CDMRP: Vision Research Program (VRP)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
Urgent Opportunity: The Vision Research Program (VRP) has released a pre-announcement for FY26 anticipated funding opportunities as part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs. These pre-announcements are meant to help investigators plan now — full funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) with deadlines will be posted soon on Grants.gov.
Key Opportunity: Prepare your research ideas targeting military exposure-related visual injury and treatment now — this program will fund high-impact research that advances understanding, diagnosis, treatment, stabilization, and restoration of vision after combat and operational injuries.
How much funding would I receive?
The pre-announcement does not specify total program funding.
Funding by mechanism in the anticipated FOA (for individual awards):
Clinical Trial Award: up to approximately $2.6M total costs (max 3 years)
Investigator-Initiated Research Award:
Funding Level 1: up to $400,000 total costs (max 2 years)
Funding Level 2: up to $1.2M total costs (max 3 years)
Translational Research Award: up to $1.6M total costs (max 3 years)
Mentored Clinical Research Award: up to $75,000 total costs (max 1.5 years)
What could I use the funding for?
Funding will support:
Understanding and treating eye injury or visual dysfunction caused by military exposures.
Improving diagnosis, stabilization, and treatment of eye injuries in austere and prolonged care environments.
Restoring visual function after military exposure-related vision loss or severe impairment.
Specific allowable uses will be detailed in the full FOA.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Being part of a CDMRP-managed research portfolio with a history of high-impact biomedical awards.
Two-tier review that evaluates both scientific quality and programmatic relevance (once FOA is published).
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Pre-announcement released: February 20, 2026.
Full FOA with deadlines: Not yet published — will appear on Grants.gov.
Pre-application and application deadlines: Will be in the FOA.
Where does this funding come from?
Funding is provided by the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, as part of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) managed by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development / Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC).
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility requirements will be defined in the full FOA, not in this pre-announcement.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Programs with strong relevance to combat and operational vision injury.
Projects aligned with diagnosis, acute care stabilization, and visual function restoration.
Investigators with evidence of clinical relevance and translational potential.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
The pre-announcement is not a promise or obligation for awards.
Applicants must wait for the full FOA to understand eligibility, submission requirements, and restrictions.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
Planning should begin now, as the pre-announcement is intended to give time for idea development.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can:
Translate the full FOA into CEO-ready website copy once published.
Map your project to the right mechanisms (e.g., clinical vs. translational).
Prepare submission strategy, narrative, and budget.
Support compliance with CDMRP requirements and two-tier review expectations.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($13,000 + 5%) available.