The Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Health Program's Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) has released the FY25 Ovarian Cancer Pilot Award, funding opportunity number HT942525OCRPPA. Managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC), this initiative aims to support innovative research in ovarian cancer that could result in critical discoveries or major advancements in the field. The OCRP was established in 1997 and has since received appropriations totaling $541.45 million through FY24, with $15 million appropriated for FY25.

The Pilot Award is intended for early-stage exploratory projects focusing on ovarian cancer. Projects should introduce new paradigms, challenge current standards, or present fresh insights, technologies, or applications. Clinical trials are excluded, though research can span from basic laboratory investigations to translational research. Applicants may also pursue the Early Detection or Prevention Option under this award, which specifically supports innovative work in early detection or prevention of ovarian cancer. Projects must align with at least one of the OCRP's Areas of Emphasis, such as understanding disease biology, developing therapies, enhancing survivorship, or improving precision medicine.

The funding opportunity allows a maximum total cost of $350,000 over a two-year performance period. Approximately $3.15 million is available to fund about nine applications. No preliminary data are required, and cost sharing is not a requirement. Direct costs must adhere to restrictions, such as prohibitions on clinical trial expenses and tuition fees. Funding is restricted to non-clinical research and may support costs like travel for scientific meetings and collaborations.

Eligibility extends to a wide array of both domestic and foreign entities, including public or private organizations, for-profit or nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and other government bodies. Investigators must be at the level of postdoctoral fellow or higher. Applications are submitted in two stages: a blinded pre-application, followed by a full application upon invitation. The blinded nature of the pre-application process means that any identifying information about the principal investigator (PI) or collaborators will lead to disqualification.

Pre-applications must be submitted via eBRAP.org by June 12, 2025, and invitations to submit full applications will be issued by July 17, 2025. Full applications are due by September 11, 2025, and undergo a two-tier review process consisting of peer review and programmatic review. Funding decisions will be made by September 30, 2026, and are contingent upon federal budget availability and application merit.

Key contact information includes the eBRAP Help Desk at 301-682-5507 or help@eBRAP.org, and the Grants.gov Contact Center at 800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Prospective applicants are advised to review the full program announcement alongside the General Application Instructions version CD25_01, and ensure all registration requirements on SAM.gov, eBRAP.org, and Grants.gov are completed well in advance of submission deadlines.