DoW, Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy – Early-Career Investigator Award | HT942526OCRPOCCTAECI

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy (OCCTA) Early-Career Investigator (ECI) Award?

The OCCTA ECI Award is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the Department of the Army through the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA). It is designed to strengthen the pipeline of clinician-scientists and other early-stage investigators who are preparing to lead impactful ovarian cancer clinical trials. The program uses an academy model that combines research funding with structured training, mentoring, and cohort-based professional development.

Who is offering this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is offered by the Department of the Army through the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA).

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON) and CFDA number for this program?

Funding Opportunity Number: HT942526OCRPOCCTAECI. CFDA: 12.420.

What is the main purpose of the OCCTA program?

The OCCTA is intended to do more than fund a single research project. Its goal is to place Early-Career Investigators into a supported academy environment where they receive professional development, leadership training, practical clinical trial competencies, intensive mentoring, and networking opportunities. The program aims to accelerate development of new treatments and, ultimately, cures for ovarian cancer by preparing investigators to lead clinical trials.

How is the OCCTA structured?

The Academy model includes senior leadership (an Academy Dean and an Assistant Dean), experienced Career Guides who serve as mentors, and a cohort of ECI Scholars who learn and progress together. The structure is designed to create national networking, meaningful collaboration, and peer accountability alongside research execution.

What types of research are emphasized for FY26?

For FY26, the emphasis is on translational research and small-scale, early-phase clinical trials in ovarian cancer. Applicants are expected to propose work that can realistically move discoveries toward clinical testing or improve how early testing is conducted, consistent with an early-phase focus.

Does this opportunity support large late-phase clinical trials?

The provided information emphasizes small-scale, early-phase clinical trials and translational research. It does not describe support for large, late-phase trials within this opportunity.

Is preliminary data required?

Yes. Preliminary data are required for this opportunity.

Do the preliminary data have to be in ovarian cancer specifically?

No. The opportunity explicitly allows preliminary data to come from outside the ovarian cancer field. This is described as helpful for investigators transitioning into ovarian cancer research from adjacent areas.

What are examples of adjacent areas that could support a transition into ovarian cancer research?

The description gives examples such as immunotherapy platforms, biomarkers, imaging approaches, or clinical trial design methods that have been tested in other cancers or disease settings.

Who is eligible as an Early-Career Investigator (ECI) under this program?

The ECI must be within 12 years of completing their last postdoctoral research position (for Ph.D. applicants), clinical fellowship (for M.D. applicants), or an equivalent terminal training milestone by the full application submission deadline.

What is the required time commitment (effort) for an ECI?

The ECI must commit at least 25% effort to the award and/or OCCTA activities for the first two years.

Why is the 25% effort requirement included?

Based on the provided description, the effort requirement reinforces that the program is meant to be a substantial career-development and trial-readiness investment, not a side project, and that participation includes both research and academy activities.

Is mentorship required, or optional?

Mentorship is a central requirement of the program rather than an optional enhancement.

What mentor is required for the application?

Each applicant must have a Designated Mentor who is an active clinical trialist and has a strong, documented record of mentoring and training early-career investigators.

What is the role of mentorship in this program?

The mentorship requirement aligns with the program goal of producing investigators who can successfully design, launch, manage, and analyze clinical trials, including operational and leadership aspects that often determine whether trials succeed.

What is meant by an "academy" model in this context?

In this opportunity, the academy model refers to a structured program that combines research funding with organized training, professional development, leadership training, mentoring, and a cohort-based learning environment for Early-Career Investigator Scholars.

What are the expected benefits of being part of an ECI cohort?

The cohort structure is intended to provide intensive mentoring, national networking, meaningful collaboration opportunities, and a peer group that helps sustain momentum and accountability during the early career period of becoming an independent clinical investigator.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The opportunity uses a grant funding instrument.

How is the opportunity categorized?

It falls under the Science and Technology / Research and Development activity category.

Is the opportunity described as restricted or unrestricted?

Administratively, the opportunity is listed as unrestricted for eligible applicants.

What is the application closing date listed in the notice?

The original closing date is October 1, 2026.

How many awards are expected to be made?

The program anticipates making approximately three awards.

Is there an award ceiling (maximum budget) provided in the summary information?

An award ceiling field is referenced, but the provided source text does not include a numerical cap. Applicants would need to consult the full funding announcement for budget limits.

Where can applicants find details on allowable costs, period of performance, and indirect cost policies?

The provided information notes that applicants should consult the full funding announcement for budget limits, allowable costs, period of performance details, and any cost-sharing or indirect cost policies.

What is the overarching outcome the program is trying to achieve?

The program aims to speed the development of new treatments and, ultimately, cures for ovarian cancer by preparing early-career investigators to lead impactful ovarian cancer clinical trials through both funding and structured training/mentoring.