DoD Epilepsy, Quality of Life Research Award

Description

The intent of the FY21 ERP QOL is to support research that better understands or improves the quality of life and care for individuals living with the symptoms of PTE, as related to the ERP’s mission (see Section II.A, Program Description). Individuals living with PTE include not only those with symptoms of PTE, but their families and/or care providers as well. The proposed work should innovatively challenge existing research paradigms or exhibit high levels of creativity within the contexts of the ERP’s mission and vision. This can include research in symptom reduction (e.g., cognitive, behavioral, function, mood), resiliency factors, increasing or maintaining independence, and support for families and care providers. The application should also demonstrate the study team’s experience in PTE research, as appropriate. Given the patient-centered intent of the FY21 ERP QOL, animal research is prohibited. The innovation and impact for the FY21 ERP QOL award are expected to benefit the military, Veteran, and civilian communities. Applications must be both innovation- and impact-based.FY21 ERP QOL Focus Area: The Focus Area below is specific to the FY21 ERP QOL and must be addressed as part of the application process. Quality of Life: Understanding and improving the quality of life of individuals with PTE, their families, and their caregivers, which may include the following:○ Psychosocial factors○ Neuropsychological dysfunction (cognition and memory)○ Behavioral health (anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], impulsivity)○ Wellness○ Reducing stigma○ Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)○ Reducing healthcare disparities (adjunct programs, support groups, access to care)○ Sleep disorders○ Medication side-effectsThe FY21 ERP QOL award offers two levels of funding. Funding levels are contingent upon meeting the eligibility requirements described in Section II.C, Eligibility Information.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(s) 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 published work of their mentor(s). The named PI will be required to attend an annual, one-day In-Progress Review (IPR) meeting beginning in year 2 of the award and throughout the remaining period of performance to present project information or disseminate project results.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 FY21 ERP QOL Award will not exceed $300,000. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.For Funding Level II:The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY21 ERP QOL 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, 2022. For additional information refer to Section II.F.1, Federal Award Notices.The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $0.96M to fund approximately two Quality of Life Award Funding Level I applications and $1.60M to fund approximately two Quality of Life Award 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 FY21 funding opportunity will be funded with FY21 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2027.

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