OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires  12/31/2023 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

NIJ FY22 Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical 

Evidence in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories 

Assistance Listing Number #  16.560 

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-NIJ-2022-171226 

Solicitation Release Date: March 25, 2022 2:00 PM 

Version:  1 

Grants.gov Deadline:  May 10, 2022 11:59 PM 

Application JustGrants Deadline: May 24, 2022 8:59 PM 

Overview 

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), National Institute of Justice (NIJ), seeks 

applications for research and evaluation studies to produce practical knowledge that has the potential to improve 

the examination and interpretation of physical evidence in forensic science laboratories across the community of 

practice. This program furthers the DOJ’s mission by supporting the development of new knowledge and tools to 

address the challenges of crime and justice in the United States. 

This solicitation incorporates the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide by reference. The OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide provides guidance to applicants for the preparation and submission to OJP of 

applications for funding. If this solicitation expressly modifies any provision in the OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide, the applicant is to follow the guidelines in this solicitation as to that provision. 

Solicitation Categories 

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories. 

Eligible Applicants: 

City or township governments, County governments, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Native 

American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally 

recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher 

education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, 

Private institutions of higher education, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Small 

businesses, Special district governments, State governments, Other 

Other 

For purposes of this solicitation, “state” means any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the 

Northern Mariana Islands. 

To advance Executive Order 13929 Safe Policing for Safe Communities, the Attorney General determined that all 

state, local, and university or college law enforcement agencies must be certified by an approved independent 

credentialing body or have started the certification process, to be eligible for FY 2022 DOJ discretionary grant 

funding. To become certified, the law enforcement agency must meet two mandatory conditions: (1) the agency’s 

use-of-force policies adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and (2) the agency’s use-of-force 

policies prohibit chokeholds except in situations where use of deadly force is allowed by law. The certification 

Page 1 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
requirement also applies to law enforcement agencies receiving DOJ discretionary grant funding through a 

subaward. For detailed information on this certification requirement, please visit 

https://cops.usdoj.gov/SafePolicingEO to access the Standards for Certification on Safe Policing for Safe 

Communities, the Implementation Fact Sheet, and the List of Designated Independent Credentialing Bodies. 

Foreign governments, foreign organizations, and foreign colleges and universities are not eligible to apply. 

Federal agencies are eligible to apply. (Any award made to a federal agency will be made as an inter-agency 

reimbursable agreement.) Applicants must be, or be partnered with, publicly funded forensic science laboratories 

that are currently accredited by an independent accrediting or certifying forensic science organization. Publicly 

funded forensic science laboratories include state, regional, county, municipal, and tribal agencies. 

All recipients and subrecipients (including any for-profit organization) must forgo any profit or management fee. 

NIJ will consider applications under which two or more entities would carry out the federal award; however, only 

one entity may be the applicant. Any others must be proposed as subrecipients (subgrantees). For additional 

information on subawards, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

NIJ may elect to fund applications submitted under this FY 2022 solicitation in future fiscal years, dependent on, 

among other considerations, the merit of the applications and the availability of appropriations. 

Contact Information 

For technical assistance with submitting the Application for Federal Assistance standard form (SF)-424 and a 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form (SF-LLL) in Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline 

at 800-518-4726, 606-545-5035, Grants.gov Customer Support, or support@grants.gov. The Grants.gov 

Support Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on federal holidays. 

For technical assistance with submitting the full application in DOJ's Justice Grants System (JustGrants), contact 

the JustGrants Service Desk at 833-872-5175 or JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov. The JustGrants Service Desk 

operates 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. eastern time Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and Federal 

holidays. 

For assistance with any other requirements of this solicitation, contact the OJP Response Center by telephone at 

800-851-3420 or TTY: 301-240-6310 (hearing impaired only), or by email at grants@ncjrs.gov. The OJP 

Response Center hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., eastern time Monday–Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 

8:00 p.m. on the solicitation closing date. 

Submission Information 

Applications will be submitted to DOJ in two steps: 

Step 1: The applicant must submit by the Grants.gov deadline the required Application for Federal Assistance 

standard form (SF)-424 and a Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) form when they register in Grants.gov 

at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. 

Beginning April 4, 2022, the Federal government will cease using the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) 

number to uniquely identify entities. At that point, entities doing business with the Federal government will use a 

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) created in SAM.gov. If your entity is currently registered in SAM.gov, your UEI has 

already been assigned and is viewable in SAM.gov. This includes inactive registrations. If you are a new entity 

registering in SAM.gov, you will continue to register in SAM.gov using the DUNS number assigned by Dun and 

Bradstreet (D&B) until April 4, 2022. Upon completing your registration in SAM.gov, you will be assigned a UEI. 

For additional information, see the Unique Entity Identifier Update and the OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide. 

IMPORTANT: Grants.gov will transition to UEI at 11:59 p.m. eastern time (ET) on March 31, 2022. 

To support this transition, DOJ will update all posted Grants.gov funding opportunity packages to reflect the use 

of UEI. 

All entities applying for DOJ funding opportunities that have a Grants.gov close date after March 31, 2022, must 

Page 2 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
take one of the following actions:

 1) Complete and submit the SF-424 and SF-LLL no later than March 30, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. ET. 

If the SF-424 is not completed and submitted by this time, any information contained in the SF-424 will 

be lost during the transition. 

If this occurs, applicants will need to re-enter their data in the new SF-424 form upon returning to 

Grants.gov on April 1, 2022.

 2) Wait until April 1, 2022, to begin and submit the Grants.gov application. 

Step 2: The applicant must then submit the full application, including attachments, in JustGrants at 

JustGrants.usdoj.gov. To be considered timely, the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by the 

JustGrants application deadline. OJP encourages applicants to review the “How to Apply” section in the OJP 

Grant Application Resource Guide and the JustGrants website for more information, resources, and training. 

Page 3 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Contents 

Contact Information 2 

Page 4 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 

Program Description 6 

Overview 6 

Statutory Authority 6 

Specific Information 6 

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 7 

Evidence-Based Programs or Practices 9 

Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities 9 

Federal Award Information 9 

Awards, Amounts and Durations 9 

Continuation Funding Intent 9 

Availability of Funds 9 

Types of Awards 9 

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls 9 

Budget Information 9 

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 10 

Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 10 

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: Waiver 10 

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs 10 

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 10 

Maximum Dollar Amount for each Award 10 

Period of Performance Duration 11 

Eligibility Information 11 

Application and Submission Information 11 

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) 11 

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) 11 

Proposal Abstract 11 

Proposal Narrative 12 

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 15 

Budget and Associated Documentation 15 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) 15 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 15 

Financial Management Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status) 15 

Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation 15 

Additional Application Components 16 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 16 

Tribal Authorizing Resolution 16 

Timeline Form 16 

Letters of Support 16 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 16 

Bibliography/reference 16 

Any tools/instruments, questionnaires, tables/chart/graphs, or maps 16 

List of Individuals in the Application 16 

Human Subjects Protection 16 

Privacy Certificate 17 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends 17 

Proof of Forensic Laboratory Accreditation 17 
Consortium/Contractual Arrangements 17 

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility 

Potential Environmental Impact Coversheet and Checklist – National Environmental Policy Act 

Data Archiving Plan 17 

Disclosures and Assurances 17 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 17 

DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 18 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 18 

Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements 18 

Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High Risk Grantees (if applicable) 18 

(NEPA) 18 

How to Apply 18 

Submission Dates and Time 18 

Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues 19 

Application Review Information 19 

Review Criteria 19 

Review Process 21 

Federal Award Administration Information 22 

Federal Award Notices 22 

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 22 

Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses 22 

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements 22 

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 22 

Other Information 22 

Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 552a) 22 

Provide Feedback to OJP 22 

Performance Measures 22 

Application Checklist 24 

Page 5 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Program Description 

Overview 

OJP is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and racial equity, increases access to justice, 

supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthens community safety and 

protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the 

community. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is authorized to conduct or authorize multiyear and short-term 

research and development concerning the criminal justice system and related aspects of the civil justice systems. 

With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for rigorous research and evaluation projects that will: 

1. Identify and inform the forensic community of best practices through the evaluation of existing laboratory 

protocols; and/or 

2. Have a direct and immediate impact on laboratory efficiency and assist in making laboratory policy 

decisions. 

The intent of this program is to direct the findings of this research and evaluation toward the identification of the 

most efficient, accurate, reliable, and cost-effective methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of 

physical evidence for criminal justice purposes. Projects should address the challenges and needs of the forensic 

science community, including, but not limited to, the operational needs discussed at the 2020 and 2021 TWG 

meetings, which may be found on NIJ.ojp.gov. NIJ’s Forensic Science Technology Working Group (TWG) assists 

in identifying and prioritizing operational needs and requirements of the field, which are intended to facilitate 

proposal development. Additional research needs of the forensic science community can be found at the 

Organization of Scientific Area Committees website. 

Applications proposing research involving partnerships with criminal justice or other agencies, should include a 

strong letter of support, signed by an appropriate decision-making authority from each proposed, partnering 

agency. A letter of support should include the partnering agency’s acknowledgement that de-identified data 

derived from, provided to, or obtained through this project will be archived by the grant recipient in accordance 

with their data archiving plan (see Data Archiving Plan under “Application and Submission Information”). If 

selected for award, grantees will be expected to have a formal agreement in place with partnering agencies by 

January 1, 2023. That formal agreement must include a provision to meet the data archiving requirements of the 

award. 

In the case of partnerships that will involve the use of federal award funds by multiple partnering agencies to 

carry out the proposed project, only one entity/partnering agency may be the applicant (as is the case with any 

application submitted in response to this solicitation); any others must be proposed as subrecipients. 

Statutory Authority 

Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2022 (Pub. L. No. 117-103, 136 Stat. 49, 126) 

Specific Information 

This solicitation seeks applications for research and evaluation studies to produce practical knowledge that has the 

potential to improve the examination and interpretation of physical evidence in forensic science laboratories. 

Proposals are expected to identify the forensic science discipline(s) intended to benefit from the project. The forensic 

science discipline(s) should be listed in the key words on the title page. Some of the forensic science disciplines are listed 

below. 

DNA and forensic biology (https://strbase-b.nist.gov/, http://www.swgdam.org, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/biologydna-scientific-areacommittee). 

Forensic crime scene analysis (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/crime-scenedeath-investigationscientific-area-committee, https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensicscience/crime-scene-investigation). 

Page 6 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Forensic anthropology and forensic odontology (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/anthropologysubcommittee, https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/odontology-subcommittee). 

Bloodstain pattern analysis (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/bloodstain-pattern-analysis-subcommittee). 

Seized drugs (http://www.swgdrug.org, https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/seized-drugs-subcommittee). 

Fire debris analysis and arson scene investigations (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/fire-and-explosioninvestigation-subcommittee, https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/fire-debris-and-explosives-subcommittee). 

Firearms and toolmarks identification (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/firearms-and-toolmarkssubcommittee). 

Latent print (https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/friction-ridgesubcommittee). 

Shoeprint/tire tread examination (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/footwear-and-tire-subcommittee). 

Questioned documents (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/forensic-document-examination-subcommittee) 

. 

Trace evidence (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/sac-chemistryinstrumental-analysis, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/materials-trace-subcommittee). 

Forensic toxicology (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/toxicology-subcommittee). 

Medicolegal death investigations, including forensic pathology (http://www.swgmdi.org, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/crime-scenedeath-investigation-scientific-area-committee, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/medicolegal-death-investigation-subcommittee). 

Digital/multimedia evidence (https://www.swgde.org/, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/digitalmultimedia-scientific-area-committee). 

Wildlife forensics (https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/wildlifeforensics-subcommittee). 

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 

Goals and Objectives 

NIJ’s Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in Publicly Funded 

Forensic Laboratories program is intended to meet the following goals and objectives. Proposals should address 

at least one of the goals specified below: 

1. Assessing Existing Laboratory Protocols – Improve the understanding of scientific rationale underpinning 

existing laboratory processes. 

To achieve this goal, applicants should perform research and evaluation of existing laboratory schemes and 

methods to determine possible improvements. Examples of such projects include: 

Evaluation of minimum acceptance criteria of analytical data, such as mass spectra, generated in 

case samples. 

Evaluation of accuracy gained from additional orthogonal testing of controlled substance samples. 

Evaluation of the effectiveness of a blind verification program for technical reviews. 

Evaluation of implementation of software and statistical methods used for the interpretation of DNA 

mixtures. 

2. Evaluating Emerging Methods – Assess the value of emerging laboratory processes. 

To achieve this goal, applicants should conduct research to compare emerging methods to those currently 

used to accomplish the same purpose in publicly funded forensic laboratories. These evaluations should 

consider factors such as accuracy, reliability, cost, and analysis time. Examples of such projects include: 

Comparison of a newly developed comprehensive method to existing multi-step method(s). 

Page 7 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Comparison of methodology or instrumentation new to the laboratory or field to instrumentation that is 

currently used in the laboratory in order to investigate relative form factors such as accuracy, 

reliability, cost, analysis time, etc. 

Proposals should employ a scientific approach to determine how to assess the testing and processing of physical 

evidence. These approaches should take into consideration general variables, such as accuracy, reliability, costeffectiveness, and efficiency, and make clear which of these aspects may need improvement. Every effort should 

be made to validate the research using actual casework samples. If this is not possible, applications should 

describe barriers preventing the use of casework samples and detailed methodology for creating realistic proxy 

samples. 

NIJ also strongly encourages applicants to seek guidance from a statistician in order to ensure that rigorous 

testing measures are employed. Areas that may benefit from a statistician include, but are not limited to, research 

design (e.g., experimental design, planning sample size or sampling designs, designing data collection methods), 

selection and application of appropriate statistical methods, and how to use software to perform data analyses. 

Such associations foster a greater understanding of the testing and validation issues unique to the field of 

forensic science, and may strengthen the scope of the proposed application. 

Information on this program (including previously funded projects) can be found at: 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/forensics/research-and-evaluation-publicly-funded-forensic-laboratories. 

In order to foster collaboration between emerging forensic science researchers and forensic science laboratories, 

as well as to ensure the direct applicability of the results of this research to lab practice, non-publicly funded 

laboratory applicants must demonstrate a partnership with an appropriate lab. 

To assist researchers in identifying appropriate practitioner collaborators, NIJ has developed a site for labs to 

indicate their interest in participating in research. Interested labs and researchers are encouraged to visit 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/connecting-researchers-publicly-funded-forensic-laboratories for more 

information. 

Deliverables 

Technical Summary. Any recipient of an award under this solicitation will be expected to submit a technical 

summary. Additional information on the technical summary requirement for the solicitation is posted on NIJ’s 

webpage. Additionally, grantees under this solicitation will be expected to include all methods, standard operating 

procedures (SOPs), and validation summaries resulting from these awards in an appendix of the technical 

summary, or indicate where these items are publicly available. All such summaries, SOPs, and methods 

produced as a result of each award under this solicitation may be made publicly available by NIJ. 

Required Data Sets and Associated Files and Documentation. Any recipient of an award under this solicitation 

will be expected to submit all data sets in accordance with their data archiving plan (see Data Archiving Plan 

under “Application and Submission Information”) that result in whole or in part from the work funded by the 

award, along with associated files and any documentation necessary for others to reproduce the project’s 

findings and/or to extend the scientific value of the data set through secondary analysis. 

In addition to these deliverables (and the required reports and data on performance measures), NIJ expects 

scholarly products to result from each award under this solicitation, taking the form of one or more published, 

peer-reviewed, scientific journal articles, and/or (if appropriate) law review journal articles, book chapter(s) or 

book(s) in the academic press, technological prototypes, patented inventions, or similar scientific products. NIJ 

expects that there will be an equal effort to make the research findings accessible to practitioner and policymaker 

audiences. Some projects may be chosen for technology evaluation or technology transition activities. More 

information, including examples of previous workshops and evaluations, can be found through the following link: 

http://www.forensiccoe.org. 

The Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables are directly related to the performance measures that show the 

completed work’s results, as discussed in the Application and Submission Information section. 

Page 8 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Evidence-Based Programs or Practices 

OJP strongly encourages the use of data and evidence in policymaking and program development for criminal 

justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. For additional information and resources on evidence-based 

programs or practices, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities 

OJP may conduct or support an evaluation of the programs and activities funded under this solicitation. For 

additional information see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide section entitled “Information Regarding 

Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities.” 

Federal Award Information 

Solicitation Categories 

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories. 

Awards, Amounts and Durations 

Anticipated Number of Awards Period of Performance Start Date 

10 1/1/23 12:00 AM 

Period of Performance Duration (Months) Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under 

60 Solicitation 

$1,500,000.00 

Additional Information 

Please see Maximum Dollar Amount for each Award, 

and Period of Performance Duration sections below. 

Continuation Funding Intent 

NIJ may, in certain cases, provide additional funding in future years to awards made under this solicitation, 

through continuation awards. NIJ will consider, among other factors, NIJ’s strategic priorities, a recipient’s overall 

management of the award, and the award-funded work’s progress, when making continuation award decisions. 

Availability of Funds 

This solicitation, and awards (if any are made) under this solicitation, are subject to the availability of appropriated 

funds and to any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by the agency or by law. In 

addition, nothing in this solicitation is intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or 

procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or 

entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. 

Types of Awards 

NIJ expects to make awards under this solicitation as grants. See the “Administrative, National Policy, and Other 

Legal Requirements” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for a brief discussion of important 

statutes, regulations, and award conditions that apply to many (or in some cases, all) OJP grants). 

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls 

Award recipients and subrecipients (including recipients or subrecipients that are pass-through entities) must, as 

described in the Part 200 Uniform Requirements as set out at 2 C.F.R. 200.303, comply with standards for 

financial and program management. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

Budget Information 

If the applicant is proposing a project that reasonably could be conducted in discrete phases, with each phase 

resulting in completion of one or more significant, defined milestones, then NIJ strongly recommends that the 

applicant structure the application — specifically including the narrative, expected scholarly products, 

Page 9 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
timelines/milestones, and budget worksheet and budget narrative — to clearly define each phase. (This is 

particularly the case if the applicant proposes a project that will exceed — in cost or the length of the period of 

performance — the amount or length of time anticipated for an individual award (or awards) under this 

solicitation.) Given limitations on the availability to NIJ of funds for awards for research, development, and 

evaluation, this information will assist NIJ in considering whether partial funding of applications would be 

productive. (If, in FY 2022, NIJ elects to fund only certain phases of a proposed project, the expected scholarly 

products from the partial-funding award may, in some cases, vary from those described above.) 

NIJ may elect to fund applications submitted under this FY 2022 solicitation in future fiscal years, dependent on, 

among other considerations, the merit of the applications and on the availability of appropriations. 

What will not be funded: 

Applications primarily to purchase equipment, materials, or supplies, or to contract or purchase training, 

validation, or other services that will complete the majority of the proposed research project. (A budget may 

include these items if they are necessary to conduct research, development, demonstration, evaluation, or 

analysis.) Proposals that include equipment purchases should include a discussion of how federally-funded 

equipment is proposed to be used after the funded work has been completed and/or the project period has 

ended. Note that OJP may issue specific equipment disposition instructions in appropriate circumstances. 

Applications that are not responsive to the purposes of this specific solicitation. This includes: 

Proposals that do not contain a research component. 

Proposals that do not propose assessing current lab processes, evaluating an emerging method or 

instrument, or otherwise do not respond to the specific goals of this solicitation. 

Proposals that do not clearly address criminal justice concerns in the United States. 

Work that will be funded under another specific solicitation. 

Proposals with the sole purpose of processing or analyzing casework samples. 

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 

See “Cofunding” paragraph under item “Budget and Associated Documentation” in the “Application and 

Submission Information” section. 

Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Preaward Costs). 

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: Waiver 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on the Limitation on Use of Award Funds for 

Employee Compensation; Waiver. 

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of 

Conference/Meeting/Training Costs. 

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on Costs Associated with Language Assistance. 

Maximum Dollar Amount for each Award 

The average FY2021 NIJ grant award amount under this solicitation was approximately $270,000; however, NIJ 

grant awards typically range from $100,000 to $1 million. Applicants are encouraged to propose budgets that 

match the research activities proposed. 

Page 10 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Period of Performance Duration 

To be determined by the period of performance of awarded applications. Successful applicants will be expected 

to complete the work proposed within a five-year period of performance. 

Eligibility Information 

For eligibility information, see the solicitation cover page. 

For information on cost sharing or match requirements, see the “Federal Award Information” section. 

Application and Submission Information 

Content of Application Submission 

The following application elements must be included in the application to meet the basic minimum requirements 

to advance to peer review and receive consideration for funding: 

Proposal Narrative 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) (The web-based form includes the 

budget details and the budget narrative.) 

Curriculum Vitae/Resumes for Key Personnel. (For purposes of this solicitation, “key personnel” 

means the principal investigator, all co-principal investigators, and other significant contributors.) 

Proof of Forensic Laboratory Accreditation for the involved publicly funded forensic laboratory. 

See the “Application Elements and Formatting Instructions” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide 

for information on what happens to an application that does not contain all the specified elements or is 

nonresponsive to the scope of the solicitation. 

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) 

The SF-424 must be submitted in Grants.gov. The SF-424 is a required standard form used as a cover sheet for 

submission of pre-applications, applications, and related information. See the OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide for additional information on completing the SF-424. 

In Section 8.F. of the SF-424, please include the name and contact information of the individual who will 

complete the application in JustGrants. JustGrants will use this information (email address) to assign the 

application to this user in JustGrants. 

Intergovernmental Review: This solicitation (“funding opportunity”) is not subject to Executive Order 12372. (In 

completing the SF-424, an applicant is to answer question 19 by selecting the response that the “Program is not 

covered by E.O. 12372.”) 

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) 

The Standard Applicant Information section of the JustGrants application is pre-populated with the SF-424 data 

submitted in Grants.gov. The applicant will need to review the Standard Applicant Information in JustGrants and 

make edits as needed. Within this section, the applicant will need to: add zip codes for areas affected by the 

project, confirm its Authorized Representative, and verify and confirm the organization’s unique entity identifier, 

legal name, and address. 

Proposal Abstract 

The proposal abstract is a very important part of the application, and serves as an introduction to the proposed 

project. NIJ uses the proposal abstract for a number of purposes, including assignment of the application to an 

appropriate review panel. If the application is funded, the proposal abstract typically will become public 

information and be used to describe the project. 

Page 11 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
A proposal abstract (no more than 400 words) summarizing the proposed project including the purpose of the 

project, primary activities, and expected outcomes, will be completed in the JustGrants web-based form. This 

abstract should be written in the third person and will be made publicly available on the OJP website if the project 

is awarded. 

Proposal Narrative 

The proposal narrative should be submitted as an attachment in JustGrants. The attached document should not 

exceed 18 pages, of which a minimum of nine (9) pages should be dedicated to Project Design and 

Implementation. If included in the main body of the proposal narrative, tables, charts, figures, and other 

illustrations count toward the 18-page limit for the narrative section. The proposal abstract, table of contents, 

appendices, and government forms do not count toward the 18-page limit. Pages should be numbered. If the 

proposal narrative fails to comply with these length restrictions, NIJ may consider such noncompliance in peer 

review and in final award decision. 

The following sections should be included as part of the proposal narrative: 

a. Title Page (not counted against the proposal narrative page limit) 

The title page should include: 

Project title. 

Submission date. 

Funding opportunity number. 

Principal Investigator (and any co-principal investigators). 

Unique author identifier (e.g., ORCID, ResearcherID, Scopus Author ID), if available. 

Key words, including forensic science focus areas. 

Contact information (that is, name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address) for both the applicant 

point of contact and the principal investigator. 

b. Resubmit Response (if applicable) (not counted against the proposal narrative page limit.) 

If an applicant is resubmitting an application previously submitted to NIJ, but not funded, the applicant should 

indicate this. A statement should be provided, no more than two pages, addressing: (1) the title, submission date, 

and NIJ-assigned application number of the previous application, and (2) a brief summary of revisions to the 

application, including responses to previous feedback received from NIJ. 

c. Table of Contents and Figures (not counted against the proposal narrative page limit) 

d. Main Body 

1. Statement of the Problem. 

The statement of the problem should address the need for research in this area. Applicants should discuss 

current gaps in data, research, and knowledge, including those for particular justice sectors, for certain 

populations, and to answer questions relevant to current policy and practice needs and public interests. It is 

not uncommon for multiple problems to exist simultaneously (for example, there may be a criminal justice 

problem affecting public safety, a current technical challenge/need identified by forensic practitioners, as 

well as a scientific/technology gap between the current state of the art and a desired solution) and 

applicants should discuss each of these clearly and justify the importance of the separate issues. As part of 

this discussion, applicants should present a review of previous literature and discuss previous research 

related to these problems. 

This section should also introduce the purpose, goals, and objectives of the proposed project. 

The statement of the problem should: 

Explain the importance of the problem or critical barrier to progress in the field proposed. 

Page 12 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Explain how the proposed project may improve forensic practice through scientific knowledge and/or 

technical capability. Describe how concepts, methods, technologies, or services that drive the forensic 

science field will be changed if the proposed aims are achieved. 

2. Project Design and Implementation. 

(This section should account for a minimum of nine (9) pages of the main body of the narrative.) Applicants 

should provide a detailed description of the strategies to implement this research project and address the 

research questions. Design elements should follow directly from the research project’s goals and objectives 

and address the program-specific information noted in the solicitation. Applicants should describe the 

research methodology and analysis plan in detail and demonstrate the validity and usefulness of the data 

they will collect. Applicants should consider the rigor and soundness of the methodology and analytical and 

technical approaches for the proposed research and address the feasibility of the proposed project and 

potential challenges or problems in carrying out the activities. 

This section should: 

State concisely the goals of the proposed research. 

Describe the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses to be used to accomplish the specific aims 

of the project. Describe the experimental design and methods proposed and how they will achieve 

robust and unbiased results. Include how the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted as well 

as any resource sharing plans, as appropriate. 

Power and Effect Size: Use power analyses to describe the range of effect sizes detectable by the 

study. Address relevant features of the analytic plan, such as the model(s) to be tested, the extent of 

multiple testing, and what significance level would be used for testing. Include all appropriate 

parameters. If the study design requires separate analysis of subject groups, provide power analyses 

for each category. If there is a plan to test for environment effects, address the power for detection of 

these effects. 

Data Analyses: Provide a thorough plan for data analyses. Include: analytical approaches to be used 

and their justification; plans for quality control analyses; methods to control for possible confounding 

effects; how false positive rates will be controlled in light of multiple testing; etc. If there is a plan to 

analyze the data obtained with earlier data, or to perform comparisons to determine success, describe 

your strategy for that process. 

3. Potential Impact. 

Applicants should describe the potential impact of the research and how it may inform or improve criminal 

or juvenile justice-related policy, practice, or theory in the United States. The applicant should include a 

discussion of the proposed dissemination plan to produce scholarly products and to make information 

available to broader interested audiences, such as criminal justice practitioners or policymakers. Awardees 

are encouraged to publish their research using open access options. Grant funds may be used for costs 

associated with open access publication. 

Applicants should: 

Summarize the expected outcome(s), including the impact that the results of the proposed research 

will exert on the discipline(s) involved. 

Explain the criminal justice significance of the proposed study. 

Explain how the application challenges and seeks to shift current forensic practice paradigms. 

4. Capabilities and Competencies. 

Page 13 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
This section should describe the experience and capabilities of the applicant organization, key staff, and 

any proposed subgrantees (including consultants) that the applicant will use to implement and manage this 

effort and the federal funds under this award, highlighting any previous experience implementing projects of 

similar scope, design, and magnitude. Applicants should address: 

Facilities & Other Resources: Describe how the scientific environment in which the research will be 

done contributes to the probability of success (e.g., institutional support, physical resources, and 

intellectual rapport). In describing the scientific environment in which the work will be done, discuss 

ways in which the proposed studies will benefit from unique features of the scientific environment or 

subject populations or will employ useful collaborative arrangements. If there are multiple performance 

sites, describe the resources available at each site. 

Equipment: List major items of equipment already available for this project and, if appropriate identify 

location and pertinent capabilities. 

Senior/Key Personnel Profile: Describe each senior/key personnel member’s role in the project and 

why the individual is well-suited for that role. The relevant factors may include: aspects of past 

training; previous experimental work on this specific topic or related topics; technical expertise; 

collaborators or scientific environment; and/or past performance in this or related fields. Senior/key 

personnel are defined as all individuals who contribute in a substantive, meaningful way to the 

scientific development or execution of the project, whether or not salaries are requested. Consultants 

should be included if they meet this definition. 

Principal Investigator (PI) Profile should be listed first. 

Senior/Key Personnel Profile: Any remaining senior/key personnel profiles should be listed in 

alphabetical order. Although alphabetical order is preferred, it is not required. However, be 

aware that these profiles will appear in the application in the order provided by the applicant. 

Therefore, peer reviewers will see them in the order presented. Those with a 

postdoctoral/postgraduate role should be included. 

Other Significant Contributors (OSCs): OSCs are those individuals who commit to contribute to 

the scientific development or execution of the project, but do not commit any specified 

measurable effort (i.e., person months) to the project. These individuals are typically identified at 

an effort level of “zero person months” or "as needed." Individuals with measurable effort may 

not be listed as Other Significant Contributors (OSCs). Consultants should be included if they 

meet the OSC definition. OSCs should be listed after all senior/key persons. 

Experience and capacity to work with the proposed data sources in the conduct of similar research 

efforts. 

Experience and capacity to design and implement rigorous research and data analysis projects. 

Experience producing and disseminating meaningful deliverables. 

Applicants should also outline the management plan and organization that connects to the goals and 

objectives of the project. 

5. Appendices (not counted against the proposal narrative page limit) include: 

The project management plan. 

If the application (including the budget) identifies any proposed non-competitive agreements that are 

or may be considered procurement "contracts" (rather than subawards), for purposes of federal grants 

administrative requirements, the applicant also must list the entities with which the applicant proposes 

to contract. 

List of other agencies, organizations, or funding sources to which this application has been submitted 

Page 14 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
           

(if applicable). 

Note: Applicants are not required to submit performance data with the application. Rather, performance measure 

information is included as an alert that successful applicants will be required to submit performance data as part 

of each award’s reporting requirements. 

OJP will require each successful applicant to submit regular performance data that show the completed work’s 

results. The performance data directly relate to the goals, objectives, and deliverables identified in the “Goals, 

Objectives, and Deliverables” discussion. 

A list of performance measure questions for this program can be found on page 23. 

Applicants can also visit OJP’s performance measurement page at www.ojp.gov/performance for an overview of 

performance measurement activities at OJP. 

NIJ will require award recipients to submit performance measure data in quarterly financial reports, semi-annual 

performance reports, and the technical summary. NIJ will provide further guidance on the post-award submission 

process, if selected for award. 

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 

Applicants will submit the project's goals, objectives, deliverables, and timelines in the JustGrants web-based 

form. 

Budget and Associated Documentation 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) 

The applicant will complete the JustGrants web-based budget form. See the OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide for additional information. NIJ encourages the budgeting of grant funds for open access publication costs. 

The following paragraph (on “Cofunding”) expressly modifies the “Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement” 

provisions in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. The applicant is to follow the guidance in the following 

paragraph instead of the guidance stated under the “Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement” heading in the OJP 

Grant Application Resource Guide. 

Cofunding: An award made by NIJ under this solicitation may account for up to 100 percent of the total cost of 

the project. The application should indicate whether it is feasible for the applicant to contribute cash, facilities, or 

services as non-federal support for the project. The application should identify generally any such contributions 

that the applicant expects to make and the proposed budget should indicate in detail which items, if any, will be 

supported with non-federal contributions. 

For additional match information, see the “Cost Sharing or Match Requirement” section under Federal Award 

Information. 

If a successful application proposes a voluntary match amount, and OJP approves the budget, the total match 

amount incorporated into the approved budget becomes mandatory and subject to audit. 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 

The applicant will submit its indirect cost rate agreement by uploading it as an attachment in JustGrants. See the 

OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

Financial Management Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status) 

The applicant will download the questionnaire, complete it, and submit it by uploading it as an attachment in 

JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for the link to the questionnaire and additional 

information. 

Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation 

Page 15 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
If applicable, the applicant will submit a description of the process used to determine executive compensation by 

uploading the document as an attachment in JustGrants. See the “Application Attachments” section of the OJP 

Grant Application Resource Guide for information. 

Additional Application Components 

Applicants will attach the additional requested documentation in JustGrants. 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 

Curriculum vitae or resume of the principal investigator and all co-principal investigators. In addition, curriculum 

vitae, resumes, or biographical sketches of all other individuals (regardless of “investigator” status) who will be 

significantly involved in substantive aspects of the proposed project (including, for example, individuals such as 

statisticians used to conduct proposed data analysis). NIJ encourages use of the SciENcv standard format 

biosketch (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sciencv/). Attach this information as a separate PDF file titled “CVs of 

Key Personnel.” 

Tribal Authorizing Resolution 

An application in response to this solicitation may require inclusion of tribal authorizing documentation as an 

attachment. If applicable, the applicant will submit the tribal authorizing documentation by uploading it as an 

attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on tribal authorizing 

resolutions. 

Timeline Form 

Proposed project timeline and expected milestones. 

Letters of Support 

Letters of cooperation/support or administrative agreements from organizations collaborating in the project, such 

as law enforcement and correctional agencies (if applicable). 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 

If an application proposes research (including research and development) and/or evaluation, the applicant must 

demonstrate research/evaluation independence and integrity, including appropriate safeguards, before it may 

receive award funds. The applicant will submit documentation of its research and evaluation independence and 

integrity by uploading it as an attachment in JustGrants. For additional information, see the OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide. 

Bibliography/reference 

Provide a bibliography of any references cited in the Proposal Narrative. 

Any tools/instruments, questionnaires, tables/chart/graphs, or maps 

Any questionnaires, tables/charts/graphs, or maps pertaining to the proposed project that are supplemental to 

such items included in the main body of the narrative. 

List of Individuals in the Application 

To assist OJP in assessing actual or apparent conflicts of interest (including such conflicts on the part of 

prospective reviewers of the application), provide a complete list of the individuals named or otherwise identified 

anywhere in the application (including in the budget or in any other attachment) who will or may work (or advise 

or consult) on the proposed research, development, or evaluation project. Applicants should use the “Proposed 

Project Staff, Affiliation, and Roles” form available on the NIJ webpage to prepare this list. 

Human Subjects Protection 

Human Subjects Protection paperwork as a separate attachment (documentation and forms related to 

Institutional Review Board [IRB] review). See https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/human-subjects-protection Note: Final 

Page 16 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
IRB approval is not required at the time an application is submitted. 

Privacy Certificate 

Privacy Certificate as a separate attachment (for further guidance go to https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/confidentialityand-privacy-protections and https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/model-privacy-certificate). 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends 

Applicants proposing to use incentives or stipends payments as part of their research project design, must submit 

an incentive or stipend approval request, as a separate document, according to the requirements set forth at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/participant-support-costs-and-incentives-social-science-research. 

Proof of Forensic Laboratory Accreditation 

Acceptable types of documentation of current accreditation include: an electronic (scanned) copy of the current 

accreditation certificate(s), a digital photograph of the current accreditation certificate(s), or a letter from the 

accrediting body that includes the certificate number. Additionally, if a certificate references another document 

that contains key information on the type or scope of the accreditation, provide a copy of that supplemental 

documentation. Independent accrediting or certifying organizations may include the American Society of Crime 

Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB), Forensic Quality Services (FQS), the 

American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), or other 

appropriate accrediting bodies. Applicants should list the name of their accrediting body in the key words on the 

title page. 

Consortium/Contractual Arrangements 

Explain the programmatic, fiscal, and administrative arrangements to be made between the applicant 

organization and the consortium organization(s). 

Data Archiving Plan 

Applicants should anticipate that NIJ will require, through special award conditions, that data sets resulting in 

whole or in part from projects funded under this solicitation be archived in accordance with the submitted plan as 

approved by NIJ. At a minimum, this plan should include submission of study-level information to the National 

Archive of Criminal Justice Data (NACJD) that links to a publicly available data posting location. 

Applications should include as an appendix a brief plan as a separate attachment — labeled “Data Archiving 

Plan” — to comply with data archiving requirements. The plan should provide details about proposed data 

management and archiving for all files and documentation necessary for others to reproduce the project’s 

findings. Pertinent files and documentation may include, among other things, qualitative and quantitative data 

produced, instrumentation and data collection forms, codebook(s), any specialized programming code necessary 

to reproduce all constructed measures and the original data analysis, description of necessary de-identification 

procedures, and (when required) a copy of the privacy certificate and informed consent protocols. 

The plan should be one or two pages in length and include the level of effort associated with meeting archiving 

requirements. 

Disclosures and Assurances 

The applicant will address the following disclosures and assurances. 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 

Complete and submit the SF-LLL in Grants.gov. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional 

information. 

Page 17 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 

Review and accept the DOJ Certified Standard Assurances in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide for additional information. 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 

Complete the JustGrants web-based Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items form. See the OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free 

Workplace Requirements 

Review and accept the DOJ Certified Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other 

Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; Law Enforcement and Community Policing in 

JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High Risk Grantees (if applicable) 

If applicable, submit the DOJ High Risk Disclosure and Justification as an attachment in JustGrants. A DOJ High 

Risk Grantee is an award recipient that has received a DOJ High Risk designation based on a documented 

history of unsatisfactory performance, financial instability, management system or other internal control 

deficiencies, or noncompliance with award terms and conditions on prior awards, or that is otherwise not 

responsible. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

Potential Environmental Impact Coversheet and Checklist – National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

Each applicant is to submit an NIJ Programmatic Coversheet and Checklist with its application to assist NIJ in 

assessing the potential environmental impacts of the activities proposed for funding by the applicant. Specifically, 

the applicant is expected to: 

Carefully read the Programmatic Environmental Assessment. 

Complete the Cover Sheet and the attached the Programmatic Checklist. 

Attach the completed documents to the grant application. 

The applicant should also submit a Cover Sheet and NIJ Programmatic Checklist for any organization identified in 

the Budget Worksheet that will receive grant funds through a sub-award or procurement contract to perform any 

of the following activities: new construction or renovations that change the basic prior use of a facility or 

significantly change the size; research and/or technology development that could be expected to have an effect 

on the environment; or implementation of programs involving the use of chemicals. For more information about 

NEPA and NIJ’s NEPA Process, please go to https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/national-environmental-policy-act-nepa. 

How to Apply 

Step 1: The applicant must submit the SF-424 and SF-LLL in Grants.gov at 

https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. 

Step 2: The applicant must then submit the full application, including attachments, in JustGrants in 

JustGrants.usdoj.gov. 

For additional information, see the “How to Apply” section in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide and the 

DOJ Application Submission Checklist. 

Submission Dates and Time 

The SF-424 and the SF-LLL must be submitted in Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on May 10, 2022. 

Page 18 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
(IMPORTANT: Please carefully review UEI Transition details under Step 1. of the Submission Information 

section above). 

The full application must be submitted in JustGrants by 8:59 p.m. eastern time on May 24, 2022. 

OJP urges applicants to submit their Grants.gov and JustGrants submissions prior to the due dates to allow 

sufficient time to correct errors and resubmit by the submission deadlines if a rejection notification is received. To 

be considered timely, the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by the JustGrants application 

deadline. 

Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues 

An applicant that experiences unforeseen SAM.gov, Grants.gov, or JustGrants technical issues beyond its 

control that prevent application submission by the deadline, must demonstrate all efforts in requesting technical 

support in order to submit an application by the deadline. Technical support is available via phone and email to 

the applicable SAM.gov, Grants.gov, or JustGrants support centers or service desks in which an applicant 

received a ticket number for resolution. If an applicant misses a deadline due to unforeseen technical difficulties, 

the applicant may request a waiver to submit an application after the deadline. Note: If an applicant does not 

submit all the required Grants.gov forms by the Grants.gov deadline, the applicant will not be able to proceed to 

the JustGrants portion of the application process. 

An applicant experiencing technical difficulties with the following systems must contact the associated support 

desk indicated below to report the technical issue and receive a tracking number: 

Grants.gov - contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline 

SAM.gov - contact the SAM Help Desk (Federal Service Desk) 

JustGrants - contact the JustGrants Support Desk at JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov or 833–872–5175 

An applicant requesting a waiver to submit a late application must document their request for technical 

assistance in an email to the OJP Response Center at grants@ncjrs.gov within 24 hours after the application 

deadline to request approval to submit its application after the deadline. If an applicant has technical issues with 

Grants.gov, the applicant must contact OJP Response Center within 24 hours of the Grants.gov deadline to 

request approval to submit after the deadline. However, waiver requests will not be reviewed until after the 

JustGrants deadline to allow time for all waivers to be submitted. Waiver requests to submit after the submission 

deadline must: 

Describe the technical difficulties experienced; 

Include a timeline of the applicant's submission efforts (e.g., what date and time did the error occur, what 

date and time was action taken to resolve the issue and resubmit; and what date and time did support 

representatives respond) 

Include an attachment(s) of the complete grant application and all required documentation and material; 

and 

Include the applicant's DUNS number (or Unique Entity Identifier if applying after April 4, 2022), any 

applicable SAM.gov tracking number(s), Grants.gov Help Desk, and JustGrants Support Desk Ticket 

Numbers. 

OJP will review each request for late submission and required supporting documentation and notify the applicant 

whether the request has been approved or denied. For more details on the waiver process, OJP encourages 

applicants to review the “Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues” section in the OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide. 

Application Review Information 

Review Criteria 

Page 19 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
    

Merit Review Criteria 

Applications that meet the basic minimum requirements will be evaluated by peer reviewers on how the proposed 

project/program addresses the following criteria: 

1. Statement of the Problem (15%) 

Demonstrated understanding of the need to determine and employ best processes for a procedure currently 

used by a forensic science field/discipline. 

Demonstrated awareness of the state of current protocols widely used by the forensic science community 

within the proposed forensic science discipline of the application. 

2. Project Design and Implementation (quality and technical merit) (40%). 

Soundness of methods and analytic and technical approach to addressing the stated aim(s) of the 

proposed project. The overall strategy, methodology, and analyses should be well-reasoned and 

appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the project. 

Feasibility of proposed project. Detailed description and justification of the sample type and sample size to 

be tested and approaches for data analysis are thorough and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of 

the project. 

Awareness of potential pitfalls of proposed project design and feasibility of proposed actions to minimize 

and/or mitigate them. 

Feasibility of completing the deliverables noted in the solicitation. 

3. Potential Impact (30%) 

Potential to determine and increase the awareness of best practices for the evaluation and interpretation of 

physical evidence for the forensic science community. 

Potential for significantly improved understanding of the scientific rationale underpinning existing laboratory 

processes. 

Potential for innovative solutions to protocols to increase the efficiency, accuracy, reliability or costeffectiveness for the analysis and interpretation of physical evidence. 

Strength and feasibility of the proposed dissemination plan to produce scholarly products (such as 

published, peer-reviewed, scientific journal articles, book chapter(s) or book(s) in the academic press, 

technological prototypes, patented inventions, databases, standards or similar scientific products) as well as 

make summary information available to broader interested audiences, such as forensic science criminal 

justice practitioners or policymakers. 

4. Capabilities and Competencies (capabilities, demonstrated productivity, and experience of the applicant 

organization and proposed project staff) (15%) 

Qualifications and experience of proposed project staff (that is, the principal investigator, all co-principal 

investigators, and all other individuals (and organizations) identified in the application (regardless of 

“investigator” status) who will be significantly involved in substantive aspects of the proposed project). 

Relationship between the capabilities/competencies of the proposed project staff (including the applicant 

organization) and the scope and methods of the proposed project. 

Strength of the scientific environment (e.g., laboratory support, equipment and other physical resources, or 

collaborative arrangements) in which the work will be done and its contribution to the probability of success. 

5. Budget (0%) 

In addition, peer reviewers will consider and may comment on the following additional items in the context of 

scientific and technical merit. 

Page 20 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Alignment of the proposed budget with proposed project activities. 

Total cost of the project relative to the perceived benefit (cost effectiveness). 

Appropriateness of the budget relative to the level of effort. 

Use of existing resources to conserve costs. 

Other Review Criteria 

Other important considerations for NIJ include geographic diversity, strategic priorities available funding, past 

performance, planned scholarly products, and the extent to which the Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative 

(Web-based form) accurately explain project costs that are reasonable, necessary, and otherwise allowable 

under federal law and applicable federal cost principles. 

Review Process 

Applications submitted under this solicitation that meet the basic minimum requirements, will be evaluated for 

technical merit by a peer review panel(s) in accordance with OJP peer review policy and procedures using the 

stated review criteria listed above. 

OJP screens applications to ensure they meet the basic minimum requirements prior to conducting the peer 

review. Although specific requirements may vary, the following are common requirements applicable to all OJP 

solicitations: 

The application must be submitted by an eligible type of applicant. 

The application must request funding within programmatic funding constraints (if applicable). 

The application must be responsive to the scope of the solicitation. 

The application must include all items necessary to meet the basic minimum requirements. 

The application, if submitted by an applicant that is a DOJ High Risk Grantee, or is designated “high 

risk” by a federal grant-making agency outside of DOJ, must not have been determined by the NIJ 

Director to pose a substantial risk of program implementation failure, based on 1) the applicant’s lack 

of sufficient progress in addressing required corrective actions necessary for removal of the DOJ 

High Risk Grantee (or non-DOJ high risk) designation, 2) the nature and severity of the issues 

leading to or accompanying the DOJ High Risk Grantee (or non-DOJ high risk) designation, and/or 

3) the applicant’s expected ability to manage grant funds and achieve grant goals and objectives. 

NIJ may use external peer reviewers, internal peer reviewers, or a combination, to assess applications on 

technical merit using the solicitation’s review criteria. An external peer reviewer is an expert in the subject matter 

of a given solicitation who is not a current DOJ employee. An internal reviewer is a current DOJ employee who is 

well-versed or has expertise in the subject matter of this solicitation. Peer reviewers’ ratings and any 

resulting recommendations are advisory only, although reviewer views are considered carefully. 

Pursuant to the Part 200 Uniform Requirements, before award decisions are made, OJP also reviews information 

related to the degree of risk posed by the applicant. Among other things to help assess whether an applicant with 

one or more prior federal awards has a satisfactory record with respect to performance, integrity, and business 

ethics, OJP checks whether the applicant is listed in SAM as excluded from receiving a federal award. 

In addition, if OJP anticipates that an award will exceed $250,000 in federal funds, OJP also must review and 

consider any information about the applicant that appears in the non-public segment of the integrity and 

performance system accessible through SAM (currently, the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity 

Information System, FAPIIS). 

Important note on FAPIIS: An applicant may review and comment on any information about itself that currently 

appears in FAPIIS and was entered by a federal awarding agency. OJP will consider such comments by the 

applicant, in addition to the other information in FAPIIS, in its assessment of the risk posed by the applicant. 

Page 21 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
All final award decisions will be made by Director of the National Institute of Justice, who may consider not only 

peer review ratings and NIJ recommendations, but also other factors as indicated in this section. 

Federal Award Administration Information 

Federal Award Notices 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on award notifications and instructions. 

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 

If selected for funding, in addition to implementing the funded project consistent with the OJP-approved 

application, the recipient must comply with all award conditions and all applicable requirements of federal statutes 

and regulations, including the applicable requirements referred to in the assurances and certifications executed in 

connection with award acceptance. For additional information on these legal requirements, see the 

“Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements” section in the OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide. 

Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses 

An application in response to this solicitation may require inclusion of information related to information 

technology security. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on information technology 

security. 

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements 

In addition to the deliverables described in the “Program Description” section, all award recipients under this 

solicitation will be required to submit certain reports and data. 

Required reports. Award recipients typically must submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance 

reports, final financial and performance reports, technical summary, and, if applicable, an annual audit report in 

accordance with the Part 200 Uniform Requirements or specific award conditions. Future awards and fund 

drawdowns may be withheld if reports are delinquent. (In appropriate cases, OJP may require additional reports.) 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information on specific post-award reporting 

requirements, including performance measure data. 

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 

For questions directed to the Federal Awarding Agency, see the OJP Response Center contact information on 

page 2. 

For contact information for Grants.gov and JustGrants, see page 2. 

Other Information 

Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 552a) 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 

U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 552a). 

Provide Feedback to OJP 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on how to provide feedback to OJP. 

Performance Measures 

Page 22 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Objective Performance Measure(s) Description Data Recipient Provides 

Conduct research in 

science, technology, 

engineering, and/or 

mathematics having 

clear implications for 

criminal or juvenile 

justice policy and 

practice in the 

United States. 

1. Quality of the research as 

demonstrated by the scholarly 

products that result, in whole 

or in part, from work funded 

under the NIJ award, such as 

published, peer-reviewed, 

scientific journal articles, 

and/or (as appropriate for the 

funded project) law review 

journal articles, book chapter 

(s) or book(s) in the academic 

press, technological 

prototypes, patented 

inventions, or similar scientific 

products. 

2. Relevance to the needs of 

the field as measured by 

whether the project’s 

substantive scope did not 

deviate from the funded 

project or any subsequent 

agency-approved 

modifications to the scope. 

3. Quality of management as 

measured by such factors as 

whether significant project 

milestones were achieved, 

reporting and other deadlines 

were met, and costs remained 

within approved limits. 

4. Number of technologies 

fielded as a result (in whole or 

in part) of work funded under 

the NIJ award. 

A technology is 

defined as a 

tool to include, 

for example, 

test methods, 

software, 

hardware, etc. 

A fielded 

technology is 

one that 

remains in use 

at the 

conclusion of 

the grant or 

agreement. 

1. Quarterly financial 

reports, semi-annual and 

final performance reports, 

and products of the work 

performed under the NIJ 

award (including, at 

minimum, a technical 

summary). If applicable, 

an annual audit report. 

2. List of citation(s) to all 

scholarly products that 

resulted, in whole or in 

part, from work funded 

under the NIJ award. 

3. If applicable, each data 

set that resulted, in whole 

or in part, from work 

funded under the NIJ 

award. 

4. Description of all 

technologies fielded as a 

result, in whole or in part, 

of work funded under the 

NIJ award. 

Page 23 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Application Checklist 

NIJ FY22 Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in Publicly 

Funded Forensic Laboratories 

This application checklist has been created as an aid in developing an application. The DOJ Application 

Submission Checklist is another resource. 

What an Applicant Must Do: 

Prior to registering in Grants.gov: 

Confirm your Entity’s System Award Management (SAM) Registration Information (see OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide) 

Acquire a SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): 

If applying before April 4, 2022, obtain or confirm your Data Universal Number System 

(DUNS) number at www.dnb.com. 

On April 4, 2022, the federal government will stop using DUNS and start using the new 

SAM UEI. 

To register in Grants.gov: 

Acquire an AOR and a Grants.gov username and password (see OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide) 

Acquire AOR confirmation from the E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) (see OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide) 

To find the funding opportunity: 

Search for the funding opportunity in Grants.gov using the opportunity number, Assistance Listing or keyword(s) 

Access the funding opportunity and application package (see Step 7 in the OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide) 

Sign up for Grants.gov email notifications (optional) (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Read Important Notice: Applying for Grants in Grants.gov 

Read OJP policy and guidance on conference approval, planning, and reporting available at 

ojp.gov/financialguide/DOJ/PostawardRequirements/chapter3.10a.htm (see OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide 

Overview of Post-Award Legal Requirements: 

Review the “Overview of Legal Requirements Generally Applicable to OJP Grants and Cooperative 

Agreements - FY 2022 Awards” in the OJP Funding Resource Center. 

Review Scope Requirement: 

The federal amount requested is within the allowable limit(s) of $1.5M. 

Review Eligibility Requirement: See cover page. 

~~~ 

Prepare to submit the Application for Federal Assistance standard form (SF)-424 and Disclosure of

Lobbying Activities form (SF-LLL) 

Review Information to complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) in Grants.gov 

Complete Standard Applicant Information (SF-424 information from Grants.gov) 

Submit the SF-424 and SF-LLL in Grants.gov 

After the SF-424 and SF-LLL submission in Grants.gov, receive Grants.gov email notifications that: 

Submission has been received in Grants.gov 

Submission has either been successfully validated or rejected with errors (see OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide) 

Page 24 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
If no Grants.gov receipt and validation, or error notifications are received: 

Contact OJP Response Center regarding technical difficulties (see OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide) 

Receive email notification to complete application in JustGrants: 

Proceed to complete application in JustGrants 

Content of Application Submission: Critical Application Elements 

The following items are critical application elements required to pass the basic minimum requirements review. If 

OJP determines that an application does not include the following elements, it will neither proceed to peer review, 

nor receive further consideration. 

Proposal Narrative 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (web-based form) 

Resumes/curriculum vitae of key personnel 

Proof of Forensic Laboratory Accreditation (critical element) 

~~~ 

Proposal Abstract 

Budget and Associated Documentation: 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (see OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide) 

Disclosure of Process related to Executive Compensation (see OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide) 

Additional Application Components: 

Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable) (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Request and Justification for Employee Compensation; Waiver (if applicable) (see OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide) 

Data Archiving Plan 

Bibliography/references 

Any tools/instruments, questionnaires, tables/charts/graphs, or maps pertaining to the proposed 

study that supplement those in the narrative 

List (to the extent known) of all proposed project staff members 

Proposed project timeline and expected milestones 

Human Subjects Protection Paperwork 

Privacy Certificate 

List of any previous and current NIJ awards to applicant organization and investigator(s) 

Letters of cooperation/support or administrative agreements from organizations collaborating in the 

project, or letters of intent to establish agreements (if applicable) 

Disclosures and Assurances: 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

DOJ Certified Standard Assurances (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; 

and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High Risk Grantees (if applicable) (see OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide) 

Page 25 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226 
Potential Environmental Impact Coversheet and Checklist – National Environmental Policy Act 

(NEPA) 

Submit application in JustGrants: 

Application has been successfully submitted in JustGrants 

If no JustGrants application submission, validation, or error notifications are received: 

Contact the JustGrants Service Desk at 833-872-5175 or JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov regarding technical difficulties. 

Page 26 of 26 

O-NIJ-2022-171226