Department of Defense Lupus Impact Award Grant

The LRP Impact Award encourages applications that support the full spectrum of research projects or ideas that specifically focus on scientific and clinical lupus issues, which, if successfully addressed, have the potential to make a major impact in lupus research and/or lupus disease. Applications should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on strong scientific rationale that is established through inferential reasoning and/or critical review and analysis of the literature. Inclusion of preliminary data is encouraged.

The following are important aspects of the Impact Award:

• Impact: The proposed research, if successful, should impact an area of paramount importance in lupus disease. It is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator (PI) to clearly and explicitly describe the potential impact(s) of the proposed study for individuals living with lupus and to convey its level of significance. The Impact Award supports high-risk, high-reward studies that have the potential to make a significant advancement in lupus research. 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.

• Research Team: The research team’s background should be appropriate with respect to its ability to successfully complete the proposed work.

• 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 Impact Award will not exceed $750,000. 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 $5.25M to fund approximately seven Impact 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.