DoW Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health, Translational Research Award

The Translational Research Award under the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health program is designed to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical applications with tangible impact, specifically targeting improvements in military and veteran health outcomes. The award explicitly prohibits basic research and clinical trials, requiring instead that applicants demonstrate preliminary data and focus on innovative, non-incremental approaches that advance measurable health products or technologies. Two distinct Research Levels are available: Level 1 supports refining mature concepts into well-defined knowledge products ready for further evaluation, while Level 2 funds rigorous testing of those products in preparation for first-in-human studies. Applications must align precisely with the selected level, and all submissions—whether from academic, government, or private institutions—must include detailed justifications for model systems in animal research and must incorporate Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles when human subjects are enrolled. An Early-Career Investigator Partnering Option allows two Principal Investigators to submit jointly, with each receiving a separate award if selected, fostering mentorship and capacity building. The solicitation emphasizes scientific impact and feasibility as the highest priority evaluation criteria, followed by equal weight given to animal model relevance, human subject recruitment feasibility, statistical rigor, transition planning, and investigator expertise. Awards are granted through a trade-off process that considers both scientific merit and programmatic alignment, not simply highest scores. Funding is capped between $1 million and $2 million per award, with a maximum performance period of four years and obligation no later than September 30, 2027; funds must be expended by September 30, 2032. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov or eBRAP, with strict adherence to PDF formatting and naming conventions for all attachments, including a 12-page Project Narrative, a 5-page Statement of Work, an Animal Research Plan aligned with ARRIVE Guidelines, a Post-Award Transition Plan outlining commercialization or clinical adoption pathways, CBPR documentation, and a Relevance to Military Health Statement. All applicants must be registered in SAM.gov with a valid Unique Entity Identifier and must disclose foreign affiliations, past conduct issues, or other factors that may trigger administrative review. No formal FAR or DFARS contract clauses are specified, as this is a grants-based solicitation administered under CDMRP guidelines. Performance occurs at the applicant’s institutional site, with no physical delivery or logistical marking requirements; instead, accountability centers on rigorous scientific standards, regulatory compliance, data sharing, and successful transition of outcomes into clinical practice.