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 basic scientific 

research that underlies the multidisciplinary field of forensic science. This program furthers the 

Department’s mission by sponsoring research to provide objective, independent, evidencebased knowledge and tools to meet the challenges of crime and criminal justice, particularly at 

State and local levels. In FY 2011, NIJ provided more than $17 million in grants to fund research 

and development projects related to forensic science. Approximately 38 percent of this amount 

was awarded to basic research projects.

Basic Scientific Research to Support Forensic Science 

for Criminal Justice Purposes

Eligibility

In general, NIJ is authorized to make grants to, or enter into contracts or cooperative 

agreements with, States (including territories), units of local government (including federally

recognized Indian tribal governments as determined by the Secretary of the Interior), nonprofit 

and for-profit organizations (including tribal nonprofit or for-profit organizations), institutions of 

higher education (including tribal institutions of higher education), and certain qualified 

individuals. For-profit organizations must agree to forgo any profit or management fee. NIJ may 

also enter into interagency agreements with Federal entities in appropriate cases. Foreign 

governments, foreign organizations, and foreign institutions of higher education are not eligible 

to apply.

NIJ may elect to make awards for applications submitted under this solicitation in future fiscal 

years, dependent on the merit of the applications and on the availability of appropriations in 

future years.

Deadline

Applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application. (See ―How to Apply,‖ 

page 9.) All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on April 20, 2012. (See ―Deadlines: 

Registration and Application,‖ page 3.)

Contact Information

For technical assistance with submitting an application, contact the Grants.gov Customer 

Support Hotline at 800–518–4726 or 606–545–5035 or via e-mail to support@grants.gov.

Note: The Grants.gov Support Hotline hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 

except federal holidays.

For additional assistance with requirements, email NIJ at forensic.research@ojp.usdoj.gov.

Additional information can be found at www.nij.gov/nij/funding/welcome.htm, and frequently 

asked questions that may assist with applying are posted at www.nij.gov/funding/faqs.htm.

Grants.gov number assigned to announcement: NIJ–2012–3098

Release Date: January 31, 2012

SL000994
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Contents

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

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

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

Program-Specific Information..................................................................................................... 3

Performance Measures.............................................................................................................. 8

Notice of Post-Award FFATA Reporting Requirement................................................................ 9

How to Apply...............................................................................................................................9

What an Application Should Include..........................................................................................11

Information to complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF–424)...........................12

Program Narrative...............................................................................................................12

Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative ..................................................................14

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) .......................................................................15

Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable).........................................................................15

Additional Attachments........................................................................................................15

Other Standard Forms.........................................................................................................15

Selection Criteria.......................................................................................................................16

Review Process ........................................................................................................................18

Additional Requirements ...........................................................................................................18

Provide Feedback to OJP on This Solicitation...........................................................................20

Application Checklist.................................................................................................................21
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Basic Scientific Research to Support 

Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes

(CFDA No. 16.560)

Overview

With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for funding basic scientific research in the physical, 

life, and cognitive sciences that is designed to increase the knowledge underlying forensic 

science disciplines intended for use in the criminal justice system.

Authorizing Legislation: Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 

(sections 201 and 202); Homeland Security Act (section 232); Department of Justice 

Appropriations Act, 2012.

Deadlines: Registration and Application

Applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application. OJP encourages

applicants to register several weeks before the application submission deadline. The deadline to 

apply for funding under this announcement is 11:59 p.m. eastern time on April 20, 2012. See 

the ―How to Apply‖ section on page 9 for details.

Eligibility

Refer to the title page for eligibility under this program.

Program-Specific Information

This solicitation seeks applications for funding basic scientific research in the physical, life and 

cognitive sciences that is designed to increase the knowledge underlying forensic science 

disciplines intended for use in the criminal justice system. For the purposes of this solicitation, 

the following definitions apply:

Forensic—Of, relating to, or used in legal proceedings or argumentation.1

Science—The observation, identification, description, experimental investigations, and 

theoretical explanation of natural phenomena.2

Basic research—A systematic study directed toward a greater knowledge or 

understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts 

without specific applications toward any processes or products in mind. Basic research, 

however, may include activities with broad applications in mind.3(For the purposes of 

this solicitation, basic research must include activities with broad application to forensic 

sciences related to the criminal justice system.)

 

1 Definition of forensic is taken from Webster’s II New Riverside University Dictionary.

2 Definition of science is taken from Webster’s II New Riverside University Dictionary.

3 Definition taken from Office of Management and Budget Circular A–11, Preparation, Submission, and Execution of 

the Budget, Section 84—Character Classification (Schedule C).
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Applied research—A systematic study to gain knowledge or understanding necessary to 

determine the means by which a recognized and specific need may be met.4

Development—The systematic application of knowledge or understanding, directed 

toward the production of useful materials, devices, systems, or methods, including 

design, development, and improvement of prototypes and new processes to meet 

specific requirements.5

Basic scientific research proposals to this solicitation should be designed to lead to: 

a. Subsequent applied research and advanced technology developments in forensic 

science-related technologies intended for use in the criminal justice system, and/or

b. New and improved crime laboratory functional capabilities that result in faster, more 

robust, more informative, less costly, or less labor-intensive identification, collection, 

preservation, and/or analysis of evidence.

The scientific and technical challenges inherent in basic scientific research can be significant. 

High-risk/high-payoff projects may fail for legitimate reasons. The risk of failure should be 

balanced by an outstanding scientific and management plan. Applicants proposing highrisk/high-payoff projects should identify them as such, elaborate key quantitative milestones to 

be achieved, and describe the consequences of not achieving those milestones in a reasonable 

period of time.

Proposals should describe the anticipated impact of the basic scientific research on one or more 

forensic science disciplines. Some of the forensic science disciplines are listed below (where 

available, links have also been provided to sites containing additional information). 

DNA and forensic biology (www.dna.gov, www.cstl.nist.gov/strbase). 

Forensic crime scene analysis (www.swgstain.org). 

Forensic anthropology and forensic odontology (www.swganth.org). 

Controlled substances (www.swgdrug.org). 

Fire debris analysis and arson scene investigations (www.ncfs.ucf.edu/twgfex). 

Firearms and toolmark identification (www.swggun.org). 

Latent print (www.swgfast.org).

Shoeprint/tire tread examination (www.swgtread.org). 

Questioned documents (www.swgdoc.org). 

Trace evidence (www.swgmat.org). 

Forensic toxicology (www.swgtox.org). 

Medicolegal death investigations, to include forensic pathology (www.swgmdi.org).

Applicable physical, life, and cognitive sciences may include:

Life Sciences (e.g., biology, genetics).

Physics.

Medicine/Dentistry (e.g., neurology, pathology, odontology).

Mathematical Sciences.

Material Science.

Computer Science.

 

4

Ibid.

5

Ibid.
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Chemistry and Pharmacology. 

Psychology.

Note: Basic Scientific Research to Support Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes, and

Applied Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes, are the 

two primary solicitations that will fund NIJ research and development projects relating to 

forensic science in FY 2012. Research and development solicitations for specific forensic 

science disciplines will not be issued in FY 2012.

New Investigator Opportunities

NIJ is interested in funding new investigators in forensic science research as it pertains to NIJ’s 

mission. Proposals whose principal investigators are defined as ―new investigators‖ may, in 

appropriate circumstances, be given special consideration in award decisions. 

To be considered a ―new investigator‖ for purposes of this solicitation, one of the two sets of 

criteria below must be satisfied:

The principal investigator must have received, no earlier than April 1, 2008, an initial 

appointment in the United States to a full-time junior faculty position at a university or to 

an equivalent full-time staff scientist position in a research institution; hold such a fulltime appointment at the time of application submission; and must never have received 

NIJ funding for a research project, other than a Graduate Research Fellowship program 

grant. (Typically, the appropriate faculty rank is that of Assistant Professor, although 

some institutions may use a different title to designate junior faculty status.)

The principal investigator must be an established researcher, who receives research 

funding originating from a federal science agency but has not successfully competed for 

NIJ funding as a principal investigator or collaborative researcher in the past 10 years. 

The investigator must hold a full-time appointment in the United States to a faculty 

position at a university or an equivalent position as a scientist on the staff of a research 

institution at the time of application submission. 

In the case of a grant application that involves more than one principal investigator, all principal 

investigators must meet the definition of ―new investigator‖ in order for the application to be 

considered as one from a ―new investigator.‖

Reading Resources:

Information on NIJ’s research and development programs related to the forensic sciences 

(including previously funded projects) can be found at:

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/forensics/welcome.htm.

The following are examples of documents that may provide additional information to prospective 

applicants about forensic sciences.

Criminalistics: An Introduction to Forensic Science (7th ed.), by R. Saferstein (Upper 

Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1998) ISBN 0–13–592940–7. 

Forensic Science Handbook (Vol. I, 2nd ed.), edited by R. Saferstein (Englewood Cliffs, 

NJ: Prentice Hall, 2002) ISBN 0–13–091058–9. 
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Forensic Science Handbook (Vol. II, 2nd ed.), edited by R. Saferstein (Englewood Cliffs, 

NJ: Prentice Hall, 2005) ISBN 0–13–112434–X. 

Forensic Science Handbook (Vol. III), edited by R. Saferstein (Englewood Cliffs, NJ: 

Prentice Hall, 1993) ISBN 0–13–325390–2. 

Fundamentals of Forensic Science, by M. Houck and J. Siegel (Burlington, MA: Elsevier 

Academic Press, 2006) ISBN 0–12–356762–9. 

Forensic Chemistry, by S. Bell (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006) 

ISBN 0–13–147835–4. 

Advanced Topics in Forensic DNA Typing: Methodology, by J. Butler (San Diego, CA: 

Academic Press, 2011) ISBN 978–0–12–374513–2.

Fundamentals of Forensic DNA Typing, by J. Butler (San Diego, CA: Academic Press, 

2009) ISBN 0–12–374999–4.

Forensic Pathology: Practical Aspects of Criminal & Forensic Investigations (2nd ed.), by 

D. Di Maio and V. Di Maio (Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2001) ISBN 0–84–930072–X.

Spitz and Fisher's Medicolegal Investigation of Death: Guidelines for the Application of 

Pathology to Crime Investigation, by W. Spitz, D. Spitz, and R. Fisher (Springfield, IL: 

Charles C Thomas Publisher, 2006) ISBN 0–398–07544–1.

Quantitative-Qualitative Friction Ridge Analysis: An Introduction to Basic and Advanced 

Ridgeology, by D. Ashbaugh (Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1999) ISBN 0–8493–7007–

8.

Handbook of Digital Forensics and Investigation, by E. Casey (London: Elsevier 

Academic Press, 2010) ISBN 0–12–374267–4.

Digital Image Processing: An Algorithmic Introduction Using Java, by W. Burger, M.J. 

Burge (New York: Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, 2008) ISBN 1–84628–379–

6.

Principles of Forensic Toxicology: Revised and Updated (2nd ed.), by B. Levine 

(Washington, DC: American Association for Clinical Chemistry, Inc., 2006) ISBN 1–59–

425053–7.

―Confirmation Bias: A Ubiquitous Phenomenon in Many Guises,‖ by R.S. Nickerson,

Review of General Psychology 2(2) (June 1998): 175–220.

―The Vision in 'Blind' Justice: Expert Perception, Judgment and Visual Cognition in 

Forensic Pattern Recognition,‖ by I.E. Dror and S. Cole, Psychonomic Bulletin and 

Review 17(2) (2010): 161–167.

Amount and Length of Awards

Total funding for this solicitation and the number of awards made will depend on the availability 

of funds, the quality of the applications, and other pertinent factors. All awards are subject to 

the availability of appropriated funds and to any modifications or additional requirements 

that may be imposed by law. In FY 2011, NIJ provided more than $17 million in grants to fund 

research and development projects related to forensic science, including DNA. NIJ funding for 

an individual research project rarely exceeds $500,000 annually, although total funding for 

projects requiring multiple years to complete has exceeded $1 million in some cases. In FY 

2011, the average forensic science research and development award size was approximately 

$223,000 per year, and the average project period was 2 years. If feasible, NIJ recommends 

that applicants divide the proposed work into discrete phases, with each phase resulting in the 

delivery of a measurable deliverable. Applicants should try to structure the phases so that the 

funding required in any fiscal year will not exceed $500,000. Although NIJ cannot guarantee that 

subsequent phases, stages or tasks will be funded, this approach will enable NIJ to fund the 

proposed work incrementally, depending on, among other things, the quality of the deliverable 

at the end of each phase, strategic priorities, and the availability of funds. However, applicants 
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should not divide their work if it is not feasible to do so without impairing the technical and 

programmatic soundness of their approach. Note: Deliverables (e.g., technical reports) will be 

required at the end of each phase to enable NIJ to assess the progress of the work and assist 

NIJ in making reasoned determinations as to the suitability of funding the next phase of the 

work. 

Applicants should be aware that the total period for an award ordinarily will not exceed 3 years. 

FY 2012 award announcements are expected to be made by September 30, 2012. Applicants 

may wish to consider proposing project period start dates commencing on January 1, 2013.

Please note: All applicants under this solicitation must comply with Department of Justice 

regulations on confidentiality and human subjects’ protection. See ―Other Requirements for OJP 

Applications‖ at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm. 

What will not be funded: 

1. Provision of training or direct service.

2. Proposals primarily to purchase equipment, materials, or supplies. (The budget may include 

these items if they are necessary to conduct basic research. Proposals that include 

equipment purchases should include a discussion of how federally funded equipment is 

proposed to be used after the funded work has been completed and/or the project period 

has ended. Note that OJP may issue specific equipment disposition instructions in 

appropriate circumstances.)

3. Work that will be funded under another specific solicitation.

4. Proposals that do not contain a research component or do not respond to the specific goals 

of this solicitation.

5. Proposals addressing applied research or development in forensic science. Applicants 

proposing such studies may consider submitting applications to the planned FY 2012 

solicitation entitled ―Applied Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal 

Justice Purposes.‖

6. Proposals addressing both a basic research and an applied research or development 

component. Applicants should submit basic research studies only. (In order to illustrate 

broad applications to forensic science, proposals may reference foreseeable applied 

research or development work that may result from the proposed basic research; however, 

applications proposing applied research or development activities will not be considered).

7. Applications that involve non-human biological components that do not relate to human 

criminal justice concerns in the United States.

Budget Information

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation; Waiver

With respect to any award of more than $250,000 made under this solicitation, Federal funds 

may not be used to pay total cash compensation (salary plus bonuses) to any employee of the 

award recipient at a rate that exceeds 110% of the maximum annual salary payable to a 

member of the Federal Government’s Senior Executive Service (SES) at an agency with a 

Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year. The 2012 salary table for SES 

employees is available at www.opm.gov/oca/12tables/indexSES.asp. Note: A recipient may 

compensate an employee at a higher rate, provided the amount in excess of this compensation 

limitation is paid with non-Federal funds. (Any such additional compensation will not be 

considered matching funds where match requirements apply.)
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The limitation on compensation rates allowable under an award may be waived on an individual 

basis at the discretion of the Director of the National Institute of Justice. An applicant requesting

a waiver should include a detailed justification in the budget narrative of its application. Unless 

the applicant submits a waiver request and justification with the application, the applicant should 

anticipate that OJP will request the applicant to adjust and resubmit its budget.

The justification should include the particular qualifications and expertise of the individual, the 

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

project being undertaken with award funds, and a statement explaining that the individual’s 

salary is commensurate with the regular and customary rate for an individual with his/her 

qualifications and expertise, and for the work to be done.

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.

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 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).

Match Requirement

See ―Cofunding‖ paragraph under ―What an Application Should Include‖ (below).

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. (Submission of 
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performance measures data is not required for the application.) Performance measures for this 

solicitation are as follows:

Objective Performance Measures Data Grantee Provides

Gain knowledge and 

understanding of the 

forensic sciences for 

criminal justice purposes 

through basic scientific 

research.

1. Relevance to the needs of 

the field as measured by 

whether the grantee’s 

substantive scope did not 

deviate from the funded 

proposal or any subsequent 

agency modifications to the 

scope.

2. Quality of the research as 

assessed by peer reviewers.

3. Quality of management as 

measured by whether 

significant interim project 

milestones were achieved, 

final deadlines were met, and 

costs remained within 

approved limits.

4. If applicable, number of NIJ 

final grant reports, NIJ 

research documents, and 

grantee research documents 

published.

1. A final report providing a 

comprehensive overview of 

the project and a detailed 

description of the project 

design, data, and methods; a 

full presentation of scientific 

findings; and a thorough 

discussion of the implications 

of the project findings for 

increasing the knowledge 

underlying forensic science 

disciplines intended for use in

the criminal justice system in 

the United States.

2. Quarterly financial reports, 

semi-annual progress reports, 

and a final progress report.

3. If applicable, each data set 

that was collected, acquired, 

or modified in conjunction with 

the project. 

4. If applicable, citation to

report(s)/document(s).

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.

Please 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 will be submitted through Grants.gov. Grants.gov is a ―one-stop storefront‖ that 

provides a unified process for all customers of federal awards to find funding opportunities and 

apply for funding. Complete instructions on how to register and submit an application can be 
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found at www.Grants.gov. If the applicant experiences technical difficulties at any point during 

this process, call the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800–518–4726 or 606–545–5035,

24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays. Registering with Grants.gov is a onetime process; however, processing delays may occur, and it can take up to several weeks

for first-time registrants to receive confirmation and a user password. 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 are required to 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 applications 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. An applicant must be 

registered in the CCR to successfully register in Grants.gov. 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 an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and a Grants.gov 

username and password. Complete the AOR profile on Grants.gov and create a 

username and password. The applicant organization’s DUNS number must be used to 

complete this step. For more information about the registration process, go to 

www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.

4. Acquire confirmation for the AOR from the E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz 

POC). The E-Biz POC at the applicant organization must log into Grants.gov to confirm 

the applicant organization’s AOR. Note that there can be more than one AOR for the 

organization.

5. Search for the funding opportunity on Grants.gov. Use the following identifying 

information when searching for the funding opportunity on Grants.gov. The Catalog of 

Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this solicitation is 16.560, titled 

―National Institute of Justice Research, Evaluation, and Development Project Grants,‖

and the funding opportunity number is NIJ-2012-3098.
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6. Complete the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. All applicants must complete this 

information. 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. 

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

in Grants.gov. Within 24–48 hours after submitting the electronic application, the 

applicant should receive an e-mail validation message from Grants.gov. The validation 

message will state whether the application has been received and validated, or rejected, 

with an explanation. Important: Applicants are urged to submit applications at least 72 

hours prior to the due date of the application to allow time to receive the validation 

message and to correct any problems that may have caused a rejection notification.

Note: Grants.gov will forward the application to OJP’s Grants Management System 

(GMS). 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 Grants.gov Technical Issues

If an applicant experiences unforeseen Grants.gov technical issues beyond the applicant’s

control that prevent submission of its application by the deadline, the applicant must send an 

email to the NIJ email address 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 Grants.gov 

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 Grants.gov 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 Grants.gov 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 Grants.gov, if any, are posted at the top 

of the OJP funding Web page at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/solicitations.htm.

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 
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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 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 the following application elements as critical: program narrative, budget detail 

worksheet and budget narrative, and résumés/curriculum vitae of key personnel. 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.

OJP strongly recommends use of appropriately descriptive file names (e.g., ―Program 

Narrative,‖ ―Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative,‖ ―Timelines,‖ ―Memoranda of 

Understanding,‖ ―Résumés‖) for all attachments. OJP recommends that résumés 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. When selecting "type of 

applicant," if the applicant is a for-profit entity, select "For-Profit Organization" or "Small 

Business" (as applicable).

2. Program Narrative

The program narrative section of the application should not exceed 12 single-spaced 

pages in 12-point font with 1-inch margins, of which a minimum of 6 pages should be 

dedicated to the description of the project/program design and execution. If included in 

the main body of the program narrative, then tables, charts, figures, and other 

illustrations do count toward the 12-page limit for the narrative section. Abstract, table of 

contents, appendices, and government forms do not count toward the 12-page limit for 

the narrative section.

If the program narrative fails to comply with these length-related restrictions, 

noncompliance may be considered in peer review and in final award decisions.

Program Narrative Guidelines: 

a. Title Page (not counted against the 12-page program narrative limit).

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

opportunity number, the applicant’s name and complete contact information (i.e., 

name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address), and a list of key 

words/phrases relevant to the proposed research subject matter.

b. Project Abstract (not counted against the 12-page program narrative limit and 

not to exceed 600 words).

c. Resubmit Response (if applicable) (not counted against the 12-page program 

narrative limit). If an applicant is resubmitting a proposal that was presented 

previously to NIJ, but not funded, the applicant should indicate this. A statement 

should be provided, no more than two pages, addressing: (1) the title, 

submission date, and NIJ-assigned application number of the previous proposal, 
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and (2) a brief summary of revisions to the proposal. This document should be 

inserted after the abstract.

d. Table of Contents (not counted against the 12-page program narrative limit). 

e. Main body. The main body of the program narrative should describe the project 

in depth. The following sections should be included as part of the program 

narrative: 

Statement of the Problem.

Project/Program Design and Execution (should account for a 

minimum of 6 pages of the main body of the narrative).

Capabilities/Competencies.

Impact/Outcomes, Evaluation, and Dissemination.

Within these sections, the narrative should address:

Purpose, goals, and objectives.

Review of relevant literature.

Detailed description of research design and methods to include: 

research questions, hypotheses, description of sample, analysis plan, 

etc.

Management plan and organization.

Implications of the basic scientific research for increasing the 

knowledge underlying forensic science disciplines intended for use in 

the criminal justice system in the United States.

f. Appendices (not counted against the 12-page program narrative limit) include:

Bibliography/references.

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

pertaining to the proposed study that are supplemental to such items 

included in the main body of the narrative (tables, charts, graphs, or 

other relevant illustrations essential for comprehension of the 

project/program design should be included in the main body of the 

narrative).

Supporting data—Includes any preliminary data to support the 

investigator’s ability to perform the work and/or proof of principle for 

the proposed research.

Curriculum vitae, résumés or biographical sketches of key personnel.

(Curriculum vitae, résumés or biographical sketches should be limited 

to no more than 2 pages per person).

Project timeline and research calendar with expected milestones. 

Research independence and integrity (see ―Selection Criteria,‖ 

below).

Human Subjects Protection paperwork, including Institutional Review 

Board (IRB) documentation and forms (see 

www.ojp.gov/nij/funding/humansubjects/human-subjects.htm).

Privacy Certificate (for further guidance, go to 

www.ojp.gov/nij/funding/humansubjects/privacy-certificateguidance.htm).

Documentation of ―new investigator‖ status, if applicable. 

Other funding:
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 List of previous and current NIJ awards to applicant 

organization and investigator(s).

 List of current and pending non-NIJ support for each 

investigator collaborating on this proposal. 

 List of other agencies, organizations, or funding sources to 

which this proposal has been submitted (if applicable). 

Letters of cooperation/support or administrative agreements from 

organizations collaborating in the project, memoranda of 

understanding (MOUs), or letters of intent to establish MOUs (if 

applicable).

Other materials specified by the solicitation.

Data archiving plan (see descriptive paragraph below).

Data Archiving Plan: Applications should include a description of the proposed data 

management and archiving process. The submission of data has not been a requirement of the 

basic scientific research to support forensic science program; however, data may be requested 

on a case-by-case basis.

3. 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.

Cofunding: A grant made by NIJ under this solicitation may account for up to 100 

percent of the total cost of the project. The application should indicate whether it is 

feasible for the applicant to contribute cash, facilities, or services as non-Federal 

support for the project. The application should identify generally any such 

contributions that the applicant expects to make and the proposed budget should 

indicate in detail which items, if any, will be supported with non-Federal contributions.

If a successful application proposes a voluntary match amount, the match amount 

incorporated into the OJP-approved budget becomes mandatory and subject to 

audit.
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4. 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.

5. Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable)

If an application is being submitted by either (1) a tribe or tribal organization or (2) a third 

party proposing to provide direct services or assistance to residents on tribal lands, then 

a current authorizing resolution of the governing body of the tribal entity or other 

enactment of the tribal council or comparable governing body authorizing the inclusion of 

the tribe or tribal organization and its membership should be included with the 

application. In those instances when an organization or consortium of tribes proposes to 

apply for a grant on behalf of a tribe or multiple specific tribes, then the application 

should include a resolution (or comparable legal documentation, as may be applicable) 

from all tribes that will be included as a part of the services/assistance provided under 

the grant. A consortium of tribes for which existing consortium bylaws allow action 

without support from all tribes in the consortium (i.e., without authorizing resolution or 

other enactment of each tribal governing body) may submit a copy of its consortium 

bylaws with the application in lieu of tribal resolutions (or comparable legal 

documentation).

6. Additional Attachments

List of Entities Involved in the Project 

An application should include a stand-alone attachment titled ―List of Entities‖ that lists 

the names of all entities that will be involved in the work. This list should include, but is 

not limited to: the organizations at which the investigators are employed; academic 

institutions at which grant-funded researchers are employed or enrolled; organizations 

that may receive subawards or contracts; and any organization(s) named in letters of 

cooperation/support, administrative agreements from organizations collaborating in the 

project, MOUs, or letters of intent to establish MOUs.

7. 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 the 

following forms in particular.

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

award funds.

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

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

the following criteria. 

Depending on the number of applications received, applications may be categorized into 

discrete groups for purposes of peer review and/or selection for award.

Statement of the Problem (Understanding of the problem and its importance)—5%

The proposal defines and demonstrates an understanding of the basic scientific problem.

1. Clarity of the description of the problem.

2. Strength of citations and other appropriate information to support the understanding of 

the problem. 

3. Clarity of the description of how the scientific problem relates to a problem existing in 

forensic sciences as they relate to the criminal justice system.

Project/Program Design and Execution (Quality and technical merit)—50%

1. Awareness of the state of current research, and identification of research gaps.

2. Soundness of methods and analytic and technical approach. (The overall strategy, 

methodology, and analyses should be well-reasoned and appropriate to accomplish the 

specific aims of the project.) 

3. Feasibility of proposed project and strength of supporting data. The proof-of-principle of 

the proposed basic scientific research should be established and supported by 

preliminary data presented in or referenced in the proposal. More innovative plans 

and/or plans with a higher potential for failure should be counterbalanced to manage the 

inherent risk (e.g., by firm theoretical basis; reasonable preliminary data, depending on 

the mechanism; the track record of the lead investigators; and an outstanding scientific 

and management plan).

4. Practicality of the proposed timeline relative to the project design. (Are the timeline and 

milestones logical and realistic? Are milestones adequately developed and quantitative, 

to serve as effective guidance for assessment of progress by the investigators and NIJ?)

5. Awareness of pitfalls and feasibility of proposed actions to minimize and/or mitigate 

these. (Are key scientific and technical barriers and dependencies identified?)

6. Innovation and creativity (when appropriate). (To what extent does the proposed project 

suggest and explore creative, original, or potentially transformative concepts?)

Capabilities/Competencies (Capabilities, demonstrated productivity, and experience of 

applicants)—30%

1. Qualifications and experience of proposed staff. (Principal investigators (PIs) should 

have appropriate experience and training and should demonstrate an ongoing record of 
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accomplishments that have advanced their field(s). If the project is collaborative or multiPI, investigators should have complementary and integrated expertise.)

2. Qualifications of the PI(s). (The PI(s) should have a proven record of publishing in highimpact, peer-reviewed scientific journals.)

2. Demonstrated ability of proposed staff and organization to manage the effort.

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

and resources are used.

4. Strength of the scientific environment (e.g., institutional support, equipment and other 

physical resources, or collaborative arrangements) in which the work will be done and its 

contribution to the probability of success.

Impact/Outcomes, Evaluation, and Dissemination (Relevance to increasing the scientific 

knowledge underlying forensic science disciplines intended for use in the criminal justice 

system)—15% 

1. Potential for significant advances in scientific understanding of the problem.

2. Potential for significant advances in the physical, life, and cognitive science fields, with a 

broad impact on forensic sciences intended for use in the criminal justice system in the 

United States. 

3. Well-defined plan for the grant recipient to disseminate results to appropriate audiences, 

including researchers, and, in line with NIJ’s mission, forensic science researchers and 

practitioners in the criminal justice system. (Does the proposal include a clear 

description of how final research findings will be shared? Does the dissemination 

strategy include intentions to publish in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals? 

Does the dissemination strategy include a plan to maximize the outreach to researchers 

and practitioners in the criminal justice system?) 

Budget 

Reviewers will consider and may comment on the following additional items in the context of 

scientific and technical merit. 

1. Total cost of the project relative to the perceived benefit (cost-effectiveness). 

2. Appropriateness of the budget relative to the level of effort and proposed timeline. 

3. Leveraging the existing scientific environment to conserve costs.

The budget criteria will also be considered by the program office.

Research Independence and Integrity

Regardless of a proposal’s rating under the criteria outlined above, in order to receive funds, the 

applicant’s proposal must demonstrate research independence, including appropriate 

safeguards to ensure research objectivity and integrity. 

For purposes of this solicitation, research independence and integrity pertains only to ensuring

that the design, conduct, or reporting of research funded by NIJ grants, cooperative 

agreements, or contracts will not be biased by any financial interest on the part of the

investigators responsible for the research or on the part of the applicant.

In the appendix dealing with research independence and integrity, the applicant must explain 

the process and procedures that the applicant has put in place to identify and manage potential 

financial conflicts of interest on the part of its staff, consultants, and/or subrecipients. It must 
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also identify any potential organizational financial conflicts of interest on the part of the applicant 

with regard to the proposed research. If the applicant believes that there are no potential 

organizational financial conflicts of interest, the applicant must provide a brief narrative 

explanation of why it believes that to be the case.

Where potential organizational financial conflicts of interest exist, in the appendix the applicant 

must identify the safeguards the applicant has put in place to address those conflicts of interest.

Considerations in evaluating research independence and integrity will include, but may not be 

limited to, the adequacy of the applicant’s efforts to identify factors that could affect the 

objectivity/integrity of the proposed staff and/or the organization in carrying out the research, 

development, or evaluation activity; and the adequacy of the applicant’s existing or proposed 

remedies to control any such factors.

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 review the applications submitted under this solicitation that meet basic 

minimum requirements. NIJ may use either internal peer reviewers, external peer reviewers, or 

a combination, to review the applications 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. Applications that meet basic 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, ―new investigator‖ status, and

available funding.

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), in consultation with NIJ, conducts a financial 

review of applications for potential discretionary awards 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. 

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

also may give consideration to factors including, but not limited to, underserved populations, 

geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past performance, ―new investigator‖ status, 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 
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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

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

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

materials, including: 

Final technical report: The final report should be a comprehensive overview of the project and 

should include a detailed description of the project design, data, and methods; a full 

presentation of scientific findings, placed in the context of existing literature; a thorough 

discussion of the implications of the project findings for increasing the knowledge underlying 
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forensic science disciplines intended for use in the criminal justice system in the United States; 

etc. It must contain an abstract of no more than 600 words and an executive summary of 2,500 

to 4,000 words. 

A draft of the final report, abstract, and executive summary must be submitted 90 days before 

the end date of the grant. The draft final report will be peer reviewed upon submission. The 

reviews will be forwarded to the principal investigator with suggestions for revisions. The author 

must then submit the revised final report, abstract, and executive summary by the end date of 

the grant. The abstract, executive summary, and final report must be submitted in electronic 

format.

Interim reports: Grantees must submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual progress 

reports, a final progress report, and, if applicable, an annual audit report in accordance with 

Office of Management and Budget Circular A–133. Grantees should anticipate that semi-annual 

progress reports will be required to follow the non-budgetary components of the Research 

Performance Progress Report template/format. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be 

withheld if reports are delinquent. 

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

Basic Scientific Research to Support Forensic Science 

for Criminal Justice Purposes

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

What an Application Should Include: 

_____ Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) (see page 12)

_____ Program Narrative (see page 12)

_____ Appendices to the Program Narrative (see page 13)

_____ Bibliography/references 

_____ Any tools/instruments, questionnaires, tables/charts/graphs, or maps 

pertaining to the proposed study that supplement those in the narrative

_____ Supporting data—This should include any preliminary data to support the 

investigator’s ability to perform the work and/or proof of principle for the 

proposed research 

_____ Curriculum vitae, résumés, or biographical sketches of key personnel 

_____ Project timeline and research calendar with expected milestones

_____ Research independence and integrity

_____ Human Subjects Protection paperwork

_____ Privacy Certificate 

_____ Documentation of ―new investigator‖ status, if applicable 

_____ Other funding: 

_____List of previous and current NIJ awards to applicant organization 

and investigator(s) 

_____List of current and pending non-NIJ support for each investigator 

collaborating on this proposal 

_____ List of other agencies, organizations, or funding sources to which 

this proposal has been submitted (if applicable) 

_____ Letters of cooperation/support, administrative agreements from 

organizations collaborating in the project, memoranda of understanding 

(MOUs), or letters of intent to establish MOUs (if applicable)

_____ Data archiving plan

_____ Budget Detail Worksheet (see page 14)

_____ Budget Narrative (see page 14)

_____ Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (see page 11)

_____ Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) (see page 15)

_____ Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable) (see page 15)

_____ Program Narrative/Abstract Format: (see page 12)

_____ Single-spaced

_____ 12-point standard font

_____ 1‖ standard margins

_____ Narrative is 12 pages or less

_____ Project/Program Design and Execution is at least 6 pages of the main 

body of the narrative

_____ Additional Attachments (see page 15)

_____ List of Entities Involved in the Project

_____ Other Standard Forms as applicable (see pages 15–16), including:

_____ Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable)