FY11 Vision Research Program Investigator Initiated Research Award | Apply Online

FY11 Vision Research Program (VRP) Investigator Initiated Research Award - FAQs

1) What is the FY11 VRP Investigator Initiated Research Award?

This is a U.S. Army medical research funding opportunity designed to advance vision research that can prevent, treat, or help restore vision problems affecting service members, particularly issues connected to combat and operational environments. The program is intended to move scientifically strong work toward practical solutions for eye damage, vision impairment, and vision loss, while also generating benefits that may extend to veteran and civilian patients.

2) What is the main goal or theme of this funding opportunity?

A central theme is improving and sustaining visual function in ways that support combat readiness. The opportunity emphasizes research that can translate into meaningful patient impact for ocular trauma and other vision-related conditions, including those that may arise or worsen over time.

3) Which organization sponsors and administers the program?

The program is sponsored by the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) and is administered through the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA).

4) What types of vision problems or conditions are within scope?

The solicitation targets the causes, consequences, and treatment of ocular trauma and other vision-related conditions. It also includes visual deficits associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The opportunity recognizes that different diseases or injury mechanisms can converge on similar outcomes such as degeneration of key eye structures and partial or complete loss of sight.

5) Is traumatic brain injury (TBI) related vision research allowed?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly includes visual deficits associated with TBI as part of the broader set of vision-related conditions of interest.

6) What kinds of research approaches are supported (basic vs. translational vs. clinical)?

The award supports a wide span of research stages, from basic laboratory investigations through translational and clinical research.

7) Are preclinical animal studies allowed?

Yes. Applicants can propose preclinical studies in animal models.

8) Does the program allow human-subjects research?

Yes. Human-subjects research is listed as an allowable research approach under this opportunity.

9) Can an application propose a study connected to an existing clinical trial?

Yes. The program allows correlative or companion studies linked to an existing clinical trial.

10) What does "investigator initiated" mean in this context?

It means ideas can originate from multiple sources rather than being limited to a narrow set of predefined project concepts. The opportunity is designed to allow proposals to be sparked by laboratory discoveries, population-based findings, or a clinician's firsthand observations and patient experiences.

11) If an idea starts from clinical observations or anecdotal experience, is that acceptable?

Yes, the program indicates that ideas can originate from a clinician's observations and patient experiences, including anecdotal or practice-based insights. However, the application is expected to ground the proposed work in relevant supporting evidence.

12) What kind of supporting evidence or data is required in the application?

Applications must include data that justify the study rationale. Supporting data can come from published literature or from unpublished results generated by the research team.

13) What is the application process for this award?

This opportunity uses a staged application process. Investigators must first submit a preliminary proposal (pre-proposal). Based on that step, selected investigators will be invited to submit a full proposal.

14) How are full proposals reviewed and selected for funding?

Full proposals undergo scientific peer review by an independent panel. Proposals considered high quality and responsive then move to a programmatic review. Final funding decisions are made based on scientific merit, relevance, and portfolio balance.

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

This is a discretionary federal opportunity that may use either a grant or a cooperative agreement mechanism.

16) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number is 12.420 (Military Medical Research and Development).

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

The total estimated funding is $7,000,000.

18) How many awards are anticipated?

The opportunity anticipates approximately 10 awards.

19) What is the maximum award amount per project?

The maximum award size (ceiling) is $1,000,000 per project.

20) Is cost sharing (matching funds) required?

No. Cost sharing is not required.

21) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning proposals may be submitted by a wide range of applicant types, as long as they meet any specific requirements clarified in the full announcement.

22) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is W81XWH-11-VRP-IIRA.

23) When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on August 5, 2011, and it closed on December 15, 2011.

24) What is the archive date listed for the opportunity?

The archive date is January 14, 2012.

25) Who is the listed contact for access issues related to the announcement?

The listed grants officer contact for access issues is Mary Rico.

26) What types of outcomes is the program aiming to drive?

The opportunity is aimed at clarifying how ocular trauma and other vision-related problems start or worsen over time and identifying interventions, compounds, technologies, or clinical strategies that could make a meaningful difference for patients, with an emphasis on supporting combat readiness and delivering broader patient benefits.