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

Program Announcement for the Defense Health Agency

Tick-Borne Disease Research Program

Idea Development Award

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526TBDRPIDA

Pre-Application Due: July 22, 2026

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

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease 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 Tick-Borne Disease 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 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 4

1. Basic Information About the Funding Opportunity

Summary: The intent of the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP) Idea Development Award (IDA) is to support conceptually innovative research that could lead to impactful discoveries or significant advancements that will accelerate progress toward reducing the burden of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases and conditions, and improving patient care and/or the quality of life. Applications should propose research that is conceptually innovative, introduces a new concept or question, challenges existing paradigms, approaches issues from a new perspective, or exhibits other uniquely creative qualities; and should not merely be a next logical step or an incremental advance on published data or ongoing research.

Distinctive Features: A Career Development Option is available to eligible early-career investigators who propose to conduct impactful mechanism-relevant research under the mentorship of an experienced tick-borne disease researcher(s). Applications submitted under the IDA – Career Development Option (IDA-CDO) will be reviewed using separate, career development-specific evaluation criteria by a separate, dedicated peer review panel; and are subject to a lower cost limit than those submitted under the standard IDA.

Funding Details: The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) expects to allot roughly $3.5M to fund approximately three IDA applications and two IDA-CDO applications, with total cost caps of $800,000 per award for the IDA and $550,000 per award for the IDA-CDO. The maximum period of performance is 3 years. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY26 funding opportunity will be funded with FY26 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2032. Awards supported with FY26 funds will be made no later than September 30, 2027.

Submission and Review Dates and Times

• Pre-Application (Preproposal) Submission Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), July 22, 2026

• Invitation to Submit an Application: September 3, 2026

• Application Submission Deadline: 11:59 p.m. ET, October 22, 2026

• End of Application Verification Period: 5:00 p.m. ET, October 27, 2026

• Peer Review: December 2026

• Programmatic Review: February 2027

Announcement Type: Initial

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526TBDRPIDA

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 Tick-Borne Disease 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

For the Idea Development Award (IDA):

Independent investigators at all career levels may be named by their organizations as the Principal Investigator (PI) on the application.

Individuals in a mentored position (e.g., postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows) are not considered independent investigators.

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

For the Idea Development Award – Career Development Option (IDA-CDO):

• PI

○ The PI must be an early-career research scientist, physician scientist, or other qualified clinical scientist, within 10 years of completion of their terminal degree at the time of application submission deadline (excluding time spent in residency or on family medical leave), and exhibit a strong desire to pursue a career in tick-borne disease research.

Time spent as a postdoctoral fellow is not excluded. Cross-disciplinary applications from PIs who are pivoting and pursuing a new research direction in tick-borne diseases are strongly encouraged.

○ Institutional commitment to the PI’s independent career must be demonstrated, including confirmation of laboratory space and a minimum of 50% time and level of effort during the period of performance for the PI to conduct tick-borne disease research.

• Mentor(s)

○ The mentor(s) must hold a position at or above the level of associate professor (or equivalent).

○ The primary mentor must be an experienced researcher as demonstrated by a recent (last five years) history of funding and publications in tick-borne disease research and should ideally have experience mentoring other independent scientists.

○ Additional mentors who provide complementary expertise and may be at different institutions than the primary mentor are highly encouraged and welcomed. These additional mentors are not required to meet the same obligations as the primary mentor with respect to funding, publications, and previous experience in tick-borne disease research, but they may serve the role of mentoring the PI in a particular technical expertise, for example.

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.

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 6

○ Collectively, the PI/mentorship team should have demonstrated experience in the field (pathogen/disease and associated methods/technologies) of the proposed studies.

○ The mentor(s) must demonstrate a commitment to developing the PI’s career in tick-borne disease research.

○ The mentor(s) should not have provided mentorship for the PI’s terminal degree.

The PI and the mentor(s) do not need to be located within the same organization.

2.2. Cost Sharing

Cost sharing is not an eligibility requirement.

2.3. Other

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

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:~:text=APPENDIX%201-,RECIPIENT%20QUALIFICATION%20AND%20RESTRICTION%20INFORMATION,-A.%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 7

3. Program Description

The Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity (DHACA) is soliciting applications to this funding opportunity using delegated authority provided by United States Code, Title 10, Section 4001 (10 USC 4001). The CDMRP is the program office managing this FY26 funding opportunity as part of the Tick-Borne Disease Research Program (TBDRP). 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 TBDRP in 2016 to support innovative and impactful research that addresses fundamental issues and gaps in knowledge of tick-borne diseases. Appropriations for the TBDRP from FY16 through FY24 totaled $55 million (M). The FY26 appropriation is $7M.

The TBDRP’s vision is to eliminate the health burden of tick-borne diseases. The TBDRP’s mission is to fund innovative research to understand and provide solutions to prevent, detect, and resolve Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases and conditions for the benefit of Service Members, Veterans, their Families and the American public.

3.1. Award History

The TBDRP IDA mechanism was first offered in FY20. Since then, 132 IDA applications were received, and 21 were recommended for funding.

3.2. Intent of the Idea Development Award

The intent of the FY26 TBDRP IDA is to support conceptually innovative research that could lead to impactful discoveries or significant advancements that will accelerate progress toward reducing the burden of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases and conditions, and improving patient care and/or quality of life. Research supported by an IDA should be conceptually innovative, introduce a new concept or question, challenge existing paradigms, approach issues from a new perspective, or exhibit other uniquely creative qualities; and should not merely be a next logical step or an incremental advance on published data or ongoing research. The IDA supports basic through translational research, including preclinical and clinical research, as well as correlative studies associated with an existing clinical trial to establish proof-of-principle for further development in future studies.

The intent of the FY26 TBDRP IDA-CDO is to specifically support eligible early-career investigators conducting impactful mechanism-relevant research under the mentorship of an experienced tick-borne disease researcher(s).

3.2.1. Focus Areas for the IDA

IDA applications must be focused on Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases with emphasis on reducing the public health burden of these illnesses.

Applications focused on persistent Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases and conditions endemic to the United States are particularly encouraged.

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 8

IDA applications must respond to at least one of the following specific focus areas:

• Pathogenesis

○ Studies to assess the interaction among tick-borne pathogens in mammals, with an emphasis on Lyme disease and associated co-infections

○ Studies of persistent clinical manifestations associated with Lyme disease; studies providing insight into neurologic symptoms particularly encouraged

○ Studies, including epidemiologic or animal studies, to evaluate the role of tick-borne diseases on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes, improve understanding of congenital tick-borne infections, and/or assess the impact of maternal-to-fetal transmission of tick-borne infections

Novel data-based approaches that search electronic medical records or follow longitudinal data to identify knowledge gaps in areas such as treatment efficacy, disease progression, and long-term outcomes are encouraged.

• Treatment

○ Proof-of-concept studies for the development of novel therapeutics, or studies to support the repurposing of available or approved compounds for treatment of tick-borne diseases

○ Target identification and/or validation and early refinement of therapeutic candidates, including, but not limited to, high-throughput screening, lead optimization, and structure/ activity relationships

• Diagnosis

○ Development and optimization of innovative approaches that provide diagnostic advantages for single or multiple tick-borne pathogens, with priority given to direct detection of Borrelia burgdorferi or tests that detect multiple tick-borne pathogens or diseases

○ Development and optimization of more accurate or novel approaches capable of distinguishing active Lyme infection from previous exposure and/or resolution of infection

○ Development and optimization of approaches for the detection/diagnosis of maternal-to-fetal transmission of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne infections, including the development of relevant animal models

Applications proposing human vaccine work, field work of tick or reservoir hosts, or screening of publicly available compound libraries for Lyme disease therapeutics will be considered non-responsive to this mechanism.

Applications proposing studies focused on evaluating/validating demonstrated therapeutic candidates or diagnostic approaches for tick-borne diseases/conditions are not within the scope of this funding opportunity; applicants should consider submitting to the TBDRP Therapeutic/ Diagnostic Research Award under funding opportunity number HT942526TBDRPTDRA.

3.2.2. Key Elements for the IDA

Impact: Applications should describe the evidence-based burden of disease on public health and how the proposed research may alleviate that burden in the short- and long-term.

Applications should describe how mechanistic research could fill a significant gap in the

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 9 foundational knowledge of the disease and/or pathogen and/or lead to possible strategies for novel therapeutic or diagnostic approaches.

Innovation: Applications should propose research that is conceptually innovative, introduces a new concept or question, challenges existing paradigms, approaches issues from a new perspective, or exhibits other uniquely creative qualities. Applications should describe how the proposed research is not merely a next logical step or incremental advance on published data or ongoing research.

Preliminary Data: Inclusion of preliminary data relevant to the proposed studies is neither required nor prohibited, however in its absence, strong rationale for achieving interpretable results must be provided.

Career Development Plan (only applicable and required for IDA-CDO applications): A Career Development Plan is required and should be prepared by the PI with appropriate guidance from the mentor(s). The plan should outline how the PI will gain experience in tick-borne disease research and engage with the tick-borne disease scientific and advocacy communities (as applicable). A clearly articulated strategy for acquiring the necessary skills, competence, and expertise to establish a career at the forefront of tick-borne disease research should be included, as well as a plan for how the mentor(s) will engage with the PI to contribute to the PI’s career development as a tick-borne disease researcher and to the success of the proposed research for the duration of the project. While the mentor(s) and PI may be at different organizations, a clear indication of how the mentor(s) will communicate with and facilitate the PI’s career development should be provided in the Career Development Plan.

3.2.3. Other Important Considerations for the IDA

The following examples are intended to help PIs frame the innovative features of their IDA applications. This list is not all-inclusive.

• Novel research method or technology: Development or use of novel research methods or new technologies to address a fundamental research question capable of changing patient care in Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases.

• Existing method or technology: Application or adaptation of existing methods or technologies for novel research or clinical purposes, or for research or clinical purposes that differ fundamentally from those originally intended, including applying knowledge/methods from other fields.

• Communication and dissemination of information: Development or use of novel platforms or networks for the communication and dissemination of validated research or clinical information with the purpose of increasing awareness and educating patients or clinicians/ providers.

Leveraging existing resources, maximizing statistical power, and using validated biospecimens and data from Lyme and other tick-borne disease biorepositories and databases are encouraged, but not required. Investigators are strongly encouraged to incorporate the following components into their study design where appropriate: authentication of proposed cell lines; statistical rigor of in vitro cellular studies and preclinical animal experiments; and validation in well-characterized cohorts of patients. Studies utilizing data derived from large patient studies that include long-term health records, biospecimen repositories, pre-existing research, and/or studies that apply state-of-the art genomic and/or proteomic analysis, bioinformatics, and/or mathematical models to such data are also encouraged. The criteria defining the inclusion/exclusion of curated biospecimens or data in

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 10 biorepositories or databases must be described to demonstrate the validity of their use in the proposed studies.

Preclinical studies (including research involving animals) and/or clinical research (involving human subjects, human anatomical substances, and human datasets, including correlative studies associated with an existing clinical trial) are permitted; however, clinical trials are not allowed within this funding opportunity.

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 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.

PIs are encouraged to integrate and/or align their research projects with DOW and/or VA research laboratories and programs. Collaboration with the DOW and/or VA is also encouraged. A list of websites that may be useful in identifying additional information about ongoing DOW and VA areas of research interest or potential opportunities for collaboration can be found in Appendix 10 of the GAI.

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: The application’s total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance should not exceed $800,000 for the IDA or $550,000 for the IDA-CDO. 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.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Content_Form_Full_App_Submission:~:text=Clinical%20Research%3A,-For%20the 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://arriveguidelines.org/arrive-guidelines https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#DOW_AND_VA_WEBSITES:~:text=APPENDIX%2010.%0ADOW%20AND%20VA%20WEBSITES 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.

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

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 11

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 TBDRP IDA.

Must not be requested for:

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

• Mentor registration and/or travel costs.

• Mentor salary.

• Clinical trial costs.

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 12

4. Application Contents and Format

4.1. Application Overview

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

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

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

4.2. Pre-Application Components

Pre-application submissions must include the following components.

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

• Preproposal Narrative (two-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: State a clear hypothesis for the project that is supported through a strong scientific rationale, referenced literature and/or preliminary data (if applicable). Inclusion of preliminary data relevant to the proposed studies is neither required nor prohibited;

however, in its absence, strong rationale for achieving interpretable results must be provided. Describe the study type (e.g., concept development, animal validation, human validation), project specific aims and scientific approach.

○ Relevance: Summarize the relevance of the proposed project to the IDA Focus Areas.

○ Impact: Describe how the anticipated outcomes of this research will reduce the incidence and/or burden of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases or conditions.

Describe the anticipated immediate and long-range outcomes of the proposed research and how they will advance knowledge and/or technology toward improved patient care and/or quality of life for military Service Members, their Families and members of the American public. If applicable, describe how the proposed work will be relevant to the future development of new treatments or diagnostic tests.

○ Innovation: Describe how the proposed study is innovative and represents more than an incremental advance upon published data. For examples of ways that the proposed work may be innovative refer to Section 3.2.3, Other Important Considerations for the IDA. For the IDA-CDO, describe how the proposed PI/mentor relationship will contribute to innovative aspects of the research, as applicable.

○ Mentor(s) (only required for the IDA-CDO): Provide the name and institution of the mentor(s) and describe how planned interactions with the PI demonstrates a 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#_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

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 13 commitment to the PI’s career development as a tick-borne disease researcher and to the success of the proposed research for the duration of the project.

• 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.

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 (12-page limit): Upload as “ProjectNarrative.pdf”.

Describe the proposed project in detail using the outline below.

Background/Rationale: Describe the problem, question, or gap in an area of patient care that is related to at least one of the IDA Focus Areas and that will be addressed by the proposed research. Describe previous experience of the PI, mentor(s), or member(s) of the collaborating team most pertinent to the proposed research, as applicable. Include relevant literature citations and/or preliminary data (if applicable) to support the study’s feasibility. Any unpublished preliminary data provided should be from the laboratory of the PI, mentor(s) or member(s) of the collaborating team, as applicable. In the absence of preliminary data, strong rationale for achieving interpretable results must be provided.

Hypotheses/Objectives: State the hypotheses/study questions and/or overall objective(s) to be reached.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:~:text=APPENDIX%202.%0AFORMATTING%20GUIDELINES https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:~:text=(a)%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%C2%A0%20SF424%20(R%26R)%20%E2%80%93%20Application%20for%20Federal%20Assistance%20Form https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:~:text=%C2%B7-,Project%20Narrative%3A,-Attach%20as%20%E2%80%9CProjectNarrative

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 14

Specific Aims: Concisely explain the project’s specific aims in support of the hypothesis/objectives. If this application is part of a larger study, present only tasks that this award would fund. Avoid interdependency of aims. Proposed studies should not be dependent upon the successful outcomes, products or samples from other ongoing research efforts.

Research Strategy and Feasibility:

▪ Describe the experimental design and methods, including appropriate controls.

Provide sufficient detail so that the appropriateness and feasibility of the research strategy can be fully evaluated.

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

Details of the strategy for how sex will be considered as a biological variable will be required in Attachment 2.

▪ Provide justification for the approach/model that will be used to support the proposed studies.

❖ If cell lines or animals are to be used, describe how the choice of proposed cell line(s) or animal model(s) is justified and relevant to human biology and natural tick-borne disease transmission. Include relevant preliminary data to support testing the study hypothesis using this approach/model. Include information about authentication of proposed cell lines. For animal studies, full details will be required in Attachment 7.

❖ For research involving human subjects, human biological samples, or datasets, full details will be required in Attachment 8. Clearly state if studies will utilize human specimens or data that cannot be linked to a living individual and meet the requirements for exemption under 45 CFR 46.104(d)(4) of the Common Rule, Secondary Research for Which Consent is Not Required.

▪ Describe the statistical model and data analysis plan, as applicable.

❖ Provide a statistical sample size estimate and the method by which it was derived, including power analysis calculations, to demonstrate that the sample size is appropriate to meet the objectives of the study.

❖ Explain the statistical methods/model that will be used for data analysis.

❖ Describe how data will be handled, including rules for stopping data collection, criteria for inclusion and exclusion of data, and how outliers will be defined and managed, if applicable.

❖ Describe the randomization and blinding/masking procedures for the study, and any other measures to be taken to minimize the effects of subjective bias, if applicable.

▪ Address potential challenges/pitfalls and provide alternative methods/approaches to mitigate these concerns, including interdependency of aims or dependency on successful outcomes, products, or samples from other ongoing research efforts.

▪ Explain how the research can be completed within the proposed period of performance.

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-45/part-46/section-46.104#p-46.104(d)(4)

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 15

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

Innovation: Explain how the proposed work is innovative and not merely a next logical step or an incremental advance on any published data or any ongoing research. Describe how the research introduces a new concept or question, challenges existing paradigms, approaches issues from a new perspective, or exhibits other uniquely creative qualities. For examples of ways that the proposed work may be innovative refer to Section 3.2.3, Other Important Considerations for the IDA. For the IDA-CDO, describe how the proposed PI/mentor relationship will contribute to innovative aspects of the research, as applicable.

Collaboration (if applicable): Describe how the specific contributions of collaborators will complement the PI’s ability to perform the proposed work, enhance the project’s innovation or impact in the tick-borne disease research field, and/or promote collaboration among fields or with commercial partners.

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

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

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

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

Facilities, Existing Equipment and Other Resources: Describe the facilities and equipment available for performance of the proposed project; include any additional facilities or equipment proposed for acquisition at no cost to the award. Indicate whether government-furnished facilities or equipment are proposed for use. If so, reference the original or present government award under which the facilities or equipment items are now accountable. There is not a standardized form for this information.

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

Letters of Support (two-page limit per letter is recommended): Provide individual letters signed by collaborating individuals and/or organizational officials demonstrating that the PI has the support and resources necessary for the proposed work. Letters from the PI’s Department Chair, or appropriate organization official, should also confirm that the PI(s) meet eligibility criteria. If applicable, provide a letter of support, signed by the lowest-ranking person with approval authority, confirming https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Use_Of_DOW_Dept_Veterans_Affairs_Resource:~:text=APPENDIX%204.%0AUSE%20OF%20DOW%20OR%20U.S.%20DEPARTMENT%20OF%20VETERANS%20AFFAIRS%20RESOURCES https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/gai.htm?version=CD26_01#_Recipient_Qualification_Restriction_Info:~:text=%C2%B7-,Supporting%20Documentation%3A,-Combine%20and%20attach

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 16 participation of intramural DOW collaborator(s) and/or access to military populations, databases or DOW resources. If applicable, provide a letter of support signed by the VA Facility Director(s), or an individual designated by the VA Facility Director(s), confirming access to VA patients, resources and/or VA research space.

Sex as a Biological Variable Strategy (two-page limit is recommended):

Describe the strategy for how sex will be considered as a biological variable. This strategy should include a brief discussion of what is currently known regarding sex differences in the applicable research area. Clearly articulate how sex as a biological variable will be factored into the data analysis plan and how data will be collected and disaggregated by sex. If needed, provide a strong rationale for proposing a single-sex study, based on justification from scientific literature, preliminary data or other relevant considerations. Refer to the CDMRP Directive on Sex as a Biological Variable in Research for additional information.

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

Research Sharing Plan: Describe the type of data or research resources (e.g., bio-specimen, analysis tool/software, training material) to be made publicly available as a result of the proposed work. Describe the mechanism (e.g., direct sharing, repository, mixed mode) by which data and resources generated during the period of performance will be shared with the research community and other affected communities, including clinical research participants. Include the name of the repository(ies) where scientific data and resources arising from the proposed study will be archived, if applicable. Identify and provide the rationale for any data or resources that will not be shared (e.g. for intellectual property, feasibility, cost, or other considerations). The plan should also protect participant privacy, confidential and proprietary data, and performer/third-party intellectual property. Provide a milestone plan for disseminating data/results including when data and resources will be made available to other users. In cases where the study participant could potentially derive medical or other benefit from the information, explain whether the results of screening and/or study participation will be shared with the participant or their primary care provider, including results from any screening or diagnostic tests performed as part of the study.

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

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

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

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

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=Directive%20on%20Sharing%20Data%20and%20Research%20Resources https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:~:text=Statement%20of%20Work-,Public%20Health%20Service%20Inclusion%20Enrollment%20Report,-n/a

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 17

○ 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 ideas and logical reasoning behind the proposed research project as it relates to the IDA Focus Areas.

Hypothesis/Objective(s): State the hypothesis to be tested and/or objective(s) to be reached. Provide evidence or rationale that supports the hypothesis/objective.

Specific Aims: State the specific aims of the study.

Study Design: Briefly describe the study design, including appropriate controls.

Describe how the proposed study is innovative and/or how the proposed PI/mentor relationship will contribute to innovative aspects of the research.

Impact: Describe the impact of the proposed study on Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases/conditions research and on patient care and the quality of life for military Service Members and the American public.

Career Development (only required for applications submitted under the IDA- CDO): Describe the PI’s career goals in tick-borne disease research and how the proposed research and Career Development Plan support those goals.

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

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

– State the IDA Focus Area(s) the project addresses.

– Describe the ultimate applicability of the research:

▪ What is the project’s potential impact on reducing the public health burden of tick-borne diseases/conditions, including the potential effect of the proposed research on the health and welfare of military Service Members and the American public?

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

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

▪ If the research is too basic for immediate clinical applicability, describe the interim outcomes.

▪ What are the likely contributions of the study to advancing the field of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne disease research?

○ Attachment 5: Statement of Work (six-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.

https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:~:text=Suggested%20SOW%20Format https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:~:text=Example%3A%20Assembling%20a%20Clinical%20Research%20and/or%20Clinical%20Trial%20Statement%20of%20Work https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/Program.htm#:~:text=Example%3A%20Assembling%20a%20Clinical%20Research%20and/or%20Clinical%20Trial%20Statement%20of%20Work 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://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 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

Basic Information | Eligibility | Program Description | Application Contents and Format | Submission Requirements

Application Review Information | Federal Award Notices | Post-Award Requirements | Other Information

FY26 Tick-Borne Disease Idea Development Award 18

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

Explain in detail how the proposed project will address a critical problem in Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne diseases/conditions and/or will impact the IDA Focus Area(s) being addressed as follows:

Public Health Burden: Describe the burden of illness for the disease(s) or condition(s) to be studied, including current evidence-based public health information on mortality, morbidity, and economic impact. Describe in detail how the proposed research will ultimately reduce the burden of Lyme disease and/or other tick-borne illnesses and their effect on public health.