DOD Peer Reviewed Cancer, Idea Award

Background
The fiscal year 2025 (FY25) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) Idea Award (IA) is issued by the Department of Defense (DOD) to support innovative, untested, high-risk/potentially high-reward concepts and basic cancer research. The program aims to advance knowledge in cancer research, patient care, and treatment options critical for active-duty Service Members, Veterans, and other military beneficiaries.

Grant Details
The proposed project must demonstrate creative thinking and innovation. Incremental advances or switching model systems from one cancer to another are not appropriate for this award. Preliminary data is not required; however, a strong scientific rationale must underpin the project. The funding limits are total cost limits that include both direct and indirect costs. Approximately $14 million is expected to be allotted for about 25 Idea Award applications with a total cost cap of $560,000. Applications must address one of the congressionally directed FY25 PRCRP topic areas relevant to military health, including various types of cancers such as bladder cancer, lung cancer, pediatric cancers, and more. Research on melanoma or cancers originating in the breast, prostate, or ovary is excluded.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include extramural and intramural organizations such as academic institutions, biotechnology companies, foundations, and DOD organizations. Principal Investigators must have a faculty-level appointment or equivalent. Cost sharing is not required for eligibility.

Period of Performance
The maximum period of performance for the grant is 2 years.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is approximately $14 million with individual grant awards capped at $560,000.