DoD Breast Cancer Transformative Vision Award | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the DoD Breast Cancer Transformative Vision Award (BCRP TVA)?

The DoD Breast Cancer Transformative Vision Award (BCRP TVA) is a U.S. Department of Defense funding opportunity intended to support bold, high-impact breast cancer research programs that aim to change what is possible in breast cancer prevention and/or treatment. It is designed for projects built around an "extraordinary vision" paired with a practical, milestone-driven plan to move that vision toward real-world use in patients as quickly as feasible.

What types of research does this award support?

Projects may span a wide range of research stages, from basic discovery through clinical studies, as long as the overall program is geared toward translation and meaningful impact on breast cancer outcomes. The opportunity emphasizes moving beyond incremental advances toward work that could reshape the field.

Is this award intended for incremental improvements to existing approaches?

No. A core feature of this mechanism is its focus on transformative, high-impact research rather than incremental advances. Proposals are expected to move beyond conventional assumptions and not simply improve current methods.

What does the opportunity mean by an "extraordinary vision"?

An "extraordinary vision" refers to a new approach with genuine revolutionary potential, intended to shift the standard of care, redefine scientific thinking, or enable a fundamentally different way to prevent or treat breast cancer. Applicants are expected to clearly state their Vision and Impact and explain how the work could reshape the field.

What is meant by "Vision and Impact" in the application?

"Vision and Impact" is a central expectation of the award. Applicants must present a clearly stated vision for a new approach and describe the anticipated impact on breast cancer outcomes. The proposal should convincingly explain how the work challenges existing dogma and moves beyond conventional assumptions in the field.

Does the program require an implementation or execution plan?

Yes. The award requires more than an inspiring idea. Applicants must provide a detailed implementation plan that identifies critical milestones and explains the innovations and technical solutions that will be used to reach them. The plan should also describe how the work will be translated to patients, showing a path from concept to clinical relevance.

Are milestones required, and why are they important?

Yes. The opportunity emphasizes rigorous planning and accountability through milestones. Milestones are expected to reflect a practical, milestone-driven plan to advance the extraordinary vision toward real-world use as quickly as feasible.

Does the program emphasize translation to patients?

Yes. Proposals are expected to indicate a clear path to clinical relevance and describe how the work will be translated to patients. Even when research spans basic discovery to clinical studies, the overall program focus is translation and meaningful impact on outcomes.

What level of innovation is expected?

The program explicitly looks for an exceptional level of innovation and creativity, paired with rigorous planning. The proposed approach should be intended to challenge existing dogma and move beyond conventional assumptions, not merely extend current methods.

Does the award support near-term outcomes, long-term outcomes, or both?

Both. The program emphasizes transformative impact whether the payoff is near-term (such as a quickly actionable diagnostic, prevention strategy, or treatment approach) or longer-term (such as a foundational platform that unlocks new therapeutic directions).

What expectations are stated regarding leadership and team science?

The announcement places strong emphasis on leadership and team science. The Principal Investigator is expected to have proven experience leading large, focused projects and to assemble the right team to deliver the vision. The opportunity also highlights the need for an environment that actively supports innovation, with consistent and intensive collaboration across the team so that members are meaningfully engaged in all aspects of the project.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is W81XWH-11-BCRP-TVA.

Which government office released this opportunity?

This opportunity was released by the Department of the Army, U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), within the Military Medical Research and Development program.

What CFDA number is associated with this funding opportunity?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 12.420.

What type of funding instrument is used for this award?

The funding instrument type was listed as a cooperative agreement/grant. This reflects an award structure commonly used when the government anticipates substantial involvement or coordination during the project.

How much total funding was estimated for the opportunity, and how many awards were expected?

The total estimated funding for the opportunity was $90,000,000, with an expected 5 awards.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement stated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was described as unrestricted (open to any type of entity), subject to any additional clarifications in the full announcement.

When was the opportunity posted, and what were the closing dates?

The opportunity was posted on April 19, 2011. The original and final closing date was August 25, 2011.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The opportunity was archived on September 24, 2011, and the final closing date was August 25, 2011.

Where can applicants get help with technical issues or accessing/submitting materials?

The notice provided contact channels through CDMRP/USAMRAA help resources, including PA HELP at 301-619-7079 (cdmrp.pa@amedd.army.mil) and eReceipt HELP at 301-682-5507 (help@cdmrp.org), along with the CDMRP Help Desk.

What is the PA HELP contact information listed in the notice?

PA HELP: 301-619-7079 and cdmrp.pa@amedd.army.mil.

What is the eReceipt HELP contact information listed in the notice?

eReceipt HELP: 301-682-5507 and help@cdmrp.org.

Which help desk is referenced for applicant support?

The CDMRP Help Desk is referenced for applicant support and technical issues.