DIRECTOR, USAMRAA, 820 CHANDLER ST, FORT DETRICK MD 21702-5014

A -- DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH PROGRAM SOL 074&&&-9703-0001 POC Craig D. Lebo (Site Code DAMD17) The U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC) will issue a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to solicit proposals for breast cancer research. The 1997 Defense Appropriations Act provides $106 million to continue the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP). The overall goal of this funding effort is to promote research directed toward eradicating breast cancer. Within this context, the objectives of the BCRP are to prevent breast cancer, cure breast cancer, and improve the quality of life for individuals living with breast cancer. The programmatic strategy will be implemented by a call for proposals in four categories: IDEA awards: The intent of idea awards is qualitatively different than traditional research projects. The goal of this special award category is to stimulate and reward speculative but especially promising and creative ideas that may yield a high payoff. In accordance with this challenge to be innovative, we invite submission of proposals even if they lack pilot data. However, such proposals must nonetheless demonstrate solid scientific judgement. Clinical Translational Research (CTR) awards: The intent of this category is to support research that applies highly promising and well- founded laboratory or other preclinical strategies to breast cancer patients. Successful proposals must demonstrate that initial clinical results will be obtained during the lifetime of the award. Applicants to this category will submit an initial pre-proposal which will be screened for conformity with category requirements. Highly rated applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal. Computer-based Decision Support Systems (CDSS) awards: These awards are intended to fund projects that explore innovative approaches to the development of computer-based decision support systems that allow patients to better understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and risks associated with treatment. Training and Recruitment awards: This category contains efforts in the form of Pre-and Post-doctoral Traineeships, Career Development Awards, and Sabbaticals. The USAMRMC particularly wants to solicit participation by younger scientists, minorities, and scientists not previously involved in breast cancer research. Significant execution milestones for this year's program include: 28 Mar 97 11 Jun 97 25 Jun 97 30 Sep 97 Release of CTR Pre- Proposal Receipt Awards the BAA Proposal Receipt (all categories Completed except CTR) For more information or to receive a copy of the Broad Agency Announcement: (1) Download the document from the DOD World Wide Web address -- http://mrmc-rad6.army.mil/documents.html. (2) Fax your request to (301) 682-5521. (3) Call (301) 682-5517 ext. 101. (0085)

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