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DoD Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Idea Development Award (IDA) - FAQs

1) What is the DoD Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Idea Development Award (IDA)?

The Idea Development Award (IDA) is a U.S. Department of Defense funding opportunity under the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program (TSCRP). It is intended to accelerate bold, early-stage research ideas that could open new directions in TSC science and ultimately improve patient care.

2) What is the main purpose of this award?

The award is designed to support conceptually innovative, hypothesis-driven projects that are not yet mature but have a clear scientific rationale. The goal is to "stress-test" novel ideas experimentally, even when there is substantial uncertainty, as long as the potential payoff for the TSC field is high.

3) What types of research projects does this mechanism target?

This mechanism targets early-stage projects built around a well-formulated, testable hypothesis. The emphasis is on novel concepts that could shift thinking in TSC research, introduce new approaches, challenge assumptions, or bring fresh perspectives to persistent problems in the field.

4) Is high-risk research allowed under this award?

Yes. High risk is acceptable and is even encouraged when paired with a plausible path to high reward. The program signals that uncertainty is not a disqualifier if the proposed work has strong potential to produce meaningful advances.

5) What kind of projects are not the target of this award?

Projects that are mainly incremental, meaning the next predictable step in an established line of work, are explicitly not the target of this mechanism. Applicants are expected to show how the project would shift the field rather than simply extend existing work.

6) How important is innovation in the review process?

Innovation is a central theme and a major review priority. Proposals should clearly explain what makes the idea distinctly innovative, how it changes current thinking about TSC, and why it has the potential to lead to meaningful breakthroughs.

7) How is "impact" described for this opportunity?

Impact is emphasized both in the near term and over the longer horizon. Applicants are expected to explain how the findings could significantly advance TSC research and/or translate into better outcomes for people living with TSC. High impact is described as meaningfully moving the needle for the field, not just adding a small piece of information.

8) What should applicants explain about expected outcomes?

Applicants are expected to describe what success would look like at the end of the project, how results would enable follow-on studies, and why the work matters to broader goals such as improving understanding, diagnosis, or treatment for TSC.

9) Does this award require preliminary data?

Yes. Although the program supports early-stage concepts, applicants are expected to include preliminary data or strong supporting evidence showing the idea is scientifically grounded and that proposed experiments are likely to be interpretable and informative.

10) What counts as "supporting evidence" for an early-stage idea?

Supporting evidence can include unpublished results generated by the principal investigator or named collaborators, as well as relevant findings from the published literature that justify the hypothesis and approach. The expectation is not necessarily a fully established body of proof, but enough justification to support the proposed plan.

11) What expectations are there for study design and reproducibility?

The opportunity places strong emphasis on rigorous study design and transparent reporting to improve reproducibility and the likelihood that preclinical findings can translate into real-world benefit.

12) What rigor standards are specifically highlighted?

Applicants are pointed to standards described by Landis et al. (Nature, 2012), including core practices such as randomization, blinding, appropriate sample size estimation, and clear rules for data handling and reporting.

13) Are there special requirements for projects that use animal models?

Yes. For projects involving animal models, applicants must submit an Animal Research Plan (Attachment X) describing exactly how the rigor standards (such as randomization, blinding, sample size estimation, and data handling) will be addressed.

14) Are there specific animal research guidelines applicants should consult?

Yes. Applicants are directed to consult the ARRIVE guidelines to ensure in vivo animal experiments are planned and reported in ways that support reliability and reduce bias.

15) What is the funding opportunity number for this announcement?

The funding opportunity is identified as W81XWH-15-TSCRP-IDA.

16) When was this opportunity posted, and what were the key dates?

It was posted on May 6, 2015. The closing date was July 27, 2015, and the archive date was August 26, 2015.

17) How much total funding was estimated for this opportunity?

The total estimated funding was $3.36 million.

18) About how many awards were expected to be made?

The announcement indicated an expectation of making about four awards.

19) What CFDA number is associated with this program?

This opportunity is listed under CFDA 12.420, Military Medical Research and Development.

20) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement indicates that cost sharing or matching is not required.

21) Who is this opportunity open to?

It is listed as open to unrestricted eligible applicants, generally meaning a wide range of organizations and entity types may apply, subject to any additional eligibility language in the full announcement.

22) What is the funding instrument type?

The funding instrument type is listed as grant/cooperative agreement under the Department of the Army (USAMRAA).

23) Who can be contacted for technical access issues related to the full announcement?

For technical access issues related to the full announcement, the listed contact is the CDMRP Help Desk at 301-682-5507.