Opportunity Information: Apply for HT942524PCRPEHDA
The FY24 DoD Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP) Exploration - Hypothesis Development Award is a small, early-stage grant mechanism meant to let researchers test bold, unproven ideas in prostate cancer that align with one or more of the program's FY24 Overarching Challenges. The emphasis is on high-risk, high-reward concepts that are genuinely exploratory, including brand-new theories, paradigms, methods, or directions sparked by unexpected or "serendipitous" observations. The goal is not to deliver a mature, heavily validated research package, but to generate the kind of initial evidence or scientific premise that can justify a new hypothesis or provide an early proof-of-principle that supports a larger follow-on effort.
A defining feature of this award is that preliminary data are strongly discouraged because they can signal the work is already underway or too developed for an exploration mechanism. Instead, applications are expected to rely on clear logical reasoning and a strong scientific rationale that explains why the idea is worth testing and how the proposed approach could unlock a meaningful advance. The review process is also designed to reduce bias: reviewers will be blinded to the identities of the principal investigator, collaborators, and institutions, which puts extra weight on how clearly the idea, rationale, and experimental plan are presented rather than on the team's reputation or organizational brand.
For FY24, a key change is that clinical research is allowed, as long as it is not a clinical trial. In this announcement, "clinical research" is defined broadly as observational work involving human data, human specimens, and/or interaction with human subjects where the investigator is not prospectively assigning people to an intervention and is not evaluating intervention safety, effectiveness, or efficacy outcomes. Examples include studying mechanisms of human disease, diagnostic or detection research such as biomarker or imaging studies, health disparities research, technology development, epidemiologic or behavioral studies that do not test an intervention, and outcomes or health services research that still does not qualify as a clinical trial. What is explicitly not allowed are clinical trials, defined under 45 CFR 46.102 as studies where human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (including placebo or controls) to evaluate effects on biomedical or behavioral health-related outcomes. In other words, observational and translational human-focused research can fit, but intervention testing cannot.
Programmatically, the opportunity also points applicants toward broader federal priorities around advanced and recurrent disease. It highlights recommendations from the congressionally mandated Metastatic Cancer Task Force and encourages research ideas that help accelerate clinical and translational progress for patients with advanced-stage or recurrent cancer, as long as the projects remain within this award's boundaries. The announcement also specifically encourages innovative work in nuclear medicine and related techniques, particularly where it could improve early diagnosis, enable more effective targeted treatment, and improve outcomes for active-duty Service Members and their families. That emphasis signals interest in noninvasive precision imaging, radiotracers, and targeted therapeutic approaches that can improve detection and treatment selection, while still fitting the exploratory nature of the mechanism.
The Department of Defense also places value on collaborations that can speed translation and broaden access to key populations and infrastructure. Applications from investigators within the military services are encouraged, and multidisciplinary partnerships among academia, industry, the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal agencies are viewed positively. If a project depends on special resources such as unique patient populations, biobanks, registries, or restricted databases, the application needs to clearly explain how access is already secured at submission and how access will be maintained throughout the project period. The announcement further reinforces expectations for rigor and reproducibility, pointing to widely used best practices around randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and transparent data handling and reporting, adapted as appropriate for the type of preclinical or clinical research proposed.
From a funding and administrative standpoint, awards are issued as grants (under 31 USC 6304). The budget is intentionally modest: anticipated direct costs for the entire period of performance should not exceed $150,000. The Army contracting and grants office structure is reflected in the listing: the issuing agency is the Department of the Army (USAMRAA), the opportunity is discretionary, and it falls under CFDA 12.420 for research and development. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning there are no special categorical limits stated in the synopsis for who may apply, though applicants still must meet standard federal and program requirements.
The program expects to commit about $3.60 million total to make roughly 15 awards, with actual funding dependent on federal fund availability and on peer and programmatic review outcomes. The original closing date listed is July 12, 2024, and awards supported with FY24 funds are expected to be made no later than September 30, 2025. Like many DoD programs, the funds are tied to a fiscal-year lifecycle; the notice indicates FY24 funds used for awards are expected to expire for use on September 30, 2030, which affects how long obligated funds remain available under federal rules.
Finally, for projects involving animals, there is a layered oversight process beyond the local Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Any new or ongoing animal research funded under this mechanism must also be reviewed and approved by USAMRDC oversight offices, including OHARO and ACURO, in addition to the local IACUC of record. IACUC approval is not required at the time of submission, but the announcement advises planning ahead because DoD-level regulatory review can take roughly 3 to 4 months. This timeline matters for feasibility, especially under a small, time-limited exploratory award where delays can quickly consume the period of performance.Apply for HT942524PCRPEHDA
- The Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DoD Prostate Cancer, Exploration - Hypothesis Development Award" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.420.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-01.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-12. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FY24 DoD PCRP Exploration - Hypothesis Development Award: FAQs
What is the FY24 DoD Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP) Exploration - Hypothesis Development Award?
It is a small, early-stage Department of Defense (DoD) grant mechanism designed to support genuinely exploratory prostate cancer research. The intent is to let investigators test bold, unproven ideas and generate initial evidence or a scientific premise that can justify a new hypothesis or support a larger follow-on effort.
What kind of research ideas does this award prioritize?
The emphasis is on high-risk, high-reward concepts that are early in development, including new theories, paradigms, methods, or research directions. The solicitation specifically notes that projects can be sparked by unexpected or serendipitous observations and should align with one or more of the program's FY24 Overarching Challenges.
Is this award meant to fund a mature, heavily validated research plan?
No. The goal is not to deliver a fully mature research package. Instead, the award is intended to produce early proof-of-principle or the initial scientific rationale needed to support a new hypothesis and enable future, larger studies.
Are preliminary data required for an application?
No. Preliminary data are strongly discouraged. The program views extensive preliminary data as a sign that the work may already be underway or too developed for an exploratory mechanism.
If preliminary data are discouraged, what should the application rely on?
Applications are expected to rely on clear logical reasoning and a strong scientific rationale. The proposal should explain why the idea is worth testing and how the approach could unlock a meaningful advance, even at an early stage.
How does the review process address bias?
Reviewers will be blinded to the identities of the principal investigator (PI), collaborators, and institutions. This increases the importance of a clearly written idea, rationale, and experimental plan, rather than relying on investigator or institutional reputation.
Is clinical research allowed under this award?
Yes. For FY24, clinical research is allowed as long as it is not a clinical trial.
How does the announcement define "clinical research" for this award?
Clinical research is broadly defined as observational work involving human data, human specimens, and/or interaction with human subjects where the investigator is not prospectively assigning participants to an intervention and is not evaluating intervention safety, effectiveness, or efficacy outcomes.
What are examples of clinical research that may fit this mechanism?
Examples listed include research on mechanisms of human disease, diagnostic or detection research (such as biomarker or imaging studies), health disparities research, technology development, epidemiologic or behavioral studies that do not test an intervention, and outcomes or health services research that does not meet the definition of a clinical trial.
Are clinical trials allowed?
No. Clinical trials are explicitly not allowed under this award.
How does the solicitation define a clinical trial?
It uses the 45 CFR 46.102 definition: a study in which human subjects are prospectively assigned to one or more interventions (including placebo or controls) to evaluate effects on biomedical or behavioral health-related outcomes.
Can translational or human-focused observational studies be supported?
Yes, observational and translational human-focused research can be appropriate, as long as it does not involve prospective assignment to an intervention or evaluation of intervention safety, effectiveness, or efficacy outcomes.
Does the opportunity encourage work on advanced-stage or recurrent prostate cancer?
Yes. The announcement highlights recommendations from the Metastatic Cancer Task Force and encourages ideas that accelerate clinical and translational progress for patients with advanced-stage or recurrent cancer, while still staying within this award's exploratory and non-clinical-trial boundaries.
Is there a specific interest area related to nuclear medicine?
Yes. The solicitation specifically encourages innovative work in nuclear medicine and related techniques, particularly where the work could improve early diagnosis, enable more effective targeted treatment, and improve outcomes for active-duty Service Members and their families.
What kinds of nuclear medicine-related directions are implied?
The announcement signals interest in approaches such as noninvasive precision imaging, radiotracers, and targeted therapeutic approaches that improve detection and treatment selection, provided the project remains exploratory in scope.
Are collaborations encouraged?
Yes. The DoD values collaborations that can speed translation and broaden access to key populations and infrastructure. Multidisciplinary partnerships across academia, industry, the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal agencies are viewed positively.
Are applications from military investigators encouraged?
Yes. Applications from investigators within the military services are encouraged.
If a project needs special resources (biobanks, registries, restricted databases), what is expected in the application?
The application should clearly explain that access is already secured at the time of submission and describe how access will be maintained throughout the period of performance.
What does the announcement say about rigor and reproducibility?
It reinforces expectations to follow best practices for rigor and reproducibility, pointing to common practices such as randomization, blinding, sample-size estimation, and transparent data handling and reporting, adapted as appropriate for the proposed preclinical or clinical work.
What is the maximum budget for this award?
The anticipated direct costs for the entire period of performance should not exceed $150,000.
What type of funding instrument is used?
Awards are issued as grants under 31 USC 6304.
Which agency is issuing the opportunity?
The issuing agency is the Department of the Army, U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA).
Is this a discretionary opportunity?
Yes. The listing indicates the opportunity is discretionary.
What is the CFDA number associated with this program?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 12.420 for research and development.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed as unrestricted in the synopsis, meaning no special categorical limits are stated there, although standard federal and program requirements still apply.
How much total funding does the program expect to allocate, and how many awards?
The program expects to commit about $3.60 million total to make roughly 15 awards, subject to the availability of federal funds and the outcomes of peer and programmatic review.
What is the listed application closing date?
The original closing date listed is July 12, 2024.
By when are awards expected to be made?
Awards supported with FY24 funds are expected to be made no later than September 30, 2025.
What does the notice say about when FY24 funds expire for use?
The notice indicates FY24 funds used for awards are expected to expire for use on September 30, 2030, which affects how long obligated funds remain available under federal rules.
If my project involves animals, what approvals are required?
Animal research requires layered oversight beyond the local Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Any new or ongoing animal research funded under this mechanism must also be reviewed and approved by USAMRDC oversight offices, including OHARO and ACURO, in addition to the local IACUC of record.
Is IACUC approval required at the time of application submission?
No. IACUC approval is not required at the time of submission, but the solicitation advises planning ahead.
How long can DoD-level animal research regulatory review take?
The announcement notes that DoD-level regulatory review can take roughly 3 to 4 months, which can affect feasibility and timelines under a small, time-limited exploratory award.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Next opportunity: Project to Combat Child Labor and Promote Acceptable Conditions of Work in Tanzania’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Sector
Previous opportunity: Single Source for the Continuation of the Data Management and Coordinating Center (DMCC) for Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network (RDCRN) (U2C Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for HT942524PCRPEHDA
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (HT942524PCRPEHDA) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| DoD Prostate Cancer, Idea Development Award Apply for HT942524PCRPIDA Funding Number: HT942524PCRPIDA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence Apply for 24 569 Funding Number: 24 569 Agency: National Science Foundation Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00358 Funding Number: G24AS00358 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| PILCEE Apply for 7200AA24RFA00013 Funding Number: 7200AA24RFA00013 Agency: Agency for International Development Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $74,900,000 |
| Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program - Open Radio Commercialization and Innovation Apply for NTIA PWSCIF 24 01 Funding Number: NTIA PWSCIF 24 01 Agency: National Institute of Standards and Technology Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Great Lakes – Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00361 Funding Number: G24AS00361 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $132,796 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00362 Funding Number: G24AS00362 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $39,657 |
| Cooperative Agreement for CESU-affiliated Partner with the Gulf Coast Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit Apply for G24AS00357 Funding Number: G24AS00357 Agency: Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $33,000 |
| DoD Prostate Cancer, Implementation Science Award Apply for HT942524PCRPISA Funding Number: HT942524PCRPISA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DOD Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Idea Development Award Apply for HT942524DMDRPIDA Funding Number: HT942524DMDRPIDA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DOD Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Clinical/Translational Research Award Apply for HT942524DMDRPCTRA Funding Number: HT942524DMDRPCTRA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD, Melanoma, Focused Program Award - Rare Melanomas Apply for HT942524MRPFPARM Funding Number: HT942524MRPFPARM Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD, Melanoma, Melanoma Academy Scholar Award Apply for HT942524MRPMASA Funding Number: HT942524MRPMASA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD, Melanoma, Survivorship Research Award Apply for HT942524MRPSRA Funding Number: HT942524MRPSRA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD, Melanoma, Team Science Award Apply for HT942524MRPTSA Funding Number: HT942524MRPTSA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD, Melanoma, Idea Award Apply for HT942524MRPIA Funding Number: HT942524MRPIA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic, Clinical Translational Research Award Apply for HT942524PRORPCTRA Funding Number: HT942524PRORPCTRA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic, Women's Health Research Award Apply for HT942524PRORPWHRA Funding Number: HT942524PRORPWHRA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic, Clinical Trial Award Apply for HT942524PRORPCTA Funding Number: HT942524PRORPCTA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic, Applied Research Award Apply for HT942524PRORPARA Funding Number: HT942524PRORPARA Agency: Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "HT942524PCRPEHDA", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.