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

Idea Development Award

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526PCARPIDA

Pre-Application Due: July 7, 2026

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

FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development Award 2

Content

Before You Begin 3

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

Eligibility Details eligibility factors for the applicant organization and Principal Investigator

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appendix 2 Acronym List

FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development 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/#:~:text=Frequently%20Asked%20Questions%20%C2%BB https://cdmrp.health.mil/#:~:text=Guide%20for%20Intragovernmental%20%26%20Intramural%20Applicants https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:~: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 Idea Development Award 4

1. Basic Information About the Funding Opportunity

Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) Idea Development Award supports the development of innovative, high-risk/high-reward research that could lead to critical discoveries or major advancements that will accelerate progress in improving outcomes for individuals with pancreatic cancer. This award mechanism supports innovative ideas with the potential to yield impactful data and new avenues of investigation. All applications must address at least one of the FY26 PCARP Focus Areas.

Distinctive Features:

• This award mechanism requires preliminary data relevant to the proposed project.

Applications can support clinical research studies; however, this mechanism does not allow clinical trials.

• Partnering Principal Investigator (PI) Option for Early-Career Investigator: This funding mechanism offers a higher level of funding for applications that propose to partner an experienced PI (i.e., Initiating PI, who will serve as the mentor) with an Early-Career Investigator (i.e., Partnering PI) wishing to pursue a career in pancreatic cancer research.

For this option, only the Initiating PI will submit a pre-application, but both PIs will need to submit at the full application stage. The partnering PI’s application is an abbreviated package specific to their distinct portion of the research project. Be advised, all associated applications for a research project may be withdrawn if the initiating or partnering application is rejected or administratively withdrawn.

Funding Details: The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) expects to allot roughly $9.90 million (M) to fund approximately 12 Idea Development Award applications with total cost caps of $0.70M for a single PI or combined total cost caps of $0.95M for the Partnering PI Option. The maximum period of performance is 3 years. It is anticipated that awards made from 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 (Preproposal) Submission Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), July 7, 2026

• Invitation to Submit an Application: August 13, 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: HT942526PCARPIDA

Assistance Listing Number: 12.420

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development 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 affiliated with an eligible organization are eligible to be named PI, Initiating PI or Partnering PI on the application, regardless of ethnicity, nationality or citizenship status.

Single PI Applications:

Independent investigators at any career level are eligible to be named PI on the application.

Partnering PI Option for Early-Career Investigator Applications: At the time of the application deadline, investigators eligible to be named Initiating or Partnering PI on the application must meet the following criteria:

• Mentor

○ Independent investigator at any career level.

• Early-Career Investigator

○ No more than eight years from first faculty appointment, i.e., instructor level or above, or equivalent, excluding time spent on family medical leave. The application should explain lapses in research time or appointments as denoted in the biographical sketch.

• The Initiating PI (mentor) and the Partnering PI (Early-Career Investigator) may hold positions at different institutions.

An investigator may be named on only one FY26 PCARP Idea Development Award application as PI, Initiating PI or Partnering 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:~:text=pre%2Dapplication%20submission.-,Extramural%20Organization%3A,-A%20foreign%20or https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:~: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:~: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 Idea Development Award mechanism was first offered in FY20. Since then, 271 Idea Development Award applications were received, and 62 were recommended for funding.

3.2. Intent of the Idea Development Award

The PCARP Idea Development Award supports the development of innovative, high-risk/high-reward research that could lead to critical discoveries or major advancements that will accelerate progress in improving outcomes for individuals with pancreatic cancer. Innovative ideas with the potential to yield impactful data and new avenues of investigation are the focus of this mechanism.

3.2.1. Focus Areas for the Idea Development Award

• Early detection research.

• Identification and characterization of risk.

• Supportive care, quality of life and survivorship research.

• Understanding metabolic disruptions and their systemic effects, including diabetes and cachexia.

• Understanding tumor development from precursors to metastasis.

• Biomarkers to predict therapeutic response and guide management strategies.

• New therapeutic targets and approaches.

3.2.2. Key Elements for the Idea Development Award

Impact: The proposed research must have the potential to make an important and original contribution to advancing the understanding of pancreatic cancer and ultimately lead to improved outcomes for individuals with pancreatic cancer. Applications should articulate the project’s impact on both pancreatic cancer research and patient care, even if clinical impact is not an immediate outcome.

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development Award 7

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 technology, or adaptations of existing methods or technologies. For this award mechanism, innovative research does not include incremental advances on previously published work.

Preliminary Data: This award mechanism requires preliminary data. Although the proposed research must have direct relevance to pancreatic cancer, the required preliminary data may originate from outside the pancreatic cancer research field. This data may include unpublished results from the PI's laboratory, the research team or named collaborators. A sound scientific rationale that is established through logical reasoning and a critical review and analysis of the literature must serve as the basis for the research.

Personnel: Personnel are a crucial element of the FY26 PCARP Idea Development Award. At least one member of the research team should demonstrate experience in pancreatic cancer research through recent publications and funding. The PCARP encourages the inclusion of a biostatistician as a member of the study team.

Partnering PI Option for Early-Career Investigator: The FY26 Idea Development Award mechanism offers a higher level of funding for applications that propose to partner an experienced PI (i.e., Initiating PI, who will serve as the mentor) with an Early-Career Investigator (i.e., Partnering PI) wishing to pursue a career in pancreatic cancer research. The Initiating PI must mentor and collaborate with the Early-Career Investigator (Partnering PI) to promote their career development in pancreatic cancer research. The Early-Career Investigator must meet the specific eligibility criteria described in Section 2.1.2, Principal Investigator. The Initiating PI will be responsible for the majority of the administrative tasks associated with application submission. Both 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, refer to Section 5.3, Submission Instructions. The PCARP encourages projects involving convergence science partnerships.

3.2.3. Other Important Considerations for the Idea Development Award

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

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

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

Applications from investigators within the DOW and applications involving multidisciplinary collaborations among academia, industry, the DOW, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other federal government agencies are highly encouraged. These relationships can leverage knowledge, infrastructure and access to unique clinical populations that the collaborators bring to the research effort, ultimately advancing research that is of significance to Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and the American Public. If the proposed research relies on access to unique resources or databases, the application must describe the access at https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:~:text=considered%20clinical%20trials.-,Clinical%20Research,-%3A%20For%20the https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:~:text=or%20hardware%20procurement.-,Clinical%20Trial%3A,-As%20defined%20in https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:~:text=or%20hardware%20procurement.-,Clinical%20Trial%3A,-As%20defined%20in https://www.strobe-statement.org/ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03635-5#:~: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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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development Award 8 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 3 years.

Cost Cap:

Application Submissions with a Single PI: The application’s total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance should not exceed $0.70M.

Application Submissions with the Partnering PI Option for Early-Career Investigator: The combined total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance in the applications of the Initiating PI and Partnering PI should not exceed $0.95M.

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 Application Submissions:

If indirect cost rates have been negotiated, indirect costs are to be budgeted in accordance with the organization’s negotiated rate. Collaborating organizations should budget associated indirect costs in accordance with each organization’s negotiated rate.

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

The applicant may request the entire maximum funding amount for a project that may have a period of performance less than the maximum 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 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 FY26 PCARP Idea Development Award.

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:~: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 Idea Development Award 9

• 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:

• Clinical trial costs.

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4. Application Contents and Format

4.1. Application Overview

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

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

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

4.2. Pre-Application Components

The Initiating PI must submit the following pre-application components.

Upload documents as individual PDF files unless otherwise noted. Files must comply with the formatting guidelines listed in the GAI.

• Preproposal Narrative (Single PI Submission: two-page limit; Partnering PI Option for Early-Career Investigator Submission: three-page limit): The Preproposal Narrative page limit applies to text and non-text elements (e.g., figures, tables, graphs, photographs, diagrams, chemical structures, drawings) used to describe the project. Inclusion of URLs that provide additional information to expand the Preproposal Narrative and could confer an unfair competitive advantage is prohibited and may result in administrative withdrawal of the pre-application.

The Preproposal Narrative should include the following:

○ Research Idea: State the hypothesis the research will test or the objective it will reach.

State which FY26 PCARP Focus Area(s) the research will address. Detail the scientific rationale that forms the basis of the proposed project and briefly describe relevant preliminary data. If applicable, describe how the research team will accomplish the study in the defined study population. Concisely state the specific aims and provide a brief overview of the study design. Clinical trials are beyond the scope of this mechanism and not allowed.

○ Impact: Describe the potential impact of this study on the outcomes of individuals with pancreatic cancer, their families/caregivers and/or the understanding of pancreatic cancer.

○ Innovation: Describe how the proposed project is innovative and how the research represents more than an incremental advance on published data.

○ Personnel: Clearly describe the pancreatic cancer experience of the proposed research team and how this will factor into the team’s ability to successfully complete the project.

○ Partnering PI Option for Early-Career Investigator (if applicable): Describe how the Initiating PI’s (mentor’s) qualifications and experience position them to mentor the Partnering PI (Early-Career Investigator) toward a successful career in pancreatic cancer research. Briefly describe the Researcher Development Plan and how it will https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/index.htm https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#Appendix2:~:text=APPENDIX%202.%0AFORMATTING%20GUIDELINES https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:~:text=or%20hardware%20procurement.-,Clinical%20Trial%3A,-As%20defined%20in https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Full_App_Submission_Grants:~: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:~: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

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development Award 11 contribute to fostering the Partnering PI’s (Early-Career Investigator’s) career development as a pancreatic cancer researcher.

• Pre-Application Supporting Documentation: The items to be included as supporting documentation for the pre-application must be uploaded as individual files and are limited to the following:

○ References Cited (one-page limit): List the references cited (including URLs if available) in the Preproposal Narrative using a standard reference format that includes the full citation (i.e., author[s], year published, reference title, and reference source, including volume, chapter, page numbers, and publisher, as appropriate).

○ List of Abbreviations, Acronyms and Symbols: Provide a list of abbreviations, acronyms and symbols used in the Preproposal Narrative.

○ Key Personnel Biographical Sketches: All biographical sketches should be uploaded as a single combined file. Biographical sketches should be used to demonstrate background and expertise through education, positions, publications and previous work accomplished.

4.3. Full Application Components

Applicants must receive an invitation to submit a full application. Uninvited full application submissions will be rejected.

Partnering PI Option for Early-Career Investigator: The CDMRP requires separate full application package submissions for the Initiating PI and the Partnering PI, even if the PIs are located within the same organization. The application submission process for the Partnering PI uses an abbreviated full application package.

4.3.1. Full Application Components for the PI or 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 (eight-page limit): Upload as “ProjectNarrative.pdf”.

Describe the proposed project in detail using the outline below.

– Background: Present the scientific rationale behind the proposed research and include relevant literature citations. Describe and show the preliminary data to justify the rationale for the proposed project.

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

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development Award 12

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

– Research Strategy and Feasibility:

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

▪ Clearly describe the statistical plan, including an appropriate power analysis and the rationale for the statistical methodology. Explain how the proposed statistical analysis supports the relevance of any research outcomes to the FY26 PCARP Focus Area(s).

▪ If the research includes animal studies, briefly describe the relevance of the proposed animal model and provide full details in the required Animal Research Plan (Attachment 8).

▪ If applicable, describe and justify the appropriateness of the human subject population relative to the study objectives. Where relevant, describe the availability of, and access to, tissue, data, or human subjects. If applicable, provide appropriate letters of support provided as part of the application’s Supporting Documentation (Attachment 2). This 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, https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Definition_List:~:text=or%20hardware%20procurement.-,Clinical%20Trial%3A,-As%20defined%20in https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:~:text=%C2%B7-,Supporting%20Documentation%3A,-Combine%20and%20attach

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development Award 13 reference the original or present government award under which the facilities or equipment items are now accountable. There is not a standardized form for this information.

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

Letters of Support (one-page limit per letter is recommended): Provide individual letters signed by collaborating individuals and/or organizational officials demonstrating that each PI has the support and resources necessary for the proposed work. Letters from the PI’s Department Chair, or appropriate organization official, should also confirm that the PI(s) meet eligibility criteria. If applicable, provide a letter of support, signed by the lowest-ranking person with approval authority, confirming participation of intramural DOW collaborator(s) and/or access to military populations, databases or DOW resources. If applicable, provide a letter of support signed by the VA Facility Director(s), or an individual designated by the VA Facility Director(s), confirming access to VA patients, resources and/or VA research space.

Sex as a Biological Variable (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.

Commercialization Strategy (if applicable): Describe the commercialization plan.

The plan should include intellectual property, market size, financial analysis, strengths and weaknesses, barriers to the market, competitors, and management team. Discuss the significance of this development effort, when it can be anticipated, and the potential commercial use for the technology being developed.

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.

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#:~:text=Statement%20of%20Work-,Public%20Health%20Service%20Inclusion%20Enrollment%20Report,-n/a

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development Award 14

Specifically describe a plan to make animal models, tissue samples, and other resources developed as part of the proposed research project available to the scientific community, 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.

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.

State which FY26 PCARP Focus Area(s) the study will address.

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 project uses innovation to yield critical discoveries, new avenues of investigation, or major advancements to improve the understanding of pancreatic cancer and ultimately to improve outcomes of individuals with pancreatic cancer.

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

Military Relevance: Describe 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.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:~:text=Directive%20on%20Sharing%20Data%20and%20Research%20Resources https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:~: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:~:text=%C2%B7-,Technical%20Abstract%3A,-Attach%20as%20%E2%80%9CTechAbs

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development Award 15

– Summarize the objectives and scientific rationale for the proposed research.

– Identify which FY26 PCARP Focus Area(s) the research will address.

– 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, including the PCARP’s vision of diminishing the burden of pancreatic cancer.

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

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

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

○ Attachment 6: Impact Statement (one-page limit): Upload as “Impact.pdf”. Describe how the project addresses one or more of the FY26 PCARP Focus Areas. 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 pancreatic cancer research or improved health outcomes or quality of life for individuals with pancreatic cancer in the short-term and/or long-term. If applicable, describe how the anticipated outcomes of the proposed study will make an impact in understanding health differences between sexes.

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

Summarize the innovation of the proposed research. State how the research challenges existing paradigms or presents new paradigms, technologies, evidence-based diagnoses and/or applications in the field of pancreatic cancer research. Describe how the proposed research represents more than the next logical step or an incremental advance on published data.

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

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

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

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

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:~:text=Suggested%20SOW%20Format https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:~:text=Example%3A%20Assembling%20a%20Generic%20Statement%20of%20Work https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:~:text=Example%3A%20Assembling%20a%20Generic%20Statement%20of%20Work https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines https://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:~:text=%C2%B7-,Statement%20of%20Work%3A,-Attach%20as%20%E2%80%9CSOW

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development Award 16

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 9: Accomplishments Statement (four-page limit): Upload as “Accomplishments.pdf”. Using the outline below, provide pancreatic cancer or other cancer research accomplishments from the past five years for the PI, Initiating PI and/or Partnering PI (if applicable):

– Past and current pancreatic cancer or other cancer research support from both federal and nonfederal sources (as applicable).

– Any pancreatic cancer or other cancer publications.

– Any honoraria, awards or other distinctions received for work in pancreatic cancer or other cancer research.

– Any patents or other pancreatic cancer or other cancer research accomplishments.

○ Attachment 10: Early-Career Investigator Statement (one page recommended):

Upload as “ECIStatement.pdf”. (Attachment 10 is only applicable and required for Partnering PI Option for Early-Career Investigator applications.) The Partnering PI (Early-Career Investigator) should write the Early-Career Investigator Statement, demonstrating evidence of appropriate direction from the Initiating PI, who will serve as the mentor for this project.

– The Early-Career Investigator should describe their accomplishments (i.e., academic performance, awards, honors and/or previous publications and funding) and how they indicate potential for a successful, productive, independent career in pancreatic cancer research.

– The Early-Career Investigator should describe their career goals and how the proposed research project and mentored research experience will promote their career development in pancreatic cancer. The Early-Career Investigator should discuss their career/research plans after the completion of this award.

○ Attachment 11: Researcher Development Plan (two pages recommended): Upload as “ResearcherDevPlan.pdf”. (Attachment 11 is only applicable and required for Partnering PI Option for Early-Career Investigator applications.) The Initiating PI (mentor) should write the Researcher Development Plan and articulate the following:

– Clearly describe and outline the individualized Researcher Development Plan, including proposed training to support the development of the Early-Career Investigator’s research skills. If the mentor and Early-Career Investigator are in the same laboratory, provide a plan that will provide a pathway of independence for the Early-Career Investigator.

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FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Idea Development Award 17

– Highlight the unique features of this plan as it pertains specifically to pancreatic cancer research.

– Clearly articulate a strategy for the Early-Career Investigator to develop the necessary skills, competence and expertise to pursue a promising career in pancreatic cancer research.

– Describe how the Initiating PI’s (mentor’s) qualifications and experience position them to mentor the Early-Career Investigator toward a successful career in pancreatic cancer research.

– Describe how the research environment supports the Researcher Development Plan.

Include a description of ongoing pancreatic cancer research at the institution(s) and information on collaborations with other investigators.

– Describe the Early-Career Investigator’s role in the proposed research project.

o Attachment 12: Letter of Eligibility (one-page limit): Upload as “Eligibility.pdf”.

(Attachment 12 is only applicable and required for Partnering PI Option for Early- Career Investigator applications.) Provide a signed letter in which the Partnering PI (Early Career Investigator) and the Department Chair, Dean or equivalent official verify that the Partnering PI meets eligibility criteria and is no more than eight years from first faculty appointment, i.e., instructor level or above, or equivalent, excluding time spent on family medical leave. Include the organizational commitment for independent laboratory space (if applicable).

○ Attachment 13: Representations (Grants.gov submissions only): Upload as “RequiredReps.pdf”. All extramural applicants must complete and submit the Required Representations document available on eBRAP.

○ Attachment 14: 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…