OMB No. 1121-0329 

Expires  12/31/2023 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

NIJ FY 2023 Invited to Apply - University of Texas at 

Austin Developing More Effective Services and 

Programs for Victims of Mass Shootings 

Assistance Listing Number #  16.560 

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-NIJ-2023-171863 

Solicitation Release Date:     August 28, 2023 2:30 PM ET  

Application Grants.gov Deadline:    August 30, 2023 11:59 PM ET  

Application JustGrants Deadline:    September 05, 2023 8:59 PM ET 

Overview 

This solicitation provides funds to the University of Texas at Austin to complete the third 

phase of a program of research to identify and address the unfulfilled victim services and 

program needs of the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting and to apply the 

knowledge gained to better inform responses by officials in other communities to similar 

incidents in the future. This program furthers the Department’s mission by sponsoring 

research to provide objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to meet 

the challenges of crime and justice, particularly at the State and local levels. Specifically, 

in addressing the needs of the victims (survivors, families and community) of mass 

shootings. 

This solicitation incorporates guidance provided in the OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide which provides additional information for applicants to prepare and submit 

applications to OJP 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: 

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O-NIJ-2023-171863
Other 

Other 

The University of Texas at Austin is the only eligible applicant to this solicitation. 

Contact Information 

For assistance with requirements of this solicitation, contact George Tillery, Senior 

Researcher and Technical Advisor, by telephone at 202-598-7792, or by email at 

George.tillery@usdoj.gov. 

For additional assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact the OJP 

Response Center at 800-851-3420, 301-240-6310 (TTY for hearing-impaired callers 

only), or grants@ncjrs.gov. The OJP Response Center operates from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 

p.m. eastern time (ET) Monday–Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET on the solicitation 

close date. 

Submission Information 

Registration: Before submitting an application, all applicants must register with the 

System for Award Management (SAM). You must renew and validate your registration 

every 12 months. If you do not renew your SAM registration, it will expire. An expired 

registration can delay or prevent application submission in Grants.gov and 

JustGrants. Registration and renewal can take up to 10 business days to complete. 

Submission: Applications must be submitted to DOJ electronically through a two-step 

process via Grants.gov and JustGrants. 

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. Submit the SF-424 and SF-LLL as early as possible, but no 

later than 48 hours before the Grants.gov deadline. If an applicant fails to submit in 

Grants.gov, they will be unable to apply in JustGrants. 

For technical assistance with submitting the SF-424 and an 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. 

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

JustGrants at JustGrants.usdoj.gov by the JustGrants deadline. To be considered timely, 

the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by the JustGrants application 

deadline. 

For technical assistance with submitting the full application in JustGrants, contact the 

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

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JustGrants Service Desk operates 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday–Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 

p.m. ET on Saturday, Sunday, and Federal holidays. 

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. Applicants should maintain all receipts and confirmations received from 

SAM.gov, Grants.gov, JustGrants systems. 

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Contents 

Overview 

Contact Information 

Program Description 

1 

2 

7 

Overview 7 

Specific Information 7 

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables 9 

Evidence-Based Programs 10 

Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and 

Activities 

Waiver 

Training Costs 

(SF-424) in 

10 

Federal Award Information 10 

General Guidance for Federal Award 11 

Awards, Amounts and Durations 11 

Type of Award 11 

Financial Management and System Controls 11 

Budget Information 11 

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 11 

Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 11 

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: 11 

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/ 12 

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 12 

12 

12 

12 

Availability of Funds 

Eligibility Information 

Application and Submission Information 

Content of Application Submission 12 

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance 12 

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency 13 

Proposal Abstract 13 

Proposal Narrative 13 

Goal, Objective and Deliverables 15 

Budget and Associated Documentation 15 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (attachment) 15 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 15 

Employee Compensation Waiver 15 

Grants.gov 

Information) 

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Financial Management and System of Internal Controls 15 

Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status) 

Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation 16 

Documents 

Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Other Supportive 16 

Additional Application Components 16 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 16 

Timeline Form 16 

Letters of Support 17 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 17 

Bibliography/reference 17 

Any tools/instruments, questionnaires, tables/chart/graphs, or maps 17 

List of Individuals in the Application 17 

Human Subjects Protection 17 

Privacy Certificate 17 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends 18 

Disclosure and Assurances 18 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 18 

DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 18 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 18 

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and 18 

Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace 

Requirements; Law Enforcement and Community Policing 

Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High Risk Grantees (if18 

applicable) 

Requirements 

552a) 

How to Apply 19 

Submission Dates and Time 19 

Application Review Information 21 

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 22 

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 23 

Other Information 23 

Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 23 

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Provide Feedback to OJP 23 

Performance Measures 23 

Application Checklist 25 

Standard Solicitation Resources 28 

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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. 

With this solicitation, NIJ seeks a proposal from the University of Texas at Austin to 

complete the third phase of a program of research to identify the unfulfilled victim 

services and program needs of the victims of the Robb Elementary School shooting, to 

address those needs, and to apply the knowledge gained to better inform responses by 

officials in other communities to similar incidents in the future. 

Statutory Authority: Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, 

Pub. L. No. 90-351 (sections 201 and 202) (codified at 34 U.S.C. §§ 10121–10122); 34 

U.S.C. § 20105(b); and 28 U.S.C. § 530C. 

Specific Information 

This solicitation funds the following three tasks: 

1. Phase III Community Needs Assessment 

This community needs assessment project (Phases I, II, and III) aims to document the 

social well-being, mental health, and economic impact following the Robb Elementary 

School shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Phase I is complete. Phase II will be complete by 

October 2023 with support from other funding sources. This proposal will fund Phase III. 

The needs assessment goal for Phase III is to systematically document and understand 

ongoing needs, harms, obligations, and economic impacts for those directly and 

indirectly impacted by the Robb tragedy. Researchers will interview families directly 

impacted (families who lost loved ones or have loved ones who were injured), members 

of the Robb Elementary community (teachers, students, staff, residents of the 

neighborhood), and first responders. Phase III builds on the findings of Phases I and II, 

which included trauma-informed interviews with professionals (n25) and the community 

(n25) in Uvalde. 

Phase III Research Tasks: 

Conduct trauma-informed interviews with 12 – 25 family members directly 

impacted; 

Conduct trauma-informed interviews with 12 – 25 Robb community members; 

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Conduct trauma-informed interviews with 12 – 25 first responders; 

Interview protocol will focus on, but not limited to, needs, gaps in services, cultural 

competence, the role of historical, institutional and persistent harms, what worked 

and what has not worked. 

2. Evaluation of Online Resource Guide 

The Resource Guide includes information gathered about the available resources, 

eligibility, and accessibility. This information is currently available in print in English and 

Spanish, and by Summer 2023, it will be available online. In its current form, it is 

accessible to professionals but not in a format that is reader friendly or accessible to the 

general public. 

Research Tasks: 

Develop a system to regularly update the online resource guide; 

Develop a culturally relevant marketing and dissemination strategy. 

3. Evaluation of Best Practice Model for Navigator 

The May 24th shooting tragedy harmed the Uvalde community, as a whole, as groups, 

and as individuals. The scale of unmet needs was large. Despite the influx of services, 

families who lost loved ones, injured survivors, and the guardians of injured students 

have had immense challenges seeking and obtaining help. These challenges have 

persisted over the last year. 

The Navigator will support 40 directly affected victims and their families. 

Their role will be to: 

Assistance and support for clients to meet immediate, urgent needs (e.g., food, 

housing, utilities); 

Connect clients to social services and healthcare; 

Build trust; 

Facilitate communication across agencies and other community-based 

organizations; 

Support cultural competence and adaptation of services; 

Facilitate planning discussions with agencies on the model of a continuum of care 

for clients; 

Cooperate with agencies that have existing community trust, expertise, and have 

shown commitment to cultural inclusion, sensitivity, and respect. 

Research tasks: 

For formative evaluation, work with partner agencies to compare existing case 

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management models and logic models (goals, outcomes, impacts); 

Develop navigator job description, logic model, and implementation guidelines; 

Describe and define cultural competence for the role; 

Description of the process used to design and implement the program. 

Structured observations, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, 

and logs. 

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables 

Goals 

This solicitation seeks to provide objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and 

tools to better meet the program and service needs of the victims (survivors, families and 

community) of mass shootings. 

Objectives 

This solicitation has two overarching objectives (1) to identify and address the unfulfilled 

victim services and program needs of the victims of the Robb Elementary School 

shooting and to (2) to apply the knowledge gained to better inform responses by officials 

in other communities to similar incidents in the future. 

Deliverables 

Phase III Community Needs Assessment 

Produce and disseminate interim and final reports with recommendations; 

Produce and disseminate interim and final presentations to stakeholders, elected 

officials, funders, community-at-large, professional organizations; 

Provide regularly scheduled, trauma-informed project updates to the Uvalde 

community; 

all-invited forums, verbal or written dissemination through social media, 

newspaper, office hours, etc. 

agendas and anonymous meetings and researchers’ process notes as data 

sources. 

Produce a “Playbook”; 

A guide for officials on how to coordinate a culturally, competently, and 

trauma-informed response to mass shootings in a rural community. 

Produce a “Recovery Guide”; 

A trauma-informed guide for families and children to educate and support 

their recovery journeys. 

Producing peer- and peer-reviewed presentations and publications (journals, 

conferences, etc.). 

Resource Guide 

Produce an online website that is easily searchable and accessible by the Uvalde 

public; 

Produce a process evaluation report focused on the website’s utilization and 

usability, to access if it is trauma-informed and culturally grounded, and to make 

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necessary interventions mid-course as needed; 

Document process evaluation to inform and contribute to the Playbook. 

Interim report 

Final report 

Evaluation of Best Practice Model for Navigator 

Produce a best practice model report. 

Report will document the process, the cultural adaptation processes, identify 

and describe intervening events that may have affected implementation and 

outcomes. 

Integrate relevant portions of the best practice model report into the larger 

“Playbook.” 

Produce a lessons learned concept paper on how providers and officials can 

respond in a culturally competent way after mass violence tragedies in diverse 

communities. 

Interim report 

Final report 

Final Research Report. The applicant will be expected to submit a final research report. 

Additional information on the final research report requirement for the solicitation is 

posted on the Post Award Reporting Requirements Page on NIJ’s website. 

Required Data Sets and Associated Files and Documentation. The applicant under this 

solicitation will be expected to submit to the National Archive of Criminal Justice Data 

(NACJD) all data sets that result in whole or in part from the work funded by the award, 

along with associated files and any documentation necessary for future efforts by others 

to reproduce the project’s findings and/or to extend the scientific value of the data set 

through secondary analysis. 

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. 

Evidence-Based Programs 

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 and applicable documentation to be included in 

the application, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide section entitled 

“Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities.” 

Federal Award Information 

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General Guidance for Federal Award 

Anticipated Number of Awards: 1 

Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of awards: $1,000,000 

Period of performance start date: January 1, 2024 

Period of performance duration: 24 months 

Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under Solicitation: $1,000,000 

Solicitation Categories 

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories. 

Awards, Amounts and Durations 

Type of Award 

NIJ expects to make award under this solicitation as a grant. 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 Controls 

Award recipients and subrecipients (including recipients or subrecipients that are passthrough 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 

The applicant should identify within their budget which items, services, etc., will/would be 

covered by matching sources and explain what type of match will be provided. 

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 

This solicitation does not require a match. 

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 Pre-award Costs). 

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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. 

Availability of Funds 

This solicitation, and awards 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. 

Eligibility Information 

For eligibility information, see the solicitation cover page. 

For information on cost sharing or matching requirements, see the Federal Award 

Information section. 

All recipients and subrecipients (including any for-profit organization) must forgo any 

profit or management fee. 

Application and Submission Information 

Content of Application Submission 

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) in 

Grants.gov 

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The SF-424 must be submitted in Grants.gov. It 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 8F 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 prepopulated 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 their Authorized Organization Representative; and verify and confirm the 

organization’s unique entity identifier, legal name, and address. 

Proposal Abstract 

A Proposal Abstract (no more than 400 words) summarizing the proposed 

project—including its purpose, primary activities, expected outcomes, the service area, 

intended beneficiaries, and subrecipients (if known) — must be completed in the 

JustGrants web-based form. This abstract should be in paragraph form without bullets or 

tables, written in the third person, and exclude personally identifiable information.

 Abstracts will be made publicly available on the OJP and USASpending.gov websites if 

the project is awarded. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for an example 

of a proposal abstract. 

Proposal Narrative 

The Proposal Narrative should be submitted as an attachment in JustGrants. The 

attached document should be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point font; have no 

less than 1-inch margins; and should not exceed 30 numbered pages. Pages should be 

numbered and submitted as an attachment. If the proposal narrative fails to comply with 

these length restrictions, NIJ may negatively consider such noncompliance in final award 

decisions. 

The Proposal Narrative must include the following sections: 

Statement of the problem 

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Describe why this project/ these proposed activities are necessary (significance/ 

value) and/or address a need and include supporting information. 

Project Design and Implementation 

Describe the strategy to address the needs identified in the Description of the 

Issue/Statement of the Problem. List the proposed program activities and describe 

how they relate to the stated objectives. Activities are the specific actions to be 

undertaken to fulfill the program objectives and reach the program goal(s). Provide 

a detailed description of the method(s) to be used to carry out each activity. Provide 

a timetable indicating roughly when activities or program milestones are to be 

accomplished. 

Capabilities and Competencies 

Describe the capabilities and competencies to accomplish the goals and objectives 

of the project. 

Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s Performance 

Measures 

Describe the process for measuring project performance. Identify who will collect 

the data; who is responsible for performance measurements; and how the 

information will be used to guide and evaluate the impact of the project. Describe 

the process to accurately report data. 

Note: An applicant is not required to submit performance data with the application. 

Rather, performance measure information is included as a notification that award 

recipients will be required to submit performance data as part of each award’s 

reporting requirements. Some measures are presented as examples, while others 

are the exact measures that every recipient will be expected to address. 

OJP will require each award recipient 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. An applicant can visit OJP’s performance measurement page at 

www.ojp.gov/performance for an overview of performance measurement activities 

at OJP. 

Performance measures for this program/project can be found on page 23. 

NIJ will require award recipients to submit performance measure data and 

performance reports in JustGrants. NIJ will provide further guidance on the postaward submission process, at the time of award. 

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Note on Project Evaluations 

An applicant that proposes to use award funds through this solicitation to conduct project 

evaluations must follow the guidance in the “Note on Project Evaluations” section in the 

OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

Goal, Objective and Deliverables 

Applicant will submit the Phase III Community Needs Assessment, Evaluation of Online 

Resource Guide, and Evaluation of Best Practice Model for Navigator tasks goals, 

objectives, deliverables and timelines in the JustGrants Web-based form. The projected 

fiscal year and quarter the objectives and deliverables will be completed is also entered 

into the form. Please refer to the Application Submission Job Aid for step-by-step 

directions. 

Goals. The applicant should outline the project’s goals. 

Program Objectives. The applicant should explain how the program will accomplish its 

goals. Objectives are specific, quantifiable statements of the project’s desired results. 

They should be measurable and clearly linked to the goal. 

Deliverables. Project deliverables refer to outputs—tangible or intangible—that are 

submitted within the scope of a project. 

Budget and Associated Documentation 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (attachment) 

The applicant will complete the budget worksheet attachment and submit it by uploading 

it as an attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for 

additional information. 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 

If applicable, the applicant will upload their indirect cost rate agreement as an attachment 

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

Employee Compensation Waiver 

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

of Award Funds for Employee Compensation for Awards over $250,000; Waiver. 

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including 

applicant disclosure of high-risk status) 

The applicant will download the questionnaire, complete it, and upload it as an 

attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional 

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information and the link to the questionnaire. 

Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation 

If applicable, the applicant will upload a description of the process used to determine 

executive compensation as an attachment in JustGrants. See the “Application 

Attachments” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information. 

Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Other Supportive Documents 

Applicants should include for each named partner, a signed Memorandum of 

Understanding (MOU), Letter of Intent, or subcontract that confirms the partner’s 

agreement to support the project through commitments of staff time, space, services, or 

other project needs. For applications submitted from two or more entities, applicants are 

encouraged to develop and submit signed MOUs or signed Letters of Intent that provide 

a detailed description of how the agencies will work together to meet project 

requirements. 

Each MOU or Letter of Intent should include the following: (1) names of the organizations 

involved in the agreement; (2) scope of the direct service(s) and other work to be 

performed under the agreement; (3) duration of the agreement. Subcontracts, MOUs, or 

Letters of Intent should be submitted as one separate attachment to the application. 

Additional Application Components 

The applicant will attach the additional requested documentation in JustGrants. 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 

Timeline Form 

Letters of Support 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity 

Bibliography/References 

Any Tools/Instruments, Questionnaires, Tables/Charts/Graphs, or Maps 

List of Individuals in the Application 

Human Subjects Protection 

Privacy Certificate 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 

Provide resumes of key personnel. 

Timeline Form 

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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 upload documentation of its research and evaluation independence and 

integrity 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 tools/instruments, 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 

Applicant 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 IRB approval is not required at the time an 

application is submitted. 

Privacy Certificate 

Privacy Certificate as a separate file (for further guidance go to 

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https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/confidentiality-and-privacy-protections and https://nij.ojp.gov/ 

funding/model-privacy-certificate). 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends 

Applicants proposing to use incentives or stipend 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. 

Disclosure and Assurances 

The applicant will address the following disclosures and assurances. 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 

Complete and submit the SF-LLL in Grants.gov. Once the applicant submits in 

Grants.gov, this information will pre-pend into JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide for additional information. 

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; Law Enforcement 

and Community Policing 

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

Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; and 

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; 

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financial instability; management system or other internal control deficiencies; 

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

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

How to Apply 

Registration: Before submitting an application, all applicants must register with the 

System for Award Management (SAM). You must renew and validate your registration 

every 12 months. If you do not renew your SAM registration, it will expire. An expired 

registration can delay or prevent application submission in Grants.gov and JustGrants. 

Registration and renewal can take up to 10 business days to complete. 

Submission: Applications must be submitted to DOJ electronically through a two-step 

process via Grants.gov and JustGrants. 

Step 1: After registering with SAM, the applicant must submit the SF-424 and an SFLLL in Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html by the Grants.gov 

deadline. Submit the SF-424 and SF-LLL as early as possible, but no later than 48 

hours before the Grants.gov deadline. If an applicant fails to submit in Grants.gov, 

they will be unable to apply in JustGrants. 

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

JustGrants at JustGrants.usdoj.gov by the JustGrants deadline. 

Within 24 hours after receipt of confirmation emails from Grants.gov, the individual in 

Section 8F of the SF-424 will receive an email from DIAMD-NoReply@usdoj.gov with 

instructions on how to create a JustGrants account. Register the Entity Administrator and 

the Application Submitter with JustGrants as early as possible but no later than 48-72 

hours before the JustGrants deadline. Once registered in JustGrants, the Application 

Submitter will receive an emailed link to complete the rest of the application in 

JustGrants. The Entity Administrator also will need to log into JustGrants to review and 

invite the applicant’s Authorized Representative(s) before an application can be 

submitted. 

Submit the complete application package in JustGrants at least 24 – 48 hours prior to the 

JustGrants deadline. Some of the application components will be entered directly into 

JustGrants, and others will require uploading attached documents. Therefore, applicants 

will need to allow ample time before the JustGrants deadline to prepare each component. 

Applicants may save their progress in the system and revise the application as needed 

prior to hitting the Submit button at the end of the application in JustGrants. 

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

Resource Guide and the DOJ Application Submission Checklist. 

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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 August 30, 2023. 

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

September 5, 2023. 

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

due dates with sufficient time to correct any 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. 

Failure to begin the SAM.gov, Grants.gov, or JustGrants registration process in sufficient 

time (i.e., waiting until the date identified in this solicitation) is not an acceptable reason 

for late submission. 

Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues Preventing Submission of an 

Application 

OJP will only consider a request to submit an application after the deadline when the 

applicant can document that a technical issue with a government system prevented 

application submission. 

If an applicant misses a deadline due to unforeseen technical issues with SAM.gov, 

Grants.gov, or JustGrants, the applicant may request a waiver to submit an application 

after the deadline. However, the waiver request will not be considered unless it includes 

a tracking number generated when the applicant contacts the applicable service desks to 

report technical difficulties. Tracking numbers are generated automatically when an 

applicant emails the applicable service desks; and for this reason, applicants are 

encouraged to email the appropriate service desk, even if they also intend to call the 

service desk for phone support. Experiencing wait times for phone support does not 

relieve the applicant of the responsibility of getting a tracking number. 

An applicant experiencing technical difficulties must contact the associated service desk 

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

SAM.gov - contact the SAM Help Desk (Federal Service Desk), Monday – Friday 

from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET at 866-606-8220. 

Grants.gov - contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 

days a week, except on federal holidays, at 800-518-4726, 606-545-5035, or 

support@grants.gov. 

JustGrants - contact the JustGrants Service Desk at 

JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov or 833-872-5175, Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 

p.m. ET and Saturday, Sunday, and Federal holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

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If an applicant has technical issues with SAM.gov or Grants.gov, the applicant 

must contact the OJP Response Center at grants@ncjrs.gov within 24 hours of the 

Grants.gov deadline to request approval to submit after the deadline. 

If an applicant has technical issues with JustGrants that prevent application 

submission by the deadline, the applicant must contact the OJP Response Center at 

grants@ncjrs.gov within 24 hours of the JustGrants deadline to request approval 

to submit after the deadline. 

Waiver requests sent to the OJP Response Center must -

describe the technical difficulties experienced, 

include a timeline of the applicant's submission efforts (e.g., date and time the error 

occurred, date and time of actions taken to resolve the issue and resubmit; and 

date and time support representatives responded), 

include an attachment of the complete grant application and all the required 

documentation and materials, 

include the applicant's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and 

include any SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants Service Desk tracking numbers 

documenting the technical issue. 

OJP will review each waiver request and the required supporting documentation and 

notify the applicant whether the request for late submission has been approved or 

denied. An applicant who does not provide documentation of a technical issue or who 

does not submit a waiver request within the required time period will be 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 Process 

OJP reviews the application to make sure that the information presented is reasonable, 

understandable, measurable, achievable, and consistent with the solicitation. For invited 

applications, OJP reviews for consistency with the invitation letter and invited applicant 

guidance. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on the 

application review process. 

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). 

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Important note on FAPIIS: An applicant, at its option, 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. 

Final award decisions for research and statistics programs will be made by the Director 

of the National Institute of Justice. For purposes of this Guidance for Invited Applications, 

this “[final] award decisions” provision expressly modifies the “final award decisions” 

provision in the “Application Review Information” section of the OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide. 

Federal Award Administration Information 

Federal Award Notices 

Generally, award notifications are made by the end of the current Federal fiscal year, 

September 30th. 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. 

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, 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.) 

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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 OJP contact(s), and contact information for Grants.gov and JustGrants, see the 

solicitation cover page. 

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 

Objective Performance Measure(s) Data Recipient Provides 

Conduct trauma- 1. Relevance to the needs of 1. Quarterly financial 

informed research the field as measured by reports, semi-annual and 

in social and whether the project’s final progress reports, and 

behavioral substantive scope did not products of the work 

sciences having deviate from the funded performed under the NIJ 

clear implications project or any subsequent award (including, at 

for criminal justice agency-approved minimum, an interim and 

policy and practice modifications to the scope. final research report, and 

in the United mandatory reports to 

States.  2. 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/ 

Congress). 

If applicable, an annual 

audit report. 

2. List of citation(s) to all 

scholarly products that 

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O-NIJ-2023-171863 
or (as appropriate for the resulted in whole or in part 

funded project) law review from work funded under the 

journal articles, book chapter NIJ award. 

(s) or book(s) in the academic 

press, technological 3. If applicable, each data 

prototypes, patented set that resulted in whole or 

inventions, or similar scientific in part from work funded 

products. under the NIJ award. 

4. Description of all 

measured by such factors as 

3. Quality of management as technologies fielded as a 

whether significant project result (in whole or in part) of 

milestones were achieved, work funded under the NIJ 

reporting and other deadlines award. 

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. 

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O-NIJ-2023-171863 
Application Checklist 

NIJ FY 2023 Invited to Apply - University of Texas at Austin Developing More 

Effective Services and Programs for Victims of Mass Shootings 

This application checklist has been created as an aid in developing an application. For 

more information, reference the OJP Application Submission Steps in the OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide and the DOJ Application Submission Checklist. 

Pre-Application 

Before Registering in Grants.gov: 

Acquire or renew your Entity’s System Award Management (SAM) Registration 

Information (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Register in Grants.gov: 

Acquire an Authorized Organization Representative (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) 

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 https://www.ojp.gov/funding/financialguidedoj/iii-postawardrequirements#6g3y8 (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Review the Overview of Post-Award Legal Requirements: 

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

and Cooperative Agreements - FY 2023 Awards” in the OJP Funding Resource 

Center. 

Review Scope Requirement: 

The federal amount requested is within the allowable limit(s) of $1,000,000. 

Review Eligibility Requirement: 

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O-NIJ-2023-171863 
                              

Review the Eligibility section on the cover page and Eligibility Information section in 

the solicitation. 

~ ~ ~ ~ 

Application Step 1 

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

In Section 8F of the SF-424, include the name and contact information of the 

individual who will complete the application in JustGrants and the SF-LLL in

Grants.gov 

Within 48 hours after the SF-424 and SF-LLL submission in Grants.gov, receive four (4) Grants.gov email notifications: 

a submission receipt 

a validation receipt 

a grantor agency retrieval receipt 

an agency tracking number assignment 

If no Grants.gov receipt and validation email is received, or if error notifications are 

received: 

Contact NIJ or Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800-518-4726, 

606-545-5035, Grants.gov customer support, or support@grants.gov regarding 

technical difficulties (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Within 24 hours after receipt of confirmation emails from Grants.gov, the individual in 

Section 8F of the SF-424 will receive an email from JustGrants with login instructions. 

Proceed to Application Step 2 and complete application in JustGrants 

Application Step 2 

Submit the following information in JustGrants 

Application Components 

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

Proposal Abstract 

Proposal Narrative 

Budget and Associated Documentation 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (attachment) 

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) 

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O-NIJ-2023-171863 
Disclosure of Process related to Executive Compensation (see OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide 

Additional Application Components 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 

Timeline Form 

Letters of Support 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity (see OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide) 

Bibliography/References 

Any Tools/Instruments, Questionnaires, Tables/Charts/Graphs, or Maps 

List of Individuals in the Application 

Human Subjects Protection 

Privacy Certificate 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends 

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; Law Enforcement 

and Community Policing (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

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

(see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Review, Certify and Submit Application in JustGrants: 

Any validation errors will immediately display on screen after submission. 

Correct validation errors, if necessary, and then return to the “Certify and Submit” 

screen to submit the application. Access the Application Submission Validation 

Errors Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions to resolve errors prior to 

submission. 

Once the application is submitted and validated, a confirmation message will 

appear at the top of the page. Users will also receive a notification in the “bell” 

alerts confirming submission. 

If no JustGrants application submission confirmation email or validation is 

received, or if error notification is received: 

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

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O-NIJ-2023-171863 
regarding technical difficulties. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for 

additional information. 

Standard Solicitation Resources 

OJP Grant Application Resource Guide provides guidance to assist OJP grant applicants 

in preparing and submitting applications for OJP funding. 

DOJ Grants Financial Guide serves as the primary reference manual to assist award 

recipients in fulfilling their fiduciary responsibility to safeguard grant funds and to ensure 

funds are used for the purposes for which they were awarded. It compiles a variety of 

laws, rules and regulations that affect the financial and administrative management of 

DOJ awards. This guide serves as a starting point for all award recipients and 

subrecipients of DOJ grants and cooperative agreements in ensuring the effective dayto-day management of awards. 

JustGrants Resources Website is an entryway into information about JustGrants and the 

grants management system itself. Through this portal both award recipients and 

applicants can access training resource and user support options, find frequently asked 

questions and sign-up for the JustGrants Update e-newsletter. 

JustGrants Application Submission Training Page offers helpful information and 

resources on the application process. This training page includes e-learning videos, 

reference guides, checklists and other resources to help applicants complete an 

application. 

Virtual Q&A Sessions are advertised here and provide opportunities for users to receive 

topic-specific training, direct technical assistance and support on JustGrants system 

functionality. 

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