DoW Neurofibromatosis Exploration-Hypothesis Development 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 seeking to explore innovative, high-risk concepts in neurofibromatosis (NF) research. Applicants must propose well-formulated, testable hypotheses with strong scientific rationale. The program supports initial exploration that lays groundwork for future research directions.
Eligible applicants typically include academic institutions, research hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations. Preliminary data is encouraged but not required to apply. The research must focus on neurofibromatosis and demonstrate innovative approaches.
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Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award (EHDA) supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in neurofibromatosis (NF) research. Studies supported by this award mechanism should lay the groundwork for future avenues of scientific investigation. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale and study design.
Distinctive Features:
• Innovation: The proposed research project should be innovative. Innovative research may introduce a novel paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, examine existing problems from novel perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities.
• Preliminary Data: Preliminary and/or published data is encouraged but not required.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 form
- Project Narrative/Scientific Abstract
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biosketches of key personnel
- Letters of support from collaborating institutions
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
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$2,265,729,366
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$800,631,761
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$74,531,880
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$67,205,571
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$55,443,120
-
$34,191,124
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$24,907,742
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$21,394,379
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$19,100,256
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$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
Do I need preliminary data to apply?
No. Preliminary data is encouraged but not required. Strong scientific rationale and study design matter most.
What types of research does this award support?
Innovative, high-risk, high-gain concepts in neurofibromatosis research. Studies should challenge existing paradigms or examine problems from novel perspectives.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is September 22, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling.
Can I include salary costs in my budget?
Standard NIH/federal grant rules typically allow personnel salaries. Check the full RFP for specific budget guidelines.
Is cost-sharing required?
No. Cost-sharing is not required for this award.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus on innovation and novelty. Emphasize how your approach challenges existing paradigms or introduces new perspectives on NF research.
- Even without preliminary data, demonstrate strong scientific rationale. Show why your hypothesis is testable and important.
- Clearly articulate how this exploratory work will lay groundwork for future research directions and larger-scale studies.
- Follow DoD/DHA formatting requirements precisely. Check the RFP for page limits, font sizes, and required sections.
- Address feasibility realistically. Reviewers expect high-risk research, but the project must be achievable within the award period.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposing incremental research that lacks innovation or high-risk potential. Reviewers seek groundbreaking concepts. Submitting weak scientific rationale without strong hypothesis development. Vague feasibility plans that don't demonstrate how preliminary work will enable future studies.
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