to all investigators and clinicians here at GLA.”

The new organization led by Executive Director Jane Cheung will focus on increased services, efficiency, and revenue growth. GLAVREF will officially conduct business at both the West LA and North Hills campuses starting October 31, 2019.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation

Jane Cheung, Executive Director: (818) 895-5881

The Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Defense Appropriations Bill has not been signed into law.  Although FY20 funds have not been appropriated for the Department of Defense Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP), the NFRP is providing the information in this pre-announcement to allow investigators time to plan and develop ideas for submission to the anticipated FY20 funding opportunities. This pre-announcement should not be construed as an obligation by the Government.

The FY20 Defense Appropriations Act is anticipated to provide funding to the Department of Defense Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) to support innovative, high-impact NF research.  The managing agent for the anticipated Program Announcements/Funding Opportunities is the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).

Subject to the FY20 Congressional appropriation for NFRP funding, FY20 NFRP Program Announcements and General Application Instructions for the following award mechanisms will be posted on the Grants.gov website.  Pre-application and application deadlines will be available when the Program Announcements are released.

Areas of Emphasis: The NFRP encourages applications that specifically address the critical needs of the NF community in one or more of the FY20 Areas of Emphasis.  Not all Areas of Emphasis are applicable to each award mechanism offered by the FY20 NFRP.  If the proposed research project does not address one of the FY20 Areas of Emphasis, justification that the proposed research project addresses an important problem related to NF research and/or patient care should be provided. Applications submitted to the FY20 NFRP must address one or more of the following Areas of Emphasis:

• Biomarker discovery, utility, development, and validation
• Non-tumor manifestations not limited to:

o  Pain

o  Cognitive Manifestations

o  Sleep

• Heterogeneity of NF-related tumors
• Novel disease and treatment response markers using genetics, genomics, epigenetics, systems biology, metabolomics, or similar approaches
• Preclinical efficacy studies
• Target identification, drug discovery
• Nutritional, environmental, and other modifiers of NF
• Health services research

• https://cdmrp.army.mil/pubs/press/2020/20nfrppreann
• Clinical Trial Award
• Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent)

·        Funds Phase 0, I, or II clinical trials relevant to NF and/or schwannomatosis; combinations of phases are permitted.

·        Funding must support a clinical trial and may not be used for preclinical studies.

·        Scientific rationale and preliminary data required for Phase I, II clinical trial applications.

·      Maximum funding of $800,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·      Maximum funding of $1M for direct costs (plus indirect costs) for applications including a Collaborator

·      Maximum period of performance is 4 years

Exploration – Hypothesis Development Award

All academic levels (or equivalent)

·        Funds the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain and potentially groundbreaking concepts in NF research.

·        Projects involving human subjects or human biological substances must be exempt under 32 CFR 219.104(d) or eligible for expedited review under 32 CFR 219.110 or 21 CFR 56.110.

·        Preliminary and/or published data is encouraged but not required.

·        Clinical trials not allowed.

·      Maximum funding of $100,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·      Maximum period of performance is 2 years

Investigator-Initiated Research Award

Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent) and must plan to commit at least a 10% level of effort for each budget period throughout the entirety of the award

·      Funds highly rigorous, high-impact research projects that have the potential to make an important contribution to NF research and/or patient care.

·      Optional Features: Applications meeting criteria identified in the announcement may apply for a higher level of funding for the following options: Qualified Collaborator and/or NF Open Science Initiative (NF-OSI).

·      Preliminary and/or published data is required.

·      Clinical trials not allowed.

·     Maximum funding of $525,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·     Maximum funding of $575,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs) for applications including either an Optional Qualified Collaborator or NF-OSI option

·     Maximum funding of $625,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs) for applications including both, an Optional Qualified

New Investigator Award

Investigators at or below the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent) or an established investigator at or above the level of Assistant Professor seeking to transition into a career in NF research

·      Supports the continued development of promising independent investigators and/or the transition of established investigators into a career in the field of NF research.

·      Experience in NF research is allowed, but not required.

·      Preliminary and/or published data is required.

·      Clinical trials not allowed

·     Maximum funding of $450,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·     Maximum period of performance is 3 years

Early Investigator Research Award

Postdoctoral Ph.D. or M.D. PIs:

·   Must have successfully defended a doctoral thesis or possess an M.D. degree, and

·   Have at least 3 years and up to 6 years of consecutive postdoctoral fellowship

·   Supports research opportunities focused on NF for individuals in the early stages of their careers.

·   PIs must have a designated mentor who is an experienced NF researcher.

·     Maximum funding of $200,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·     Maximum period of performance is 2 years

Synergistic Idea Award (NEW for FY20)

Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent)

·      Supports new or existing partnerships between two or three investigators to address a central innovative question or problem in NF that may be high risk, provided there is a potential for significant impact.

·      PIs are expected to demonstrate within the application the synergistic components (i.e., leveraging disciplines, expertise or critical resources) that will significantly advance the project such that the research outcomes as a whole will be realized rapidly and efficiently and could not otherwise be accomplished through independent efforts of a single PI.

·      Preliminary and/or published data is required.

·      Synergy, Research Strategy, Personnel, and Impact are the most important review criteria.

·      Clinical trials are not allowed.

·     Maximum funding of $2M for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·     Maximum period of performance is 3 years

A pre-application is required and must be submitted through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) at https://eBRAP.org prior to the pre-application deadline.  All applications must conform to the final Program Announcements and General Application Instructions that will be available for electronic downloading from the Grants.gov website.  The application package containing the required forms for each award mechanism will also be found on Grants.gov.  A listing of all CDMRP and other USAMRDC extramural funding opportunities can be obtained on the Grants.gov website by performing a basic search using CFDA Number 12.420. 

Submission deadlines are not available until the Program Announcements are released.  For email notification when Program Announcements are released, subscribe to program-specific news and updates under “Email Subscriptions” on the eBRAP homepage at https://eBRAP.org.  For more information about the NFRP or other CDMRP-administered programs, please visit the CDMRP website (https://cdmrp.army.mil).

Point of Contact:

CDMRP Public Affairs
301-619-9783
usarmy.detrick.medcom-cdmrp.mbx.cdmrp-public-affairs@mail.mil

The Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Defense Appropriations Bill has not been signed into law.  Although FY20 funds have not been appropriated for the Department of Defense Tuberous Sclerosis Research Program (TSCRP), the TSCRP is providing the information in this pre-announcement to allow investigators time to plan and develop ideas for submission to the anticipated FY20 funding opportunities.  This pre-announcement should not be construed as an obligation by the Government.

The FY20 Defense Appropriations Act is anticipated to provide funding to the Department of Defense Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program (TSCRP) to support innovative, high-impact TSC research.  As directed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, the Defense Health Agency J9, Research and Development Directorate manages the Defense Health Program (DHP) Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation.  The managing agent for the anticipated Program Announcements/Funding Opportunities is the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).

Subject to the FY20 Congressional appropriation for TSCRP funding, FY20 TSCRP Program Announcements and General Application Instructions for the following award mechanisms will be posted on the Grants.gov website.  Pre-application and application deadlines will be available when the Program Announcements are released. 

Applications submitted to the FY20 TSCRP are encouraged to address one or more of the following Focus Areas:

• Eradicating tumors associated with TSC and TSC-associated lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), including gaining a deeper mechanistic understanding of TSC signaling pathways

• Preventing epilepsy, improving treatment, and mitigating comorbidities associated with TSC-related seizures
• Understanding the features of TSC-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND) and reducing their impact, including pharmacological and behavioral interventions
• Advancing clinical trial readiness and optimizing clinical care through development of biomarkers and clinical outcome measures, patient selection and sample size determination, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) studies, and enhanced trial design

https://cdmrp.army.mil/pubs/press/2020/20tscrppreann

Exploration – Hypothesis Development Award

Investigators at or above postdoctoral fellow (or equivalent)

·      Supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in the TSC research field.

·      Projects involving human subjects or human biological substances must be exempt under 32 CFR 219.101(b)(4) or eligible for expedited review under 32 CFR 219.110 or 21 CFR 56.110.

·      Preliminary data are not required.

·      Research projects must be innovative, feasible, and supported by a strong rationale.

·      Innovation is the most important review criterion.

·      Clinical trials are not allowed.

·    Maximum funding of $150,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·    Maximum period of performance is 2 years

Idea Development Award

Established Investigators: Independent investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent);

or New Investigators:

Independent investigator at or below the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent); or

Established independent investigator in an area other than TSC at or above the level of Assistant Professor seeking to transition to a career in TSC, thereby bringing his/her expertise to the field.

• Must not have received more than $300,000 in total direct costs for previous or concurrent TSC research as a Principal Investigator of one or more Federally funded, non-mentored peer-reviewed grants. (National Institutes of Health K Awardees are eligible to apply.)
• Must not have received a New Investigator Award previously from any program within the CDMRP.

·      Supports new ideas that have the potential to yield high-impact findings and new avenues of investigation.

·      Preliminary data are expected.

·      Impact and Innovation are important review criteria.

·      Clinical trials are not allowed.

·      New Investigator Option supports the continued development of promising independent investigators that are early in their faculty appointments and/or the transition or established investigators from other research fields into career in TSC research.

·      Applications from New Investigators and Established Investigators will be peer and programmatically reviewed separately.

• Maximum funding of $450,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs)
• Maximum period of performance is 3 years

Clinical Translational Research Award

Independent Investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent)

·      Supports studies that will move promising, well-founded preclinical and/or clinical research findings closer to clinical application, including, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of TSC.

·      Studies advancing clinical trial readiness through development of biomarkers, clinical endpoint, and validation of PK/PD are of particular interest.

·      Applications may include a small, pilot clinical trial intended to inform the next step in the continuum of translational research. Pilot clinical trials, including behavioral interventions, are encouraged.

·      Preference will be given to studies that involve human samples, patients, or leverage existing clinical data and/or ongoing clinical studies.

·      Preclinical studies may be appropriate but must include a clinical component.

·      Projects that are exploratory and/or strictly animal research will not be considered for funding.

·      Clinical Translational Potential is the most important review criterion.

·      Preliminary data are required.

·    Maximum funding of $600,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·      Maximum period of performance is 3 years

A pre-application is required and must be submitted through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) at https://eBRAP.org prior to the pre-application deadline.  All applications must conform to the final Program Announcements and General Application Instructions that will be available for electronic downloading from the Grants.gov website.  The application package containing the required forms for each award mechanism will also be found on Grants.gov.  A listing of all CDMRP and other USAMRDC extramural funding opportunities can be obtained on the Grants.gov website by performing a basic search using CFDA Number 12.420. 

Submission deadlines are not available until the Program Announcements are released.  For email notification when Program Announcements are released, subscribe to program-specific news and updates under “Email Subscriptions” on the eBRAP homepage at https://ebrap.org/.  For more information about the TSCRP or other CDMRP-administered programs, please visit the CDMRP website (https://cdmrp.army.mil).

Point of Contact:

CDMRP Public Affairs
301-619-9783
usarmy.detrick.medcom-cdmrp.mbx.cdmrp-public-affairs@mail.mil

The Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Defense Appropriations Bill has not been signed into law.  Although FY20 funds have not been appropriated for the Department of Defense Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP), the OCRP is providing the information in this pre-announcement to allow investigators time to plan and develop ideas for submission to the anticipated FY20 funding opportunities. This pre-announcement should not be construed as an obligation by the Government.

The FY20 Defense Appropriations Act is anticipated to provide funding to the Department of Defense (DoD) Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) to support patient-centered research to prevent, detect, treat, and cure ovarian cancer to enhance the health and well-being of Service members, Veterans, retirees, their family members, and all women impacted by this disease.  As directed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, the Defense Health Agency J9, Research and Development Directorate manages the Defense Health Program (DHP) Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation.  The managing agent for the anticipated Program Announcements/Funding Opportunities is the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).

 

Subject to the FY20 Congressional appropriation for OCRP funding, FY20 OCRP Program Announcements and General Application Instructions for the following award mechanisms will be posted on the Grants.gov website.  Pre-application and application deadlines will be available when the Program Announcements are released. 

 

https://cdmrp.army.mil/pubs/press/2020/20ocrppreann

 

Clinical Translational Award

Must be at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent).

·           Supports translational research addressing high-impact or unmet needs in ovarian cancer.

·           Supports research projects related to or associated with planned, ongoing, or completed clinical trials supported by other funding sources. 

·           Emphasis on the utilization of precision medicine and computational approaches that identify individual tumor characteristics and predictive biomarkers across diverse groups to optimize patient care and outcomes.

·           Preliminary data are required.

·           Clinical trials are not allowed.

·           Optional Proteogenomics Supplement for invested proteomic core facility; encourage investigators to collaborate with the DoD Gynecologic Oncology Center of Excellence located at INOVA Health System, Virginia.

·           Pre-application is required; application is by invitation only.

·         Maximum funding of $450,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs).

·         Proteogenomics Supplement provides an additional $100,000 for direct costs.

·         Maximum period of performance is 3 years.

 

Investigator-Initiated Research Award

Must be at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent).

·         Supports meritorious basic and clinically oriented research in ovarian cancer.

·         Impact is an important review criterion.

·         Preliminary data are required.

·         Clinical trials are not allowed. 

·         Optional Proteogenomics Supplement for invested proteomic core facility; encourage investigators to collaborate with the DoD Gynecologic Oncology Center of Excellence located at INOVA Health System, Virginia.

·         Pre-application is required; application is by invitation only.

·       Maximum funding of $500,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs).

·       Proteogenomics Supplement provides an additional $100,000 for direct costs.

·       Maximum period of performance is 4 years.

 

Ovarian Cancer Academy Award – Early-Career Investigator

Must be within 3 years of his/her last postdoctoral research position (Ph.D.) or clinical fellowship (M.D.), or equivalent as of the full application submission deadline.  A letter attesting to eligibility is required.

·       Supports the addition of new Early-Career Investigators (ECIs) to the unique, interactive virtual academy that provides intensive mentoring, national networking, collaborations, and a peer group for junior faculty.

·       ECIs whose ability to commit to conducting ovarian cancer research is limited by lack of resources or other overwhelming obstacles are encouraged to apply.

·       A Designated Mentor who is an experienced ovarian cancer researcher with ovarian cancer funding is required.

·       A Designated Mentor may only mentor one OCA-ECI.

·       The Designated Mentor is not required to be at the same institution as the ECI.

·       Preliminary data are required.

·       Clinical trials are allowed.

·         Optional Proteogenomics Supplement for invested proteomic core facility; encourage investigators to collaborate with the DoD Gynecologic Oncology Center of Excellence located at INOVA Health System, Virginia. 

·         Pre-application is required; application is by invitation only.

·       Maximum funding of $725,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs).

·       Proteogenomics Supplement provides an additional $100,000 for direct costs.

·       Maximum period of performance is 4 years, with a 5^th-year option.

 

Pilot Award

Investigators at or above the postdoctoral level (or equivalent).

·       Supports innovative, high-risk/high-reward research that could ultimately lead to critical discoveries or major advancements that will drive the field of ovarian cancer research forward.

·       Innovation and Impact are important review criteria.

·       Goal is to develop preliminary data; thus, preliminary data are not required, but are allowed.

·       Clinical trials are not allowed.

·       Optional Proteogenomics Supplement for invested proteomic core facility; encourage investigators to collaborate with the DoD Gynecologic Oncology Center of Excellence located at INOVA Health System, Virginia.  

·       Pre-application is required and blinded; application submission is by invitation only.

·       Maximum funding of $250,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs).

·       Proteogenomics Supplement provides an additional $100,000 for direct costs.

·       Maximum period of performance is 2 years.

 

Teal Expansion Award

Investigators of the following awards:

• OCRP FY13-16 Ovarian Cancer Academy – Early Career Investigator Award

• OCRP FY14-16 Investigator Initiated Research Award

• OCRP FY14-17 Pilot Award

·    Supports the expansion of the initial research idea or the generation of a new idea based on the original research project.

·    Impact is an important review criterion.

·    Preliminary data are required.

·    Outcomes Statement is required.

·    Clinical trials are allowed.

·    Optional Proteogenomics Supplement for invested proteomic core facility; encourage investigators to collaborate with the DoD Gynecologic Oncology Center of Excellence located at INOVA Health System, Virginia.  

·    Pre-application is required; application submission is by invitation only.

·       Maximum funding of $450,000 in direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Proteogenomics Supplement provides an additional $100,000 for direct costs.

·       Period of performance should not exceed 3 years.

 

A pre-application is required and must be submitted through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) at https://eBRAP.org prior to the pre-application deadline.  All applications must conform to the final Program Announcements and General Application Instructions that will be available for electronic downloading from the Grants.gov website.  The application package containing the required forms for each award mechanism will also be found on Grants.gov.  A listing of all CDMRP and other USAMRDC extramural funding opportunities can be obtained on the Grants.gov website by performing a basic search using CFDA Number 12.420. 

 

Submission deadlines are not available until the Program Announcements are released.  For email notification when Program Announcements are released, subscribe to program-specific news and updates under “Email Subscriptions” on the eBRAP homepage at https://eBRAP.org.  For more information about the OCRP or other CDMRP-administered programs, please visit the CDMRP website (https://cdmrp.army.mil).

 

Point of Contact:

CDMRP Public Affairs
301-619-9783
usarmy.detrick.medcom-cdmrp.mbx.cdmrp-public-affairs@mail.mil

The Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Defense Appropriations Bill has not been signed into law.  Although FY20 funds have not been appropriated for the Department of Defense Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program (ALSRP), the ALSRP is providing the information in this pre-announcement to allow investigators time to plan and develop ideas for submission to the anticipated FY20 funding opportunities.  This pre-announcement should not be construed as an obligation by the Government.

 

The FY20 Defense Appropriations Act is anticipated to provide funding to the Department of Defense ALSRP to support innovative and impactful research to develop new treatments for ALS.  As directed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, the Defense Health Agency J9, Research and Development Directorate manages the Defense Health Program (DHP) Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation.  The managing agent for the anticipated Program Announcements/Funding Opportunities is the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).

 

Subject to the FY20 Congressional appropriation for ALSRP funding, FY20 ALSRP Program Announcements and General Application Instructions for the following award mechanisms will be posted on the Grants.gov website.  Pre-application and application deadlines will be available when the Program Announcements are released. 

https://cdmrp.army.mil/pubs/press/2020/20alsrppreann

Therapeutic Development Award

Independent investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent)

·      Pre-application is required; full application submission is by invitation only.

·      Supports preclinical secondary validation and IND-enabling studies of therapeutics for ALS.

·      Preliminary data is required, including efficacy in at least one ALS-relevant model system with a lead molecule/class of compounds.

·      Biomarker development and/or characterization (if not already validated), in parallel to the main therapeutic effort, is a critical component of the TDA proposal.

·      Maximum funding of $1,000,000 for direct costs plus indirect costs

·      Maximum period of performance is 3 years

 

Therapeutic Idea Award

Independent investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent)

·      Pre-application is required; full application submission is by invitation only.

·      Supports hypothesis-driven preclinical therapeutic development.

·      Preliminary data are not required.

·      Projects focusing primarily on investigating ALS pathophysiology are outside the scope of this award mechanism.

·      Early Career Investigators are encouraged to apply.

·      Therapeutic Relevant Biomarker Option: Applications which include the development of biomarkers in parallel with the main therapeutic advancement effort, and that meet the criteria outlined in the Funding Opportunity Announcement, will qualify for a higher level of funding.

·      Maximum funding of $500,000 for direct costs plus indirect costs

·      Maximum funding of $600,000 for direct costs plus indirect costs if applying for the Therapeutic Relevant Biomarker Option

·      Maximum period of performance is 2 years

 

New for FY20! Clinical Development Award

Independent investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent) 

·      Pre-application is required; full application submission is by invitation only.

·      Supports leveraging of human-based ALS resources through correlative clinical research.

·      Early Career Investigators and/or Early Career Physician Scientists are encouraged to apply.

·      Types of efforts that will be supported include:

o  Using human subject-based resources to better define subtypes, predict therapeutic response, or assess prognosis

o  Correlating clinical trial-related biosamples, imaging, or epidemiological data with clinical outcomes

o  Adding a secondary aim/goal to an anticipated/ongoing clinical trial, not otherwise supported by the trial

o  Studies to evaluate optimizing components of current ALS clinical care

·      Maximum funding of $300,000 for direct costs plus indirect costs

·      Maximum period of performance is 2 years

 

A pre-application is required and must be submitted through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) at https://eBRAP.org prior to the pre-application deadline.  All applications must conform to the final Program Announcements and General Application Instructions that will be available for electronic downloading from the Grants.gov website.  The application package containing the required forms for each award mechanism will also be found on Grants.gov.  A listing of all CDMRP and other USAMRDC extramural funding opportunities can be obtained on the Grants.gov website by performing a basic search using CFDA Number 12.420. 

 

Submission deadlines are not available until the Program Announcements are released.  For email notification when Program Announcements are released, subscribe to program-specific news and updates under “Email Subscriptions” on the eBRAP homepage at https://eBRAP.org.  For more information about the ALSRP or other CDMRP-administered programs, please visit the CDMRP website (https://cdmrp.army.mil).

 

Point of Contact:

CDMRP Public Affairs
301-619-9783
usarmy.detrick.medcom-cdmrp.mbx.cdmrp-public-affairs@mail.mil

Due to the current Continuing Resolution, the Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20) Defense Appropriations bill has not been passed. Although funds have not been appropriated for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP), the BCRP is providing the information in this pre-announcement to allow investigators time to plan and develop ideas for submission to the anticipated FY20 funding opportunities. This pre-announcement should not be construed as an obligation by the Government.

The FY20 Defense Appropriation Act is anticipated to provide funding to the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) to support innovative, high-impact research with clinical relevance that will accelerate progress to end breast cancer for Service members, Veterans, and the general public.  As directed by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, the Defense Health Agency J9, Research and Development Directorate manages the Defense Health Program (DHP) Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) appropriation.  The managing agent for the anticipated Program Announcements/Funding Opportunities is the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC).

 

Subject to the FY20 Congressional appropriation for BCRP funding, FY20 BCRP Program Announcements and General Application Instructions for the following award mechanisms will be posted on the Grants.gov website.  Pre-application and application deadlines will be available when the Program Announcements are released. 

 

Applications submitted to the FY20 BCRP must address one or more of the following overarching challenges:

 

• Prevent breast cancer (primary prevention)
• Identify determinants of breast cancer initiation, risk, or susceptibility
• Distinguish deadly from non-deadly breast cancers
• Conquer the problems of overdiagnosis and overtreatment
• Identify what drives breast cancer growth; determine how to stop it
• Identify why some breast cancers become metastatic
• Determine why/how breast cancer cells lie dormant for years and then re-emerge; determine how to prevent lethal recurrence
• Revolutionize treatment regimens by replacing them with ones that are more effective, less toxic, and impact survival
• Eliminate the mortality associated with metastatic breast cancer

 

Breakthrough Award

Investigators at all academic levels (or equivalent)

·         Supports promising research that has high potential to lead to or make breakthroughs in breast cancer.

·         Potential impact of the research may be near-term or long-term, but it must move beyond a minor advancement and have the potential to lead to a new approach that is fundamentally better than interventions already approved or in clinical development.

·         Partnering PI Option allows two Principal Investigators (PIs), termed Initiating and Partnering PIs, to collaborate on a single application.

·         Different funding levels, based on the scope of research, are available.  It is the responsibility of the PI to select the funding level that is most appropriate for the research proposed.  The funding level should be selected based on the scope of the research project, rather than the amount of the budget.

The following are general descriptions, although not all-inclusive, of the scope of research projects that would be appropriate to propose under each funding level:

·         Funding Level 1:  Innovative, high-risk/high-reward research that is in the earliest stages of idea development or an untested theory that addresses an important problem.  To foster research that yields new avenues of investigation, preliminary data are not required. Proof-of-concept is the anticipated outcome.

·         Funding Level 2:  Preclinical research that is already supported by substantial preliminary or published data and strongly validates clinical translation in a well-defined context within the breast cancer landscape.

·         Funding Level 2 – Population Science and Prevention Studies: With compelling justification, population science and prevention studies may request higher levels of funding and an additional year in the period of performance. Such studies may require additional resources due to the participation of human subjects and/or use of human biospecimens.

·         Funding Level 3:  Advanced translational studies with a high degree of project readiness. Where relevant, proof of availability of and access to necessary data, human samples, cohort(s), and/or critical reagents must be provided. If the proposed research would ultimately require US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) involvement, applications must demonstrate availability of and access to clinical reagents (e.g., therapeutic molecules) and subject population(s). Applications must state a realistic timeline for near-term clinical investigation. Small-scale clinical trials (e.g., first in human; Phase I/Ib) may be appropriate.

·         Funding Level 4:  Large-scale projects that will transform and revolutionize the clinical management and/or prevention of breast cancer.  Human clinical trials are required. PIs are expected to have experience in successfully leading large-scale projects and demonstrated ability (through personal experience or via a commitment from a collaborating clinical investigator) to implement a clinical project successfully. Where relevant, applications must demonstrate availability of and access to necessary data, human samples, cohort(s), and/or critical reagents. For proposed research that will require FDA involvement, project readiness requirements at the time of application submission include: proof of availability of and access to clinical reagents (e.g., therapeutics) that meet regulatory compliance guidelines; proof of availability of and access to appropriate subject population(s); validated projections for patient recruitment; and submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) or Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application to the FDA, if applicable.

Funding Levels 1 and 2

·         Submission of a Letter of Intent is required prior to full application submission.

·         Each PI may submit only one application as a PI or Initiating PI for each funding level.  There are no limitations on the number of applications for which an investigator may be named as a Partnering PI.  However, applicants are discouraged from submitting as a Partnering PI on multiple applications unless they are clearly unique, meaningful collaborations addressing distinct research questions.

·         Additional funds are available for applications submitted under the Partnering PI Option.

·         Clinical trials are not allowed.

Funding Levels 3 and 4

·         Submission of a preproposal is required; application submission is by invitation only.

·         Applicants are discouraged from submitting as a Partnering PI on multiple applications unless they are clearly unique, meaningful collaborations addressing distinct research questions.

·         Additional funds are available for Funding Level 3 applications submitted under the Partnering PI Option.

·         PIs must include two or more breast cancer advocates on their research team.

·         Clinical trials are allowed (Funding Level 3) or required (Funding Level 4).

 

Funding Level 1

·       Maximum funding of $450,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Maximum period of performance is 3 years

Funding Level 1 – Partnering PI Option

·       Maximum funding of $750,000 for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Maximum period of performance is 3 years

Funding Level 2

·       Maximum funding of $1 million (M) for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Maximum period of performance is 3 years

Funding Level 2 – Partnering PI Option

·       Maximum funding of $1.5M for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Maximum period of performance is 3 years

Funding Level 2 – Population Science and Prevention Studies

·       Maximum funding of $1.5M for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Maximum period of performance is 4 years

Funding Level 2 – Population Science and Prevention Studies – Partnering PI Option

·       Maximum funding of $2M for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Maximum period of performance is 4 years

Funding Level 3

·       Maximum funding of $3M in direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Maximum period of performance is 4 years

Funding Level 3 – Partnering PI Option

·       Maximum funding of $4M for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Maximum period of performance is 4 years

Funding Level 4 and Funding Level 4 – Partnering PI Option

·       Maximum funding of $10M for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Maximum period of performance is 4 years

 

Era of Hope Scholar Award

Independent, non-mentored investigators within 6 years of their last training position (e.g., postdoctoral fellowship, medical residency, clinical fellowship) as of the application submission deadline

·         Supports exceptionally talented, early-career scientists who have demonstrated that they are the “best and brightest” in their fields through extraordinary creativity, vision, innovation, and productivity.

·         PIs should articulate a vision that challenges current dogma and demonstrates an ability to look beyond tradition and convention.

·         PIs must demonstrate experience in forming effective partnerships and collaborations and exhibit strong potential for future leadership in breast cancer.

·         PIs are required to include two or more breast cancer advocates on their research team.

·         Submission of a Letter of Intent is required prior to full application submission.

·       Maximum funding of $3M for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·       Maximum period of performance is 4 years

Innovator Award

Associate Professor or above (or equivalent)

·         Supports visionary individuals who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovative work, and paradigm-shifting leadership in any field.

·         Provides opportunity to pursue novel, visionary, high-risk ideas that will accelerate progress toward ending breast cancer.

·         PIs must include two or more breast cancer advocates on their research team.

·         Submission of a preproposal is required; application submission is by invitation only.

·         Maximum funding of $7M for direct costs (plus indirect costs)

·         Maximum period of performance is 4 years

 

A pre-application is required and must be submitted through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) at https://eBRAP.org prior to the pre-application deadline.  All applications must conform to the final Program Announcements and General Application Instructions that will be available for electronic downloading from the Grants.gov website.  The application package containing the required forms for each award mechanism will also be found on Grants.gov.  A listing of all CDMRP and other USAMRDC extramural funding opportunities can be obtained on the Grants.gov website by performing a basic search using CFDA Number 12.420. 

 

Submission deadlines are not available until the Program Announcements are released.  For email notification when Program Announcements are released, subscribe to program-specific news and updates under “Email Subscriptions” on the eBRAP homepage at https://eBRAP.org.  For more information about the BCRP or other CDMRP-administered programs, please visit the CDMRP website (https://cdmrp.army.mil).

 

Point of Contact:

CDMRP Public Affairs
301-619-9783
usarmy.detrick.medcom-cdmrp.mbx.cdmrp-public-affairs@mail.mil

On the morning of October 24th, the National Association of Veterans’ Research and Education Foundations (NAVREF) honored its first three Champions of Veterans Health. The three lawmakers lead the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees (SVAC and HVAC).

Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT),ranking member of the SVAC, stressed the importance of medical research in advancing the care of veterans. Service members return home with cutting edge wounds, he said, “so we need cutting edge research to take care of them” across both physical and mental wounds. He also praised NAVREF for pushing Congress to “do the right thing” and keep pushing the VA to also do the right thing.

Rep. Brownley (D-CA) was recognized not only for her work as chair of the HVAC Health Subcommittee but also for standing up the new Task Force on  Women Veterans.  She noted that the VA has been at the forefront of medical research for more than 90 years. Their discoveries have returned “enormous benefit” not only to veterans but also to society as a whole.

Brownley praised NAVREF for its work with others to bring access to life-saving clinical trials to veterans at more VA facilities. She promised that the HVAC intends to continue its work to ensure the VA remains at the forefront of medical research. The VA must constantly improve to become not only the largest but also the best health care system in the country.  “The veterans deserve nothing less,” Brownley noted in conclusion.

Rep. Roe (R-TN), honored for his past work as chair and current post as ranking member of the HVAC, was unable to accept the award in person.  However, in brief video remarks, the Member said the key of VA medical research is the help it brings to patients both inside and outside the Department.

VA Deputy Under Secretary for Discovery, Education and Affiliate Networks Carolyn Clancy, MD, also addressed the gathering. She noted the VA does “amazing work in research for veterans.” However, she added ruefully, the Department is not as amazing in getting the word out.

A wide variety of people are important to supporting the VA’s work. “Only through partnerships” can they become a force multiplier, said Clancy. The VA used to think enrolling veterans into clinical trials was not its job. Clancy is “thrilled” that has changed, and the VA realizes that including veterans is “hugely, hugely important.”

Clancy also thanked Congress for its support in various improvements in how veterans receive care. She promised Rep. Brownley the Department is “making a lot of efforts on taking women veterans’ needs and care to a new level.”  A top priority is reinforcing more of a culture of respect from male veterans. She noted that she first came to the VA because of the level of research in women’s health care, and that is only increasing and improving.  Clancy added that VA researchers are in the position to constantly get feedback from women veterans, and implement those findings quickly.

Veterans themselves are “vital partners” to the VA’s research program, said Clancy. This population has an ongoing drive to serve their country. She pointed to the high participation rates in the Million Veteran Program (MVP), which many view as a way of continuing to give back.

Clancy pointed out that only about 2% of industry-sponsored clinical trials are available at VA medical centers.  This “is not even good enough to be unacceptable,” she said, “We need to do a lot better.” Her office has created the Navigate Program to help veterans get into cancer trials.  The NAVREF-directed Access to Clinical Trials for Veterans (ACT for Veterans) program is a multi-year effort she fully supports.  A recent summit focused on actual deliverables, rather than topics of research. Clancy said the summit participants examined existing barriers to veteran participation and how to overcome them.  The most important thing is to turn high quality research into actual care for veterans.

Clancy spoke briefly on how the MISSION Act is bringing the VA’s health care system into closer cooperation with community providers. They are also focused on ensuring that the implementation of the new Cerner electronic health record system goes smoothly and continues to support the delivery of not only health care but also the continuation of research.

Clancy also discussed the challenges involved in caring for veterans living in rural and remote areas.  “Frankly,” she said, “this is a challenge for everyone in health care, and no one has stepped up enough.”  The VA is in a good position to reach rural residents, given that about a third of enrolled veterans live in those parts of the country. The Department has invested a great deal in telehealth and other virtual care treatment modalities. She highlighted the new use of the Atlas pod (which creates a secure space for facilitating telehealth visits), noting “it is very cool” that veterans do not have to travel long distances to receive care from specialists as a result.

NAVREF CEO Rick Starrs echoed the other speakers in talking about the complexity of caring for veterans, within an expensive and even confusing environment.  Within the veterans’ health industrial complex, he said, research is too often overlooked. As mentioned by others, veterans do not have enough access to clinical trials in VA hospitals, which the ACT for Veterans initiative is working to address.

The new accelerator fund aims to shorten the timeline to success, he said, calling for others to partner with NAVREF in accomplishing these goals