Although unknown to many in the general public, the Department of Defense (DoD) is a fairly significant federal player in funding biomedical research. Known as the Congressionally-Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), DoD has funded over 12,000 research awards since 1992.

DCMRP began in 1992 when Congress first provided $15 million in funding to DoD for breast cancer research in response to grassroots advocacy. Since that time, additional disease-specific activities and a broad Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program have been funded by Congress. Since its inception, Congress has provided a total of $8.2 billion for these activities. CDMRP’s funding review process is two-tiered and includes both a scientific peer review with consumer representation and a programmatic review.

The CDMRP currently has a number of open funding opportunities – including opportunities in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Bone Marrow Failure, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, and Ovarian Cancer.  Deadlines for the current cycle vary from as early as May 28, 2014 to September 17, 2014.