DCSS is both the focal point for all customer interactions between eRA, its stakeholders and the user community — and the engine at the back end, moving the enterprise forward.

Director: Inna Faenson

User Support Branch
Provides frontline support to assist the eRA system user community; develops user self help resources, web-based user guides and release notes, system training and presentations to guide the users. The branch also provides account access and administration for grant applicant institutions using a test environment and NIH communities tapping the eRA databases.

• David Hunter – Branch Chief

Operations Branch
Monitors complex IT systems around the clock, implements eRA’s system wide and other software releases, ensures data back up and recovery, maintains security and ensures plans are in place for disaster recovery.

• Thomas Mason – Branch Chief

Customer Relationship Branch
Operates as the primary liaison between eRA, its stakeholders and its user community in determining user needs and providing system solutions in a collaborative manner; serves as a strong customer advocate for the extramural business area it represents.

• Stacey Kocher – Branch Chief