U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

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

Justice (NIJ), is seeking applications for funding under the fiscal year 2009 Convicted 

Offender and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction Program. 

This program furthers the Department’s mission by offering an opportunity for States 

with existing laboratories that conduct analysis of convicted offender and/or arrestee 

DNA samples collected by States pursuant to applicable law for databasing purposes 

("DNA database samples") to reduce their backlog of such samples through in-house 

DNA analysis or by sending samples to accredited fee-for-service laboratories for DNA 

analysis. Eligible States may also apply for assistance with data review of backlogged 

DNA profiles awaiting Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) entry. These activities are 

critical to accelerating the analysis of DNA database samples collected by States in 

order to provide timely CODIS-compatible data for all 13 CODIS core short tandem 

repeat (STR) loci for State and national DNA databases. 

FY 09 Solicitation: 

Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA 

Backlog Reduction Program 

Eligibility

(See “Eligibility” page 4) 

Deadline 

Registration with GMS is required prior to application submission. 

(See “Registration,” page 3) 

All applications are due April 17, 2009, 11:59 p.m. eastern time. 

Contact Information 

For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact Mark Nelson, Senior 

Program Manager, at 202–616–1960 or Mark.S.Nelson@usdoj.gov; or Minh Nguyen, 

Program Manager, at 202–305–2664 or Minh.Nguyen@usdoj.gov. 

This application must be submitted through OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS). 

For technical assistance with submitting the application, call the Grants Management 

System Support Hotline at 1–888–549–9901, option 3. 

Note: The GMS Support Hotline hours of operation are Monday–Friday from 

7 a.m. to 9 p.m. eastern time. 

SL# 000868 
CONTENTS 

Overview .......................................................................................................................... 3
 

Deadline: Registration ...................................................................................................... 3 

Deadline: Application ....................................................................................................... 3 

Eligibility ........................................................................................................................... 4 

Specific Information .......................................................................................................... 4 

Performance Measures .................................................................................................. 10 

How to Apply .................................................................................................................. 11 

What an Application Must Include.................................................................................. 12 

Selection Criteria and Review Process ........................................................................... 14 

Additional Requirements and Information....................................................................... 15 

2
 
Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA 

Backlog Reduction Program

CFDA No. 16.748 

Overview 

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research, development, and evaluation 

agency of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and a component of the Office of 

Justice Programs (OJP). NIJ provides objective, independent, evidence-based 

knowledge and tools to enhance the administration of justice and public safety. 

The objective of the Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction 

Program is to accelerate the analysis of convicted offender and/or arrestee DNA 

samples collected by States pursuant to applicable law for databasing purposes 

(hereinafter, "DNA database samples"), in order to provide timely Combined DNA Index 

System (CODIS)-compatible data for all 13 CODIS core STR loci (“profile”) for State and 

national DNA databases. Funds are to be used by a State's designated existing and 

accredited DNA database laboratory (“DNA database laboratory”) to reduce the number 

of DNA database samples pending DNA analysis (“backlog”) in one of three ways: 

1. Through in-house analysis. The DNA database laboratory will determine what its 

backlog is and may apply for no more than $35.00 per sample to be analyzed. 

2. Through sending samples to be tested by accredited fee-for-service laboratories. 

The DNA database laboratory will determine what its backlog is and may apply 

for up to $35.00 per sample to be analyzed. 

3. Through data review of sample profiles generated by an accredited laboratory. If 

the database laboratory lacks funding to ensure timely review of the profiles 

generated, it may apply for up to $5.00 per DNA profile reviewed. 

All profiles obtained from DNA database samples with funding provided under this 

announcement must be entered into CODIS within 90 days of completion of analysis and 

uploaded to the National DNA Index System (NDIS). 

Laboratories that receive funds from awards made under this announcement for sample 

testing and review must track and report the number of DNA database samples 

analyzed and/or profiles reviewed under this fiscal year (FY) 2009 program and the 

number of resulting CODIS hits. 

Deadline: Registration 

Applicants must register with GMS prior to applying. The deadline to register is April 17, 

2009, 11:59 p.m. eastern time. 

Deadline: Application 

The due date for applying for funding under this announcement is April 17, 2009, 11:59 

p.m. eastern time. 

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Eligibility 

Eligible applicants are States1 with a designated existing crime laboratory that conducts 

analysis of DNA database samples, provided the designated DNA database laboratory 

meets all of the following requirements: 

•	 The laboratory is accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons 

actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the 

forensic science community. 

•	 The laboratory is a participant in the National DNA Index System (NDIS). 

•	 The laboratory undergoes external audits, not less than once every 2 years, to 

demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Quality Assurance 

Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories established by the Director of the 

Federal Bureau of Investigation (Note: The revised Quality Assurance Standards 

were published in October 2008 and will be effective July 1, 2009). 

•	 If the laboratory requests assistance with analysis of samples in-house, then the 

laboratory must possess sufficient in-house DNA analysis capacity to analyze at 

least 50 percent of its annual receipt of DNA database samples or a minimum of 

5,000 DNA database samples per month. 

Specific Information—Convicted Offender and/or 

Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction Program 

A. Allocation of Funds 

1. Funds for DNA Analysis of DNA Database Samples 

In general, funds for sample analysis, by either in-house testing or testing by 

accredited fee-for-service laboratories, will be awarded on the basis of the 

eligible backlog of DNA database samples awaiting analysis that can be 

analyzed during the project period using funds provided under this solicitation. 

Calculate the eligible backlog of DNA database samples by adding the current 

backlog existing at the time of application to the anticipated receipt of samples 

through March 31, 2010, then reducing this number by the number of samples 

that will be analyzed using existing State or local funding sources and/or other 

Federal assistance. The number of samples that can be analyzed during the 

project period should reflect the laboratory’s known or anticipated capacity at 

the time of project initiation and the total eligible estimated backlog. Applicants 

should base the amount of their requests under this solicitation on their actual 

cost estimates, but may not request more than $35.00 per sample analyzed (or 

per sample processed if no profile is generated but reasonable attempts were 

made). 

1 For purposes of this announcement, the term "State" includes the District of Columbia and the 

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. For those States that use a laboratory operated by a unit of local 

government for analysis of the State's DNA database samples, the application must be submitted 

by the unit of local government having oversight of the DNA database program. 

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2. Funds for Data Review & Upload to NDIS of DNA Profiles 

Applicants that have a backlog of database profiles requiring review and upload 

to NDIS may apply for assistance if adequate funding is not available from 

existing state and local funding sources or from other Federal assistance. 

Applicants should base the amount of their requests under this solicitation on 

their actual costs to review and upload the profiles, but may not request more 

than $5.00 per profile reviewed and uploaded to NDIS. 

Total awards will not exceed $40.00 per DNA database sample analyzed, reviewed, 

and uploaded to NDIS. Funds will be awarded only for sample analysis and data review 

above and beyond that which a State can accomplish using current sources of funding. 

The total amount of funding requested by eligible States may also affect award amounts. 

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

modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law. 

B. Award Period 

All awards will start on the same date of October 1, 2009. In general, NIJ will limit its 

grants under this program to a maximum period of 18 months after start of the award 

(from October 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011). 

C. Award Purposes and Related Requirements 

The objective of this program is to accelerate the analysis and data review of DNA 

database samples in order to provide CODIS-compatible data for all 13 CODIS core 

STR loci for State and national DNA databases. Funds must be used by a State's 

designated existing and accredited DNA database laboratory to reduce the backlog of 

DNA database samples through in-house analysis, through analysis of samples by 

accredited fee-for-service laboratories, and/or through data review of DNA profiles 

generated by accredited fee-for-service laboratories. 

All profiles obtained from DNA database samples with funding provided under this 

announcement must be entered into CODIS within 90 days of completion of analysis and 

uploaded to NDIS. Laboratories must follow applicable NDIS DNA Data Acceptance 

Standards for DNA profiles uploaded to NDIS. 

All convicted offender and/or arrestee samples must be analyzed for all 13 CODIS core 

STR loci—FGA, VWA, D3S1358, CSF1PO, TPOX, THO1, D18S51, D21S11, D8S1179, 

D7S820, D13S317, D5S818, and D16S539—using commercially available polymerase 

chain reaction (PCR) kits accepted by NDIS. 

Each DNA analysis conducted under this program must be maintained pursuant to all 

applicable Federal privacy requirements, including those described in 42 U.S.C. § 

14132(b)(3). 

D. Expected Results and Outcomes 

The result of receiving FY 2009 Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog 

Reduction Program funds should be a demonstrated reduction in the total number of 

DNA database samples awaiting DNA analysis as of the application date and the 

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expected receipt of new samples through March 31, 2010. If funds are awarded for data 

review of DNA profiles generated from DNA database samples, the number of such 

profiles awaiting review is expected to be reduced by the end of the grant period. 

E. Permissible Uses of Funds 

Permissible uses of funds for eligible States applying for assistance with in-house 

analysis, data review, and upload of data to NDIS may include the following: 

1. Overtime. Funds may be used for overtime of existing in-house laboratory 

employees directly engaged in (a) handling and analyzing DNA database 

samples, including handling and analyzing quality assurance samples,2

 and (b) 

data review of profiles generated in-house that, due to the lack of laboratory 

resources, have yet to be reviewed and entered into NDIS. Any payments for 

overtime must be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the OJP 

Financial Guide, available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/. 

2. Salary and Benefits of Additional Laboratory Employees. Funds may be 

used to hire additional full-time or part-time laboratory employees who will be 

directly engaged in the handling or analysis of DNA database samples or the 

data review of DNA profiles generated from such samples (including profiles 

generated by accredited fee-for-service laboratories). Matching funds are not 

required. 

Applicants must provide documentation that the additional new full-time/part-time 

laboratory employees will be directly engaged in the handling or analysis of DNA 

database samples or in the data review of DNA profiles generated from such 

samples. 

Note: NIJ makes no assurance that funds will be available for this purpose in 

future award announcements. 

3. Consultant and Contractor Services for Data Review. Funds may be used to 

hire consultants and/or temporary contract staff to conduct data review of profiles 

generated in-house from DNA database samples that, due to the lack of 

laboratory resources, have yet to be reviewed and entered into NDIS. Any such 

consultants or contract laboratory personnel must meet all NDIS 

requirements for the review of DNA data. 

4. Certain Supplies. Funds may be used to acquire commercially available PCR 

kits accepted by NDIS and other laboratory supplies for analysis of DNA 

database samples, including analysis of quality assurance samples.3 

5. Administrative Expenses. Up to 3 percent of the Federal portion of an award 

under this program may be used for direct or indirect administrative expenses 

specifically related to grant administration and management. Applicants 

submitting budgets that include indirect costs must submit documentation of their 

The number of these quality assurance samples may not exceed 10 percent of the total DNA 

database samples for which funding is awarded.

3 See footnote 2. 

6
 

2 
federally approved indirect cost rate, but may not request indirect costs or direct 

costs in excess of 3 percent. 

Permissible uses of funds for eligible States applying for assistance with analysis 

of DNA database samples by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory and data 

review of the resulting profiles may include the following: 

1. Overtime. Funds may be used for overtime of laboratory employees directly 

engaged in data review of DNA database profiles generated by an accredited 

fee-for-service laboratory. Any payments for overtime must be in accordance with 

the applicable provisions of the OJP Financial Guide, available at 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/. 

2. Contracts. Funds may be used to establish a contract for analyzing DNA 

database samples with an accredited fee-for-service laboratory. Procurements 

are subject to the standards set forth in 28 C.F.R. section 66.36 and other 

applicable Federal law, including the provisions of 28 C.F.R. section 66.36 that 

relate to competition. Prior approval from OJP is required for all sole-source 

procurements in excess of $100,000. In the event that only one accredited feefor-service laboratory can provide the needed service due to specific 

platform/genetic test kit specifications, applicants must comply with this 

requirement. Approval may be obtained in the form of a sole-source request with 

adequate justification submitted directly to GMS with the application for funding. 

Contracts may only be established under this solicitation with accredited fee-forservice laboratories that are on the General Services Administration (GSA) 

Blanket Purchase Agreement list for Convicted Offender DNA Backlog Reduction 

Program (Outsourcing) used by the OJP Acquisition Management Division 

(Contract Office). 

As of (March 3, 2009), these laboratories are: 

•	 The Bode Technology Group 

•	 Chromosomal Laboratories 

•	 Identity Genetics 

•	 Laboratory Corporation of America 

•	 Orchid Cellmark 

•	 Strand Analytical Laboratory 

Accredited fee-for-service laboratories not listed here that are interested in 

participating in the GSA Blanket Purchase Agreement list should contact the NIJ 

program managers listed on the first page of this announcement for additional 

information on the process. 

3. Consultant and Contractor Services for Data Review. Funds may be used to 

hire consultants and/or temporary contract staff to conduct data review of profiles 

generated by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory that, due to the lack of 

laboratory resources, have yet to be reviewed and entered into NDIS. 

Consultants or contract laboratory personnel must meet all NDIS 

requirements for the review of DNA data. 

7
 
4. Administrative Expenses. Up to 3 percent of the Federal portion of an award 

under this program may be used for direct or indirect administrative expenses 

specifically related to grant administration and management. Applicants 

submitting budgets that include indirect costs must submit documentation of their 

federally approved indirect cost rate, but may not request indirect costs or direct 

costs in excess of 3 percent. 

Permissible uses of funds for eligible States applying solely for assistance with 

review and upload to NDIS of DNA profile data generated from DNA database 

samples by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory may include the following: 

1. Overtime for Existing Laboratory Employees. Funds may be used to pay 

overtime for existing laboratory employees who will be directly engaged in the 

review of DNA profiles generated by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory. Any 

payments for overtime must be in accordance with the applicable provisions of 

the OJP Financial Guide, available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/. 

2. Consultant and Contractor Services for Data Review. Funds may be used to 

hire consultants and/or temporary contract staff to conduct data review of profiles 

generated by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory that, due to the lack of 

laboratory resources, have yet to be reviewed and entered into NDIS. 

Consultants or contract laboratory personnel must meet all NDIS 

requirements for the review of DNA data. 

3. Administrative Expenses: Up to 3 percent of the Federal portion of an award 

under this program may be used for direct or indirect administrative expenses 

specifically related to grant administration and management. Applicants 

submitting budgets that include indirect costs must submit documentation of their 

federally approved indirect cost rate, but may not request indirect costs or direct 

costs in excess of 3 percent. 

F. Expenses That Are Not Permitted 

Federal funds awarded under the FY 2009 Convicted and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog 

Reduction Program may not be used for: 

1. Salaries and Benefits for Existing Staff. Funds may not be used to pay 

salaries and/or benefits for existing staff, other than overtime as discussed 

above. 

2. Consultant and Contractor Services for In-House Sample Analysis. 

3. Travel. 

4. Construction. 

5. Training or Continuing Education. 

6. Accreditation. 

7. Laboratory and Computer Equipment for the DNA Database Laboratory.* 

8
 
8. Renovations.* 

9. Other Capacity Enhancement Expenses.* Funds may not be used to purchase 

software, such as expert systems and Laboratory Information Management 

Systems. 

10. Administrative Expenses That Exceed 3 Percent. Direct or indirect 

administrative expenses that exceed 3 percent of the Federal portion of the 

award are not permitted. 

*For Items 7, 8 & 9: Federal assistance for capacity enhancement projects for DNA 

Database Laboratories may be available through the FY 2009 Forensic DNA Backlog 

Reduction Program and may also be available through the FY 2009 DNA Unit 

Efficiency Improvement Program (please read the solicitations for each program). 

Note that both programs are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. 

G. Match Requirement. There is no State or local match required under this program. 

H. Cost of Proposed Work: Total funding for this solicitation and the number of awards 

made will depend on the availability of funds, the quality of the applications, and 

other pertinent factors. All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated 

funds and to any modifications or additional requirements that may be 

imposed by law. Note: Deliverables (e.g., progress reports, performance measures, 

etc.) will be required at the end of each reporting period to enable NIJ to assess the 

progress of the work. 

Applicants should be aware that the total period of an award, including one that 

receives additional funding, ordinarily will not exceed 3 years. 

I. Limitation on use of award funds for employee compensation; waiver: No 

portion of any award of more than $250,000 made under this solicitation may be 

used to pay any portion of the total cash compensation (salary plus bonuses) of any 

employee of the award recipient whose total cash compensation exceeds 110 

percent of the maximum annual salary payable to a member of the Federal 

Government’s Senior Executive Service (SES) at an agency with a Certified SES 

Performance Appraisal System for that year. (The salary table for SES employees is 

available at http://www.opm.gov.) 

This prohibition may be waived at the discretion of the Assistant Attorney General for 

the Office of Justice Programs. An applicant that wishes to request a waiver should 

include a detailed justification in the budget narrative for the application. The 

justification should include: the particular qualification and expertise of the individual, 

the uniqueness of the service being provided, the individual’s specific knowledge of 

the program or project undertaken with the grant funds and a statement explaining 

that the individual’s salary is commensurate with the regular and customary rate for 

an individual with her/his qualifications and expertise, and for the work that is to be 

done. 

9
 
Performance Measures 

To assist in fulfilling the Department’s responsibilities under the Government 

Performance and Results Act (GPRA), P.L. 103–62, applicants who receive funding 

under this solicitation must provide data that measure the results of their work. 

Additionally, applicants must discuss their data collection methods in the application. 

Performance measures for this solicitation are as follows: 

Objective Performance 

Measures Data Grantee Provides 

To reduce the backlog 

of convicted offender 

and/or arrestee DNA 

Percent reduction in DNA 

backlog—DNA database 

samples. 

For In-House or Contracted Analysis of 

DNA Database Samples 

samples (DNA 

database samples). CODIS hits resulting from 

Convicted Offender funds. 

The number of DNA database samples 

awaiting DNA analysis at the beginning of 

the award period. 

The number of DNA database samples 

analyzed using FY 2009 Convicted Offender 

and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction 

Program funds. 

The number of DNA profiles from DNA 

database samples developed using FY 2009 

Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA 

Backlog Reduction Program funds entered 

into CODIS and NDIS. 

The number of CODIS hits resulting from 

profiles developed with FY 2009 Convicted 

Offender and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog 

Reduction Program funds. 

For Data Review of DNA Profiles 

The number of DNA profiles from DNA 

database samples awaiting data review at 

the beginning of the award period due to 

lack of laboratory resources. 

The number of DNA profiles from DNA 

database samples reviewed using FY 2009 

Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA 

Backlog Reduction Program funds. 

The number of reviewed DNA profiles from 

DNA database samples entered into CODIS 

and NDIS using FY 2009 Convicted 

Offender and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog 

Reduction Program funds. 

The number of CODIS hits resulting from 

DNA profiles from DNA database samples 

reviewed with FY 2009 Convicted Offender 

and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction 

Program funds. 

Performance measure data must be submitted semi-annually with progress reports. The 

performance measure of CODIS hits resulting from Convicted Offender funds are those 

CODIS hits resulting from DNA analyses of database (convicted offender and arrestee) 

10 
samples and review of DNA profiles (from convicted offender and arrestee samples) that 

are funded under this solicitation. 

How to Apply 

Grants Management System Instructions. Applications must be submitted through 

OJP’s online Grants Management System (GMS). To access the system, go to 

https://grants.ojp.usdoj.gov. Applicants should begin the process a few weeks prior to 

the GMS registration deadline, especially if this is the first time they have used the 

system. Each application requires a separate GMS registration. For a step-by-step 

guide, visit http://www.ojp.gov/gmscbt/ and refer to the section entitled “External 

Overview: Locating & Applying for Funding Opportunities.” For additional assistance, call 

the GMS Help Desk at 1–888–549–9901, Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. eastern 

time. 

Note: OJP will not review any application whose attachments are in Microsoft 

Vista or Microsoft 2007 format. Applications submitted via GMS must be in the 

following formats: Microsoft Word (*.doc), Word Perfect (*.wpd), Microsoft Excel (*.xls), 

PDF files (*.pdf), or Text Documents (*.txt). GMS is not yet compatible with Vista and 

cannot yet process Microsoft Word 2007 documents saved in the new default format 

with the extension “.docx.” Please ensure that Word documents you are submitting are 

saved using "Word 97–2003 Document (*.doc)" format. Additionally, GMS does not 

accept executable file types as application attachments. These disallowed file types 

include, but are not limited to, the following extensions: ".com," ".bat," ".exe," ".vbs," 

".cfg," ".dat," ".db," ".dbf," ".dll," ".ini," ".log," ".ora," ".sys," and ".zip." 

CFDA Number: The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this 

solicitation is 16.748, titled “Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction 

Program (In-House Analysis and Data Review).” 

A DUNS number is required: The Office of Management and Budget requires that all 

businesses and nonprofit applicants for Federal funds include a DUNS (Data Universal 

Numbering System) number in their application for a new award or renewal of an award. 

Applications without a DUNS number are incomplete. A DUNS number is a unique ninedigit sequence recognized as the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of 

entities receiving Federal funds. The identifier is used for tracking purposes and to 

validate address and point-of-contact information for Federal assistance applicants, 

recipients, and subrecipients. The DUNS number will be used throughout the grant life 

cycle. Obtaining a DUNS number is a free, simple, one-time activity. Obtain one by 

calling 1–866–705–5711 or by applying online at http://www.dnb.com/us. Individuals are 

exempt from this requirement. 

Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is required: In addition to the DUNS number 

requirement, OJP requires that all applicants (other than individuals) for Federal financial 

assistance maintain current registrations in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) 

database. The CCR database is the repository for standard information about Federal 

financial assistance applicants, recipients, and subrecipients. Organizations that have 

previously submitted applications via Grants.gov are already registered with CCR, as it 

is a requirement for Grants.gov registration. Please note, however, that applicants must 

11
 
update or renew their CCR at least once per year to maintain an active status. 

Information about registration procedures can be accessed at www.ccr.gov. 

What an Application Must Include 

Those interested in submitting applications in response to this announcement must 

complete and submit all the required application forms and related documents. You must 

complete some of the forms shown as part of the development of your user profile during 

the GMS online application process; others must be attached to your application file. 

GMS accepts Adobe PDF (*.pdf), Word (*.doc), WordPerfect (*.wpd), and Text (*.txt) 

document files. It does not accept compressed or zipped (*.zip) files or the executable 

files detailed above. 

Note: Proposals containing maps, tables, digital photos, and other types of graphics will 

produce large file sizes that may affect the speed of electronic transfer. Please take this 

into consideration when submitting your application online. 

Application for Federal Assistance—Standard Form 424: Completing the user profile 

and summary information in GMS will populate portions of your Standard Form 424. 

Below are answers to specific items: 

•	 Item 8: Type of Application—“New.” 

•	 Item 9: Name of Federal Agency—“National Institute of Justice.” 

•	 Item 10: Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)—For this 

Program, the number is “16.748.” 

•	 Item 11: Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project—“FY 2009 Convicted 

Offender and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction Program—YOUR 

AGENCY NAME.” 

•	 Item 13: Proposed Project Dates—For this program, the proposed project 

dates should be “October 1, 2009 to March 31, 2011.” 

•	 Item 16: Is Application Subject to Review by State Executive Order 12372 

Process?—A listing of States that have participated in this process can be 

found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 

Program Narrative 

The Program Narrative includes: 

a. Abstract (not to exceed 600 words). 

The proposal abstract should serve as a succinct and accurate 

description of the proposed work. Applicants should concisely describe 

project goals and objectives, project plans, and methods for achieving 

the goals. Once an award has been granted, the abstract is 

computerized and serves as a summary available to all interested parties 

for the duration of the grant. 

b. Table of contents. 

c. Main body, which includes: 

12
 
• Purpose, goals, and objectives. 

	 The program narrative must address the project objectives and the 

expected results. 

	 The applicant must provide information in the program narrative as 

to how it will collect and maintain required performance measures. 

• Project design and methods. 

	 The program narrative must address the implementation approach. 

	 The program narrative must describe how expenditure of award 

funds will reduce the number of DNA database samples currently 

awaiting analysis either by in-house testing or by sending samples 

to accredited fee-for-service laboratories for analysis, and/or reduce 

the number of eligible DNA profiles that are awaiting data review 

which were generated by accredited laboratories. 

• Statement of eligibility. 

	 A statement that the applicant meets all eligibility requirements in 

this announcement and documentation of eligibility. Each eligibility 

requirement should be listed and addressed individually. Where 

possible, supporting evidence should be provided. A copy of the 

accreditation certificate of the State's designated DNA database 

laboratory must also be submitted to fulfill the laboratory 

accreditation eligibility requirement. 

• Baseline information for DNA analysis (if applicable). 

	 A statement of (a) the number of DNA database samples awaiting 

DNA analysis at the time of application, (b) the anticipated receipt of 

samples awaiting DNA analysis through March 31,2010, (c) the 

number of DNA database samples the applicant will analyze inhouse using FY 2009 Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA 

Backlog Reduction Program funds, and (d) the number of DNA 

database samples the applicant will send to an accredited fee-forservice laboratory for analysis using FY 2009 Convicted Offender 

and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction Program funds. 

• Baseline information for data review (if applicable). 

	 A statement of (a) the number of DNA profiles awaiting data review 

at the time of application, (b) the anticipated receipt of DNA profiles 

awaiting data review through March 31, 2010, and (c) the 

anticipated number of DNA profiles the applicant will data review 

and upload to NDIS using FY 2009 Convicted Offender and/or 

Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction Program funds. 

Please note that the numbers provided in the program narrative regarding the number of 

DNA database samples to be analyzed with funds provided under this announcement 

and the number of DNA profiles to be reviewed with those funds must represent the 

numbers to be analyzed or reviewed above and beyond those that can be analyzed or 

reviewed using current sources of funding. 

d. Appendixes (not counted against program narrative page limit) include: 

• List of key personnel (required). 

• Résumés of key personnel (required). 

• List of previous and current NIJ awards (required). 

• Letters of cooperation/support or administrative agreements from 

organizations collaborating in the project (if applicable). 

• Chart for timeline, research calendar, or milestones (required). 

13
 
Budget Detail Worksheet 

The Budget Detail Worksheet should address the full scope, duration, and cost of the 

project. The Budget Detail Worksheet should include a breakdown of costs associated 

with each budget category, including itemizations and calculations where necessary. 

The Budget Detail Worksheet should also contain the cost per sample for in-house 

testing and/or the cost per sample for analysis by an accredited fee-for-service 

laboratory, the total number of samples projected to be analyzed (either by in-house 

testing or by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory) using funds provided under this 

announcement, the costs per DNA profile reviewed, the total number of DNA profiles 

projected to be reviewed using funds provided under this announcement, and the total 

funding amount requested. 

Templates for filling out the Budget Detail Worksheet may be found online at 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms/budget_detail.pdf, OJP Standard Forms & 

Instructions. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Chief Financial 

Officer's Customer Service Center at 1–800–458–0786. A Microsoft Office Excel 

spreadsheet format Budget Detail Worksheet template is available for use in lieu of the 

Adobe PDF format template available at the above link. Use of the Excel version is 

encouraged so that cost information may be better detailed and automatically calculated, 

reducing the potential for arithmetic errors. Please contact either the Senior Program 

Manager or the Program Manager listed on page 1 to obtain a copy of the Excel version. 

Budget Narrative 

The Budget Narrative is a plain-language description of each of the proposed 

expenditures listed in the Budget Detail Worksheet. It should clearly explain the purpose 

and reason for all expenditures in the budget. There should be no ambiguities about any 

budget item. The narrative should also include details for calculated rates or other 

figures. 

Data Collection Plan 

The Data Collection Plan is a description of the applicant’s plan for the collection of the 

data required for performance measures. 

Other Program Attachments 

These include several forms, available on OJP’s funding page at 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms.htm 

Page limit: The program narrative section of your proposal must not exceed 10 doublespaced pages in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Abstracts, tables of contents, charts, 

figures, appendixes, and government forms do not count toward the 10-page limit for the 

narrative section. 

Selection Criteria and Review Process 

OJP is committed to ensuring a standardized process for awarding grants. NIJ reviews 

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

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understandable, measurable, and achievable, as well as consistent with program or 

legislative requirements as stated in the solicitation. 

In general, subject to the availability of appropriated funds and to any 

modifications or additional requirements imposed by law, NIJ anticipates that it 

will make an award to each eligible applicant that satisfies the specific application 

requirements outlined in this announcement (including those concerning 

permissible expenses, timeliness, proper format, and responsiveness to the 

scope of the solicitation), the general requirements for NIJ and OJP grants, and all 

other applicable legal requirements. In general, funds will be allocated as discussed 

above, under Specific Information—Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog 

Reduction Program. The total amount of funding requested by eligible States may also 

affect award amounts. 

NIJ may reject applications from applicants with FY 2005–2007 OJP awards for 

convicted offender (and/or arrestee) in-house analysis that remain entirely 

unobligated as of the posting date of this solicitation. 

Absent explicit statutory authorization or written delegation of authority to the contrary, 

all final award decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General (AAG), who may 

also give consideration to factors including, but not limited to, strategic priorities, past 

performance, and available funding when making awards. 

When awards will be made: All applicants, whether they are accepted or rejected, will 

be notified. The review and approval process takes about 7 months. You should not 

propose to begin work until at least 7 months after the application deadline on the cover 

of this solicitation. Also, you should not expect to receive notification of a decision for at 

least 7 months after that date. Lists of awards are updated regularly on NIJ’s Web site at 

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/funding/welcome.htm. 

Additional Requirements and Information 

Successful applicants selected for an award must agree to comply with additional 

applicable requirements prior to receiving grant funding. We strongly encourage you to 

review the list below pertaining to these additional requirements prior to submitting your 

application. Additional information for each can be found at 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm. 

• Civil Rights Compliance 

• Funding to Faith-Based Organizations 

• Confidentiality and Human Subjects Protection 

• Anti-Lobbying Act 

• Financial and Government Audit Requirements 

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

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• DOJ Information Technology Standards 

• Single Point of Contact Review 

• Non-Supplanting of State and Local Funds 

• Criminal Penalty for False Statements 

• Compliance with Office of Justice Programs Financial Guide

 http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/ 

• Suspension or Termination of Funding 

• Nonprofit Organizations 

• For-Profit Organizations 

• Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) 

•

• Rights in Intellectual Property 

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) of 2006 

Reporting Requirements: Each State that receives funding under this program must 

collect and submit quarterly financial status reports, semi-annual progress reports, and 

semi-annual performance metrics reports (with the semi-annual progress reports). Each 

award recipient also must submit a final report. The report must include a summary and 

assessment of the program carried out with the FY 2009 award, including performance 

metrics. 

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