DOD Defense Health Agency (DHA) Research Development FY23-FY27 BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT for Extramural Medical Research

The Department of Defense (DoD), through the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and its executing agency, the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), has released a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for extramural medical research spanning fiscal years 2023 through 2027. This funding opportunity, identified by HT942523SBAA1, is part of the broader mission of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC), which focuses on delivering innovative medical solutions to improve the health and readiness of American service members. The outcomes of this research are also expected to benefit civilian populations, underscoring a dual-purpose emphasis in military medical R&D. The BAA seeks to fund basic and applied research projects that advance scientific understanding and medical innovation, rather than directly supporting the development of specific systems or commercial hardware. It explicitly includes studies aimed at increasing knowledge or state-of-the-art practices within the medical field, especially in domains relevant to operational medicine and military readiness. Under this authority, awards may be issued as cooperative agreements, traditional grants, procurement contracts, or other appropriate funding instruments, based on the scope and intent of each proposed project. Submissions are welcome from all qualified applicants without restriction, though applicants must adhere to the submission procedures outlined in the BAA. Interested parties must first submit a pre-proposal or pre-application via the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP). Only those whose pre-proposals are deemed of interest will receive an invitation to submit a full application. Final proposals must then be submitted through Grants.gov. This two-step process ensures efficient vetting and selection of high-impact proposals aligned with DHA’s and USAMRDC’s strategic priorities. The BAA remains open continuously from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2027, allowing submissions at any time during this five-year window. However, proposals must align with the evolving research priorities and threat assessments as outlined by the agency. Evaluation criteria emphasize scientific merit, relevance to military and civilian health needs, innovation, and potential for advancing knowledge. The selection process is highly competitive, with the number of awards contingent on both merit and available funding. No cost-sharing or matching requirements are imposed for this BAA, allowing institutions of all types and sizes to participate. While the total program funding and specific award ceilings or floors are not explicitly stated, the BAA anticipates making approximately 600 awards over the five-year period. This substantial volume reflects the program’s expansive scope and the critical role of extramural research in national defense strategies. For assistance, applicants are directed to the CDMRP Help Desk, which provides support for both technical issues and questions about the application process. Inquiries can be made via phone at 301-682-5507 or email at [email protected]. More detailed administrative instructions and submission guidelines can be found in the companion document titled “General Submission Instructions” on Grants.gov. The official BAA document and further program details are also available through the eBRAP portal.

Priority on scientific merit, relevance to operational and civilian medical needs; competition is high.