DoW Orthopaedic, Applied Research Award

The Orthopaedic Research Program (ORP) Applied Research Award (HT942526ORPARA) is a funding opportunity from the Defense Health Agency aimed at advancing the treatment and restoration of function for individuals with orthopaedic injuries sustained during combat or service-related activities. This program focuses on applied research to evaluate the technical feasibility of new knowledge products, pharmacologic agents, rehabilitation interventions, diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, and emerging technologies. While the program supports the maturation and down-selection of product candidates using in vitro and in vivo methods, it explicitly prohibits the use of funds for fundamental basic research or clinical research. A key focus area includes strategies to decrease the burden of battlefield fracture-related infections through prevention or early intervention. The solicitation provides approximately 3.8 million dollars to fund about four awards, with a cost cap of 950,000 dollars per award for a maximum period of performance of three years. Eligible applicants include both extramural and intramural U.S. Department of War organizations, provided they maintain active registration in SAM.gov, eBRAP.org, and Grants.gov. The application process is a two-step sequence, requiring a pre-application by August 19, 2026, and a full application by November 18, 2026. Selection is based on a two-tier review process consisting of a peer review for technical merit and a programmatic review for military relevance. Evaluation factors include research strategy, feasibility, personnel expertise, and the appropriateness of the budget and environment.