Title: Paul Coverdell National Forensic Science Improvement Act:
Solicitation for Discretionary Funding, FY 2003
Series: Solicitation
Author: National Institute of Justice
Published: May 2003
Subject: Funding resources
12 pages
35,000 bytes

------------------------------

Figures, charts, forms, and tables are not included in this ASCII plain-text
file. To view this document in its entirety, download the Adobe Acrobat
graphic file available from this Web site

------------------------------

U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
National Institute of Justice 

National Institute of Justice
Solicitation

Sarah V. Hart, Director
May 2003

Paul Coverdell National Forensic Science Improvement Act: Solicitation
for Discretionary Funding, FY 2003

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
July 15, 2003

------------------------------

U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
810 Seventh Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20531

John Ashcroft
Attorney General

Deborah J. Daniels 
Assistant Attorney General

Sarah V. Hart
Director, National Institute of Justice

For grant and funding information, contact:
U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
800-421-6770

Office of Justice Programs
National Institute of Justice
World Wide Web Site:
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij

------------------------------

Paul Coverdell National Forensic Science Improvement Act: Solicitation
for Discretionary Funding, FY 2003

Notice of online application requirement: The Office of Justice Programs
(OJP) requires you to submit your application for funding through the OJP
Grants Management System (GMS). Access through the Internet to this
online GMS application system will expedite and streamline the receipt,
review, and processing of requests for funding. Your final application will
only be accepted through the online GMS applications system. To learn
how to begin the online GMS application process, see the "How to Apply"
section of this solicitation. A toll-free GMS Hotline telephone number
(1-888-549-9901) has been established to provide technical assistance as
you work through the online application process. The GMS Hotline may be
called Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. eastern time. 

Notice of request for letters of intent: To accommodate the volume of
proposals submitted under this and other solicitations, NIJ requests that
applicants send non-binding letters of intent by June 30, 2003. The Institute
will use these letters to anticipate the number of peer panels needed and to
identify possible conflicts of interest among peer panel reviewers. 

There are two ways to notify us of your intent to submit an application:
Send an email to askost@ojp.usdoj.gov, or send a letter via overnight
courier (necessary due to delays in delivery of US mail) to: Paul Coverdell
National Forensic Science Improvement Act: Solicitation for Discretionary
Funding, FY 2003, National Institute of Justice, Office of Science and
Technology, 810 Seventh Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 (overnight
courier zip code).

I. Introduction

The National Forensic Sciences Improvement Act (NFSIA) provides funds
through a two-part grant program--a formula grant program (see FY 2003
NFSIA Information Memorandum for details) and a discretionary program.
Under this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for discretionary funding from
eligible States, Territories, and units of local government that have above-
average rates of part-one violent crimes, as reported to the FBI by that
State or Territory and published in the Uniform Crime Reports.
Discretionary funds will be competitively awarded.

II. Eligibility

The States and Territory listed in the table on the next page are eligible for
funding under this solicitation. Units of local government from
discretionary-eligible States may apply to receive a discretionary award.
These funds will be competitively awarded, and applications are not
required to be sent through the State Administering Agency (SAA).

Example for units of local government: If you are a unit of local
government from Florida, and you wish to receive NFSIA formula funding,
you must contact your State Administering Agency (SAA) and inquire
about being included in your State's NFSIA formula application. If you are
a unit of local government from Florida and you wish to apply for
discretionary funding, you may apply directly to NIJ, since Florida is a
discretionary-eligible State. If you are a unit of local government from a
State that is not eligible for discretionary funding, you may not apply for
discretionary funding.

Eligible States and Territory

o Alabama
o Alaska
o Arizona
o California
o Delaware
o District of Columbia
o Florida
o Georgia
o Illinois
o Louisiana
o Maryland
o Massachusetts
o Michigan
o Missouri
o Nevada 
o New Mexico
o New York
o North Carolina
o Oklahoma
o South Carolina
o Tennessee
o Texas
o Virgin Islands

III. Program Priorities 

The goal of NFSIA discretionary funding is to improve the quality,
timeliness, and credibility of forensic science and medical examiner services
for criminal justice purposes.

Proposals must clearly demonstrate how the requested funds will improve
the capacities and capabilities over current operations. Where appropriate,
applicants must assess and articulate specific, measurable outcomes that are
expected to be achieved, including such goals as decreases in turnaround
time, reductions in backlogged samples, savings in man hours, and other
similar results. 

In the development of your proposal, the following questions should be
used as guidelines to ensure that proposals are framed appropriately to
achieve the goals of NFSIA. These questions need not be explicitly
addressed in the proposal, but should be used as implicit themes to be
considered in its preparation.

o How will NFSIA funds be used to enhance the performance of crime
laboratory personnel through advanced training and continuing education?

o How will NFSIA funds be used to provide additional, more reliable, or
more powerful (i.e., discriminatory) analytical testing, thereby allowing
more or better information to be obtained from the evidence?

o How will NFSIA funds be used to decrease the turnaround time for
forensic testing (through faster or more efficient processes), thereby
enabling results to be reported to investigators in a more timely manner?
Proposals should detail how these metrics will be determined and
quantified.

o How will NFSIA funds be used to improve the laboratory, where
necessary, in order to obtain laboratory accreditation or certification?
(Note that NFSIA funds may be used to make improvements to the
laboratory that are required to address or correct deficiencies. NFSIA
funds may also be used for fees and other costs involved with the initial
accreditation/certification of the laboratory. NFSIA funds may not be used
for re-accreditation/re-certification expenses).

o How will NFSIA funds be used to reduce or eliminate current backlogs,
or to prevent backlogs from developing due to increased requests for
testing?

o How will NFSIA funds be used to enhance the efficiency of the overall
analytical process? Examples are the implementation of a laboratory
information management system (LIMS) or the purchase of additional
frequently used items such as pipettors, hoods, and microscopes so that
analysts need not "wait in line" to perform essential parts of the testing
process.

IV. Required Elements of the Program

In general, the NFSIA program provides funding to crime laboratories and
medical examiners' offices based on population and crime statistics. The
program permits funding for expenses related to facilities, personnel,
computerization, equipment, supplies, accreditation, certification,
education, and training. NFSIA requires that States and units of local
government receiving a grant under the program use the award to carry out
all or a substantial part of a program to improve the quality and timeliness
of forensic science or medical examiner services in the State. Included are
services provided by laboratories or medical examiners' offices operated by
the State and those operated by units of local government within the State.
Funds may not be used for any general law enforcement or nonforensic
investigatory function.

NFSIA requires that the State or unit of local government applying for
funding submit a certification that the State or unit of local government has
developed a plan for forensic science or medical examiner laboratories. The
plan should specifically describe how the proposed funding would improve
the quality or timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services in
the State or unit of local government. This State or unit of local
government plan should be attached to the application. This program does
not require State or local matching funds.

Since the funds received through NFSIA are to be used to improve the
quality, timeliness, and credibility of forensic science services for criminal
justice purposes, NIJ requires certification that the State or unit of local
government within the State has either:

A. An established forensic science laboratory or laboratory system that:

o Employs one or more full-time scientists whose principal duties are the
examination of physical evidence in criminal matters for law enforcement
agencies and who provide to the criminal justice system testimony with
respect to such examination.

o Employs generally accepted practices and procedures, as established by
appropriate accrediting organizations.

o Is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors-
Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB), the National Association
of Medical Examiners (NAME), or other appropriate certifying bodies or
will use a portion of the grant amount to prepare and apply for such
accreditation by not later than 2 years after the date a grant is initially
awarded.

Or:

B. A medical examiner's office (as defined by the National Association of
Medical Examiners) that:

o Employs generally accepted practices and procedures, as established by
appropriate accrediting organizations.

o Is accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors-
Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB), the National Association
of Medical Examiners (NAME), or other appropriate certifying bodies or
will use a portion of the grant amount to prepare and apply for such
accreditation by not later than two years after the date a grant is initially
awarded.

o Applicants are encouraged to assess all aspects of forensic evidence
examination--from crime scene through laboratory analysis--to identify
bottlenecks and general inefficiencies that could be alleviated with NFSIA
funds. The result of NFSIA funding should be a demonstrated
improvement over current operations in the average number of days
between submission of a sample to a forensic science laboratory and the
delivery of test results to the requesting office or agency.

V. Allocation, Restrictions, and Limitations on Use of Funds

After a Congressionally enacted recission of 0.65 percent, a total of
$4,967,500 is available for the NFSIA program for Fiscal Year 2003.
Award amounts are predetermined according to the allocation criteria set
forth in 42 U.S.C. [section] 37971 [section 2803(a)] for each fiscal year.
Because funding distribution is based on fiscal year allocation, grant
eligibility for all States will expire at the end of the 2003 fiscal year.
Therefore, States and units of local government that do not qualify, or that
choose not to submit an application for the FY2003 NFSIA program by the
June 30, 2003, deadline, will not be eligible to receive funds under the
Fiscal Year 2003 program. Allocation criteria set forth in 42 U.S.C.
[section] 37971 [section 2803(a)] are as follows:

Twenty-five percent ($1,241,875) of the total amount made available to
carry out the program will be allocated pursuant to the Attorney General's
discretion to States, Territories, and units of local government with
above-average rates for part 1 violent crimes. This rate is based on the
average number of part 1 violent crimes reported by such State or Territory
to the FBI for the 3 most recent calendar years for which such data are
available. 

Please Note: Only units of local government in States eligible to receive
discretionary funding are able to apply directly to NIJ for such funding.
(See Section II--Eligibility--for a list of eligible States). 

Discretionary funds may not be used for any general law enforcement or
nonforensic investigatory functions.

Maximum Funding Limit: In Fiscal Year 2003, $1,241,875 will be allocated
for NFSIA discretionary funding. However, each eligible State, Territory,
and unit of local government may apply for no more than $250,000 in
funding. 

Proposal Review: Fiscal Year 2003 NFSIA discretionary funds will be
competitively awarded. All proposals should demonstrate measurable
improvements in forensic services that would accrue if funds were
awarded. 

NIJ is firmly committed to a competitive process for making awards. All
proposals are subjected to an independent peer-review panel evaluation.
Peer review panelists consist of technologists from academia, industry, or
Federal Government organizations, along with practitioners from Federal,
State, and local criminal justice and public safety agencies. To the extent
practical, panelists are selected to participate in individual peer panel
reviews based on their expertise in subject areas that are pertinent to the
proposals to be evaluated within each respective peer panel. When peer
panelists have completed their evaluations, they report to NIJ their
assessment of each proposal's worthiness of award. Based on the panel's
assessment, NIJ Program Management staff will recommend the award of
individual proposals to the NIJ Director. The NIJ Director makes final
award decisions. 

VI. How to Apply Using GMS

You must submit your application(s) through the OJP's automated Grants
Management System (GMS), an online system accessible through the
Internet. It is intended to expedite and streamline the receipt, review, and
processing of applications. We only accept your final application through
our online GMS applications system. Call the GMS Hotline toll-free to
receive technical assistance about the online application process:
1-888-549-9901. You may call the GMS Hotline Monday through Friday
between the 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. eastern time. To use the GMS system,
complete the following steps:

Step 1.

o On the Internet, go to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fundopps.htm. Here,
you may link directly to OJP's Grants Management System (GMS). The
online GMS Application Procedures Handbook is also available online on
this page. We strongly encourage you to review this handbook before
beginning your GMS electronic application, as it includes step-by-step
instructions for the application process.

Step 2.

o Select "Logon directly to the Grants Management System (GMS)" to
apply for grant funding.

Step 3.

o If you have not previously used GMS, click on "New User? Register
Here" and follow the on-screen instructions to register with GMS. After
you register, select "FY03 NIJ NFSIA Discretionary" for discretionary
applications. (See Section II to determine your eligibility for discretionary
funding.)

o If you are not a new user and have a GMS password, click on "Login." If
your password has expired, an "Authentication Error" or "Unauthorized
User" message will appear on the screen. In this case, click on "Having
Login Problems?" for assistance in updating your password. 

o Please Note: Applicants must ensure that the information about the
authorizing official and alternate contact is entered correctly. The
authorizing official is the individual authorized to accept grant funds in
your organization (e.g., executive director, attorney general, governor). If
the individual applying online is not the signing authority, that individual
must list the authorizing official's name and contact information where
appropriate.

Step 4.

o Complete the online application, including the three required file
attachments: Budget Detail Worksheet, Program Narrative, and Other
Program Attachments (other forms required by NIJ). See below for details
on creating each of these attachments. After you submit the final
application, the online system will inform you that the application has been
received and sent to NIJ. The GMS system will provide an application
identification number for future reference.

o Note: It is OJP's practice to accept documents through GMS and
consider the entire submission to be under the GMS applicant's online,
electronically signed, submission of the grant application package. Thus,
signatures are not required on forms included in Other Program
Attachments.

If you have questions about GMS or need technical assistance with
applying online, contact the GMS Hotline at 1-888-549-9901,
Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. eastern time (except Federal holidays).

Required Forms and Documents

Individuals interested in submitting proposals in response to this
announcement must complete the required application forms and related
documents. You will complete some of the forms shown as part of the
development of your user profile during the GMS online application
process; other forms must be attached to your application file on GMS
(GMS will not accept zip files or executable files). Note: Proposals
containing maps, tables, digital photos, and other types of graphics will
produce large file sizes that may affect the speed of transfer. Please take
this into consideration when submitting your proposal online.

Please use the "Checklist for Application" at
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/checklist_for_application.pdf to ensure that
your application is complete.

National Environmental Policy Act Requirement. All award recipients must
comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Public Law
91- 190, codified at 42 U.S.C. [section] 4321 et seq.). To ensure NEPA
compliance, NIJ may require some award recipients to submit additional
information.

Program Narrative. The program narrative addresses the project objectives,
the expected results, and the implementation approach. The program
narrative must specifically describe how expenditures of grant funds will
augment the implementation or utility of the consolidated State forensic
science plan. The program narrative should also demonstrate, specifically
and comprehensively, how requested funds will improve laboratory
efficiency and productivity over current operations. The program narrative
must not exceed 30 double-spaced pages, no matter the amount of funding.

Proposal Abstract. The proposal abstract is a very important part of the
application. When read separately from the rest of the application, the
abstract should serve as a succinct and accurate description of the
proposed work. Applicants should concisely describe project goals and
objectives, project plans, and methods for achieving the goals. Once an
award has been granted, the abstract is computerized and serves as a
summary available to all interested parties for the duration of the grant. In
addition, the Proposal Abstract is used in sorting Coverdell discretionary
applications for review by an appropriate independent peer panel.

Due Date. Complete proposals must be submitted through the online GMS
application system by 9 p.m. eastern time on July 15, 2003. Extensions to
this deadline are not permitted. NIJ will not accept faxed or mailed
proposals. NIJ reserves the right to reject incomplete applications, those
not responsive to the scope of this announcement, or those not complying
with format requirements.

CFDA Number. The CFDA number for this solicitation is 16.560.

Guidance and Information. Applicants who want additional guidance and
information may contact the U.S. Department of Justice Response Center
at 800-421-6770. Center staff can provide assistance or refer applicants to
an appropriate NIJ professional. Applicants who have questions about
GMS or need technical assistance with applying online can contact the
GMS Hotline at 1-888-549-9901, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. eastern
time (except Federal holidays).

Confidentiality of information and human subjects protection. NIJ has
adopted new policies and procedures regarding the confidentiality of
information and human subjects protection. Details on the requirements are
available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/humansubjects/index.html.
(NFSIA projects do not usually involve activities that fall within the
purview of privacy and human subjects rules and regulations. You may,
however, still consider reading these policies and procedures in order to
determine if your planned activities fall within these rules).

Record Maintenance and Access. Each State or local unit of government
within the State that receives funding under this program will maintain
records relating to the receipt and use of the total grant amount. The
Attorney General and the Comptroller General of the United States (or
designee thereof) will have access to these records for audit and
examination purposes.

Reporting Requirement. NFSIA requires each State that receives a grant to
submit a report within 180 days of the end of the award period. The report
will include a summary and assessment of the program carried out with the
grant, and cite the average number of days between submission of a sample
to a forensic science laboratory and the delivery of test results to a
requesting office or agency.

This requirement is in addition to other OJP grant reporting requirements.
See the OJP Office of the Comptroller's "Post Award Instructions" Web
page (http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/oc/postaward) for more details.

VII. Performance Measures

To ensure compliance with the Government Performance and Results Act
(Public Law 103-62), this solicitation notifies applicants that NIJ's
performance under this solicitation is measured by the number of forensic
labs with improved analytic and technological resources. Award recipients
will be required to collect and report data in support of this measure.

For more information on the National Institute of Justice, please contact:

National Criminal Justice Reference Service
Box 6000
Rockville, MD 20849-6000
800-851-3420
e-mail: askncjrs@ncjrs.org

------------------------------

The National Institute of Justice is the research, development, and
evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice and is solely dedicated
to researching crime control and justice issues. NIJ provides objective,
independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to enhance the
administration of justice and public safety.

NIJ is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes
the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the Office 
of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and the Office for Victims
of Crime.

------------------------------

SL 000615