[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 107 (Monday, June 5, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32352-32356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-8634]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Indian Health Service


Office of Clinical and Preventive Services; Dental Preventive and 
Clinical Support Centers Program

    Announcement Type: New Grant.
    Funding Announcement Number: HHS-2006-IHS-TDCP-0001.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers: 93.933.
    Key Dates: Application Deadline Date: July 17, 2006, 5 p.m. EST;
    Review Date: July 24, 2006;
    Anticipated Award Announcement Date: July 31, 2006;
    Anticipated Start Date: August 1, 2006.

I. Funding Opportunity Description

    The Indian Health Service (IHS) Division of Oral Health (DOH) 
requests competitive applications for funding of Dental Preventive and 
Clinical Support Centers (DPCSC) through a grant process. This program 
is authorized under the authority of the 25 U.S.C. 13, Snyder Act, and 
the 25 U.S.C. 1602(B) (21-26), Indian Health Care Improvement Act, and 
Public Health Service Act, section 301 (a), as amended. This program is 
described at 93.933 in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance.
    Support centers will combine existing resources and infrastructure 
with IHS Headquarters (HQ) and IHS Area resources in order to address 
the broad challenges and opportunities associated with IHS preventive 
and clinical dental programs.
    1. Centers will provide technical assistance and resources for 
local and Area clinic-based and community-based oral health promotion/
disease prevention (HP/DP) initiatives.
    2. Centers are strongly encouraged to provide technical assistance 
and resources for local and Area clinical programs.
    3. Centers are encouraged to provide technical assistance and 
resources for regional and national preventive and clinical 
initiatives.
    4. Centers will send one or more representatives to national 
support centers project meetings convened by IHS HQ DOH. Such meetings 
will be held no more than annually. All centers are expected to reserve 
sufficient funds in annual budgets to send a representative to these 
meetings.
    5. Centers will promote the coordination of research, demonstration 
projects, and studies relating to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, 
control, and prevention of oral disease. This will be addressed through 
the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data, or other basic 
research methodology deemed appropriate by the grantee and the IHS.

II. Award Information

    Type of Award: Grant.
    Estimated Funds Available: The total amount to be awarded for the 
project period is a maximum of $750,000 for four years.
    Anticipated Number of Awards: 3 or less.
    Anticipated Project Period: August 1, 2006--July 31, 2010.
    Award Amount: Maximum $250,000 per year, for each award. This 
amount is inclusive of direct and indirect costs. Awards under this 
announcement are subject to the availability of funds. Continuation 
awards will be issued annually based on satisfactory performance, 
availability of funding, and continuing needs of the IHS. Requests for 
funding greater than $250,000 per year will not be considered, and will 
not be entered into the review process. Applicants will be notified if 
the application does not meet the submission requirements.
    The DOH through its Project Officer will:
    1. Provide information pertinent to program planning, program 
evaluation, and the evolving needs of the IHS DOH upon request.
    2. Provide feedback concerning biannual reports and performance.
    3. Provide a template for biannual reports.

III. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

    A. Federally-recognized Indian Tribe;
    B. Urban Indian Organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(h); and
    C. Tribal organizations as defined by 25 U.S.C. 1603(e).
    All non-profit Tribal organizations must provide proof of non-
profit status with the application. See IV.2 for additional 
information.
    Eligible applicants must be located within the following Areas: 
Aberdeen, Bemidji, Billings, California, Navajo, Oklahoma, Phoenix, and 
Tucson. Existing support centers that do not terminate prior to 1 
August 2006 are not eligible to apply for funding under this 
announcement.
    While multiple submissions from the same Area or region will be 
reviewed, only one award will be made to any one Area or region. 
Organizations in the same Area are encouraged to share resources in 
order to produce one strong proposal, rather than competing with each 
other.

2. Cost Sharing or Matching

    The Support Centers Project does not require matching funds or cost 
sharing.

IV. Application and Submission Information

1. Web Address for Application Package

    Application package (HHS-2006-IHS-TDCP-0001) may be found in 
Grants.gov.
    Information regarding the electronic application process may be 
obtained from the following person: Michelle G. Bulls, Grants Policy 
Officer, Grants Policy Staff, Office of Management Support. (301) 443-
6528, Direct line. (301) 443-2510, Fax. E-mail: [email protected].
    Information regarding the Support Centers project may be obtained 
from the Project Official: Dr. Patrick Blahut, Division of Oral Health, 
HIS, 801 Thompson Ave, Suite 300, Rockville, MD, 20852. (301) 443-4323.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission if Prior Approval was 
Obtained for Paper Submission

    A. Single spaced.
    B. Typewritten.
    C. Consecutively numbered pages.

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    D. Black type not smaller than 12 characters per one inch.
    E. Submit on one side only of standard 8\1/2\ x 11 inch paper.
    F. Do not tab, glue, or place in a plastic holder.
    G. Narrative not to exceed 15 typed pages. The 15 page narrative 
does not include any standard forms, Tribal resolutions or letters of 
support (if deemed necessary), table of contents, budget, budget 
justifications, and/or other appendix items.
    H. Content of the application should relate directly to the basic 
emphasis of the support center project, to provide support and 
technical assistance for:
    (1) Clinical dental programs;
    (2) Community-based preventive initiatives; and
    (3) Clinic-based preventive programs. The narrative should address 
the proposed Support Center's commitment to:
    a. Sound program planning and evaluation principles, outlining 
goals and anticipated results linked to outcome objectives, process 
objectives, and proposed activities;
    b. A sound initial and on-going needs assessment;
    c. Provide limited assistance and support to regional and national 
initiatives as deemed appropriate by the IHS Division of Oral Health HQ 
personnel;
    d. Collaborate with other Support Centers through regional and 
national cooperative ventures;
    e. Proactively share work products and lessons learned throughout 
the IHS dental program;
    f. Reserve sufficient funding in each annual budget for one Support 
Center representative to attend a national meeting to be identified by 
the Project Officer;
    g. Program accountability grounded in objectively assessed and 
documented progress toward stated program goals and objectives;
    h. An evaluation protocol that directly addresses on an biannual 
basis all outcome and process objectives.
    Examples of appropriate support and technical assistance can be 
obtained from the Program Official, though each applicant is encouraged 
to focus on the specific needs of the programs they propose to serve.
    Public Policy Requirements: All Federal-wide public policies apply 
to IHS grants with the exception of Lobbying and Discrimination.
    Non-profit Tribal organization must provide proof of non-profit 
status. The applicant must submit a current valid IRS tax exemption 
certificate or a copy or 501C3 form, as proof of status.

3. Submission Dates and Times

    Only one application per Tribe or Tribal organization is allowed.
    Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by 
Monday, July 17, 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). If technical 
issues arise and the applicant is unable to successfully complete the 
electronic application process, the applicant must contact Michelle G. 
Bulls, Grants Policy Officer at least fifteen days prior to the 
application deadline and advise of the difficulties you are having 
submitting your application on line. The Grants Policy Officer will 
determine whether you may submit a paper application (original and 2 
copies). The grantee must obtain prior approval, in writing, from the 
Grants Policy Staff allowing the paper submission. Otherwise, 
applications not submitted through Grants.gov may be returned to the 
applicant and will not be considered for funding. Mail the applications 
to the Division of Grants Operations at 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, 
Rockville, MD 20852. IHS will not acknowledge receipt of applications.
    Paper applications submitted with written permission from the 
Grants Policy Staff shall be considered as meeting the deadline if 
received before 5 p.m., EST July 17, 2006 or postmarked on or before 
the deadline date and time. Any additional information such as Tribal 
resolutions or letters of support received after the deadline will not 
be considered by the review committee. Applicants should request a 
legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a legibly dated 
receipt from a commercial carrier or U.S. Postal Service. Private 
metered postmarks will not be acceptable as proof of timely mailing.

4. Intergovernmental Review

    Executive Order 12372 requiring intergovernmental review is not 
applicable to this program.

5. Funding Restrictions

    A. Pre-award costs are not allowable under this program.
    B. The available funds are inclusive of direct and indirect costs.
    C. One grant will be awarded per applicant.
    D. One grant will be awarded per Area.
    E. All funding for these grants will end after four years. It is 
anticipated another cycle of competitive funding will begin after this 
four-year cycle.

6. Other Submission Requirements

    A. Current Tribal Resolution(s) or Letters of Support from Tribes 
to be served.
    B. Cover letter, labeling the submission as a ``Proposed Dental 
Clinical and Preventive Support Center'' for one or more of the defined 
geographic areas listed under the eligibility section of this 
announcement.
    C. Contact information for a primary author or contact.
    D. Project Abstract (not to exceed one typewritten page).
    E. Table of contents to correspond with numbered pages of the 
narrative and attachments.
    F. Electronic Transmission: The preferred method for receipt of 
applications is electronic submission through Grants.gov Web site. 
However, should any technical problems arise regarding the submission, 
please contact Grants.gov Customer Support at (800) 518-4726 or e-mail 
your questions to [email protected] The Contact Center hours of 
operation are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. If you require 
additional assistance, please contact Ms. Michelle Bulls, Grants Policy 
Officer at (301) 443-6528 at least fifteen days prior to the 
application deadline. To submit an application electronically, please 
use the http://www.Grants.gov Web site. Download a copy of the 
application package from the Grants.gov Web site, complete it offline 
and then upload and submit the application via the Grants.gov Web site. 
You may not e-mail an electronic copy of a grant application. 
Otherwise, applications not submitted through Grants.gov may be 
returned to the applicant and it will not be considered for funding.
    After you electronically submit your application, you will receive 
an automatic acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov 
tracking number. The IHS DGO will retrieve your application from 
Grants.gov Web site.
    If it is determined that a grantee is not successful in submitting 
an electronic application, the organization must obtain prior approval, 
in writing, by the Grants Policy Officer, before submitting a paper 
application. If it is determined that a paper application is acceptable 
an original and 2 copies may be sent directly to the Division of Grants 
Operations, 801 Thompson Avenue, TMP 360, Rockville, MD 20852 by July 
17, 2006.
    (1) When you enter the Grants.gov Web site, you will find 
information about submitting an application electronically through the 
Web site, as well as the hours of operation. We

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strongly recommend that applicants not wait until the deadline date to 
begin the application process through Grants.gov Web site.
    (2) To use Grants.gov, you, as the applicant, must have a DUNS 
number and register with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). You 
should allow a minimum of five days to complete CCR registration. See 
below on how to apply.
    (3) You must submit all documents electronically, including all 
information typically included on the SF-424 and all necessary 
assurances and certifications.
    (4) Your application must comply with any page limitation 
requirements described in the program announcement. After you 
electronically submit your application, you will receive an automatic 
acknowledgment from Grants.gov that contains a Grants.gov tracking 
number. The IHS will retrieve your application from Grants.gov Web 
site.
    (5) You may access the electronic application for this program on 
http://www.Grants.gov.
    (6) Before you can view and complete an application package, you 
must download PureEdge viewer from Grants.gov.
    (7) You may search for the downloadable application package by 
using the Funding Opportunity Number: HHS-2006-IHS-TDCP-0001 or the 
CFDA number 93.933.
    (8) E-mail applications will not be accepted under this 
announcement.
    G. DUNS Number: Applicants are required to have a Dun and 
Bradstreet (DUNS) number to apply for a grant from the Federal 
Government. The DUNS number is a nine-digit identification number, 
which uniquely identifies business entities. Obtaining a DUNS number is 
easy and there is no charge. To obtain a DUNS number, access http://www.dunandbradstreet.com or call 1-866-705-5711. Interested parties may 
wish to obtain their DUNS number by phone to expedite the process.
    H. Applications submitted electronically must also be registered 
with the Central Contractor Registry (CCR). A DUNS number is required 
before CCR registration can be completed. Many organizations may 
already have a DUNS number. Please use the number listed above to 
investigate whether or not your organization has a DUNS number. 
Registration with the CCR is free of charge.
    Applicants may register by calling 1-888-227-2423. Please review 
and complete the CCR ``Registration Worksheet'' located on http://www.grants.gov/CCRRegister.
    More detailed information regarding these registration processes 
can be found at http://www.grants.gov.

V. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

    A. Introduction and statement of perceived problems. Assessment of 
perceived local program needs. (12 points)
    (1) Describe the existing problem, or perceived need for the 
support center.
    (2) Describe the perceived needs of programs to be served.
    (3) Describe in detail any needs assessment done or planned.
    (4) Discuss the breadth of coverage in your region or area. If some 
facilities in the region will not be served, identify them and provide 
the criteria for exclusion (there is no requirement that all programs 
will be served).
    (5) Summarize the proposed efforts or type of support to be 
provided.
    (6) Describe how the proposed efforts compliment existing 
infrastructure to provide support appropriate to address identified 
problems and needs.
    B. Program goals and objectives. (20 points)
    (1) State long term goals or outcome objectives, and the annual 
process objectives or milestones of the project. Describe how these 
objectives will address the clinical and preventive needs of dental 
programs in the region.
    (2) Describe the rationale for choosing your program goals over 
other possible proposed outcomes.
    (3) Describe how meeting your annual or process objectives will 
lead to meeting your program goals.
    (4) Describe briefly what the project intends to accomplish, the 
number of facilities to be served, and the estimated number of American 
Indians or Alaska Natives to benefit from the project.
    C. Methodology, activities, work plan. (12 points)
    (1) Describe the activities that will lead to attainment of 
objectives.
    (2) Describe plans to periodically assess the perceived needs of 
local programs.
    (3) If the connections between goals, annual objectives, and 
activities are not obvious, outline or explain them.
    (4) Describe the individual activities, tasks, and projects needed 
to implement and complete this project. Describe how support center 
activities will complement existing initiatives, infrastructure, and 
support systems (if any).
    (5) Describe the specific community-based and clinic-based 
preventive initiatives and activities you will stress. Approaches may 
be innovative, but must also be scientifically sound and evidence-
based.
    (6) What data will be collected? How will it be obtained, analyzed, 
and maintained? While collecting data describing activities is 
appropriate, attaining both annual and long-term outcomes and the data 
to document attainment is essential.
    (7) Provide a work plan that is project specific, sound, effective 
and realistic.
    D. Proposed budget. (12 points)
    (1) Provide a categorical budget for the initial year of the 
project.
    (2) Justify the proposed budget by specific line items, explaining 
why each line item is necessary and relevant to the goals and 
objectives of the project.
    (3) If indirect costs are claimed, state the negotiated rate and 
explain how the amount requested was calculated. Include a copy of the 
current rate agreement. If a current rate agreement is not on file, 
include a copy of the indirect cost proposal that will be submitted to 
the cognizant agency.
    (4) Provide, in summary form, proposed budgets for years two 
through four. Detail required in the initial budget is not necessary 
for subsequent years.
    E. Anticipated results, deliverables. (12 points)
    (1) Describe anticipated annual outcomes for the initial and 
subsequent years.
    (2) Describe how these annual results relate to improved oral 
health and progress toward overall project goals and objectives.
    (3) Describe in detail anticipated work products or deliverables.
    (4) Proactive dissemination of information and deliverables is 
considered an integral, cooperative function of all support centers. 
Describe plans or mechanisms to pro-actively share deliverables, work 
products, results, and ``lessons learned'' with other support centers, 
IHS Areas, and IHS groups.
    F. Evaluation. (20 points)
    (1) Describe how the project will be evaluated. Describe how you 
will determine if the project has met identified needs and achieved 
stated objectives.
    (2) Specify what will be measured, when the assessments will take 
place, and how the collected data will be analyzed and reported.
    (3) Include a brief evaluation protocol for every program goal and 
annual objective that enables the reader to understand how progress 
will be assessed.
    (4) Identify who will conduct the evaluation.

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    (5) What will be done with evaluation results? With whom will the 
results be shared? How will evaluative data be utilized to result in a 
better program?
    (6) Describe how you will elicit feedback from programs served in 
order to stay responsive to evolving program needs.
    G. Organization capabilities, personnel qualifications, resources. 
(12 points)
    (1) Describe where the project will be housed. List available 
resources such as office furnishings, computers, and equipment.
    (2) State the total overhead, administrative and indirect costs. 
Describe the services these payments will produce. An ideal center 
leverages existing infrastructure to maximize resources available for 
direct program support.
    (3) Describe any plans for sustain ability, leveraging of 
resources, and collaborative efforts.
    (4) List additional resources available to the proposed center, 
such as matching funds or collaborative agreements.
    (5) Describe in detail any cost sharing or ``in kind 
contributions.''
    (6) Describe the qualifications and relevant experience of key 
personnel.
    (7) There is no preference given for existing support centers. 
Achievements of current support centers are neither a substitute for a 
well-formulated plan nor addressed in the scoring criteria. New 
applicants are evaluated on a ``level playing field'' with existing 
support centers applying for a new cycle of competitive funding. 
Appropriate qualifications, experience, and accomplishments of key 
personnel can be listed to illustrate the capacity or to address 
program objectives and administer multifaceted interventions.
    (8) Demonstrate the organization has systems and expertise to 
manage Federal funds. How will the project operate both financially and 
administratively?
    (9) List the qualifications and experience of any consultants or 
contractors.
    (10) Provide a scope of work or job description for key center 
positions. Descriptions will list duties and include desired 
qualifications and experience.
    (11) Append resumes of key personnel, including consultants or 
contractors. Position descriptions will suffice if personnel have not 
yet been identified.

2. Review and Selection Process

    Applications meeting eligibility requirements that are complete, 
responsive, and conform to this program announcement will be reviewed 
for merit by an ad hoc Objective Review Committee (ORC) appointed by 
the DOH. The review will be conducted in accordance with the IHS 
objective review procedures. The technical review process ensures 
selection of quality projects in a national competition for limited 
funding. The ORC may include IHS and non-IHS personnel; both Federal 
employees and non-Federal individuals may be utilized as reviewers. HQ 
DOH personnel may be present to answer procedural questions or provide 
general, background information as requested by reviewers. Reviewers 
will remain anonymous to applicants and support center personnel.
    Each proposal will receive multiple reviews, with discussion by all 
reviewers facilitated by assigned primary and secondary reviewers. A 
final score will be determined from an average of all individual scores 
submitted by reviewers. Submissions scoring 60% or above will be 
considered for funding. The scoring of approved applications will 
assist the IHS DOH in determining which proposals will be funded if the 
amount of funding is not sufficient to support all approved 
applications. Proposed budgets may be revised at the suggestion of the 
reviewers. The results of the objective review and the selection of 
proposals to be awarded funds are considered final.

VI. Award Administration Information

1. Award Notices

    Applicants approved and funded will be notified through the 
Financial Assistance Award (FAA) document via postal mail to the 
authorized official. The FAA will serve as the official notification of 
an award of a grant, and will state the amount of Federal funds 
awarded, the purpose of the award, the terms and conditions of the 
award, the effective date of the award, the project period, and the 
budget period. Any other correspondence to the applicant's Project 
Director or primary contact is not an authorization to begin 
performance. The FAA will be signed by the Grants Management Officer 
and will serve as the authorizing document for which funds are 
disbursed to the recipients.
    Pre-award costs are not allowable charges under this program grant.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    Collaborative agreements are administered in accordance with the 
following documents:
    A. This announcement.
    B. Grant Terms and Conditions as outlined in the FAA.
    C. 45 CFR part 92, ``Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants 
and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local, and Tribal Governments'', 
or 45 CFR part 74, ``Uniform Administration Requirements for Awards and 
Subawards to Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, Other 
NonProfit Organizations, and Commercial Organizations''.
    D. Public Health Service Grants Policy Statement, Revised April 
1994.
    E. Appropriate Cost Principles: OMB Circular A-87, ``State, Local, 
and Indian Tribal Governments,'' or OMB Circular A-122, ``NonProfit 
Organizations''.
    F. OMB Circular A-133, ``Audits of States, Local Governments, and 
NonProfit Organizations''.
    G. Other Applicable OMB circulars.

3. Reporting

    A. Reports of Progress--Program progress reports are required 
biannually, submitted within 30 days of the end of the half year. A 
final report must be submitted within 90 days of the project period end 
date.
    B. Financial Status Report--Financial Status Reports (FSR) must be 
submitted annually, 30 days after the end of the budget period. The 
final report is due 90 days after the project period end date. The FSR 
can be downloaded from http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/sf269.pdf.
    C. A brief narrative describing how all work-products were shared 
throughout IHS dental, and how they were archived at a location easily 
accessible to all IHS dental programs, will be included in progress 
reports.
    D. Failure to submit required reports within the time allowed may 
result in one or more of the following:
    (1) The imposition of additional reporting requirements.
    (2) The non-funding or non-award of other eligible projects or 
activities.
    (3) Rejection of the request for continuation of funding.
    Item VI.3D. applies whether the delinquency is attributable to the 
failure of the funded organization or the individual responsible for 
preparation of the reports.

VII. Agency Contacts

    For questions about the application process, administrative 
information, or programmatic information, please contact the following 
at:
    Program Contact, Orie Platero, Office of Clinical & Preventive 
Service, Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Ave., Suite 326, 
Rockville, Maryland 20852. (301) 443-2522.

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    Grants Contact, Denise E. Clark, Division of Grants Operations, 
Indian Health Service, 801 Thompson Ave., TMP 360, Rockville, Maryland 
20852. (301) 443-5204.
    For program information, issues related to preventive dentistry, 
public health, or other programmatic content, contact: Patrick Blahut, 
D.D.S., M.P.H., Deputy Director, Division of Oral Health, 801 Thompson 
Ave., Suite 332, Rockville, Maryland 20852. (301) 443-4323. 
[email protected].

VIII. Other Information

    A. Tribal Resolution--If the applicant is an Indian Tribe or Tribal 
organization, a resolution from the Tribal government of all Tribes to 
be served supporting the project must accompany the application 
submission. Applications by Tribal organizations will not require 
resolutions if the current Tribal resolutions under which they operate 
would encompass the proposed support center activities. In this 
instance a copy of the current resolution must accompany the 
application. The list of Tribes to be served by the support center in 
the proposal must match the set of appended resolutions. If a 
resolution from an appropriate representative of each Tribe to be 
served is not submitted, the application may be considered incomplete 
and will not be considered for funding. No documents will be accepted 
as separate mailings to be added to proposals; all documents, letters 
of support, Tribal resolutions, and so on must accompany the submission 
as one complete proposal.
    B. Letters of Cooperation/Collaboration/Assistance.
    If an applicant proposes to provide training or technical 
assistance for a dental program operated directly by the IHS, a letter 
of support must be submitted by:
    (1) The IHS Area Director, or
    (2) The Local Service Unit Director, or
    (3) His designated representative.
    C. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is committed 
to achieving health promotion and disease prevention of Healthy People 
2010, a HHS led activity for setting priority areas. Potential 
applicants may obtain a printed copy of Healthy People 2010, (Summary 
Report No. 017-001-00549-15250-7945, (202) 512-1800). You may also 
access this information at the following Web site: http://www.healthypeople.gov/Publications.
    D. Smoke-Free Workplace:
    The HHS strongly encourages all grant recipients to provide a 
smoke-free workplace and promote non-use of all tobacco products. This 
is consistent with the HHS mission to protect and advance the physical 
and mental health of the American people. If an applicant is able to 
provide a smoke-free workplace, it should be stated in the application.

    Dated: May 26, 2006.
Robert G. McSwain,
Deputy Director, Indian Health Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-8634 Filed 6-2-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4165-16-P