DoW Melanoma Research Program Focused Program Award – Rare Melanomas

The FY26 Melanoma Research Program Focused Program Award – Rare Melanomas is a highly structured, multidisciplinary funding opportunity requiring a collaborative research team composed of an Initiating Principal Investigator and one to two Partnering PIs, each leading a distinct but complementary research project focused on rare melanomas. A critical and mandatory requirement for this cycle is the inclusion of at least one rare melanoma survivor or patient advocate throughout all phases of the research, from planning to dissemination, to ensure that patient perspectives directly shape the scientific direction and impact of the work. Applications follow a two-step process: only the Initiating PI submits a pre-application by July 13, 2026, and those invited must then submit a full application by October 14, 2026, with all PIs submitting their own full application packages—Partnering PIs use an abbreviated format. Applications must be submitted through either eBRAP for intramural Department of Defense entities or Grants.gov for extramural organizations, and failure to use the correct portal results in automatic rejection. Funding is competitive, with approximately $5.6 million allocated to fund up to two awards, each with a cost cap of $2.8 million covering direct and indirect expenses over a maximum four-year period ending no later than September 30, 2032, with awards to be issued no later than September 30, 2027. The research scope permits clinical trials, which must comply with FDA regulations, ClinicalTrials.gov registration, and human subjects protections under 32 CFR 219. The application demands a robust set of attachments including a Project Narrative, Statement of Work with seven-page limit, Overarching Question Statement, Impact Statement, Rare Melanoma Consumer Collaboration Plan, Post-Award Transition Plan, and Clinical Trial Strategy Statement if applicable, each with specific naming conventions and strict formatting rules. All senior personnel must submit biographical sketches and current/pending support documentation, and foreign affiliation disclosures are required per NSPM-33. Evaluation is conducted through peer and programmatic review using five equally weighted criteria: Overarching Question and Implementation Plan, Research Team and Key Personnel, Research Strategy and Feasibility, Impact, and Transition and Commercialization Plan, with selection based on a trade-off process that balances scientific merit with programmatic priorities and organizational compliance. Recipients must be registered in SAM.gov with a valid UEI, and any organization receiving over $10 million in federal awards must submit