science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOD-AMRAA
DoW Rare Cancers Idea Development Award
Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · HT942526RCRPIDA
Total Program Funding
$7.3M
Expected Awards
15
Deadline
November 18, 2026
GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview
DoD's Rare Cancers Research Program Idea Development Award funds 15 grants ($7.35M total, ~$490K each) for research on rare cancers — those affecting fewer than 6 cases per 100,000 people annually. This covers hundreds of cancer types that NIH rarely funds specifically. Any innovative research approach (basic, translational, clinical — no clinical trials). Must have preliminary data.
Who Should Apply
Cancer researchers studying rare tumor types with preliminary data and innovative research proposals. The cancer type must qualify as 'rare' (< 6 per 100,000 incidence).
Who Should NOT Apply
Researchers studying common cancers (breast, lung, prostate, colorectal), those without rare cancer-specific preliminary data, or early-career researchers without established programs in rare cancers.
Key Requirements (Plain English)
- •Must focus on a rare cancer type (< 6 per 100,000 annual incidence)
- •Must present relevant preliminary/published data
- •15 awards totaling $7.35M (~$490K each)
- •Must address DoD Rare Cancers program priorities
- •No clinical trials
- •Unrestricted eligibility
💡 GrantQuick Tip
15 awards is generous for rare cancers! DoD funds this because military personnel have elevated rates of certain rare cancers due to exposures (mesothelioma, cholangiocarcinoma, rare sarcomas). If your rare cancer research connects to environmental/occupational exposures relevant to military service, highlight that. But any rare cancer qualifies — thyroid, appendiceal, adrenocortical, GIST, etc. Check the program's 'Areas of Emphasis' document for specific priority cancer types.
Competitiveness: Moderate — 15 awards across many rare cancer types. Less competitive than common cancer programs because the research community is fragmented across many tumor types.
What This Grant Funds
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Rare Cancers Research Program (RCRP) Idea Development Award (IDA) promotes ideas that are ready for further development and have the potential to yield high-impact findings and new avenues of investigation.
Distinctive Features:
- The RCRP encourages applicants to include an exploratory aim or sub-aim to support any necessary discovery-driven research.
- Preliminary data with disease-specific rationale are required. However, these data do not necessarily need to originate from studies of the proposed rare cancer type(s)/subtype(s) under study.
- Research should have high potential impact on rare cancers and the patient community.
Attachments
Who Can Apply
Eligible Applicant Types
Funding Details
- Total Program Funding
- $7.3M
- Expected Number of Awards
- 15
- Cost Sharing Required?
- No
- Funding Instrument
- grant
Key Dates
Agency Contact
eBRAP Help Desk Phone: 301-682-5507 Email: help@eBRAP.org
help@eBRAP.orgReady to apply?
View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov