DoW Breast Cancer, Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity is soliciting applications for the fiscal year 2026 Breast Cancer Research Program Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2 under solicitation HT942526BCRPBTA122. This program supports high-impact research designed to achieve breakthroughs in breast cancer, with a total expected allotment of approximately 10.6 million dollars to fund roughly six applications. Funding Level 1 focuses on innovative, high-risk research in early stages of development to establish proof of concept and does not require preliminary data. Funding Level 2 supports research validated by substantial preliminary or published data to facilitate clinical translation. A specialized Population Science Studies option is available under Level 2, which may allow for higher funding and an extended period of performance. The program allows for a single Principal Investigator or a partnering PI option. Maximum funding varies by level and PI structure, ranging from 750,000 dollars for Level 1 single PI to 3.35 million dollars for Level 2 Population Science partnering PIs. The maximum period of performance is three years, extending to four years for Population Science Studies. Applications undergo a two-tier review process consisting of a peer review for technical merit and a programmatic review for relevance. Key evaluation criteria include the degree of impact on overarching challenges, the potential to accelerate progress beyond incremental advances, and scientific feasibility. Applicants must follow a two-step submission process, with pre-applications due by November 4, 2026, and full applications due by November 18, 2026. Extramural organizations must submit via Grants.gov and maintain active SAM.gov registration, while intramural DOW organizations may use eBRAP. Required documentation includes a project narrative, statement of work, and various abstracts and statements, with specific page limits for the SOW, lay abstract, and mentorship statement. All key personnel must disclose foreign affiliations per National Security Presidential Memorandum-33, and clinical research must include a PHS Inclusion Enrollment Report.