Drinking Water Fluoridation RFA

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), through its Division of Family Health and Bureau of Child Health, offers funding to municipalities across the state to enhance access to optimally fluoridated drinking water. This funding initiative, titled “Drinking Water Fluoridation – Rolling Submissions,” operates under Request for Applications (RFA) #20171 and includes two components: Component A for planning and feasibility studies, and Component B for implementation and maintenance. The program supports municipalities in either initiating or upgrading their water fluoridation systems, reinforcing public health outcomes related to oral hygiene and community well-being. Component A is focused on supporting the development of an Engineering Report that evaluates the technical and economic feasibility of initiating water fluoridation or upgrading existing systems. Eligible municipalities may receive up to $50,000 over a 24-month period to support design and planning services. Component A funding is particularly targeted at communities currently without fluoridation or those seeking significant upgrades that require professional design expertise. This component ensures that local governments have the necessary groundwork in place before pursuing full implementation of a fluoridation system. Component B provides up to $1 million per award over a 24-month term to eligible municipalities for the actual implementation or maintenance of water fluoridation infrastructure. This includes the purchase, installation, upgrade, or repair of fluoridation equipment, modifications to facility infrastructure, and adherence to the 2018 Recommended Standards for Water Works (Ten State Standards). Funding can be used for equipment related to fluoride feed, safety, laboratory testing, and monitoring but may not be used for consumables such as fluoride additives or personnel salaries related to ongoing operations. The application process for both components transitioned on September 1, 2024, to an offline format due to the retirement of the Grants Gateway system. Applications must now be submitted via email to [email protected] with all required attachments included as specified in the updated RFA language. These include a completed cover page, the appropriate technical submittal based on project scope and size, a standard work plan, MWBE forms, vendor attestations, budget documents, and any subcontractor information. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the final deadline of September 28, 2028. Questions regarding the RFA are also accepted on a rolling basis until September 25, 2028. Eligible applicants must be a New York State county, city, town, village, or public authority that owns both the public water system and its supply and serves as a community water system or wholesaler to one. Component A applicants must also either serve at least 5,000 people, currently fluoridate, or have legal approval to fluoridate. Component B applicants must currently fluoridate or possess legal authorization to begin. Each municipality may apply for only one component at a time and must complete any Component A-funded project before applying for Component B. The Department emphasizes fiscal prudence and program integrity. Awarded contracts are contingent on budget availability and successful performance. Grantees must provide quarterly narrative and financial reports and may receive an advance payment of up to 25% of the annual grant amount. Applications are reviewed and scored based on responsiveness to application components, alignment with program goals, and budget justification. Contracts begin approximately six months after award and must be fully executed before any reimbursable work begins.

Ensure budgets do not include costs for work in progress or completed prior to contract execution. Justify all expenses clearly; follow budget format and technical submittal matching scope.