DoD Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Outcomes Research Award | Apply Online

Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Outcomes Research Award (PRORP ORA) FAQs

What is the DoD Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Outcomes Research Award (PRORP ORA)?

The PRORP ORA is a U.S. Department of the Army (USAMRAA) funding opportunity under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). It supports outcomes-focused research for military and Veteran patients who have experienced traumatic orthopaedic injuries, with a specific focus on injuries involving amputation and/or limb salvage.

What is the main goal of this award?

The program is designed to generate practical, real-world evidence about which health care practices and interventions work best, for which patients, and under what circumstances. The emphasis is on functional recovery and lived outcomes (such as daily function and quality of life) rather than purely laboratory or mechanistic findings.

What types of research does PRORP ORA prioritize?

The award prioritizes comparative and patient-centered outcomes research intended to inform clinical decision-making and improve standards of care for combat-related orthopaedic trauma involving amputation and/or limb salvage.

What does "outcomes-focused" mean in this context?

Outcomes-focused research in this program means studies that evaluate results that matter in real life, including health status, functional abilities, and overall quality of life after treatment. The intent is to produce information that can be used directly by clinicians, caregivers, and policymakers.

Are comparative studies encouraged?

Yes. The opportunity specifically encourages studies that compare different standard-of-care approaches rather than testing an intervention in isolation.

What kinds of interventions or approaches may be evaluated under this program?

Projects may evaluate the effectiveness, benefits, downsides, and risks of diagnostic approaches, treatments, rehabilitation strategies, and prevention options that are relevant to combat-related orthopaedic trauma involving amputation and/or limb salvage.

What outcomes are expected to be measured?

The program emphasizes patient-centric outcome assessments, including outcomes that matter in daily life such as mobility, pain, independence, participation in family and community life, psychosocial well-being, and other quality-of-life measures.

Does the program care about long-term patient experiences over time?

Yes. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding patient experiences over time, including changes in health status, functional abilities, and quality of life following treatment.

Are reintegration and military readiness outcomes relevant?

Yes. The program signals interest in outcomes tied to reintegration and military readiness, including the ability to return to duty when applicable, as well as broader measures of successful reintegration into civilian life.

What is the intended impact of funded research?

Research outputs are expected to be actionable and transferable, with the potential to shape clinical practice guidelines, influence evidence-based policies, or support new prescription or care algorithms related to evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

Which patients or populations are the focus of this award?

The focus is on military and Veteran patients affected by traumatic orthopaedic injuries, specifically those involving amputation and/or limb salvage, with relevance to combat-related trauma.

Who administers this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of the Army through USAMRAA under CDMRP.

What kind of funding mechanism is used (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This opportunity was offered as either a grant or a cooperative agreement.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is W81XWH-14-PRORP-ORA.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity falls under CFDA 12.420 (Military Medical Research and Development).

How much funding was estimated to be available?

The total estimated funding amount listed for the opportunity was $5,000,000.

How many awards were expected to be made?

The announcement indicated an expectation of making about 2 awards.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

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

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was described as unrestricted, meaning it was open to a broad range of applicant organizations, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full announcement.

When was this opportunity first offered?

The program was offered for the first time in fiscal year 2014.

What were the key dates for the FY14 cycle?

The posted/created date was April 30, 2014. The original and final closing date was October 24, 2014. The archive date was November 23, 2014.

Where could applicants get help accessing the full announcement or electronic materials?

Applicant support was provided through the eBRAP/CDMRP Help Desk at 301-682-5507 or help@eBRAP.org.

What category of federal opportunity was this?

It was described as a discretionary research and development funding opportunity in the science and technology category.

What distinguishes PRORP ORA from purely laboratory-based research programs?

The program is centered on practical, real-world evidence and patient-centered outcomes. It prioritizes evidence that can change practice, including direct comparisons of standard-of-care approaches and measures tied to functional recovery, quality of life, and reintegration.

What kinds of deliverables or uses of results does the program emphasize?

The program emphasizes results that clinicians, caregivers, and policymakers can use directly, including evidence that may support clinical practice guidelines, evidence-based policies, or new care algorithms for amputee and limb salvage patients.