DoW Rare Cancers Resource and Community Development Award

The fiscal year 2026 Rare Cancers Research Program Resource and Community Development Award, solicitation number HT942526RCRPRCDA, is a funding opportunity issued by the Defense Health Agency to support the creation of research resources and clinical or preclinical datasets. The program aims to address critical gaps in rare cancers research, including the lack of patient tissues, cell and tumor models, data-sharing infrastructure, and communication strategies within scientific and patient communities. Key requirements include the development of a resource platform aligned with Platform Development and AI/ML focus areas, the production of Standard Operating Procedures, and the active integration of Patient Advocates throughout the research lifecycle. Clinical trials are strictly prohibited under this award. The program provides approximately 5.6 million dollars in total funding, with individual awards capped at 1.12 million dollars for a maximum period of performance of four years. The application process is a two-tier system starting with a pre-application due August 19, 2026, followed by a full application deadline of November 18, 2026. Proposals are evaluated based on a pass/fail pre-application screening and a two-tier review process focusing on technical merit and programmatic relevance, with equal weight given to impact and project design. Eligible applicants include extramural and intramural U.S. Department of War organizations, and they must maintain active registrations in SAM.gov, eBRAP.org, and Grants.gov.