U.S. Department of Justice OMB No. 1121-0329 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

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

Justice (NIJ) is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications for funding under the FY 2010 

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. This program furthers the 

Department’s mission by providing States and units of local government with tools needed to 

meet the challenges of crime and justice. Specifically, this program seeks to improve the quality 

and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services, including services provided by 

laboratories operated by States and units of local government. 

Solicitation: 

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program 

Eligibility 

Applicants are limited to States (including territories) and units of local government. State 

Administering Agencies (SAAs) apply on behalf of States, including any State government entity. 

(See “Eligibility” on page 3.) 

Deadline 

Registration with OJP’s Grant Management System (GMS) is required prior to application 

submission. (See “How to Apply,” page 12.) 

All applications are due by 11:45 p.m. eastern time on May 17, 2010. 

(See “Deadlines: Registration and Application,” page 3.) 

Contact Information 

For technical assistance with submitting the application, contact the Grants Management System 

Support Hotline at 1–888–549–9901, option 3 or via e-mail to GMS.HelpDesk@usdoj.gov. 

Note: The GMS Support Hotline hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 6:00 a.m. to midnight 

eastern time, except for Federal holidays. 

For assistance with any other requirement of this solicitation, contact Alan C. Spanbauer, 

Program Manager, at 202-305-2436 or by e-mail to alan.spanbauer@usdoj.gov. 

SL# 000921 
CONTENTS 

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

Deadlines: Registration and Application ........................................................................... 3 

Eligibility ............................................................................................................................ 3 

Specific Information .......................................................................................................... 8 

Performance Measures ................................................................................................... 12 

How to Apply ................................................................................................................... 12 

What an Application Must Include ................................................................................... 14 

Standard Form 424 ............................................................................................. 14 

Program Narrative ............................................................................................... 14 

External Investigations Attachment ......................................................... 15 

Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative ................................................. 15 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) ...................................................... 16 

Plan for Collecting the Data Required for Performance Measures ..................... 16 

Coverdell Statutory Certifications ........................................................................ 16 

Other Standard Forms ........................................................................................ 17 

Selection Criteria ............................................................................................................. 17 

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

Additional Requirements ................................................................................................. 19 

Reporting ........................................................................................................................ 20 

Application Checklist ....................................................................................................... 22 

Appendices ..................................................................................................................... 23 

Estimated Amount of Base Funds by State—FY 2010 ....................................... 23 

Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications ................................................. 24 

Template for “External Investigations” Attachment ............................................. 30 

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Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

CFDA No. 16.742 

Overview 

The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (the Coverdell program) 

awards grants to States and units of local government to help improve the quality and timeliness 

of forensic science and medical examiner services. Among other things, funds may be used to 

eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic evidence and to train and employ forensic 

laboratory personnel, as needed, to eliminate such a backlog. State Administering Agencies 

(SAAs) may apply for both “base” (formula) and competitive funds. Units of local government may 

apply for competitive funds. 

Authorizing Legislation: The Coverdell program is authorized by Title I of the Omnibus Safe 

Streets and Crime Control Act of 1968, Part BB, codified at 42 U.S.C. § 3797j-3797o (the 

Coverdell law). 

Deadlines: Registration and Application 

Registration is required prior to submission. The deadline to register in GMS is 11:45 p.m.

eastern time on May 17, 2010, and the deadline for applying for funding under this 

announcement is 11:45 p.m. eastern time on May 17, 2010. Please see the “How to Apply” 

section, page 12, for more details. 

Eligibility 

States1

 and units of local government may apply for FY 2010 Coverdell funds. States may be 

eligible for both “base” (formula) and competitive funds. Units of local government within States 

may be eligible for competitive funds and may apply directly to NIJ. Any State application for 

funding MUST be submitted by the Coverdell SAA listed on the OJP Web site at 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/saa/index.htm. (Other interested State agencies or departments must 

coordinate with their respective SAAs.) Each applicant must satisfy the specific application 

requirements outlined in this announcement, the general requirements for NIJ and OJP grants, 

and all other applicable legal requirements. 

The Coverdell law (at 42 U.S.C. § 3797k) requires that, to request a grant, an applicant for the 

Coverdell funds must submit: 

1. A certification and description regarding a plan for forensic science laboratories. Each 

applicant must submit a certification that the State or unit of local government has 

developed a plan for forensic science laboratories under a program intended to improve 

the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services in the State, 

including such services provided by the laboratories operated by the State and those 

 

1

 For purposes of the Coverdell program, the term “State” means each of the 50 States, the District of 

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

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For certain purposes, American Samoa and the Northern 

Mariana Islands are treated as one State. 

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operated by units of local government within the State. Applicants must also describe the 

manner in which the grant will be used to carry out that plan. 

2. A certification regarding use of generally accepted laboratory practices. Each applicant 

must submit a certification that any forensic laboratory system, medical examiner’s office, 

or coroner’s office in the State, including any laboratory operated by a unit of local 

government within the State, that will receive any portion of the grant amount (whether 

directly or through a subgrant) uses generally accepted laboratory practices and 

procedures established by accrediting organizations or appropriate certifying bodies. 

3. A certification and description regarding costs of new facilities. Each applicant must submit 

a certification that the amount of the grant used for the costs of any new facility 

constructed as part of a program to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science 

or medical examiner services will not exceed certain limitations set forth in the Coverdell 

law at 42 U.S.C. § 3797m(c). (See information on “permissible expenses” in the next 

section of this announcement.) Applicants must also describe specifically any new facility 

to be constructed as well as the estimated costs of the facility. 

4. A certification regarding external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or 

misconduct. Each applicant must submit a certification that “a government entity exists 

and an appropriate process is in place to conduct independent external investigations into 

allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the 

forensic results committed by employees or contractors of any forensic laboratory system, 

medical examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical 

facility in the State that will receive a portion of the grant amount.” 

Applicants are expected to review the requirements of each certification carefully before 

determining whether the certification properly may be made. Any certification that is submitted 

must be executed by an official who is both familiar with the requirements of the certification and 

authorized to make the certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency applying 

directly to NIJ). Certifications must be submitted using the templates that appear in 

Appendix 2.

Certifications made on behalf of subrecipients of award funds—rather than certifications made on 

behalf of the agency applying directly to NIJ—are not acceptable to satisfy the certification 

requirements. 

In connection with the certification regarding external investigations described above, applicants 

must provide, prior to receiving award funds, the name(s) of the existing “government entity” (or 

government entities). This information is to be provided as an attachment to the program narrative 

section of the application. See “What an Application Must Include,” below, and Appendix 3, which 

includes a template for the attachment. 

Please note that funds will not be made available to applicant agencies that fail to provide the 

necessary information. 

Important Note on Referrals in Connection With Allegations of Serious Negligence or 

Serious Misconduct

The highest standards of integrity in the practice of forensic science are critical to the 

enhancement of the administration of justice. We assume that recipients (and subrecipients) of 

Coverdell funds will make use of the process referenced in their certification as to external 

investigations and will refer allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting 

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the integrity of forensic results to government entities with an appropriate process in place to 

conduct independent external investigations, such as the government entities identified in the 

grant application. 

For each fiscal year of an award made under this solicitation, recipients will be required to report 

to NIJ on an annual basis--- 

1) the number and nature of any such allegations;

2) information on the referrals of such allegations (e.g., the government entity or entities to 

which referred, the date of referral);

3) the outcome of such referrals (if known as of the date of the report); and

4) if any such allegations were not referred, the reason(s) for the non-referral.

Payments to recipients (including payments under future awards) may be withheld if the required 

information is not submitted on a timely basis.

Special Guidance on Certification Regarding External Investigations Into Allegations of 

Serious Negligence or Misconduct.

The certification regarding external investigations has a number of requirements, each of which 

must be satisfied before the certification may be made. The official authorized to make the 

certification on behalf of the applicant agency must review each of the statutory elements and this 

guidance carefully before determining whether a certification properly may be made. After 

reviewing the information and guidance provided here, the official, on behalf of the applicant 

agency, must determine whether: 

• A government entity exists 

• With an appropriate process in place

• To conduct independent, external investigations

• Into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct

• Substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results 

• Committed by employees or contractors

• Of any forensic laboratory system, medical examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law 

enforcement storage facility, or medical facility in the State that will receive a portion of the 

grant amount. 

Note: In making this certification, the certifying official is certifying that these requirements are 

satisfied not only with respect to the applicant itself but also with respect to each entity that will 

receive a portion of the grant amount. Certifying officials are advised that: (1) a false statement in 

the certification or in the grant application that it supports may be subject to criminal prosecution, 

including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42 U.S.C. § 3795a, and (2) Office of Justice Programs 

grants, including certifications provided in connection with such grants, are subject to review by 

the Office of Justice Programs and/or by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector 

General. 

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The following guidance, provided by way of examples for applicants’ review, is designed to 

illustrate elements of the external investigation certification that the official authorized to make the 

certification on behalf of the applicant agency must take into account in determining whether the 

certification properly may be made. 

Because it is not possible for NIJ to provide examples relating to every type of government entity 

with an appropriate process in place to conduct independent, external investigations into 

allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic 

results committed by employees or contractors, this guidance should not be viewed as all 

inclusive. In addition, this guidance is not intended to constitute legal advice from NIJ on the 

question of whether the required certification properly may be made on behalf of the applicant. 

Such a determination must be made by an appropriate official and based on the statutory 

requirements of the certification after review of this guidance. 

Illustrative Examples:

1. The only government entity that will receive Coverdell award funds is a forensic laboratory 

that is a unit of a local law enforcement agency (e.g., a police department). The law 

enforcement agency has an Internal Affairs Division (IAD) that reports directly to the head 

of the law enforcement agency (the Police Chief) and the head of the unit of local 

government (the Mayor/City Commissioner). The IAD has the authority to conduct 

investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by laboratory 

employees and contractors. 

Guidance: Execution of the certification might be appropriate under these facts. 

Nevertheless, the official authorized to make the certification on behalf of the applicant 

agency must be satisfied that the IAD at issue has the requisite authority to conduct 

independent investigations (for example, whether the IAD is completely free from influence 

or supervision by laboratory management officials) into allegations relating to employees 

or contractors of the laboratory. 

2. A State intends to distribute Coverdell award funds to State and local forensic laboratories 

and medical examiners’ offices. There is an Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in the 

State with authority to conduct investigations into allegations of serious negligence or 

misconduct by employees and contractors of forensic laboratories and medical examiners’ 

offices, both at the State and local levels. 

Guidance: Execution of the certification might be appropriate under these facts. 

Nevertheless, the certifying official must be satisfied that the State IG’s authority in this 

regard is not circumscribed in such a way that the IG’s ability to conduct independent 

investigations is limited (for example, through a reporting hierarchy that does not provide 

for the IG to report directly to the chief executive officer or another equally independent 

State official or office). 

3. A city has applied for a Coverdell award and all funds will go to the city’s forensic 

laboratory. There is a process in place whereby the city’s District Attorney (DA) may 

appoint an independent investigator to conduct an investigation into allegations 

concerning the city’s forensic laboratory. If the DA appoints an independent investigator, 

the investigator will have authority to investigate allegations of serious negligence or 

misconduct by both laboratory employees and contractors. 

 Guidance: Execution of the certification might be appropriate under these facts. In this 

regard, however, the certifying official must be satisfied that the process at issue 

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(appointment of an independent investigator by the city DA) includes procedures under 

which allegations involving the laboratory are submitted to or are made known to the DA, 

and that the DA’s authority and responsibility to appoint an independent investigator to 

conduct investigations of such allegations is sufficiently delineated in city policies and/or 

regulations so that the “appropriate process” in place is clearly defined. 

4. An applicant agency determines that the forensics laboratory director (or some other 

individual in the chain of command at the laboratory) has sole responsibility to conduct 

investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by 

laboratory employees. 

Guidance: Under these circumstances, execution of the certification would not be 

appropriate because there is no process in place to conduct independent, external 

investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by 

laboratory employees and contractors. 

 

5. A State applicant intends to distribute Coverdell award funds to forensic laboratories at 

both the State and local level. An independent commission established by the Governor 

has authority to investigate allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by employees, 

including employees of units of local government within the State. 

Guidance: Under these circumstances, the existence of this commission is not itself a 

sufficient basis for execution of the certification. In this regard, the commission does not 

have authority to investigate allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by 

contractors of State and local government forensic laboratories that receive Coverdell 

funds. (If, however, some other government entity, distinct from the commission, has a 

process in place to conduct independent external investigations of allegations of serious 

negligence or misconduct by such contractors, execution of the certification might be 

appropriate depending on all the facts.) 

6. A local forensic laboratory, which is intended to receive a portion of the funds from a 

Coverdell award to a State, notifies the State applicant that a quality assurance official is 

responsible for investigating allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by 

employees and contractors of the local forensic laboratory. The quality assurance official 

reports to the director of the forensic laboratory. 

Guidance: Under these circumstances, execution of the certification would not be 

appropriate because the quality assurance official reports to the director of the forensic 

laboratory and, therefore, there is no process in place to conduct independent, external 

investigations of allegations against the forensics laboratory as required to make the 

certification. 

 

7. An applicant agency (a forensics laboratory) intends to employ a contractor or a 

nongovernmental organization to conduct investigations into allegations of serious 

negligence or misconduct committed by laboratory employees. 

Guidance: Under these circumstances, execution of the certification would not be 

appropriate, as there is neither a government entity nor an appropriate process in place to 

conduct independent, external investigations of allegations against the laboratory, whether 

alleged to be committed by laboratory employees and/or contractors, because the 

contractor or nongovernmental entity is employed by and responsible to the forensics 

laboratory. 

 

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8. An applicant agency is accredited by an independent accrediting or certifying organization 

such as CALEA, ASCLD-LAB, NAME, FQS-I, etc. 

Guidance: In this situation, execution of the certification would not be appropriate. The fact 

of accreditation or certification by an outside entity on its own does not demonstrate that 

the agency has a process in place to investigate allegations of serious negligence or 

misconduct committed by employees or contractors. There is insufficient information to 

properly make the required certification in this situation. 

Specific Information—Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program

Coverdell grants may be used to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and 

medical examiner services, including services provided by laboratories operated by States and/or 

units of local government. Among other things, funds may be used to eliminate backlogs in the 

analysis of general forensic evidence or to train and employ forensic laboratory personnel to 

eliminate such backlogs.

A. Available funding 

Because certain authorized deductions may be taken, between $33,288,028 and $35,000,000 

is anticipated to be available for Coverdell awards in FY 2010. The figures and calculations 

reflected in this solicitation (for example, the estimated minimum award to States and the 

estimated amount of “base” funds, by State) are based on an estimated total amount available 

of $33,228,028, although, as indicated, the amount could be as much as $35,000,000. 

1. “Base” funds for States 

Approximately 75 percent of the funds available for Coverdell grants will be allocated 

among eligible States based on population (State “base funds”). The approximate amount 

for each eligible State is listed in Appendix 1: “Estimated Amount of Base Funds, by 

State.”2

2. Competitive funds for States and units of local government 

Twenty-five percent of the available funds will be allocated among States and units of local 

government through a competitive process. The average annual number of part 1 violent 

crimes reported by each State to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for calendar years 

2006, 2007 and 2008, existing resources, and current needs of the potential grant 

recipient will be considerations in award decisions. For FY 2010, the maximum amount a 

State or unit of local government may receive in competitive funds is $175,000. 

 

Units of local government that provide forensic science or medical examiner services 

(whether through a forensic science laboratory, medical examiner’s office, or coroner’s 

office) may apply directly to NIJ for competitive funds. A State may apply through its SAA 

for competitive funds for forensic sciences improvements above and beyond those it can 

accomplish with its estimated amount of base funds. 

3. Minimum awards to States

The Coverdell law sets a floor for the total amount an eligible applicant State will receive 

as its Coverdell grant. For FY 2010, the minimum Coverdell grant to an eligible State will 

 

2

 Under the provisions of the Coverdell law, several factors (including the number of eligible State 

applicants) affect “base” amounts. 

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be not less than $199,7283

. If the amount a State would otherwise receive as its total 

Coverdell grant (including both base funds and any competitive funds) is less than 

$199,728, NIJ will increase that State’s total grant to $199,728. 

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

additional requirements that may be imposed by law. 

B. Grant purposes 

A State or unit of local government that receives a Coverdell grant must use the grant for one 

or more of these three purposes: 

1. To carry out all or a substantial part of a program intended to improve the quality and 

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services in the State, including those 

services provided by laboratories operated by the State and those operated by units of 

local government within the State. 

 

2. To eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence,4

 including, among 

other things, a backlog with respect to firearms examination, latent prints, toxicology, 

controlled substances, forensic pathology, questioned documents, and trace evidence. 

3. To train, assist, and employ forensic laboratory personnel as needed to eliminate such a 

backlog. 

C. Expected results and outcomes 

The result of Coverdell grants to applicant States should be a demonstrated improvement 

over current operations in the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical 

examiner services provided in the State, including services provided by laboratories operated 

by the State and services provided by laboratories operated by units of local government 

within the State. Reduction of forensic analysis backlogs is considered an improvement in 

timeliness of services. The result of Coverdell grants directly to units of local government 

should be a demonstrated improvement over current operations in the quality and/or 

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services provided by the local jurisdiction. 

See “Performance Measures,” page 12, for additional information. 

D. Grant Period 

Coverdell grants generally are limited to a 12-month period. Applicants are asked to establish 

a project period of October 1, 2010, to September 30, 2011. Applicants should be aware that 

the total period of an award, including one that received a project period extension, ordinarily 

will not exceed 3 years. 

Budget Information 

A. Permissible expenses 

The types of expenses listed below generally may be paid with Coverdell funds. 

 

Note: The following list details the types of expenses allowed under the Coverdell program. 

These expenses should NOT be used as budget categories—instead they are to be 

 

3

 Minimum awards for America Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are lower. 

4

 A backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence exists if forensic evidence has been stored in a 

laboratory, medical examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility; 

and has not been subjected to all appropriate forensic testing because of lack of resources or personnel. 

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incorporated into the appropriate standard OJP budget categories. For more information on 

OJP’s standard budget format, please see the section titled “What an Application Must 

Include.” 

 

1. Personnel. Funds may be used for forensic science or medical examiner personnel, 

overtime, fellowships, visiting scientists, interns, consultants, or contracted staff. 

 

2. Computerization. Funds may be used to upgrade, replace, lease, or purchase computer 

hardware and software for forensic analyses and data management. 

 

3. Laboratory equipment. Funds may be used to upgrade, lease, or purchase forensic 

laboratory or medical examiner equipment and instrumentation. 

 

4. Supplies. Funds may be used to acquire forensic laboratory or medical examiner supplies. 

 

Note: To help ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 

Department of Justice regulations, Coverdell awardees that intend to use funds for 

activities involving the use or purchase of chemicals will be required to submit additional 

information. Please see the "Additional Requirements" section of this announcement. 

 

Applicants should note that award recipients whose proposals involve the use or purchase 

of chemicals may encounter delays in the release of their award funds pending 

satisfactory completion of the NEPA review process. 

 

5. Accreditation. Funds may be used to prepare for laboratory accreditation by the American 

Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB), the 

National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), or other appropriate accrediting 

bodies. Funds also may be used for application and maintenance fees charged by 

appropriate accrediting bodies. 

 

6. Education, training, and certification. Funds may be used for appropriate internal and 

external training of staff that are directly and substantially involved in providing forensic 

science or medical examiner services. In appropriate cases, funds also may be used for 

fees charged by appropriate certifying bodies for certification of staff in specific forensic 

discipline areas. All education, training, and certification activities must be designed to 

improve the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

The grant application should demonstrate that the proposed training or certification is 

directly related to the job position and duties of the individual(s) receiving the training or 

seeking certification. 

 

7. Facilities. Funds may be used for program expenses relating to facilities, provided the 

expenses are directly attributable to improving the quality and/or timeliness of forensic 

science or medical examiner services. Funds also may be used for renovation and/or 

construction undertaken as part of the applicant’s program to improve the quality and/or 

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

Limitations on use of funds for costs of new facility. The Coverdell law limits the 

amount of funds that can be used for the costs of a new facility or facilities. See 42 U.S.C. 

§ 3797m(c). Maximum amounts are determined by the total amount of the Coverdell grant 

(including both base and competitive funds) and the total amount of funds available for 

Coverdell grants nationwide. The maximum amounts that may be used for costs of new 

facilities are as follows. (Estimates and calculations are based on the assumption that the 

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total available funds for Coverdell awards in FY 2010 are $33,288,028. See “Available 

funding” at page 8.) 

a. Grants that do not exceed 0.6 percent of the total available funds (estimated at 

$199,728) for FY 2010: If the total Coverdell grant to an applicant State or unit of local 

government is less than or equal to 0.6 percent of the total available funds (estimated 

here at $199,728), no more than 80 percent of the total grant may be used for the 

costs of any new facility. 

b. Grants that exceed 0.6 percent of the total available funds: If an applicant State 

receives a total grant that exceeds 0.6 percent of the total available funds (estimated 

here at $199,728), the amount of the grant that can be used for the costs of any new 

facility cannot exceed the sum of 80 percent of 0.6 percent of the total available funds 

(such 80 percent estimated here at $159,782) plus 40 percent of the amount of the 

grant in excess of 0.6 percent of the total available funds. 

 

For example, assuming that the total available funds for Coverdell awards for FY 2010 

are $33,288,028, if a State receives a total Coverdell grant of $200,000, no more than 

$159,891 may be used for the costs of any new facility. 

 

A sample calculation for a $200,000 grant would be as follows: 

 

Eighty percent of 0.6 percent of the total available funds: $199,728 x .80 = $159,782 

Amount in excess of $199,728: $200,000 - $199,728 = $272 

40% of amount in excess of $199,728: $272 x .40 = $109 

Sum of $159,782 + $109 = $159,891 

 

Note: To help ensure compliance with NEPA and Department of Justice regulations, 

Coverdell awardees that intend to use funds for activities involving the renovation or 

construction of facilities will be required to submit additional information (see 

"Additional Requirements"). 

 

Applicants should note that award recipients whose proposals involve construction or 

renovation may encounter delays in the release of their award funds pending 

satisfactory completion of the NEPA review process. 

 

8. Administrative expenses. Not more than 10 percent of the total amount of a Coverdell 

grant may be used for direct or indirect administrative expenses. 

B. Expenses that are not permitted 

1. Expenses other than those listed above (including expenses for general law enforcement 

functions or non-forensic investigatory functions). 

 

2. Costs for any new facility that exceed the limits described above. 

3. Administrative expenses (direct or indirect) that exceed 10 percent of the total grant 

amount. 

C. Match requirement. There is no State or local match required under the Coverdell program. 

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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 in 

their application their methods for collecting data for performance measures. Please refer 

to “What an Application Must Include,” page 14, for additional information on applicant 

responsibilities for collecting and reporting data. Applicants who receive funding under 

this solicitation are required to provide the data requested in the “Data Grantee Provides” 

column so that OJP can calculate values for the “Performance Measures” column. 

Performance measures for this solicitation are as follows: 

Objective Performance Measure(s) Data Grantee Provides 

To improve the quality and 

timeliness of forensic services and 

to reduce the number of backlogged 

cases in forensic laboratories 

Outcome Measure

1. Reduction in the average 

number of days from the 

submission of a sample to a 

forensic science laboratory to the 

delivery of test results to a 

requesting office or agency. 

2. Percent reduction in the number 

of backlogged forensic cases. 

Output Measure 

1. The number of forensic science 

or medical examiner personnel 

who completed appropriate 

training or educational 

opportunities with FY 2010 

Coverdell funds (if applicable to 

the grant). 

1. Average number of days to 

process a sample at the beginning 

of the grant period. 

 

2. Average number of days to 

process a sample at the end of the 

grant period. 

 

3. Number of backlogged cases at 

the beginning of the grant period. 

 

4. Number of backlogged cases at 

the end of the grant period. 

 

5. Number of forensic science 

personnel attending training. 

6. Number of medical examiner 

personnel attending training 

programs. 

How to Apply 

Applications will be submitted through OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS). GMS is a Webbased, data-driven computer application that provides cradle to grave support for the application, 

award and management of grants at OJP. Applicants should begin the process immediately to 

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

Complete instructions on how to register and submit an application in GMS can be found at 

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/. If you experience technical difficulties at any point during this 

process, please e-mail GMSHelpDesk@usdoj.gov, or call 1–888–549–9901 (option 3), Monday–

Friday from 6:00 a.m. to midnight eastern time, except for Federal holidays. OJP highly 

recommends starting the registration process as early as possible to prevent delays in the 

application submission by the specified deadline. 

All applicants are required to complete the following steps. 

1. Acquire a DUNS Number. A DUNS number is required to submit an application in GMS.

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 existing award. A DUNS number is a 

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unique nine-digit 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, one-time activity. Obtain a DUNS 

number by calling 1–866–705–5711 or by applying online at www.dunandbradstreet.com

Individuals are exempt from this requirement. 

2. Acquire or Renew Registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) 

Database. CCR registration is required to receive funding. 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 update or renew their CCR registration at least once 

per year to maintain an active status. Information about CCR registration procedures can 

be accessed at www.ccr.gov. 

3. Acquire a GMS Username and Password. If you are a new user, please create a GMS 

profile by selecting the first time user link under the sign-in box of the GMS home page. 

For more information on how to register in GMS, go to www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/.

4. Search for the Funding Opportunity on GMS. After you log in to GMS or complete your 

GMS profile for your username and password, go to the Funding Opportunities link on the 

left hand side of the page. Please select “National Institute of Justice” and then “NIJ FY 10 

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program.”

5. Select the Apply Online Button Associated With the Solicitation Title. The search 

results from step 4 will display the solicitation title along with the Registration and 

Application Deadlines for this funding opportunity. Please select the Apply Online button in 

the Action Column to create an application in the system. 

6. Submit an Application Consistent With This Solicitation by Following the Directions 

in GMS. Once submitted, GMS will display a confirmation screen stating your submission 

was successful. Important: You are urged to submit your application at least 72 hours 

prior to the due date of the application. 

Note: OJP’s Grants Management System (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."

Experiencing Unforeseen GMS Technical Issues 

If you experience unforeseen GMS technical issues beyond your control which prevent you from 

submitting your application by the deadline, you must contact the NIJ staff member listed on the 

title page within 24 hours after the deadline and request approval to submit your application. At 

that time, NIJ staff will require you to e-mail the complete grant application, your DUNS number, 

and provide a GMS Help Desk tracking number(s). After the program office reviews all of the 

information submitted, and contacts the GMS Helpdesk to validate the technical issues you 

reported, OJP will contact you to either approve or deny your request to submit a late application. 

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If the technical issues you reported cannot be validated, your application will be rejected as 

untimely. 

The following conditions are not valid reasons to permit late submissions: (1) failure to begin the 

registration process in sufficient time; (2) failure to follow GMS instructions on how to register and 

apply as posted on its Web site; (3) failure to follow all of the instructions in the OJP solicitation; 

and (4) technical issues experienced with the applicant’s computer or information technology (IT) 

environment. 

Notifications regarding known technical problems with GMS are posted on the OJP funding Web 

page, www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/solicitations.htm. 

What an Application Must Include 

This section describes what an application is expected to include and sets out a number of 

elements. Applicants should anticipate that failure to submit an application that contains all of the 

specified elements may negatively affect the review of the application and, should a decision 

nevertheless be made to make an award, may result in the inclusion of special conditions that 

preclude access to or use of award funds pending satisfaction of the conditions. 

Moreover, applicants that request competitive funds should anticipate that applications that are 

not responsive to the scope of the solicitation, or do not include a program narrative, budget detail 

worksheet, and budget narrative will not proceed to peer review and will not receive further 

consideration. 

OJP strongly recommends use of appropriately descriptive file names (e.g., “Program Narrative,” 

“Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative,” “Timelines,” “Memoranda of Understanding,” 

“Resumes”) for all attachments. OJP recommends that, if applicable, resumes be included in a 

single file. 

Standard Form 424 

Please see www07.grants.gov/assets/SF424Instructions.pdf for instructions on how to 

complete your SF424. 

Program Narrative 

 The program narrative must address the project objectives, the expected results, and the 

implementation approach. The Program Narrative includes: 

a. Cover page 

b. Abstract (not to exceed 600 words). 

c. Table of contents. 

d. Main body, which includes: 

1. State (base) applicants: The program narrative must specifically describe 

the manner in which Coverdell grant funds will be used to carry out the 

State plan to improve the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or 

medical examiner services over current operations. (Reduction of forensic 

analysis backlogs is considered an improvement in timeliness of services.) 

States are expected to consider the needs of laboratories operated by units 

of local government as well as those operated by the State. 

2. State (base/competitive) applicants: A State that seeks competitive funds 

in addition to base funds must include a separate program narrative (as 

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well as a separate proposed budget detail worksheet, budget summary, 

and budget narrative) that describes how competitive funds will be used to 

support improvements in forensic science or medical examiner services 

above and beyond the improvements it will accomplish with its estimated 

amount of base funds. As noted earlier, existing resources and current 

needs will be considered in awarding competitive funds and should be 

addressed in any request for competitive funds. Requests for competitive 

funds should specify the dollar amount requested, which should not exceed 

$175,000. 

3. Unit of local government: The program narrative must specifically 

describe the manner in which Coverdell grant funds will be used to carry 

out the unit of local government plan to improve the quality and/or 

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services over current 

operations. (Reduction of forensic analysis backlogs is considered an 

improvement in timeliness of services.) Existing resources and current 

needs will be considered in awarding competitive funds and should be 

addressed in any request for competitive funds. Requests for competitive 

funds should specify the dollar amount requested, which should not exceed 

$175,000. 

4. If grant funds will be used for costs of a new facility, the program narrative 

must specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and the 

estimated costs of that facility. 

The program narrative for a request for competitive funds should not exceed 20 doublespaced pages in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Abstract, table of contents, charts, 

figures, appendices, and government forms do not count toward the 20 pages. 

External Investigations Attachment to the Program Narrative 

 

• Applicants are to provide—as an attachment to the program narrative—the name(s) of 

the existing “government entity” (or entities) that is the subject of the certification (see 

Appendix 2) that— 

A government entity exists and an appropriate process is in place to 

conduct independent external investigations into allegations of serious 

negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic 

results committed by employees or contractors of any forensic laboratory 

system, medical examiner's office, coroner's office, law enforcement 

storage facility, or medical facility in the State that will receive a portion of 

the grant amount. 

• Appendix 3 includes a template for this attachment. Please note that funds will 

not be made available to applicant agencies that fail to provide the necessary 

information. 

 

Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative 

A sample budget detail worksheet can be found at 

www.ojp.gov/funding/forms/budget_detail.pdf. If you submit a different format, you must 

include the budget categories as listed in the sample budget worksheet. 

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Additional information relating to budgets is provided in the OJP Financial Guide at 

www.ojp.gov/financialguide/index.htm. 

The budget detail worksheet should address the specific cost breakdowns for the proposed 

project and should be organized into the standard OJP budget categories. This information 

should be presented in a manner that details how the cost for each of the major categories 

was determined. 

The budget summary should list the total amount of funding requested for each OJP budget 

category listed below and the total amount requested for the project. The categories are: 

 

a. Personnel 

b. Fringe benefits 

c. Travel 

d. Equipment 

e. Supplies 

f. Construction 

g. Consultants/Contracts 

h. Other 

i. Indirect costs 

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. As with the Budget 

Detail Worksheet, the Budget Narrative must be broken down on a year-by-year basis. 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

Applicants that do not have a federally negotiated indirect cost rate and wish to establish one 

can submit a proposal to their “cognizant” Federal agency. Generally, the cognizant Federal 

agency is the agency that provides the preponderance of direct Federal funding. This can be 

determined by reviewing an organization’s schedule of Federal financial assistance. If DOJ is 

your cognizant Federal agency, obtain information needed to submit an indirect cost rate 

proposal at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/part3/part3chap17.htm.

Plan for Collecting the Data Required for Performance Measures. (See "Performance 

Measures," above.) 

The data collection plan is a description of the applicant’s plan for collecting the data required 

for performance measures. Applicants must discuss this plan in their applications. The plan 

must describe how the performance measure data will be derived, state who will be 

responsible for collecting the data, and state that the data will be available for review 3 years 

post award, as required. The data collection plan should be rigorous to ensure that the 

performance measure data provided are accurate, auditable, and correctly measure the 

impact of the Federal funds provided. 

Coverdell Statutory Certifications: As described above in the “Eligibility” section, the 

Coverdell law provides that, to request a grant, each applicant must submit four certifications 

specific to the Coverdell Program. A certification may only be completed by an official familiar 

with its requirements and authorized to certify on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the 

agency applying directly to NIJ). Templates for the statutory certifications appear in Appendix 

2. (Note that there are two versions of the first template—one for State applicants, the other 

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for applicant units of local government.) All four certifications must be completed using these 

templates. Certifications made on behalf of subrecipients of award funds—rather than 

certifications made on behalf of the agency applying directly to NIJ—are not acceptable to 

satisfy the certification requirements. 

The four required Coverdell statutory certifications are as follows— 

1. Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application From a 

State or Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application 

From a Unit of Local Government 

2. Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures 

3. Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities 

4. Certification as to External Investigations

Please note: Specific information and guidance with respect to the “Certification as to 

External Investigations” is provided above, under “Eligibility.” Certifying officials must 

read and review this information and guidance prior to executing the certification. 

Other Standard Forms 

Additional forms that may be required in connection with an award are available on 

OJP’s funding page at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms.htm. Please note in 

particular the following forms. 

1. Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other 

Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (required of all 

applicants as part of the GMS application process) 

2. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (required for any applicant that expends any 

funds for lobbying activities) 

3. Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (required for any 

applicant that is a nongovernmental entity and that has not received any award 

from OJP within the past 3 years) 

4. Standard Assurances (required of all applicants as part of the GMS application 

process) 

Note: Attachments to the application should be included in one of the following four 

categories: 1) Program Narrative; 2) Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative; 3) 

Appendices; and 4) Other. 

Selection Criteria 

Base funds and minimum awards 

Subject to the availability of appropriated funds, States that satisfy the specific 

requirements (including eligibility requirements) outlined in this announcement, the general 

requirements for NIJ and OJP grants, and all other applicable legal requirements, will be 

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awarded "base" funds or minimum awards determined in accordance with the Coverdell 

law. 

Requests for competitive funding 

Each criterion is weighted according to the percentage listed below. 

Statement of the Problem/Program Narrative—15% 

 Refer to “What an Application Must Include,” “Program Narrative” section. 

 

Project/Program Design and Implementation—15% 

1. Soundness of approach to reduce and/or eliminate a backlog. 

2. Soundness of approach to improve the quality of forensic services. 

3. Soundness of approach to train and employ forensic personnel to eliminate a backlog 

and increase capacity. 

4. Innovation and creativity in the approach to reducing and/or eliminating a backlog and 

increasing capacity. 

5. Feasibility of the proposed project and awareness of pitfalls. 

Capabilities/Competencies —10% 

1. Adequacy of the plan to manage the project, including how various tasks are 

subdivided and resources are used. 

2. Successful past performance on NIJ grants and contracts (when applicable). 

3. Demonstrated ability of the organization to manage the effort. 

Budget—25% 

1. Total cost of the project relative to the perceived benefit. 

2. Use of existing resources to conserve costs. 

3. Cost effectiveness of proposed activities applicable to backlog reduction and/or 

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

4. Cost effectiveness of proposed activities applicable to improvement in the quality of 

forensic science or medical examiner services. 

5. Cost effectiveness of education and training as related to quality and/or timeliness of 

forensic science or medical examiner services. 

Impact/Outcomes and Plan for Collecting Data for Performance Measures—30% 

1. Improvement in Quality and Timeliness 

 

a. Anticipated reduction in backlog. 

b. Anticipated improvement in quality and timeliness of forensic results. 

c. Anticipated benefit of education and training to reduce backlog and improve 

timeliness of results. 

d. Planned steps to achieve accreditation to positively impact quality and/or 

timeliness of forensic results. 

2. Anticipated Impact of Eligible Project Activities 

 

a. Personnel: If applicable, anticipated impact of requested personnel 

resources (e.g., overtime) on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of 

forensic science or medical examiner services. 

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b. Equipment/Supplies: If applicable, anticipated impact of requested 

equipment and supplies on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of 

forensic science or medical examiner services. 

c. Computerization: If applicable, anticipated impact of requested 

computerization on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of forensic 

science or medical examiner services. 

d. Renovation/Construction of Facilities: If applicable, anticipated impact of 

proposed action on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of forensic 

science or medical examiner services. 

3. Demonstrated plan for collection of the performance measure data as described in the 

solicitation. 

Other—5% 

Average annual number of Part I violent crimes reported to the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation for calendar years 2006, 2007, and 2008. 

Review Process 

OJP is committed to ensuring a fair and open process for awarding grants. NIJ reviews the 

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

measurable, and achievable, as well as consistent with the solicitation. 

Peer reviewers will be reviewing the requests for competitive funds submitted under this 

solicitation that meet basic minimum requirements. NIJ may use either internal peer reviewers, 

external peer reviewers, or a combination to review these requests under this solicitation. An 

external peer reviewer is an expert in the field of the subject matter of a given solicitation who is 

NOT a current U.S. Department of Justice employee. An internal reviewer is a current U.S. 

Department of Justice employee who is well-versed or has expertise in the subject matter of this 

solicitation. Eligible applications will be evaluated, scored, and rated by a peer review panel. Peer 

reviewers’ ratings and any resulting recommendations are advisory only. In addition to peer 

review ratings, considerations for award recommendations and decisions may include, but are not 

limited to, underserved populations, geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past performance, 

and available funding. 

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

grant award decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General (AAG). With respect to 

requests for competitive funds, the AAG may also give consideration to factors including, but not 

limited to, underserved populations, geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past performance, 

and available funding when making awards. 

Additional Requirements 

Applicants selected for awards must agree to comply with additional legal requirements upon 

acceptance of an award. We strongly encourage you to review the information 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 

• Faith-Based and Other Community Organizations 

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• Confidentiality and Human Subjects Protection (if applicable) 

• Anti-Lobbying Act 

• Financial and Government Audit Requirements 

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (if applicable) 

• DOJ Information Technology Standards (if applicable) 

• Single Point of Contact Review 

• Nonsupplanting of State or Local Funds 

• Criminal Penalty for False Statements 

• Compliance with Office of Justice Programs Financial Guide

• 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 

• Awards in excess of $5,000,000 – Federal taxes certification requirement 

Reporting 

If your proposal is funded, you will be required to submit several reports and other materials. 

Among them are the following— 

 

Each grantee under the Coverdell program must submit semiannual progress reports, quarterly 

financial status reports, and, if applicable, an annual audit report in accordance with Office of 

Management and Budget Circular A–133. In addition, Coverdell grantees must submit a final 

report that must, among other things, (1) include a summary and assessment of the program 

carried out with FY 2010 grant funds, (2) identify the number and type of cases accepted during 

the FY 2010 award period by the forensic laboratory or laboratories that received FY 2010 grant 

funds, and (3) cite the specific improvements in the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science 

and medical examiner services (including any reduction in forensic analysis backlog) that 

occurred as a direct result of the FY 2010 grant award. Future awards and fund drawdowns may 

be withheld if reports are delinquent. 

In addition, as noted earlier under “Eligibility,” for each fiscal year of an award, recipients will be 

required to report to the National Institute of Justice on an annual basis— 

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1) the number and nature of any allegations of serious negligence or misconduct 

 substantially affecting the integrity of forensic results; 

2) information on the referrals of such allegations (e.g., the government entity or entities to 

which referred, the date of referral); 

 3) the outcome of such referrals (if known as of the date of the report); and 

 4) if any such allegations were not referred, the reason(s) for the non-referral. 

Payments to recipients (including payments under future awards) may be withheld if the required 

information is not submitted on a timely basis. 

The highest standards of integrity in the practice of forensic science are critical to the 

enhancement of the administration of justice. We assume that recipients (and subrecipients) of 

Coverdell funds will make use of the process referenced in their certification as to external 

investigations and will refer allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting 

the integrity of forensic results to government entities with an appropriate process in place to 

conduct independent external investigations, such as the government entities identified in the 

grant application. 

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Application Checklist 

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program 

The application checklist has been created to aid you in developing your application. 

Eligibility 

_____ Coverdell Statutory Certifications (see pages 3-8 and 16-17) 

____ Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application From a State 

or Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application From a 

Unit of Local Government 

____ Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures 

____ Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities 

____ Certification as to External Investigations

Application Components: 

_____ Program Narrative (see pages 14-15 and “Selection Criteria” pages 17-19) 

____ External Investigations Attachment 

_____ Budget Narrative 

_____ Budget Detail Worksheet 

_____ Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 

_____ Plan for Collecting the Data Required for Performance Measures 

Program Narrative/Abstract Format:

_____ Double-spaced 

_____ 12-point standard font 

_____ 1” standard margins 

_____ Narrative for competitive funds request (if any) is 20 pages or less (recommended) 

 

Other: 

_____ Standard Form 424 

_____ DUNS number 

_____ Other Standard Forms as applicable (see page 17), including 

_____ Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) 

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Appendix 1. Estimated Amount of Base Funds, by State.5

Estimated Amount of Base Funds, by State, for the FY 2010 Paul 

Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program 

*Note: If the amount a State would otherwise receive as its total Coverdell grant award, including 

both base funds and any competitive award, is less than the minimum grant amount set by the 

Coverdell law, the total Coverdell grant award will be increased to the minimum grant amount, 

which is estimated to be not less than $199,728. 

Alabama $ 343,300 Nevada* $ 192,764

Alaska* $ 56,003 New Hampshire* $ 106,203

Arizona $ 480,882 New Jersey $ 634,860

Arkansas $ 210,663 New Mexico* $ 161,133

California $ 2,694,783 New York $ 1,424,719

Colorado $ 366,342 North Carolina $ 683,937

Connecticut $ 256,510 North Dakota* $ 51,863

Delaware* $ 70,968 Ohio $ 841,546

District of Columbia* $ 48,080 Oklahoma $ 268,814

Florida $ 1,351,557 Oregon $278,919

Georgia $ 716,623 Pennsylvania $ 918,982

Hawaii* $ 103,846 Rhode Island* $ 84,445

Idaho* $ 123,941 South Carolina $ 332,549

Illinois $ 941,266 South Dakota* $ 65,136

Indiana $ 468,293 Tennessee $ 459,044

Iowa $ 219,295 Texas $ 1,806,816

Kansas $ 205,508 Utah $ 203,016

Kentucky $ 314,531 Vermont* $ 49,852

Louisiana $ 327,506 Virginia $ 574,700

Maine* $ 105,700 Washington $ 485,870

Maryland $ 415,535 West Virginia* $ 145,908

Massachusetts $ 480,722 Wisconsin $ 412,276

Michigan $ 726,868 Wyoming* $ 43,639

Minnesota $ 383,947 American Samoa/ 

Northern Mariana Islands*6

$ 9,390

Mississippi $ 215,223 Guam* $ 14,303

Missouri $436,540 Puerto Rico $ 289,245

Montana* $78,173 Virgin Islands* $ 8,806

Nebraska* $144,051

 

5

 Under the provisions of the Coverdell law, several factors (including the number of eligible State 

applicants) affect “base” amounts. 

6

 The Coverdell law includes specific provisions with respect to allocations to American Samoa and the 

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Please contact NIJ for additional information on this 

allocation. 

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Appendix 2. Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications 

(Instructions: Scan signed certifications and submit image files electronically as part of your 

application package.) 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2010 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories— 

Application from a State 

On behalf of the applicant agency named below, I certify the following to the National Institute of 

Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice: 

The State has developed a plan for forensic science laboratories under a program 

intended to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical 

examiner services in the State, including such services provided by the 

laboratories operated by the State and those operated by units of local government 

within the State. 

I acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant application that it supports 

may be subject to criminal prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42 U.S.C. § 3795a. 

I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including certifications provided in 

connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office of Justice Programs and/or by the 

Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General. 

I have authority to make this certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency 

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice). 

___________________________________________ 

Signature of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Printed Name of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Title of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Name of Applicant Agency (Including Name of State) 

____________________ 

Date 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2010 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories— 

Application from a Unit of Local Government

On behalf of the applicant agency named below, I certify the following to the National Institute of 

Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice: 

This unit of local government has developed a plan for forensic science 

laboratories under a program intended to improve the quality and timeliness of 

forensic science or medical examiner services provided by the laboratories 

operated by the applicant unit of local government and any other governmentoperated laboratories within the State that will receive a portion of the grant 

amount. 

I acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant application that it supports 

may be subject to criminal prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42 U.S.C. § 3795a. 

I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including certifications provided in 

connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office of Justice Programs and/or by the 

Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General. 

I have authority to make this certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency 

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice). 

________________________________________ 

Signature of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Printed Name of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Title of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of Unit of Local Government) 

____________________ 

Date 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2010 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory 

Practices and Procedures 

On behalf of the applicant agency named below, I certify the following to the National Institute of 

Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice: 

Any forensic science laboratory system, medical examiner's office, or coroner's 

office in the State, including any laboratory operated by a unit of local government 

within the State, that will receive any portion of the grant amount uses generally 

accepted laboratory practices and procedures, established by accrediting 

organizations or appropriate certifying bodies. 

I acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant application that it supports 

may be subject to criminal prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42 U.S.C. § 3795a. 

I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including certifications provided in 

connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office of Justice Programs and/or by the 

Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General. 

I have authority to make this certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency 

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice). 

___________________________________________ 

Signature of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Printed Name of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Title of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government) 

____________________ 

Date 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2010 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities 

On behalf of the applicant agency named below, I certify the following to the National Institute of 

Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice: 

The amount of the grant (if any) used for the costs of any new facility or facilities to 

be constructed as part of a program to improve the quality and timeliness of 

forensic science and medical examiner services will not exceed the limitations set 

forth at 42 U.S.C. § 3797m(c) and summarized in the FY 2010 Coverdell Forensic 

Science Improvement Grants Program Announcement. 

I acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant application that it supports 

may be subject to criminal prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42 U.S.C. § 3795a. 

I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including certifications provided in 

connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office of Justice Programs and/or by the 

Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General. 

I have authority to make this certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency 

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice). 

___________________________________________ 

Signature of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Printed Name of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Title of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government) 

____________________ 

Date 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2010 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

Certification as to External Investigations 

On behalf of the applicant agency named below, I certify the following to the National Institute of 

Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice: 

A government entity exists and an appropriate process is in place to conduct 

independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or 

misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results committed by 

employees or contractors of any forensic laboratory system, medical examiner's 

office, coroner's office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility in the 

State that will receive a portion of the grant amount. 

 

I personally read and reviewed the section entitled “Eligibility” in the Fiscal Year 2010 

program announcement for the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. 

I acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant application that it 

supports may be subject to criminal prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42 

U.S.C. § 3795a. I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including 

certifications provided in connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office 

of Justice Programs and/or by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General. 

 

I have authority to make this certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency 

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice). 

__________________________________________ 

Signature of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Printed Name of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Title of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government) 

___________________ 

Date 

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Appendix 3. Template for “External Investigations” 

Attachment 

(Instructions: Scan the completed document and submit image file electronically as part 

of your application package.) 

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FY 2010 Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvements Grants Program 

Attachment: External Investigations 

The “Certification as to External Investigations” that is submitted on behalf of the applicant agency 

as part of this application certifies that— 

A government entity exists and an appropriate process is in place to conduct independent 

external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially 

affecting the integrity of the forensic results committed by employees or contractors of any 

forensic laboratory system, medical examiner's office, coroner's office, law enforcement 

storage facility, or medical facility that will receive a portion of the grant amount. 

Prior to receiving funds, the applicant agency (that is, the agency applying directing to the National Institute 

of Justice) must provide – for each forensic laboratory system, medical examiner’s office, coroner’s office, 

law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility that will receive a portion of the grant amount – the 

name of the “government entity” (or entities) that forms the basis for the certification. Please use the 

template below to provide this information. (Applicants may adapt this template if necessary, but should 

ensure that the adapted document provides all required information.)

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: If necessary for accuracy, list more than one entity with respect to each intended 

recipient of a portion of the grant amount. For example, if no single entity has an appropriate process in 

place with respect to allegations of serious negligence as well as serious misconduct, it will be necessary to 

list more than one entity. Similarly, if no single entity has an appropriate process in place with respect to 

allegations concerning contractors as well as employees, it will be necessary to list more than one entity. 

Additional guidance regarding the “Certification as to External Investigations” appears in the “Eligibility” 

section of the program announcement for the FY 2010 Coverdell program. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Name of Applicant Agency (including Name of State or Unit of Local Government): 

______________________________________

Date: ___________________________________ 

Name of any forensic laboratory system, medical 

examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law 

enforcement storage facility, or medical facility 

that will receive a portion of the grant amount

 

Existing government entity (entities) with an 

appropriate process in place to conduct 

independent external investigations 

1. ___________________________ 

 

2. ___________________________ 

_____________________________

_____________________________ 

_____________________________ 

____________________________ 
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FY 2010 External Investigations Attachment (continued) 

Name of Applicant Agency: _______________________________ 

3. ___________________________ _____________________________ 

 _____________________________ 

4. ___________________________ _____________________________ 

 _____________________________ 

5. ___________________________ _____________________________ 

 _____________________________ 

6. ___________________________ _____________________________ 

 _____________________________ 

7. ___________________________ _____________________________ 

 _____________________________