DoW Toxic Exposures Investigator Initiated Research Award
Can you apply?
This grant is for biomedical researchers investigating toxic exposures affecting military service members and veterans.
Eligible applicants include academic institutions, nonprofit research organizations, federal laboratories, and small businesses with research capabilities. Applicants must be led by a principal investigator with appropriate credentials and institutional affiliation.
Research must address health effects from environmental toxins relevant to military populations. This includes burn pit exposure, Agent Orange, depleted uranium, and other occupational hazards.
The award supports investigator-initiated research projects. Funding covers personnel, equipment, and direct research costs aligned with DoD priorities in military health.
Key dates
- May 7, 2026 Applications open
- Nov 19, 2026 Application deadline in 159 days
- Sep 30, 2027 Award announced
- Sep 30, 2027 Project start
Program description
Summary: The fiscal year 2026 Toxic Exposures Research Program (TERP) Investigator-Initiated Research Award (IIRA) is intended to support studies that will make an important contribution toward research and/or patient care for diseases or conditions associated with military-related toxic exposures. Research projects may focus on any phase of research from basic laboratory research through translational research, including preclinical studies in animal models and human subjects, as well as correlative studies associated with an existing clinical trial. New Approach Methodologies may also be used.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- Private University
- Public University
- Researcher (independent)
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (federal application form)
- Project Narrative and Statement of Work
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Biographical Sketches (PI and key personnel)
- Letters of Institutional Commitment
- Preliminary Data and Evidence of Feasibility
- Military Relevance Statement
Program contact
- 👤 eBRAP Help Desk
- 📧 help@ebrap.org
- 📞 301-682-5507
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 award?
Academic institutions, nonprofits, federal labs, and small businesses with research infrastructure. Your institution must have a qualified principal investigator.
What research topics are funded?
Studies on toxic exposures affecting military personnel and veterans. This includes burn pit exposure, contaminated water, chemical hazards, and long-term health outcomes.
What costs does this award cover?
Personnel salaries, laboratory equipment, supplies, and direct research costs. Indirect costs are typically allowed up to the federal rate.
How competitive is this grant?
Very competitive. Expect rigorous peer review of scientific merit and military relevance. Strong preliminary data strengthens applications significantly.
When is the application deadline?
Opening date is May 7, 2026. Check the official announcement for specific deadline dates and submission requirements.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Establish military relevance clearly. Explain how your research addresses health concerns in active duty or veteran populations.
- Use strong preliminary data. Include pilot study results showing feasibility and proof of concept.
- Align with DoD research priorities. Review recent publications from USAMRAA to understand current focus areas.
- Build institutional support. Obtain letters from your institution confirming infrastructure and resource availability.
- Plan realistic timelines. Design a study scope achievable within the proposed budget and timeframe.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to demonstrate direct military relevance or applicability to service member health outcomes. Submitting preliminary data that is insufficient to support scientific feasibility. Underestimating indirect costs or overestimating what can be accomplished with the budget.
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