science_technology_and_other_research_and_development · DOD-AMRAA

DoW Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award

Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA · HT942526NFRPEHDA

29 days left

Total Program Funding

$1.3M

Expected Awards

Deadline

September 22, 2026

GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview

DoD's NFRP Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award (EHDA) funds 8 high-risk, high-reward pilot projects in neurofibromatosis research ($1.28M total, ~$160K each). These are SMALL grants for testing new ideas — you need a testable hypothesis but don't need extensive preliminary data. The goal: lay groundwork for future larger proposals. Perfect for researchers with a creative NF idea who need pilot data before applying for bigger funding.

Who Should Apply

Researchers at any career stage who have an innovative NF research idea but lack the preliminary data for a full R01 or IIRA application. Great for researchers new to NF or those pivoting their lab in a new direction.

Who Should NOT Apply

Researchers who already have extensive data (apply for IIRA instead), anyone proposing clinical trials, or researchers whose ideas aren't sufficiently novel or high-risk.

Key Requirements (Plain English)

•Must propose innovative, high-risk, high-gain NF research concepts
•Must include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis
•Must lay groundwork for future avenues of investigation
•No extensive preliminary data required (but strong rationale needed)
•Unrestricted eligibility
•No cost-sharing required

💡 GrantQuick Tip

At ~$160K per award, these are designed for pilot studies. The magic word is 'groundbreaking' — reviewers want ideas that challenge current thinking, not incremental extensions of known biology. If you're a researcher in a related field (cancer biology, neuroscience, developmental biology) with a creative insight that could apply to NF, this is your entry point into the NF funding world. You don't need to be an NF expert — you need a novel angle.

Competitiveness: Low-moderate — 8 awards for small grants attracts fewer applicants than the big IIRA awards. Good entry point for researchers new to the NF field.

What This Grant Funds

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award (EHDA) supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in neurofibromatosis (NF) research. Studies supported by this award mechanism should lay the groundwork for future avenues of scientific investigation. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and study design.

Distinctive Features:

• Innovation: The proposed research project should be innovative. Innovative research may introduce a novel paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, examine existing problems from novel perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities.

• Preliminary Data: Preliminary and/or published data is encouraged but not required.