HT942526NFRPSIA_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 Synergistic Idea Award

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526NFRPSIA

Pre-Application Due: September 8, 2026

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea 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 Synergistic Idea Award; provides key award information and considerations; and outlines funding details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appendix 2 Acronym List

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Before You Begin

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

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

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

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

Who to Contact for Support

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

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

eBRAP Help Desk

301-682-5507 help@eBRAP.org

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

Grants.gov Support Center

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

Questions regarding Grants.gov registration and Workspace.

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

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea Award 4

1. Basic Information About the Funding Opportunity

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) Synergistic Idea Award (SIA) supports new ideas that represent synergistic approaches to neurofibromatosis (NF) research involving two or three Principal Investigators (PIs). These investigators should utilize their complementary and synergistic perspectives to address a central problem or question in NF research. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.

Distinctive Features:

• Partnering Principal Investigators: One PI will be identified as the Initiating PI and will be responsible for the majority of the administrative tasks associated with application submission. An additional one or two PI(s) will be identified as a Partnering PI. Each partner will be recognized as a PI, submit a separate application (even if the partners are at the same organization), and receive an individual award.

Funding Details: The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) expects to allot roughly $6.4M to fund approximately two SIA applications with total cost caps of $3.2M per award. The maximum period of performance is 3 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: HT942526NFRPSIA Assistance Listing Number: 12.420

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2. Eligibility Information

2.1. Eligible Applicants

2.1.1. Organization

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

2.1.2. Principal Investigator

Each Principal Investigator (PI) must be at or above the level of assistant professor, or equivalent, and plan to commit at least a 10% level of effort for each budget year throughout the entirety of the award.

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

Investigators do not have to be from academic institutions.

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

2.2. Cost Sharing

Cost sharing is not an eligibility requirement.

2.3. Other

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

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

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

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3. Program Description

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

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

3.1. Award History

The NFRP Synergistic Idea Award (SIA) mechanism was first offered in FY20. Since then, 38 Synergistic Idea Award applications were received, and 27 were recommended for funding.

3.2. Intent of the Synergistic Idea Award

The NFRP Synergistic Idea Award supports new ideas that represent synergistic approaches to NF research involving two or three PIs. These investigators should utilize their complementary and synergistic perspectives to address a central problem or question in NF research. This award is designed to support both new and pre-existing partnerships and encourages participation of PIs from other research fields. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.

The NFRP seeks applications from investigators working in a wide spectrum of disciplines, including, but not limited to, basic science, engineering, bioinformatics, population science, translational research and clinical research.

3.2.1. Strategic Goals and Areas of Emphasis for the SIA

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.

• Facilitate rapid testing of potential therapeutics.

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

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

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

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

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

• The SIA requires more than one PI. One PI will be identified as the Initiating PI and will be responsible for the majority of the administrative tasks associated with application submission. The other PI(s) will be identified as a Partnering PI. All PIs should contribute significantly to the development and execution of the proposed research project. If recommended for funding, each PI will be named on separate awards to the recipient organization(s). Each award will be subject to separate reporting, regulatory, and administrative requirements. For individual submission requirements for the Initiating and Partnering PI(s), refer to Section 5.3, Submission Instructions.

○ The research project must be supported by the unique expertise, experience, and abilities of each PI, and it must clearly define the synergistic components that will facilitate and accelerate progress in a way that could not be accomplished through independent efforts.

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

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○ Each proposed study must include clearly stated plans for interactions among all PIs and organizations involved. The plans must include communication, coordination of research progress and results, and data sharing.

• Multidisciplinary projects are encouraged, and multi-institutional projects are allowed.

○ Multi-institutional applications must provide an intellectual property plan to resolve potential intellectual and material property issues and to remove institutional barriers that might interfere with achieving high levels of cooperation to ensure the successful completion of this award.

• Participants will share data following the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) Data Principles for reproducible science found in “The FAIR Guiding Principles for scientific data management and stewardship” (https://www.nature.com/articles/ sdata201618). Refer to the Research Sharing Plan document in Attachment 7.

3.2.3. Other Important Considerations for the SIA

Clinical trials are not allowed within this funding opportunity. For the purposes of this funding opportunity, research that meets the definition of a clinical trial is distinct from clinical research.

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 guidelines 2.0.

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 Synergistic Idea Award 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 3 to 4 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, the 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.

3.3. Funding Instrument

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

(31 USC 6304).

https://www.nature.com/articles/sdata201618 https://www.nature.com/articles/sdata201618 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:%7E:text=or%20hardware%20procurement.-,Clinical%20Trial%3A,-As%20defined%20in https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:%7E:text=considered%20clinical%20trials.-,Clinical%20Research%3A,-For%20the%20purposes 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

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3.4. Funding Details

Period of Performance: The maximum period of performance is 3 years.

Cost Cap: The combined total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance in the applications of the Initiating PI and Partnering PI(s) should not exceed $3.2M. 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.

A separate award will be made to each PI’s organization.

The PIs are expected to be partners in the research, and direct cost funding should be divided accordingly unless otherwise warranted and clearly justified.

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 3 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:

May be requested for (not all-inclusive):

• Travel in support of multi-institutional collaborations.

• Costs for the Initiating and each Partnering PI to travel to one scientific/technical meeting per year. The intent of travel to scientific/technical meetings should be to present project information or disseminate project results from the NFRP Synergistic Idea Award.

Must not be requested for:

• Clinical trial costs.

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FY26 Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea Award 10

4. Application Contents and Format

4.1. Application Overview

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

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

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

4.2. Pre-Application Components

Pre-application submissions must include the following components.

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

4.3. Full Application Components

The CDMRP requires separate full application package submissions for the Initiating PI and Partnering PI(s), even if the PIs are located within the same organization. The application submission process for each Partnering PI uses an abbreviated full application package.

4.3.1. Full Application Components for the Initiating PI

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”.

Describe the proposed project in detail using the outline below.

– Background: Clearly articulate the scientific rationale for the proposed research project. Cite relevant literature. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.

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

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=%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 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

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

– Research Strategy and Feasibility:

Describe how the experimental design, methods, and analyses, including appropriate controls, sample size estimations, blinding, randomization, power analysis, and data handling, are designed to achieve reproducible and rigorous results in sufficient detail for scientific peer review. Address potential problem areas and present alternative methods and approaches. Include specific examples of synergistic elements incorporated into the research design.

Describe how data will be collected, handled, and analyzed in a manner that is consistent with the study objectives. Include a complete power analysis to demonstrate that the sample size is appropriate to meet the objectives of the study.

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

Describe how well any animal studies proposed are designed to achieve the objectives, including the choice of model and endpoints/outcome measures to be used.

If the proposed research will use human subjects or anatomical samples, include a plan for the recruitment of subjects or the acquisition of samples and document the experience of the PI(s) and/or key collaborators in recruiting human subjects for similar projects. Clearly describe the tissue or tumor type to be studied, where applicable (e.g., encapsulated versus diffuse plexiform neurofibroma). Clinical trials are not allowed under this funding opportunity.

– Project Coordination and Communication: Describe plans for communication, decision-making, allocation of resources, conflict resolution, coordination of research progress and results, and sharing of data among all PIs and organizations participating in the project.

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

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

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

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

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

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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: 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.

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

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 Institutional Review Board [IRB] review) are exempt from this requirement.

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.

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.

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=Directive%20on%20Sharing%20Data%20and%20Research%20Resources

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○ 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. Technical abstracts should be written using the outline below. Clarity and completeness within the space limits are highly important.

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

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

Specific Aims: State the specific aims of the study.

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

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

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

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

Summarize the objectives and rationale for the proposed research.

Describe the ultimate applicability of the research.

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

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

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

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

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 Example: Assembling a Generic Statement of Work. Include milestones for data or research resource(s) sharing.

Each PI must submit an identical copy of a jointly created SOW. The specific contributions of the Initiating PI and each Partnering PI should be clearly noted for each task.

○ Attachment 6: Impact Statement (one-page limit): Upload as “Impact.pdf”. State explicitly how the proposed research project addresses one or more of the FY26 NFRP Areas of Emphasis. If the project does not address an area of emphasis, provide justification that the proposed research project addresses a critical problem in NF https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Suggested%20SOW%20Format https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Example%3A%20Assembling%20a%20Generic%20Statement%20of%20Work https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Example%3A%20Assembling%20a%20Generic%20Statement%20of%20Work https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=%C2%B7-,Lay%20Abstract%3A,-Attach%20as%20%E2%80%9CLayAbs https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=%C2%B7-,Technical%20Abstract%3A,-Attach%20as%20%E2%80%9CTechAbs https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=%C2%B7-,Statement%20of%20Work%3A,-Attach%20as%20%E2%80%9CSOW

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea Award 14 research and/or patient care. Describe the anticipated outcomes (short-term gains) from the proposed research and how they will be used as a foundation for future research projects. Explain the anticipated long-term gains from the proposed research project, including how the new understanding may ultimately contribute to the goal of advancing NF research and/or patient care. Describe how the data and resources generated during the performance of the proposed research project will be shared with the research community (scientific and advocacy organizations) and the public. If applicable, describe how the anticipated outcomes of the proposed study will make an impact in understanding health differences between sexes.

○ Attachment 7: Research Sharing Plan (two-page limit): Upload as “ResourceSharing.pdf”. Describe the type of data or research resources (e.g., bio-specimen, analysis tool/software, training material) to be made publicly available as a result of the proposed work. Describe the mechanism (e.g., direct sharing, repository, mixed mode) by which data and resources generated during the period of performance will be shared with the research community and other affected communities, including clinical research participants. Include the name of the repository(ies) where scientific data and resources arising from the proposed study will be archived, if applicable.

Identify and provide the rationale for any data or resources that will not be shared (e.g., for intellectual property, feasibility, cost, or other considerations). The plan should also protect participant privacy, confidential and proprietary data, and performer/third-party intellectual property. Provide a milestone plan for disseminating data/results including when data and resources will be made available to other users. In cases where the study participant could potentially derive medical or other benefit from the information, explain whether the results of screening and/or study participation will be shared with the participant or their primary care provider, including results from any screening or diagnostic tests performed as part of the study.

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 to include a sharing and distribution plan within the Research Sharing Plan section of the application.

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

Discuss in detail the advantages of addressing this problem through the combined expertise of the PIs and how this contributes to the synergy of the application. Describe how the proposed project is centered on a unified theme that addresses a central problem or question rather than a set of less related subprojects. Include each PI’s history of synergistic and collaborative study with one another and/or with other investigators. Describe the elements of interdependence in the proposed work and the balance of contributions of each PI to the overall synergy of the project. Describe how the combined efforts/experience of the PIs will result in a level of productivity that is greater than that achievable by each PI working independently, and will better address the research question.

○ 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 https://cdmrp.health.mil/nfrp/resources/nfrpresources

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea Award 15

Animal Research Plan may not be an exact replica of the protocol(s) submitted to the IACUC. The Animal Research Plan should address the following points to achieve reproducible and rigorous results for each proposed animal study:

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

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

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

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

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

○ Attachment 10: Transition Plan (one-page limit): Upload as “Transition.pdf”.

Provide information on potential methods and strategies to move the project’s findings to the next phase of development, clinical trials, and/or delivery to the commercial market after successful completion of the award (e.g., specific potential industry partners, specific funding opportunities to apply for). In addition, provide a realistic timeline for near-term clinical investigation and a plan to distribute the findings or intervention to the NF community.

○ 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.

○ 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.

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

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Suggested%20Intragovernmental/Intramural%20Budget https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=B.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%20Representations https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=Suggested%20Intragovernmental/Intramural%20Budget%20Form%2C%20if%20applicable%3A

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

FY26 Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea Award 16

(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 Initiating and Partnering PIs must have a separate budget and justification specific to their distinct portions of the effort that the applicant organization will submit as separate Grants.gov or eBRAP application packages. The Initiating PI should not include budget information for Partnering PI(s), or vice versa, even if they are located within the same organization. Refer to Section 3.4, Funding Details, for detailed budget information.

iii. Project/Performance Site Location(s)

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

4.3.2. Full Application Components for Each Partnering PI

Refer to the equivalent attachment above for details specific to each of the following application components. See Appendix 1 for a checklist of the full application components required for the Partnering PI.

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

Submissions Only):

(b) Attachments:

○ Attachment 5: Statement of Work (three-page limit): Upload as “SOW.pdf”. Each PI must submit an identical copy of a jointly created SOW.

○ Attachment 11: Representations (Grants.gov submissions only): Upload as “RequiredReps.pdf”.

○ Attachment 12: Suggested Intragovernmental/Intramural Budget Form: Upload as “IGBudget.pdf”.

External Link to the GAI

Grants.gov xternal ink to the GAI eBRAP.org 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 Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea Award 17

(c) Additional Application Materials:

The following are additional application materials for application submission. Follow the instructions specific to the submission portal 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 Initiating and Partnering PIs must have a separate budget and justification specific to their distinct portions of the effort that the applicant organization will submit as separate Grants.gov or eBRAP application packages. The Partnering PI(s) should not include budget information for the Initiating PI, or vice versa, even if they are located within the same organization. Refer to Section 3.4, Funding Details, for detailed budget information.

iii. Project/Performance Site Location(s) Form

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

4.4. Other Application Elements

If recommended for funding, a data management plan compliant with Section 3.c, Enclosure 3, DoD Instructions 3200.12 will be requested.

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

External Link to the GAI

Grants.gov

External Link to the GAI eBRAP.org https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/320012p.pdf?ver=2018-12-17-130508-423 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Additional_App_Materials_V:%7E:text=E.-,DOW%20Data%20Management%20Plan,-If%20recommended%20for 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_IV:%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 Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea Award 18

5. Submission Requirements

5.1. Location of Application Package

Download the application package components for HT942526NFRPSIA from Grants.gov or eBRAP, depending on which submission portal will be used.

5.2. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

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

5.3. Submission Instructions

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

Application Submission Workflow

5.3.1. Pre-Application Submission

All pre-application components must be submitted by the Initiating PI through eBRAP including submission of contact information for each Partnering PI.

During the pre-application process, eBRAP assigns each submission a unique log number. This unique log number is required during the full application submission process. The eBRAP log number, application title and all information for the PI, Business Official(s), performing https://grants.gov/ https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm https://www.sam.gov/content/home https://ebrap.org/…