The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) invites applications for the Rural Oncology Trials Accelerator Award (ROTAA). This program provides seed funding to establish or enhance clinical trial capacity in rural and underserved Texas communities. It supports infrastructure, staffing, and operational resources to make eligible healthcare institutions “trial ready” and able to participate in industry or cooperative group-sponsored oncology clinical trials.
Eligibility Criteria
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Applicant must be a Texas-based public or not-for-profit institution, healthcare system, community hospital, critical access hospital, federally qualified health center, or safety-net provider in a rural or medically underserved area.
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Private or for-profit companies are not eligible.
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Sites without current or with minimal clinical trial activity are encouraged to apply.
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Must demonstrate access to ≥250 new cancer patients annually and institutional support.
- Principal Investigator must:
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Hold an MD, DO, or equivalent medical degree.
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Be licensed and reside full-time in Texas during the award period.
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Commit at least 5% effort to the project.
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Multi-Principal Investigators are not allowed.
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The institution must match 50% of CPRIT’s funding commitment as per Texas law.
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Only one application per institution is allowed.
Funding Details:
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Maximum award: 300,000 USD per year for up to 3 years (900,000 USD total).
- Funds may be used for:
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Salary support for research coordinators and regulatory managers.
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Research supplies and equipment (e.g., -70°C freezers).
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EMR system integration and web-based clinical trials management systems.
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Training and partnerships with Site Management Organizations (SMOs).
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Funds cannot be used for PI salary, construction, or renovation.
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Indirect costs are capped at 5% of total award.
Deadline:
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RFA release: August 5, 2025.
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Application opens: September 9, 2025 (7 AM CT).
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Application deadline: December 2, 2025 (4 PM CT).
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Review: March 2026.
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Award notification: May 2026.
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Anticipated start date: June 1, 2026.
Where to Go For Further Information: