Medical Tropical Research Laboratory (MTRLP) Malaria Prevention Research Award (MPRA) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): MTRLP Malaria Prevention Research Award (MPRA)

1) What is the MTRLP Malaria Prevention Research Award (MPRA)?

The Medical Tropical Research Laboratory (MTRLP) Malaria Prevention Research Award (MPRA) is a Department of the Army funding opportunity administered through the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA). It is designed to support clinical malaria research carried out in Cambodia, with an emphasis on practical, real-world clinical settings.

2) Which organizations are associated with this grant opportunity?

The announcement is tied to the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The research is expected to leverage established clinical research sites operated by the Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) and/or other Cambodian facilities.

3) What is the overall purpose of the program?

The program aims to strengthen antimalarial research efforts in Cambodia, a region where malaria remains a serious public health concern and where antimalarial drug resistance has historically emerged and spread. The focus is on work that directly contributes to preventing malaria and improving treatment effectiveness in Cambodia.

4) What type of research is the program looking to fund?

The program seeks proposals that can be executed in real-world clinical settings in Cambodia and that produce outputs relevant to malaria prevention and treatment effectiveness, including evidence that can inform future product development, clinical practice, and policy decisions.

5) What are the main research priorities under this opportunity?

The scope centers on three priorities:

• Clinical research that advances development of new antimalarial products, including drugs and vaccines.
• Research to improve use of existing antimalarial drugs (for example, optimizing deployment, regimens, or adherence in field settings).
• Active epidemiologic surveillance focused on antimalarial drug resistance.

6) Does the opportunity support development of new drugs and vaccines?

Yes. One of the three main priorities is clinical research that advances development of new antimalarial products, specifically including drugs and vaccines. This may include evaluating candidate therapeutics or vaccine approaches in clinical contexts and generating safety and performance data.

7) What does "improved use of existing antimalarial drugs" mean in this context?

This priority generally refers to optimizing how current antimalarial therapies are used in real-world conditions. Examples described include refining dosing strategies, improving treatment regimens, addressing adherence challenges, and testing implementation approaches that improve effectiveness and slow the emergence of resistance.

8) What is meant by "active epidemiologic surveillance" for drug resistance?

The surveillance component generally involves monitoring treatment outcomes, tracking resistance markers, and building situational awareness that can guide policy, clinical decisions, and future research priorities related to antimalarial drug resistance.

9) Where must the research be conducted?

All proposed work is expected to be conducted in Cambodia. The opportunity emphasizes research embedded in Cambodian clinical and public health realities so findings are immediately relevant to local control efforts and broader regional malaria strategies.

10) Are applicants required to use specific research sites?

The program expects projects to leverage established clinical research sites operated by AFRIMS and/or other Cambodian facilities. Work at new sites is allowed if the sites are approved by the Cambodian Ministry of Health and/or other appropriate authorities.

11) Can the project include new clinical research sites in Cambodia?

Yes. New sites can be used as long as they are approved by the Cambodian Ministry of Health and/or other appropriate authorities, reflecting the expectation of alignment with local regulatory and public health governance.

12) What funding instrument is used for this award?

This opportunity uses a Cooperative Agreement as the funding instrument.

13) What does it mean that this is a Cooperative Agreement?

A cooperative agreement usually implies substantial federal involvement compared with a standard grant. Based on the description, the sponsor may have an active role in coordination, oversight, or collaboration during the life of the project.

14) What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The funding activity category is Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

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

The CFDA listing is 12.420, Military Medical Research and Development.

16) How many awards were anticipated under this solicitation?

The opportunity anticipated making one award.

17) What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $2,200,000.

18) Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was described as unrestricted, meaning any type of entity could apply, subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full announcement.

19) Was cost sharing or matching required?

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

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

The opportunity was posted on December 21, 2011. The original and current closing date was January 31, 2012.

21) Is this an active funding opportunity today?

No. The opportunity was archived on March 1, 2012, indicating it is a historical solicitation rather than an open, active competition.

22) Who was the point of contact for obtaining the full announcement?

The listed point of contact was Grants Officer Wanda Harper.

23) How could applicants contact the listed point of contact?

Applicants could reach Grants Officer Wanda Harper by phone at 301-619-8094.

24) What is the practical emphasis of the program in terms of project design?

The program emphasizes proposals that can be executed in real-world clinical settings in Cambodia and that directly contribute to malaria prevention and improved treatment effectiveness, including efforts that address drug resistance through surveillance and improved therapy use.