Department of Defense – Lupus, Idea Award for High-Risk Research in Lupus

The LRP Idea Award supports innovative, high-risk/high-reward research that could ultimately lead to a critical discovery or major advancement relevant to lupus. This award mechanism supports studies that have the potential to reveal entirely new avenues for investigation. The application must describe how the new idea will enhance the existing knowledge of lupus or develop a hypothesis(es) or an innovative and novel course of investigation. The Idea Award is not intended to support an incremental progression of an already established research project. Research completed through an Idea Award may generate sufficient preliminary data to enable the Principal Investigator (PI) to prepare an application for future research. Inclusion of preliminary data is not required.

The following are important aspects of the Idea Award:

• Innovation: Innovative research may introduce a new paradigm, look at existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. It is the responsibility of the PI to clearly and explicitly describe how the proposed research is innovative and will lead to novel avenues of investigation in lupus research.

• Impact: The proposed research, if successful, should impact an area of paramount importance in lupus disease. Applications should clearly and explicitly describe the potential impact(s) of the proposed study for individuals living with lupus and to convey its level of significance. Research that represents an incremental advancement on previously published work is not considered impactful.

• Research Strategy: The scientific rationale and experimental methodology should demonstrate critical understanding and in-depth analysis of lupus. Experimental strategies may be novel or may be based on strong rationale derived from a literature review.

• Focus Areas: The proposed research must address at least one of the FY21 LRP Focus Areas.

• Clinical trials are not allowed under this program announcement.

The types of awards made under the program announcement will be assistance agreements. An assistance agreement is appropriate when the federal government transfers a “thing of value” to a “state, local government,” or “other recipient” to carry out a public purpose of support or stimulation authorized by a law of the United States instead of acquiring property or service for the direct benefit and use of the U.S. government. An assistance agreement can take the form of a grant or cooperative agreement. The level of involvement on the part of the Department of Defense (DOD) during project performance is the key factor in determining whether to award a grant or cooperative agreement. If “no substantial involvement” on the part of the funding agency is anticipated, a grant award will be made (31 USC 6304). Conversely, if substantial involvement on the part of the funding agency is anticipated, a cooperative agreement will be made (31 USC 6305), and the award will identify the specific substantial involvement. Substantial involvement may include, but is not limited to, collaboration, participation, or intervention in the research to be performed under the award. The award type, along with the start date, will be determined during the negotiation process.

The anticipated total costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY21 LRP Idea Award will not exceed $300,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.

Awards will be made no later than September 30, 2022. For additional information refer to Section II.F.1, Federal Award Notices.

The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $1.2M to fund approximately four Idea Award applications. Funding of applications received is contingent upon the availability of federal funds for this program as well as the number of applications received, the quality and merit of the applications as evaluated by scientific and programmatic review, and the requirements of the government. Funds to be obligated on any award resulting from this funding opportunity will be available for use for a limited time period based on the fiscal year of the funds. It is anticipated that awards made from this FY21 funding opportunity will be funded with FY21 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2027.