science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOD-AMRAA
DoW Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award
Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · HT942526NFRPIIRA
Total Program Funding
$6.0M
Expected Awards
7
Deadline
September 22, 2026
GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview
DoD's NFRP Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) funds 7 high-impact neurofibromatosis research projects ($6M total, ~$860K each). This is the program's workhorse grant — any phase of research EXCEPT clinical trials, from basic science to translational. You bring the idea, they fund it. Must address NF disorders (NF1, NF2, schwannomatosis) and show your work could meaningfully advance patient care or understanding of the disease.
Who Should Apply
Researchers at any career stage with strong NF research programs. Universities, medical centers, nonprofits, and even for-profit research organizations. Must have preliminary data and a clear path to impact.
Who Should NOT Apply
Researchers without NF focus, anyone proposing clinical trials (not allowed under this mechanism), early-career researchers without preliminary data (use the EHDA instead), or anyone outside the NF field.
Key Requirements (Plain English)
- •Must focus on neurofibromatosis disorders
- •Must present preliminary/published data relevant to the proposal
- •Must address FY26 NFRP Areas of Emphasis
- •No clinical trials allowed
- •Unrestricted eligibility (any institution type)
- •No cost-sharing required
💡 GrantQuick Tip
7 awards makes this the most accessible of the NFRP mechanisms. The differentiator is 'high-impact' — reviewers want to see how your project will change clinical practice or fundamentally shift understanding of NF biology. Strong applications connect basic science to patient outcomes. If you're studying a signaling pathway, show how it could lead to a drug target. If you're doing genetics, show how it informs diagnosis or prognosis. Pure curiosity-driven proposals without translational vision struggle here.
Competitiveness: Moderate — 7 awards in the NF research community (~500-1000 active researchers worldwide). Well-established investigators with strong NF track records win repeatedly.
What This Grant Funds
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) supports high-impact research that addresses a critical need and has the potential to make important contributions to the field of neurofibromatosis disorders or advance patient care. Research projects may focus on any phase of research, excluding clinical trials. The rationale for a research idea may be derived from laboratory discovery, population-based studies, a clinician’s firsthand knowledge of patients, or anecdotal data. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.
Distinctive Features: This award mechanism offers two funding levels based on participation in two optional features:
• Open Science Initiative: Catalyzes research for neurofibromatosis through early access to data and data sharing within the neurofibromatosis community.
• Optional Qualified Collaborator: Encourages collaborative research between basic scientists and clinical researchers, and between academic and biotechnology scientists.
The funding levels are defined as follows:
• Level 1: Applications without an optional feature.
• Level 2: Applications including one of the optional features.
Attachments
Who Can Apply
Eligible Applicant Types
Funding Details
- Total Program Funding
- $6.0M
- Expected Number of Awards
- 7
- 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