DoD Vision, Focused Translational Team Science Award | W81XWH 22 VRP FTTSA

FAQs: DoD Vision, Focused Translational Team Science Award (FTTSA) (FY22)

What is the DoD Vision, Focused Translational Team Science Award (FTTSA)?

The DoD Vision, Focused Translational Team Science Award (FTTSA) is an FY22 Department of Defense funding opportunity designed to accelerate practical, near-term progress in understanding and treating vision problems tied to military-related exposures. It is structured to move discoveries toward interventions that could realistically improve outcomes for affected Service members and Veterans.

Which DoD organizations are associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is from the Department of Defense, administered through the Department of the Army and the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA).

What types of vision problems is this program focused on?

The program centers on eye injuries and visual dysfunction resulting from operational hazards and military-related exposures, including blast events, blunt force trauma, thermal injury, chemical exposure, and directed energy trauma.

Is the program focused on basic research, clinical research, or both?

It is explicitly translational in focus, meaning it is aimed at bridging basic research and clinical impact. The described intent includes moving from research findings toward interventions, such as validating targets, developing or refining therapeutic strategies, advancing diagnostics, or generating evidence that supports next development stages.

What does "translational team science" mean in the context of this award?

In this opportunity, translational team science refers to a highly collaborative, integrated initiative where different disciplines and skill sets are intentionally combined to tackle a complex vision-related problem end-to-end. It is described as more than a set of loosely connected projects, with an expectation that the work advances along the path from discovery to practical application.

What kinds of outcomes does the DoD appear to be seeking?

The opportunity frames success as fundamental advancement in the understanding and treatment of relevant vision injuries and dysfunction. It also signals an emphasis on work that is mechanistically informative while being positioned to influence real-world care or countermeasure development.

What types of activities are specifically mentioned as aligned with the translational focus?

Examples described include validating targets, developing or refining therapeutic strategies, advancing diagnostics, and building evidence needed to support the next stages of development.

Are applicants encouraged to use any external translational resources?

Yes. Applicants are explicitly encouraged to leverage the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) to improve speed and efficiency when moving from preclinical concepts toward applications.

Which NCATS resources are referenced?

The solicitation points to NCATS programs and preclinical innovation resources available at https://ncats.nih.gov/preclinical.

Why does the announcement highlight NCATS?

Based on the description provided, the DoD appears interested in teams that make smart use of existing translational infrastructure rather than reinventing it. A competitive proposal would typically include a clear plan for how NCATS-enabled capabilities, platforms, or expertise could reduce bottlenecks, strengthen rigor and reproducibility, or accelerate preclinical-to-clinical handoffs.

What is the funding type or category for this opportunity?

Administratively, the opportunity is listed as discretionary funding and supports awards via cooperative agreements and/or grants under the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity category.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed is 12.420.

What award mechanisms are expected (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The summary indicates awards may be made via cooperative agreements and/or grants.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as unrestricted, meaning any entity type can apply as long as they satisfy any additional eligibility clarifications contained in the full announcement text.

How many awards are expected?

The posting indicates an expected number of awards of one, implying a single, larger coordinated effort rather than multiple smaller independent awards.

What does an "expected number of awards of one" imply for applicants?

Based on the description provided, it suggests the program anticipates selecting one coordinated team-based effort, which aligns with the award's emphasis on integrated, collaborative translational team science.

What is the award ceiling (maximum funding amount)?

The award ceiling is listed as 0 in the summary data. This typically indicates the ceiling was not specified in that particular summary field and would need to be confirmed in the full funding announcement or related program guidance.

When was this opportunity created and when did it close?

The opportunity was created on May 10, 2022, and the original closing date was November 9, 2022.

Is this an open opportunity right now?

Based on the dates provided (closing date of November 9, 2022), the opportunity as described appears to have closed. Any current availability would depend on updates or re-issuance in official materials beyond the information provided here.

What is the overarching purpose of the program for military populations?

The program is designed to produce near-term progress that could improve outcomes for Service members and Veterans affected by vision injuries or dysfunction linked to military operational hazards and exposures.

Does the opportunity emphasize studying injuries in isolation or as part of a coordinated effort?

It emphasizes building a coordinated, team-based effort rather than studying injuries in isolation, with the goal of moving discoveries toward interventions with realistic potential for impact.