DoD USAMRMC FY15 Broad Agency Announcement for Extramural Medical Research | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is the DoD USAMRMC FY15 Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), Funding Opportunity Number W81XWH-BAA-15-1. It is a Department of the Army solicitation managed through the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) to attract extramural (outside the government) medical research and development ideas.

What is the main purpose of the FY15 USAMRMC BAA?

The purpose is to support the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) mission by developing solutions to medical problems affecting Service members in operational and home settings, while also producing knowledge that can translate to civilian medicine.

Why is this opportunity described as a "broad" agency announcement?

It is intentionally framed broadly because the Army expects research needs and priorities to shift over time as military threats evolve, operational requirements change, and medical science and technology advance. The structure is meant to accommodate those changes during the open period.

Is this a grant, a contract, or something else?

Awards under this announcement may use multiple funding instruments, including grants, cooperative agreements, and procurement contracts. The instrument used depends on the nature of the proposed effort and the level of anticipated government involvement.

What kinds of work are appropriate for this BAA?

The supported work must fit within basic research, applied research, and certain early development activities. Specifically, it includes the portion of development that is not tied to procurement or engineering of a specific system or hardware deliverable. The emphasis is on scientific study and experimentation that advances the state of the art and expands knowledge or understanding.

What types of work are not the focus of this BAA?

The announcement emphasizes research rather than efforts aimed at building a particular device for acquisition or fielding. It also distinguishes the supported development scope from work tied to procurement or engineering of a specific system or hardware deliverable.

Who is running and managing this solicitation?

This is a Department of the Army solicitation. It is managed through the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA) and supports the mission of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC).

Is this opportunity open to organizations outside the government?

Yes. The BAA is intended to attract extramural (outside the government) medical research and development ideas.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is generally open to a wide range of applicant organization types, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications contained in the full announcement.

Is a pre-proposal required?

Yes. The pre-proposal (also described as a pre-application) step is mandatory.

When can pre-proposals be submitted?

Pre-proposals can be submitted at any point during the open period of the BAA, which runs for 12 months from October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015 (closing at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time).

Where do I submit the mandatory pre-proposal?

Pre-proposals must be submitted through the electronic Biomedical Research Application Portal (eBRAP) at https://eBRAP.org/.

Do I submit a full proposal right away?

No. After the pre-proposal is reviewed, the principal investigator will receive an invitation through eBRAP to submit a full proposal if USAMRMC is interested in the concept.

Where do invited full proposals get submitted?

Invited full proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov (http://www.grants.gov/).

Can I submit a full proposal without an invitation?

Based on the opportunity description provided, full proposals are submitted only when invited in response to the pre-proposal review. The invitation is delivered through eBRAP.

What is the submission window for the BAA?

The BAA is continuously open for 12 months, from October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015, and closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

What is the last date to submit an invited full proposal?

Invited full proposals could be submitted up to September 30, 2015, as long as they were submitted in response to an invitation.

What are the key dates listed for this opportunity?

The posted date is October 1, 2014. The original and current closing date is September 30, 2015. The archive date is October 30, 2015.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is indicated in the information provided.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA 12.420 (Military Medical Research and Development).

How is the funding activity categorized?

The funding activity is categorized as science and technology and other research and development.

What legal and regulatory framework applies to this BAA?

This BAA is issued under the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984 and relevant Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions, including FAR 6.102(d)(2) and FAR 35.016.

What does it mean that the government is seeking "research concepts" under this BAA?

In practical terms, the government is seeking research concepts rather than purchasing a specific end item. The focus is on research and early development activities that advance knowledge and the state of the art.

Where can I get technical help or access support for eBRAP?

For access issues or technical help, eBRAP support is available via help@eBRAP.org or by phone at 301-682-5507 (CDMRP Help Desk).