DoW Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award
🏛 Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA (DOD-AMRAA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers investigating neurofibromatosis disorders at any research phase except clinical trials. Applicants must have preliminary or published data relevant to NF and their proposed project. The program supports laboratory discovery, population studies, clinician-led research, and projects based on anecdotal patient knowledge.
Investigators from academic institutions, government laboratories, and private organizations may apply. U.S. citizenship or residency is typically required for federally-funded research awards. International collaborators may participate as secondary members of research teams.
Research may focus on basic science, translational research, or clinical care advancement for NF. The program encourages collaborative work between basic and clinical scientists, and between academia and industry partners.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) supports high-impact research that addresses a critical need and has the potential to make important contributions to the field of neurofibromatosis disorders or advance patient care. Research projects may focus on any phase of research, excluding clinical trials. The rationale for a research idea may be derived from laboratory discovery, population-based studies, a clinician’s firsthand knowledge of patients, or anecdotal data. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data that are relevant to NF and the proposed research project.
Distinctive Features: This award mechanism offers two funding levels based on participation in two optional features:
• Open Science Initiative: Catalyzes research for neurofibromatosis through early access to data and data sharing within the neurofibromatosis community.
• Optional Qualified Collaborator: Encourages collaborative research between basic scientists and clinical researchers, and between academic and biotechnology scientists.
The funding levels are defined as follows:
• Level 1: Applications without an optional feature.
• Level 2: Applications including one of the optional features.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal application form)
- Research Proposal Narrative
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (Key Personnel)
- Preliminary Data
- Letters of Support (if collaborative)
Program contact
- 👤 Ebony S Simmons Grantor
- 📧 help@eBRAP.org
- 📞 301-619-2105
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 12.420 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$2,265,729,366
-
$800,631,761
-
$74,531,880
-
$67,205,571
-
$55,443,120
-
$34,191,124
-
$24,907,742
-
$21,394,379
-
$19,100,256
-
$19,002,641
Top States by Funding
- MD 10 awards $3,150.1M
- NC 11 awards $132.3M
- CA 12 awards $107.3M
- FL 8 awards $99.8M
- TX 8 awards $76.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 12.420). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,483,968,520 | |
| 2025 | $1,201,153,417 |
FAQ
What research phases are supported?
Any phase except clinical trials is eligible. This includes basic science, translational, and early-stage clinical research.
Must I have preliminary data to apply?
Yes. Applications must include preliminary and/or published data relevant to neurofibromatosis and your proposed project.
Are there funding level differences?
Yes. Level 1 is for standard applications. Level 2 offers higher funding if you include Open Science Initiative participation or a qualified collaborator.
Who can be a principal investigator?
Researchers at academic institutions, government labs, and private organizations typically qualify. Check specific eligibility requirements in the full RFP.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is September 22, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not a rolling submission.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Include strong preliminary data upfront. Reviewers expect proof-of-concept or published findings directly supporting your proposed work.
- Consider the Open Science Initiative or collaborator options. Level 2 funding is typically higher and rewards collaborative approaches.
- Frame your research's impact on patient care or NF knowledge. Connect your work to real clinical or research needs in the neurofibromatosis community.
- Address reviewer concerns early in your narrative. Clearly explain how your project advances the field beyond existing research.
- Build relationships with potential collaborators now. If pursuing Level 2, identify qualified partners with complementary expertise before submission.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting applications without relevant preliminary or published data. Reviewers expect evidence your approach is feasible. Proposing clinical trials, which are explicitly excluded. Failing to articulate clear connection between your research and neurofibromatosis patient care or field advancement.
Similar grants
- OPEN DoW Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award — Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA
- OPEN DoW Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Scholar Award — Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA
- OPEN DoW Neurofibromatosis Synergistic Idea Award — Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA
- OPEN DoW Neurofibromatosis Research Academy – Leadership Award — Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA
- OPEN DoW Bone Marrow Failure, Investigator-Initiated Research Award — Defense Health Agency Contracting Activity - DHACA