Research Funding: Up to $2.5M for Epilepsy Studies

The intent of the FY18 ERP LRFA is to support a large-scale, prospective, longitudinal epidemiological research study that is relevant to the characterization of PTE. The work must be related to the ERP’s mission (see Section II.A, Program Description). Applications should describe how the association of TBI and subsequent PTE will be assessed or characterized. This would include a description of the nature of the TBIs in the cohort.

Studies that evaluate the feasibility of using combinations of outcomes (e.g., neuropsychological assessments, imaging, and genomics) are encouraged. Therefore, interdisciplinary research teams or consortia are also encouraged. Note that applicants will be required to submit a Preproposal Narrative. Due to the intent of this mechanism, preliminary data are required.

In addition, expedited access to an already identified, suitable study cohort that will support the proposed hypothesis or hypotheses is required. As part of the application process, all applicants are required to provide a Longitudinal Studies Research Statement that addresses the longitudinal aspects of the project. Applicants will also be required to provide a statistical plan and identify appropriate personnel to support the statistical plan as part of the full application. The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY18 ERP LRFA will not exceed $2.5M.

The maximum period of performance is 4 years. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information. The FY18 ERP LRFA is open to eligible applicants whose named Principal Investigators (PIs) are at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent) from any field or discipline. FY18 ERP LRFA Focus Area: The research impact for the FY18 ERP LRFA is expected to benefit the military, Veteran, and civilian communities.

To this end, applications must address the following FY18 ERP LRFA Longitudinal Studies Focus Area. An application that proposes research outside of the FY18 ERP LRFA Longitudinal Studies Focus Area is strongly discouraged.  Longitudinal Studies: Studies of the natural evolution of post-traumatic epileptogenesis, which may include: ○ Seizure frequency and severity ○ Comorbidities (e.g., depression, functional deficits, sleep disorders, major illness) ○ Latency between injury and PTE ○ Mortality ○ Treatment ○ Quality of life of individuals with PTE Note: This mechanism is not intended to fund animal research. Note: Research focusing on interventional clinical trials (e.g., pharmacological interventions) is strongly discouraged.

The types of awards made under the Program Announcement will be assistance agreements (grants or cooperative agreements). 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. Extramural Organizations: An assistance agreement (grant or cooperative 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. 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 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.