DoW Pancreatic Cancer Research Program, Translational Research Partnership Award | HT942526PCARPTRPA

FY26 PCARP Translational Research Partnership Award (HT942526PCARPTRPA) FAQs

What is the FY26 PCARP Translational Research Partnership Award?

It is a Department of the Army (USAMRAA) grant opportunity under the FY26 Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP) that is intended to move promising pancreatic cancer concepts closer to clinical use. The mechanism is designed for translational work that advances ideas toward patient impact rather than work that remains purely exploratory.

What is the main goal of this award?

The central goal is translation: taking concepts, discoveries, tools, or approaches that show promise and moving them along a pathway toward real-world clinical or patient benefit in pancreatic cancer.

What kind of collaboration does the program expect?

The award emphasizes genuine cross-disciplinary collaboration. Competitive teams are expected to combine clinical expertise with capabilities from population science, applied science, and/or basic research to support a strong translational plan.

Does the project team need pancreatic cancer-specific expertise?

Yes. A key team expectation is that at least one partner has direct experience in pancreatic cancer research or in pancreatic cancer patient care. This is intended to keep the project grounded in clinical relevance and disease-specific realities.

Do projects have to fit specific program priorities?

Yes. Proposals must align with at least one of the FY26 PCARP Focus Areas. Applications are not expected to be proposed in isolation from the programmatic priorities established for that fiscal year.

Is preliminary data required?

Yes. The mechanism expects preliminary data supporting feasibility of the hypothesis and the planned approach.

Do the preliminary data need to be from pancreatic cancer studies?

Not necessarily. The opportunity allows preliminary data from related cancers, relevant biological systems, methods development, or comparable translational contexts, as long as the data credibly support the rationale and practicality of the proposed work.

What types of studies are considered a good fit for this award?

The award can support translational research activities such as retrospective tissue analyses, correlative studies (for example, linking biomarkers with clinical features or outcomes), and pilot clinical trials designed to generate early signals, refine protocols, or establish feasibility.

Are clinical trials allowed under this award?

Pilot clinical trials are within scope when they are intended for early signals, protocol refinement, or feasibility. The program is not described as supporting large-scale clinical trials, so proposed trials should be appropriately scoped for early-stage or proof-of-concept evaluation rather than definitive, high-enrollment efficacy testing.

Are large-scale clinical trials supported?

No. The mechanism explicitly does not support large-scale clinical trials.

How is leadership structured for an application?

The application must be led by a two-PI partnership: an Initiating PI and a Partnering PI. This two-PI structure is a defining requirement of the mechanism.

Who submits the pre-application?

Only the Initiating PI submits the pre-application.

What happens at the full application stage?

If the project advances to full application, both PIs must submit their materials. The Partnering PI submits an abbreviated application package focused on their distinct role and portion of the research plan rather than duplicating the entire submission.

Does the Partnering PI submit a complete duplicate application?

No. The Partnering PI provides an abbreviated package that covers their distinct role and the portion of the research plan they are responsible for, instead of repeating the full application.

How are the two PI submissions treated administratively?

The linked submissions are treated as a single coordinated project package. This means the two parts are administratively connected as one project application.

What is the risk if one of the linked submissions is rejected or withdrawn?

If either the initiating or partnering submission is rejected or administratively withdrawn, the entire associated set of applications for that project may be withdrawn. Teams should plan carefully to avoid administrative issues on either side.

What agency is offering this grant opportunity?

It is offered by the Department of the Army through USAMRAA (U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity) as part of the Pancreatic Cancer Research Program (PCARP).

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is HT942526PCARPTRPA.

What is the assistance listing/CFDA number mentioned?

The listing references CFDA 12.420.

What category of funding is this?

It is described as a discretionary grant in the Science and Technology/Research and Development category.

Who is eligible to apply?

The eligible applicant category is listed as unrestricted, indicating broad eligibility, subject to the detailed requirements in the full announcement.

How many awards are expected?

The opportunity anticipates making around six awards.

When was this opportunity posted?

The posting date is May 4, 2026.

What is the application closing date?

The original closing date is October 7, 2026.

Is there a maximum award amount (award ceiling) listed?

The public listing does not specify an award ceiling amount. Applicants would need to consult the full funding announcement to confirm budget limits, allowable costs, and any caps tied to the project period or specific cost categories.

Where can applicants find budget limits and allowable cost details?

The public summary indicates that budget caps and allowable cost rules are not shown there, so those details should be confirmed in the full funding announcement for this opportunity.