Dental Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network: Clinical Trial or Observational Study Planning and Implementation Cooperative Agreement

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) intends to publish a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to invite applications for clinical trials and large clinical observational studies to be conducted in a Dental Primary Care Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN). Research studies will utilize the Dental Primary Care PBRN infrastructure and resources for study planning and implementation. The Dental Primary Care PBRN will provide oral health practitioners with an opportunity to propose or participate in research studies, conducted in participating dental clinical practices (offices/clinics) with consenting patients. Supported studies will focus on integrating oral health care into medical care (whole-person health), such as screening for medical conditions and health behaviors in dental care settings and appropriate referrals to medical providers for follow-up care. Applications are not being solicited at this time. Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants time to develop meaningful collaborations and responsive projects. Investigators with expertise in observational studies or clinical trials in practice-based research settings are encouraged to apply. NIDCR is authorized to forecast this opportunity under the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C §§ 241 and 284) and federal regulations (42 CFR Part 52 and 2 CFR Part 200).

Other Eligible ApplicantsIndian/Native American Tribal Governments (Other than Federally Recognized);Eligible Agencies of the Federal Government;U.S. Territory or Possession;Faith-based or Community-based Organizations;Regional Organizations.

The primary criteria for evaluating grant applications include assessment of: (1) the scientific merit, significance and overall impact of the proposed study and its objectives; (2) the competency of the proposed investigator(s) to successfully pursue the project; (3) the innovation and novelty of the concepts, approaches, or methodologies; (4) the technical adequacy of the experimental design and approach; (5) the adequacy of the available proposed facilities and resources; (6) the necessity of the budget components requested in relation to the proposed project; and (7) the relevance and importance to the posted institute program objectives. Also evaluated, where applicable, but not scored are: (1) protections for human subjects; (2) inclusion of women, minorities, and children; (3) vertebrate animal welfare; and (4) adequate protection of research personnel and/or the environment, biosafety, biocontainment and the security of select agents; (5) resource sharing plans; (6) authentication of key biological and/or chemical resources, (7) budget and period of support. In addition, the following criteria will be used in considering the scientific and technical merit of SBIR/STTR Phase I grant applications: the potential of the proposed research for commercial application. Phase II grant applications will reviewed based upon the following criteria: (1) The degree to which the Phase I objectives were met and feasibility demonstrated; (2) the scientific and technical merit of...