CDMRP: Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) is anticipated to issue multiple funding opportunities to accelerate impactful research in pancreatic cancer, spanning early detection, supportive care, risk characterization, access to care, metabolic dysregulation, tumor development, biomarkers, and new therapeutics. Investigators should begin planning now—formal Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), deadlines, and application requirements will be posted on Grants.gov once released. This pre-announcement does not obligate funding but signals that awards will be available in FY26.
How much funding would I receive?
Funding varies by mechanism:
Focused Pilot Award: Up to $300,000 total costs over up to 2 years.
Idea Development Award: Up to $700,000 total costs over up to 3 years (standard) or $950,000 total costs with Partnering PI Option.
Translational Research Partnership Award: Up to $1.1 million total costs over up to 3 years.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding supports research that directly addresses one or more of the following PCARP Focus Areas:
Scientific & Clinical Focus Areas
Early detection research
Identification and characterization of risk
Supportive care, quality of life, and patient perspectives
Healthcare access barriers and care delivery challenges
Metabolic disruptions (including diabetes, cachexia)
Tumor development from precursor lesions to metastasis
Biomarkers for response prediction and management strategies
Novel therapeutic targets and approaches
Each award mechanism may have specific constraints on what types of work it can support (e.g., some do not fund clinical trials or basic research).
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Early insight into programmatic priorities via this pre-announcement.
Access to eBRAP system for managing pre-applications.
Email subscription updates when official FOAs are released.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Pre-announcement published: February 12, 2026.
Official FOAs: To be posted on Grants.gov (dates not yet announced).
Submission Deadlines: Will be specified in each FOA (pre-application and full application deadlines).
Funding Start: Following review, award negotiation, and execution (typical CDMRP cycle timing, exact months TBD).
Where does this funding come from?
PCARP is funded through the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and managed within the Defense Health Agency Research and Development – Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC) as part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility depends on the award mechanism:
Focused Pilot Award: Investigators at any career level, including postdoctoral and clinical fellows.
Idea Development Award: Independent investigators at any career stage; early-career investigators may partner with experienced PIs.
Translational Research Partnership Award: Independent investigators; postdoctoral/clinical fellows are not eligible.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Projects most competitive for PCARP will:
Directly address one or more specified focus areas with strong scientific rationale.
Demonstrate innovation and potential impact on pancreatic cancer outcomes.
Align with mechanism goals (e.g., pilot studies for early-stage ideas, partnerships for translational work).
Include appropriate preliminary data when required.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Focused Pilot Award: No basic research, pre-clinical animal studies, or clinical trials.
Idea Development & Translational Awards: Clinical trials and some animal work may be restricted or defined in FOA; check carefully.
Pre-proposal or letter of intent submission is required prior to full application for many mechanisms.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Time depends on mechanism and data readiness:
Focused Pilot Award: Plan ~4–8 weeks for a competitive pre-application and research plan.
Idea Development & Translational Awards: With required preliminary data, plan ~8–16+ weeks to assemble data, collaborators, and a strong proposal.
Start early given the expected complexity of CDMRP applications.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can help you:
Interpret future FOA requirements and priorities.
Structure pre-applications/letters of intent for maximum impact.
Craft narrative, budget justification, and compliance sections.
Align scientific aims with program focus areas to increase competitiveness.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.
Additional Resources
Review the solicitation here.