DoW, Peer Reviewed Cancer, Impact Award
Can you apply?
This grant is for cancer research projects led by early-career and established investigators. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents affiliated with eligible research institutions. Domestic universities, medical centers, and research organizations can apply.
The program supports peer-reviewed cancer research with focus on innovative approaches and high scientific merit. Both basic and translational research are eligible. Funding supports salaries, equipment, and direct research costs.
Individual researchers apply through their institutions. Applications require institutional endorsement and commitment. No institution type restrictions, but research capacity is evaluated.
Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) Impact Award supports mature research that will have a near-term impact on clinical cancer care in one of the congressionally directed FY26 PRCRP Topic Areas. Applicants must consider how the research project will lead to the advancement of knowledge in cancer research, patient care and/or treatment options in the Military Health System (MHS).
Distinctive Features:
• Applications must include preliminary data to support feasibility of the study.
• Projects must have strong potential to result in a near-term impact in cancer.
• The funding mechanism allows clinical trials.
• This funding mechanism allows for a single Principal Investigator (PI), or two partnering PIs referred to as the Initiating PI and the Partnering PI. Only the Initiating PI will submit a pre-application, but both PIs will need to submit full applications. The Partnering PI’s application is an abbreviated package specific to their distinct portion of the research project. Be advised, both applications for a research project may be withdrawn if the initiating or partnering application is rejected or administratively withdrawn.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement
- Project Narrative (Research Plan)
- Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (key personnel)
- Institutional Endorsement Letter
- Preliminary Data/Supporting Documentation
- Cost Sharing Documentation (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Abigail Strock Contract Specialist
- 📧 help@eBRAP.org
- 📞 3016192342
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
-
$53,718,832
-
$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
- FL 8 awards $99.8M
- CA 11 awards $99.3M
- MA 7 awards $75.2M
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
Who can apply for this grant?
U.S. citizens and permanent residents at domestic research institutions. Your institution must be eligible and provide official support for the application.
When are the deadlines?
Applications open May 6, 2026 and close October 5, 2026. Check USAMRAA website for exact submission time windows.
What types of research are supported?
Cancer research including basic, translational, and clinical investigation. High-impact projects with clear innovation and feasibility are competitive.
How competitive is this award?
DoD peer-reviewed grants are highly competitive. Strong preliminary data, clear methodology, and experienced team are critical to success.
What is the typical funding range?
DoD AMRAA grants vary widely by program, typically $100K-$2M+ annually. Check the full solicitation for specific Impact Award funding caps.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize innovation and scientific merit. Explain how your research advances cancer understanding or treatment uniquely.
- Build a strong preliminary data section. DoD reviewers expect compelling proof-of-concept before funding.
- Include military or veteran health relevance if applicable. DoD values research benefiting service members and veterans.
- Align with DoD cancer research priorities. Review recent DoD Cancer Research Program focus areas before writing.
- Budget carefully and justify all costs. DoD scrutinizes indirect costs and overhead rates extensively.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak preliminary data or unclear feasibility. DoD expects strong evidence the research can succeed.
Failing to address military relevance or applicability. Even basic research should connect to DoD mission or beneficiary populations.
Vague innovation claims without specific methodology. Reviewers need clear, novel approaches to stand out among highly competitive applications.
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