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 

2012 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.

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science

Improvement Grants Program

Eligibility

Eligible 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

Applicants must register in OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS) prior to submitting an 

application for this funding opportunity. Select the “Apply Online” button associated with the 

solicitation title. (See “How to Apply,” page 14.) All registrations and applications are due by 

11:59 p.m. eastern time on May 4, 2012. (See “Deadlines: Registration and Application,” page

3.)

Contact Information

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

Support Hotline at 888–549–9901, option 3, or via e-mail at 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 Federal holidays.

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

Program Manager, by telephone at 202–305–2436 or by e-mail at Alan.Spanbauer@usdoj.gov.

Release Date: March 20, 2012

SL000997
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CONTENTS

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

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

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

Program-Specific Information.......................................................................................8

Performance Measures.............................................................................................13

Notice of Post-Award FFATA Reporting Requirements.....................................................14

How to Apply..........................................................................................................14

What an Application Should Include.............................................................................17

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF–424)..................17

Program Narrative..........................................................................................17

Plan for Collecting the Data Required for This Solicitation’s Performance Measures....20

Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative....................................................20

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement...........................................................................20

Additional Attachments....................................................................................21

Other Standard Forms....................................................................................21

Selection Criteria.....................................................................................................22

Review Process...........................................................................................................23

Additional Requirements ............................................................................................24

Reporting...............................................................................................................25

Provide Feedback to OJP on This Solicitation................................................................26

Application Checklist..................................................................................................27

Appendix 1: Estimated Amount of FY 2012 Base Funds, by State.......................................28

Appendix 2: Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications...............................................29

Appendix 3: Template for “External Investigations” Attachment..........................................35
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Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program

CFDA No. 16.742

Overview

With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program (the Coverdell program), which 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

Applicants must register in GMS prior to submitting an application for this funding opportunity. 

The deadline to register in GMS is 11:59 p.m. eastern time on 45 days after posting, and the 

deadline to apply for funding under this announcement is 11:59 p.m. eastern time on May 4, 

2012. See the “How to Apply” section on page 14 for details.

Eligibility

States1and units of local government may apply for FY 2012 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 (see list of SAAs on the OJP website at 

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

coordinate with their respective SAAs.)

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

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 specifically 

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 specifically describe 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 Should 

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.
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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 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).

4. If any such allegations were not referred, the reason(s) for the nonreferral.

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 
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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 the subject of 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. 

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 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 
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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 

(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.
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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.

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

organization such as CALEA, ASCLD-LAB, NAME, FQS, 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.

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program

Program-Specific Information

This solicitation seeks applications for funding 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 

After certain deductions, not less than $10,586,098 is anticipated to be available for Coverdell 

awards in FY 2012.

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 FY 2012 

Base Funds, by State.”2

 

2 Under the provisions of the Coverdell law, several factors (including the number of eligible State applicants) affect 

“base” amounts.
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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 2008, 2009, and 2010; existing resources; and current needs of the potential grant 

recipient will be considerations in award decisions. For FY 2012, 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 2012, the minimum Coverdell grant to an eligible State is 

anticipated to be not less than $63,517.

3

If the amount a State would otherwise receive 

as its total Coverdell grant (including both base funds and any competitive funds) is less 

than $63,517, NIJ will increase that State’s total grant to $63,517. 

All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and to 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,4including, 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 

 

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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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 13, 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, 2012, to September 30, 2013. 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 

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

OJP’s standard budget format, see the section titled “What an Application Should 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. 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. 
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5. Accreditation. Funds may be used to prepare for laboratory accreditation by the 

American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLDLAB), Forensic Quality Services (FQS), the National Association of Medical Examiners 

(NAME), the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), 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 may 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 total available funds for Coverdell awards in FY 2012 are 

$10,586,098. See “Available Funding” on page 8.) 

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

$63,517) for FY 2012. 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 $63,517), 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 $63,517), 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 $50,814) 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 2012

are $10,586,098, if a State receives a total Coverdell grant of $100,000, no more than 

$65,407 may be used for the costs of any new facility.
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A sample calculation for a $100,000 grant would be as follows: 

Eighty percent of 0.6 percent of the total available funds: $63,517 x .80 = $50,814

Amount in excess of $63,517: $100,000 - $63,517 = $36,483

40 percent of amount in excess of $63,517: $36,483 x .40 = $14,593

Sum of $50,814 + $14,593 = $65,407

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 a recipient’s administrative expenses. 

B. Expenses That Are Not Permitted

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

functions or nonforensic investigatory functions). 

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

3. Recipient administrative expenses (direct or indirect) that exceed 10 percent of the total 

grant amount. 

C. Minimization of Conference Costs 

No OJP funding can be used to purchase food and/or beverages for any meeting, 

conference, training, or other event. Exceptions to this restriction may be made only in 

cases where such sustenance is not otherwise available (i.e., extremely remote areas), or 

where a special presentation at a conference requires a plenary address where there is no 

other time for sustenance to be obtained. Such an exception would require prior approval 

from OJP. This restriction does not apply to water provided at no cost, but does apply to any 

and all other refreshments, regardless of the size or nature of the meeting. Additionally, this 

restriction does not impact direct payment of per diem amounts to individuals in a travel 

status under the organization’s travel policy.

Updated Department of Justice and OJP guidance on conference planning, minimization of 

costs, and conference cost reporting will be forthcoming and will be accessible on the OJP 

website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/funding.htm.

D. Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable)

If an applicant proposes a program or activity that would deliver services or benefits to 

individuals, the costs of taking reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to those 
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services or benefits by individuals with limited English proficiency may be allowable costs.

Reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services or benefits may include 

interpretation or translation services where appropriate.

For additional information, see the "Civil Rights Compliance" section of the OJP "Other 

Requirements for OJP Applications" Web page 

(www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm).

E. Match Requirement

This solicitation does not require a match. However, if a successful application proposes a 

voluntary match amount, the match amount incorporated into the OJP-approved budget 

becomes mandatory and subject to audit.

Performance Measures

To assist the Department in fulfilling its responsibilities under the Government Performance and 

Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), Public Law 103–62, and the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010, 

Public Law 111–352, applicants that receive funding under this solicitation must provide data 

that measure the results of their work done under this solicitation. Any award recipient will be 

required, post award, 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 Measures 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 2012 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. 

Submission of performance measures data is not required for the application. Instead, 

applicants should discuss in their application their proposed methods for collecting data for 
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performance measures. Refer to the section “What an Application Should Include” on page 17

for additional information.

Note on Project Evaluations (if applicable)

Applicants that propose to use funds awarded through this solicitation to conduct project 

evaluations should be aware that certain project evaluations (such as systematic investigations 

designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge) may constitute “research” for 

purposes of applicable DOJ human subjects protection regulations. However, project 

evaluations that are intended only to generate internal improvements to a program or service, or 

are conducted only to meet OJP’s performance measure data reporting requirements likely do 

not constitute “research.” Applicants should provide sufficient information for OJP to determine 

whether the particular project they propose would either intentionally or unintentionally collect 

and/or use information in such a way that it meets the DOJ regulatory definition of research.

Research, for the purposes of human subjects protections for OJP-funded programs, is defined 

as “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, 

designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge” 28 C.F.R. § 46.102(d). For 

additional information on determining whether a proposed activity would constitute research, 

see the decision tree to assist applicants on the “Research and the Protection of Human 

Subjects” section of the OJP “Other Requirements for OJP Applications” Web page 

(www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm). Applicants whose proposals may involve 

a research or statistical component also should review the “Confidentiality” section on that Web 

page.

Notice of Post-Award FFATA Reporting Requirement

Applicants should anticipate that OJP will require all recipients (other than individuals) of awards 

of $25,000 or more under this solicitation, consistent with the Federal Funding Accountability 

and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA), to report award information on any first-tier subawards 

totaling $25,000 or more, and, in certain cases, to report information on the names and total 

compensation of the five most highly compensated executives of the recipient and first-tier 

subrecipients. Each applicant entity must ensure that it has the necessary processes and 

systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements should it receive funding. Reports 

regarding subawards will be made through the FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS), 

found at www.fsrs.gov.

Note also that applicants should anticipate that no subaward of an award made under this 

solicitation may be made to a subrecipient (other than an individual) unless the potential 

subrecipient acquires and provides a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number.

How to Apply

Applications are 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 awards at OJP. Applicants must register in GMS for 

each specific funding opportunity and should begin the process immediately to meet the GMS 

registration deadline, especially if this is the first time using the system. Complete instructions 

on how to register and submit an application in GMS can be found at 
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www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/. If the applicant experiences technical difficulties at any point during 

this process, e-mail GMS.HelpDesk@usdoj.gov or call 888-549-9901 (option 3), Monday –

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

recommends that applicants start the registration process as early as possible to prevent delays 

in submitting an application package by the specified application deadline.

All applicants should complete the following steps: 

1. Acquire a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. In general, the Office 

of Management and Budget requires that all applicants (other than individuals) for 

federal funds include a DUNS number in their application for a new award or renewal of 

an existing award. A DUNS number is a 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 Dun and Bradstreet at 866-705-

5711 or by applying online at www.dnb.com. A DUNS number is usually received within 

1-2 business days. 

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

database. OJP requires that all applicants (other than individuals) for federal financial 

assistance maintain current registrations in the 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. Note, however, that applicants must update or renew their CCR 

registration annually to maintain an active status. Information about CCR registration 

procedures can be accessed at www.ccr.gov.

3. Acquire a GMS username and password. A new user must 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. Verify the CCR registration in GMS. OJP requests that all applicants verify their CCR 

registration in GMS. Once logged into GMS, click the “CCR Claim” link on the left side of 

the default screen. Click the submit button to verify the CCR registration.

5. Search for the funding opportunity on GMS. After logging into GMS or completing the 

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

left side of the page. Select “National Institute of Justice” and the “Paul Coverdell 

Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program.”

6. Register by selecting the “Apply Online” button associated with the solicitation 

title. The search results from step 5 will display the solicitation title along with the 

registration and application deadlines for this funding opportunity. Select the “Apply 

Online” button in the “Action” column to register for this solicitation and create an 

application in the system.
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7. Complete the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. All applicants must complete this 

information and submit the form in GMS. An applicant that expends any funds for 

lobbying activities must provide the detailed information requested on the form, 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL). An applicant that does not expend any funds 

for lobbying activities should enter “N/A” in the required highlighted fields. Access the 

form at www.ojp.gov/funding/forms/disclosure.pdf.

8. Submit an application consistent with this solicitation by following the directions 

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

was successful. Important: In some instances, an applicant must wait for GMS approval 

before submitting an application. Applicants are urged to submit the 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.”

Note: Duplicate Applications

If an applicant submits multiple versions of an application, NIJ will review the most recent 

version submitted. 

Experiencing Unforeseen GMS Technical Issues

If an applicant experiences unforeseen GMS technical issues beyond the applicant’s control that 

prevent submission of its application by the deadline, the applicant must email the NIJ contact 

identified in the Contact Information section on the title page within 24 hours after the 

application deadline and request approval to submit its application. The applicant must include 

in the e-mail: a description of the technical difficulties, a timeline of submission efforts, the 

complete grant application, the applicant DUNS number, and GMS Help Desk tracking 

number(s) the applicant has received. Note: Requests are not automatically approved by 

NIJ. After the program office reviews all of the information submitted, and contacts the GMS 

Help Desk to validate the technical issues reported, OJP will contact the applicant to either 

approve or deny the request to submit a late application. If the technical issues reported cannot 

be validated, the 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, including firewalls.

Notifications regarding known technical problems with GMS, if any, are posted at the top of the 

OJP funding Web page at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/solicitations.htm.
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What an Application Should Include

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 be made to 

make an award, it 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 

unresponsive to the scope of the solicitation, or that do not include application elements 

designated by NIJ to be critical will neither proceed to peer review nor receive further 

consideration. Under this solicitation, NIJ has designated, for requests for competitive funds, the 

following application elements as critical: program narrative, budget detail worksheet and 

budget narrative, and all four certifications required by the Coverdell law. The Budget Narrative 

and the Budget Detail Worksheet may be combined in one document. However, if only one 

document is submitted, it must contain both narrative and detail information. (Requests for 

competitive funds from States must clearly differentiate between the information on program 

narrative and budget provided for the request for competitive funds and the information provided 

for the request for “base” funds.)

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 resumes be included in 

a single file.

1. Information to complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF–424)

The SF–424 is a standard form required for use as a cover sheet for submission of preapplications, applications, and related information. Grants.gov and GMS take information 

from the applicant’s profile to populate the fields on this form. 

2. Program Narrative

Program Narrative Guidelines: 

a. Title Page

The title page should include the title of the project, submission date, funding 

opportunity number, and the applicant’s name and complete contact information 

(i.e., name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address).

b. Project Abstract

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.

c. Table of Contents and Figures
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d. Main Body

The main body of the program narrative should address the project objectives, 

the expected results, and the implementation approach.

a. Formula (base) applications

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.

If grant funds are requested 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.

b. Requests for competitive funds

The main body of the program narrative for a request for competitive funds 

should describe the project in depth. The following sections should be included 

as part of the main body of a program narrative:

− Statement of the Problem

− Project/Program Design and Implementation.

− Capabilities/Competencies.

− Impact/Outcomes and Evaluation.

− Other/Part 1 Violent Crimes data (see page 23).

State (base/competitive) applicants: A State that seeks competitive 

funds in addition to base funds should include a separate program 

narrative (as well as a separate proposed budget detail worksheet and

budget narrative), which should describe 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.

If grant funds are requested 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.
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Any State application for funding MUST be submitted by the Coverdell 

SAA (see list of SAAs on the OJP Web site at 

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/saa/index.htm). When applying for competitive funds, 

an SAA should consult with all interested State agencies to prepare a

request for competitive funds. No more than one request for competitive 

funds per State (SAA) will be funded.

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.

If grant funds are requested 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. 

All interested components of a unit of local government should be 

consulted before preparing an application for competitive funds. No more 

than one application for competitive funds per unit of local government 

will be funded.

The program narrative section for a request for competitive funds should not 

exceed 20 double-spaced 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-page limit for the narrative section.

If the program narrative for a request for competitive funds fails to comply with 

these length-related restrictions, noncompliance may be considered in peer 

review and in final award decisions

3. External Investigations Attachment to the Program Narrative

All 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 
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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. Note that funds will not 

be made available to applicant agencies that fail to provide the necessary 

information.

4. Plan for Collecting the Data Required for This Solicitation’s Performance 

Measures 

Submission of performance measures data is not required for the application. 

Performance measures are included as an alert that successful applicants will be 

required to submit specific data to NIJ as part of their reporting requirements. For the 

application (“base” and/or competitive), the applicant should indicate an understanding 

of these requirements and discuss how the applicant will gather the required data, 

should the applicant receive funding. 

5. Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative

a. Budget Detail Worksheet 

A sample Budget Detail Worksheet can be found at 

www.ojp.gov/funding/forms/budget_detail.pdf. If the budget is submitted in a different 

format, the budget categories listed in the sample budget worksheet should be 

included.

For questions pertaining to budget and examples of allowable and unallowable costs,

see the OJP Financial Guide at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/index.htm.

b. Budget Narrative

The Budget Narrative should thoroughly and clearly describe every category of 

expense listed in the Budget Detail Worksheet. Proposed budgets are expected to 

be complete; reasonable and allowable; cost effective; and necessary for project 

activities. The narrative should be mathematically sound and correspond with the 

information and figures provided in the Budget Detail Worksheet. The narrative 

should explain how all costs were estimated and calculated and how they are 

relevant to the completion of the proposed project. The narrative may include tables 

for clarification purposes but need not be in a spreadsheet format. As with the 

Budget Detail Worksheet, the Budget Narrative should be broken down by year.

6. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

Indirect costs are allowed only if the applicant has a federally approved indirect cost rate. 

(This requirement does not apply to units of local government.) A copy of the rate 

approval should be attached. If the applicant does not have an approved rate, one can 

be requested by contacting the applicant’s cognizant Federal agency, which will review 

all documentation and approve a rate for the applicant organization or, if the applicant’s 

accounting system permits, costs may be allocated in the direct cost categories. If DOJ 

is the cognizant Federal agency, obtain information needed to submit an indirect cost 

rate proposal at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/pdfs/indirect_costs.pdf.
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7. Additional Attachments 

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 (i.e., 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 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.

8. Other Standard Forms

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

OJP’s funding page at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms.htm. For successful applicants, 

receipt of funds may be contingent upon submission of all necessary forms. Note in 

particular the following forms.

a. Standard Assurances

Applicants must read, certify, and submit this form in GMS prior to the receipt 

of any award funds.

b. Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other 

Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements

Applicants must read, certify, and submit in GMS prior to the receipt of any 

award funds. 
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c. Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire

(required for any applicant other than an individual that is a non-governmental 

entity and that has not received any award from OJP within the past 3 years; 

this form must be downloaded, completed, and submitted)

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, may expect to be awarded 

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

Requests for competitive funds

Each criterion is weighted according to the percentage listed below.

Statement of the Problem (Understanding of the problem and its importance)—15%

Project/Program Design and Implementation (Quality and technical merit)—15%

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

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

3. Soundness of the 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 (Capabilities, demonstrated productivity, and experience of 

applicants)—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. 
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Impact/Outcomes and Evaluation/Plan for Collecting Data for Performance 

Measures (Relevance to policy and practice)—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.

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 2008, 2009, and 2010.

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. Applications for formula 

awards will be reviewed to ensure statutory requirements have been met.

Peer reviewers will review 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 subject matter of a given solicitation who is NOT a current DOJ 

employee. An internal reviewer is a current DOJ employee who is well-versed or has expertise 

in the subject matter of this solicitation. Eligible requests for competitive funds that meet basic 
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minimum requirements 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.

When appropriate, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), in consultation with NIJ, 

conducts a financial review of requests for competitive funds to evaluate the fiscal integrity and 

financial capability of applicants; examines proposed costs to determine if the Budget Detail 

Worksheet and Budget Narrative accurately explain project costs; and determines whether 

costs are reasonable, necessary, and allowable under applicable federal cost principles and 

agency regulations. 

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). 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. OJP strongly encourages applicants to review the information 

pertaining to these additional requirements prior to submitting an application. Additional 

information for each requirement can be found at

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

Civil Rights Compliance

Faith-Based and Other Community Organizations

Confidentiality

Research and the Protection of Human Subjects

Anti-Lobbying Act

Financial and Government Audit Requirements

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

DOJ Information Technology Standards (if applicable) 

Single Point of Contact Review

Non-Supplanting 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
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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

Active CCR Registration

Reporting

If a proposal is funded, the award recipient will be required to submit several reports and other 

materials, including: 

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 2012 grant funds, (2) identify the number and type of cases accepted during 

the FY 2012 award period by the forensic laboratory or laboratories that received FY 2012 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 2012 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 NIJ on an annual basis:

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 nonreferral.

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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Provide Feedback to OJP on This Solicitation

To assist OJP in improving its application and award processes, we encourage applicants to 

provide feedback on this solicitation, the application submission process, and/or the application 

review/peer review process. Feedback can be provided to 

OJPSolicitationFeedback@usdoj.gov.
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Application Checklist

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program

This application checklist has been created to assist in developing an application.

Eligibility Requirement:

_____ Coverdell Statutory Certifications (see pages 3–8 and 21)

_____ 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

What an Application Should Include:

_____ Application for Federal Assistance (SF–424) (see page 17)

_____ Program Narrative(s) (see page 17)

_____ External Investigations Attachment to the Program Narrative (see page 19)

_____ Plan for Collecting the Data Required for This Solicitation’s Performance Measures 

(see page 20)

_____ Budget Detail Worksheet(s) (see page 20)

_____ Budget Narrative(s) (see page 20)

_____ Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF–LLL) (see page 16)

_____ Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) (see page 20)

_____ Other Standard Forms as applicable (see page 21)
Appendix 1. Estimated Amount of FY 2012 Base Funds, by State5

28

 

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.

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

both base funds and any competitive funds, 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 $63,517. See “Available Funding” under “Program-Specific 

Information” for additional details.

Alabama $110,952 Nevada $68,488

Alaska* $18,175 New Hampshire* $33,151

Arizona $149,757 New Jersey $203,784

Arkansas $67,872 New Mexico* $52,365

California $870,749 New York $449,680

Colorado $118,207 North Carolina $223,080

Connecticut $82,721 North Dakota* $17,200

Delaware* $22,813 Ohio $266,708

District of Columbia* $15,542 Oklahoma $87,590

Florida $440,262 Oregon $89,447

Georgia $226,748 Pennsylvania $294,383

Hawaii* $34,575 Rhode Island* $26,439

Idaho* $39,860 South Carolina $108,098

Illinois $297,302 South Dakota* $20,725

Indiana $150,552 Tennessee $147,929

Iowa $70,745 Texas $593,130

Kansas $66,331 Utah $65,083

Kentucky $100,940 Vermont* $15,754

Louisiana $105,687 Virginia $187,046

Maine* $33,402 Washington $157,786

Maryland $134,644 West Virginia* $46,660

Massachusetts $152,184 Wisconsin $131,952

Michigan $228,157 Wyoming* $14,288

Minnesota $123,476 American Samoa/ 

Northern Mariana Islands6

$2,842

Mississippi $68,809 Guam* $4,602

Missouri $138,857 Puerto Rico $85,631

Montana* $25,103 Virgin Islands* $2,766

Nebraska* $46,340
29

Appendix 2. Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications

(Instructions: Scan signed certifications and submit image files electronically through GMS.) 
30

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2012 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 the subject of 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
31

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2012 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 the subject of 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
32

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2012 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 the subject of 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
33

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2012 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 2012 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 the subject of 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
34

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2012 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 2012

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 the subject of 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
35

Appendix 3. Template for “External Investigations” Attachment

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

GMS.) 
36

FY 2012 Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement 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 in the State 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 2012 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. ___________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________

_____________________________
FY 2012 External Investigations Attachment (continued)

Name of Applicant Agency: _______________________________

3. ___________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________

4. ___________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________

5. ___________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________

6. ___________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________

7. ___________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________

37