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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Platelet Storage Technologies (W81XWH-12-CCCJPC-PST)

1) What is the Platelet Storage Technologies funding opportunity?

The Platelet Storage Technologies opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number W81XWH-12-CCCJPC-PST) is a U.S. Department of the Army research announcement focused on improving how platelets are stored for transfusion. The intent is to reduce the logistical and operational challenges associated with current liquid platelet storage practices.

2) What problem is this program trying to solve?

Liquid-stored platelets have strict handling requirements and short shelf-life constraints. These limits can make platelets difficult to manage in austere environments, during deployments, or when supply chains are disrupted. The program is seeking storage approaches that make platelets more available when and where they are needed, especially for trauma care and other urgent medical situations.

3) What types of projects does the Army want to fund?

The program is aimed at research and technology development that could produce improved platelet storage approaches. The emphasis is on work that leads to tangible, usable improvements rather than purely exploratory or basic science studies.

4) Is this basic research, applied research, or technology development?

The announcement is described as research and development in science and technology, with an expectation that projects go beyond basic science and culminate in outcomes and technologies that could plausibly transition into advanced development efforts inside the Department of Defense.

5) What is the broader program this opportunity falls under?

This opportunity sits within the Combat Casualty Care Research Program under the Defense Health Program, with oversight tied to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.

6) Who is the sponsoring body for this opportunity?

The Combat Casualty Care Joint Program Committee (CCCJPC) is identified as the sponsoring body providing resources for biotechnology advances related to combat casualty care.

7) Which organization administers the program?

The program is administered through the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) at Fort Detrick, Maryland.

8) Which Army organization is seeking to fund projects under this announcement?

The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) is the Army organization seeking to fund projects under this announcement.

9) What award instruments are available?

Awards are offered through either cooperative agreements or grants.

10) How many awards did the government anticipate making?

The government anticipated making about five awards.

11) What is the estimated total funding for the program?

The estimated total program funding level is $2,000,000.

12) What is the maximum award amount?

Individual awards could be as high as $800,000.

13) Is there a minimum award amount?

No minimum award amount is stated in the provided information.

14) Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement stated for this opportunity.

15) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning proposals could be submitted by a wide range of organization types (such as universities, companies, nonprofits, or other entities), subject to any additional eligibility details contained in the full text of the announcement.

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

The CFDA listing associated with the program is 12.420 (Military Medical Research and Development).

17) What were the key dates for this opportunity?

The posting date was November 2, 2012, and the closing date was January 28, 2013. The opportunity was later archived on February 27, 2013.

18) Is this opportunity still open?

No. Based on the provided timeline, the opportunity closed on January 28, 2013 and was archived on February 27, 2013.

19) What is the main outcome the Army is looking for?

The Army is looking for outcomes and technologies that can plausibly transition into advanced development within the Department of Defense. In practical terms, that means workable improvements to platelet storage with real-world utility, not just theoretical findings.

20) How does this relate to civilian healthcare?

The program is framed as dual-benefit work: it aims to strengthen military medical capability for combat casualty care while also expanding knowledge and technology that can translate to civilian transfusion medicine and emergency care.

21) Who should be contacted for administrative or access issues with the full announcement?

For electronic access problems with the full announcement, the contact identified is Mary Rico, Grants Officer (PST).

22) What does the funding opportunity number mean for applicants?

The funding opportunity number (W81XWH-12-CCCJPC-PST) is the identifier for this specific announcement and should be used to reference the opportunity when searching for the full announcement materials or communicating about it.

23) What kinds of operating environments are emphasized in the program description?

The program emphasizes conditions where platelet logistics are hardest: austere environments, deployment settings, and scenarios with disrupted supply chains.

24) What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is research and development in science and technology.

25) What is the core mission context for this funding?

The mission context is combat casualty care, particularly ensuring timely availability of platelets for trauma care and urgent medical situations.