Opportunity Information: Apply for W81XWH 18 GWIRP IIFRA
The FY18 Gulf War Illness Research Program (GWIRP) Investigator-Initiated Focused Research Award (IIFRA) is a Department of Defense funding opportunity designed to push forward applied research that can realistically improve the diagnosis and/or treatment of Gulf War Illness (GWI). The program is specifically centered on Veterans who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War and who are affected by GWI, meaning proposals need to be clearly anchored in that population rather than broad, general chronic illness research. A major theme of the opportunity is clinical relevance: even if a project is not immediately running a clinical trial or delivering a ready-to-use medical product, applicants are expected to explain, in a concrete and credible way, how the work could lead to clinical impact for Veterans with GWI. The Principal Investigator is expected to spell out the project’s potential impact, rather than assuming reviewers will infer it.
This award supports both fresh, investigator-driven ideas and continued development of ongoing lines of applied research, as long as the work is aimed at diagnostic advancement (for example, better biomarkers, validated diagnostic tools, or clearer case definitions tied to measurable biology) or therapeutic advancement (for example, intervention targets, treatment strategies, or evidence that supports moving an approach toward clinical testing). The intent is not just to generate knowledge in the abstract, but to strengthen the pathway from research findings to practical benefits for affected Veterans, such as improved identification of illness mechanisms, clearer diagnostic criteria, or better treatment options that can be evaluated in clinical settings.
A notable feature introduced in FY18 is the Biorepository Contribution Option. In the prior year, the program invested in infrastructure for a dedicated GWI biorepository, and this network is now established as the Boston Biorepository, Recruitment, and Integrative Network (BBRAIN) for GWI. BBRAIN is meant to retain and distribute biospecimens and related data to accelerate and standardize GWI research, which is often limited by small cohorts and inconsistent sample handling. For FY18 applicants, contributing biospecimens and/or data to BBRAIN is strongly encouraged, and the opportunity includes a nested funding option that can provide higher support for applications that commit to those contributions. To be considered for that higher funding level, the PI must submit a Biorepository Contribution Statement that lays out the proposed costs and shows a willingness to follow BBRAIN’s protocols and Standard Operating Procedures to ensure quality and consistency. The broader goal is to build a more connected research ecosystem where data and samples can be reused, validated, and combined across studies, improving reproducibility and speeding progress toward clinically meaningful outcomes.
The IIFRA is structured to accommodate projects at different stages of maturity through two separate tiers. Applicants must select the tier that best fits the scope and developmental stage of the proposed work, and the program stresses that this decision should be driven by what the science requires rather than by the maximum funding level. In other words, the tier selection is intended to align expectations, milestones, and deliverables with where the project actually sits on the path from concept to application.
Administratively, the opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number W81XWH 18 GWIRP IIFRA) is offered by the Department of Defense through the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA). It is listed under the research and development category (CFDA 12.420) and uses grant and/or cooperative agreement mechanisms. Eligibility is broadly open (unrestricted by organization type, unless otherwise clarified in the full announcement). The posting date is May 1, 2018, with an original closing date of November 8, 2018, and the program anticipated making around 13 awards. The award ceiling is listed as 0 in the summary data, which typically indicates that the maximum is defined elsewhere in the detailed program announcement (often by tier and by whether the biorepository contribution option is selected), rather than as a single universal cap in the top-line listing.
Taken together, this funding opportunity is aimed at moving the GWI field toward practical outcomes by supporting targeted, applied research with a clearly articulated route to clinical benefit, while also incentivizing the sharing of high-quality biospecimens and data through BBRAIN to strengthen collaboration, validation, and long-term impact for Gulf War Veterans living with GWI.Apply for W81XWH 18 GWIRP IIFRA
- The Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Gulf War Illness, Investigator-Initiated Focused Research Award" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.420.
- This funding opportunity was created on May 01, 2018.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Nov 08, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 13 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): FY18 Gulf War Illness Research Program (GWIRP) Investigator-Initiated Focused Research Award (IIFRA)
What is the FY18 GWIRP Investigator-Initiated Focused Research Award (IIFRA)?
The FY18 Gulf War Illness Research Program (GWIRP) Investigator-Initiated Focused Research Award (IIFRA) is a Department of Defense funding opportunity intended to advance applied research that can realistically improve the diagnosis and/or treatment of Gulf War Illness (GWI). The emphasis is on work that can credibly lead to clinical impact for affected Veterans, not just general knowledge generation.
What is the main purpose of this award?
The award is designed to move GWI research toward practical outcomes for Veterans, including improved diagnostic approaches (such as biomarkers, diagnostic tools, or biologically anchored case definitions) and improved therapeutic approaches (such as intervention targets, treatment strategies, or evidence supporting movement toward clinical testing).
Who is the intended patient population for projects under this opportunity?
Projects must be clearly anchored in Veterans who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War and who are affected by Gulf War Illness. The opportunity is not positioned for broad, general chronic illness research that is not specifically tied to this Gulf War Veteran population.
How important is clinical relevance for an application?
Clinical relevance is a central theme. Even if a project is not immediately conducting a clinical trial or delivering a ready-to-use product, the application is expected to explain in a concrete and credible way how the work could lead to clinical impact for Veterans with GWI.
Does the Principal Investigator (PI) need to explicitly describe impact?
Yes. The PI is expected to spell out the project’s potential impact and clinical pathway rather than relying on reviewers to infer why the research matters for diagnosis and/or treatment of GWI.
What types of research does the IIFRA support?
The award supports investigator-driven applied research, including fresh ideas as well as continued development of existing applied research directions, as long as the work is aimed at diagnostic advancement and/or therapeutic advancement for Gulf War Illness.
What are examples of diagnostic advancement that fit this opportunity?
Examples described for diagnostic advancement include improved biomarkers, validated diagnostic tools, and clearer case definitions that are tied to measurable biology.
What are examples of therapeutic advancement that fit this opportunity?
Examples described for therapeutic advancement include identifying intervention targets, developing or refining treatment strategies, and generating evidence that supports moving a therapeutic approach toward clinical testing.
Is the program meant to fund basic research or applied research?
The opportunity is designed to push forward applied research with a realistic route to improving diagnosis and/or treatment of GWI. The stated intent is not solely to generate knowledge in the abstract, but to strengthen the pathway from research findings to practical benefits for affected Veterans.
Does a project need to include a clinical trial to be competitive?
Not necessarily. The opportunity emphasizes that even if the project is not immediately running a clinical trial or producing a ready-to-use medical product, the applicant should provide a concrete and credible explanation of how the work could lead to clinical impact for Veterans with GWI.
What is the FY18 Biorepository Contribution Option?
A notable FY18 feature is the Biorepository Contribution Option. The program previously invested in infrastructure for a dedicated GWI biorepository, now established as the Boston Biorepository, Recruitment, and Integrative Network (BBRAIN) for GWI. FY18 applicants are strongly encouraged to contribute biospecimens and/or data to BBRAIN, and a nested funding option may provide higher support for applications that commit to contributions.
What is BBRAIN and why is it included in this funding opportunity?
BBRAIN (Boston Biorepository, Recruitment, and Integrative Network for GWI) is intended to retain and distribute biospecimens and related data to accelerate and standardize GWI research. It addresses common field constraints such as small cohorts and inconsistent sample handling, with the goal of improving reproducibility and speeding progress toward clinically meaningful outcomes.
Is contributing biospecimens or data to BBRAIN required?
The opportunity states that contributing biospecimens and/or data to BBRAIN is strongly encouraged. It also describes a nested funding option that can provide higher support for applications that commit to those contributions.
How can an applicant be considered for the higher funding level tied to BBRAIN contributions?
To be considered for the higher funding level, the PI must submit a Biorepository Contribution Statement. This statement should lay out the proposed costs and indicate willingness to follow BBRAIN’s protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure quality and consistency.
What is the purpose of the Biorepository Contribution Statement?
Based on the description, the statement is used to document what biospecimens and/or data will be contributed, the anticipated costs related to those contributions, and the PI’s commitment to comply with BBRAIN protocols and SOPs so that contributed materials and data are consistent and usable across studies.
How does BBRAIN help the broader GWI research ecosystem?
The stated goal is to build a more connected research ecosystem in which data and biospecimens can be reused, validated, and combined across studies. This supports collaboration, improves reproducibility, and can accelerate progress toward clinically meaningful outcomes for Veterans with GWI.
How is the IIFRA structured in terms of project stage or maturity?
The IIFRA includes two separate tiers to accommodate projects at different stages of maturity. Applicants must select the tier that best fits the scope and developmental stage of the proposed work.
How should an applicant choose between the two tiers?
The program stresses that tier selection should be driven by what the science requires rather than by the maximum funding level. The intent is for tier selection to align expectations, milestones, and deliverables with the project’s position on the path from concept to application.
Who is the sponsoring agency and administering office for this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the Department of Defense and administered through the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA).
What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) for this announcement?
The Funding Opportunity Number listed is W81XWH 18 GWIRP IIFRA.
What is the CFDA number and category associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under the research and development category and references CFDA 12.420.
What funding mechanisms are used for this opportunity?
The summary indicates the use of grant and/or cooperative agreement mechanisms.
Is eligibility restricted to certain organization types?
Eligibility is described as broadly open (unrestricted by organization type), unless otherwise clarified in the full announcement.
When was the opportunity posted and what is the closing date?
The posting date is May 1, 2018. The original closing date is November 8, 2018.
How many awards does the program anticipate making?
The opportunity anticipated making around 13 awards.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is listed as 0 in the summary data. This typically indicates the maximum is defined elsewhere in the detailed program announcement, often by tier and by whether the Biorepository Contribution Option is selected, rather than as a single universal cap in the top-line listing.
What makes a proposal a strong fit based on the description provided?
Based on the information provided, a strong fit would be an applied research proposal focused on Gulf War Veterans with GWI, with a clearly articulated and credible path to clinical impact in diagnosis and/or treatment, and (optionally but strongly encouraged) a plan to contribute biospecimens and/or data to BBRAIN in alignment with BBRAIN protocols and SOPs.
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| Gulf War Illness, Clinical Trial Award Apply for W81XWH 18 GWIRP CTA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 GWIRP CTA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
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| DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer, Career Development Award Apply for W81XWH 18 PRCRP CDA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 PRCRP CDA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer, Idea Award with Special Focus Apply for W81XWH 18 PRCRP IASF Funding Number: W81XWH 18 PRCRP IASF Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer, Translational Team Science Award Apply for W81XWH 18 PRCRP TTSA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 PRCRP TTSA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer, Impact Award Apply for W81XWH 18 PRCRP IPA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 PRCRP IPA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Early Stage Innovation (ESI) Apply for 80HQTR18NOA01 18ESI B2 Funding Number: 80HQTR18NOA01 18ESI B2 Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA Headquarters Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| DoD Lung Cancer, Career Development Award Apply for W81XWH 18 LCRP CDA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 LCRP CDA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Lung Cancer, Concept Award Apply for W81XWH 18 LCRP CA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 LCRP CA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Lung Cancer, Idea Development Award Apply for W81XWH 18 LCRP IDA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 LCRP IDA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Lung Canceer, Investigator-Initiated Translational Research Award Apply for W81XWH 18 LCRP IITRA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 LCRP IITRA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Lung Cancer, Translational Research Partnership Award Apply for W81XWH 18 LCRP TRPA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 LCRP TRPA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Multiple Sclerosis, Exploration- Hypothesis Development Award Apply for W81XWH 18 MSRP EHDA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 MSRP EHDA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD Multiple Sclerosis, Investigator- Initiated Research Award Apply for W81XWH 18 MSRP IIRA Funding Number: W81XWH 18 MSRP IIRA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| DoD PRMRP Clinical Trial Award Apply for W81XWH18PRMRPCTA Funding Number: W81XWH18PRMRPCTA Agency: Department of Defense, Dept. of the Army -- USAMRAA Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Californian CESU Apply for G18AS00037 Funding Number: G18AS00037 Agency: Department of the Interior, U. S. Geological Survey Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $30,000 |
| Cooperative Ecosystems Studies Units (CESU) Apply for F18AS00130 Funding Number: F18AS00130 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Upgrading Carbon Derived From Methane Pyrolysis Apply for DE FOA 0001936 Funding Number: DE FOA 0001936 Agency: Department of Energy, Advanced Research Projects Agency Energy Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Apply for F18AS00132 Funding Number: F18AS00132 Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service Category: Science and Technology and other Research and Development Funding Amount: $100,000 |
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