HT942526MSRPEIRA_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

Multiple Sclerosis Research Program Early Investigator Research Award

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526MSRPEIRA

Pre-Application Due: July 30, 2026

Application Due: August 13, 2026 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research 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 Early Investigator Research 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

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 3

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 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 4

1. Basic Information About the Funding Opportunity

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP) Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA) supports Multiple Sclerosis-focused research opportunities for individuals in the early stages of their careers, under the guidance of one or more designated Mentors. All applications must address at least one of the FY26 MSRP EIRA focus areas.

Distinctive Features: This opportunity allows for early-stage investigators to develop a research project, investigate a problem or question in MS research, and further their intellectual development as an MS researcher of the future. All application components for the EIRA are expected to be written by the Principal Investigator (PI), with appropriate direction from the Mentor(s).

Funding Details: The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) expects to allot roughly $1.20M to fund approximately four MSRP Early Investigator Research Award applications with total cost caps of $0.30M 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), July 30, 2026

• Application Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, August 13, 2026

• Confidential Letters of Recommendation Submission Deadline: 5:00 p.m. ET, August 20, 2026

• End of Application Verification Period: 5:00 p.m. ET, August 20, 2026

• Peer Review: December 2026

• Programmatic Review: February 2027 Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526MSRPEIRA 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

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 5

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

The Principal Investigator (PI) must:

• Possess a doctoral degree (or equivalent) from an accredited organization.

• Have four years or less of postdoctoral research experience at the time of application submission (excluding clinical residency, clinical fellowship training, or extended medical leave).

• Commit at least 50% of the effort toward the proposed MS research project.

Only postdoctoral fellows are eligible for this award. Faculty members and all other non-postdoctoral positions are not eligible to apply.

Postdoctoral fellows affiliated with an eligible organization are eligible to be named PI on the application, regardless of ethnicity, nationality or citizenship status. Each applicant may be named on only one FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Research Program (MSRP) Early Investigator Research Award (EIRA) application as a 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#_Index:%7E:text=federal%20government%20organization.-,Intramural%20DOW%20Organization%3A,-A%20subset%20of https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=APPENDIX%201-,RECIPIENT%20QUALIFICATION%20AND%20RESTRICTION%20INFORMATION,-A.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0

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

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 6

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 MSRP. 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 MSRP in 2009 to provide support for research of high potential impact and exceptional scientific merit. Appropriations for the MSRP from FY09 through FY24 totaled $153.1 million (M). The FY26 appropriation is $15M.

The vision of the MSRP is to prevent, cure, reverse, or slow the progression and lessen the personal and societal impact of multiple sclerosis. The mission is to support pioneering concepts and high-impact research relevant to the prevention, etiology, pathogenesis, assessment, treatment and ultimate cure of multiple sclerosis for the benefit of Service Members and their Families, Veterans and the American public.

The proposed research must be relevant to active-duty Service Members, Veterans, military beneficiaries and/or the American public.

3.1. Award History

The EIRA mechanism was first offered in FY21. Since then, 61 EIRA applications were received, and 26 were recommended for funding. The overall funding rate is 42.6%.

3.2. Intent of the EIRA

The MSRP EIRA supports MS-focused research opportunities for individuals in the early stages of their careers, under the guidance of one or more designated Mentors. This opportunity allows for early-stage investigators to develop a research project, investigate a problem or question in MS research, and further their intellectual development as an MS researcher of the future. All application components for the EIRA are expected to be written by the PI, with appropriate direction from the Mentor(s).

3.2.1. Focus Areas for the EIRA

To meet the intent of the funding opportunity, all applications submitted to the FY26 MSRP EIRA program announcement must address one or more of the following focus areas:

• Central Nervous System Repair, Protection, and Regenerative Potential in MS

Supports innovative mechanistic studies and translational approaches to promote axonal protection, regeneration, or remyelination in MS and/or relevant experimental models of demyelination. Examples of acceptable studies include, but are not limited to:

○ Obstacles to repair and approaches to overcome and achieve remyelination. Factors to be considered include extrinsic or intrinsic factors (e.g., mechanical, sex, aging, inhibitory signaling), trophic and inhibitory factors, and lifestyle factors.

○ Cell-cell interactions within the central nervous system.

○ Epigenetic regulation of cells within the central nervous system.

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

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 7

○ Drugs, biologics, and cell-based therapies that target the central nervous system.

○ Identification of factors that promote protection and repair.

○ Innate immune-mediated mechanisms within the central nervous system.

○ Development of imaging and non-imaging outcome measures of repair.

○ Development of new models that reflect disease progression.

Note: Will not support studies solely addressing developmental myelination, dysmyelination, basic mechanisms of demyelination, or peripheral immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies that limit tissue injury secondarily.

• Correlates of Disease Activity and Progression in MS Supports studies to identify and/or validate correlates of disease activity and progression using pre-existing specimens and/or data acquired from well-characterized, adequately controlled, and sufficiently powered patient cohorts.

○ Examples of acceptable cohorts for study include controlled clinical trials, observational studies and registries.

○ Analyses may utilize existing clinical data and outcome measures, specimens and/or imaging data.

○ Correlates include clinical outcome measures, patient self-reported measures and imaging and non-imaging biomarkers.

○ Careful consideration should be given to potential confounders in the study population

(e.g., disease-modifying therapies).

Inclusion of information regarding the quality of the specimens, replication plan, assay validation or context of use will be given special consideration.

Note: The study must leverage pre-existing specimens and/or data that are available at the time of application submission. The collection of new specimens and/or data is not permitted.

• Biology and Measurement of MS Symptoms Supports studies of MS symptoms, which may include pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, incontinence, impaired mobility, and cognitive, motor, visual, or sexual dysfunction, etc.

Examples of acceptable studies include, but are not limited to, the following:

○ Mechanisms underlying symptoms of MS.

○ Development of measurements for future interventional studies to alleviate symptoms.

○ Development and/or validation of outcome measures and tools for symptoms including wearables and/or remote data capture.

○ Observational studies on the prevalence or significance of symptoms including the contribution of comorbidities, lifestyle behaviors and high-risk populations. Careful consideration should be given to potential confounders in the study population (e.g., disease-modifying therapies), controls and/or accurate measures of symptoms.

Note: Will not support studies of disease-modifying therapies that secondarily impact MS symptoms.

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

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 8

• Mechanisms Contributing to, or Associated with, MS Etiology, Prodrome, Onset and Disease Course Supports studies to identify various factors and their roles in MS etiology, prodrome, onset, activity, disease worsening and progression. Examples of factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

○ Infections (such as Epstein-Barr Virus and SARS-CoV-2) and/or vaccines

○ CNS innate immunity and compliment activation

○ Genetics and/or epigenetics

○ Environment (such as toxins and military exposures)

○ Comorbidities

○ Health behaviors

○ Demographics (including, but not limited to, sex, race, ethnicity, age)

3.2.2. Key Elements for the EIRA

• Principal Investigator: The postdoctoral investigator is considered the PI of the application and must exhibit strong potential for, and commitment to, pursuing a career as an investigator at the forefront of MS research; however, the PI is not required to have previous MS research experience.

• Mentor(s): Applications must include at least one Mentor, appropriate to the proposed research project, who has experience in MS research and mentoring as demonstrated by a record of active funding, recent publications, and successful mentorship. The primary Mentor can be a junior faculty member, in which case the PI is encouraged to include a secondary Mentor with a more robust track record in MS research and mentorship. The selected Mentor(s) should also demonstrate a clear commitment to the development of the PI toward independence as an MS researcher.

• Researcher Development Plan: The PI must outline an individualized, MS-focused Researcher Development Plan, which should include a clearly articulated strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence and expertise that will enable the PI to successfully complete the proposed research project and foster the PI’s development as an independent MS researcher. An environment appropriate to the proposed mentoring and research project must be clearly described, although any deficiencies of resources and/or mentorship at the PI’s institution can be mitigated through collaboration(s) with other institutions. If the PI will be utilizing resources at another institution to successfully complete the proposed project, then the PI is strongly encouraged to designate a secondary Mentor at the collaborating institution.

• Research Project: The proposed research project should address the critical needs of the MS community as outlined in the FY26 MSRP EIRA Focus Areas above. The scientific rationale and experimental methodology should demonstrate in-depth analysis of the research problem presented. The feasibility of the research design and methods should be well-defined, and a clear plan should be articulated as to how the proposed goals of the project can be achieved. 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 anticipated long-term gains from the proposed research project, including how the new understanding may ultimately contribute to the goal of advancing MS research, patient care, and/or quality of life.

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

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 9

• For the “Correlates of Disease Activity and Progression in MS” focus area, applications must demonstrate access to the relevant specimens and/or data of the proposed cohort.

Refer to Attachment 10: Letter(s) Confirming Access to Specimens and/or Data for more details.

• For projects involving animal models of MS: Applicants should be prudent in the choice of animal model(s) for their proposed research project. Applicants must justify the relevance of their proposed animal model(s) to the specific aspect of human MS to be studied.

Attachment 9: Animal Research Plan is required.

3.2.3. Other Important Considerations for the EIRA

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 the access at the time of submission and include a plan for maintaining access as needed throughout the proposed research.

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 $300,000. 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#_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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Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 10

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 MSRP EIRA.

Must not be requested for:

• Costs for travel to scientific/technical meeting(s) beyond the limits stated above.

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FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 11

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 MSRP EIRA Focus Area under which the application will be submitted.

List of Individuals Providing Confidential Letters of Recommendation: Enter contact information for three individuals who will provide letters of recommendation. The three letters of recommendation must include one from the primary Mentor and two from the secondary Mentor(s) (if applicable) or independent researchers who have had interaction with the PI. Each individual will receive an email generated from eBRAP containing specific instructions on how to upload their letter.

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 (six-page limit): Upload as

“ProjectNarrative.pdf”.

Describe the proposed project in detail using the outline below. The Project Narrative is expected to be written by the PI while also showing evidence of appropriate direction from the Mentor(s).

– Principal Investigator: The application should describe the PI’s career goals, demonstrating a strong personal commitment to pursuing an independent career as 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

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 12 a leader at the forefront of MS research. Describe how previous achievements, such as academic performance, awards, honors, and/or previous publications and funding, could demonstrate the potential for a successful career. Describe how the proposed research project and mentoring experience will promote the PI’s development toward becoming an independent MS researcher.

– Mentor(s): Describe each Mentor’s background and experience in MS research.

Explain how they will assist the PI throughout the period of performance in developing independence in MS research. Provide details on the amount and types of interactions between the Mentor(s) and the PI. Describe the track record of the Mentor(s) for mentoring early-stage investigators in MS research.

– Research Project: Describe the proposed research project, including the background, hypothesis/objective, specific aims, experimental design, methods and analyses. The application must provide a sound scientific rationale for the proposed project and its feasibility as established through a critical review and analysis of published literature and/or logical reasoning. Preliminary data are not required but may be included to support the scientific rationale and feasibility of the study.

Address potential problem areas and present alternative methods and approaches.

Include a statistical analysis plan for the proposed research, if applicable.

– Focus Areas: Briefly describe how the proposed research is relevant to one or more of the FY26 MSRP EIRA Focus Areas.

In addition, for research addressing the “Correlates of Disease Activity and

Progression in MS” focus area:

The study must leverage pre-existing specimens and/or data that are available at the time of application submission. Ongoing specimens and/or data collection from participants in the pre-existing cohort is allowed. However, collection of new set of specimens and/or data or recruitment of subjects is not permitted. Attachment 10: Letter(s) Confirming Access to Specimens and/or Data is required.

Describe the proposed pre-existing cohort, including the type of specimens and/or data available.

Describe the size of the pre-existing cohort, including the intervention and control groups, and the expected statistical power of the study.

Explain how the cohort is appropriate for the study objective.

State when subject accrual and data/sample acquisition ended for the cohort.

If applicable, describe any additional specimens and/or data the research team will collect from the pre-existing cohort, and justify the value of these additional specimens and/or data.

Outline plans and opportunities for eventual validation and independent replication of results in follow-up studies.

Consult appropriate guidelines to ensure relevant aspects of rigorous and reproducible research are adequately planned for and, ultimately, reported.

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

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FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 13 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 (five-page limit per letter is recommended): 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 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.

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 other relevant considerations. Refer to the CDMRP Directive on Sex as a Biological Variable in Research for additional information.

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 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Use_Of_DOW_Dept_Veterans_Affairs_Resource:%7E:text=APPENDIX%204.%0AUSE%20OF%20DOW%20OR%20U.S.%20DEPARTMENT%20OF%20VETERANS%20AFFAIRS%20RESOURCES 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/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=%C2%B7-,Supporting%20Documentation%3A,-Combine%20and%20attach

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FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 14 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.

Do not submit a copy of the National Institutes of Health Data Management and Sharing Plan or duplicate the Data Management Plan which will be requested only after a recommendation for funding is made.

Refer to the CDMRP Directive on Sharing Data and Research Resources for more information about the CDMRP’s expectations for making data and research resources publicly available.

○ 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: State the FY26 MSRP EIRA Focus Area(s) to be addressed. Describe how the proposed research project directly addresses one or more of the FY26 EIRA focus areas. Present the ideas and reasoning 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: Describe how the proposed research project is innovative in the field of

MS.

Impact: Explain how the proposed research project will produce results that are likely to translate, whether in the short term or long term, into advancing MS research, patient care and/or quality of life.

Military Relevance: Describe how the study is relevant to military health.

○ 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.

– State the FY26 MSRP EIRA Focus Area(s) the proposed project addresses.

Describe how the proposed research project directly addresses one or more of https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Directive%20on%20Sharing%20Data%20and%20Research%20Resources 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

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

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 15 the FY26 MSRP EIRA focus area(s). Summarize the objectives and rationale for the proposed 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?

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

– What is the potential benefit of the proposed study and the anticipated outcomes to

Service Members, Veterans and/or their Families.

○ 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”.

Explain why the proposed research project is important and the impact it will have on one or more of the FY26 MSRP EIRA Focus Areas. Describe the potential impact(s) under two separate headings:

– Short-term impact: Detail the anticipated outcome(s) that will be directly attributed to the results of the proposed research project related to one or more of the FY26 MSRP EIRA focus areas.

– Long-term impact: Explain the anticipated long-term gains from the proposed research project, including how the new understanding will ultimately contribute toward the goal of advancing MS research, patient care, and/or quality of life related to one or more of the FY26 MSRP EIRA focus areas.

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

○ Attachment 7: Researcher Development Plan (one-page limit): Upload as “ResearchDev.pdf”.

− Clearly articulate a strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence, and expertise to successfully complete the proposed research project.

− Indicate how the individualized Researcher Development Plan will provide the PI with an opportunity to develop a research project, investigate a problem or question in the field of MS and effectively prepare them for a career as an independent MS researcher.

− Describe how the Researcher Development Plan is supported by the scientific environment and mentorship, including a description of ongoing MS research and career development activities at the primary institution. Include a description of the environment of any collaborating institutions that will augment the lack of specific resources at the PI’s primary institution (if applicable). If the PI will be utilizing resources at another institution to successfully complete the proposed project, then the PI is strongly encouraged to designate a secondary Mentor at the collaborating institution. Include information on collaborations with other investigators, seminars, workshops, and other opportunities to interact with leaders in the MS field. Do not reference or include members of the FY26 MSRP Programmatic Panel.

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://cdmrp.health.mil/msrp/panels/panels26.pdf 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 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 16

○ Attachment 8: Eligibility Statement (one-page limit): Upload as “Eligibility.pdf”.

Provide a letter signed by the PI and the Department Chair, Dean, or equivalent official, to verify that the eligibility requirements have been met by the application submission deadline. The letter should provide the date (month/year) the PI completed/will complete requirements for their doctoral degree, and the date (month/year) the PI began/will begin postdoctoral research in the proposed setting.

○ Attachment 9: Animal Research Plan (three-page limit): Upload as “AnimalResPlan.pdf”. (Attachment 9 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 Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (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).

○ Attachment 10: Letter(s) Confirming Access to Specimens and/or Data: Upload as “Access.pdf”. (Attachment 10 is only applicable and required if addressing the “Correlated of Disease Activity and Progression in MS” focus area.)

If the application addresses the focus area of “Correlates of Disease Activity and Progression in MS,” or if the application addresses more than one focus area and one of them is “Correlates of Disease Activity and Progression in MS,” provide a confirmation letter signed by the appropriate Institution Official who has the authority to confirm access to the proposed cohort specimens and/or data necessary to carry out the study.

The study must leverage pre-existing specimens and/or data that are available at the time of application submission. The collection of new sets of specimens and/or data is not permitted.

○ Attachment 11: Representations (Grants.gov submissions only): Upload as “RequiredReps.pdf”. All extramural applicants must complete and submit the Required Representations document available on eBRAP.

https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Required%20Representations 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

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FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 17

○ Attachment 12: 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

In addition to the complete application package, FY26 MSRP EIRA applications also require the following components:

Three Confidential Letters of Recommendations

• One letter from the primary Mentor

• Two letters from the secondary Mentor(s) (if applicable) or independent researchers who have had interaction with the PI The letters of recommendation should be prepared on letterhead, signed, and uploaded as PDF files to eBRAP by the Confidential Letters of Recommendation Submission Deadline. The PI should monitor whether the letters have been received in eBRAP by viewing the status in the “Pre-Application Files” tab of the pre-application. The PI will not be able to view the letters.

• The confidential letter of recommendation from the Mentor (two pages per letter recommended) should include a description of the Mentor’s commitment to the PI’s career development, mentorship in MS research, and ability to supervise the PI’s research project.

The mentor letter should also address the following:

○ The PI’s potential for a highly productive career as an independent MS researcher.

○ Details of the proposed interactions of the Mentor with the PI during the PI’s research project.

External Link to the GAI

Grants.gov xternal ink to the GAI eBRAP.org https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Index:%7E:text=federal%20government%20organization.-,Intramural%20DOW%20Organization%3A,-A%20subset%20of 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=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

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

FY26 Multiple Sclerosis Early Investigator Research Award 18

○ The mentoring environment, including ongoing MS research in the Mentor’s laboratory and in the organization as a whole, resources available and how this environment will promote the development of the PI as a MS researcher.

○ The degree to which the PI participated in the project development and application preparation, and the degree to which the PI will participate in the execution of the application, if funded.

• Additional confidential letter(s) of recommendation (two pages per letter recommended): The remaining letter(s) should describe the PI’s unique qualifications and accomplishments that highlight their potential for success in pursuing a career in MS research. Specifically, each letter should offer the writer’s perspective on:

○ The PI’s qualifications, characteristics and achievements.

○ The PI’s potential for productivity and desire for establishing a successful and independent career in MS research.

○ The relevance of the proposed research project to developing the PI’s career in MS research.

○ The suitability of…