DoD Rare Cancers, Idea Development Award

The Department of Defense (DoD), through its Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), is offering the Rare Cancers Research Program (RCRP) Idea Development Award (IDA) for fiscal year 2025. This initiative is administered by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) and managed by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA). The RCRP was established in 2020 to promote innovative research aimed at rare cancers, which are defined as those affecting six or fewer persons per 100,000 annually in the United States. The FY25 allocation for the RCRP is $17.5 million, continuing congressional interest in supporting novel scientific approaches to rare cancer diagnosis, understanding, and treatment. This grant opportunity supports early-stage research ideas with preliminary data and disease-specific rationale. Applications must demonstrate high potential impact and address one of the three core focus areas: biology (including molecular pathways and microenvironments), pre-clinical research models (supporting clinical trial readiness), and novel therapeutic strategies (including drug repurposing). While preliminary data is required, it need not be derived from the rare cancer subtype being studied. Research must align with the needs of military service members, veterans, and the American public, but may originate from any eligible public or private entity. Funding under this program is capped at $490,000 in total costs, covering both direct and indirect expenses. Approximately 14 awards are anticipated, each with a performance period of up to three years. Funding will be allocated using FY25 funds, which must be obligated by September 30, 2026, and fully expended by September 30, 2031. Clinical trials are not allowed under this award mechanism; however, non-trial clinical research involving human data or samples is permissible. Applicants must submit a two-step application: a pre-application (due July 1, 2025, via eBRAP) followed by a full application (due October 6, 2025) upon invitation. Notifications of invitation will be issued by August 8, 2025. Applications are submitted via Grants.gov for extramural institutions. Review of submissions involves both peer and programmatic evaluation. Key evaluation criteria include the scientific rationale, research design, potential impact, and applicant qualifications. Eligibility is open to both extramural and intramural institutions, including academic institutions, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and federal agencies. Principal Investigators must be independent investigators at or above the level of Assistant Professor or equivalent, regardless of nationality or citizenship. Cost sharing or matching is not a requirement. Detailed submission instructions and requirements are provided in the General Application Instructions (version CD25_01). Application materials include narratives, technical and lay abstracts, letters of support, budget justifications, data sharing plans, and other relevant documentation. For assistance, applicants may contact the eBRAP Help Desk or the Grants.gov Contact Center.