DOD Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic, Applied Research Award

Description

Orthopaedic injuries have a profound impact on military readiness and return to work/activity/duty. In the military, extremity battle wounds comprise approximately 50% of injuries reported in the Department of Defense Trauma Registry. Additionally, orthopaedic injuries and conditions that occur outside of combat (e.g., during training, leisure activities, resultant from old injuries, etc.) present one of the greatest threats to the readiness of our Service Members and military. Early stabilization, treatment, and rehabilitation of orthopaedic injuries in both civilian and military populations have led to better outcomes, particularly in the prevention of secondary complications and in minimizing morbidity. Availability of orthopaedic care and treatment as early as possible, or as close to the point of injury as possible, also minimizes limb loss and affects military readiness. The PRORP is interested in supporting research that will have an impact on the lives of all individuals that have sustained a major musculoskeletal injury.The FY23 PRORP ARA seeks applied research applications focused on advancing optimal treatment and restoration of function for individuals with musculoskeletal injuries sustained during combat and service-related activities. Applicants are encouraged to address how the proposed research will support patient care and allow patients to more quickly return to duty/work. It is expected that any research findings would also provide benefit to the general population. To meet the intent of the award mechanism, applications must specifically address an FY23 PRORP ARA Focus Area, listed in Section II.A.1, above.The FY23 PRORP ARA is focused on applied research, defined as work that refines concepts and ideas into potential solutions with a view toward evaluating technical feasibility of promising new knowledge products, pharmacologic agents, behavioral and rehabilitation interventions, diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, clinical guidance, and/or emerging approaches and technologies.Research Scope: Research proposed under the FY23 PRORP ARA may include small- to large- scale projects. Upon successful completion, the proposed research is expected to yield knowledge products, approaches, or technologies that have the potential to advance toward clinical translation. Strong transition plans are expected.Inclusion of preliminary and/or published data relevant to the proposed research is required. Applicants must demonstrate logical reasoning for the proposed work. To be competitive, the application must include a sound scientific rationale and a well-formulated, testable hypothesis established through a critical review and analysis of the literature.Studies allowed under the FY23 PRORP ARA may include, but are not limited to:• Refinement of concepts and ideas into potential solutions, or research tools, with a view toward evaluating technical feasibility of emerging approaches, technologies, and promising new knowledge products.• Evaluation, maturation, and/or down-selection of potential product candidates (drugs, biologic constructs, or devices/systems) in vitro and/or in vivo.• Preparation activities needed to support a future clinical trial or regulatory submission.Awards may not be used to support fundamental basic research. Basic research is defined as research directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications toward process or products in mind.Applications to the FY23 PRORP ARA mechanism must support preclinical applied research and may not be used for clinical research studies. Clinical research is defined as: (1) Patient- oriented research. Research conducted with human subjects (or on material of human origin such as tissues, specimens, and cognitive phenomena) for which an investigator (or colleague) directly interacts with human subjects. Excluded from this definition are in vitro studies that utilize human tissues that cannot be linked to a living individual. Patient-oriented research includes: (a) mechanisms of human disease, (b) therapeutic interventions, (c) clinical trials, and technologies. (2) Epidemiologic and behavioral studies. (3) Outcomes research and health services research. Note: Studies that meet the requirements for Institutional Review Board (IRB) Exemption 4 are not considered CDMRP-defined clinical research. IRB Exemption 4 refers to research involving the collection or study of existing de-identified specimens or data, if these sources are publicly available. Applicants seeking support for clinical research projects should consider the FY23 PRORP Clinical Translational Research Award (Funding Opportunity Number HT9425-23-PRORP-CTRA) or Clinical Trial Award (Funding Opportunity Number HT9425-23-PRORP-CTA) mechanisms.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 FY23 PRORP Applied Research Award should 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, 2024. For additional information refer to Section II.F.1, Federal Award Notices.The CDMRP expects to allot approximately $3.75M to fund approximately five Applied Research 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 FY23 funding opportunity will be funded with FY23 funds, which will expire for use on September 30, 2029.

Eligibility

Grants.gov lists this opportunity under eligibility category code 99. These codes correspond to applicant types (state/local government, tribal organization, nonprofit, educational institution, individual, small business, etc.) defined in Grants.gov's own eligibility reference. See the current Grants.gov eligibility categories or check the official listing below for this opportunity's exact eligibility statement.

Agency Contact

Key Dates

More from Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA