DoD Peer Reviewed Medical Focused Program Award | Apply Online

Focused Program Award (FPA) - PRMRP (W81XWH-16-PRMRP-FPA) FAQs

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the Department of Defense (DoD) Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) Focused Program Award (FPA), Funding Opportunity Number W81XWH-16-PRMRP-FPA. It is a discretionary research funding mechanism managed under DOD-AMRAA to support high-impact medical research programs.

What is the main purpose of the Focused Program Award (FPA)?

The purpose is to support a coordinated, synergistic program of research that can rapidly drive progress on a clearly defined, critical scientific or clinical question. The mechanism is designed to optimize research efforts and accelerate solutions through deliberate integration across multiple components rather than supporting isolated, single-investigator projects.

What kind of research approach does this award emphasize?

The Focused Program Award emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach where multiple areas of expertise are intentionally integrated. The expectation is that the overall program achieves more than the sum of its parts through coordination, shared resources, complementary studies, and aligned management.

Does proposed work need to align to specific research topics?

Yes. Proposed work must address at least one of the Congressionally directed FY16 PRMRP Topic Areas. The opportunity is directly tied to those topic areas for fiscal year 2016.

What is meant by a "clearly defined, critical scientific or clinical question"?

Within the information provided, this refers to a central question or challenge that the applicant team identifies within an FY16 PRMRP Topic Area, and then builds a coordinated research strategy designed to answer it efficiently through an integrated program.

Is this intended for single projects or multi-component programs?

This mechanism is intended for multi-component programs. It requires a coordinated, synergistic program of work rather than stand-alone projects led by individual investigators operating independently.

What are the expected outcomes of an FPA-funded program?

The expectation is that the program will produce meaningful, measurable advances and move the field forward efficiently by leveraging collaboration and deliberate integration across disciplines.

What funding instruments are available under this opportunity?

Funding is offered through either a Grant or a Cooperative Agreement.

What is a Cooperative Agreement in this context?

The inclusion of cooperative agreements indicates that, depending on the award, there may be substantial government involvement in areas such as programmatic coordination or oversight. This is common in mission-driven research programs where alignment with strategic objectives and milestone-based progress can be important.

Which agency and program are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), specifically the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP), with administration referenced as DOD-AMRAA.

What is the activity category for this funding opportunity?

The activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The listing is associated with CFDA number 12.420, which is commonly used for DoD medical research funding.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to many applicant types, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full announcement.

Does "unrestricted eligibility" mean anyone can apply?

It indicates broad eligibility, but the information provided also notes that applicants are still subject to any specific conditions or clarifications described in the full funding announcement.

What types of organizations are typically included under "unrestricted" eligibility?

Based on the description provided, it typically signals that a wide range of organizations may be able to apply, such as universities, nonprofit research institutions, for-profit entities, and other qualified organizations, as long as they meet any conditions in the full announcement.

When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on May 5, 2016.

What was the closing date for this opportunity?

The original and current closing date listed is October 26, 2016.

How many awards were anticipated?

The anticipated number of awards was five.

Is there an award ceiling or maximum budget listed?

The award ceiling is not specified in the provided source data. Applicants would need to consult the full funding announcement for budget limits, allowable costs, and constraints on the size and structure of the proposed program.

What is the defining feature of this opportunity compared to more traditional research awards?

The defining feature is the emphasis on a coordinated, synergistic, multidisciplinary research program designed to rapidly answer a high-priority question within the FY16 PRMRP Congressionally directed topic areas, rather than funding isolated research efforts.

What should applicants focus on when designing an FPA program?

Based on the information provided, applicants should focus on articulating a central question within an FY16 PRMRP Topic Area and proposing an aligned, integrated strategy that uses coordination, complementary studies, shared resources, and deliberate program management to accelerate progress.