HT942526NFRPNFRASA_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 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526NFRPNFRASA

Pre-Application Due: September 8, 2026

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar 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 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar 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 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar 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 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 4

1. Basic Information About the Funding Opportunity

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award (NFRA-SA) supports early-career independent investigators (Scholars) joining the Neurofibromatosis Research Academy to pursue a neurofibromatosis project that may include basic, translational, and/or clinical research. The proposed research should address at least one of the FY26 NFRP Areas of Emphasis, under the leadership of the NFRA Director and Deputy Director. The overarching goal of the NFRA is to conduct innovative and impactful research in the field of neurofibromatosis disorders while developing successful, highly productive NF researchers in a collaborative research and career development environment.

Distinctive Features:

• Scholar: The Scholar, named as the Principal Investigator, must be less than 10 years of completion of their terminal degree by the time of the application deadline (excluding time spent in residency, clinical training, or on family medical leave).

• Career Guide: This award mechanism requires each Scholar to designate a Career Guide for guidance. The Career Guide is not required to be at the same institution as the Scholar; however, if the (primary) Career Guide is from a different institution, the application must identify a secondary Career Guide at the Scholar’s institution.

Funding Details: The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) expects to allot roughly $3.6M to fund approximately three NFRA-SA applications with total cost caps of $1.2M per award. The maximum period of performance is 4 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: HT942526NFRPNFRASA 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 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar 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

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

• Scholar

To be named as the Scholar on the application:

○ Must be within ten years of completion of their terminal degree (Ph.D.), clinical fellowship

(M.D.), or equivalent by the time of the application deadline.

○ Individuals in a postdoctoral research position (Ph.D.), clinical fellowship (M.D.) or equivalent at the time of full application submission are not eligible.

○ A Statement of Eligibility is required with the submission of the full application.

May be a research- or physician-scientist.

May be in a non-tenure-track or tenure track position.

Must not have a concurrent career development-like award at the time of this award.

Must have an institutional commitment of approximately 50% protected time for neurofibromatosis research and NFRA activities, including participation in monthly webinars.

○ Must commit no less than 25% level of effort to this award for the first two years.

○ May be named on only one FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar

Award (NFRA-SA) full application as a PI.

○ The PI’s record of accomplishments and the proposed research will be evaluated regarding their potential to contribute to the FY26 NFRP Areas of Emphasis.

• Career Guide To be named as the Career Guide on the application:

○ Must be an independent, established neurofibromatosis researcher at or above the level of Associate Professor (or equivalent).

○ Must have neurofibromatosis research funding (past and present).

○ Must have a record of neurofibromatosis publications in peer-reviewed journals.

○ Must demonstrate a commitment to develop and sustain the Scholar’s independent career in the field of neurofibromatosis.

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.

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 6

○ Must demonstrate a commitment (at least 5% level of effort for mentoring and participating in NFRA activities, such as off-site meetings and webinars) as requested by the Scholar and NFRA Leadership throughout the NFRA-SA period of performance.

○ Must not be the current Director or the Deputy Director of the NFRA.

○ Must not be the named as the primary Career Guide on another NFRA-SA application during the period of performance for this award.

• Other Career Guide (if applicable) To be named as the Other Career Guide on the application:

○ Must be at the same institution as the Scholar.

○ Must be an independent researcher, with relevant expertise but not necessarily in the neurofibromatosis field.

○ Must demonstrate a record of research funding (past and present).

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#_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 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 7

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. Intent of the NFRA-SA

The intent of the NFRA-SA is to solicit Scholars to join the NFRA. This award mechanism enables the Scholar (the early-career investigator named as the PI on the application) to pursue a research project and to establish themselves as a leading investigator or clinician-scientist at the forefront of NF and schwannomatosis research.

The NFRA is a multi-institutional, interactive, virtual academy platform that provides a framework of intensive mentoring and iterative guidance with proposed research. The NFRA consists of Scholars and their Career Guides (mentors) from different institutions, an Academy Director, and a Deputy Director (see Figure 1). The Academy Director and Deputy Director will catalyze the Scholars’ growth and professional development in collaboration with their Career Guides, assess their progress, and facilitate communication and collaboration among all Academy members. The NFRA affords Scholars the opportunity to collaborate within a collegial, highly dynamic, and cutting-edge center to move early-career investigators towards positions as leaders in NF conducting impactful research.

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 8

Figure 1: Structure of the FY26 NFRP NFRA*

Figure 1: Structure of the FY26 NFRP NFRA: Infographic demonstrating the intended collaborative environment provided for Scholars as part of the NFRP Leadership Academy. Scholars should benefit from not just the Academy Leadership, but also the breadth of experience, resources, and expertise of the NFRA Advisory Panel, the Patient Advocacy Panel, and other Scholars and Career Guides.

This NFRA-SA mechanism enables the Scholar to pursue a neurofibromatosis project that may be basic, translational, and/or clinical research, and addresses at least one of the Strategic Goals and at least one FY26 NFRP Areas of Emphasis under the guidance of a Career Guide.

In addition, the Scholar, and their (primary) Career Guide, are required to attend a biennial, multiday NFRA workshop. In alternate years, they must also attend a one-day NFRA workshop.

The NFRP encourages applications identifying Scholars whose ability to commit to conducting neurofibromatosis research is limited by minimal resources or a lack of resources, such as a qualified Career Guide at their institution, access to NF research tools, opportunities for establishing collaborations, or other obstacles. The NFRP also welcomes applications identifying existing researchers who are new to NF research and from underrepresented minorities and persons.

3.2.1. Strategic Goals and Areas of Emphasis for the NFRA-SA

The NFRP seeks to support innovative, high-impact research that will foster new directions for 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.

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 9

• 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. (Must be addressed for this award mechanism).

• 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.

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. All applications are also encouraged 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

○ 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 NFRA-SA

• Preliminary Data: Preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project are encouraged but not required.

• Scholar: The Scholar must be in an early-career stage (see Section 2, Eligibility Information). This award provides the Scholar with funding, networking, and collaboration opportunities, and the research experience necessary to develop and sustain a successful, independent career at the forefront of neurofibromatosis research. This award also provides support and protected time for the Scholar for four years of intensive research under the guidance of a Career Guide experienced in neurofibromatosis research. Although the NFRA serves as a conduit to share knowledge and research experience among all Academy members, the Scholar and Career Guide are primarily responsible for formulating the 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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 10

Scholar’s career development plan and for designing and executing the proposed research.

The Scholar must clearly articulate their commitment to a career as a researcher/clinician-scientist, as well as their dedication to participating in and contributing to the growth of the

NFRA.

• Career Guide: The Career Guide must have a strong record of mentoring and training early-career investigators. With the goal to expand and enrich mentorship capacity within the Academy, a Career Guide must agree to also serve as a secondary mentor to another Scholar in the Academy. The Career Guide is limited to one primary (application Scholar/Career Guide pair) and one secondary mentorship role. Applications are not permitted to list the Director or Deputy Director of the Academy as a Career Guide. The Scholar and Career Guide are required to attend biennial, multiday NFRP NFRA workshops and, in alternating years, a one-day NFRA workshop held during the PI’s period of the performance for the NFRA.

• NFRA Participation Expectation: The Scholar is expected to participate in all development and training activities hosted by the NFRA Leadership, such as participation in monthly webinars and one-on-one mentoring sessions.

3.2.3. Other Important Considerations for the NFRA-SA

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.

Research Involving Animals: All research funded by the FY26 NFRP NFRA-LA 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 for additional information.

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.

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

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 11

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 4 years.

Cost Cap: The application’s total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance should not exceed $1,200,000. 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 4 years.

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

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

Must be requested for:

• Travel costs for the Scholar and Career Guide to attend a one-day NFRA workshop with the

NFRA Leadership and other NFRA members every other year.

• Travel costs for the Scholar and Career Guide to attend a biennial multiday NFRA workshop with the NFRP staff, NFRA Leadership, and other Academy members.

May be requested for (not all-inclusive):

• Travel in support of multi-institutional collaborations.

• Maximum allowable funding for each Career Guide is $30,000 per year in direct costs.

• Costs associated with NFRA participation (e.g., hardware and/or software for audio- or video-teleconferencing or web-based communications).

• Costs for one investigator to travel to two scientific/technical meetings per year, in addition to the required meetings described above. The intent of travel to scientific/technical meetings should be to present project information, disseminate project results, and/or attend workshops as designated in the Career Development and Sustainment Plan (Attachment 6) of the NFRP NFRA-SA.

Must not be requested for:

• Clinical trial costs.

• Equipment.

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.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=in%20project%20activities.-,Cost%20Cap%3A,-The%20maximum%20cost

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 12

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.

LOIs are used for program planning purposes only (e.g., reviewer recruitment) and will not be reviewed during either the peer or programmatic review. An invitation to submit a full application is NOT provided after LOI submission. Applicants are encouraged to develop pre-application and full application components concurrently and submit a full application AFTER successful submission of the pre-application.

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 (10-page limit): Upload as

“ProjectNarrative.pdf”.

Scholar Career Goals (one-page limit is recommended): Discuss the Scholar’s record of accomplishments (e.g., awards, honors, first-author publications, publications in high-impact journals, presentations/speaking engagements, and committees) that demonstrates their potential to become an independent investigator in NF research. Describe the Scholar’s career goals and plans in NF research, and detail how the proposed research and career development experience promote an independent, sustainable career.

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 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 13

Describe the proposed project in detail using the outline below.

– Research Project and Feasibility (nine-page limit recommended):

Background: Present the scientific rationale to support the proposed research project and its feasibility, as established through the demonstration of logical reasoning and a critical review and analysis of published literature; include relevant literature citations. Preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project are encouraged but not required.

Hypothesis and Objective: State the hypothesis to be tested or the objective to be reached.

Specific Aims: Concisely explain the proposed research project’s specific aims.

If the proposed research project is part of a larger study, present only tasks that this award would fund.

Strategy and Feasibility: Describe the experimental design, methods, and analyses (including appropriate randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and controls) in sufficient detail for analysis. Address potential problem areas, and present alternative methods and approaches. The specific aims should be aligned with the specific aims/tasks outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

Describe how data will be collected, handled, and analyzed in a manner that is consistent with the study objectives.

Describe the statistical plan, including a power analysis to demonstrate that the sample size is appropriate to meet the objectives of the study.

If cell lines or animals are to be used, justify why the proposed cell line(s) or animal model(s) were chosen.

If human subjects, human biological samples, or datasets will be used, describe the study population and include a detailed plan for the recruitment of human subjects or the acquisition of samples.

If applicable, describe the strategy for the inclusion of women and minorities in the clinical research appropriate to the objectives of the study, including a description of the composition of the proposed study population in terms of sex, race, and/or ethnicity, and an accompanying rationale for the selection of subjects. Studies utilizing human biospecimens or datasets that cannot be linked to a specific individual, ethnicity, or race (typically classified as exempt from Institutional Review Board [IRB] review) are exempt from this requirement. It is not expected that every study will include all racial and ethnic groups. Studies utilizing human biospecimens or datasets that cannot be linked to a specific individual, ethnicity, or race are exempt from this requirement. The Policy on Inclusion of Women and Minorities, and Frequently Asked Questions for the policy may be downloaded from eBRAP under “Resources and Reference Material” at https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm. 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 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 14 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.

Address potential problem areas and present alternative methods and approaches.

This award may not be used to conduct clinical trials. Please see the definition of clinical research in Section 3.2.3, Other Considerations. Studies utilizing human biospecimens or datasets that cannot be linked to a specific individual, ethnicity, or race (typically classified as exempt from IRB review) are exempt from this requirement.

Anticipated enrollment table(s) with the proposed enrollment distributed on the basis of sex, race, and ethnicity should be provided as part of Attachment 2.

○ 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 (one-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. The letter(s) should address the following:

No less than a 25% level of effort committed to this award for the first two years.

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://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://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=%C2%B7-,Supporting%20Documentation%3A,-Combine%20and%20attach

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 15

An institutional commitment of laboratory space and at least a 50% level of time and effort to conduct NF research and Academy activities during the period of performance under this award.

Although not a requirement of this award mechanism, if applicable, describe any institutional support (e.g., supplies, staff, salary, start-up package) that may be provided for the four years of the NFRA-SA.

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.

Transcripts: Include a copy of the Scholars’ transcripts from all graduate institutions attended. All foreign-language transcripts must be accompanied by a certified English translation. The government reserves the right to request official transcripts during award negotiations. Diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of academic transcripts. If an institution does not provide academic transcripts (i.e., a record of courses completed, grades and credit hours earned, and indication of completion of degree), complete and include the Academic Statement (available for download on the “Full Announcement” page in Grants.gov) in place of the transcript.

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.

Inclusion Enrollment Report (only required if clinical research is proposed):

Provide an anticipated enrollment table(s) for the inclusion of women and minorities using the “Public Health Service (PHS) Inclusion Enrollment Report”, a three-page fillable PDF form, that can be downloaded from eBRAP. The enrollment table(s) should be appropriate to the objectives of the study with the proposed enrollment distributed on the basis of sex, race, and ethnicity. Studies utilizing human biospecimens or datasets that cannot be linked to a specific individual, ethnicity, or race (typically classified as exempt from IRB review) are exempt from this requirement.

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 https://grants.gov/ 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=Statement%20of%20Work-,Public%20Health%20Service%20Inclusion%20Enrollment%20Report,-n/a

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 16 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. Resources developed through NFRP funding are available to the scientific community and can be accessed at https://cdmrp.health.mil/nfrp/resources/nfrpresources. Investigators are urged to leverage and contribute to these resources and include a sharing and distribution plan in the application within the Research Sharing Plan.

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.

Intellectual and Material Property Plan (if applicable): Provide a plan for resolving intellectual and material property issues among participating organizations.

○ 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.

Of particular importance, programmatic reviewers may not have access to the full application and therefore rely on the technical abstract for appropriate description of the proposed research project’s key aspects. Clarity and completeness within the space limits of the technical abstract are highly important. Technical abstracts should be written using the outline below.

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

Research Questions and/or Concepts: State the research question/concept to be tested. Provide scientific evidence or rationale that supports the research question/ concept.

Specific Aims: State the specific aims of the study.

Study Design: Describe the study design, including appropriate controls. If tumors or derived cell lines will be studied, the name and definition of the materials should be included (e.g., name of the cell or pathological classification of the tissue).

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 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 Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award 17 overuse of scientific jargon, acronyms and abbreviations. Do not duplicate the technical abstract.

Describe the PI’s career goals in neurofibromatosis research. How do the research and career development and sustainment plans support the PI in attaining these goals? Explain the PI’s potential as a leader in neurofibromatosis research.

State the FY26 NFRP Area(s) of Emphasis to be addressed by the research project.

Describe the scientific rationale, objective, and aims for the proposed project.

Describe the applicability of the research to neurofibromatosis patients and survivors.

What types of patients will the proposed research help, and how will it help them?

What are the potential clinical applications, benefits, and risks?

If the research is too basic for clinical applicability, describe the interim outcomes expected and their applicability to the field of neurofibromatosis research. Basic research should have an ultimate goal of advancing the neurofibromatosis field and/or impacting patient care and/or quality of life.

Describe the short-term and long-term goals that are related to patient care, outcomes, or survivorship. How will the proposed research benefit active-duty Service Members, Veterans, and other military beneficiaries?

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?

○ 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: Career Development and Sustainment Plan (five-page limit): Upload as “CareerSustain.pdf”. Describe the individualized career and professional development plan, which may include workshops, conferences, seminars, journal clubs, teaching responsibilities and/or clinical responsibilities. Explain how this development plan allows the Scholar to obtain independent neurofibromatosis research funding and to publish in peer-reviewed journals, thereby sustaining an independent career at the forefront of the field.

Discuss how the Career Guide (and Other Career Guide, if applicable) will assist the

Scholar in not only developing, but also sustaining, a career as an independent neurofibromatosis researcher. Explain how the Career Development and Sustainment Plan is supported by the environment; this should include a description of resources available to the Scholar at their institution and, if different, at the Career Guide’s institution.

Outline how the Scholar and Career Guide (and Other Career Guide, if applicable) will evaluate the Scholar’s progress in achieving and sustaining a productive career in neurofibromatosis research.

Integration of Career Development and Research (one to one-and-a-half page limit recommended): Describe how the individualized career development plan and research project are integrated, and how they will contribute to preparing the Scholar for an independent, sustainable career in neurofibromatosis research.

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-,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 Research Academy – Scholar Award 18

Commitment to the NFRA (one to one-and-a-half page limit recommended):

Describe why participation in the NFRA is important in developing the Scholar’s career. Describe the Scholar’s motivation and commitment to participating in the NFRA, including opportunities for networking and collaborating with other Scholar/Career Guide pairs (and, if applicable, the Other Career Guide) and the Academy Leadership Team.

○ Attachment 7: Impact Statement (one-page limit): Upload as “Impact.pdf”. Using language readily understood by readers without a background in science…