HT042526NFRPEHDA_GG.pdf

This program announcement must be read in conjunction with the General Application Instructions, version CD26_01.

Program Announcement for the Defense Health Agency

Neurofibromatosis Research Program Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526NFRPEHDA

Pre-Application Due: September 8, 2026

Application Due: September 22, 2026 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award 2

Content Before You Begin 3

Basic Information Summarizes the funding opportunity, funding details, submission deadlines and review dates

Eligibility Details eligibility factors for the applicant organization and Principal Investigator

Program Description Describes the program mission and intent of the Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award; provides key award information and considerations; and outlines funding details

Application Contents Presents the two-step application process and instructions for preparing a pre-application and full application

Submission Requirements Provides locations for application packages, instructions for submitting pre-applications and full applications, and describes application verification

Application Review Information Outlines the processes for application compliance review, pre-application and full application selection/notification, and risk assessment. Also, details the review criteria for pre-application screening and both tiers of the CDMRP application review process – Peer Review and Programmatic Review

Federal Award Notices Outlines what a successful applicant can expect if recommended for funding

Post-Award Requirements References policy requirements for funded research; outlines reporting requirements and restrictions related to Principal Investigator changes and institutional award transfers

Other Information Outlines criteria for administrative actions including application rejection, modification, withdrawal and withhold

Appendix 1 Includes a checklist for all full application components to facilitate application submission

Appendix 2 Acronym List

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Before You Begin

• Active SAM.gov, eBRAP.org and Grants.gov registrations are required for application submission. User registration for each of these websites can take several weeks or longer.

Each applicant must ensure their registrations are active and up to date prior to application preparation.

• Read this funding opportunity announcement in the order it is written before beginning to prepare application materials. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine whether the proposed research meets the intent of this funding opportunity and that all parties meet eligibility requirements.

• To support application preparation, additional resources are available including an application process FAQ, a Guide for Intragovernmental & Intramural Applicants and a CDMRP Video Series detailing the application process.

Who to Contact for Support

This document uses internal links; you can go back to where you were by pressing the Alt + left arrow keys (Windows) or command + left arrow keys (Macintosh) on your keyboard.

Click to be taken to additional guidance and instructions within the General Application Instructions (GAI).

eBRAP Help Desk

301-682-5507 help@eBRAP.org

Questions regarding funding opportunity submission requirements, as well as technical assistance related to pre-application or intramural application submission.

Grants.gov Support Center

800-518-4726 International: 1-606-545-5035 support@grants.gov

Questions regarding Grants.gov registration and Workspace.

https://sam.gov/ https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/index.htm https://grants.gov/register https://cdmrp.health.mil/#:%7E:text=Frequently%20Asked%20Questions%20%C2%BB https://cdmrp.health.mil/#:%7E:text=Guide%20for%20Intragovernmental%20%26%20Intramural%20Applicants https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Journey%20of%20an,Tier%20Review%20Process mailto:help@eBRAP.org mailto:support@grants.gov https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01

Section Shortcuts Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award 4

1. Basic Information About the Funding Opportunity

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award (EHDA) supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in neurofibromatosis (NF) research. Studies supported by this award mechanism should lay the groundwork for future avenues of scientific investigation. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and study design.

Distinctive Features:

• Innovation: The proposed research project should be innovative. Innovative research may introduce a novel paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, examine existing problems from novel perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities.

• Preliminary Data: Preliminary and/or published data is encouraged but not required.

Funding Details: The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) expects to allot roughly $1.28M to fund approximately eight EHDA applications with total cost caps of $0.16M per award. The maximum period of performance is 2 years. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY26 funding opportunity will be funded with FY26 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2032. Awards supported with FY26 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2027.

Submission and Review Dates and Times

• Pre-Application (Letter of Intent) Submission Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), September 8, 2026

• Application Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, September 22, 2026

• End of Application Verification Period: 5:00 p.m. ET, September 28, 2026

• Peer Review: December 2026

• Programmatic Review: March 2027 Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526NFRPEHDA Assistance Listing Number: 12.420

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

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2. Eligibility Information

2.1. Eligible Applicants

2.1.1. Organization

Extramural and intramural U.S. Department of War (DOW) organizations are eligible to apply, including foreign and domestic organizations, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and public or private entities.

2.1.2. Principal Investigator

Investigators at all academic levels, including postdoctoral fellows (or equivalent), may be named by the organization as the PI on the application.

Investigators affiliated with an eligible organization are eligible to be named Principal Investigator (PI) on the application, regardless of ethnicity, nationality or citizenship status.

Investigators do not have to be from academic institutions.

An investigator may be named on only one FY26 NFRP EHDA application as PI.

2.2. Cost Sharing

Cost sharing is not an eligibility requirement.

2.3. Other

Awards are made to eligible organizations, not to individuals. Refer to the GAI for additional recipient qualification requirements.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Content_Form_Full_App_Submission:%7E:text=pre%2Dapplication%20submission.-,Extramural%20Organization%3A,-A%20foreign%20or https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:%7E:text=Intramural%20DOW%20Organization%3A%20A%20subset%20of%20intragovernmental%20organizations%3B%20refers%20specifically%20to%20DOW%20organizations%2C%20including%20DOW%20laboratories%2C%20DOW%20military%20treatment%20facilities%2C%20and/or%20DOW%20activities%20embedded%20within%20a%20civilian%20medical%20center.

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Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

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3. Program Description

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA) is soliciting applications to this funding opportunity using delegated authority provided by United States Code, Title 10, Section 4001 (10 USC 4001). The CDMRP is the program office managing this FY26 funding opportunity as part of the Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP). The CDMRP is located within the Defense Health Agency Research and Development (DHA R&D), which is a part of the Department of Defense, DOD, herein referred to using the secondary title Department of War, DOW. Congress initiated the NFRP in 1996 to provide support for research of exceptional scientific merit that promotes the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neurofibromatosis (NF), including neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) and schwannomatosis. Appropriations for the NFRP from FY96 through FY24 totaled $452.85 million (M). The FY26 appropriation is $25M.

The vision of the NFRP is to decrease the clinical impact of neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis. The mission of the NFRP is to promote research directed toward the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neurofibromatosis and schwannomatosis to enhance the quality of life for persons with these disorders that impact Service Members, Veterans, and the American public.

3.1. Award History

The NFRP Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award (EHDA) mechanism was first offered in FY08. Since then, 409 EHDA applications were received, and 84 were recommended for funding.

3.2. Intent of the EHDA

The NFRP EHDA supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in NF research. Studies should lay the groundwork for future avenues of scientific investigation. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on a strong scientific rationale and study design.

3.2.1. Strategic Goals and Areas of Emphasis for the EHDA

The NFRP seeks to support innovative, high-impact research that will foster new directions and address neglected issues in NF research; sponsor multidisciplinary and multi-institutional collaborations that will bring new perspectives to the field; promote translational and clinical studies to move promising ideas from bench to bedside; and develop a balanced portfolio of meritorious research related to all aspects of NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis.

Strategic Goals: The NFRP’s current strategic goals are:

• Support basic and exploratory research.

• Facilitate rapid testing of potential therapeutics.

• Increase capacity and multi-disciplinary research through support and development of vital resources and the next generation of NF researchers to improve patient care.

• Encourage research in areas of critical interest to NF patients.

The NFRP encourages applicants to review the NFRP Strategic Plan for more information on its specific goals and objectives.

https://cdmrp.health.mil/nfrp/pdf/NFRP%20Strategic%20Plan_24May24.pdf

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

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Areas of Emphasis: To meet the intent of the funding opportunity, all applications should specifically address the critical needs of the NF community in one or more of the areas of emphasis listed below. The NFRP also encourages all applicants to include materials and data from diverse populations within their research.

• NF2- and schwannomatosis-related areas (e.g., hearing, balance, schwannoma, ependymoma, meningioma, LZTR1, SMARCB1).

• Endpoint validation, biomarker discovery, and technological innovation for assessments.

• Application of data science.

• Non-tumor manifestations not limited to:

○ Pain

○ Cognitive manifestations and behavior

○ Sleep

• Heterogeneity of NF-related phenotypes.

• Genetics, genomics, epigenetics, systems biology, metabolomics, or similar approaches.

• Preclinical efficacy studies.

• Target identification and drug discovery.

• Nutritional, environmental, and other modifiers of NF.

• Health services research.

Note: Not all areas of emphasis are applicable to every award mechanism. If the proposed research project does not address at least one of the FY26 NFRP areas of emphasis, justification should be provided that it addresses an important problem related to NF research and/or patient care.

3.2.2. Key Elements for the EHDA

Participants will share data following the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) Data Principles for reproducible science found in “The FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship.” Refer to the Research Sharing Plan document in Attachment 2.

The proposed research project should be innovative. Innovative research may introduce a novel paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, examine existing problems from novel perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. Research that is an incremental advance upon published data is not considered innovative and is not consistent with the intent of this award mechanism. It is the responsibility of the PI to clearly and explicitly articulate how the proposed research project is innovative in the field of NF.

Investigators must review their institutional requirements and guidelines for filing with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for exempt or expedited status. Information can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 32, Section 219.104(d) (32 CFR 219.104[d]) for exempt status or 21 CFR 56.110 for expedited status.

https://www.nature.com/articles/sdata201618 https://www.nature.com/articles/sdata201618

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3.2.3. Other Important Considerations for the EHDA

In accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, Section 732, CDMRP does not support the conduct of painful research (U.S. Department of Agriculture pain category D or E) involving domestic cats or dogs, except for studies relating to military or service animals.

Clinical trials are not allowed within this funding opportunity.

All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of clinical and preclinical research, such as those described in the STROBE, CONSORT, SPIRIT and ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines.

Applications from investigators within the DOW and applications involving multidisciplinary collaborations among academia, industry, the DOW, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other federal government agencies are highly encouraged. These relationships can leverage knowledge, infrastructure, and access to unique clinical populations that the collaborators bring to the research effort, ultimately advancing research that is of significance to Service Members, Veterans, their Families and the American Public. If the proposed research relies on access to unique resources or databases, the application must describe that access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research.

Research Involving Animals: All research funded by the FY26 NFRP EHDA involving new and ongoing research with animals must be reviewed and approved by the DHA R&D Office of Research and Regulatory Compliance (ORRC) Animal Care and Use Review Office (ACURO), in addition to the local Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of record. IACUC approval at the time of submission is not required. Allow at least three to four months for ACURO regulatory review and approval processes for animal studies. Refer to the GAI, Appendix 6, for additional information.

3.3. Funding Instrument

The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be grants

(31 USC 6304).

3.4. Funding Details

Period of Performance: The maximum period of performance is 2 years.

Cost Cap: The application’s total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance should not exceed $160,000. If indirect cost rates have been negotiated, indirect costs are to be budgeted in accordance with the organization’s negotiated rate. Collaborating organizations should budget associated indirect costs in accordance with each organization’s negotiated rate.

All direct and indirect costs of any subaward or contract must be included in the direct costs of the primary award.

The applicant may request the entire maximum funding amount for a project that may have a period of performance less than the maximum 2 years.

The appropriateness of the budget for the proposed research will be assessed during peer review.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:%7E:text=or%20hardware%20procurement.-,Clinical%20Trial%3A,-As%20defined%20in https://www.strobe-statement.org/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03635-5#:%7E:text=SPIRIT%20and%20CONSORT%20are%20evidence,relevant%20empirical%20evidence%20where%20possible https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03668-w?fromPaywallRec=false https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Research_Protections_Review_Reqs https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=Period%20of%20Performance%3A%20The%20time%20interval%20between%20the%20start%20of%20a%20federal%20award%20and%20the%20planned%20end%20date.

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Direct Cost Restrictions: For this award mechanism, direct costs:

May be requested for (not all-inclusive):

• Travel in support of multi-institutional collaborations.

• Costs for one investigator to travel to one scientific/technical meeting per year. The intent of travel to scientific/technical meetings should be to present project information or disseminate project results from the NFRP Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award.

Must not be requested for:

• Clinical trial costs.

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

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4. Application Contents and Format

4.1. Application Overview

Application submission is a two-step process requiring both a pre-application submitted via the Electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) and a full application submitted through eBRAP or Grants.gov. Depending on the submission portal, certain aspects of the application will differ.

Intramural DOW organizations submitting a full application should follow instructions for submission through eBRAP.

Extramural organizations submitting a full application must follow instructions for submission through Grants.gov.

4.2. Pre-Application Components

Pre-application submissions must include the following components.

Letter of Intent (LOI) (one-page limit): Provide a brief description of the research to be conducted. Include the FY26 NFRP Area of Emphasis under which the application will be submitted.

4.3. Full Application Components

Each application submission must include the completed full application package for this program announcement. See Appendix 1 for a checklist of the full application components.

(a) SF424 Research & Related Application for Federal Assistance Form (Grants.gov submissions only):

IMPORTANT: When completing the SF424 R&R, enter the eBRAP log number assigned during pre-application submission into Block 4a – Federal Identifier.

(b) Attachments:

Each attachment of the full application components must be uploaded as an individual file in the format specified and in accordance with the formatting guidelines in the GAI.

○ Attachment 1: Project Narrative (four-page limit): Upload as

“ProjectNarrative.pdf”.

Describe the proposed project in detail using the outline below.

– Background: Clearly articulate the scientific rationale for the proposed research project. Cite relevant literature. Preliminary and/or published data is encouraged, but not required.

– Hypothesis: State concisely the new concept, theory, paradigm, and/or method that addresses an important problem in NF research and/or patient care.

– Specific Aims: Concisely explain the proposed research project’s specific aims to be funded by this application. If the proposed research project is part of a larger study, present only tasks that this award would fund.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/index.htm https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=APPENDIX%202.%0AFORMATTING%20GUIDELINES https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=(a)%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%20SF424%20(R%26R)%20%E2%80%93%20Application%20for%20Federal%20Assistance%20Form https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=%C2%B7-,Project%20Narrative%3A,-Attach%20as%20%E2%80%9CProjectNarrative https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Full_App_Submission_Grants:%7E:text=IV.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%20FULL%20APPLICATION%20SUBMISSION%20THROUGH%20GRANTS.GOV https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Full_App_Submission_eBRAP:%7E:text=V.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%20FULL%20APPLICATION%20SUBMISSION%20THROUGH%20eBRAP

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

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– Research Strategy and Feasibility:

Describe how the experimental design, methods, and analyses, including appropriate randomization, blinding, and controls, are designed to achieve reproducible and rigorous results in sufficient detail for scientific peer review.

Describe how the scientific rationale, including a well-formulated, testable hypothesis and clear mechanistic underpinning, supports the proposed research project.

Describe the statistical plan for the research proposed, as appropriate.

Address potential problem areas, and present alternative methods and approaches.

If pre-existing specimens and/or human anatomical samples will be used, include a detailed plan for how samples were or will be acquired. Clearly describe the tissue or tumor type to be studied, where applicable (e.g., encapsulated versus diffuse plexiform neurofibroma). Clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity.

If the proposed research involves access to military and/or VA patient populations and/or DOW or VA resources or databases, describe the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research. Also include a plan for obtaining any required data sharing, memorandum of understanding or other agreements required to access and publish data. Refer to the GAI, Appendix 4, for additional considerations.

○ Attachment 2: Supporting Documentation: Combine and upload as a single file named “Support.pdf”.

There are no page limits for these components unless otherwise noted. Include only components described below; inclusion of items not requested or viewed as an extension of the Project Narrative will result in the removal of those items or may result in administrative withdrawal of the application.

References Cited: List the references cited in the Project Narrative using a standard reference format (include URLs, if available).

List of Abbreviations, Acronyms and Symbols: Provide a list of abbreviations, acronyms and symbols.

Facilities, Existing Equipment and Other Resources: Describe the facilities and equipment available for performance of the proposed project; include any additional facilities or equipment proposed for acquisition at no cost to the award. Indicate whether government-furnished facilities or equipment are proposed for use. If so, reference the original or present government award under which the facilities or equipment items are now accountable. There is not a standardized form for this information.

Publications and/or Patents: Include a list of relevant publication URLs and/or patent abstracts. If articles are not publicly available, then copies of up to five published manuscripts may be included in Attachment 2. Extra items will not be reviewed.

Letters of Support (if applicable): Provide individual letters signed by collaborating individuals and/or organizational officials demonstrating that the PI has the support and resources necessary for the proposed work. Letters from the PI’s Department https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Use_Of_DOW_Dept_Veterans_Affairs_Resource https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=%C2%B7-,Supporting%20Documentation%3A,-Combine%20and%20attach

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Chair, or appropriate organization official, should also confirm that the PI(s) meet eligibility criteria. If applicable, provide a letter of support signed by the lowest-ranking person with approval authority, confirming participation of intramural DOW collaborator(s) and/or access to military populations, databases or DOW resources.

If applicable, provide a letter of support signed by the VA Facility Director(s), or an individual designated by the VA Facility Director(s), confirming access to VA patients, resources and/or VA research space.

Letters of Collaboration (if applicable): Provide a signed letter from each collaborating individual and/or organization demonstrating that the PI has the support and resources necessary for the proposed work. If an investigator at an intramural DOW organization is named as a collaborator on a full application submitted through an extramural organization, the application must include a letter from the collaborator’s Commander or Commanding Officer at the intramural DOW organization authorizing the collaborator’s involvement.

Research Sharing Plan: Describe the type of data or research resources (e.g., bio-specimen, analysis tool/software, training material) to be made publicly available as a result of the proposed work. Describe the mechanism (e.g., direct sharing, repository, mixed mode) by which data and resources generated during the period of performance will be shared with the research community and other affected communities, including clinical research participants. Include the name of the repository(ies) where scientific data and resources arising from the proposed study will be archived, if applicable.

Identify and provide the rationale for any data or resources that will not be shared (e.g., for intellectual property, feasibility, cost, or other considerations). The plan should also protect participant privacy, confidential and proprietary data, and performer/third-party intellectual property. Provide a milestone plan for disseminating data/results, including when data and resources will be made available to other users.

In cases where the study participant could potentially derive medical or other benefit from the information, explain whether the results of screening and/or study participation will be shared with the participant or their primary care provider, including results from any screening or diagnostic tests performed as part of the study.

Use of DOW Resources (if applicable): Provide a letter of support signed by the lowest-ranking person with approval authority confirming access to active-duty military populations and/or DOW resources or databases.

Use of VA Resources (if applicable): Provide a letter of support signed by the VA Facility Director(s) or individual designated by the VA Facility Director(s), such as the Associate Chief of Staff for Research and Development (ACOS/R&D) or Clinical Service Chief, confirming access to VA patients, resources, and/or VA research space. If the VA-affiliated non-profit corporation is not identified as the applicant organization for administering the funds, include a letter from the VA ACOS/R&D confirming this arrangement and identifying the institution that will administer the funds associated with the proposed research.

Sex as a Biological Variable Strategy (two-page limit is recommended):

Describe the strategy for how sex will be considered as a biological variable. This strategy should include a brief discussion of what is currently known regarding sex differences in the applicable research area. Clearly articulate how sex as a biological variable will be factored into the data analysis plan and how data will be collected and disaggregated by sex. If needed, provide a strong rationale for proposing a single-sex study, based on justification from scientific literature, preliminary data or

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award 13 other relevant considerations. Refer to the CDMRP Directive on Sex as a Biological Variable in Research for additional information.

○ Attachment 3: Technical Abstract (one-page limit): Upload as “TechAbs.pdf”.

Write the technical abstract using the outline below. Clarity and completeness within the space limits are highly important.

Background: Present the scientific rationale behind the proposed research project.

Hypothesis/Objective(s): State the hypothesis to be tested and/or objective(s) to be reached.

Specific Aims: State the specific aims of the study.

Study Design: Describe the study design, including appropriate controls.

Innovation: Briefly describe how the proposed research project is innovative in the field of NF.

Impact: Briefly describe how the proposed research project will have short-term and/or long-term impact on NF research and/or patient care.

○ Attachment 4: Lay Abstract (one-page limit): Upload as “LayAbs.pdf”.

The lay abstract should address the points outlined below in a manner that is readily understood by readers without a background in science or medicine. Avoid overuse of scientific jargon, acronyms and abbreviations. Do not duplicate the technical abstract.

– Summarize the objectives and rationale for the proposed research.

– Describe the ultimate applicability of the research.

What population will the research help, and how will it help them?

What are the potential applications, benefits, and risks of the anticipated outcomes?

How will the data and resources generated during the performance of the proposed research project be shared with the research community (scientific and advocacy organizations) and the public?

What is the projected time it may take to achieve a patient-related outcome?

What are the likely contributions of the proposed research project to advancing research, patient care, and/or quality of life?

○ Attachment 5: Statement of Work (three-page limit): Upload as “SOW.pdf”.

Refer to eBRAP for the Suggested SOW Format.

For guidance on preparing the SOW, refer to the Example: Assembling a Generic Statement of Work. Include milestones for data or research resource(s) sharing.

○ Attachment 6: Impact Statement (one-page limit): Upload as “Impact.pdf”. State explicitly how the proposed research project addresses one or more of the FY26 NFRP Areas of Emphasis or, if the project does not address an area of emphasis, provide justification that it addresses a critical problem in NF research and/or patient care.

Describe the anticipated outcomes (short-term gains) from the proposed research and how they will be used as a foundation for future research projects. Explain the https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/pdf/CDMRP%20SABV%20Directive_Revised_MAR2025_signed.pdf https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/pdf/CDMRP%20SABV%20Directive_Revised_MAR2025_signed.pdf https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Suggested%20SOW%20Format https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Example%3A%20Assembling%20a%20Generic%20Statement%20of%20Work https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Example%3A%20Assembling%20a%20Generic%20Statement%20of%20Work https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=%C2%B7-,Lay%20Abstract%3A,-Attach%20as%20%E2%80%9CLayAbs https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=%C2%B7-,Technical%20Abstract%3A,-Attach%20as%20%E2%80%9CTechAbs https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=%C2%B7-,Statement%20of%20Work%3A,-Attach%20as%20%E2%80%9CSOW

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award 14 anticipated long-term gains from the proposed research project, including how the new understanding may ultimately contribute to the goal of advancing NF research and/or patient care. Describe how the data and resources generated during the performance of the proposed research project will be shared with the research community (scientific and advocacy organizations) and the public.

− If applicable, describe how the anticipated outcomes of the proposed study will make an impact in understanding health differences between sexes.

○ Attachment 7: Innovation Statement (one-page limit): Upload as “Innovation.pdf”.

Describe how the proposed research project is innovative in the field of NF. Research deemed innovative may represent a novel paradigm, challenge current paradigms, examine existing problems from novel perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. Innovative research may include high-risk approaches. Research that is an incremental advance upon published data is not considered innovative.

Although not all-inclusive, the following examples are ways in which the proposed research project may be innovative:

– Explores a novel idea and/or research question in NF.

– Uses or develops novel methods or technologies to address a question in NF.

− Applies or adapts existing methods or technologies for novel NF research or clinical purposes that differ fundamentally from those originally intended.

○ Attachment 8: Animal Research Plan (three-page limit): Upload as “AnimalResPlan.pdf”. (Attachment 8 is only applicable and required for applications proposing animal studies.)

If the proposed study involves animals, a summary describing the animal research that will be conducted must be included in the application. Consult the ARRIVE guidelines

2.0 (Animal Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments) to ensure relevant aspects of rigorous animal research are adequately planned for and, ultimately, reported. The Animal Research Plan may not be an exact replica of the protocol(s) submitted to the IACUC. The Animal Research Plan should address the following points to achieve reproducible and rigorous results for each proposed animal study:

– Briefly describe the research objective(s) of the animal study. Explain how and why the animal species, strain, and model(s) being used can address the scientific objectives and, where appropriate, the study’s relevance to human biology.

– Summarize the procedures to be conducted. Describe how the study will be controlled.

– Describe the randomization and blinding procedures for the study, and any other measures to be taken to minimize the effects of subjective bias during animal treatment and assessment of results. If randomization and/or blinding will not be utilized, provide justification.

– Provide a sample size estimate for each study arm and the method by which it was derived, including power analysis calculations.

– Describe how data will be handled, including rules for stopping data collection, criteria for inclusion and exclusion of data, how outliers will be defined and handled, statistical methods for data analysis, and identification of the primary endpoint(s).

https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines

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FY26 Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award 15

○ Attachment 9: Representations (Grants.gov submissions only): Upload as “RequiredReps.pdf”. All extramural applicants must complete and submit the Required Representations document available on eBRAP.

○ Attachment 10: Suggested Intragovernmental/Intramural Budget Form (if applicable): Upload as “IGBudget.pdf”. If an intramural DOW organization will be a collaborator in the performance of the project, complete a separate budget for that organization using the Suggested Intragovernmental/Intramural Budget form available on eBRAP.

(c) Additional Application Materials:

The following are additional forms for application submission. Follow the instructions specific to the submission portal, as found within the GAI.

i. Research & Related Senior/Key Person Profile (Expanded)

○ Biographical Sketch

○ Current/Pending Support

Intragovernmental applicants must include their internally supported research and development programs.

ii. Research & Related Budget

iii. Project/Performance Site Location(s)

iv. Research & Related Subaward Budget Attachment(s) (if applicable, Grants.gov submissions only)

4.4. Other Application Elements

The government reserves the right to request a revised budget, budget justification and/or additional information for applications recommended for funding.

External Link to the GAI

Grants.gov xternal ink to the GAI eBRAP.org https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Required%20Representations https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:%7E:text=Intramural%20DOW%20Organization%3A%20A%20subset%20of%20intragovernmental%20organizations%3B%20refers%20specifically%20to%20DOW%20organizations%2C%20including%20DOW%20laboratories%2C%20DOW%20military%20treatment%20facilities%2C%20and/or%20DOW%20activities%20embedded%20within%20a%20civilian%20medical%20center.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Suggested%20Intragovernmental/Intramural%20Budget https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=B.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%20Representations https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=Suggested%20Intragovernmental/Intramural%20Budget%20Form%2C%20if%20applicable%3A https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Additional_App_Materials_IV:%7E:text=C.-,Additional%20Application%20Materials,-The%20following%20are https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Additional_App_Materials_V:%7E:text=B.-,Additional%20Application%20Materials,-The%20following%20are

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FY26 Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award 16

5. Submission Requirements

5.1. Location of Application Package

Download the application package components for HT942526NFRPEHDA from Grants.gov or eBRAP, depending on which submission portal will be used.

5.2. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

The applicant organization must be registered as an entity in the System for Award Management (SAM), SAM.gov, and receive confirmation of an “Active” status before submitting an application through Grants.gov. Organizations must include the unique entity identifier (UEI) generated by the SAM in applications to this funding opportunity and maintain an active registration in the SAM at all times during which it has an active Federal award or an application under consideration.

5.3. Submission Instructions

The CDMRP uses two portal systems to accept pre- and full application submissions. The workflow below shows which portal system to use for pre- and full application submissions, respectively.

Application Submission Workflow

5.3.1. Pre-Application Submission

All pre-application components must be submitted by the PI through eBRAP.

During the pre-application process, eBRAP assigns each submission a unique log number. This unique log number is required during the full application submission process. The eBRAP log number, application title and all information for the PI, Business Official(s), performing organization, and contracting organization must be consistent throughout the entire pre-application and full application submission process. Inconsistencies may delay application https://grants.gov/ https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm https://www.sam.gov/content/home https://ebrap.org/ https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Additional_App_Materials_V:%7E:text=Obtain%20Unique%20Entity%20Identifier%20from%20System%20for%20Award%20Management https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_PreApp_Submission:%7E:text=III.-,PRE%2DAPPLICATION%20SUBMISSION,-General%20information%20about

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FY26 Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award 17 processing and limit or negate the ability to view, modify and verify the application in eBRAP.

Contact the eBRAP Help Desk if any changes need to be made.

5.3.2. Full Application Submission

Grants.gov Submissions: Full applications from extramural organizations must be submitted through the Grants.gov Workspace.

eBRAP Submissions: Only intramural DOW organizations may submit full applications through eBRAP.

5.3.3. Applicant Verification of Full Application Submission in eBRAP

Independent of the submission portal, once the full application is submitted, it is transmitted to and processed in eBRAP; the transmission to eBRAP may take up to 48 hours. At this stage, the PI and organizational representatives will receive an email from eBRAP instructing them to log in to eBRAP to review, modify and verify the full application submission.

The Project Narrative and Research & Related Budget Form cannot be changed after the application submission deadline. Other application components, including subaward budget(s) and subaward budget justification(s), may be changed until the application verification period ends. The full application cannot be modified once the application verification period ends.

5.4. Submission Dates and Times

The pre-application and full application submission process should be started early to avoid missing deadlines. Regardless of submission portal used, all pre- and full application components must be submitted by the deadlines stipulated in this program announcement.

There are no grace periods for deadlines; failure to meet submission deadlines will result in application rejection. The DHACA cannot make allowances/exceptions for submission problems encountered by the applicant.

Submission dates and times are specified in Section 1, Basic Information.

5.5. Intergovernmental Review

Not applicable for this funding opportunity.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:%7E:text=Intramural%20DOW%20Organization%3A%20A%20subset%20of%20intragovernmental%20organizations%3B%20refers%20specifically%20to%20DOW%20organizations%2C%20including%20DOW%20laboratories%2C%20DOW%20military%20treatment%20facilities%2C%20and/or%20DOW%20activities%20embedded%20within%20a%20civilian%20medical%20center.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Full_App_Submission_Grants:%7E:text=IV.-,FULL%20APPLICATION%20SUBMISSION%20THROUGH%20GRANTS.GOV,-A.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Full_App_Submission_eBRAP:%7E:text=V.-,FULL%20APPLICATION%20SUBMISSION%20THROUGH%20eBRAP,-A.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Applicant_Verification_Grants_Submission:%7E:text=E.-,Applicant%20Verification%20of%20Grants.gov%20Submission%20in%20eBRAP,-Once%20the%20full

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award 18

6. Application Review Information

6.1. Application Compliance Review

Submitting applications that propose essentially the same research project to different funding opportunities within the same program and fiscal year is prohibited and will result in administrative withdrawal of the duplicative application(s).

While it is allowable to propose similar research projects to different programs within the CDMRP or to other organizations, duplication of funding or accepting funding from more than one source for the same research is prohibited. See the CDMRP’s Directive on Research Duplication.

Including classified research data within the application and/or proposing research that may produce classified outcomes or outcomes deemed sensitive to national security concerns, may result in application withdrawal.

Members of the FY26 NFRP Programmatic Panel must not be involved in any pre-application or full application including, but not limited to, concept design, application development, budget preparation and the development of any supporting documentation, including personal letters of support/recommendation for the research and/or PI. Programmatic panel members may provide letters to confirm PI eligibility and access to laboratory space, equipment and other resources necessary for the project if that is part of their regular roles and responsibilities (e.g., as Department Chair). A list of the FY26 NFRP Programmatic Panel members can be found on the CDMRP website.

Additional restrictions and associated administrative responses are outlined in Section 9.2, Administrative Actions.

6.2. Review Criteria

6.2.1. Pre-Application Screening Criteria

Pre-applications submitted to this funding opportunity are used for program planning purposes only (e.g., reviewer recruitment) and will not be screened.

6.2.2. Peer Review Criteria

To determine technical merit, all applications will be evaluated individually according to the following scored criteria, which are listed in decreasing order of importance:

• Innovation

○ To what extent the proposed research project is innovative to the field of NF and represents a high-risk/high-reward departure from incremental science in one or more of the following ways: research concept or question, development of novel research methods or technologies, novel adaptations of existing methods or technologies, or other ways.

○ To what extent the proposed research project represents more than an incremental advance upon published data and/or may be considered high risk.

https://cdmrp.health.mil/funding/researchDup https://cdmrp.health.mil/funding/researchDup https://cdmrp.health.mil/nfrp/panels/NFRP%20FY26%20Programmatic%20Panel%20List.pdf https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Applicant_Verification_Grants_Submission:%7E:text=Classified%20Information%2C%20Data%20or%20Outcomes

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FY26 Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award 19

• Research Strategy and Feasibility

○ The extent to which the scientific rationale supports the research project and its feasibility, as demonstrated by a review and analysis of the literature and relevant preliminary data (preliminary data do not need to come from the NF research field).

○ To what extent the experimental design and methods (including controls, sample-size estimation, blinding, randomization and power analysis) are appropriate to test the hypothesis and…