CDMRP: Melanoma Research Program (MRP)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) released a pre-announcement for anticipated FY26 Melanoma Research Program (MRP) funding opportunities. This notice signals that new award mechanisms and funding will be forthcoming, but the application deadlines are not yet specified; they will be published in the formal Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) on Grants.gov and eBRAP once available.

How much funding would I receive?

• Idea Award: Maximum total costs up to $560,000 (period up to 2 years).

• Melanoma Academy Scholar Award: Maximum total costs up to $770,000 (period up to 3 years).

• Team Science Award: Maximum total costs up to $2.1 million (period up to 3 years).

• Focused Program Award – Rare Melanomas: Maximum total costs up to $2.8 million (period up to 4 years).

• Survivorship Research Award: Maximum total costs up to $1.015 million (period up to 3 years).

What could I use the funding for?

• All awards must address one or more of the FY26 MRP focus areas:

  • Identify, understand, and mitigate melanoma risk factors and develop biomarkers.

  • Develop detection/diagnosis technologies that improve risk stratification.

  • Define mechanisms of initiation, response/resistance to therapy, progression, recurrence, metastasis.

  • Develop new preclinical models representing disease evolution (cutaneous and rare subtypes).

  • Address unmet needs across cancer research spectrum for rare melanomas.

  • Address psychological/social impacts, quality of life, treatment toxicities, and survivorship issues.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Melanoma Academy Scholar Award includes mentoring, national networking, and structured career support.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• The pre-announcement is available now (released February 18, 2026); full FOAs will be released later on Grants.gov.

• Exact pre-application and application deadlines will be specified in those FOAs—not yet provided in the pre-announcement.

• Funding start dates will depend on the FOA timeline and award negotiations—not specified in the pre-announcement.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided through the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and administered by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development / Medical Research and Development Command (MRDC) under the CDMRP.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility for each award mechanism is defined in the full FOA. From the pre-announcement:

• Idea Award: Investigators at or above the postdoctoral level (or equivalent).

• Melanoma Academy Scholar Award: Investigators within 7 years of first faculty appointment.

• Team Science Award: Independent investigators (Assistant Professor level or equivalent).

• Focused Program Award – Rare Melanomas: Initiating PI at Associate Professor level or equivalent; Partnering PIs at Assistant Professor level or above.

• Survivorship Research Award: Independent investigators (Assistant Professor level or equivalent).

Detailed eligibility criteria (organization types, citizenship, cost share, etc.) will be in the FOA—not specified in the pre-announcement.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Not specified in the pre-announcement; CDMRP typically funds high-risk, high-gain research that aligns tightly with the listed focus areas and relevance to melanoma biology, detection, survivorship, and unmet clinical needs. Projects that integrate multidisciplinary approaches or include military/VA relevance are typically competitive, but the solicitation does not provide explicit criteria.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• The pre-announcement states that submission does not guarantee FOAs or funding.

• All applications must adhere to the final FOA instructions on Grants.gov when released.

• Preliminary data expectations, animal or human subjects requirements, and allowable costs will be defined in the FOA—not yet specified here.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Not specified in the pre-announcement because deadlines are not yet posted. Generally, planning should begin now given the complexity of CDMRP submissions and required pre-applications (e.g., eBRAP).

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Monitor the release of the official FOA and deadlines.

• Translate the FOA into a targeted application strategy.

• Help craft compelling project narrative, budget, and compliance sections.

• Provide review, editing, and submission support to maximize 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.

CDMRP: Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The CDMRP Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP) Pre-Announcement for FY26 provides early notice of anticipated funding opportunities for innovative research on multiple sclerosis. This announcement is not the official funding solicitation — it is intended to give investigators advance insight to begin planning competitive proposals. Final Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) with submission deadlines will be posted later on Grants.gov and eBRAP.

How much funding would I receive?

The MSRP pre-announcement outlines proposed award types with maximum allowable funding levels (total costs, including direct and indirect):

• Clinical Trial Award
  • Level 1: up to $1,000,000 over up to 3 years
  • Level 2: up to $2,000,000 over up to 4 years

• Early Investigator Research Award
  • Up to $300,000 over up to 2 years

• Exploration – Hypothesis Development Award
  • Up to $250,000 over up to 2 years

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award
  • Up to $1,000,000 over up to 3 years

These amounts represent maximums anticipated for each mechanism; they are not guaranteed awards until the official FOA is released.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support multiple sclerosis research, across a variety of scientific aims depending on award mechanism. Key areas include:

Clinical Trial Award

• Conduct proof-of-principle or early-phase clinical trials with potential to improve clinical outcomes or inform translational feasibility.

• Research must focus on treatment approaches or evidence relevant to MS patient populations.

Early Investigator Research Award

• Support early-career investigators initiating MS research.

• Projects may explore CNS repair, protection, regeneration, correlates of disease activity, symptomatic measurements, or disease mechanisms.

Exploration – Hypothesis Development Award

• Support high-risk, high-gain conceptual studies, not clinical trials.

• Encourages innovative ideas across MS biology, disease progression, symptoms, and repair.

Investigator-Initiated Research Award

• Support rigorous, investigator-driven MS studies with strong preliminary data.

• Applies to new and established researchers; clinical trials are excluded.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• This pre-announcement gives lead time to plan research concepts and collaborations ahead of official FOA release.

• Investigators can prepare strategic proposals, letters of intent, and consortium plans before deadlines are published.

• Awardees likely benefit from CDMRP’s two-tier review process aligning scientific merit with program relevance.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Application deadlines will not be in this pre-announcement.
  The CDMRP plans to release full FOAs on Grants.gov and eBRAP with specific pre-application and application due dates.

• Funding decisions and award issuance will occur after review of submitted applications (typically several months after the final due date, depending on CDMRP schedule and appropriations).

Where does this funding come from?

The MSRP is funded through the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), which received appropriations as part of the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act. The CDMRP oversees research across many disease areas, including multiple sclerosis.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies by award mechanism, but generally:

• Clinical Trial Award: Independent investigators at all career levels.

• Early Investigator Research Award: Early stage investigators (mentored; specific experience requirements).

• Exploration and Investigator-Initiated Awards: Independent investigators at all career stages; specific criteria on prior funding or experience may apply.

Final eligibility details will be in the official FOA.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects likely to be competitive will:

• Align strongly with MSRP focus areas (repair, neuroprotection, symptom biology, clinical intervention).

• Demonstrate rigorous methods, clear impact, and feasibility.

• Include strong preliminary data (where required).

• Address CDMRP priorities in multiple sclerosis research.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• The pre-announcement is not a funding solicitation — award cannot be applied for until FOAs are released.

• Clinical trials must meet relevant definitions and follow regulatory requirements.

• Some award types exclude clinical trials or have career stage restrictions.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Planning ahead based on this pre-announcement is recommended.

• Actual FOA publication will define exact due dates, which determine preparation time.

• Early strategic planning (e.g., consortium building, preliminary data generation, letters of intent) will speed application development.

How can BW&CO help?

If you’re seeking professional proposal support, experts like BW&CO Consulting can help you:

• Interpret the pre-announcement and upcoming FOA

• Identify optimal award mechanisms

• Plan research strategy and draft proposals

• Prepare budgets and compliance documents

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.

CDMRP: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program (TSCRP)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The CDMRP has issued a pre-announcement for anticipated Fiscal Year 2026 TSCRP funding opportunities to support high-impact research in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). This early notice gives researchers time to plan and refine ideas. The full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), including deadlines and submission details, will be posted on Grants.gov in the coming weeks. Investigators should not interpret this pre-announcement as a funding guarantee.

How much funding would I receive?

While exact award amounts are not official until FOAs are posted, the TSCRP pre-announcement outlines three mechanisms with indicative elements:

1. Clinical Translational Research Award

• Supports studies that move promising research closer to clinical application.

• Includes potential pilot clinical trials, biomarker development, and clinical endpoint work.

• Eligible PIs include independent investigators and advanced practice clinical personnel (e.g., genetic counselors, nurses) for clinical care-focused proposals.

• Maximum duration: 3 years

• Estimated total costs: up to ~$1.6M single PI / ~$1.9M with Partnering PI option (pending FOA).

2. Exploration – Hypothesis Development Award

• For high-risk, high-gain ideas in early stages.

• Study designs must be innovative but do not necessarily require preliminary data.

• Clinical subject work must meet human-subjects protection requirements.

• Maximum duration: 2 years

• Estimated total costs: up to ~$350K (pending FOA).

3. Idea Development Award

• Supports new or cross-disciplinary ideas with preliminary data.

• Includes specific options for new-to-field investigators transitioning into TSC research.

• Maximum duration: 3 years

• Estimated total costs: up to ~$800K (pending FOA).

Note: These figures and durations are as presented in the pre-announcement and may differ slightly in the final FOA.

What could I use the funding for?

Applications must address at least one of the following TSCRP priorities:

• Neuropsychiatric aspects of TSC: Understanding, preventing, and treating TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., behavioral, pharmacological, surgical interventions).

• Tumors and cysts: Preventing or eradicating TSC-related tumors such as angiomyolipomas, subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA), and lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), including mechanistic insights into TSC signaling pathways.

• Epilepsy associated with TSC: Prevention, improved treatment, and mitigation of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

• Diagnostic & therapeutic technologies: Development or testing of tools and technologies that improve clinical outcomes in TSC.

• Maternal-fetal & reproductive health in TSC: Mechanisms or care improvements affecting women with TSC or LAM and their infants.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

FY26 SCIRP includes an Early-Career Partnership Option across all award mechanisms, designed to:

• Encourage collaboration between established and emerging investigators.

• Provide two individual awards under a single project with separate budgets.

• Support career development while increasing research capacity.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Pre-announcement release: February 17, 2026

1. Formal Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs): To be posted on Grants.gov and CDMRP as soon as they are finalized. Pre-applications and full application deadlines will be included in those FOAs.

2. Funding start: After application review and award selection (dates will be provided in individual FOAs).

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is authorized by the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, which appropriated funds to the CDMRP for a wide range of research programs, including the TSCRP.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility will be defined in each FOA, but CDMRP programs typically allow:

• Independent investigators at all career levels.

• Clinical and translational researchers with relevant expertise.

• Multiple institutional types (academic, nonprofit, clinical).

(Final eligibility criteria will appear in the specific FOAs once posted.)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive applications typically:

• Align clearly with one or more of the TSCRP focus areas.

• Show strong scientific rationale and potential for impact on TSC care or understanding.

• Include translational significance or potential to advance clinical outcomes.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• The pre-announcement is not a guarantee of funding or a FOA; investigators cannot submit applications based on it alone.

• Formal submission instructions, eligibility, and restrictions will be defined in forthcoming FOAs.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Time needed varies by project, but standard CDMRP FOAs often allow several weeks to months for:

• Letter of intent (if required).

• Pre-application submission.

• Full application preparation.

Tip: Begin early by reviewing past TSCRP FOAs and planning collaborative teams, hypotheses, and preliminary data.

How can BW&CO help?

If you need assistance with strategy, positioning against TSCRP priorities, or full proposal writing support, BW&CO can:

• Align your research aims to TSCRP’s priority areas.

• Draft compelling abstracts and narratives tailored to CDMRP review criteria.

• Provide budget and compliance support based on CDMRP rules.

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.

CDMRP: Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

On February 17, 2026, the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) released the Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP) anticipated funding opportunities for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), providing researchers with key priorities and award mechanisms to plan applications ahead of full Funding Opportunity Announcements. This pre-announcement outlines the SCIRP’s research goals and award structures, including a strong emphasis on clinical, translational, and investigator-initiated research in spinal cord injury. Final Funding Opportunity Announcements with deadlines will be posted on Grants.gov once available.

How much funding would I receive?

The pre-announcement specifies award maximums for each mechanism (total costs, including direct and indirect):

• Clinical Trial Award

  • Single PI: up to $4.8M over 4 years

  • Early-Career Partnership Option: up to $4.96M over 4 years

• Clinical Translation Research Award

  • Single PI: up to $2.0M over 3 years

  • Early-Career Partnership: up to $2.16M over 3 years

• Translational Research Award

  • Single PI: up to $2.0M over 3 years

  • Early-Career Partnership: up to $2.16M over 3 years

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award

  • Single PI: up to $800,000 over 3 years

  • Early-Career Partnership: up to $960,000 over 3 years

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports research that advances spinal cord injury (SCI) understanding, treatment, and care across four major areas:

• Acute Injury Intervention

  • Develop and test interventions to protect spinal cord tissue after injury with measurable neurological benefit.

• Secondary Health Effects

  • Research interventions addressing long-term consequences of SCI across the lifespan.

• Psychosocial Issues

  • Test strategies for promoting psychosocial well-being tailored to people with SCI and their families/care partners.

• Rehabilitation and Regeneration

  • Advance rehabilitation strategies and regenerative/neuroplastic approaches for improved functional recovery.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

FY26 SCIRP includes an Early-Career Partnership Option across all award mechanisms, designed to:

• Encourage collaboration between established and emerging investigators.

• Provide two individual awards under a single project with separate budgets.

• Support career development while increasing research capacity.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

Pre-Announcement (released): February 17, 2026.

Next Steps:

• Full Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) will be posted on Grants.gov and contain specific pre-application and application deadlines.

• Applicants must submit a pre-application (via eBRAP) prior to the full application.

• Funding awards start after review and final selection dates in the FOAs. (Exact dates not yet published.)

Where does this funding come from?

SCIRP is part of the CDMRP, a Department of Defense research portfolio funded through the Defense Appropriations Act. For FY26, the CDMRP received appropriations to fund 34 research programs including SCIRP.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies by award mechanism, but in general:

• Independent investigators at all career levels are eligible for single PI awards.

• Early-Career Partnership Option requires one early-career investigator meeting defined experience criteria.

Specific eligibility criteria and organizational requirements will be detailed in the FOAs. al relevance.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects most competitive will:

• Directly address one or more SCIRP priority research areas.

• Demonstrate scientific impact, innovation, and relevance to SCI outcomes.

• Include clear paths to clinical or translational impact (as specified by mechanism).

• (For Early-Career Partnership) show strong mentorship and collaborative planning.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Pre-applications are required before full applications.

• All research must conform to final FOA requirements once released.

• Funding opportunity terms, budgets, eligible costs, and indirect cost policies will be specified in FOAs.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time depends on research maturity and team readiness, but investigators should factor in:

• Time to align research with SCIRP priorities.

• Drafting a competitive pre-application (often weeks before FOA deadlines).

• Preparing full application (including budgets, human subjects, partnerships).
  (SCIRP pre-announcement is intended to give applicants advance planning time.)

How can BW&CO help?

If you need assistance with strategy, positioning against SCIRP priorities, or full proposal writing support, BW&CO can:

• Align your research aims to SCIRP’s priority areas.

• Draft compelling abstracts and narratives tailored to CDMRP review criteria.

• Provide budget and compliance support based on CDMRP rules.

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.

CDMRP: Arthritis Research Program (ATRP)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Arthritis Research Program (ATRP) has released its anticipated funding opportunities for Fiscal Year 2026, funded through the Department of Defense’s FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and managed by the CDMRP. This pre-announcement is meant to help investigators prepare competitive proposals ahead of the official Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs). Deadlines for pre-applications and full applications will be included in the upcoming FOAs on Grants.gov once released.

How much funding would I receive?

While the total program budget for ATRP isn’t specified in the pre-announcement itself, the FY26 DoD appropriations provide funding for the ATRP as part of a broader portfolio that includes a ~$10 M allocation for arthritis research.

Per award (anticipated levels):

• Clinical Research Award

  • Research Level 1: Up to $1.3 M total costs over up to 4 years.

  • Research Level 2: Up to $3.25 M total costs over up to 4 years.

• Translational Research Award

  • Up to $800,000 total costs over up to 3 years.
    All awards count direct + indirect costs.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is structured to support clinically relevant arthritis research:

Prevention & Early Diagnosis

• Identify factors predicting disease onset/progression

• Develop technologies or solutions for arthritis prevention.

Treatment & Burden Mitigation

• Topic 1: Evaluate interventions or strategies that alleviate pain/symptoms, improve function, address psychosocial factors, comorbidities, or pathologic disease burden.

• Topic 2: Develop new solutions targeting similar multifactorial elements of arthritis.

Translated into potential research areas:

• Pilot studies or full clinical trials (clinical research)

• Translational projects moving discoveries toward clinical application (without supporting clinical trials)

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Being part of a CDMRP program provides two-tier review with both scientific and programmatic relevance evaluation (via eBRAP/Grants.gov processes).

• Opportunities to influence care and policy with clinically actionable outputs.

• Access to broader CDMRP support resources and network.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• This is a pre-announcement only. Formal FOAs with pre-application and full application deadlines will be posted to Grants.gov and eBRAP later.

• Funding timeline (award start to end) aligns with award type (up to 3–4 years).

Where does this funding come from?

Funding comes from the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act, via the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), managed through the Defense Health Agency Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC).

Who is eligible to apply?

• Independent investigators at all academic levels or equivalents can apply for all award types.

• Clinical awards expect research aligned with program focus areas.

• Translational awards require preliminary data and aim to move findings toward clinical relevance.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Likely competitive applicants will:

• Address prevention, early diagnosis, treatment efficacy, or multifactorial burden mitigation of arthritis.

• Show strong preliminary data, especially for translational and clinical research.

• Demonstrate clinical relevance and potential to improve patient outcomes.

• Include multidisciplinary teams with community collaborators (patients/care partners) for applicability.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Pre-announcement is not a funding obligation or contract — final requirements and eligibility criteria will be defined in FOAs.

• Clinical trials require appropriate planning and justification.

• Applications for clinical research must include relevant preliminary/published data.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

• Preparation timelines vary by mechanism:

  • Clinical Research Awards may take months to draft due to data, design, and collaborator requirements.

  • Translational Awards also require solid preliminary evidence.

  • Plan ahead for eBRAP pre-applications and revision cycles before full submission. (Recommended: map to FOA deadlines once published.)

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO could support you by:

• Interpret the FOA once published and align your research to program priorities.

• Develop competitive research and budget narratives.

• Coordinate pre-application eBRAP submission and compliance checks.

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.

CDMRP: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program (ALSRP)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The CDMRP Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Research Program (ALSRP) released a pre-announcement on February 13, 2026 outlining anticipated FY26 funding opportunities. This pre-announcement is not a funding solicitation — rather, it gives investigators advanced insight to begin planning and developing ideas ahead of the full Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) to be posted later on Grants.gov and eBRAP. Actual deadlines (pre-application and application) will only be available in the final FOAs once they are released — this pre-announcement does not set them.

How much funding would I receive?

The pre-announcement lists maximum allowable funding by mechanism (total costs):

• Clinical Outcomes and Biomarkers Award: up to $1.0M over up to 3 years

• Pilot Clinical Trial Award: up to $2.8M over up to 3 years

• Therapeutic Development Award: up to $2.0M over up to 3 years

• Therapeutic Idea Award: up to $840,000 over up to 2 years

Final program appropriations for ALSRP in FY26 are part of the CDMRP portfolio; historically this has been in the tens of millions — for example, FY25 saw ~$40M allocated.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports distinct research areas that align with ALS therapeutic development and clinical impact:

A) Clinical Outcomes and Biomarkers Award

• Develop/validate clinical outcomes or biomarkers to improve ALS clinical trials.

• May include clinician-, observer-, or patient-reported measures and performance outcomes.

• Supports non-interventional biospecimen/data collection (may be parallel to ongoing trials).

B) Pilot Clinical Trial Award

• Early-stage clinical trials with therapeutic efficacy or biological outcome measures.

• Therapeutic interventions must incorporate biomarker-driven designs.

C) Therapeutic Development Award

• Preclinical validation / IND-enabling studies of ALS therapeutics with proof-of-concept data.

• Biomarker development included to support future clinical design.

D) Therapeutic Idea Award

• Novel, high-risk/high-gain hypothesis-driven research aimed at ALS therapy discovery.

• Must include biomarker rationale relevant to eventual clinical trials.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

The pre-announcement itself does not specify additional benefits such as training supplements, travel, or workshops. Historically, CDMRP programs may offer resources like investigator workshops and programmatic feedback, but this will be detailed in the final FOAs.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Current status: This is a pre-announcement — exact pre-application and application deadlines will be in the forthcoming FOAs on Grants.gov.

• Recommendation: Begin planning now; monitor CDMRP and Grants.gov for FOA release.

• Funding start dates and award notifications will depend on those FOA schedules.

Where does this funding come from?

The ALSRP is funded through the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act and administered by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs under the Defense Health Agency Research and Development / Medical Research and Development Command.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility across mechanisms typically includes independent investigators at all academic levels, or equivalent. Specific institutional eligibility and PI requirements will be defined in the FOAs.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive applicants are those who:

• Align closely with the intent and scope of each mechanism (clinical outcomes, biomarker rigor, early trials, or therapeutic innovation).

• Propose biomarker-driven strategies that clearly inform later-stage clinical development.

• Build strong community collaboration plans, such as including patient/care partner perspectives.

Final criteria will be in FOA evaluation sections.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Restrictions noted in the pre-announcement include:

• Clinical Outcomes and Biomarkers Award does not support interventional clinical trials.

• Therapeutic Idea Award proposals focusing primarily on basic pathophysiology without therapeutic development are not in scope.

• All mechanisms require preproposal submission via eBRAP; full applications are by invitation only.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

The prep time depends on research maturity, but competitive proposals will typically require:

• Development of a biomarker plan or clinical trial design where applicable.

• Preliminary data for Therapeutic Development scale.

• Engagement of community collaborators early.

Start now — ahead of FOA release — to coordinate team, core facilities, preliminary work, and collaborations.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO could support you by:

• Interpreting the final FOAs when released with deadlines and criteria.

• Drafting and refining preproposals and full applications for each mechanism.

• Crafting compelling narrative aligned with CDMRP’s two-tier review process.

• Identifying required biospecimen, clinical, and biomarker components to strengthen impact.

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.

CDMRP: Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) has released a pre-announcement for the FY26 Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP), outlining anticipated funding opportunities. This pre-announcement allows investigators to begin planning competitive proposals ahead of the formal Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) that will be posted on Grants.gov. Applications will be required to address one or more OCRP priority areas, including novel therapies, early detection, quality of life/survivorship, prevention, and basic ovarian cancer biology. Deadlines for pre-applications and full applications will be provided in the FOAs once published.

How much funding would I receive?

Final funding levels and award amounts will be defined in the FY26 FOAs; estimates from similar past OCRP mechanisms include:

• Clinical Trial Award: Up to $2.8M total costs (max) over up to 4 years

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award: Up to $1.05M (single PI) or $1.4M (Partnering PI) over 4 years

• Ovarian Cancer Academy – Early-Career Investigator Award: Up to $1.125M total costs over 4 years

• Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy – Early-Career Investigator Award: Up to $1.4M total costs over 4 years

• Pilot Award: Up to $350,000 total costs over 2 years

These figures reflect anticipated ceilings based on FY25 mechanisms and are subject to confirmation in the FY26 FOAs.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding supports ovarian cancer research aligned with program priorities:

• Clinical trials and translational research

• Proof-of-concept through early phase studies with potential to impact patient care.

• High-impact investigator-driven research

• Basic through translational research (excluding clinical trials under certain mechanisms).

• Early-career investigator development and mentoring

• Interactive training academies for research and clinical trial skills.

• Innovation and preliminary discovery

• Pilot research to generate data for larger projects.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Beyond funding, OCRP mechanisms like the Academy awards provide:

• Mentoring and networking opportunities for early-career researchers.

• Structured professional development through virtual academy experiences.

• Enhanced visibility within the ovarian cancer research community.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Application deadlines: Not yet published in the FY26 pre-announcement; FOAs with specific dates will be posted on Grants.gov once released.

• Pre-application & full application deadlines: Will be included in FOAs.

• Award start dates: After review and programmatic selection; typical NIH/DOD timing suggests awards may begin late in FY26 or early FY27, depending on FOA timelines.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided through the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act as part of the DoD’s CDMRP portfolio. OCRP is one of the congressionally directed research programs funded by federal appropriations.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility typically aligns with CDMRP standards:

• Independent investigators (Assistant Professor level or equivalent and above) for most mechanisms.

• Early-career investigators for Academy awards (within defined years of training completion).

• Postdoctoral and clinical fellows for Pilot awards.

Specific eligibility criteria will be detailed in the FY26 FOAs.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive submissions will:

• Address one or more OCRP areas of emphasis (e.g., early detection, novel therapies, quality of life).

• Demonstrate clinical relevance or strong scientific rationale.

• Present clear pathways to impact ovarian cancer outcomes.

• Align with funding mechanism intent (e.g., ECI development for academy awards).

Projects with rigorous design, transformative potential, and relevance to patient populations are most competitive.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

Examples based on past OCRP announcements:

• Some mechanisms do not support clinical trials (e.g., Investigator-Initiated Research Award, Pilot Award).

• Applicants may only receive one award per funding cycle from certain mechanisms.

• Pre-application submission is required before full application.

• Investigator eligibility windows apply for early-career awards.

Full restrictions will be in the FY26 FOAs.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time depends on mechanism, but investigators should plan for:

• 8–12 weeks to develop scientific aims, budgets, and letters.

• Additional time if data generation or collaborations are needed.

Starting now will position teams to respond quickly when FOAs are released.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Interpret OCRP priority areas and align research plans.

• Draft compelling proposals and strong scientific narratives.

• Coordinate submission timelines and compliance packages.

• Support budget and team planning for each mechanism.

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.

CDMRP: Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Fiscal Year 2026 Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) pre-announcement was released by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) on February 12, 2026. This pre-announcement signals anticipated funding opportunities aimed at high-impact research to prevent, detect, and resolve Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases that affect Service Members, Veterans, families, and the general public. Funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) — including pre-application and full application deadlines — have not yet been released and must be monitored on Grants.gov and eBRAP.

How much funding would I receive?

Award-specific maximums from the pre-announcement:

• Idea Development Award – Up to $800,000 total costs over up to 3 years.

• Idea Development Award – Career Development Option – Up to $550,000 total costs over up to 3 years.

• Therapeutic/Diagnostic Research Award – Up to $1,325,000 total costs over up to 3 years.

What could I use the funding for?

Funding is intended to support innovative, high-impact research addressing tick-borne diseases. The pre-announcement defines mechanism-specific focus areas:

A) Idea Development Award

Pathogenesis

• Assess interactions among tick-borne pathogens (emphasis Lyme and co-infections)

• Study persistent clinical manifestations (neurologic symptoms encouraged)

• Studies on maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, congenital infections

Treatment

• Proof-of-concept for novel therapeutics or repurposing existing compounds

• Target identification/validation and early refinement of therapeutic candidates

Diagnosis

• Development/optimization of improved diagnostics for:

  • Single or multiple tick-borne pathogens (priority on direct detection of Borrelia burgdorferi)

  • Distinguish active Lyme infection from past exposure

  • Detect/diagnose maternal-to-fetal transmission, including relevant animal models

B) Therapeutic/Diagnostic Research Award

• Treatment – Evaluation/refinement of therapeutic candidates, including PK/PD and toxicology; designed to advance early/preclinical drug development.

• Diagnosis – Validation of novel diagnostics capable of single or multi-pathogen detection, distinguishing active from past infection, and detecting maternal-to-fetal transmission pathways.

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• The program explicitly supports career development options for early-career investigators (with mentorship).

• Pre-application requirements and peer review support transparency in mechanism expectations.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Application deadlines: Not yet released. The pre-announcement states that FOAs containing specific pre-application and application deadlines will be posted on Grants.gov and through the eBRAP portal once available.

• Funding start: After successful review, awards typically begin in the fiscal year following announcement (FY26), but exact start dates are not yet published.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding for TBDRP is provided by the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act, and administered by the Defense Health Agency Research and Development / Medical Research and Development Command (CDMRP).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies by mechanism. From the pre-announcement:

• Independent investigators at all career levels are eligible for many mechanisms.

• Career Development Option has specific requirements:

  • PI must be within 10 years of terminal degree (with exceptions for residency/family leave)

  • Mentor must be experienced (≥5 year track record in tick-borne disease research)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that are highly innovative, directly related to the defined focus areas, and translational in nature (with clear clinical relevance) are likely to be competitive. Specifically:

• Approaches that address persistent Lyme disease, novel diagnostics, and novel therapeutic strategies

• Research that demonstrates strong rationale or preliminary data aligned with CDCMRP priorities

• Early-career investigators partnered with experienced mentors (for Career Development Option)

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• Clinical trials cannot be supported under these mechanisms; human studies are permitted where applicable.

• Full application submission is by invitation only after pre-proposal review.

• Mechanism‐specific eligibility and focus area alignment are strict and will be enforced in the FOA.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time varies significantly by mechanism and institutional support, but given the requirement for pre-proposals, preliminary data, and alignment with specific focus areas, investigators should plan for 6–12 weeks of preparation once the FOA is released. This accounts for drafting, internal review, and compliance checks prior to pre-application submission.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can help you:

• Interpret and map your research to specific TBDRP focus areas

• Develop pre-proposal drafts and strategic research narratives

• Identify data needs and plan for compliant application packages

• Coordinate mentor relationships for career development submissions

• Set milestones to meet pre-application and full application deadlines

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.

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.

CDMRP: Lupus Research Program (LRP)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The CDMRP’s FY26 Lupus Research Program (LRP) pre-announcement signals anticipated funding opportunities supporting innovative, high-impact lupus research aimed at understanding, preventing, diagnosing, and treating lupus, as well as improving the quality of life for individuals living with lupus. This pre-announcement does not include application deadlines or guarantee funding — the official Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) will be posted on Grants.gov with formal deadlines and requirements. Investigators should begin planning now to align with expected FY26 mechanisms and program goals.

How much funding would I receive?

The pre-announcement outlines multiple award mechanisms with specified maximum total costs:

• Idea Award – up to $300,000 (2 years)

• Impact Award – up to $1,000,000 (4 years)

• Transformative Vision Development Award – up to $250,000 (2 years)

• Transformative Vision Award – up to $2,000,000 (4 years)

What could I use the funding for?

Funding must support research aligned with one or more LRP focus areas:

Biological & Clinical Research

• Mechanisms of lupus disease and pathobiology

• Genetic, epigenetic, and gene–environment interaction studies

• Disease heterogeneity, presentations, and outcomes
  Applies to Idea & Impact Awards

Quality of Life & Intervention Studies

• Addressing social determinants of health

• Nutrition, symptom control, comparative effectiveness

• Outcomes research and patient-reported outcomes
  Applies to Impact, Transformative Vision Development, and Transformative Vision Awards

Innovative Health Care Delivery Models

• Models improving lupus outcomes
  Applies to Impact, Transformative Vision Development, and Transformative Vision Awards

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

• Mechanism clarity ahead of FOAs allows early planning.

• Subscribe to email updates through eBRAP for timely notifications when FOAs are released.

• Being positioned early can improve competitiveness.

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Pre-announcement released: February 11, 2026.

• Formal FOAs — will be posted on Grants.gov with official pre-application and full application deadlines.

• Investigators must submit a pre-application through eBRAP prior to the pre-application deadline specified in the FOAs.

Where does this funding come from?

Funding is provided through the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act appropriated to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) and managed by the Defense Health Agency Research & Development and Medical Research and Development Command (DHA R&D-MRDC).

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is defined by mechanism:

• Idea Award: Investigators at or above postdoctoral level.

• Impact & Transformative Awards: Investigators at or above Assistant Professor (or equivalent).

• Team Requirements: Transformative mechanisms must include at least one lupus consumer advocate as part of the research team.

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Projects that:

• Align tightly with the specified focus areas.

• Demonstrate high innovation and impact potential.

• Involve strong preliminary data (as required for Transformative Vision Award).

• Include meaningful involvement of lupus consumer advocates (for transformative mechanisms).

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• This pre-announcement is not a funding commitment; only the FOAs establish requirements and obligations.

• Applications cannot support clinical trials in Idea or Impact Awards; Transformative Vision Awards may support clinical trials but not animal studies.

• Transformative Vision Development Awards cannot support clinical trials or animal studies.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time depends on mechanism and complexity, but begin planning now — especially for pilot data and consumer engagement for transformative mechanisms. Historically, competitive CDMRP applications often require several weeks to months of focused preparation.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can:

• Develop alignment narratives tied to LRP focus areas.

• Assist with preliminary data framing and research strategy articulation.

• Craft strong consumer advocacy integration plans.

• Ensure conformity with CDMRP review criteria once FOAs are released.

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.

CDMRP: Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP)

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

The Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP), managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), has released a Pre-Announcement for anticipated Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) funding opportunities to support innovative, high-impact research aimed at ending breast cancer for Service Members, Veterans, their families, and the general public. This pre-announcement is intended to let investigators plan and develop proposals before the full Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) are posted on Grants.gov. The government does not guarantee awards based on this document alone. FOA release dates, pre-application, and application deadlines will be announced on Grants.gov and eBRAP. Driven investigators should begin conceptualizing competitive approaches immediately.

How much funding would I receive?

The Pre-Announcement outlines anticipated award types with specified maximum total costs for FY26:

Breakthrough Award

• Level 1: up to $750,000 (single PI) or $1.25M (partnering PIs)

• Level 2: up to $1.65M (single PI) or $2.5M (partnering PIs)

• Population Science (Level 2): up to $2.5M (single) or $3.35M (partnering)

• Level 3: up to $5.6M (single) or $7M (partnering)

• Level 4: up to $21M
  (Breakthrough Awards range from early high-risk ideas to transformative approaches.)

Other Anticipated Mechanisms

• Era of Hope Scholar Award: up to $4.9M

• Clinical Research Extension Award: up to $7M (single) / $8.4M (partnering)

• Transformative Breast Cancer Consortium Award: up to $35M

• Transformative Breast Cancer Consortium Development Award: up to $140,000
  (These awards support early-career investigators, ongoing clinical research, and large multi-project consortia.)

What could I use the funding for?

Funded research must address one or more overarching challenges critical to ending breast cancer:

Topic Areas / Research Aims

• Primary prevention of breast cancer

• Determinants of initiation, risk, or susceptibility

• Distinguishing lethal vs. non-lethal tumors

• Solutions to overdiagnosis/overtreatment

• Pathways driving tumor growth and metastasis

• Mechanisms of dormancy and lethal recurrence

• More effective, less toxic treatments

• Reducing mortality from metastatic disease

Mechanism-Specific Uses

• Breakthrough Awards: high-risk/high-reward or translation-focused research

• Era of Hope Scholar Award: early-career leadership and innovation

• Clinical Research Extension: extending clinical data collection and analysis

• Consortium Awards: integrated multi-project collaborations toward transformative goals

(Mechanism scopes will be confirmed in the FOAs.)

Are there any additional benefits I would receive?

Participating teams may benefit from:

• Collaborative frameworks with consumer advocates required on some mechanisms

• Access to eBRAP support and templates for submission guidance

What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?

• Pre-Announcement Released: February 2026 (no exact FOA deadlines yet)

• FOAs and deadlines: Will be posted on Grants.gov and eBRAP once finalized.

• Plan: Prepare project concepts now; watch Grants.gov and eBRAP for pre-application and application due dates, which may be weeks to months after FOA publication. Award start dates typically follow after review and appropriation obligations.

Where does this funding come from?

This funding is provided by the FY26 Defense Appropriations Act under the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, specifically appropriated for breast cancer research.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility varies by mechanism but generally includes:

• Investigators at all academic levels or equivalent (Breakthrough, Clinical Extension)

• Independent investigators (higher level awards)

• Teams including consumer advocates for specified awards

• Exact eligibility will be detailed in each FOA.

(Final eligibility criteria are determined in the FOAs.)

What companies and projects are likely to win?

Competitive proposals typically:

• Address key overarching challenges defined by BCRP

• Demonstrate innovation, clinical relevance, and impact

• Include translational pathways or transformative potential

• Meet mechanism-specific expectations (e.g., data access plans, interdisciplinary teams)

Are there any restrictions I should know about?

• This pre-announcement is not a FOA and does not guarantee funding.

• Final applications must conform to Grants.gov FOAs once released.

• Mechanism specific limits on clinical trials and preliminary data requirements will be in each FOA.

How long will it take me to prepare an application?

Preparation time varies by project complexity, but given the breadth of mechanisms and expected competitive standards, begin planning now while awaiting FOAs:

• Concept refinement: ~2–4 weeks

• Team assembly & consumer advocate engagement: ~2–6 weeks

• Budget & prelim data planning: ~4–8+ weeks depending on scope

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO can assist with:

• Translating BCRP FOA language into tailored project responses

• Drafting narrative, budget justification, and impact sections

• Aligning your concept with mechanism-specific review criteria

• Incorporating consumer review perspectives where required

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.