The Department of Defense is offering the Epilepsy Idea Development Award to advance novel research into Post-Traumatic Epilepsy mechanisms.

The intent of the FY20 ERP IDA is to solicit novel, innovative research to understand the magnitude and underlying mechanisms of PTE related to the ERP’s mission (see Section II.A, Program Description). The work should innovatively challenge existing research paradigms or exhibit high levels of creativity within the contexts of the ERP’s mission and vision. The application should also demonstrate the study team’s experience in PTE research, as appropriate. The innovation and impact for the FY20 ERP IDA are expected to benefit the military, Veteran, and civilian communities. Applications must be both innovation- and impact-based. FY20 ERP IDA Focus Areas: The Focus Areas below are specific to the FY20 ERP IDA. Applicants to the FY20 ERP IDA should select one of the Focus Areas below; however, an application that proposes research outside of these FY20 ERP IDA Focus Areas is acceptable, as long as the applicant provides a strong justification.  Innovative Research: Tools intended to better inform or improve upon how PTE research can be performed: ○ Hardware and/or software platforms that will improve seizure detection, characterization, or diagnosis ○ Bioinformatics strategies, to include machine learning, that will improve access, annotation, curation and visualization of large and novel datasets from single or multiple sources ○ Development of new models or better characterization of existing etiologically relevant models for PTE ○ Improved characterization of the circuits involved in PTE ○ Validation of targets related to post-traumatic epileptogenesis or established PTE  Markers and Mechanisms: Identifying markers or mechanisms via preclinical models that address PTE, which may include the following: ○ Biomarkers ○ Treatment ○ Prevention ○ Diagnosis ○ Prognosis ○ Comorbidity  Epidemiology: Epidemiological characterization of PTE following TBI, which may include the following: ○ Risk factors such as demographics, genetics, anatomy, pathology, or type of injury ○ Outcomes including latency to epilepsy, comorbidities, and mortality ○ Pre-existing conditions including psychological and psychiatric risk factors ○ Treatment and healthcare outcomes research ○ Differentiation of PTE and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures  Longitudinal Studies: Studies of the evolution of PTE, which may include the following: ○ Seizure frequency and semiology ○ Demographics, genetics, anatomy, pathology, or type of injury ○ Comorbidities (e.g., depression, functional deficits, sleep disorders, major illness) ○ Latency between type of injury and PTE ○ Mortality ○ Treatment and healthcare outcomes research The FY20 ERP IDA offers two levels of funding. For Funding Level I: Principal Investigator (PI): Applicants can be from any field or discipline. The PI must write the Project Narrative and other application components, with appropriate guidance from the Mentor(s). Applications must include at least one Mentor. The Mentor or Mentors must possess qualifications, background, and experience in PTE research. Applications must explain how the Mentor(s) will assist the PI throughout the period of performance in developing toward independent research. Provide details on the amount and types of interactions between the Mentor(s) and the PI. Describe the track record of the Mentor(s) for mentoring early-career investigators in TBI and PTE research. The PI is expected to demonstrate suitable experience towards completing the proposed research. For Funding Level II: Funding Level II is intended to support a more mature, hypothesis- or objective-driven research project. Applicants can be from any field or discipline. Study teams are expected to demonstrate experience in both TBI and epilepsy. For Both Funding Levels: While not required, applications to either Funding Level I or II are encouraged to provide relevant preliminary data. Preliminary data for either funding level may come from the PI’s published work, pilot data, or from the peer-reviewed literature. Funding Level I applications may provide preliminary data from their Mentor’s or Mentors’ published work. 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. For Funding Level I: The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for a Funding Level I FY20 ERP IDA award will not exceed $300,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information. The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for a Funding Level II FY20 ERP IDA award will not exceed $500,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information. Awards will be made no later than September 30, 2021. For additional information refer to Section II.F.1, Federal Award Notices. The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $0.96M to fund approximately two IDA Funding Level I applications and approximately $2.4M to fund approximately three IDA Funding Level II 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 FY20 funding opportunity will be funded with FY20 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2026.