DoW Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity is soliciting applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Neurofibromatosis Research Program Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award, a grant opportunity aimed at funding high-risk, high-gain research that challenges existing paradigms and lays the foundation for transformative advances in neurofibromatosis science. Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal through either Grants.gov or eBRAP, depending on institutional affiliation, with a strict deadline of September 22, 2026. Proposals are evaluated in two tiers: first by peer reviewers assessing experimental design, feasibility, statistical rigor, innovation, and reproducibility, including mandatory consideration of sex as a biological variable and adherence to ARRIVE 2.0, CONSORT, and FAIR data principles; second by programmatic reviewers evaluating alignment with FY26 NFRP priorities, strategic impact, and portfolio balance. The award has a fixed funding ceiling of $160,000 for the entire two-year performance period, with all awards required to be issued no later than September 30, 2027. Submission requires ten specific attachments, each with strict formatting and naming conventions, including a four-page project narrative, a one-page technical and lay abstract, a three-page statement of work, and separate innovation and impact statements. Preliminary data is encouraged but not required, and foreign affiliations of key personnel must be fully disclosed to avoid funding disqualification under NSPM-33 requirements. Organizational conflicts of interest are strictly prohibited, particularly involving CDMRP review panel members, and applicants must ensure their Unique Entity Identifier remains current in SAM.gov throughout the award lifecycle. Performance occurs at the applicant’s facility, which must demonstrate access to necessary resources, including military or VA patient populations, and all funded projects are expected to share data openly with the scientific community. The solicitation does not include traditional contract clauses or line-item pricing, reflecting its nature as a research grant rather than a procurement contract.