The FY25 Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) Clinical Research Extension Award, funded through the Department of Defense’s Defense Health Program and managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), supports research designed to extend or expand the data collection, follow-up, and analysis of clinical breast cancer studies. The overarching goal of this grant mechanism is to maximize the clinically relevant impact of patients' participation in clinical research by addressing data and sample collection gaps caused by early trial termination, limited follow-up, or suboptimal data usage.

This funding opportunity mandates that research proposals address at least one of the BCRP’s overarching challenges, which include prevention, understanding initiation and progression, addressing metastasis, and improving treatments for breast cancer. A notable requirement is the inclusion of two or more consumer advocates with breast cancer experience to provide patient-centric insights throughout the research process. Applicants may apply with a single Principal Investigator (PI) or use the Partnering PI Option (PPIO), allowing for two PIs to collaborate with separate but integrated roles.

Eligible applicants include both intramural and extramural organizations, such as academic institutions, research foundations, private corporations, and federal agencies other than the DOD. International organizations are also eligible. Applicants must ensure registrations are current on SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and eBRAP.org prior to submission. PIs can be independent investigators at any academic level, and there are no restrictions based on citizenship or number of submissions per individual.

The total anticipated funding for this program is approximately $26.35 million. Grants will award up to $5 million in direct costs for single PI applications and $6 million for Partnering PI applications. The maximum period of performance is four years, with funding disbursed no later than September 30, 2026. Applications must be submitted in two stages: a pre-application due by June 13, 2025, and a full application by June 27, 2025. Peer review will occur in September 2025, followed by programmatic review in November 2025.

Evaluation criteria focus on potential impact, scientific rationale and feasibility, personnel qualifications, and plans for data/resource sharing. Applications are assessed through a two-tier review process, with peer review focusing on technical merit and programmatic review determining alignment with program goals. Additional requirements include a robust data-sharing plan and documentation on the inclusion of women and minorities, relevance to military health, and a detailed budget justification.

For assistance, applicants may contact the eBRAP Help Desk at 301-682-5507 or via help@eBRAP.org, and the Grants.gov Contact Center at 800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Full application packages must follow specified guidelines and formats as outlined in the program announcement and accompanying General Application Instructions.