DoW Toxic Exposures Translational Research Award

The FY26 Toxic Exposures Research Program Translational Research Award supports research that bridges basic scientific discovery with clinical application to address military-related toxic exposures, with the goal of advancing health care products, interventions, technologies, or clinical practice guidelines. Applications must demonstrate reciprocal collaboration between basic science and clinical observation, integrating New Approach Methodologies where appropriate, and are evaluated on four equally weighted factors: research strategy and feasibility, translational potential, impact and military relevance, and personnel qualifications. A unique Partnering Principal Investigator Option allows for two distinct PIs—typically a clinician and a researcher—to submit a joint application, each receiving a separate award if funded, enabling interdisciplinary efforts that significantly enhance the potential for clinical translation beyond what either could achieve alone. Proposals must include detailed attachments covering the project narrative, technical and lay abstracts, statement of work, partnership statement, animal and human subjects plans, handling of hazardous agents, study personnel, and a post-award transition plan, all submitted as PDFs through eBRAP or Grants.gov. The maximum award is $1,500,000 per project with a three-year performance period, and applicants must be registered in SAM.gov with a valid UEI, comply with federal reporting requirements, and undergo screening for foreign influence under NSPM-33. All research must adhere to NIH guidelines on sex as a biological variable, include robust data management plans aligned with DoD Instruction 3200.12, and secure prior approvals from the Defense Health Agency’s Research and Regulatory Compliance Office for human and animal studies. Proposals involving hazardous biological agents require CDC registration and safety documentation, while all work must remain unclassified and avoid duplication with other federal funding submissions. Funding is administered via grants, not contracts, with no line-item pricing or FFP structure, and decisions are based on scientific merit, programmatic relevance, and availability of funds.