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

Program Announcement for the Defense Health Agency

Pancreatic Cancer Research Program Focused Pilot Award

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526PCARPFPTA

Pre-Application Due: September 16, 2026

Application Due: October 7, 2026 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01

FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot 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 Focused Pilot 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 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot 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 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 4

1. Basic Information About the Funding Opportunity

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Focused Pilot Award supports the exploration and development of impactful and innovative concepts under a patient-centered focus area of pancreatic cancer research that could ultimately lead to major advancements that will have a profound effect on patients’ overall quality of life. The research this award supports should strive to produce robust preliminary data that can serve as a foundation for future clinical or real-world research application.

Distinctive Features: This award mechanism allows, but does not require, preliminary data.

Applications can support clinical research studies; however, this mechanism does not allow clinical trials. Preclinical animal studies do not meet the intent of this mechanism.

Funding Details: The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) expects to allot roughly $1.2 million (M) to fund approximately four Focused Pilot Award applications with total cost caps of $0.3M per award. The maximum period of performance is 2 years. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY26 funding opportunity will be funded with FY26 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2032. Awards supported with FY26 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2027.

Submission and Review Dates and Times

• Pre-Application (Letter of Intent) Submission Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), September 16, 2026

• Application Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, October 7, 2026

• End of Application Verification Period: 5:00 p.m. ET, October 13, 2026

• Peer Review: December 2026

• Programmatic Review: January 2027 Announcement Type: Initial Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526PCARPFPTA 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 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot 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

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

Postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows and equivalent are eligible to be named PI on the application.

An investigator may be named on only one FY26 PCARP Focused Pilot Award 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 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

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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 PCARP. 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 PCARP in 2020 to provide support for pancreatic cancer research of high potential impact and exceptional scientific merit. Appropriations for the PCARP from FY20 through FY24 totaled $66M. The FY26 appropriation is $20M.

The vision of the PCARP is to reduce the burden of pancreatic cancer among Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and the American public. The mission of the PCARP is to promote rigorous, innovative, high-impact pancreatic cancer research that leads to prevention, earlier diagnosis, new therapeutic tools, and improved outcomes.

3.1. Award History

The PCARP Focused Pilot Award mechanism was first offered in FY23. Since then, 33 Focused Pilot Award applications were received, and eight were recommended for funding.

3.2. Intent of the Focused Pilot Award

The PCARP Focused Pilot Award supports the exploration and development of impactful and innovative concepts under a patient-centered focus area of pancreatic cancer research that could ultimately lead to major advancements that will have a profound effect on patients’ overall quality of life. The research this award supports should strive to produce robust preliminary data that can serve as a foundation for future clinical or real-world research application. This mechanism will not support clinical trials evaluating the effects of an intervention on biomedical or other health-related outcomes. Projects that meet the intent of this opportunity include clinical studies that are observational in nature and do not seek to measure safety, effectiveness, and/or efficacy outcome(s) of an intervention. Additionally, studies that analyze data generated from previously conducted clinical trial(s) are permitted.

Examples of studies appropriate for the PCARP Focused Pilot Award include, but are not limited to:

• Correlations between mental health and/or cancer-related outcomes and quality of life.

• Behavioral studies that examine quality of life, decision-making and/or cognitive function.

• Development and pilot studies examining nutritional approaches, educational strategies, and methods for managing symptoms.

3.2.1. Focus Area for the Focused Pilot Award

• Supportive care, quality of life and survivorship research.

3.2.2. Key Elements for the Focused Pilot Award

Impact: The proposed research should provide the scientific foundation that will ultimately lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for individuals with pancreatic cancer. The application

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

FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 7 should articulate the project’s impact on both pancreatic cancer patient-centered research and care, even if clinical impact is not an immediate outcome.

Innovation: Innovative research may represent a new paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, look at existing problems from new perspectives or exhibit other highly creative qualities. The research may demonstrate innovation through study concepts, research methods or technologies, or adaptations of existing methods or technologies. For this mechanism, innovative research does not include incremental advances on previously published work.

Preliminary Data: To foster advancement in this understudied area of research, this award mechanism allows preliminary data but does not require it. All projects should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale.

3.2.3. Other Important Considerations for the Focused Pilot Award

This mechanism allows clinical research studies; however, it does not allow clinical trials.

Preclinical animal studies do not meet the intent of the Focused Pilot Award mechanism.

PIs seeking funding for this type of research should utilize one of the other FY26 PCARP mechanisms.

All projects should adhere to a core set of standards for rigorous study design and reporting to maximize the reproducibility and translational potential of 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.

A congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force was formed with the purpose of identifying ways to help accelerate clinical and translational research aimed at extending the lives of advanced state and recurrent patients. As a member of the Metastatic Cancer Task Force, CDMRP encourages applicants to review the recommendations and submit research ideas to address these recommendations provided they are within the limitations of this funding opportunity and fit within the FY26 PCARP priorities.

3.3. Funding Instrument

The funding instrument for awards made under the program announcement will be grants (31

USC 6304).

3.4. Funding Details

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

Cost Cap: The application’s total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance should not exceed $0.3M. If indirect cost rates have been negotiated, indirect costs are to be budgeted in https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:%7E:text=considered%20clinical%20trials.-,Clinical%20Research%3A,-For%20the%20purposes 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=or%20hardware%20procurement.-,Clinical%20Trial%3A,-As%20defined%20in https://www.strobe-statement.org/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03635-5#:%7E:text=SPIRIT%20and%20CONSORT%20are%20evidence,relevant%20empirical%20evidence%20where%20possible https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03668-w?fromPaywallRec=false https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines https://health.mil/Reference-Center/Congressional-Testimonies/2018/05/03/Metastatic-Cancer-Research https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=Period%20of%20Performance%3A%20The%20time%20interval%20between%20the%20start%20of%20a%20federal%20award%20and%20the%20planned%20end%20date.

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 8 accordance with the organization’s negotiated rate. Collaborating organizations should budget associated indirect costs in accordance with each organization’s negotiated rate.

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

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

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

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

May be requested for (not all-inclusive):

• Travel in support of multi-institutional collaborations.

• Costs for one investigator to travel to one scientific/technical meeting per year. The intent of travel to scientific/technical meetings should be to present project information or disseminate project results from the PCARP Focused Pilot Award.

• If applicable, research subject compensation and reimbursement for study-related out-of-pocket costs (e.g., travel, lodging, parking, costs associated with caregiving, and resources/equipment to enable participation).

Must not be requested for:

• Tuition.

• Clinical trial costs.

• Preclinical animal study costs.

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 9

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 proposed research.

Describe how the proposed research addresses the FY26 PCARP Focused Pilot Award Focus Area.

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 (five-page limit): Upload as

“ProjectNarrative.pdf”.

Describe the proposed project in detail using the outline below.

The Project Narrative should demonstrate logical reasoning and a sound scientific rationale that is established through a critical review and analysis of the literature. In addition, the Project Narrative should demonstrate the innovation of the proposed research and its potential to make an impact on pancreatic cancer.

– Background: Present the ideas and scientific rationale behind the proposed research and include relevant literature citations.

– Hypothesis(es)/Objective(s): State the hypothesis the project will test.

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

– Research Strategy and Feasibility:

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 10

Describe the experimental design, methods, and analyses, including appropriate controls, in sufficient detail for an assessment of overall project feasibility.

Address potential problem areas and present alternative methods and approaches. The Project Narrative may include preliminary data, but it is not required. Consult appropriate guidelines to ensure relevant aspects of rigorous and reproducible research are adequately planned for and, ultimately, reported.

Describe the statistical plan including power analysis, if applicable, demonstrating the appropriateness of the sample size. Describe the data analysis plan with respect to the study objectives.

Describe the study population and include a detailed plan for the recruitment of human subjects or the acquisition of samples. Provide information to support the availability of and access to the appropriate resources, patient population(s), and/or samples. If applicable, provide appropriate letters of support as part of the application’s Supporting Documentation (Attachment 2). The mechanism allows clinical research studies; however, it does not allow clinical trials.

If applicable, describe the strategy for the inclusion of women and minorities appropriate to the objectives of the study, including a description of the composition of the proposed study population in terms of sex, racial, and ethnic group, 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. Anticipated enrollment table(s) with the proposed enrollment distributed on the basis of sex, race, and ethnicity should be provided as part of the application’s Supporting Documentation (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.

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 11

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 meets the eligibility criteria. If applicable, provide a letter of support, signed by the lowest-ranking person with approval authority, confirming participation of intramural DOW collaborator(s) and/or access to military populations, databases or DOW resources. If applicable, provide a letter of support signed by the VA Facility Director(s), or an individual designated by the VA Facility Director(s), confirming access to VA patients, resources and/or VA research space.

Sex as a Biological Variable (SABV) 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.

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

Research Sharing Plan: Describe the type of data or research resources 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 if applicable.

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.

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

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 12

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

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

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

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

Background: Present the scientific rationale behind the proposed research project addressing the FY26 PCARP Focused Pilot Award Focus Area.

Hypothesis/Objective(s): State the hypothesis the project will test and/or objective(s) it will reach.

Specific Aims: State the specific aims of the study.

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

Innovation: Briefly describe how the proposed research is innovative in the pancreatic cancer field.

Impact: Summarize how the proposed project is relevant to and will have an impact on the outcomes of individuals with pancreatic cancer and their families/caregivers.

Military Relevance: Explain briefly how the proposed research is relevant to the health of Service Members, Veterans and/or their Families.

○ 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 scientific rationale for the proposed research addressing the FY26 PCARP Focused Pilot Award Focus Area.

– Describe the innovative aspects of the proposed research project.

– Explain the impact that the proposed research project’s results might have on the field of pancreatic cancer research and/or patient care/survivorship/quality of life.

– Describe the impact, in the short-term and long-term, on individuals living with pancreatic cancer and their families/caregivers.

– Explain briefly how the proposed research is relevant to the health of Service

Members, Veterans, and/or their Families.

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

Refer to eBRAP for the Suggested SOW Format.

For guidance on preparing the SOW, refer to either the Example: Assembling a Clinical Research and/or Clinical Trial Statement of Work or Example: Assembling a Generic Statement of Work, whichever is most appropriate for the proposed effort. Include milestones for data or research resource(s) sharing.

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 13

○ Attachment 6: Innovation Statement (one-page limit): Upload as “Innovation.pdf”.

Summarize the innovation of the proposed research. State how the research challenges existing paradigms or presents new paradigms, technologies and/or applications in this understudied area of patient-centered research. Describe how the proposed research represents more than the next logical step or an incremental advance on published data.

○ Attachment 7: Impact Statement (one-page limit): Upload as “Impact.pdf”. Describe how the project addresses the FY26 PCARP Focused Pilot Award Focus Area. Describe how the anticipated short-term outcomes of the project will advance the field and may impact those with pancreatic cancer. Describe how the project has the potential to lead to advancements in the quality of life for the individuals living with pancreatic cancer and their families/caregivers both in the short-term and long-term. If applicable, describe how the anticipated outcomes of the proposed study will make an impact in understanding health differences between sexes.

○ Attachment 8: Representations (Grants.gov submissions only): Upload as “RequiredReps.pdf”. All extramural applicants must complete and submit the Required Representations document available on eBRAP.

○ Attachment 9: Suggested Intragovernmental/Intramural Budget Form (if applicable): Upload as “IGBudget.pdf”. If an intramural DOW organization will be a collaborator in the performance of the project, complete a separate budget for that organization using the Suggested Intragovernmental/Intramural Budget form available on eBRAP.

(c) Additional Application Materials:

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

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

○ Biographical Sketch

○ Current/Pending Support

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

ii. Research & Related Budget

iii. Project/Performance Site Location(s)

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

External Link to the GAI

Grants.gov

External Link to the GAI eBRAP.org https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Required%20Representations https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:%7E:text=Intramural%20DOW%20Organization%3A%20A%20subset%20of%20intragovernmental%20organizations%3B%20refers%20specifically%20to%20DOW%20organizations%2C%20including%20DOW%20laboratories%2C%20DOW%20military%20treatment%20facilities%2C%20and/or%20DOW%20activities%20embedded%20within%20a%20civilian%20medical%20center https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:%7E:text=Suggested%20Intragovernmental/Intramural%20Budget https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=B.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%20Representations https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:%7E:text=Suggested%20Intragovernmental/Intramural%20Budget%20Form%2C%20if%20applicable%3A https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Additional_App_Materials_IV:%7E:text=C.-,Additional%20Application%20Materials,-The%20following%20are https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Additional_App_Materials_V:%7E:text=B.-,Additional%20Application%20Materials,-The%20following%20are

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

FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 14

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.

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

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 15

5. Submission Requirements

5.1. Location of Application Package

Download the application package components for HT942526PCARPFPTA from Grants.gov or eBRAP, depending on which submission portal will be used.

5.2. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management

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

5.3. Submission Instructions

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

Application Submission Workflow

5.3.1. Pre-Application Submission

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

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

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

FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 16 performing organization, and contracting organization must be consistent throughout the entire pre-application and full application submission process. Inconsistencies may delay application processing and limit or negate the ability to view, modify and verify the application in eBRAP.

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

5.3.2. Full Application Submission

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

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

5.3.3. Applicant Verification of Full Application Submission in eBRAP

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

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

5.4. Submission Dates and Times

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

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

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

5.5. Intergovernmental Review

Not applicable for this funding opportunity.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:%7E:text=Intramural%20DOW%20Organization%3A%20A%20subset%20of%20intragovernmental%20organizations%3B%20refers%20specifically%20to%20DOW%20organizations%2C%20including%20DOW%20laboratories%2C%20DOW%20military%20treatment%20facilities%2C%20and/or%20DOW%20activities%20embedded%20within%20a%20civilian%20medical%20center https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Full_App_Submission_Grants:%7E:text=IV.-,FULL%20APPLICATION%20SUBMISSION%20THROUGH%20GRANTS.GOV,-A.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Full_App_Submission_eBRAP:%7E:text=V.-,FULL%20APPLICATION%20SUBMISSION%20THROUGH%20eBRAP,-A.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0 https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Applicant_Verification_Grants_Submission:%7E:text=E.-,Applicant%20Verification%20of%20Grants.gov%20Submission%20in%20eBRAP,-Once%20the%20full

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

FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 17

6. Application Review Information

6.1. Application Compliance Review

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

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

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

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

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

6.2. Review Criteria

6.2.1. Pre-Application Screening Criteria

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

6.2.2. Peer Review Criteria

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

• Research Strategy and Feasibility

○ To what extent the scientific rationale supports the hypothesis and feasibility of this pilot project, as demonstrated by a review and analysis of the literature.

○ If the application includes preliminary data, how well the data support the proposed research.

○ How well the experimental design, methods and analyses support achieving reproducible and rigorous results.

○ How well the application identifies potential problem areas and addresses alternative methods and approaches.

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

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 18

○ How well the application describes an appropriate statistical plan including power analysis, if applicable, and data analysis plan.

○ If applicable, how well the application describes the study population and an appropriate plan for the recruitment of human subjects or the acquisition of samples.

○ If applicable, whether the strategy for the inclusion of women and minorities and distribution of proposed enrollment are appropriate for the proposed research. 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.

○ Whether the strategy for considering sex as a biological variable is appropriate to the objectives of the study or whether the justification for a single-sex study is sufficiently strong.

○ To what extent the plan for sharing of project data and research resources is appropriate and reasonable and includes dissemination to affected communities, study participants and/or the scientific community. If applicable, whether specific repository(ies) are named where data and research resources arising from the project will be stored.

• Innovation o To what extent the proposed research will challenge existing paradigms or present new paradigms, technologies and/or applications in this understudied area of patient-centered research.

o To what extent the proposed research represents more than the next logical step or an incremental advance on published data.

• Impact

○ Whether the application stated explicitly how the proposed work addresses a component of the FY26 PCARP Focused Pilot Award Focus Area.

○ How well the proposed research addresses a critical need in the field of pancreatic cancer supportive care, quality of life and survivorship.

○ To what extent the anticipated outcomes from the proposed research have the potential to lead to advancements in the quality of life for the individuals living with pancreatic cancer and their families/caregivers in both the short-term and long-term.

○ If applicable, to what extent the anticipated outcomes of the proposed study will make an impact in understanding health differences between sexes.

In addition, the following criteria will also contribute to the overall evaluation of the application, but will not be individually scored and are therefore termed unscored criteria:

• Personnel

○ How appropriate the expertise and levels of effort are for successful conduct of the proposed work.

• Budget

○ Whether the budget is appropriate for the proposed research.

• Environment

○ To what extent the scientific environment and level of institutional support is appropriate for the proposed research project.

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

FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Focused Pilot Award 19

○ How well the research requirements are supported by the availability of and accessibility to facilities and resources.

• Application Presentation

○ To what extent the writing, clarity and presentation of the application components influence the review.

6.2.3. Programmatic Review

To make funding recommendations and select the application(s) that, individually or collectively, will best achieve the program objectives, the following criteria are used by programmatic reviewers:

• Ratings and evaluations of…