Notices regarding the solicitation “FY 2017 DNA Capacity

Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program (Formula)”

February 6, 2017: State Single Point of Contact information link has changed. An applicant may

now find the names and addresses of State Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) at the following 

website: https://ojp.gov/funding/Apply/Resources/eo12372spoc.pdf

January 25, 2017: A recorded webinar has been posted. To assist applicants in completing their 

proposals, NIJ held a webinar related to this solicitation. The recording of the webinar has been 

posted at https://nij.gov/multimedia/Pages/video-fy17-funding-opportunities-for-publicly-fundedcrime-labs-webinar.aspx. 

January 18, 2017: Answers to questions have been posted. To assist applicants in completing 

their proposals, NIJ has made the answers to questions received available for this funding 

opportunity. Visit http://nij.gov/funding/pages/solicitation-qa.aspx#NIJ-2017-11582 for questions 

and answers to help prepare your application.

The original solicitation document begins on the next page.
U.S. Department of Justice OMB No. 1121-0329 

Office of Justice Programs Approval Expires 12/31/2018 

National Institute of Justice 

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

Justice (NIJ) is seeking applications for funding for the FY 2017 DNA Capacity Enhancement 

and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by 

funding States and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA 

analysis to process, record, screen, and analyze forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples, 

and to increase the capacity of public forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories to process 

more DNA samples, thereby helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database 

samples awaiting analysis. 

FY 2017 DNA Capacity Enhancement and 

Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program (Formula) 

Applications Due: March 13, 2017

Eligibility 

Eligible applicants are States1 and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that 

conduct forensic DNA and/or DNA database sample analysis and: 

 Participate in external audits, not less than once every two years, that demonstrate

compliance with the requirements of the Quality Assurance Standards established by the

Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 Are accredited by a nonprofit professional organization actively involved in forensic

science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community.

 Participate in the National DNA Index System (NDIS), or have an agreement with an

NDIS participating laboratory to upload their data.

Deadline 

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

application under this solicitation. All applicants must register, even those that previously 

registered in GMS. Select the “Apply Online” button associated with the solicitation title. All 

registrations and applications are due by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on March 13, 2017.

For additional information, see How to Apply in Section D. Application and Submission 

Information. 

1 For purposes of this announcement, the term “State” includes the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of 

Puerto Rico. The U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 

and the Virgin Islands also may be eligible for funding. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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Contact Information 

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

Support Hotline at 888-549-9901, option 3, or via email at GMS.HelpDesk@usdoj.gov. The

GMS Support Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including on federal holidays. 

An applicant that experiences unforeseen GMS technical issues beyond its control that prevent 

it from submitting its application by the deadline must email the NIJ contact identified below 

within 24 hours after the application deadline in order to request approval to submit its 

application after the deadline. For information on reporting technical issues, see “Experiencing 

Unforeseen GMS Technical Issues” under How to Apply in Section D. Application and 

Submission Information. 

For assistance with any other requirements of this solicitation, contact the National Criminal 

Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) Response Center: toll-free at 1-800-851-3420; via TTY at 

301-240-6310 (hearing impaired only); email grants@ncjrs.gov; fax to 301-240-5830; or web 

chat at https://webcontact.ncjrs.gov/ncjchat/chat.jsp. The NCJRS Response Center operates 

from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. until 

8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the solicitation close date. General information on applying for NIJ 

awards can be found at www.nij.gov/funding/Pages/welcome.aspx. Answers to frequently asked 

questions that may assist applicants are posted at www.nij.gov/funding/Pages/faqs.aspx. 

Release date: January 11, 2017 
NIJ-2017-11582

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Contents 

A. Program Description .............................................................................................................. 4

Overview ................................................................................................................................ 4

Program-Specific Information ................................................................................................. 4

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables ....................................................................................... 5

Evidence-Based Programs or Practices ................................................................................. 5

B. Federal Award Information ..................................................................................................... 6

Type of Award ........................................................................................................................ 7

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls ......................................................... 7

Budget Information ................................................................................................................. 8

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement .....................................................................................15

Pre-Agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) .......................................................15

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs ...................16

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) ..................................................16

C. Eligibility Information .............................................................................................................16

D. Application and Submission Information ...............................................................................16

What an Application Should Include ......................................................................................16

How to Apply .........................................................................................................................30

E. Application Review Information .............................................................................................32

Review Process ....................................................................................................................32

F. Federal Award Administration Information ............................................................................33

Federal Award Notices ..........................................................................................................33

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements ............................................33

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements .............................34

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) ...................................................................................35

H. Other Information..................................................................................................................35

Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 552a) ....................35

Provide Feedback to OJP .....................................................................................................35

Application Checklist .............................................................................................................37
NIJ-2017-11582

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FY 2017 DNA Capacity Enhancement and 

Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program (Formula) 

(CFDA No. 16.741) 

A. Program Description 

Overview 

The goal of NIJ's FY 2017 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) 

program is to assist eligible States and units of local government to process, record, screen, 

and analyze forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples and to increase the capacity of public 

forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories to process more DNA samples — thereby 

helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis. 

Under this program, in general, eligible applicants are given the opportunity, based on their 

individual needs, to determine what portion of their anticipated funding should be used for 

capacity building purposes and what portion should be used for analysis of forensic DNA and/or 

DNA database samples. 

IMPORTANT NOTE 

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

additional requirements that may be imposed by law. 

As of the writing of this solicitation, no full-year appropriation for the Department of Justice for 

FY 2017 has been enacted. No final decision as to the amount of funds, if any, to be provided 

under this FY 2017 program should be expected until after a full-year appropriation is enacted. 

Applicants are strongly encouraged to check for updates to this solicitation prior to submitting 

applications. 

Program-Specific Information 

The following requirements apply to all DNA analyses conducted under this program: 

 Applicants must ensure that all eligible DNA profiles obtained with funding from this 

program are entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and, where 

applicable, are uploaded into the National DNA Index System (NDIS). No profiles 

generated with funding from this program may be entered into any non-governmental 

DNA database without prior express written approval from NIJ. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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 Applicants must ensure that all profiles uploaded to NDIS2 follow NDIS DNA Data 

Acceptance Standards. 

 Applicants must ensure that each DNA analysis conducted and resulting profile 

generated under this program is maintained pursuant to all applicable federal privacy 

requirements, including those described in 42 U.S.C. § 14132(b)(3). 

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables 

The overarching goal of NIJ's FY 2017 DNA CEBR program is to assist eligible States and units 

of local government to increase laboratory capacity and reduce the number of samples awaiting 

analysis in both the casework and database sections. It is anticipated this program will assist 

eligible States and units of local government that receive CEBR funds in decreasing turnaround 

time of the analysis of forensic DNA and DNA database samples; and to process, record, 

screen and analyze such samples. Increased laboratory capacity and decreased sample 

turnaround time will aid laboratories in reducing the number of forensic DNA and DNA database 

samples awaiting analysis. 

The Goals, Objectives and Deliverables are directly related to the performance measures set 

out in the table in Section D. Application and Submission Information, under "Program 

Narrative."

Evidence-Based Programs or Practices 

OJP strongly emphasizes the use of data and evidence in policy making and program 

development in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. OJP is committed to: 

 Improving the quantity and quality of evidence OJP generates. 

 Integrating evidence into program, practice, and policy decisions within OJP and the 

field. 

 Improving the translation of evidence into practice. 

OJP considers programs and practices to be evidence-based when their effectiveness has been 

demonstrated by causal evidence, generally obtained through one or more outcome 

evaluations. Causal evidence documents a relationship between an activity or intervention 

(including technology) and its intended outcome, including measuring the direction and size of a 

change, and the extent to which a change may be attributed to the activity or intervention. 

Causal evidence depends on the use of scientific methods to rule out, to the extent possible, 

alternative explanations for the documented change. The strength of causal evidence, based on 

the factors described above, will influence the degree to which OJP considers a program or 

practice to be evidence-based. The OJP CrimeSolutions.gov website is one resource that 

applicants may use to find information about evidence-based programs in criminal justice, 

juvenile justice, and crime victim services. 

 

2 https://www.fbi.gov/services/laboratory/biometric-analysis/codis/codis-and-ndis-fact-sheet. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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B. Federal Award Information 

NIJ expects to award up to $64 million under the FY 2017 DNA Capacity Enhancement and 

Backlog Reduction (CEBR) program to States and units of local government that operate 

forensic DNA laboratories. Awards under this program are for a 24-month period of 

performance, to begin on January 1, 2018.

In general, the aggregate amount of FY 2017 funds expected to be awarded to eligible 

applicants from each State (including the State and its units of local government) is based on: 

1. The number of Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Part 1 Violent Crimes3reported to the FBI 

for 2015.

4

2. The number of Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Part 1 Property Crimes5 reported to the FBI 

for 2015.

6

3. The population of the State.7

4. A minimum aggregate amount available to eligible applicants from each State. For FY 

2017, if the aggregate amount, based on the number of UCR Violent Crimes and UCR 

Property Crimes reported to the FBI and on the State’s population, is less than

$150,000, NIJ expects to increase that aggregate amount to $150,000. 

The number of State and local applicants may also affect funding allocations. 

See “Appendix A: Estimated Aggregate Amounts Available for Each State — FY 2017” for a 

chart that identifies the estimated aggregate amount for each State (to fund eligible public 

forensic DNA laboratories in the State). 

If there is more than one public DNA laboratory within a State, funds generally are expected to 

be allocated among the eligible applicants on the basis of the UCR Part 1 Violent Crimes, UCR 

Property Crimes, and population of the State, in a fashion that ensures that the total funding 

requested by all applicant agencies from each State does not exceed the aggregate level listed 

for the State in “Appendix A: Estimated Aggregate Amounts Available for Each State — FY 

2017.” NIJ expects applicants from States with multiple eligible applicants to coordinate among 

themselves to set a minimum level of funding for each applicant so that, if practicable, each 

eligible applicant within the State receives a minimum of $150,000, regardless of whether its 

proportion of available funding based on UCR Part 1 Violent Crimes, UCR Property Crimes and 

population of the State reaches $150,000. 

 

3

 UCR Part 1 Violent Crimes statistics are published on the FBI website at https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-theu.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/tables/table-5. 

4

 Although cases of violent crime against the person are expected to be the priority for forensic casework conducted 

under this solicitation, States and units of local government may use FY 2017 program funds to process, record, 

screen, and analyze any criminal forensic DNA sample awaiting analysis. 

5

 UCR Part 1 Violent Crimes statistics are published on the FBI website at https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-theu.s/2015/crime-in-the-u.s.-2015/tables/table-5. 

6

 Although cases of violent crime against the person are expected to be the priority for forensic casework conducted 

under this solicitation, States and units of local government may use FY 2017 program funds to process, record, 

screen, and analyze any criminal forensic DNA sample awaiting analysis. 

7 http://www.census.gov/population/international/data/idb/informationGateway.php. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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If an eligible laboratory does not want to take the minimum aggregate amount of $150,000 (or 

the full portion of the minimum aggregate amount for which it would be eligible), then that 

laboratory must submit official documentation to NIJ stating that it has agreed to cede a portion 

of the minimum aggregate amount to other eligible entities within the State. 

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

or additional requirements that may be imposed by law. 

Type of Award 

NIJ expects that any award under this solicitation will be in the form of a grant. See 

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements, under Section F. Federal Award 

Administration Information, for a brief discussion of important statutes, regulations, and award 

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

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls 

Award recipients and subrecipients (including recipients or subrecipients that are pass-through 

entities8) must, as described in the Part 200 Uniform Requirements9 as set out at 2 C.F.R. 

200.303: 

a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the Federal award that 

provides reasonable assurance that [the recipient (and any subrecipient)] is 

managing the Federal award in compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, 

and the terms and conditions of the Federal award. These internal controls 

should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the 

Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and 

the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of 

Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 

b) Comply with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the Federal 

awards. 

c) Evaluate and monitor [the recipient’s (and any subrecipient’s)] compliance with 

statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of Federal awards. 

d) Take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified including 

noncompliance identified in audit findings. 

e) Take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally identifiable information 

and other information the Federal awarding agency or pass-through entity designates as 

sensitive or [the recipient (or any subrecipient)] considers sensitive consistent with 

applicable Federal, state, local, and tribal laws regarding privacy and obligations of 

confidentiality. 

 

8

 For purposes of this solicitation, the phrase “pass-through entity” includes any recipient or subrecipient that provides 

a subaward ("subgrant”) to carry out part of the funded award or program.

9 The "Part 200 Uniform Requirements” means the DOJ regulation at 2 C.F.R Part 2800, which adopts (with certain 

modifications) the provisions of 2 C.F.R. Part 200. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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To help ensure that applicants understand administrative requirements and cost principles, OJP 

encourages prospective applicants to enroll, at no charge, in the DOJ Grants Financial 

Management Online Training, available here. 

Budget Information 

A. Permissible Uses of Funds — For Forensic DNA Laboratories and DNA Database 

Laboratories 

Under this program, in general, eligible applicants are given the opportunity, based on their 

individual needs, to determine what portion of their anticipated funding should be used for

capacity-building purposes and what portion should be used for analysis of forensic DNA 

and/or DNA database samples. 

In developing requests for funding under this program, applicants should consider whether, 

if awarded, funds requested can be timely obligated and expended within required 

timeframes. All obligations properly incurred by the end of the federal award must be 

liquidated no later than 90 days after the end date of the award. If your award has been 

properly obligated, you will have the full liquidation period for remaining expenditures. The 

liquidation period exists to allow project time to receive ordered goods and make final 

payments. No new obligations may be made during the liquidation period.

Disbursements made by recipients or subrecipients after the end date but within the 

liquidation period must have documentation to demonstrate that the obligation occurred 

before the end date of the award. 

1. Salary and benefits of laboratory employees 

Funds may be used to hire additional full-time or part-time laboratory employees to 

directly process, record, screen, and/or analyze forensic DNA and/or DNA 

database samples. Funds may also be used to hire additional full-time or part-time 

laboratory employees (excluding executive personnel) to directly perform capacity 

enhancement-specific activities, such as validating new DNA analysis technologies 

for the forensic DNA laboratory and/or the laboratory responsible for analysis of 

DNA database samples. Funds are subject to applicable restrictions on 

supplanting. Matching funds are not required. 

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

award announcements. 

(See What an Application Should Include: Budget and Associated 

Documentation).

Federal funds must be used to supplement existing State and local funds for 

program activities and must not supplant those funds that have been appropriated 

for the same purpose. 

Please refer to the DOJ Grants Financial Guide, section 2.3 “Standards for 

Financial Management Systems,” for more information on supplanting.
NIJ-2017-11582

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2. Overtime for laboratory staff 

Funds may be used to pay overtime for laboratory employees (excluding 

executive personnel) to directly process, record, screen, and/or analyze forensic 

DNA and/or DNA database samples. Funds may also be used to pay overtime for 

existing laboratory employees to directly perform capacity enhancement-specific 

activities such as validating new DNA analysis technologies for the forensic DNA 

or DNA database laboratory. Any payments for overtime must be in accordance 

with the applicable provisions of the DOJ Financial Guide. 

3. Training 

Funds may be used for appropriate training of forensic DNA laboratory and DNA 

database laboratory personnel. In general, funds used for training are intended to aid 

personnel in the forensic DNA laboratory and DNA database laboratory to meet 

continuing education requirements mandated in the DNA Quality Assurance 

Standards established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

 “Appropriate training” includes internal or external training and continuing 

education/training opportunities that are directly related to the forensic 

DNA laboratory or DNA database laboratory operation. 

 Funds used towards travel and registration expenses for appropriate

continuing education/training opportunities that are associated with 

professional meetings and conferences (including workshops provided at 

such meetings and conferences) are limited to no more than eight (8) 

percent of the total award. 

 Funds used toward travel expenses, registration fees, and required learning 

aids (e.g., textbooks) for appropriate training and continuing education 

opportunities that are not associated with professional meetings and 

conferences are not subject to the eight (8) percent cap. 

4. Travel (Limited)

Funds may be used for travel to conduct required site visits to public or private 

accredited laboratories that will be conducting DNA analyses on behalf of the 

eligible State or unit of local government to review procedures and practices prior 

to initial sample shipment; funds may also be used to make one additional 

unannounced site visit.

Funds may be used for travel associated with DNA training, described in section 3 

“Training,” above.

Travel expenses must be reasonable and comply with the applicable provisions of 

the grant award terms and special conditions, the DOJ Financial Guide, the 

recipient’s (and any subrecipient’s) written policies, and DOJ regulations (Part 200 

Uniform Requirements). Justifications for the number of staff traveling and the 

benefit of their attendance at the event must be included. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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5. Equipment 

In general, funds may be used to upgrade, replace, or purchase laboratory 

equipment, instrumentation, and associated computer hardware for the forensic DNA 

and/or the DNA database laboratory. See “Expenses That Are Not Permitted,” below, 

for specific equipment items that are excluded from the FY 2017 program. 

Requests for equipment must adequately be justified with the demonstrated 

need. Updates to computer hardware must be based on new technology or 

software upgrades to instrumentation. 

6. Supplies 

Justification of expenses for supplies must include support for the number of units 

requested and reasoning for the request. Recipients are expected to use 

expendable supplies, including kits, prior to their expiration date and by no later 

than the end date of the award. 

a. Laboratory supplies for validation 

Allowable supply expenses include the purchase of laboratory supplies that can 

be directly attributed to the validation of new DNA analysis technologies 

(instruments, processes, or chemistries). 

b. Laboratory supplies for DNA sample analysis 

Allowable supply expenses include the purchase of laboratory supplies that can 

be directly attributed to the processing, recording, screening, and analysis of 

forensic DNA casework and/or DNA database samples. 

c. Collection kits for database samples 

Collection kits for database samples (convicted offender or arrestee) may be 

purchased. 

If an applicant (or proposed subrecipient) is a current grantee (or subgrantee) of 

the NIJ DNA Arrestee Collection Process Implementation Grants Program, a 

justification for the purchase of these kits must be included that addresses the 

issue of potential duplicative costs for collection kit requests between the CEBR 

program and the DNA Arrestee Collection Process Implementation Grants 

program. 

7. Contracts 

a. Contracts for analysis of forensic DNA casework samples or DNA database 

samples to public or private accredited DNA laboratories 

Funds may be used to send forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples to feefor-service laboratories to conduct DNA analyses. Funds may also be used to 

enter into agreements with government-owned laboratories to conduct forensic 
NIJ-2017-11582

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DNA and/or DNA database sample analyses, perform data review, enter eligible 

DNA profiles into CODIS and, where applicable, upload to NDIS. All obligations 

properly incurred by the end of the federal award must be liquidated no later than 

90 days after the end date of the award. If your award has been properly 

obligated, you will have the full liquidation period for remaining expenditures. No 

new obligations may be made during the liquidation period. 

Every laboratory that is contracted to conduct forensic DNA or DNA database 

sample analyses under this program must undergo an external audit, not less 

than once every two (2) years, that demonstrates compliance with the 

requirements of the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing 

Laboratories and/or the Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Database 

Laboratories established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 

and must be accredited by a nonprofit professional organization actively involved 

in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science 

community. 

b. Contracts for DNA audits 

DNA laboratories may establish contracts with vendors (individuals or entities) 

that can provide an external DNA audit once every two (2) years, as required 

by the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing and DNA 

Database Laboratories established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation. 

As part of the decision as to whether to award a contract to a vendor for a DNA 

audit, an award recipient is expected to examine carefully any costs charged by 

the vendor, including auditor fees (costs should not exceed $650 per auditor for 

each day on site) and auditor travel expenses, and to determine whether all 

such charges are reasonable and justified. All audit-related costs must be 

detailed in the budget. Note that NIJ will use the rates established by GSA as a 

benchmark in examining the reasonableness of audit-related travel expenses. 

Auditors must meet the requirements specified in the Quality Assurance 

Standards for Forensic DNA Testing and/or DNA Database Laboratories and, 

in addition, must reside outside the State where the laboratory to be audited 

operates. The same auditors cannot be used in consecutive audits, and all 

auditors must sign a conflict of interest and nondisclosure form prior to 

performing any work. 

c. Contracts for process mapping or other efficiency studies 

Contracts may be established for an outside vendor to conduct a process 

mapping or efficiency type study, such as a Lean Six Sigma-type efficiency 

study, of the DNA laboratory. One of the potential benefits from such 

approaches is highlighted in the following report: Increasing Efficiency of 

Forensic DNA Casework Using Lean Six Sigma Tools. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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d. Warranty, service, or maintenance contracts for equipment 

Contracts may be established to provide warranty, service, or maintenance 

contracts only for laboratory equipment purchased with funds from an award 

made from the FY 2017 program. 

e. Contracts for temporary laboratory employees 

Contracts may be established to hire personnel to process, record, screen, and 

analyze forensic DNA casework; to process, record, and analyze DNA 

database samples; or to perform capacity enhancement activities such as 

validating new DNA analysis technologies. Contracts may be established for 

data review in accordance with the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic 

DNA Testing and DNA Database Laboratories.10

f. Contracts for validation studies for new DNA analysis technologies

Contracts may be established for an outside vendor to validate new 

instruments, processes, or chemistries within the DNA laboratory. 

g. Contracts for in-house training services 

Contracts may be established for an outside vendor to provide in-house training 

to laboratory personnel directly involved in the processing, recording, screening, 

and/or analysis of forensic DNA or DNA database samples. 

Note: Procurements under awards made under this program are subject to the 

“Procurement Standards” set forth in 2 C.F.R. 200 (“Subpart D — Post 

Federal Award Requirements”) — including the provisions relating to 

competition — and other applicable law. 

The Procurement Standards, at 2 C.F.R. §200.317 through §200.326, detail 

requirements and restrictions imposed on non-federal entities (i.e., recipients 

and subrecipients) that use federal assistance funds to procure property or 

services needed to carry out the grant-funded project. 

As a recipient or subrecipient, you must conduct all procurement transactions 

in a manner providing full and open competition consistent with the 

Procurement Standards. Contractors that develop or draft specifications, 

requirements, statements of work, and invitations for bids or requests for 

proposals must be excluded from competing for such procurements. 

Sole Source procurement (or, noncompetitive procurement) should be used 

only when use of competitive solicitation procedures like sealed bids, or 

competitive proposals is not applicable to the requirements or is impracticable. 

 

10 https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/about-us/lab/forensic-science-communications/fsc/july2000/quality-assurancestandards-for-forensic-dna-testing-laboratories and 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjsq4W4z_jP

AhVJXD4KHderBZYQFggcMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fbi.gov%2Ffile-repository%2Fquality-assurancestandards-for-forensic-dna-testing-laboratories.pdf&usg=AFQjCNGM24I2xiUg2wVcIe2b9Dgdfeq9g&sig2=4UN1C9qSsVf73X-70ceMIQ. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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All Sole Source procurements in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold 

set in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1908 (currently set at $150,000) must receive 

advance authorization from the grant-making agency component to use a noncompetitive approach for the procurement before entering into the contract. 

8. Direct administrative expenses 

Up to three (3) percent of the federal portion of an award under this program may 

be used for direct administrative expenses specifically related to grant 

administration and management, including travel and training costs related to 

federal grant management. 

9. Costs associated with and including accreditation 

Details regarding the costs associated with accreditation and the justification of 

these costs must be included with the budget narrative. 

10. Software 

Allowable software is that which is associated with running the DNA laboratory. 

Allowable purchases may include, but are not limited to, software and licenses 

associated with running DNA instrumentation, software associated with running 

temperature monitoring systems, and other quality control systems, licenses for 

existing Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for users in the 

forensic biology and/or DNA laboratory who are directly involved in the 

processing, recording, screening, or analysis of forensic DNA or DNA database 

samples, and software for DNA mixture interpretation. 

11. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) 

a. Existing Laboratory Information Systems 

Contracts may be established to purchase and install DNA modules to 

existing LIMS, extra licenses for the DNA unit users to an existing LIMS 

system, or software upgrades for an existing LIMS or DNA module. NOTE:

See the definitions of LIMS and module. 

b. Accessories for existing LIMS 

Accessories for existing LIMS in the forensic biology and/or DNA section of 

the laboratory may be purchased. Allowable accessories include items such 

as barcode printers and barcode scanners; however, do not include hardware 

items such as laptops, desktop computers, or computer tablets. A detailed 

justification for these items would need to be submitted with the application 

documents. 

For the purposes of this solicitation: 

LIMS — a software-based laboratory and information management system 

with features that support a modern laboratory's operations. Key features 
NIJ-2017-11582

14

include, but are not limited to, workflow and data tracking support, flexible 

architecture, and data exchange interfaces. 

Module — A sample/case tracking component separate from the 

laboratory’s LIMS that functions only for the purposes of the forensic 

biology/DNA unit. NOTE: The module may be a product of the same, or a 

different, vendor as the laboratory’s current LIMS.

B. Expenses That Are Not Permitted 

Federal funds awarded under this program may only be used for the permissible uses of 

funds outlined above. Among other things, they may not be used for: 

1. Salaries and benefits other than as discussed in section “Permissible Uses of Funds.”

2. Travel, other than authorized travel expenses associated with appropriate DNA 

training and visits to outsourcing laboratories as discussed in section “Permissible 

Uses of Funds.”

3. Travel and training costs for continuing education/training opportunities that are 

associated with professional meetings and conferences (including workshops 

provided at such meetings and conferences) that exceed eight (8) percent of the total 

award. 

4. Testimony and associated travel costs. 

5. Construction. 

6. Direct administrative expenses that exceed three (3) percent of the federal portion of 

the award. 

7. General office supplies and equipment, including but not limited to, paper, pens, toner, 

printer cartridges, office/modular furniture, chairs, tables, floor mats, “basic supplies,” 

etc.) Equipment directly related to DNA analysis (e.g. printers connected directly to 

genetic analyzers or CODIS terminals) is allowable. 

8. Maintenance and service contracts for existing laboratory equipment. 

9. Annual maintenance and annual service contracts and licensing agreements for existing 

Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). 

10. LIMS hardware or software, other than as stated in section “Permissible Uses of Funds,” 

number 10. 

11. Renovation costs for ordinary rearrangements, alterations, or restorations of the facility. 

12. Purchase of equipment or technologies that have not been approved for use by the 

National DNA Index System (NDIS), including personnel and supply costs that would be 

needed to validate equipment or technologies not approved for use by NDIS. This 
NIJ-2017-11582

15

includes Rapid DNA Analysis instruments proposing to be used in a way not compatible 

with the FBI’s Addendum to the QAS for Rapid DNA Analysis.11

Rapid DNA, or Rapid DNA Analysis, describes the fully automated (hands-free) process 

of developing a CODIS Core STR profile from a reference sample buccal swab. The 

“swab in – profile out” process consists of automated extraction, amplification, 

separation, detection and allele calling without human intervention. 

13. Work that is funded under another federal award. Recipients and subrecipients are 

prohibited from commingling funds on either a program-by-program or project-by-project 

basis. 

14. Any items not directly related to Capacity Enhancement or Backlog Reduction. 

15. Indirect costs. 

16. Costs incurred outside of the project period. 

17. Executives, such as the president or executive director of an organization, may not be 

reimbursed for overtime or compensatory overtime under grants and cooperative 

agreements. 

Program Income 

If funded, applicants must declare program income on quarterly and final Federal Financial 

Reports (SF-425) if your laboratory charges a Fee for DNA testing services. 

Program income means gross income earned by the non-federal entity that is directly generated 

by a supported activity or earned as a result of the federal award during the period of 

performance. See 2 C.F.R. § 200.80 (definition of “Program Income”). Non-federal entities are 

encouraged to earn income to defray program costs where appropriate. See 2 C.F.R. §

200.307(a). 

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement

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

voluntary match amount, and OJP approves the budget, the total match amount incorporated 

into the approved budget becomes mandatory and subject to audit. 

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

Pre-agreement costs are costs incurred by the applicant prior to the start date of the period of 

performance of the grant award. 

OJP does not typically approve pre-agreement costs; an applicant must request and obtain the 

prior written approval of OJP for all such costs. All such costs incurred prior to award and prior 

to approval of the costs are incurred at the sole risk of the applicant. (Generally, no applicant 

should incur project costs before submitting an application requesting federal funding for those 

costs.) Should there be extenuating circumstances that make it appropriate for OJP to consider 

 

11 https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/lab/biometric-analysis/codis/rapid-dna-addendum-to-qas-final-effective-12-1-2014. 
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approving pre-agreement costs, the applicant may contact the point of contact listed on page 2 

of this solicitation for the requirements concerning written requests for approval. If approved in 

advance by OJP, award funds may be used for pre-agreement costs, consistent with the 

recipient’s approved budget and applicable cost principles. See the section on Costs Requiring 

Prior Approval in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide, for more information. 

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

OJP strongly encourages every applicant that proposes to use award funds for any conference-, 

meeting-, or training-related activity (or similar event) to review carefully—before submitting an 

application—the OJP and DOJ policy and guidance on approval, planning, and reporting of such 

events, available at 

www.ojp.gov/financialguide/DOJ/PostawardRequirements/chapter3.10a.htm. OJP policy and 

guidance (1) encourage minimization of conference, meeting, and training costs; (2) require 

prior written approval (which may affect project timelines) of most conference-, meeting-, and 

training- costs for cooperative agreement recipients, as well as some conference-, meeting-, 

and training- costs for grant recipients; and (3) set cost limits, which include a general 

prohibition of all food and beverage costs. 

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 for individuals with limited English proficiency may be allowable. 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 under “Overview of Legal 

Requirements Generally Applicable to OJP Grants and Cooperative Agreements - FY 2017 

Awards” in the OJP Funding Resource Center. 

C. Eligibility Information 

For eligibility information, see the title page. 

For information on cost sharing or match requirements, see Section B. Federal Award 

Information.

D. Application and Submission Information 

What an Application Should Include 

This section describes in detail what an application should include. An applicant should 

anticipate that if it fails to submit an application that contains all of the specified elements, it may 

negatively affect the review of its application; and, should a decision be made to make an 

award, it may result in the inclusion of award conditions that preclude the recipient from 

accessing or using award funds until the recipient satisfies the conditions and OJP makes the 

funds available. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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An applicant may combine the Budget Narrative and the Budget Detail Worksheet in one 

document. If an applicant submits only one budget document, however, it must contain both

narrative and detail information. Please review the “Note on File Names and File Types” under 

How to Apply to be sure applications are submitted in permitted formats. 

OJP strongly recommends that applicants use appropriately descriptive file names (e.g., 

“Program Narrative,” “Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative,” “Timelines,” 

“Memoranda of Understanding,” “Résumés”) for all attachments. Also, OJP recommends that 

applicants include résumés in a single file. 

1. Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

The SF-424 is a required standard form used as a cover sheet for submission of preapplications, applications, and related information. GMS takes information from the 

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

To avoid processing delays, an applicant must include an accurate legal name on its SF424. Current OJP recipients, when completing the field for “Legal Name” should use the 

same legal name that appears on the prior year award document; this legal name is also the 

legal name stored in OJP’s financial system. On the SF-424, enter the Legal Name in box 5 

and Employer Identification Number (EIN) in box 6 exactly as it appears on the prior year 

award document. An applicant with a current, active OJP award(s) must ensure that its GMS 

profile is current. If an applicant’s profile is not current, it should submit a Grant Adjustment 

Notice updating the information on its GMS profile prior to applying under this solicitation. 

A new applicant must enter its official legal name and address in box 5 and its EIN in box 6 

of the SF-424. An applicant must attach official legal documentation to its application (e.g., 

articles of incorporation, “501(c)(3)” status documentation, etc.) to confirm the applicant’s

legal name, address, and EIN entered into the SF-424.

Intergovernmental Review: This solicitation ("funding opportunity") is subject to Executive 

Order 12372. An applicant may find the names and addresses of State Single Points of 

Contact (SPOCs) at the following website: www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/. If the 

State appears on the SPOC list, the applicant must contact the State SPOC to find out 

about, and comply with, the State’s process under E.O. 12372. In completing the SF-424, an 

applicant whose State appears on the SPOC list is to make the appropriate selection in 

response to question 19 once the applicant has complied with its State E.O. 12372 process. 

(An applicant whose State does not appear on the SPOC list should answer question 19 by 

selecting the response that the “Program is subject to E.O. 12372 but has not been selected 

by the State for review.”)

2. Project Abstract

Applications should include a high-quality project abstract that summarizes the proposed 

project in 400 words or less. Project abstracts should be—

 Written for a general public audience. 

 Submitted as a separate attachment with “Project Abstract” as part of its file name. 
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 Single-spaced, using a standard 12-point font (Times New Roman) with 1-inch margins. 

As a separate attachment, the project abstract will not count against the page limit for the 

program narrative. 

3. Program Narrative

The program narrative must specifically describe the manner in which the DNA Capacity 

Enhancement and Backlog Reduction grant funds will be used to conduct DNA analysis to 

process, record, screen, and analyze forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples, and to 

increase the capacity of eligible forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories to process 

more DNA samples, thereby helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA 

database samples awaiting analysis. 

The program narrative section of the application should not exceed 15 pages, doublespaced, in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. If included in the main body of the program 

narrative, tables, charts, figures, and other illustrations count toward the 15-page limit for the 

narrative section. The project abstract, table of contents, appendices, and government forms 

do not count toward the 15-page limit. 

The following sections should be included as part of the program narrative:12

a. Description of the Issue. 

Applicants should discuss identified bottlenecks in the DNA analysis process. 

b. Project Design and Implementation. 

i. This section should address the goals, objectives, and expected results of the 

applicant’s proposal.

ii. A detailed plan showing how the applicant intends to use FY 2017 CEBR Program 

funds to meet the programmatic goals of this solicitation: reducing DNA sample 

turnaround time, increasing the throughput of the public DNA laboratory, and 

reducing the number of forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples awaiting 

analysis. The goals and/or objectives should not be the purchase of cost items or 

a restating of the budget request, but should be what processes, policy, or 

technology implementation this project will introduce to the agency to reduce 

turnaround time, increase throughput, and reduce the number of DNA samples 

awaiting analysis. 

This plan must include a detailed timeline for the project (e.g., for the procurement, 

validation, and implementation of any new equipment; for the implementation of new 

chemistries; for the implementation of personnel costs [hiring and/or overtime]; for 

the execution of contracts; etc.). 

 

12 For information on subawards (including the details on proposed subawards that should be included in the 

application), see "Budget and Associated Documentation" under Section D. Application and Submission Information. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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iii. Applicants should discuss how they intend to address bottlenecks in the DNA 

analysis process. 

iv. Applicants should also provide descriptions of any observed and/or anticipated 

increases in DNA submissions that would be expected to significantly impact the 

DNA laboratory’s backlog and/or capacity that may negatively impact the project’s 

expected results. 

v. Applicants seeking funds for processing, recording, screening, and analysis of 

forensic DNA cases and/or DNA database samples must make a statement of the 

estimated number of forensic DNA cases and/or DNA database samples that can be 

processed, recorded, screened, and analyzed within the 24-month project period. 

c. Capabilities and Competencies. 

i. The applicant must identify proposed project staff, including any and all 

individuals (and organization) who will be significantly involved in substantive 

aspects of the proposal and provide their qualifications and experience. 

ii. The applicant organization must demonstrate its ability to manage the effort. 

iii. The applicant must also show the relationship between the 

capabilities/competencies of the proposed staff (including the applicant 

organization) and the scope of the proposed project. 

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

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

required for the solicitation’s performance measures. Applicants should discuss this plan 

in detail in their applications. The plan should describe how the performance measure 

data will be derived, state who will be responsible for collecting the data, and state that 

the data will be available for review three (3) years post award, as required. The data 

collection plan should be rigorous to ensure that the performance measure data 

provided are accurate, auditable, and correctly measure the impact of the federal funds 

provided. 

The data collection plan should clearly describe both the method for the collection and 

tracking of performance measure data produced as a result of federal assistance 

provided under this solicitation and the method for reporting such data on a semi-annual 

basis. For projects that include forensic DNA casework and/or DNA database sample 

testing activities and objectives, the data collection plan should also include an 

explanation of how the tracking and reporting methods will avoid the possibility of 

“double counting” forensic DNA cases and/or DNA database samples affected by federal 

funds. 

The applicant should also provide its policy on validating performance measure data at 

the applicant level, including who is responsible for the process of collecting and 

calculating the data, who is responsible for quality control of the data, and how the data 

will be stored. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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NOTE: The form fillable project narrative template previously supplied in the DNA 

Grantees Newsletter will not be accepted. 

OJP will require each successful applicant to submit specific performance measures 

data as part of its reporting under the award (see “General Information about PostFederal Award Reporting Requirements” in Section F. Federal Award Administration 

Information). The performance measures correlate to the goals, objectives, and 

deliverables identified under "Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables" in Section A. 

Program Description. 

The application should describe the applicant's plan for collection of all of the 

performance measures data listed in the table below under “Data Recipient Provides,” 

should it receive funding. 

Award recipients will be required to provide the relevant data by submitting the semiannual performance metrics through NIJ’s online Performance measurement Tool (PMT) 

located at https://www.nijpmt.org. 

Objective Performance 

Measure(s) Data Recipient Provides

Improve the DNA analysis capacity 

of existing State and local 

government crime laboratories that 

conduct forensic DNA analysis.

Increase in DNA 

analysis throughput for 

the laboratory.

Average number of forensic DNA samples 

analyzed per analyst per month at the beginning 

of the award period.

Average number of forensic DNA samples 

analyzed per analyst per month at the end of the 

reporting period.

Reduction in response 

time for requests.

Average number of days between the submission 

of a request, by type, for forensic biology/DNA 

analysis to the laboratory and the delivery of the 

test results at the beginning of the award period.

Average number of days between the submission 

of a request, by type, for forensic biology/DNA 

analysis to the laboratory and the delivery of the 

test results at the end of the reporting period.

Reduce backlogged forensic DNA 

casework in State and local 

government crime laboratories.

Percentage decrease 

in DNA backlog.13

Number of backlogged forensic biology/DNA 

cases at the beginning of the award period.

Number of backlogged forensic biology/DNA 

cases, at the end of the reporting period.

Number of forensic biology/DNA cases analyzed.

Enter DNA profiles into the FBI’s 

National DNA Index System using 

CODIS version 7.0

Percent of DNA 

profiles resulting in a 

CODIS match.

Number of DNA profiles from forensic analyses 

entered into CODIS.

Number of CODIS hits.

 

13 A backlogged case is defined as a forensic biology/DNA case that has not been completed within 30 days of 

receipt in the laboratory. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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DNA database laboratories will provide the following data for performance measures. 

Objectives Performance 

Measure(s) Data Grantee Provides

Improve the capacity of laboratories 

that conduct DNA analysis on convicted 

offender and/or arrestee DNA samples 

(DNA database samples).

Increase in DNA 

analysis throughput for 

the laboratory.

Average number of DNA database samples 

analyzed per analyst per month at the 

beginning of the award period.

Average number of DNA database samples 

analyzed per analyst per month at the end of 

the reporting period.

Reduction in response 

time for requests.

Average number of days between the 

submission of a DNA database sample to the 

laboratory and the upload of the profile to 

CODIS at the beginning of the award period.

Average number of days between the 

submission of a DNA database sample to the 

laboratory and the upload of the profile to 

CODIS at the end of the award period.

Reduce the backlog of convicted 

offender and/or arrestee DNA samples 

(DNA database samples).

Percent decrease in 

DNA backlog.14

Number of backlogged DNA database 

samples at the beginning of the award 

period.

Number of backlogged DNA database 

samples at the end of the award period.

Number of DNA database samples analyzed.

Enter DNA profiles into the FBI’s 

National DNA Index System using 

CODIS version 7.0

Percent of DNA profiles 

resulting in a CODIS 

match.

Number of DNA profiles from forensic 

analyses entered into CODIS.

Number of CODIS hits.

NIJ does not require applicants to submit performance measures data with their application. 

Performance measures are included as an alert that NIJ will require successful applicants to 

submit specific data as part of their reporting requirements. For the application, applicants 

should indicate an understanding of these requirements and discuss how they will gather the 

required data, should they receive funding. 

To assist NIJ in determining baseline national backlogs, all applicants are asked to supply the 

baseline backlog data requested in the following table as part of their program narrative. 

The request encompasses backlog data for the database laboratory, regardless of whether 

Federal funding assistance is being sought for the database operation. 

 

14 A backlogged case is defined as a forensic biology/DNA case that has not been completed within 30 days of 

receipt in the laboratory. 
NIJ-2017-11582

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Baseline Backlog Data 

Casework Laboratories

Number of untested/not completed forensic biology/DNA cases on hand on 

January 1, 2016.

Number of untested/not completed forensic biology/DNA cases more than 30 

days old (backlogged) on January 1, 2016.

Please estimate percentage of these cases that were from property crimes.

Number of new cases for forensic biology/DNA received in 2016.

Please estimate percentage of these cases that were from property crimes.

Total number of forensic biology/DNA cases completed in 2016.

Please estimate percentage of these cases that were property crimes.

Forensic biology/DNA cases closed by administrative means in 2016.

Number of untested/not completed forensic biology/DNA cases on hand on 

December 31, 2016.

Number of untested/not completed forensic biology/DNA cases more than 30 

days old (backlogged) on December 31, 2016.

The average number of days needed to complete (including peer review and 

report) non-priority forensic DNA cases for calendar year 2016. Please 

indicate violent crime time with a “V” and the nonviolent crime time with 

“NV.” If the applicant cannot separate violent and nonviolent cases, give the 

number with no other markings.
NIJ-2017-11582

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Database Laboratories

Convicted Offender Samples

The number of untested/not completed convicted offender samples on hand 

on January 1, 2016.

The number of untested/not completed convicted offender samples more 

than 30 days old (backlogged) as of January 1, 2016.

The number of new convicted offender samples received in 2016.

The total number of convicted offender samples completed in 2016.

Samples closed by administrative means (duplicates, non-authorized 

samples, etc.) in 2016.

Number of untested/not completed convicted offender samples on December 

31, 2016.

Number of untested/not completed convicted offender samples more than 30 

days old (backlogged) on December 31, 2016.

Average number of days to complete the processing of a convicted offender 

sample (including upload to CODIS) for calendar year 2016.

Arrestee Samples

The number of untested/not completed arrestee samples on hand as of 

January 1, 2016.

The number of untested/not completed arrestee samples more than 30 days 

old (backlogged) on January 1, 2016.

The number of new arrestee samples received in 2016.

The total number of arrestee samples completed in 2016.

Samples closed by administrative means (duplicates, non-authorized 

samples, etc.) in 2016.

Number of untested/not completed arrestee samples on December 31, 2016.

Number of untested/not completed arrestee samples more than 30 days old 

(backlogged) on December 31, 2016.

Average number of days to complete the processing of an arrestee sample 

(including upload to CODIS) for calendar year 2016.

Definitions for Requested Baseline Backlog Data

Backlogged forensic biology/DNA case — A forensic biology/DNA case that has not been 

completed within 30 days of receipt in the laboratory.

Backlogged DNA database sample — A DNA database sample that has not been uploaded to 

CODIS within 30 days of receipt in the laboratory.
NIJ-2017-11582

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Case — Analysis request for examination in one forensic investigation area (forensic 

biology/DNA for this purpose).

DNA — For the purposes of determining baseline national backlogs for casework laboratories, 

“DNA” will be considered to be biology screening (the location, screening, identification, and 

characterization of blood and other biological stains and substances) and/or DNA analysis (the 

identification and comparison of DNA in biological samples). For the purpose of determining 

baseline national backlogs for database laboratories, “DNA” will be considered the testing of 

DNA in biological samples collected from convicted offenders and/or arrestees, and subsequent 

upload to CODIS databases.

Note on Project Evaluations

An applicant that proposes to use award funds 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.” Each applicant should provide sufficient information for OJP to 

determine whether the particular project it proposes would either intentionally or unintentionally 

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

research that appears at 28 C.F.R. Part 46 (“Protection of Human Subjects”).

Research, for the purposes of human subjects protection 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

for purposes of human subjects protection, applicants should consult the decision tree in the 

“Research and the Protection of Human Subjects” section of the "Requirements related to 

Research" web page of the "Overview of Legal Requirements Generally Applicable to OJP 

Grants and Cooperative Agreements - FY 2017" available through the OJP Funding Resource 

Center. Every prospective applicant whose application may propose a research or statistical 

component also should review the “Data Privacy and Confidentiality Requirements” section on 

that web page.

4. Budget and Associated Documentation

a. Budget Detail Worksheet

A sample Budget Detail Worksheet can be found at 

www.ojp.gov/funding/Apply/Resources/BudgetDetailWorksheet.pdf. An applicant that 

submits its budget in a different format should use the budget categories listed in the 

sample budget worksheet. The Budget Detail Worksheet should break out costs by year.

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

see the DOJ Grants Financial Guide.
NIJ-2017-11582

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NOTE: Budget detail worksheet and budget narrative forms previously supplied in 

the DNA Grantees Newsletter will not be accepted.

b. Budget Narrative

The budget narrative should thoroughly and clearly describe every category of expense 

listed in the Budget Detail Worksheet. OJP expects proposed budgets to be complete, 

cost effective, and allowable (e.g., reasonable, allocable, and necessary for project 

activities).

An applicant should demonstrate in its budget narratives how it will maximize cost 

effectiveness of award expenditures. Budget narratives should generally describe cost 

effectiveness in relation to potential alternatives and the goals of the project. For 

example, a budget narrative should detail why planned in-person meetings are 

necessary, or how technology and collaboration with outside organizations could be 

used to reduce costs, without compromising quality.

The budget narrative should be mathematically sound and correspond clearly with the 

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

explain how the applicant estimated and calculated all costs, and how those costs are 

necessary 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 describe costs by year.

c. Information on Proposed Subawards (if any), as well as on Proposed Procurement 

Contracts (if any)

Applicants for OJP awards typically may propose to make "subawards." Applicants also 

may propose to enter into procurement "contracts" under the award.

Whether -- for purposes of federal grants administrative requirements -- a particular 

agreement between a recipient and a third party will be considered a "subaward" or 

instead considered a procurement "contract" under the award is determined by federal 

rules and applicable OJP guidance. It is an important distinction, in part because the 

federal administrative rules and requirements that apply to "subawards" and 

procurement "contracts" under awards differ markedly.

In general, the central question is the relationship between what the third-party will do 

under its agreement with the recipient and what the recipient has committed (to OJP) to 

do under its award to further a public purpose (e.g., services the recipient will provide, 

products it will develop or modify, research or evaluation it will conduct). If a third party 

will provide some of the services the recipient has committed (to OJP) to provide, will 

develop or modify all or part of a product the recipient has committed (to OJP) to 

develop or modify, or conduct part of the research or evaluation the recipient has 

committed (to OJP) to conduct, OJP will consider the agreement with the third party a 

subaward for purposes of federal grants administrative requirements. 

This will be true even if the recipient, for internal or other non-federal purposes, labels or 

treats its agreement as a procurement, a contract, or a procurement contract. Neither 

the title nor the structure of an agreement determines whether the agreement -- for 
NIJ-2017-11582

26

purposes of federal grants administrative requirements -- is a “subaward” or is instead a 

procurement “contract” under an award.

Additional guidance on the circumstances under which (for purposes of federal grants 

administrative requirements) an agreement constitutes a subaward as opposed to a 

procurement contract under an award, is available (along with other resources) on the 

OJP Part 200 Uniform Requirements web page.

1. Information on proposed subawards

A recipient of an OJP award may not make subawards ("subgrants") unless the 

recipient has specific federal authorization to do so. Unless an applicable statute or 

DOJ regulation specifically authorizes (or requires) subawards, a recipient must have

authorization from OJP before it may make a subaward.

A particular subaward may be authorized by OJP because the recipient included a 

sufficiently-detailed description and justification of the proposed subaward in the 

application as approved by OJP. If, however, a particular subaward is not authorized 

by federal statute or regulation, and is not sufficiently described and justified in the 

application as approved by OJP, the recipient will be required, post-award, to request 

and obtain written authorization from OJP before it may make the subaward.

If an applicant proposes to make one or more subawards to carry out the federal 

award and program, and those subawards are not specifically authorized (or 

required) by statute or regulation, the applicant should-- (1) identify (if known) the 

proposed subrecipient(s), (2) describe in detail what each subrecipient will do to 

carry out the federal award and federal program, and (3) provide a justification for the 

subaward(s), with details on pertinent matters such as special qualifications and 

areas of expertise. Pertinent information on subawards should appear not only in the 

Program Narrative, but also in the Budget Detail Worksheet and budget narrative.

2. Information on proposed procurement contracts (with specific justification for 

proposed noncompetitive contracts over $150,000)

Unlike a recipient contemplating a subaward, a recipient of an OJP award generally 

does not need specific prior federal authorization to enter into an agreement that --

for purposes of federal grants administrative requirements -- is considered a 

procurement contract, provided that (1) the recipient uses its own documented 

procurement procedures and (2) those procedures conform to applicable federal law, 

including the Procurement Standards of the (DOJ) Part 200 Uniform Requirements 

(as set out at 2 C.F.R. 200.317 - 200.326). The Budget Detail Worksheet and budget 

narrative should identify proposed procurement contracts. (As discussed above, 

subawards must be identified and described separately from procurement contracts.)

The Procurement Standards in the Part 200 Uniform Requirements, however, reflect 

a general expectation that agreements that (for purposes of federal grants 

administrative requirements) constitute procurement “contracts” under awards will be 

entered into on the basis of full and open competition. If a proposed procurement 

contract would exceed the simplified acquisition threshold -- currently, $150,000 -- a 

recipient of an OJP award may not proceed without competition, unless and until the 
NIJ-2017-11582

27

recipient receives specific advance authorization from OJP to use a non-competitive 

approach for the procurement.

An applicant that (at the time of its application) intends -- without competition -- to 

enter into a procurement contract that would exceed $150,000 should include a 

detailed justification that explains to OJP why, in the particular circumstances, it is 

appropriate to proceed without competition. Various considerations that may be 

pertinent to the justification are outlined in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide.

d. Pre-Agreement Costs

For information on pre-agreement costs, see Section B. Federal Award Information.

5. Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including 

applicant disclosure of high-risk status)

Every applicant (other than an individual applying in his/her personal capacity) is to 

download, complete, and submit the OJP Financial Management and System of Internal 

Controls Questionnaire, as part of its application.

Among other things, the form requires each applicant to disclose whether it currently is 

designated “high-risk” by a federal grant-making agency outside of DOJ. For purposes of 

this disclosure, high-risk includes any status under which a federal awarding agency 

provides additional oversight due to the applicant’s past performance, or other programmatic 

or financial concerns with the applicant. If an applicant is designated high-risk by another 

federal awarding agency, the applicant must provide the following information:

 The federal awarding agency that currently designates the applicant high-risk.

 The date the applicant was designated high-risk.

 The high-risk point of contact at that federal awarding agency (name, phone number, 

and email address).

 The reasons for the high-risk status, as set out by the federal awarding agency.

OJP seeks this information to help ensure appropriate federal oversight of OJP awards. An 

applicant that is considered “high-risk” by another federal awarding agency is not 

automatically disqualified from receiving an OJP award. OJP may, however, consider the 

information in award decisions, and may impose additional OJP oversight of any award 

under this solicitation (including through the conditions that accompany the award 

document).

6. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

An applicant that expends any funds for lobbying activities is to provide all of the information 

requested on the form Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
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7. Additional Attachments

a. Applicant Disclosure of Pending Applications

Each applicant is to disclose whether it has (or is proposed as a subrecipient under) any 

pending applications for federally-funded grants or cooperative agreements that (1) 

include requests for funding to support the same project being proposed in the 

application under this solicitation, and (2) would cover all identical cost items outlined in 

the submitted to OJP as part of the application under this solicitation. The applicant is to 

disclose applications made directly to federal awarding agencies, and also applications 

for subawards of federal funds (e.g., applications to State agencies that will subaward 

(“subgrant”) federal funds).

OJP seeks this information to help avoid any inappropriate duplication of funding. 

Leveraging multiple funding sources in a complementary manner to implement 

comprehensive programs or projects is encouraged and is not seen as inappropriate 

duplication. 

Each applicant that has one or more pending applications as described above is to 

provide the following information about pending applications submitted within the last 12 

months: 

 The federal or State funding agency. 

 The solicitation name/project name. 

 The point of contact information at the applicable federal or State funding 

agency. 

SAMPLE

Federal or State 

Funding Agency 

Solicitation

Name/Project Name

Name/Phone/E-mail for Point of Contact 

at Federal or State Funding Agency

DOJ/Office of 

Community 

Oriented Policing 

Services COPS

COPS Hiring 

Program

Jane Doe, 202/000-0000; 

jane.doe@usdoj.gov

Health and Human 

Services/ 

Substance Abuse 

& Mental Health 

Services 

Administration

Drug-Free 

Communities 

Mentoring Program/ 

North County Youth 

Mentoring Program

John Doe, 202/000-0000; 

john.doe@hhs.gov

Each applicant should include the table as a separate attachment to its application. The 

file should be named “Disclosure of Pending Applications.” The applicant Legal Name on 

the application must match the entity named on the disclosure of pending applications 

statement. 
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Any applicant that does not have any pending applications as described above is to 

submit, as a separate attachment, a statement to this effect: “[Applicant Name on SF424] does not have (and is not proposed as a subrecipient under) any pending 

applications submitted within the last 12 months for federally-funded grants or 

cooperative agreements (or for subawards under federal grants or cooperative 

agreements) that request funding to support the same project being proposed in this 

application to OJP and that would cover all identical cost items outlined in the budget 

submitted as part of this application.”

b. DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program 

Declarations, Certifications, and Accreditation Documentation (The following DNA 

CEBR program-specific documentation should be submitted in a SINGLE attachment to 

the application that is entitled, “Declarations, Certifications, and Accreditation 

Documentation”.)

1. Eligibility Statement – The “Eligibility Statement” should include:

i. Information or documentation that any crime laboratory that would receive 

funding under this program is 1) a State designated existing crime laboratory that 

conducts analysis of DNA sample and/or DNA database samples; 2) accredited 

by a nonprofit professional organization actively involved in forensic science that 

is nationally recognized within the forensic science community; 3) participates in 

external audits, not less than once every two (2) years, that demonstrate 

compliance with the requirements of the Quality Assurance Standards 

established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

ii. Statement or documentation that 1) all eligible DNA profiles obtained with funding 

from this program will be entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) 

and, where applicable, uploaded to the National DNA Index System (NDIS).

iii. Statement acknowledging that any crime laboratory that would receive funding 

under his program 1) participates in the National DNA Index System (NDIS), or 

have an agreement with an NDIS participating laboratory to upload their data;

and 2) must follow NDIS DNA Data Acceptance Standards for all profiles 

uploaded to NDIS.

iv. Statement that all DNA analysis performed under this program will be maintained 

under applicable federal privacy requirements.

2. Proof of DNA Laboratory Accreditation

Acceptable types of documentation of current accreditation include: an electronic 

(scanned) copy of the current accreditation certificate(s), a digital photograph of the 

current accreditation certificate(s), or a letter from the accrediting body that includes 

the certificate number. Additionally, if a certificate references another document that 

contains key information on the type or scope of the accreditation, provide a copy of 

that supplemental documentation.
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3. Certification of Non-supplanting

Applicants should include a written certification from the applicant, at the time of 

application submittal into GMS, on agency letterhead from the Authorized 

Representative that “Federal funds will be used to supplement existing State and 

local funds for program activities and will not supplant those funds that have been 

appropriated for the same purpose.”

4. Declaration that the Laboratory Charges a Fee for DNA Testing Services (if 

applicable) (see page 15).

How to Apply

An applicant must submit its application through the Grants Management System (GMS), which 

provides support for the application, award, and management of awards at OJP. Each applicant

entity must register in GMS for each specific funding opportunity. Although the registration 

and submission deadlines are the same, OJP urges each applicant entity to register promptly, 

especially if this is the first time the applicant is using the system. Find complete instructions on 

how to register and submit an application in GMS at www.ojp.gov/gmscbt/. An applicant that 

experiences technical difficulties during this process should email GMS.HelpDesk@usdoj.gov or 

call 888-549-9901 (option 3), 24 hours every day, including during federal holidays. OJP 

recommends that each applicant register promptly to prevent delays in submitting an 

application package by the deadline.

Note on File Types: 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.” 

Every applicant entity must comply with all applicable System for Award Management (SAM) 

and unique entity identifier (currently, a Data Universal Numbering System [DUNS] number) 

requirements. If an applicant entity has not fully complied with applicable SAM and unique 

identifier requirements by the time OJP makes award decisions, OJP may determine that the 

applicant is not qualified to receive an award and may use that determination as a basis for 

making the award to a different applicant.

All applicants should complete the following steps: 

1. Acquire a unique entity identifier (currently, a DUNS number). In general, the Office of 

Management and Budget requires every applicant for a federal award (other than an 

individual) to include a "unique entity identifier" in each application, including an application 

for a supplemental award. Currently, a DUNS number is the required unique entity identifier. 

A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit identification number provided by the commercial 

company Dun and Bradstreet. This unique entity identifier is used for tracking purposes, and 

to validate address and point of contact information for applicants, recipients, and 

subrecipients. It will be used throughout the life cycle of an OJP award. Obtaining a DUNS 

number is a free, one-time activity. Call Dun and Bradstreet at 866–705–5711 to obtain a 

DUNS number or apply online at www.dnb.com. A DUNS number is usually received within 

1-2 business days.
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2. Acquire registration with the System for Award Management (SAM). SAM is the 

repository for certain standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, 

recipients, and subrecipients. All applicants for OJP awards (other than individuals) must

maintain current registrations in the SAM database. Each applicant must update or renew 

its SAM registration at least annually to maintain an active status. SAM registration and 

renewal can take as long as 10 business days to complete.

Information about SAM registration procedures can be accessed at www.sam.gov.

3. Acquire a GMS username and password. New users 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.gov/gmscbt. Previously registered 

applicants should ensure, prior to applying, that the user profile information is up-to-date in 

GMS (including, but not limited to, address, legal name of agency and authorized 

representative) as this information is populated in any new application.

4. Verify the SAM (formerly CCR) registration in GMS. OJP requires each applicant to verify 

its SAM 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 SAM (formerly 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 NIJ and FY 2017 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog 

Reduction Program (Formula).

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

opportunity title. The search results from step 5 will display the “funding opportunity” 

(solicitation) title along with the registration and application deadlines for this solicitation. 

Select the “Apply Online” button in the “Action” column to register for this solicitation and 

create an application in the system.

7. Follow the directions in GMS to submit an application consistent with this 

solicitation. Once the application is submitted, GMS will display a confirmation screen 

stating the submission was successful. Important: In some instances, applicants must wait 

for GMS approval before submitting an application. OJP urges each applicant to submit its

application at least 72 hours prior to the application due date.

Note: Application Versions

If an applicant submits multiple versions of the same application, OJP will review only the most 

recent system-validated version submitted.

Experiencing Unforeseen GMS Technical Issues

An applicant that experiences unforeseen GMS technical issues beyond its control that prevent 

it from submitting its application by the deadline must contact the GMS Help Desk or the SAM 

Help Desk (Federal Service Desk) to report the technical issue and receive a tracking number. 

The applicant must email the NIJ contact identified in the Contact Information section on the title 

page within 24 hours after the application deadline to request approval to submit its
NIJ-2017-11582

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application after the deadline. The applicant’s email must describe the technical difficulties, and 

must include a timeline of the applicant’s submission efforts, the complete grant application, the 

applicant’s DUNS number, and any GMS Help Desk or SAM tracking number(s).

Note: OJP does not automatically approve requests to submit a late application. After 

OJP reviews the applicant’s request, and contacts the GMS Help Desk to verify the reported 

technical issues, OJP will inform the applicant whether the request to submit a late application 

has been approved or denied. If OJP determines that the untimely application submission was 

due to the applicant’s failure to follow all required procedures, OJP will deny the applicant’s 

request to submit its application.

The following conditions generally are insufficient to justify late submissions:

 Failure to register in SAM or GMS in sufficient time (SAM registration and renewal can 

take as long as 10 business days to complete).

 Failure to follow GMS instructions on how to register and apply as posted on the GMS 

website.

 Failure to follow each instruction in the OJP solicitation.

 Technical issues with the applicant’s computer or information technology environment, 

such as issues with firewalls.

E. Application Review Information

Review Process

OJP is committed to ensuring a fair and open process for making awards. NIJ reviews the 

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

measurable, and achievable, as well as consistent with the solicitation. NIJ will also review 

applications to ensure that statutory requirements have been met.

Pursuant to the Part 200 Uniform Requirements, before awards are made, OJP also reviews 

information related to the degree of risk posed by applicants. Among other things, to help 

assess whether an applicant that has one or more prior federal awards has a satisfactory record 

with respect to performance, integrity, and business ethics, OJP checks whether the applicant is 

listed in SAM as excluded from receiving a federal award.

In addition, if OJP anticipates that an award will exceed $150,000 in federal funds, OJP also 

must review and consider any information about the applicant that appears in the non-public 

segment of the integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently, the 

Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System; "FAPIIS").

Important note on FAPIIS: An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on any 

information about itself that currently appears in FAPIIS and was entered by a federal awarding 

agency. OJP will consider any such comments by the applicant, in addition to the other 

information in FAPIIS, in its assessment of the risk posed by applicants. The evaluation of risks 

goes beyond information in SAM, however. OJP itself has in place a framework for evaluating 

risks posed by applicants. OJP takes into account information pertinent to matters such as —
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1. Applicant financial stability and fiscal integrity.

2. Quality of the management systems of the applicant, and the applicant’s ability to meet 

prescribed management standards, including those outlined in the DOJ Grants Financial 

Guide.

3. Applicant’s history of performance under OJP and other DOJ awards (including 

compliance with reporting requirements and award conditions), as well as awards from 

other federal agencies.

4. Reports and findings from audits of the applicant, including audits under the Part 200 

Uniform Requirements.

5. Applicant's ability to comply with statutory and regulatory requirements, and to effectively 

implement other award requirements.

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

Assistant Attorney General will make all final award decisions.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Federal Award Notices

Award notifications will be made by September 30, 2017. OJP sends award notification by email 

through GMS to the individuals listed in the application as the point of contact and the 

authorizing official. The email notification includes detailed instructions on how to access and 

view the award documents, and steps to take in GMS to start the award acceptance process. 

GMS automatically issues the notifications at 9:00 p.m. eastern time on the award date.

For each successful applicant, an individual with the necessary authority to bind the applicant 

will be required to log in; execute a set of legal certifications and a set of legal assurances; 

designate a financial point of contact; thoroughly review the award, including all award 

conditions; and sign and accept the award. The award acceptance process requires physical 

signature of the award document by the authorized representative and the scanning of the fullyexecuted award document to OJP.

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements

If selected for funding, in addition to implementing the funded project consistent with the OJPapproved application, the recipient must comply with award conditions, as well as all applicable 

requirements of federal statutes, regulations, and executive orders (including applicable 

requirements referred to in the assurances and certifications executed at the time of award 

acceptance). OJP strongly encourages prospective applicants to review information on postaward legal requirements and common OJP award conditions prior to submitting an application.

Applicants should consult the “Overview of Legal Requirements Generally Applicable to OJP 

Grants and Cooperative Agreements - FY 2017 Awards”, available in the OJP Funding 

Resource Center. In addition, applicants should examine the following two legal documents, as 

each successful applicant must execute both documents before it may receive any award funds.
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 Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility 

Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements.

 Standard Assurances.

The web pages accessible through the “Overview of Legal Requirements Generally Applicable 

to OJP Grants and Cooperative Agreements - FY 2017 Awards” are intended to give applicants 

for OJP awards a general overview of important statutes, regulations, and award conditions that 

apply to many (or in some cases, all) OJP grants and cooperative agreements awarded in FY 

2017. Individual OJP awards typically also will include additional award conditions. Those 

additional conditions may relate to the particular statute, program, or solicitation under which the 

award is made; to the substance of the funded application; to the recipient's performance under 

other federal awards; to the recipient's legal status (e.g., as a for-profit entity); or to other 

pertinent considerations.

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements

In addition to the deliverables described in Section A. Program Description, any recipient of an 

award under this solicitation will be required to submit the following reports and data.

Required reports. Recipients typically must submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual

progress reports, final financial and progress reports, and, if applicable, an annual audit report in 

accordance with the Part 200 Uniform Requirements or specific award conditions. Future 

awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if reports are delinquent. (In appropriate cases, 

OJP may require additional reports.)

Awards that exceed $500,000 will include an additional condition that, under specific 

circumstances, will require the recipient to report (to FAPIIS) information on civil, criminal, and 

administrative proceedings connected with (or connected to the performance of) either the OJP 

award or any other grant, cooperative agreement, or procurement contract from the federal 

government. Additional information on this reporting requirement appears in the text of the 

award condition posted on the OJP web site at http://ojp.gov/funding/FAPIIS.htm

Data on performance measures. In addition to required reports, each recipient of an award 

under this solicitation also must provide data that measure the results of the work done under 

the award. To demonstrate program progress and success, as well as to assist DOJ with 

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, 

OJP will require any recipient, post award, to provide the data listed as “Data Recipient 

Provides” in the performance measures table in Section D. Application and Submission 

Information, under "Program Narrative," so that OJP can calculate values for this solicitation's 

performance measures.

NOTE: Progress report templates previously supplied in the DNA Grantees Newsletter 

will not be accepted.

Progress report narratives should include a summary of project goals, the activities performed 

during the reporting period, and the effects of these activities toward achieving each goal. 

Narratives should also include descriptions of any observed increases in evidence submissions 
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as well as any issues which may negatively impact goals. The final progress report must include 

a summary and assessment of the program carried out with the FY 2017 award, including 

cumulative performance measure data over the entire project period.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

For NCJRS contact information, see page 2.

For contact information for GMS, see page 2.

H. Other Information

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

All applications submitted to OJP (including all attachments to applications) are subject to the 

federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and to the Privacy Act. By law, DOJ may withhold 

information that is responsive to a request pursuant to FOIA if DOJ determines that the 

responsive information either is protected under the Privacy Act or falls within the scope of one 

of nine statutory exemptions under FOIA. DOJ cannot agree in advance of a request pursuant 

to FOIA not to release some or all portions of an application.

In its review of records that are responsive to a FOIA request, OJP will withhold information in 

those records that plainly falls within the scope of the Privacy Act or one of the statutory 

exemptions under FOIA. (Some examples include certain types of information in budgets, and 

names and contact information for project staff other than certain key personnel.) In appropriate 

circumstances, OJP will request the views of the applicant/recipient that submitted a responsive 

document.

For example, if OJP receives a request pursuant to FOIA for an application submitted by a 

nonprofit or for-profit organization or an institution of higher education, or for an application that 

involves research, OJP typically will contact the applicant/recipient that submitted the 

application and ask it to identify -- quite precisely -- any particular information in the application 

that applicant/recipient believes falls under a FOIA exemption, the specific exemption it believes 

applies, and why. After considering the submission by the applicant/recipient, OJP makes an 

independent assessment regarding withholding information. OJP generally follows a similar 

process for requests pursuant to FOIA for applications that may contain law-enforcement 

sensitive information.

Provide Feedback to OJP

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

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

review process. Provide feedback to OJPSolicitationFeedback@usdoj.gov.

IMPORTANT: This email is for feedback and suggestions only. OJP does not reply to 

messages it receives in this mailbox. A prospective applicant that has specific questions on any 

program or technical aspect of the solicitation must use the appropriate telephone number or 

email listed on the front of this solicitation document to obtain information. These contacts are 

provided to help ensure that prospective applicants can directly reach an individual who can 

address specific questions in a timely manner.
NIJ-2017-11582

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If you are interested in being a reviewer for other OJP grant applications, please email your 

résumé to ojppeerreview@lmsolas.com. (Do not send your résumé to the OJP Solicitation 

Feedback email account.) Note: Neither you nor anyone else from your organization or entity 

can be a peer reviewer in a competition in which you or your organization/entity has submitted 

an application.
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Application Checklist

FY 2017 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program 

(Formula)

This application checklist has been created as an aid in developing an application.

What an Applicant Should Do:

Prior to Registering in GMS:

_____ Acquire a DUNS Number (see page 30)

_____ Acquire or renew registration with SAM (see page 31)

To Register with GMS:

_____ For new users, acquire a GMS username and password* (see page 31)

_____ For existing users, check GMS username and password* to ensure account access

(see page 31)

_____ Verify SAM registration in GMS (see page 31)

_____ Search for correct funding opportunity in GMS (see page 31)

_____ Select correct funding opportunity in GMS (see page 31)

_____ Register by selecting the “Apply Online” button associated with the funding opportunity

title (see page 31)

_____ Read OJP policy and guidance on conference approval, planning, and reporting

available at ojp.gov/financialguide/DOJ/PostawardRequirements/chapter3.10a.htm

(see page 16)

_____ See NCJRS contact information on the title page

*Password Reset Notice — GMS users are reminded that while password reset capabilities 

exist, this function is only associated with points of contact designated within GMS at the time 

the account was established. Neither OJP nor the GMS Help Desk will initiate a password reset 

unless requested by the authorized official or a designated point of contact associated with an 

award or application.

Overview of Post-Award Legal Requirements:

_____ Review the "Overview of Legal Requirements Generally Applicable to OJP Grants and 

Cooperative Agreements - FY 2017 Awards" in the OJP Funding Resource Center.

Scope Requirement:

_____ The federal amount requested is within the allowable limit(s). See Appendix A for details.

Eligibility Requirement: See the title page.

What an Application Should Include:

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

_____ Intergovernmental Review (see page 17)

_____ Project Abstract (see page 17)

_____ Program Narrative (see page 18)

_____ Budget Detail Worksheet (see page 24)
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_____ Budget Narrative (see page 25)

_____ Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (see page 27)

_____ Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (if applicable) (see page 27)

_____ Additional Attachments

_____ Eligibility Statement (see page 29)

_____ Proof of DNA Laboratory Accreditation (see page 29)

_____ Certification of Non-supplanting (see page 30)

_____ Declaration that the Laboratory Charges a Fee for DNA Testing Services (if 

applicable)

_____ Applicant Disclosure of Pending Applications (see page 28)
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Appendix A 

Estimated Aggregate15 Amounts Available for each State16 — FY 2017

Alabama $1,602,041 Montana $329,182

Alaska $290,726 Nebraska $453,115

Arizona $1,430,041 Nevada $865,125

Arkansas $737,522 New Hampshire $340,089

California $7,023,578 New Jersey $1,412,884

Colorado $1,094,804 New Mexico $597,385

Connecticut $672,118 New York $3,000,791

Delaware $320,194 North Carolina $1,929,151

District of Columbia $326,092 North Dakota $267,391

Florida $3,848,598 Ohio $2,132,207

Georgia $2,051,931 Oklahoma $867,471

Hawaii $445,921 Oregon $876,878

Idaho $387,126 Pennsylvania $2,048,639

Illinois $2,150,754 Puerto Rico $580,138

Indiana $1,300,341 Rhode Island $307,033

Iowa $632,393 South Carolina $1,119,523

Kansas $666,936 South Dakota $282,379

Kentucky $841,610 Tennessee $1,407,944

Louisiana $1,088,143 Texas $5,136,089

Maine $340,501 Utah $691,354

Maryland $1,115,979 Vermont $231,600

Massachusetts $1,148,264 Virginia $1,376,805

Michigan $1,672,717 Washington $1,559,282

Minnesota $1,109,167 West Virginia $436,114

Mississippi $681,210 Wisconsin $1,031,991

Missouri $1,273,869 Wyoming $236,865

— ALL AWARDS ARE SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATED FUNDS —

(See text of solicitation for additional information)

15 Units of local government that meet the eligibility requirements may apply directly to NIJ for a portion of the 

estimated funds allocated for awards to their State. 

16 The U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the 

Virgin Islands also may be eligible for funding.