OMB No. 1121-0329 

Expires  12/31/2023 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

NIJ FY23 Research on the Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Older Adults 

Assistance Listing Number #  16.560 

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-NIJ-2023-171526 

Solicitation Release Date:     January 27, 2023 1:00 PM ET  

Version:  2

Step 1: Application Grants.gov Deadline:    April 13, 2023 11:59 PM ET  

Step 2: Application JustGrants Deadline:    April 27, 2023 8:59 PM ET 

Overview 

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

applications for funding to advance knowledge to inform efforts to prevent, detect, disrupt, reduce, and/or 

otherwise combat the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older adults. This program furthers the DOJ’s 

mission by supporting the development of new knowledge and tools to address the challenges of crime and justice 

in the United States through fundamental research.. 

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: 

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, Unrestricted (open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text 

field entitled as Additional Information on Eligibility 

An applicant entity may submit more than one application, if each application proposes a different project in 

response to the solicitation. Also, an entity may be proposed as a subrecipient (subgrantee) in more than one 

application.

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 2023 solicitation in future fiscal years, dependent on, 

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

Page 1 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Contact Information 

For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact the OJP Response Center at 800-851-3420,Page 

1 of 26 301-240-6310 (TTY for hearing-impaired callers only), or grants@ncjrs.gov. The OJP Response Center 

operatesO-NIJ-2023-171526 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 a 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 submit the full application, including attachments, in JustGrants at 

JustGrants.usdoj.gov 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 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. 

Page 2 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Contents 

Overview 1 

disclosure of high-risk status) 

Page 3 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 

Contact Information 1 

Submission Information 1 

Program Description 5 

Overview 5 

Statutory Authority 5 

Specific Information 5 

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables 8 

Priority Areas 8 

Federal Award Information 9 

Awards, Amounts and Durations 10 

Continuation Funding Intent 10 

Availability of Funds 10 

Type of Award 10 

Financial Management and System Controls 10 

Budget Information 10 

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: Waiver 11 

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs 11 

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 11 

Anticipated Number of Awards 11 

Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards 11 

Period of Performance Duration 11 

Eligibility Information 11 

Application and Submission Information 12 

Content of Application Submission 12 

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) in Grants.gov 12 

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) 12 

Proposal Abstract 12 

Proposal Narrative 12 

Goal, Objective and Deliverables 14 

Budget and Associated Documentation 15 

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

Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 15 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 15 

Consultant Rate 15 

Employee Compensation Waiver 15 

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including applicant 16 

Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation 16 

Additional Application Components 16 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 16 

Tribal Authorizing Resolution 16 

Timeline Form 16 

Letters of Support 16 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 16 

Bibliography/reference 16 

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

List of Individuals in the Application 16 

Human Subjects Protection 17 
Privacy Certificate 17 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends 17 

Documentation of “new investigator” status, if applicable 17 

Consortium/Contractual Arrangements 17 

Data Archiving Plan 17 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 17 

DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 17 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 18 

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility 18 

Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements 

Applicant Disclosure and Justification - DOJ High Risk Grantees 18 

How to Apply 18 

Submission Dates and Time 18 

Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues Preventing Submission of an Application 19 

Application Review Information 19 

Review Criteria 19 

Review Process 20 

Federal Award Administration Information 21 

Federal Award Notices 21 

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 21 

Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses 21 

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements 21 

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 21 

Other Information 22 

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

Provide Feedback to OJP 22 

Performance Measures 22 

Application Checklist 22 

Standard Solicitation Resources 25 

Endnotes 25 

Page 4 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
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 proposals for research and evaluation projects in four topical areas: 1) evaluation 

of programs that seek to prevent, intervene in, or respond to the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older 

adults (age 60 years or above); 2) research on individuals who abuse older adults; 3) research on polyvictimization 

in older adults; and 4) research on fraud and financial exploitation of older adults. Applicants must submit 

proposals that address one of the four topic areas. 

NIJ will give special consideration to proposals with methods that include meaningful engagement with the people 

with lived experience of the subject of study; including but not limited to, justice practitioners, community members, 

crime victims, service providers, and individuals who have experienced justice system involvement. 

Applicants are encouraged to propose multidisciplinary research teams to build on the complementary strengths of 

different methods and areas of subject matter expertise. NIJ also seeks proposals that include consideration and 

measurement of issues of diversity, discrimination, and bias across age, gender and gender identity, race, 

ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation, as applicable. 

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

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 an award funded by NIJ 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 NIJ’s data archiving guidance. If selected for an award, grantees will be expected to 

have a formal agreement in place with partnering agencies by January 1, 2024. That formal agreement must 

include a provision to meet the data archiving requirements of the award. 

NIJ seeks proposals that include robust, creative, and multi-pronged dissemination strategies that include strategic 

partnerships with organizations and associations that are best equipped to ensure that research findings lead to 

changes in policies and practices related to the subjects of study. Special consideration will be given to proposals 

that dedicate at least 15% of the requested project award funding toward implementing such strategies, as 

demonstrated in the Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative. 

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. The applicant 

is expected to conduct a majority of the work proposed. 

Statutory Authority 

Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. No. 117-328, 136 Stat. 4459, 4542-4543); 28 U.S.C. 

530C. 

Specific Information 

NIJ’s program of research on the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older adults (age 60 years or above) 

seeks to improve knowledge and understanding of key relevant issues through science. For the purposes of this 

solicitation, NIJ is seeking proposals to address one or more of the following four topic areas: 

1.  Evaluation of programs that seek to prevent, intervene, or respond to the abuse, neglect, and financial 

exploitation of older adults. 

2.  Research on individuals who abuse older adults. 

3.  Research on polyvictimization in older adults. 

4.  Research on fraud and financial exploitation of older adults. 

Page 5 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
A description of each of the four topic areas appears below. Applications proposing research projects not 

addressing one of these four areas will not be considered. Applicants can propose to conduct research addressing 

more than one area, as long as a separate application is submitted for each topic area. Applicants should propose 

the most rigorous design appropriate for the research questions to be addressed. Across all topic areas, NIJ is 

especially interested in projects that involve and have implications for underserved and hard-to-reach 

communities, such as rural, culturally specific, tribal, and indigenous populations. Applicants are encouraged to 

refer to NIJ.gov for more information about previously and currently funded studies, so that they can consider 

novel areas of research, as well as potential ways to effectively build on existing studies while necessarily avoiding 

duplication. 

Topic Area 1: Evaluation of programs[1] that seek to prevent, intervene in, or respond to the abuse, neglect, and 

financial exploitation of older adults 

Although development of approaches to combat the abuse of older adults is increasing, knowledge of the 

effectiveness of these approaches is limited. NIJ seeks proposals for evaluations of programs designed to prevent, 

intervene in, or respond to the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older adults. Proposals may include a 

formative evaluation, evaluability assessment, process evaluation, and/or outcome evaluation. Applicants should 

provide a brief description of the program design and history, theory of change, program case flow, anticipated 

outcomes, sustainability of the program, and other relevant information. Proposals to evaluate policies and 

practices should provide a brief history of the policy or practice and documentation (if any), theory of change, 

anticipated outcomes, and other applicable details. 

A recently completed NIJ-funded project, Developing a Taxonomy To Understand and Measure Outcomes of 

Success in Community-Based Elder Mistreatment Interventions (2017-VF-GX-0002), conducted interviews with 

older adult victims and a scoping review of the existing intervention research literature to develop a taxonomy of 

successful intervention outcomes. As applicable, applicants should refer to the project’s final research report and 

associated journal article, and follow the proposed recommendations for conceptualizing and measuring program 

outcomes. 

Topic Area 2: Research on individuals who abuse older adults 

There has been some recent growth in the understanding of individuals who abuse older adults. For example, 

findings from an analysis of victim reports substantiated by Illinois Adult Protective Services (APS) caseworkers 

suggest that these individuals can be characterized according to four different subtypes based on the types of 

abuse they inflict and the characteristics of their victims.[2] In addition, findings from a recent NIJ-funded study 

indicate that there are certain characteristics of these individuals that facilitate or hinder victims’ help-seeking 

behaviors.[3] Nonetheless, research on individuals who abuse older adults, and the relationship between these 

individuals and the victims, remains quite limited, fails to include these individuals directly in the research, and 

often relies on clinical samples. NIJ seeks proposals for projects that will advance the understanding of individuals 

who abuse older adults across different types of abuse, as well as the characteristics of the victims in the context 

of complex dynamics of the relationship. NIJ is also interested in proposals that examine motivations for abuse and 

possible formal responses that address causative issues. In addition, NIJ seeks proposals for research to better 

understand victims’ unique vulnerabilities and strengths as they relate to specific characteristics of individuals who 

abuse older adults. 

Topic Area 3: Research on polyvictimization in older adults 

Research examining polyvictimization and its impacts has been limited in the context of abuse of older adults, 

compared to other fields such as violence experienced by children and youth.[4] A recently completed NIJ-funded 

project, Defining Late-Life Poly-victimization and Identifying Associated Mental and Physical Health Symptoms and 

Mortality (2017-VF-GX-0001), used a large, multi-year statewide APS dataset from Texas to operationalize 

polyvictimization in older adults, and examine associations with mental and physical health and mortality outcomes 

(see final research report). More research is needed to build and expand on these findings, including longitudinal 

studies that consider a comprehensive life course perspective. NIJ seeks proposals for research to examine the 

rates, patterns, and contexts for polyvictimization across diverse groups. NIJ is also interested in studies that 

examine trajectories of different types of victimizations, frequency and severity of abuse, and the cumulative 

effects across the lifespan. In addition, NIJ seeks proposals to build knowledge about risk and protective factors, 

especially those that can inform promising prevention and intervention efforts, across all elements of the 

socioecological context (e.g., relationship between the victim and the individual who abuses the older adult; 

community environment). 

Page 6 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Topic Area 4: Research on fraud and financial exploitation of older adults 

In general, fraud is defined as an attempt to deceive a person by misrepresenting, concealing, or omitting facts 

about promised goods, services, or financial benefits that either do not exist, were never intended to be provided, 

or were deliberately distorted for the purpose of monetary gain.[5],[6] Financial exploitation refers to the illegal or 

improper use of a person’s property, income, resources, or funds, and typically occurs within a relationship 

characterized by trust. Fraud and financial exploitation of older adults is a concern because estimates indicate that 

older adults are more likely to be victims of certain frauds than certain other age groups.[7] Some research 

suggests that older adults may be at higher risk for financial fraud and exploitation.[8] Findings from NIJ-funded 

studies also suggest that victims of financial exploitation have very different profiles and contexts compared to 

victims of financial exploitation and other types of abuse (e.g., physical abuse),[9],[10] and additional research is 

needed to further expand on these findings. There is also limited information regarding relevant risk and protective 

factors and outcomes associated with fraud and financial exploitation of older adults, and the processes and 

contexts that influence outcomes and recovery. NIJ seeks proposals to build knowledge about the connection 

between fraud and financial exploitation, including similarities and differences in prevalence, victim characteristics, 

financial loss, and other key constructs. NIJ is also interested in risk and protective factors for fraud and financial 

exploitation, as well as short- and long-term consequences, and factors that influence whether and how older 

adults recover from fraud and financial exploitation. In addition, NIJ is interested in how financial decision-making 

capacity is linked to outcomes, including criminal justice processes and decisions. 

Additional Information 

Applicants should discuss potential risks and harms to individuals or groups associated with the use and/or misuse 

of any practice or technology proposed as a part of the research and evaluation, as well as any ethical 

considerations that may factor into its use. In addition, applicants should be aware of all relevant statutes, 

regulations, and/or governing judicial decisions (e.g., established case law, prevailing court rulings) related to the 

proposed use of the practice or technology. Any limitations that may impede the lawful use or implementation of 

any practice or technology proposed should be described, and a realistic approach to mitigate such limitations in 

the context of the proposed research should be discussed. 

Evaluation Research 

If an application includes an evaluation research component (or consists entirely of evaluation research), the 

application is expected to propose the most rigorous evaluation design appropriate for the research questions to 

be addressed. If the primary purpose of the evaluation is to determine the effectiveness or impact of an 

intervention (e.g., program, practice, or policy), the most rigorous evaluation designs may include random selection 

and assignment of participants (or other appropriate units of analysis) to experimental and control conditions. In 

cases where randomization is not feasible, applicants should propose a strong quasi-experimental design that can 

address the risk of selection bias. 

Applications that propose evaluation research should also include an implementation evaluation component to 

ensure that implementation fidelity metrics are collected and analyzed. Applicants are encouraged to propose 

research methods that enable interim feedback on implementation fidelity to enable program providers to make 

ongoing improvements in program delivery. 

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

demonstrate research/evaluation independence and integrity through discussion of potential risks (if any) to 

independence and integrity, and appropriate safeguards, as required. 

NIJ also encourages applicants to consider the feasibility of including a cost/benefit analysis. In cases where 

evaluations find that interventions have produced the intended benefit, cost/benefit analysis provides valuable and 

practical information for practitioners and policymakers that helps with decision-making. Evaluation research 

projects may also address a wide range of research questions beyond those focused on the effectiveness or 

impact of an intervention. Different research designs may be more appropriate for different research questions and 

at different stages of program development. The setting, intervention strategies, other contextual factors, and 

resources should be considered when selecting an evaluation design. 

In all cases, applications are expected to propose the most rigorous evaluation design appropriate for the research 

questions to be addressed. Applicants are encouraged to review evidence-rating criteria at https:// 

Page 7 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
crimesolutions.ojp.gov/about/how-we-review-and-rate-program-start-finish for further information on high-quality 

evaluation design elements. 

New Investigator/Early Career Opportunity 

NIJ is interested in supporting researchers who are early in their careers and new to NIJ’s research grant 

portfolios, specifically non-tenured assistant professors, or equivalent full-time staff scientist positions in a research 

institution, who propose research on topics relevant to NIJ’s Office of Research, Evaluation, and Technology 

(ORET). To that end, NIJ may, in appropriate circumstances, give special consideration in award decisions to 

applications proposing such researchers as principal investigators (PIs). To qualify, the proposed PI must, at the 

time of application submission: 

Hold a non-tenured assistant professor appointment at an accredited institution of higher education in the 

United States or an equivalent full-time staff scientist position at a research institution in the United States. 

Have completed a terminal degree or post-graduate clinical training within the six (6) years prior to 

September 30, 2023. 

Have never previously received NIJ funding as a PI on a research project with the exception of Graduate 

Research Fellows. 

If seeking to be considered for the New Investigator/Early Career Opportunity, the applicant should identify that it is 

submitting a New Investigator/Early Career proposal on the title page of the application. 

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables 

Goals 

The goal of this solicitation is to advance knowledge to inform efforts to prevent, detect, disrupt, reduce, and/or 

otherwise combat the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older adults. 

Objectives 

An applicant should address the objectives that are relevant to their proposed program/project in the Goals, 

Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline web-based form. 

This solicitation seeks to support projects that: (1) evaluate programs that seek to prevent, intervene in, or respond 

to the abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older adults; (2) conduct research on individuals who abuse 

older adults; (3) conduct research on polyvictimization in older adults; and (4) conduct research on fraud and 

financial exploitation of older adults. 

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, peerreviewed, 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 show the completed 

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

Page 8 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Priority Areas 

The Department of Justice 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. 

1. Priority Considerations Supporting Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for 

Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government 

In support of Executive Order 13985, OJP will give priority consideration to: 

A. Applications that propose research project(s) that are designed to promote racial equity and the removal 

of barriers to access and opportunity for communities that have been historically underserved, marginalized, 

and adversely affected by inequality, when making award decisions. 

To receive this consideration, the applicant must describe how the proposed project(s) will address potential 

inequities and barriers to equal opportunity, and/or contribute to greater access to services for underserved 

and historically marginalized populations. 

B. Applicants that demonstrate that their capabilities and competencies for implementing their proposed 

project(s) are enhanced because they (or at least one proposed subrecipient that will receive at least 40% of 

the requested award funding, as demonstrated in the Budget Web-Based Form) identify as a culturally 

specific organization. 

To receive this additional priority consideration, applicants must describe how being a culturally specific 

organization (or funding the culturally specific subrecipient organization(s)) will enhance their ability to 

implement the proposed project(s) and should also specify which populations are intended or expected to be 

served or to have their needs addressed under the proposed project(s). 

Culturally specific organizations are defined for the purposes of this solicitation as private nonprofit or tribal 

organizations whose primary purpose as a whole is to provide culturally specific services to racial and ethnic 

groups, including, among others, Black people, Hispanic and Latino people, Native American and other 

Indigenous peoples of North America (including Alaska Native, Eskimo, and Aleut), Asian Americans, Native 

Hawaiians, and/or Pacific Islanders. 

2. Minority Serving Institutions 

NIJ will give special consideration in award decisions to proposals from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). 

MSIs include: 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) 

Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSI) 

Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) 

Alaska Native-serving Institutions or Native Hawaiian-serving Institutions (ANNH) 

Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) 

Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving Institutions (AANAPISI) 

Native American-serving Non-Tribal Institutions (NASNTI) 

Whether an institution is an MSI is based on the original purpose of its establishment or its current enrollment 

thresholds and is designated as such by the federal government for various purposes under specific statutes. For 

more information, please see the U.S. Department of Education's definitions and lists of institutions. (The lists are 

provided for reference purposes only; MSI status is not an eligibility criterion for this solicitation.) 

Note: Addressing these priority areas is one of many factors that NIJ considers in making funding decisions. 

Receiving priority consideration for one or more priority areas does not guarantee  an award. 

Federal Award Information 

Page 9 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Solicitation Categories 

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories. 

Awards, Amounts and Durations 

Period of Performance Start Date Period of Performance Duration (Months) 

1/1/24 60 

Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under 

Solicitation 

$1,500,000.00 

Additional Information 

Please see Anticipated Number of Awards, Anticipated 

Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards, and Period of 

Performance Duration sections below. 

Continuation Funding Intent 

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

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

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

Availability of Funds 

This solicitation, and awards 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. 

Type of Award 

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

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

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

Financial Management and System Controls 

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

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

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

Budget Information 

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

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

applicant structure the application — specifically including the narrative, expected scholarly products, 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 2023, 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 2023 solicitation in future fiscal years, dependent on, 

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

What will not be funded: 

Applications primarily to purchase equipment, materials, or supplies, or to provide direct services. (A budget 

Page 10 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
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. 

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 

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

Information” section. 

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

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on pre-agreement costs (also known as pre-award 

costs). 

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: Waiver 

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

Employee Compensation; Waiver. 

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

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

Conference/Meeting/Training Costs. 

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 

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

Anticipated Number of Awards 

Total number of awards NIJ expects to make to be determined by the number of applications received and their 

merit. 

Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards 

Maximum dollar amount for each award to be determined by the research requirements proposed in applications 

selected for award. Applicants are encouraged to submit budgets that match the research activities offered, up to 

the total dollar amount anticipated to be awarded under this solicitation. 

Period of Performance Duration 

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

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

Eligibility Information 

For eligibility information, see the solicitation cover page. 

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

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

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

Northern Mariana Islands. 

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.) 

Notice regarding law enforcement agencies: State, local, and university or college law enforcement agencies 

Page 11 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
must be certified by an approved independent credentialing body or have started the certification process to be 

eligible for FY 2023 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 certification requirement, please 

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

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

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

Application and Submission Information 

Content of Application Submission 

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

advance to peer review and receive consideration for funding: 

Proposal Narrative 

Budget Web-Based Form (The web-based form includes the budget details and the budget narrative.) 

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

principal investigator, and any and all co-principal investigators.) 

If NIJ determines that an application does not include these elements, it will neither proceed to peer review, nor 

receive further consideration. 

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

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 (E.O.) 

12372. In completing the SF-424, an applicant is to answer question 19 by selecting “Program is not covered by 

E.O. 12372.” 

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) 

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

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

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

project; confirm their Authorized 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. If the Proposal Narrative fails to comply with these length restrictions, NIJ may consider such 

noncompliance in peer review and in the final award decision. 

Page 12 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
The Proposal Narrative should include the following sections: 

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

The title page should include: 

Project title. 

Submission date. 

Funding opportunity number. 

Principal Investigator (and any co-principal investigators). 

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

Requests for consideration under “new investigator” and/or “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 proposal 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 proposal narrative page limit) 

d. Main Body 

1. Statement of the Problem 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

these problems. 

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

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

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

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

potential challenges or problems in carrying out the activities. 

If the applicant is seeking priority consideration for Priority 1(A), it should address in this section how the 

proposed project(s) will address issues related to racial equity and the removal of barriers to access and 

opportunity, and/or contribute to greater access to services for communities that have been historically 

underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by inequality, and should also identify how the project 

design and implementation will specifically incorporate the input or participation of these communities. 

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 

Page 13 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
available to broader interested audiences, such as criminal justice practitioners, policymakers, or advocates. 

4. Capabilities and Competencies 

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. Among other factors, that plan should include a description of the anticipated level 

of effort of key personnel. 

If the applicant is seeking priority consideration under Priority 1(B), it should describe within this section how 

being a culturally specific organization (or funding a culturally specific subrecipient organization at a minimum 

of 40% of the project budget) will enhance its ability to implement the proposed project(s) and specify which 

culturally specific populations are intended or expected to be the subject and/or beneficiary of the research 

conducted under the proposed project(s). 

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

The project management plan. 

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

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

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

to contract. 

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

applicable). 

6. Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s Performance Measures 

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. Applicants can visit OJP’s performance measurement page 

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

A list of performance measure questions for this program can be found in the ‘Performance Measures’ 

section below. 

NIJ will require award recipients to submit performance measure data in quarterly financial reports, semiannual performance reports, and the final research report and separately submit a semi-annual performance 

report in JustGrants. NIJ will provide further guidance on the post-award submission process, if the applicant 

is selected for award. 

Goal, Objective and Deliverables 

The applicant will submit the project's goals, objectives, deliverables and timeline 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 describe the project’s intent to change, reduce, or eliminate the problem noted in the 

previous section and outline the project’s goals. 

Page 14 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
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 (Web-based Form) 

The applicant will complete the JustGrants web-based budget form. For additional information, see the OJP Grant 

Application Resource Guide and the Complete the Application in JustGrants – Budget training. 

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

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

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

Grant Application Resource Guide. 

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

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

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

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

supported with non-federal contributions. 

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

Information. 

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

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

If the applicant is seeking priority consideration under Priority 1(A) and has proposed activities (such as community 

or stakeholder meetings, community outreach or public awareness campaigns, community participation in project 

design, implementation, or evaluation, etc.) to incorporate the input and participation of communities that have 

been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by inequality, financial support for the 

identified activities and participation must be reflected in the web-based budget form. 

If the applicant is seeking priority consideration under Priority 1(B) based on the identification of at least one 

proposed subrecipient as a culturally specific organization, the proposed funding for the subrecipient in the webbased budget form must reflect a minimum of 40% of award funding. The budget narrative must also describe 

how the activities that will be funded with the (minimum) 40% of award funding provided to the subrecipient 

specifically relate to the priority consideration requested and described in the Capabilities and Competencies 

section of the application. 

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

See the section on Costs Requiring Prior Approval in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide Post Award Requirements

 for more 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 more information on indirect costs. 

Consultant Rate 

See the DOJ Grants Financial Guide for information on the consultant rates which require prior approval from 

OJP. 

Employee Compensation Waiver 

Page 15 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
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 the link to the questionnaire and additional information. 

Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation 

This solicitation expressly modifies the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide by not incorporating its “Disclosure 

of Process Related to Executive Compensation” provisions.  Applicants to this solicitation are not required to 

provide this disclosure. 

Additional Application Components 

The applicant will attach the additional requested documentation in JustGrants. 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 

Provide 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 

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

attachment. If applicable, the applicant will upload the tribal authorizing documentation as an attachment in 

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

Timeline Form 

Proposed project timeline and expected milestones. 

Letters of Support 

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

as law enforcement and correctional agencies (if applicable). 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 

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

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

receive award funds. The applicant will 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 

Page 16 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
To assist OJP in assessing actual or apparent conflicts of interest (including such conflicts on the part of 

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

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

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

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

Human Subjects Protection 

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

Review Board [IRB] review). See https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/human-subjects-protection . Note: Final 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 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-costs-and-incentives-social-science-research. 

Documentation of “new investigator” status, if applicable 

Documentation of “new investigator” status, if applicable. 

Consortium/Contractual Arrangements 

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

and the consortium organization(s). 

Data Archiving Plan 

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

whole or in part from projects funded under this solicitation be submitted for archiving with the NACJD. See 

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/data-archiving. 

Applications should include as a separate file 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 all 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. 

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. 

Page 17 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 

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

Resource Guide for additional information. 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 

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

Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

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

Drug-Free Workplace Requirements 

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

Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; Law Enforcement and Community Policing. See the 

OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

Applicant Disclosure and Justification - DOJ High Risk Grantees 

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

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

of unsatisfactory performance; financial instability; management system or other internal control deficiencies; 

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 SF-LLL 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. 

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 April 13, 2023. 

The full application must be submitted in JustGrants by 8:59 p.m. eastern time on April 27, 2023. 

Page 18 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
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 requests 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. 

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 Criteria 

Merit Review Criteria 

Page 19 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Applications that meet the basic minimum requirements will be evaluated by peer reviewers on how the proposed 

project/program addresses the following criteria: 

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. 

Project Design and Implementation (quality and technical merit) (45%) 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Budget (5%) 

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. 

Appropriateness of the budget relative to the level of effort. 

Use of existing resources to conserve costs. 

Other Review Criteria/Factors 

Other important considerations for NIJ include geographic diversity, strategic priorities (specifically including, but 

not limited to, those priority areas already mentioned, if applicable), available funding, past performance, and the 

extent to which the Budget Web-Based Form accurately explains project costs that are reasonable, necessary, 

and otherwise allowable under federal law and applicable federal cost principles. 

Review Process 

Page 20 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Applications submitted under this solicitation that meet the basic minimum requirements will be evaluated for 

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

review criteria listed above. 

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

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

solicitations: 

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

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

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

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

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 entity. Among other things to help assess whether an applicant 

with one or more prior federal awards has a satisfactory record of performance, integrity, and business ethics, OJP 

checks whether the applicant entity 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 entity 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 its organization 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 

entity. 

All final award decisions will be made by the Director of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), who may take into 

account not only peer review ratings and NIJ recommendations, but also other factors as indicated in this section. 

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 more 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.) 

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

requirements, including performance measure data. 

Page 21 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 

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

page. 

For OJP contact(s), contact information for Grants.gov, and contact information for 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 research in social 

and behavioral sciences 

having clear implications for 

criminal 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 agencyapproved modifications to the scope. 

1. Quarterly financial reports, semi-annual 

and final performance reports, and 

products of the work performed under the 

NIJ award (including, at minimum, a final 

research report). If applicable, an annual 

audit report. 

Conduct research in 

science, technology, 

engineering, and/or 

mathematics having clear 

implications for criminal or 

juvenile justice policy and 

practice in the United 

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/or (as 

appropriate for the funded project) law 

review journal articles, book chapter(s) or 

book(s) in the academic press, technological 

prototypes, patented inventions, or similar 

scientific products. 

2. List of citation(s) to all scholarly 

products that resulted in whole or in part 

from work funded under the NIJ award. 

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. 

3. If applicable, each data set that resulted 

in whole or in part from work funded under 

the NIJ award. 

Page 22 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Application Checklist 

NIJ FY23 Research on the Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Older Adults 

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 number, 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-postaward-requirements#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 the Scope Requirement 

The federal amount requested is within the allowable limit(s) of $1,500,000. 

Review Eligibility Requirement: 

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: 

Page 23 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Contact OJP Response Center at grants@ncjrs.gov or 800-851-3420 or TTY: 301-240-6310 (hearing 

impaired only) 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 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 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes* 

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

Timeline Form 

Letters of Support 

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

Bibliography/reference 

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

List of Individuals 

Human Subjects 

Privacy Certificate 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends 

Consortium/Contractual Arrangements 

Data Archiving 

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

Resource Guide) 

Disclosures and Assurances 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Resource Guide) 

*Note: Items designated with an asterisk must be submitted for an application to meet the basic minimum

requirements review. If OJP determines that an application does not include these designated items, it will

neither proceed to peer review, nor receive further consideration. 

Review, Certify and Submit Application in JustGrants 

Any validation errors will immediately display on screen after submission. 

Page 24 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
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 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 day-to-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. 

Endnotes 

[1] Under this topic area, the term “program” encompasses models, practices, and programs that exist in the victim 

services and criminal justice areas. Applicants may propose evaluation research of specific victim service 

organizations, victim service delivery models, and/or victim service interventions. 

[2] DeLiema, M., Yonashiro-Cho, J., Gassoumis, Z. D., Yon, Y., & Conrad, K. J. (2018). Using latent class analysis 

to identify profiles of elder abuse perpetrators. The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and 

social sciences, 73(5), e49–e58. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbx023. 

[3] Burnes, D., Acierno, R., & Hernandez-Tejada, M. (2019). Help-Seeking Among Victims of Elder Abuse: 

Findings From the National Elder Mistreatment Study. The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological 

sciences and social sciences, 74(5), 891–896. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gby122. 

[4] Hamby, S., Smith, A., Mitchell, K, & Turner, H. (2016). Poly-victimization and resilience portfolios: Trends in 

violence research that can enhance the understanding and prevention of elder abuse. Journal of elder abuse & 

neglect, 28(4-5), 217–234. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2016.1232182. 

[5] U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. Glossary. n.d., Retrieved from https://bjs.ojp.gov/ 

glossary?title=&page=3#glossary-terms-block-1-whw1p81svq11v0je. 

[6] Hall, J. E., Karch, D. L., & Crosby, A. E. (2016). Elder Abuse Surveillance: Uniform Definitions and 

Recommended Core Data Elements For Use In Elder Abuse Surveillance, Version 1.0. Atlanta, GA: National 

Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https:// 

www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/ea_book_revised_2016.pdf. 

[7] Anderson, K. B. (2019). Mass-market consumer fraud in the United States: A 2017 update. Washington, DC: 

Page 25 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526 
Bureau of Economics, Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved from  https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/ 

reports/mass-market-consumer-fraud-united-states-2017-update/ 

p105502massmarketconsumerfraud2017report.pdf. 

[8] Burnes, D., Henderson Jr, C. R., Sheppard, C., Zhao, R., Pillemer, K., & Lachs, M. S. (2017). Prevalence of 

Financial Fraud and Scams Among Older Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 

American Journal of Public Health, 107(8), 13-e21. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.303821. 

[9] Jackson, S. L., & Hafemeister, T. L. (2012). Pure financial exploitation vs. Hybrid financial exploitation cooccurring with physical abuse and/or neglect of elderly persons. Psychology of Violence, 2(3), 285–296. https:// 

doi.org/10.1037/a0027273. 

[10] Burnett, J., Suchting, R., Green, C. E., Cannell, M. B., & Dyer, C. B. (2020). Socioecological indicators of 

senior financial exploitation: an application of data science to 8,800 substantiated mistreatment cases. Journal of 

elder abuse & neglect, 32(2), 105–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/08946566.2020.1737615. 

Page 26 of 26 

O-NIJ-2023-171526