Broad Pragmatic Studies Supplemental Funding Announcement to Support Studies within a Study Focused on Developing and Validating Measures to Advance the Science of Engagement in Research -- Cycle 2 2025

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Description

This opportunity provides supplemental funding to support studies within existing PCORI Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) awards. The focus is on developing and validating measures that advance the science of engagement in research—specifically, measures that capture the structure/context, process, and outcomes of engagement for both stakeholders and investigators. The goal is to address high-priority gaps in how engagement is measured, enabling more rigorous evaluation and improvement of engagement practices in patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Projects must align with PCORI’s updated Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research, ensuring meaningful, systematic, and sustainable engagement of patients and stakeholders throughout the research process.

Note: This is an invitation-only opportunity. Only current BPS awardees who meet specific eligibility criteria may apply.

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Due Dates

• Applicant Town Hall: April 29, 2025
• PCORI Online Application System Opens: June 10, 2025
• Application Deadline: September 3, 2025, 5:00 pm ET
• Merit Review: November 2025
• Awards Announced: March 2026
• Earliest Start Date: July 2026

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Funding Amount

• Maximum direct costs per award: $750,000
• Maximum project period: 24 months (supplement may not extend the parent BPS project timeline)
• Total funds available: Up to approximately $10 million for this cycle

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Eligibility

• Who can apply: Only current PCORI BPS awardees who have:
  • Submitted at least one Interim Progress Report (IPR) by February 1, 2025
  • A Final Progress Report (FPR) due in July 2028 or later
  • Not received a cumulative extension of more than 18 months to the original BPS contract
• Invitation required: Only invited BPS awardees are eligible; applications without invitation will not be considered.
• Prior supplement recipients: BPS awardees who previously received a SWAS supplement may apply if all other criteria are met.
• Project team requirements: At least one team member must have demonstrated expertise in measure development.
• Non-responsive topics: Applications focused on patient engagement in clinical care, self-care, or shared decision-making interventions are not eligible. The focus must be on engagement in the research process itself.

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Application Process

1. Consultation (strongly encouraged): Submit a 1–2 page study concept and schedule a consultation with PCORI for feedback on responsiveness.
2. Prepare application: Download and complete required templates (Research Plan, Budget, Milestones, etc.) from the PCORI funding page.
3. Submit via PCORI Online: Applications must be submitted through the PCORI Online system, which opens June 10, 2025.
4. Required documents include:
   • Technical and public abstracts
   • Research Plan (up to 12 pages)
   • Milestones and Budget templates
   • Key personnel biosketches
   • Letters of support
   • Methodology Standards Checklist
   • Budget justification
   • Additional required forms as outlined in the Submission Checklist
5. Authorization: The Administrative Official (AO) must authorize and submit the application by the deadline.

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Additional Information

• Science of Engagement Learning Network: Awardees are required to participate in quarterly Learning Network meetings (three virtual, one in-person per year) to foster peer learning and advance the field.
• Engagement Plan: Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research in their engagement approach and budget for engagement activities and partner compensation.
• Review criteria: Applications are evaluated on scientific merit, potential to improve engagement measures, investigator and environment strength, patient-centeredness, and quality of engagement.
• Allowable costs: Direct research costs, engagement activities, travel for required meetings, and indirect costs (up to 40% for most, 10% for foreign applicants). Patient care costs are not covered.
• Reporting: Progress reports are required every six months; a final report is due at project end.

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External Links

• PCORI BPS SWAS Supplemental Funding Announcement (SFA)
• PCORI BPS SWAS Submission Instructions
• PCORI BPS SWAS Submission Checklist
• PCORI Funding Opportunity Page
• PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research
• Measuring What Matters for Advancing the Science and Practice of Engagement
• PCORI Methodology Standards
• Budgeting for Engagement Activities
• Compensation Framework for Engaged Research Partners

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Contact Information

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