DoW Alzheimer’s Transforming Care Award | HT942526AZRPTRCA

FY26 AZRP Transforming Care Award (TrCA) - FAQs

What is the FY26 Alzheimer’s Research Program (AZRP) Transforming Care Award (TrCA)?

The Transforming Care Award (TrCA) is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA), Department of the Army. It supports clinical research intended to materially improve dementia care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (AD/ADRD), as well as for their care partners.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The main goal is to evaluate practical interventions, innovations, and solutions in high-need areas of dementia care, focusing on projects that can be tested in real-world clinical or community settings and that have a clear path to improving outcomes, experiences, or the delivery of care.

What kinds of research does TrCA fund?

TrCA supports clinical research that advances real-world dementia care improvements. The mechanism allows both clinical research studies and clinical trials, as long as the proposed work aligns with transforming care for AD/ADRD and care partners.

Are clinical trials allowed under this award?

Yes. Clinical trials are allowed, but the program sets clear boundaries on the type of trials that fit the intent of the award.

Are drug-only (pharmacological) clinical trials allowed?

No. Trials that are solely testing or evaluating pharmacological interventions do not align with the purpose of this mechanism. Applicants should not propose drug-only studies as the central feature of the application.

Is animal model or preclinical research allowed?

No. Animal model research is explicitly not allowed under this mechanism. The TrCA is intended to support human-centered care improvements rather than preclinical or mechanistic studies.

Does the program expect preliminary data?

Yes. A key expectation is that applicants come with preliminary data, meaning proposed projects should be grounded in prior evidence or pilot findings that support feasibility and potential impact.

Is community collaboration required?

Yes, for projects that will prospectively enroll human subjects. Investigators must demonstrate authentic partnership with community organizations, care settings, patient and caregiver groups, or other relevant stakeholders involved in recruitment, implementation, and/or dissemination.

When is community collaboration required versus encouraged?

Community collaboration is required specifically for projects that prospectively enroll human subjects. The listing does not state it is required for all project types, but it clearly states it is a required element in that prospective-enrollment scenario.

What does “authentic partnership” mean in this context?

Based on the listing, authentic partnership means meaningful involvement of community or stakeholder organizations in key aspects of the work, such as recruitment, implementation, and/or dissemination, rather than a purely nominal relationship.

Does the opportunity encourage use of existing cohorts and datasets?

Yes. The opportunity encourages researchers to leverage existing cohorts and datasets when appropriate, which can strengthen feasibility, accelerate timelines, and improve statistical power.

Are cohorts that include people age 65 or younger of particular interest?

Yes. Cohorts that include individuals aged 65 or younger are specifically encouraged, signaling interest in approaches relevant to younger-onset AD/ADRD populations and their care partners.

What populations are intended to benefit from funded projects?

The intended beneficiaries are people living with Alzheimer’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease related dementias (AD/ADRD), as well as their care partners.

What is the Career Initiation or Transition (CIT) Partnership Option?

The TrCA includes a Career Initiation or Transition (CIT) Partnership Option that supports applications with more than one principal investigator (PI), including new and established collaborations.

How does funding work under the CIT Partnership Option?

If selected for funding under the CIT Partnership Option, each PI is listed on a separate award made to their organization(s).

Are there eligibility requirements for the CIT Partnership Option?

Yes. At least one of the independent investigators must meet the CIT Partnership Option eligibility requirements at the time the application is submitted.

Does the listing specify who is eligible to apply?

Yes. Eligibility is described as unrestricted.

How many awards does the agency expect to make?

The agency anticipates making approximately three awards.

What is the application deadline?

The original application closing date is September 24, 2026.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this award?

The Funding Opportunity Number is HT942526AZRPTRCA.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The listing references CFDA 12.420.

How is this opportunity categorized?

It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

Is there a maximum award amount (ceiling) provided?

No. The award ceiling is not specified in the provided listing. Applicants would need to consult the full announcement or program guidelines for budget limits and any cost constraints.

What should applicants do to confirm budget limits and cost constraints?

Because the provided listing does not include an award ceiling, applicants should consult the full announcement or program guidelines to confirm budget limits and any cost constraints.

What types of settings are especially relevant for proposed projects?

The opportunity emphasizes work that can be tested in real-world clinical or community settings, reflecting a focus on interventions that can be implemented in practical care environments.