Notices regarding the solicitation “Research and Evaluation on 

Policing, Fiscal Year 2021” 

March 3, 2021: A separate project management plan is not required. However, the 

discussion of capabilities and competencies in the main body of the proposal narrative 

should outline the management plan and organization that connects the goals and 

objectives of the project.

February 1, 2021: NIJ has extended both deadlines for this solicitation to:

Grants.gov Deadline: March 31, 2021 11:59 PM

Application JustGrants Deadline: April 14, 2021 11:59 PM

January 15, 2021: The bold text below has been added under “Clarifications” on page 9.

“The recent median NIJ grant award amount is approximately $600,000. Applicants are 

encouraged to propose budgets that match the research activities proposed, which may be

more or less than the anticipated maximum dollar amount of awards Total Federal

Awards: NIJ anticipates making 1 – 6 awards.” 

The original solicitation document begins on the next page. 
OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires  11/30/2020 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

Research and Evaluation on Policing, Fiscal Year 2021 

Assistance Listing Number # 

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: 

Solicitation Release Date: 

Version: 

Grants.gov Deadline: 

Application JustGrants Deadline: 

16.560 

O-NIJ-2021-40004

December 17, 2020 2:30 PM 

5

March 31, 2021 11:59 PM , 

April 14, 2021 11:59 PM 

Overview 

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

Justice (NIJ), is seeking applications for funding for research projects to develop evidencebased knowledge in policing. This program furthers the Department’s mission by sponsoring 

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

challenges of policing, particularly at the state, local, and tribal levels. This project furthers the 

Department’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, Independent school districts, 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, Public housing 

authorities/Indian housing authorities, Small businesses, Special district governments, 

State governments, Other 

Other 

For purposes of this solicitation, the term “State” means any State of the United States, 

the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virginia Islands, Guam, 

American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. 

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.) 

Page 1 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004
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 2021 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 requirement 

also applies to law enforcement agencies receiving DOJ discretionary grant funding 

through a subaward. For detailed information on this new certification requirement, 

please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/SafePolicingEO to access the Standards for 

Certification on Safe Policing for Safe Communities, Implementation Fact Sheet, and 

List of Designated Independent Credentialing Bodies. 

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 2021 solicitation in future fiscal 

years, dependent on, among other considerations, the merit of the applications and on the 

availability of appropriations. 

Contact Information 

Agency Contact Description 

Name 

National Criminal Justice Reference Service Response Center 

Title 

Technical POC 

Phone 

800-851-3420 

Email 

grants@ncjrs.gov 

Information 

For technical assistance with submitting the SF-424 and SF-LLL in Grants.gov, contact the 

Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800-518-4726, 606-545-5035, at Grants.gov 

customer support webpage , or email at 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@u 

sdoj.gov. The JustGrants Service Desk operates 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST Monday - Friday and 9 

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

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

its control that prevent it from submitting its application by the deadline must email the Nation 

al Criminal Justice Reference Service Response Center (Response Center) at grants@ncjrs.g 

ov within 24 hours after the application deadline to request approval to submit its 

application after the deadline. 

For assistance with any other requirements of this solicitation, contact the Response Center 

by telephone at 800–851–3420 or TTY: 301–240–6310 (hearing impaired only) or by email at 

grants@ncjrs.gov. Response Center hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday 

Page 2 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004 
through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on the solicitation close date. 

Submission Information 

In FY 2021, applications will be submitted to DOJ in a NEW two-step process. 

Step 1: Applicants will submit an SF-424 and an SF-LLL in Grants.gov at https://www.grants. 

gov/web/grants/register.html. To register in Grants.gov, applicants will need to obtain a Data 

Universal Numbering System (DUNS) and System for Award Management (SAM) registration 

or renewal. 

Step 2: Applicants will submit the full application including attachments in JustGrants at Jus 

tGrants.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. 

Page 3 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004 
Contents 

Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 

Program Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Statutory Authority . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Specific Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

OJP Policy Priority Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Federal Award Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Awards, Amounts and Durations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Continuation Funding Intent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Availability of Funds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 

Budget Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 

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) . . . . . . . . . . .11 

Period of Performance Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 

Eligibility Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 

Content of Application Submission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency 

Are you going to require the applicant to submit the web-based budget 

Financial Management Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of 

Documentation of Anticipated Benefit to Qualified Opportunity Zones (if 

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

Information) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 

Proposal Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 

Proposal Narrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 

Budget and Associated Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 

detailed form? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) . . . . . . . . . .13 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

high-risk status) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

Additional Application Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

Tribal Authorizing Resolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

Timeline Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

Letters of Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

applicable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement . . . . . . .15 

Bibliography/reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 

Any tools/instruments, questionnaires, tables/chart/graphs, or maps . . . .15 

List of Individuals in the Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 

Page 4 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004 
Human Subjects Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 

Documentation of High-Poverty Areas or Persistent-Poverty Counties (if 

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and 

Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High Risk Grantees (if 

Privacy Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 

Documentation of Rural Challenges (if applicable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 

applicable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 

Data Archiving Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 

Consortium/Contractual Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 

Project Management Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 

Disclosures and Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 

DOJ Certified Standard Assurances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 

Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements . .17 

applicable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 

How to Apply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 

Submission Dates and Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 

Application Review Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 

Review Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 

Review Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 

Federal Award Administration Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 

Federal Award Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements . . . . . . . .20 

Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements .20 

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 

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

552a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 

Provide Feedback to OJP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 

Performance Measures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 

Application Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 

Endnotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 

Page 5 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004
Program Description 

Overview 

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

address (1) the impact of re-allocation of resources on police operations and functions; (2) 

police use of force and de-escalation tactics and strategies; and (3) tactics and strategies that 

strengthen police-community relationships. These contemporary issues in policing are also 

reflected in the strategic priorities and objectives identified in NIJ’s Policing Strategic 

Research Plan, 2017-2022.

[1]  Among other areas of interest, NIJ is interested in studies

examining the approaches that address the challenges of policing in rural communities. 

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 with the National Archive of Criminal 

Justice Data (NACJD) at the conclusion of the award. Applicants and their potential partners 

are encouraged to review the NACJD’s policies and protections at ( NACJD). If selected for 

award, grantees will be expected to have a formal agreement in place with partnering 

agencies by January 1, 2022. 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 

Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (sections 201 and 

202). 

Specific Information 

Recent contacts between the police and community residents in several jurisdictions have 

resulted in a number of mass demonstrations and discussions regarding the state of policing 

in the United States. A number of these highly publicized incidents have also prompted 

questions surrounding police use of force and whether training and other interventions are 

required to mitigate the need to use force in certain situations or de-escalate encounters 

before force is considered as an option.[2] Broader discussions have also resulted in calls for

improvements in police-community relationships, a reimagining of public safety, and a 

reallocation of funding from police agencies to other entities that may be better suited to 

address certain societal problems currently handled by the police.[3] 

In response to these events and discussions, this solicitation seeks proposals for funding 

research to address three policing topics noted in NIJ’s Policing Strategic Research Plan, 

2017-2022 relevant to State, local, or tribal criminal justice policy and practice: 

Re-Allocation of Resources on Police Operations and Functions. 

Police Use of Force and De-escalation Tactics and Strategies. 

Tactics and Strategies that Strengthen Police-Community Relationships. 

Successfully implemented RCTs have the greatest likelihood of providing comprehensive, 

reliable, and unbiased evidence to practitioners and policymakers seeking to implement 

effective interventions in their jurisdictions. However, applicants are expected to propose the 

most rigorous evaluation design appropriate for the research questions to be addressed. 

Findings from this research will assist State, local, and tribal police agencies as they seek 

better understand the factors that impact police operations and the communities they serve. 

Topic 1: Re-allocation of Resources on Police Operations and Functions 

Recent events have resulted in efforts to reimagine public safety in a number of jurisdictions 

by diverting resources away from police budgets to other government agencies.[4] NIJ is

interested in research that examines the impact of the reallocation of police resources on 

police operations and functions and crime. Areas of interest include an examination of the 

impact of decisions to reduce or divert policing funding for dealing with the mentally ill, 

homeless individuals, drug addiction, or law enforcement in school settings on police calls for 

service. Other outcomes of interest could include an examination of the impact of reductions 

Page 6 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004
in police funding on response times to calls for service and changes in crime rates. Potential 

questions of interest include: 

What are the overall goals and objectives of the diversion of police resources? 

What other governmental services will benefit from this diversion? 

What is the impact on public safety overall and fear of crime? 

How can police resources be optimized to achieve community goals? 

Topic 2: Police Use of Force and De-escalation Tactics and Strategies 

Although police use of force and de-escalation training has been widely seen as promising, 

few rigorous studies within criminology have examined its effectiveness.[5] Importantly, 

concerns exist as to whether such training can reduce use of force incidents without also 

compromising officer (or citizen) safety. For instance, use of force incidents may develop from 

situations that are highly contextual, stressful, or otherwise difficult to predict. Given that 

officers commonly engage in a variety of tactics to de-escalate encounters, research needs to 

determine whether specific training programs can further benefit police departments and the 

public.[6] For evaluating the impact of police use of force and de-escalation training, NIJ has a 

strong preference for evaluations using randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs. 

In addition, NIJ is interested in research that focuses on studies of the background skills, 

education, and experiences as well as recruitment, training and retention approaches needed 

to promote effective police practices surrounding police use of force and the use of de- escalation strategies. Other research could explore command staff decision-making around 

the use-of-force. Another potential line of research would be the information provided to 

responding officers as they address calls-for-service in police use of force situations. Potential 

questions of interest include: 

What is the impact of de-escalation training on officer behavior in the field compared to 

classroom attitudinal survey responses? 

What types of incidents or situations are most amendable to use of force training? 

How does use of force training affect citizen or officer perceptions of police encounters? 

What is the impact on citizen complaints? 

What is the impact of agency recruitment and retention strategies on officer deescalation and use-of-force decision-making? 

What is the impact of agency leadership on de-escalation and use-of-force decisionmaking? 

Do command staff priorities influence on-the-ground tactical decisions regarding use-offorce? 

What is the role of organizational culture in police use-of-force decision-making? 

What information was communicated to officers at the time of dispatch? How does this 

information impact the use-of-force cases and/or the officer interaction with civilians as 

they respond to the call? 

Topic 3: Tactics and Strategies that Strengthen Police-Community Relationships. 

NIJ is interested in research that examines how tactics and/or strategies deployed by police 

officers impact police-community relationships and/or citizen cooperation with the police. 

Other areas of interest could include an examination of the impact of community engagement 

strategies on the delivery of policing services, police legitimacy, and/or the community safety 

and fear of crime. For evaluating the impact of tactics and/or strategies intended to improve 

police-community relationships and/or citizen cooperation with the police, NIJ has a strong 

preference for evaluations using randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs. Potential research 

questions of interest include: 

How should police agencies address community relations in a period of mass 

demonstrations and/or civil unrest? 

What effective practices exist to maintain relationships after a highly publicized police 

use-of-force event? 

What strategies exist to optimize police legitimacy in high-crime neighborhoods? 

Why do some community members refuse to cooperate with the police, even though 

law enforcement is legitimately trying to serve and protect their community? 

What is the impact of police-community relationships on police service delivery? 

Does strengthening police-community relationships improve response time, clearance 

rates, and/or reduction in fear of crime? 

What is the impact of differing policing strategies and practices on police-community 

relationships? 

Page 7 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004 
Goals 

The ultimate goal of this solicitation is to provide evidence-based knowledge to inform 

development of strategies and practices that strengthen policing in the United States.   

Objectives 

The objective of this solicitation is to support rigorous research to examine: the impact of the 

reallocation of police resources on police operations and functions and crime; the 

effectiveness of police use of force and de-escalation tactics and strategies; and the impact of 

tactics and strategies on police-community relations. 

Deliverables 

Final Research Report. Any recipient of an award under this solicitation will be expected to 

submit a final research report. Additional information on the final research report requirement 

for the solicitation is posted on NIJ’s webpage. 

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

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. 

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. 

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

demonstrate the results of the work completed, as discussed under “Application and 

Submission Information.” 

OJP Policy Priority Areas 

In FY 2021 and in addition to executing any program specific prioritization that may be 

applicable, OJP will give priority consideration to applications as follows: 

Applications that address specific challenges that rural communities face. 

Applications that demonstrate that the individuals who are intended to benefit 

from the requested grant reside in high-poverty areas or persistent-poverty 

counties. 

Applications that offer enhancements to public safety in economically distressed 

communities (Qualified Opportunity Zones). 

To receive priority consideration under the rural priority, applicants must describe what makes 

the geographic service area rural (using U.S. Census or other appropriate government data; 

for assistance, applicants may wish to refer to https://www.census.gov/programssurveys/geography/guidance/geo-areas/urban-rural.html), how isolated the area is from 

needed services, and how they will address specific challenges in rural communities. 

To receive priority consideration under the poverty priority, the applicant must provide 

information to demonstrate that the individuals who are intended to benefit from the requested 

grant reside in high-poverty areas or persistent poverty counties. For purposes of this priority 

consideration, the term ‘‘high-poverty area’’ means any census tract with a poverty rate of 

at least 20 percent as measured by the 2013–2017 5-year data series available from the 

American Community Survey of the Census Bureau (applicants may search by census tract at 

https://www.census.gov/acs/www/data/data-tables-and-tools/narrative-profiles/2017/) and the 

term ‘‘persistent poverty counties’’ means any county that has had 20 percent or more of 

its population living in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the 1990 and 2000 

decennial censuses and the most recent Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates 

(applicants may search by county at https://www.census.gov/data/tables/timeseries/dec/census-poverty.html and at https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/saipe.html). 

Page 8 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004 
To receive priority consideration under the Qualified Opportunity Zones priority, applicants 

must include information that specifies how the project will enhance public safety in the 

specified QOZs. For resources on QOZs, and for a current list of designated QOZs, see the 

U.S. Department of the Treasury’s resource webpage, accessible at https://www.cdfifund.gov 

/pages/opportunity-zones.aspx. 

OJP policy priority consideration will consist of receiving additional points in the application 

scoring process. Receipt of priority consideration does not guarantee that an application will 

be funded; nor will the failure to receive priority consideration necessarily mean that an 

application will not be funded. 

Federal Award Information 

Awards, Amounts and Durations 

Anticipated Number of Awards 

6 

Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards 

$600,000.00 

Period of Performance Start Date 

1/1/22 12:00 AM 

Period of Performance Duration (Months) 

60 

Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under Solicitation 

$3,000,000.00 

Clarifications 

Maximum dollar amount for each award: The recent median NIJ grant award amount is 

approximately $600,000. Applicants are encouraged to propose budgets that match the 

research activities proposed, which may be more or less than the anticipated maximum 

dollar amount of awards Total Federal Awards: NIJ anticipates making 1 – 6 awards.

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 progress of awardfunded work, when making continuation-award decisions. 

Availability of Funds 

All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and to any modifications or additional 

requirements that may be imposed by law. 

Funding Instrument Type 

Grant 

Award Type 

Initial 

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O-NIJ-2021-40004
Is Match Required 

No 

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. The “Part 200 Uniform 

Requirements” means the DOJ regulation at 2 C.F.R. Part 2800, which adopts (with certain 

modifications) the provisions of 2 C.F.R. Part 200. See 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, timelines/milestones, and budget detail 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 2021, 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 2021 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. (A budget may 

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

demonstration, evaluation, or analysis.) 

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

Applicants are encouraged to propose budgets that match the research activities proposed. 

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 

See “Cofunding” paragraph under item 5 (“Budget and Associated Documentation”)  under 

“Content of Application Submission” in Application and Submission  Information. 

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

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

Pre-award Costs). 

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: 

Waiver 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide information on 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) 

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O-NIJ-2021-40004 
See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on Costs Associated with Language 

Assistance. 

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 additional eligibility information, see the title page. 

For information on cost sharing or match requirements, see the “Cofunding” paragraph under 

item 5 (“Budget and Associated Documentation”) under “Content of Application 

Submission” in Application and Submission Information. 

Content of Application Submission 

The following application elements MUST be included in the application submission for an 

application to meet the basic minimum requirements (BMR) to advance to peer review and 

receive consideration for funding: 

Program Narrative. 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (web-based form). 

Curriculum Vitae/Resumes for Key Personnel. (Curriculum Vitae for key personnel (For 

purposes of this solicitation, “key personnel” means the principal investigator, and any 

and all co-principal investigators.) 

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 that is nonresponsive to the scope of the solicitation. 

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance 

(SF-424) 

The SF-424 will 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. 

Intergovernmental Review: This solicitation (“funding opportunity”) is not subject to Executi 

ve 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. Applicants will need to review the Standard Applicant 

Information in JustGrants and make edits as needed. Within this section, applicants will need to: add 

zip codes for areas affected by the project; confirm their Authorized Representative; and verify the 

organization's legal name and address. 

Proposal Abstract 

A proposal abstract (no more than 400 words) summarizing the proposed project including primary 

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O-NIJ-2021-40004 
activities, products and deliverables, the service area, and who will benefit from the proposed 

project, will be completed in the JustGrants Web-based form. 

Proposal Narrative 

The program narrative should be submitted as an attachment in JustGrants. The attached 

document should be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point Times New Roman font; have 

no less than 1-inch margins; and should not exceed 30 pages. Pages should be numbered 

and submitted as an attachment. If the program narrative fails to comply with these lengthrelated restrictions, NIJ may negatively consider such noncompliance in peer review and in 

final award decisions. 

The following sections must be included as part of the program narrative: 

a. Title Page (not counted against the program 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. 

Requests for consideration under “priority areas of research” areas. 

Key words, including science focus areas. 

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

both the applicant and the principal investigator. 

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

If an applicant is resubmitting an application presented previously 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 program 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.

    2. Project Design and Implementation. 

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 programspecific 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.

    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.

    4. Capabilities and Competencies. 

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O-NIJ-2021-40004 
This section should describe the experience and capability 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: 

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 program narrative page limit) include: 

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 (if applicable). 

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

performance measures information is included as an alert that successful applicants will be 

required to submit performance data as part of the reporting requirements under an award. 

OJP will require each successful applicant to submit regular performance data that 

demonstrate the results of the work carried out under the award. The performance data 

directly relate to the goals, objectives, and deliverables identified under “Goals, Objectives, 

and Deliverables” on page 6.   

A list of performance measure questions for this program can be found on page 21. 

Applicants can also visit OJP’s performance measurement page at 

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

Award recipients will be required to submit performance measure data in quarterly financial 

reports, semi-annual progress reports, and the Final Research Report. Further guidance on 

the post-award submission process will be provided, if selected for award. 

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 

Applicants will submit the projects goals, objectives, deliverables and timelines in the 

JustGrants Web-based form. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional 

information. 

Budget and Associated Documentation 

Are you going to require the applicant to submit the web-based 

budget detailed form? 

Yes 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) 

Applicants will complete the JustGrants web-based budget form. See the OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide for additional information. 

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 

Page 13 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004 
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) 

Applicants will submit their indirect cost rate agreement by uploading the agreement 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) 

Applicants will download the questionnaire in JustGrants and submit by uploading the completed 

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

additional information. 

Additional Application Components 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 

Curriculum vitae or resume of the principal investigator and any and all co-principal 

investigators. In addition, curriculum vitae, resume, 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). 

Tribal Authorizing Resolution 

If applicable, applicants will submit the Tribal Authorizing Resolution by uploading the resolution as 

an attachment in JustGrants. An application in response to this solicitation may require inclusion of 

information related to a tribal authorizing resolution as an attachment. 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). 

Page 14 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004 
Zones (if applicable) 

As is mentioned above, OJP will give priority consideration in award decisions to designated 

Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs). Each applicant proposing to receive priority 

consideration under the under the Qualified Opportunity Zones priority must provide a 

sufficient narrative explanation in order for OJP to identify clearly the public safety benefit the 

applicant anticipates that its project will have on a specified QOZ(s). The narrative and the list 

of affected QOZs (by census tract number) must be included as an attachment that is clearly 

labeled as addressing QOZs. The applicant may also include tables, charts, graphs, or other 

relevant illustrations that may be useful in comprehending the manner in which the proposed 

project is anticipated to benefit a QOZ(s). Applicants will submit the narrative by uploading the 

document as an attachment in JustGrants. 

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. Applicants will submit a description of their research 

and evaluation independence and integrity by uploading the document as an attachment in 

JustGrants. For additional information regarding demonstrating research/evaluation independence 

and integrity, including appropriate safeguards, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

Bibliography/reference 

Bibliography/references. Provide a bibliography of any references cited in the Project 

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 

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 (documentation and forms related to Institutional 

Review Board [IRB] review). See https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/human-subjects-and-privacyprotection. Note: Final IRB approval is not required at the time an application is submitted. 

Privacy Certificate 

Privacy Certificate (for further guidance go to https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/confidentiality-andprivacy-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-costsand-incentives-social-scienceresearch. 

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O-NIJ-2021-40004 
As is mentioned above, OJP will give priority consideration in award decisions to applications 

that address specific challenges that rural communities face. Each applicant proposing to 

receive priority consideration under the rural priority must provide a sufficient narrative to 

include what makes the geographic service area rural (using U.S. Census or other appropriate 

government data), how isolated the area is from needed services, and how it will address 

specific challenges in rural communities. Applicants will submit the narrative by uploading the 

document as an attachment in JustGrants. 

Documentation of High-Poverty Areas or Persistent-Poverty 

Counties (if applicable) 

As mentioned above, OJP will give priority consideration in award decisions to applications 

that demonstrate that the individuals who will benefit from the requested grant reside in highpoverty areas or persistent-poverty counties as defined above. Each applicant proposing to 

receive consideration under the High-Poverty Areas or Persistent Poverty Counties priority 

must provide a sufficient narrative explanation to identify each specific High-Poverty Area (by 

census tract number(s)) and/or each specific Persistent-Poverty County where individuals are 

intended to benefit from the requested grant and how the requested grant will address specific 

challenges in each such identified area and/or county. Applicants will submit the narrative by 

uploading the document as an attachment in JustGrants. 

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 submitted for 

archiving with the NACJD. See https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/data-archiving-plans-nij-fundingapplicants. 

Applications should include as an appendix a brief plan — labeled “Data Archiving Plan” — 

to comply with data archiving requirements. The plan should provide brief details about 

proposed data management and archiving, including submission to NIJ (through NACJD) of al 

l files and documentation necessary to allow 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. Pertinent files and documentation 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. 

Note that recipients are strongly encouraged to submit required data sets at least 90 days 

before the end of the period of performance. 

Consortium/Contractual Arrangements 

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

applicant organization and the consortium organization(s). 

Project Management Plan 

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O-NIJ-2021-40004 
The project management plan. 

Disclosures and Assurances 

Applicants will complete the following disclosures and assurances. 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 

Applicants will complete and submit the SF-LLL in Grants.gov. See the OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide for additional information. 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 

Applicants will complete the JustGrants web-based Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 

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

DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 

See the DOJ Certified Standard Assurances in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and 

Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace 

Requirements 

Applicants will review and accept the DOJ Certified 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) 

If applicable, applicants will submit as an attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide for additional information. A DOJ High Risk Grantee is a 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. 

How to Apply 

Applicants will submit an SF-424 and an SF-LLL in Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants 

/register.html. 

Applicants will submit the full application including attachments in JustGrants at JustGrants.usdoj.g 

ov. 

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

Guide. 

OJP Grant Application Resource 

Submission Dates and Time 

The SF-424 and the SF-LLL will be submitted in Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on 

March 31, 2021. OJP urges applicants to submit applications at least 72 hours prior to the 

application due date to allow time for the applicant to receive validation messages or rejection 

notifications from Grants.gov and to correct in a timely fashion any problems that may have caused a 

Page 17 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004
rejection notification. 

The full application will be submitted in JustGrants by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on April 14, 

2021. 

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

application deadline. 

Application Review Information 

Review Criteria 

a. Scored Review Criteria

Applications that meet basic minimum requirements will be evaluated by peer reviewers. 

Applications will be evaluated on how the proposed project/program addresses the 

following criteria:

1. Statement of the Problem (understanding of the problem, (15%)

Demonstrated understanding of the problem.

Demonstrated importance of research questions, goals and objectives, including

alignment with the aims of the solicitation.

Demonstrated awareness of the state of current research.

2. Project Design and Implementation (quality and technical merit) (50%).

Feasibility of proposed project.

Soundness of methods and analytic and technical approach to addressing the stated

aim(s) of the proposed 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. 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, any and 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). 

Demonstrated ability of the applicant organization to implement the proposed 

strategies and manage the effort. 

Relationship between the capabilities/competencies of the proposed project staff 

(including the applicant organization) and the scope and strategies of the 

proposed project.

4. Potential Impact (20%)

Potential for a significant scientific or technical advance(s) that will improve 

criminal/juvenile justice in the United States. 

Potential for significantly improved understanding of the stated criminal/juvenile 

justice problem. 

Potential for innovative solution to address (all or a significant part of) the stated 

criminal/juvenile justice problem. 

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 criminal 

justice practitioners or policymakers. 

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O-NIJ-2021-40004
 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. 

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. 

b. Additional Review Criteria 

Other important considerations for NIJ include geographic diversity, strategic priorities (specifi 

cally including, but not limited to, those mentioned above relating to addressing specific 

challenges that rural communities face, high-poverty areas or persistent-poverty counties, 

demonstrable potential enhancement to public safety in one or more federally designated 

Qualified Opportunity Zones), available funding, past performance, 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 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 above. 

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

conducting peer review. Although specific requirements may vary, the following are common 

requirements applicable to all solicitations for funding under OJP programs: 

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. 

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 that has 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 any such comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in 

FAPIIS, in its assessment of the risk posed by the applicant. 

All final award decisions will be made by Director of the National Institute of Justice, who 

may take into account not only peer review ratings and NIJ recommendations, but also 

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O-NIJ-2021-40004 
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 OJPapproved application, the recipient must comply with all award conditions, and all applicable 

requirements of federal statutes and regulations (including 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 Program Description, any recipient of an award 

under this solicitation will be required to submit certain reports and data. 

Required reports. Recipients typically must submit quarterly financial reports, quarterly, semiannual progress reports, final financial and progress reports, final research 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.) 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information on specific postaward reporting requirements, including performance measures data. 

Progress Reporting Frequency 

semi-annual 

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 

For questions directed to the Federal Awarding Agency, see NCJRS contact information on p 

age 2. 

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

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 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. 

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O-NIJ-2021-40004 
Performance Measures 

Objective Performance Measure(s) Data Recipient Provides 

Conduct research in social and 

behavioral sciences having 

clear implications for criminal 

justice policy and practice in the 

United States. 

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. 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. 

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/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. 

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. 

1. Quarterly financial reports, semi-annual 

and final progress reports, and products 

of the work performed under the NIJ 

award (including, at minimum, a final 

research report). 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. 

Application Checklist 

Research and Evaluation on Policing, Fiscal Year 2021 

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

What an Applicant Must Do: 

Prior to Registering in Grants.gov: 

Acquire a DUNS Number  (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Acquire or renew registration with SAM  (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

To Register with Grants.gov: 

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

Guide) 

Acquire AOR confirmation from the E-Biz POC  (see OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide) 

To Find Funding Opportunity: 

Search for the Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov 

Access Funding Opportunity and Application Package (see 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 

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O-NIJ-2021-40004 
Read OJP policy and guidance on conference approval, planning, and reporting available at oj 

p.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 2021 Awards” in the OJP Funding Resource Center. 

Scope Requirement: 

The federal amount requested is within the allowable limit(s) of $3 million. 

Eligibility Requirement: 

State governments 

Special district governments 

City or township governments 

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 

County governments 

Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities 

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal 

governments) 

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 

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 

For profit organizations other than small businesses 

Independent school districts 

Small businesses 

For purposes of this solicitation, the term “State” means any State of the United States, 

the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virginia Islands, Guam, 

American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. 

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.) 

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

profit or management fee. 

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

After 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) 

If No Grants.gov Receipt, and Validation or Error Notifications are Received: 

Contact the NCJRS Response Center regarding technical difficulties  (see OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide) 

Receive email notification to complete application in JustGrants: 

Complete Application in JustGrants 

Content of Application Submission: 

Page 22 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004 
     

                                               

    

The following items are critical application elements required to pass Basic Minimum Requirements review. An 

application that OJP determines does not include the application elements that must be included in the application 

submission in order for the application to meet the basic minimum requirements, will neither proceed to peer review, nor 

receive further consideration. 

Program Narrative  (see page 12) 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (web-based form)  (see page 13) 

Curriculum Vitae/Resumes for Key Personnel  (see page 14) 

Content of Application Submission 

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

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

Proposal Abstract 

Program Narrative 

Budget and Associated Documentation

 Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (web-based form) 

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) 

Additional Application Components

 Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable) [insert if applicable] (see OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide)

 Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity (see OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide)

 Documentation of rural challenges (if applicable)

 Documentation of high-poverty areas or persistent poverty counties (if applicable)

 Documentation of enhanced public safety in federally designated Qualified Opportunity 

Zones (if applicable) 

Disclosures and Assurances 

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

Resource Guide)

 Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items (Pending Applications)  (see O 

JP Grant Application Resource Guide)

 DOJ Certified Standard Assurance (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) 

Submit Application in JustGrants: 

Application has been successfully submitted in JustGrants 

If No JustGrants Application Submission, Validation, or Error Notifications are Received: 

Contact JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov or 833–872–5175 regarding technical difficulties 

Endnotes 

Page 23 of 24 

O-NIJ-2021-40004 
[1] U.S. Department of Justice, Policing Strategic Research Plan of the National Institute of 

Justice for FY 2017–2022, Washington, DC: US Department of Justice, 2018, https://nij.ojp.go 

v/topics/articles/policing-strategic-research-plan-2017-2022. 

[2] See for example the “National Consensus Policy and Discussion Paper on Use of Force,” 

International Association of Chiefs of Police, Alexandria, VA, July 2020, https://www.theiacp.o 

rg/resources/document/national-consensus-discussion-paper-on-use-of-force-and-consensuspolicy. 

[3] See for example "Reimagining Public Safety," Policing Project website, accessed 

September 29, 2020, https://www.policingproject.org/rps-landing. 

[4] See reference 3. 

[5] Engel, R. S., McManus, H. D., & Herold, T. D. (2020). Does deâ€ escalation training work? A 

systematic review and call for evidence in police useâ€ ofâ€ force reform. Criminology & Public 

Policy, 19(3), 721-759. 

[6] Todak, N., & James, L. (2018). A systematic social observation study of police deescalation tactics. Police Quarterly, 21(4), 509-543. 

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