DoD Reconstructive Transplant Qualitative Research Award | W81XWH 18 RTRP QRA

FAQs: DoD Reconstructive Transplant Qualitative Research Award (FY18)

What is the DoD Reconstructive Transplant Qualitative Research Award (FY18)?

It is a Department of Defense research funding opportunity that supports qualitative studies focused on the human experience of reconstructive transplantation. The program is designed to generate practical, experience-based insights that help researchers and clinicians better understand what it is like to consider, undergo, and live with reconstructive transplant procedures.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The central aim is to translate lived experiences into actionable knowledge that can improve transplant-related outcomes and strengthen quality of life for people who receive reconstructive transplants. A particular emphasis is placed on the long-term realities and tradeoffs that can come with lifelong immunosuppression.

What kind of research does this award prioritize?

This award prioritizes qualitative research that captures real-world perspectives rather than focusing only on surgical techniques or biomedical endpoints. It supports work that explores decision-making, expectations, coping, adherence challenges, ethical and social dynamics, and day-to-day burdens and benefits associated with reconstructive transplantation and immunosuppression.

What does "qualitative research" mean in the context of this award?

Based on the opportunity description, qualitative research here means studies aimed at understanding experiences, perspectives, and the human side of reconstructive transplantation. The emphasis is on learning directly from people involved in the transplant journey to build a clearer picture of what the process is actually like over time.

Whose perspectives is the program trying to capture?

The opportunity emphasizes learning directly from individuals most affected by reconstructive transplantation, including people considering a transplant, people who have already received a transplant, and people managing ongoing medical needs afterward.

Are caregivers and families included in the intended participants?

Yes. The announcement explicitly includes key voices that shape or support the transplant journey, such as caregivers, potential donors and their families, and clinicians involved in counseling, surgical care, and long-term follow-up.

Does the award focus only on patients who already received a transplant?

No. It is intended to cover the full transplant ecosystem, including those thinking about pursuing a transplant, those who have undergone the procedure, and those living with the long-term management that follows.

What kinds of insights is the DoD looking for from funded projects?

The program seeks practical, experience-based insights that can inform future care practices, communication approaches, and support systems so they are better aligned with real-world needs. The emphasis is on improving patient-centered care and long-term success.

How does immunosuppression relate to the purpose of this award?

The opportunity specifically highlights the long-term realities and tradeoffs that often come with lifelong immunosuppression. Understanding how people experience and manage these realities is part of the program's purpose to improve outcomes and quality of life.

Which government office released this opportunity?

The opportunity was released by the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, through USAMRAA.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is W81XWH 18 RTRP QRA.

What CFDA number is associated with this program?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 12.420 within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity area.

What type of funding mechanism is used (grant or cooperative agreement)?

Funding may be provided through either a grant or a cooperative agreement. This indicates the government may anticipate varying levels of involvement depending on the award mechanism used.

What does it mean that this is a discretionary opportunity?

It is categorized as a discretionary opportunity, meaning it is a competitive funding program where awards are made based on program priorities and the merits of applications, as described in the announcement.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning it is broadly open to many types of applicant organizations, subject to any additional eligibility notes that may be included in the full announcement.

How many awards were expected to be made?

The announcement anticipated making about four awards.

When was the opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on July 10, 2018, and the original closing date was October 24, 2018.

Is there a maximum award amount listed?

The award ceiling is listed as 0 in the source data. This typically indicates that the maximum amount was not specified in that particular data field and would normally require checking the full funding announcement for budget limits or funding guidance.

Does this program aim to improve clinical outcomes, quality of life, or both?

Both. The stated purpose is to improve transplant-related outcomes and strengthen quality of life by building a clearer picture of human experiences surrounding reconstructive transplantation.

How is this award different from funding focused on surgical techniques or biomedical outcomes?

Instead of focusing only on clinical endpoints, this award prioritizes understanding the lived experience of reconstructive transplantation across the full journey, including decision-making, expectations, coping, adherence, and long-term management.