CDMRP: FY26 Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP) is expected to release funding opportunities through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) to support impactful research addressing Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease–related dementias (AD/ADRD).
The program’s mission is to fund solution-oriented research that improves quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and the general public.
Congress appropriated $15.0 million for the FY26 Alzheimer’s Research Program.
The FY26 AZRP is expected to support research that improves diagnosis, prevention, risk reduction, and quality of life for individuals affected by AD/ADRD.
How much funding would I receive?
Funding depends on the award mechanism.
Transforming Care Award
Maximum funding: $1.6M total costs
Maximum period of performance: 4 years
Career Initiation or Transition Partnership Option (CITPO):
Maximum funding: $1.8M total costs
Maximum period of performance: 4 years
Transforming Diagnosis Award
Maximum funding: $1.5M total costs
Maximum period of performance: 4 years
Career Initiation or Transition Partnership Option (CITPO):
Maximum funding: $1.7M total costs
Maximum period of performance: 4 years
Transforming Research Award
Maximum funding: $1M total costs
Maximum period of performance: 3 years
What could I use the funding for?
Funding supports non-incremental, solution-focused research addressing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD).
The allowable research depends on the mechanism.
Transforming Care Award
Supports well-designed non-incremental clinical research or clinical trials in dementia care that provide solutions for individuals living with AD/ADRD.
Projects may address:
Care interventions
Strategies or technologies for dementia care
Tools that improve daily living and support systems
Approaches that reduce caregiver burden and stress
Methods that improve quality of life for individuals with dementia
Applications are encouraged to prioritize both:
Individuals living with AD/ADRD
Their care partners
Transforming Diagnosis Award
Supports solutions-oriented research addressing barriers to diagnosis, disease monitoring, or prognosis.
Barriers may include:
Diagnostic technologies
Cost barriers
Access to diagnostic tools
Clinical implementation challenges
Biomarker validation
Disease monitoring methods
Lack of longitudinal data for prediction or prognosis
Research may include:
Prospective human subject recruitment
De-identified human samples, specimens, or datasets
Transforming Research Award
Supports research that reduces risk and prevents the development of AD/ADRD.
Applications must address one of two focus areas:
Risk factor knowledge
Identification or validation of risk or protective factors
Environmental, epigenetic, genetic, lifestyle, or occupational risks
Risk reduction solutions
Non-pharmacological methods
Technologies
Prevention strategies that reduce risk of AD/ADRD
The program encourages studies leveraging existing cohorts or datasets, including cohorts 65 years or younger.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
The pre-announcement does not specify additional non-funding benefits.
However, CDMRP programs typically provide:
Access to a two-tier review system combining scientific peer review and programmatic review to ensure scientific merit and mission relevance.
Opportunities to collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and community stakeholders affected by the disease.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
The pre-announcement states that:
Pre-announcements are released first
Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) with full application details will follow.
Applications must comply with the final FOAs published on:
CDMRP website
Grants.gov
eBRAP
Where does this funding come from?
This funding comes from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) within the Department of Defense.
Key facts:
Funding was appropriated through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026.
CDMRP manages biomedical research programs supporting the health of Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and the American public.
Who is eligible to apply?
Detailed eligibility criteria will be provided in the official Funding Opportunity Announcements.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
The AZRP supports projects that:
Address critical needs in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Deliver solution-oriented outcomes
Improve diagnosis, prevention, or patient quality of life
Demonstrate clear relevance to Service Members, Veterans, their Families, or the broader public
Projects that show strong scientific merit and mission relevance are prioritized through CDMRP’s two-tier review process.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Restrictions and requirements are not specified in the pre-announcement.
These details—including allowable costs, research scope limitations, and regulatory requirements—will be defined in the full Funding Opportunity Announcements.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The preparation timeline is not specified in the pre-announcement.
CDMRP programs often use a two-stage process that may include:
Pre-application submission
Invitation to submit a full application
However, the specific process for FY26 AZRP is not specified in the pre-announcement.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO supports teams pursuing CDMRP funding by:
Assessing project fit with the AZRP mission and research priorities
Developing a competitive technical narrative
Structuring proposals to align with CDMRP review criteria
Managing submission strategy, compliance, and timeline
Coordinating collaborators, investigators, and supporting documentation
Our team has extensive experience supporting Department of Defense CDMRP grant applications.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.