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

Office of Justice Programs Approval Expires 07/31/2016

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 under the FY 2015 Paul Coverdell Forensic 

Science Improvement Grants Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by

providing States and units of local government with tools needed to meet the challenges of 

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

forensic science and medical examiner services, including services provided by laboratories 

operated by States and units of local government.

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science

Improvement Grants Program

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are limited to States (including territories) and units of local government

“(including federally recognized Indian tribal governments as determined by the Secretary of the 

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

government entity. (See “Eligibility” on page 3.)

For additional eligibility information, see section C. Eligibility Information.

Deadline

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

application for this funding opportunity. Registration is required for all applicants, even those 

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 April 6, 2015.

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

Information.

Contact Information

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

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

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

eastern time, except federal holidays.

Applicants that experience unforeseen GMS technical issues beyond their control that prevent 

them from submitting their application by the deadline must e-mail the NIJ contact identified 

below within 24 hours after the application deadline and request approval to submit their 

application. Additional information on reporting technical issues is found under “Experiencing 

Unforeseen GMS Technical Issues” in the How to Apply section.

For assistance with any other requirements of this solicitation 

contact Forensic.Coverdell@usdoj.gov.

Release date: February 3, 2015

SL001134
Paul Coverdell 2

Contents

A. Program Description.................................................................................................................3

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

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

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

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables .........................................................................................8

B. Federal Award Information .....................................................................................................10

Type of Award.........................................................................................................................10

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls ........................................................10

Budget Information..................................................................................................................11

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement.......................................................................................13

Pre-Agreement Cost Approvals ..............................................................................................13

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation; Waiver...............................13

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs ...................14

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) ...................................................14

C. Eligibility Information ..............................................................................................................14

Limit on Number of Application Submissions..........................................................................14

D. Application and Submission Information ................................................................................14

What an Application Should Include .......................................................................................14

Performance Measures...........................................................................................................18

How to Apply...........................................................................................................................23

E. Application Review Information ..............................................................................................25

Review Process ......................................................................................................................27

F. Federal Award Administration Information..............................................................................27

Federal Award Notices............................................................................................................29

Administrative, National Policy, and other Legal Requirements .............................................29

General Information About Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements .............................30

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) ....................................................................................30

H. Other Information ...................................................................................................................31

Provide Feedback to OJP .......................................................................................................31

Application Checklist...............................................................................................................32

Appendix 1. Estimated Amount of FY 2015 Base Funds, by State.............................................34

Appendix 2. Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications.....................................................35

Appendix 3. Template for “External Investigations” Attachment .................................................41
Paul Coverdell 3

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science

Improvement Grants Program

CFDA No. 16.742

A. Program Description

Overview

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

Grants Program (the Coverdell program), which awards grants to States and units of local 

government to help improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner 

services. Among other things, funds may be used to eliminate a backlog in the analysis of 

forensic evidence and to train and employ forensic laboratory personnel, as needed, to 

eliminate such a backlog. State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for both “base” 

(formula) and competitive funds. Units of local government may apply for competitive funds.

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

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

Coverdell law).

Program-Specific Information

This solicitation seeks applications for funding to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic 

science and medical examiner services, including services provided by laboratories operated by 

States and/or units of local government. Among other things, funds may be used to eliminate 

backlogs in the analysis of general forensic evidence or to train and employ forensic laboratory 

personnel to eliminate such backlogs.

Eligibility

States1 and units of local government may apply for FY 2015 Coverdell funds. States may be 

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

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

funding MUST be submitted by the Coverdell SAA (see list of SAAs on the OJP Web site 

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

coordinate with their respective SAAs.)

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

Coverdell funds must submit:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mariana Islands. For certain purposes, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands are treated as one State.
Paul Coverdell 4

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

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

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

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

applicant must submit a certification that any forensic laboratory system, medical 

examiner’s office, or coroner’s office in the State, including any laboratory operated by a 

unit of local government within the State, that will receive any portion of the grant 

amount (whether directly or through a subgrant) uses generally accepted laboratory 

practices and procedures established by accrediting organizations or appropriate 

certifying bodies.

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

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

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

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

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

the next section of this announcement.) Applicants must also specifically describe any 

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

4. A certification regarding external investigations into allegations of serious 

negligence or misconduct. Each applicant must submit a certification that “a 

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

external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially 

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

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

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

the grant amount.”

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

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

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

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

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

in Appendix 2.

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

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

requirements.

In connection with the certification regarding external investigations (described above), 

applicants must provide, prior to receiving award funds, the name(s) of the existing 

“government entity” (or government entities). This information is to be provided as an 

attachment to the program narrative section of the application. See “What an Application Should 

Include,” page 14, and Appendix 3, which includes a template for the attachment.

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

necessary information.

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

Serious Misconduct
Paul Coverdell 5

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

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

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

investigations and will refer allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially 

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

place to conduct independent external investigations, such as the government entities identified 

in the grant application.

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

to NIJ on an annual basis—

1. The number and nature of any such allegations;

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

which referred, the date of referral);

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

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

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

required information is not submitted on a timely basis.

Special Guidance on Certification Regarding External Investigations Into Allegations of 

Serious Negligence or Misconduct.

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

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

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

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

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

agency, must determine whether:

• A government entity exists.

• With an appropriate process in place.

• To conduct independent, external investigations.

• Into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct.

• Substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results.

• Committed by employees or contractors.

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

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

the grant amount.
Paul Coverdell 6

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

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

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

in the certification or in the grant application that it supports may be the subject of criminal 

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

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

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

Inspector General. 

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

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

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

the certification properly may be made.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

requirements of the certification after review of this guidance.

Illustrative Examples:

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

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

The law enforcement agency has an Internal Affairs Division (IAD) that reports directly to 

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

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

investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by laboratory 

employees and contractors.

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

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

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

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

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

employees or contractors of the laboratory.

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

laboratories and medical examiners’ offices. There is an Office of the Inspector General 

(OIG) in the State with authority to conduct investigations into allegations of serious 

negligence or misconduct by employees and contractors of forensic laboratories and 

medical examiners’ offices, both at the State and local levels.

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

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

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

investigations is limited (for example, through a reporting hierarchy that does not provide 
Paul Coverdell 7

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

State official or office).

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

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

appoint an independent investigator to conduct an investigation into allegations 

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

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

misconduct by both laboratory employees and contractors.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by 

laboratory employees.

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

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

investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by 

laboratory employees and contractors.

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

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

has authority to investigate allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by 

employees, including employees of units of local government within the State.

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

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

have authority to investigate allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by 

contractors of State and local government forensic laboratories that receive Coverdell 

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

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

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

appropriate depending on all the facts.)

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

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

responsible for investigating allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by 

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

reports to the director of the forensic laboratory.

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

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

laboratory; and, therefore, there is no process in place to conduct independent, external 
Paul Coverdell 8

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

certification.

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

nongovernmental organization to conduct investigations into allegations of serious 

negligence or misconduct committed by laboratory employees.

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

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

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

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

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

forensics laboratory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

properly make the required certification in this situation.

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables

Available Funding

The figures and calculations reflected in this solicitation (for example, the estimated minimum 

award to States and the estimated amount of “base” funds, by State) are based on an estimated 

total amount available of $10,322,050, although the amount ultimately made available could be 

higher or lower). Applicants are strongly advised to check for updates to the solicitation prior to 

submitting applications.

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

or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.

1. “Base” Funds for States

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

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

amount each eligible State would receive if $10,322,050 were made available for FY 

2015 is listed in Appendix 1: “Estimated Amount of FY 2015 Base Funds, by State.”2

2. Competitive Funds for States and Units of Local Government

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

local government through a competitive process. The average annual number of Part 1 

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

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

“base” amounts.
Paul Coverdell 9

years 2011, 2012, and 2013; existing resources; and current needs of the potential grant 

recipient will be considerations in award decisions. For FY 2015, the maximum amount a 

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

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

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

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

SAA for competitive funds for forensic sciences improvements above and beyond those 

it can accomplish with its estimated amount of base funds.

3. Minimum Awards to States

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

as its Coverdell grant. If $10,322,050 were to become available for FY 2015, the 

minimum Coverdell grant to an eligible State would be not less than $61,932.

3 In that 

case, if the amount a State would otherwise receive as its total Coverdell grant (including 

both base funds and any competitive funds) is less than $61,932, NIJ will increase that 

State’s total grant to $61,932.

Grant Purposes

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

more of these three purposes: 

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

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

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

local government within the State.

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

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

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

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

backlog.

Expected Results and Outcomes 

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

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

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

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

Reduction of forensic analysis backlogs is considered an improvement in timeliness of services. 

The result of Coverdell grants directly to units of local government should be a demonstrated 

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

medical examiner services provided by the local jurisdiction.

 3 Minimum awards for America Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands would be lower. 4 A backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence exists if forensic evidence has been stored in a laboratory, 

medical examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility; and has not been 

subjected to all appropriate forensic testing because of lack of resources or personnel. 
Paul Coverdell 10

See “Performance Measures,” page 18, for additional information.

B. Federal Award Information

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

project period of October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2016. Applicants should be aware that the 

total period of an award, including one that receives a project period extension, ordinarily will not 

exceed 3 years.

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 Award5

NIJ expects that it will make any award from this solicitation in the form of a grant.

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls

If selected for funding, the award recipient must:

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

reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity 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 non-Federal entity's compliance with statute, 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 non-Federal entity considers sensitive consistent with applicable 

Federal, State and local laws regarding privacy and obligations of confidentiality.

In order to better understand administrative requirements and cost principles, award applicants 

are encouraged to enroll, at no charge, in the Department of Justice Grants Financial 

Management Online Training available here.

 5 See generally 31 U.S.C. §§ 6301-6305 (defines and describes various forms of federal assistance relationships, 

including grants and cooperative agreements (a type of grant)). 
Paul Coverdell 11

Budget Information

Permissible Expenses

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

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

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

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

OJP’s standard budget format, see the section titled “What an Application Should Include.” 

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

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

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

computer hardware and software for forensic analyses and data management. 

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

laboratory or medical examiner equipment and instrumentation. 

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

supplies. 

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

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

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

information. See F. Federal Award Administration Information, later in this 

announcement, for a link to OJP webpages containing information about NEPA and 

other legal requirements.

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

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

satisfactory completion of the NEPA review process. 

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

American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board 

(ASCLD-LAB), Forensic Quality Services (FQS), the National Association of Medical 

Examiners (NAME), the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), or 

other appropriate accrediting bodies. Funds also may be used for application and 

maintenance fees charged by appropriate accrediting bodies.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

seeking certification. 
Paul Coverdell 12

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

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

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

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

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

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

amount of funds that may be used for the costs of a new facility or facilities (see 42 

U.S.C. § 3797m(c)). Maximum amounts are determined by the total amount of the 

Coverdell grant (including both base and competitive funds) and the total amount of 

funds available for Coverdell grants nationwide. The maximum amounts that may be 

used for costs of new facilities are as follows. (Estimates and calculations are based on 

the assumption that the total available funds for Coverdell awards in FY 2015 will be 

$10,322,050. Please refer to the discussion under “Available Funding” on page 8.) 

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

$61,932) for FY 2015. If the total Coverdell grant to an applicant State or unit of local 

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

(estimated here at $61,932), no more than 80 percent of the total grant may be used 

for the costs of any new facility.

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

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

here at $61,932), the amount of the grant that can be used for the costs of any new 

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

funds (such 80 percent estimated here at $49,546) plus 40 percent of the amount of 

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

For example, if $10,322,050 were to become available for Coverdell awards in FY 2015 

and a State were to receive a total Coverdell grant of $100,000, no more than $67,773

may be used for the costs of any new facility.

A sample calculation for a $100,000 grant would be as follows: 

Eighty percent of 0.6 percent of the total available funds: $61,932 x .80 = $49,546. 

Amount in excess of $61,932: $100,000 - $61,932 = $38,068

Forty percent of amount in excess of $61,932: $38,068 x .40 = $15,227. 

Sum of $49,546 + $15,227 = $67,773.

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

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

construction of facilities will be required to submit additional information. See F. Federal 

Award Administration Information, later in this announcement, for a link to OJP 

webpages containing information about NEPA and other legal requirements. 

Applicants should note that award recipients whose proposals involve construction or 

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

completion of the NEPA review process.
Paul Coverdell 13

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

grant may be used for a recipient’s administrative expenses. 

Expenses That Are Not Permitted

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

enforcement functions or non-forensic investigatory functions).

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

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

grant amount.

4. The use of funds for the purchase and/or lease of vehicles, such as crime scene vans.

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement

This solicitation 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 Cost Approvals

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

prior written approval of OJP for all such costs. If approved, pre-agreement costs could be paid 

from grant funds consistent with a grantee’s approved budget, and under applicable cost 

standards. However, all such costs prior to award and prior to approval of the costs are incurred 

at the sole risk of an applicant. Generally, no applicant should incur project costs before

submitting an application requesting federal funding for those costs. Should there be 

extenuating circumstances that appear to be appropriate for OJP’s consideration as preagreement costs, the applicant should contact the point of contact listed on the title page of this 

announcement for details on the requirements for submitting a written request for approval. See 

the section on Costs Requiring Prior Approval in the Financial Guide, for more information.

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation; Waiver

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

not use federal funds to pay total cash compensation (salary plus cash bonuses) to any 

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

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

agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year. The 2015 salary table 

for SES employees is available at the Office of Personnel Management website. Note: A 

recipient may compensate an employee at a greater rate, provided the amount in excess of this 

compensation limitation is paid with non-federal funds. (Any such additional compensation will 

not be considered matching funds where match requirements apply.)

The Assistant Attorney General for OJP may exercise discretion to waive, on an individual 

basis, the limitation on compensation rates allowable under an award. An applicant requesting a 

waiver should include a detailed justification in the budget narrative of the application. Unless 
Paul Coverdell 14

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

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

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

uniqueness of the service the individual will provide, the individual’s specific knowledge of the 

program or project being undertaken with award funds, and a statement explaining that the 

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

his/her qualifications and expertise, and for the work to be done.

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

OJP strongly encourages applicants that propose to use award funds for any conference-, 

meeting-, or training-related activity to review carefully – before submitting an application – the 

OJP policy and guidance on conference approval, planning, and reporting available 

at www.ojp.gov/financialguide/PostawardRequirements/chapter15page1.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 such costs for cooperative 

agreement recipients and of some such costs for grant recipients; and (3) set cost limits, 

including 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 “Solicitation 

Requirements” in the OJP Funding Resource Center.

C. Eligibility Information 

For additional eligibility information, see Title page and page 3.

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

Information.

Limit on Number of Application Submissions

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

recent system-validated version submitted. For more information on system-validated versions, 

see How to Apply.

D. Application and Submission Information

What an Application Should Include

Applicants should anticipate that if they fail to submit an application that contains all of the 

specified elements, it may negatively affect the review of their application; and, should a 
Paul Coverdell 15

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

preclude the recipient from accessing or using award funds pending satisfaction of the 

conditions.

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

determined to be nonresponsive to the scope of the solicitation, or that do not include the 

application elements that NIJ has designated to be critical, will neither proceed to peer review 

nor receive further consideration. Under this solicitation, NIJ has designated, for requests for 

competitive funds, the following application elements as critical: Program Narrative, Budget 

Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative, and all four certifications required by the Coverdell law. 

Applicants may combine the Budget Narrative and the Budget Detail Worksheet in one 

document. However, if an applicant submits only one document, it must contain both narrative 

and detail information. (Requests for competitive funds from States must clearly differentiate 

between the information on program narrative and budget provided for the request for 

competitive funds and the information provided for the request for “base” funds.)

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,” “Resumes”) for all attachments. Also, OJP recommends that 

applicants include resumes 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. When selecting "type of applicant," if 

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

applicable).

Intergovernmental Review: This funding opportunity is subject to Executive Order 12372. 

Applicants may find the names and addresses of their state’s Single Point of Contact 

(SPOC) at the following website: www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_spoc/. Applicants whose 

state appears on the SPOC list must contact their state’s SPOC to find out about, and 

comply with, the state’s process under Executive Order 12372. In completing the SF-424, 

applicants whose state appears on the SPOC list are to make the appropriate selection in 

response to question 19 once the applicant has complied with their state’s E.O. 12372 

process. (Applicants whose state does not appear on the SPOC list are to make the 

appropriate selection in response to question 19 to indicate 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 250-400 words. Project abstracts should be—

• Written for a general public audience.

• Submitted as a separate attachment with “Project Abstract” as part of its file name.
Paul Coverdell 16

• 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 section of a request for competitive funds.

All project abstracts should follow the detailed template available 

at ojp.gov/funding/Apply/Resources/ProjectAbstractTemplate.pdf.

3. Program Narrative

Program Narrative Guidelines: 

a. Main Body

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

expected results, and the implementation approach.

a. Formula (base) applications

• State (base) applicants: The program narrative must specifically describe the 

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

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

services over current operations. (Reduction of forensic analysis backlogs is 

considered an improvement in timeliness of services.) States are expected to 

consider the needs of laboratories operated by units of local government as well 

as those operated by the State.

If grant funds are requested for costs of a new facility, the program narrative 

must specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and the estimated 

costs of that facility.

b. Requests for competitive funds

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

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

as part of the main body of a program narrative:

 Statement of the Problem.

 Project/Program Design and Implementation.

 Capabilities/Competencies.

 Impact/Outcomes and Evaluation/Plan for Collecting Data for Performance 

Measures.

 Other/Part 1 violent crimes data (see page 27).

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

in addition to base funds should include a separate program narrative (as well 
Paul Coverdell 17

as a separate proposed budget detail worksheet and budget narrative), which 

should describe how competitive funds will be used to support improvements 

in forensic science or medical examiner services above and beyond the 

improvements it will accomplish with its estimated amount of base funds. As 

noted earlier, existing resources and current needs will be considered in 

awarding competitive funds and should be addressed in any request for 

competitive funds. As part of the discussion of existing resources and current 

needs, applicants requesting competitive funds should include information in 

the program narrative that describes any known, specific impact(s) on 

resources and needs indicated by the applicant State’s part 1 violent crime 

data. Requests for competitive funds should specify the dollar amount 

requested, which should not exceed $175,000.

If grant funds are requested for costs of a new facility, the program narrative 

must specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and the estimated 

costs of that facility.

Any State application for funding MUST be submitted by the Coverdell SAA 

(see list of SAAs on the OJP Web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/saa/index.htm). 

When applying for competitive funds, an SAA should consult with all 

interested State agencies to prepare a request for competitive funds. No 

more than one request for competitive funds per State (SAA) will be funded.

• Unit of local government: The program narrative must specifically describe 

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

local government plan to improve the quality and/or timeliness of forensic 

science or medical examiner services over current operations. (Reduction of 

forensic analysis backlogs is considered an improvement in timeliness of 

services.) Existing resources and current needs will be considered in 

awarding competitive funds and should be addressed in any request for 

competitive funds. As part of the discussion of existing resources and current 

needs, applicants requesting competitive funds should include information in 

the program narrative that describes any known, specific impact(s) on 

resources and needs indicated by the applicant unit of local government’s 

part 1 violent crime data (State data and any data reported by the unit of local 

government). Requests for competitive funds should specify the dollar 

amount requested, which should not exceed $175,000.

If grant funds are requested for costs of a new facility, the program narrative 

must specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and the estimated 

costs of that facility. 

All interested components of a unit of local government should be consulted 

before preparing an application for competitive funds. No more than one 

application for competitive funds per unit of local government will be funded.

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

exceed 20 double-spaced pages in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. 

Abstract, table of contents, charts, figures, appendices, and government 

forms do not count toward the 20-page limit for the narrative section. If the 

program narrative for a request for competitive funds fails to comply with 
Paul Coverdell 18

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

review and in final award decisions.

4. External Investigations Attachment to the Program Narrative

• All applicants are to provide—as an attachment to the program narrative—the name(s) 

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

Appendix 2) that—

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

independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or 

misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results committed by 

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

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

State that will receive a portion of the grant amount.

• Appendix 3 includes a template for this attachment. Note that funds will not be made 

available to applicant agencies that fail to provide the necessary information.

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

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 to NIJ as part of their reporting requirements. For the application (“base” 

and/or competitive), applicants should indicate an understanding of these requirements and 

discuss how they will gather the required data, should they receive funding.

Performance Measures

To assist the Department 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, applicants that receive funding under this solicitation must provide data 

that measure the results of their work done under this solicitation. OJP will require any award 

recipient, post award, to provide the data requested in the “Data Grantee Provides” column so 

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

for this solicitation are as follows:
Paul Coverdell 19

Objective Performance Measure(s) Data Grantee Provides

To improve the 

quality and timeliness 

of forensic services 

and to reduce the 

number of 

backlogged cases in 

forensic laboratories

Outcome Measure

1.Reduction in the average number of days 

from the submission of a sample to a 

forensic science laboratory to the delivery 

of test results to a requesting office or 

agency.

2.Percent reduction in the number of 

backlogged forensic cases. 

Output Measure

1.The number of forensic science or medical 

examiner personnel who completed 

appropriate training or educational 

opportunities with FY 2015 Coverdell funds 

(if applicable to the grant).

1.Average number of days to process a 

sample at the beginning of the grant 

period. 

2.Average number of days to process a 

sample at the end of the grant period. 

3.Number of backlogged cases at the 

beginning of the grant period. 

4.Number of backlogged cases at the 

end of the grant period. 

5.Number of forensic science personnel 

attending training. 

6.Number of medical examiner 

personnel attending training programs. 

Note on Project Evaluations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subjects” section of the OJP Funding Resource Center Web page 

(www.ojp.gov/funding/Explore/SolicitationRequirements/EvidenceResearchEvaluationRequirem

ents.htm). Applicants whose proposals may involve a research or statistical component also 

should review the “Data Privacy and Confidentiality Requirements” section on that Web page.

6. Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative

a. Budget Detail Worksheet 

A sample Budget Detail Worksheet can be found 

at www.ojp.gov/funding/Apply/Resources/BudgetDetailWorksheet.pdf. Applicants that 
Paul Coverdell 20

submit their budget in a different format should include the budget categories listed in 

the sample budget worksheet.

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

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

b. Budget Narrative

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

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

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

activities).

Applicants should demonstrate in their budget narratives how they will maximize cost 

effectiveness of grant 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 narrative should be mathematically sound and correspond 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 they are relevant to the completion 

of the proposed project. The narrative may include tables for clarification purposes but 

need not be in a spreadsheet format. As with the Budget Detail Worksheet, the Budget 

Narrative should be broken down by year.

c. Non-Competitive Procurement Contracts In Excess of Simplified Acquisition 

Threshold

If an applicant proposes to make one or more non-competitive procurements of products 

or services, where the non-competitive procurement will exceed the simplified 

acquisition threshold (also known as the small purchase threshold), which is currently 

set at $150,000, the application should address the considerations outlined in 

the Financial Guide.

d. Pre-Agreement Costs

For information on pre-agreement costs, see “Pre-Agreement Cost Approvals” under 

Section B. Federal Award Information.

7. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

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

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

federally approved indirect cost rate agreement to the application. Applicants that do not 

have an approved rate may request one through their cognizant federal agency, which will 

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

applicant’s accounting system permits, costs may be allocated in the direct cost categories. 

For the definition of Cognizant Federal Agency, see the “Glossary of Terms” in the Financial 

Guide. For assistance with identifying your cognizant agency, please contact the Customer 
Paul Coverdell 21

Service Center at 1-800-458-0786 or at ask.ocfo@usdoj.gov. If DOJ is the cognizant federal 

agency, applicants may obtain information needed to submit an indirect cost rate proposal 

at www.ojp.gov/funding/Apply/Resources/IndirectCosts.pdf.

8. Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status

Applicants are to disclose whether they are currently designated high risk by another federal 

grant making agency. This includes any status requiring additional oversight by the federal 

agency due to past programmatic or financial concerns. If an applicant is designated high 

risk by another federal grant making agency, you must email the following information 

to OJPComplianceReporting@usdoj.gov at the time of application submission:

• The federal agency that currently designated the applicant as high risk;

• Date the applicant was designated high-risk;

• The high-risk point of contact name, phone number, and email address, from that 

federal agency; and

• Reasons for the high-risk status;

OJP seeks this information to ensure appropriate federal oversight of any grant award. 

Unlike the Excluded Parties List, this high risk information does not disqualify any 

organization from receiving an OJP award. However, additional grant oversight may be 

included, if necessary, in award documentation.

9. Additional Attachments

a. Coverdell Statutory Certifications

As described above in the “Eligibility” section, the Coverdell law provides that, to request 

a grant, each applicant must submit four certifications specific to the Coverdell 

Program. A certification may only be completed by an official familiar with its 

requirements and authorized to certify on behalf of the applicant agency (i.e., the agency 

applying directly to NIJ). Templates for the statutory certifications appear in Appendix 2. 

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

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

using these templates. Certifications made on behalf of subrecipients of award funds—

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

acceptable to satisfy the certification requirements.

The four required Coverdell statutory certifications are as follows—

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

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

from a Unit of Local Government.

2. Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures.

3. Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities.

4. Certification as to External Investigations.
Paul Coverdell 22

SAMPLE

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

to External Investigations” are provided above, under “Eligibility.” Certifying officials 

must read and review this information and guidance prior to executing the 

certification.

b. Applicant Disclosure of Pending Applications

Applicants are to disclose whether they have pending applications for federally funded 

grants or subgrants (including cooperative agreements) that include requests for funding 

to support the same project being proposed under this solicitation and will cover the 

identical cost items outlined in the budget narrative and worksheet in the application 

under this solicitation. The disclosure should include both direct applications for federal 

funding (e.g., applications to federal agencies) and indirect applications for such funding 

(e.g., applications to State agencies that will subaward 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.

Applicants that have pending applications as described above are 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 funding agency.

Applicants should include the table as a separate attachment, with the file name 

“Disclosure of Pending Applications,” to their application. Applicants that do not have 

pending applications as described above are to include a statement to this effect in the 

separate attachment page (e.g., “[Applicant Name on SF-424] does not have pending 

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

(including cooperative agreements) that include requests for funding to support the same 

Federal or 

State 

Funding 

Agency 

Solicitation 

Name/Project 

Name

Name/Phone/E-mail for Point of Contact at 

Funding Agency

DOJ/COPS COPS Hiring 

Program

Jane Doe, 202/000-0000; jane.doe@usdoj.gov

HHS/ 

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
Paul Coverdell 23

project being proposed under this solicitation and will cover the identical cost items 

outlined in the budget narrative and worksheet in the application under this solicitation.”).

9. Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire

In accordance with 2 CFR 200.205, Federal agencies must have in place a framework for 

evaluating the risks posed by applicants before they receive a Federal award. To facilitate 

part of this risk evaluation, all applicants (other than an individual) are to download, 

complete, and submit this form.

10. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

All applicants are to complete this information. Applicants that expend any funds for lobbying 

activities are to provide the detailed information requested on the form Disclosure of 

Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL). Applicants that do not expend any funds for lobbying activities 

are to enter “N/A” in the text boxes for item 10 (“a. Name and Address of Lobbying 

Registrant” and “b. Individuals Performing Services”).

How to Apply

Applicants must submit applications through the Grants Management System (GMS), which 

provides cradle to grave support for the application, award, and management of awards at OJP. 

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

registration and submission deadlines are the same, OJP urges applicants to register 

promptly, especially if this is their first time using the system. Find complete instructions on 

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

experience technical difficulties during this process should e-mail GMS.HelpDesk@usdoj.gov or 

call 888-549-9901 (option 3), Monday – Friday from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, Eastern Time, except 

federal holidays. OJP recommends that applicants 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.” 

OJP may not make a federal award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all 

applicable DUNS and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the 

requirements by the time the federal awarding agency is ready to make a federal award, the 

federal awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a federal 

award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.

All applicants should complete the following steps:

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

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

funds include a DUNS number in their application for a new award or a supplement to an 

existing award. A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the 

universal standard for identifying and differentiating entities receiving federal funds. The 

identifier is used for tracking purposes and to validate address and point of contact 

information for federal assistance applicants, recipients, and subrecipients. The DUNS 
Paul Coverdell 24

number will be used throughout the grant life cycle. 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.

2. Acquire registration with the System for Award Management (SAM). SAM is the 

repository for standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, recipients, 

and subrecipients. OJP requires that all applicants (other than individuals) for federal 

financial assistance maintain current registrations in the SAM database. Applicants must 

update or renew their SAM registration annually to maintain an active status.

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.

4. Verify the SAM (formerly CCR) registration in GMS. OJP requests that all applicants 

verify their 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 National Institute of Justice and the Paul Coverdell Forensic 

Science Improvement Grants Program.

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 title 

along with the registration and application deadlines for this funding opportunity. Select the 

“Apply Online” button in the “Action” column to register for this funding opportunity and 

create an application in the system.

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

solicitation. Once 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 applicants to submit the application at least 72 

hours prior to the application due date.

Note: Duplicate Applications

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

recent system-validated version submitted. See Note on “File Names and File Types”

under How to Apply.

Experiencing Unforeseen GMS Technical Issues

Applicants that experience unforeseen GMS technical issues beyond their control that prevent 

them from submitting their application by the deadline must contact the GMS Help Desk or 

the SAM Help Desk to report the technical issue and receive a tracking number. Then the 

applicant must e-mail the NIJ contact identified in the Contact Information section on page 1

within 24 hours after the application deadline and request approval to submit their 
Paul Coverdell 25

application. The e-mail must describe the technical difficulties and 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: NIJ does not approve requests 

automatically. After the program office reviews the submission, and contacts the GMS Help 

Desk to validate 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 applicant 

failed to follow all required procedures, which resulted in an untimely application submission, 

OJP will deny the applicant’s request to submit their application.

The following conditions are generally insufficient to justify late submissions:

• Failure to register in SAM or GMS in sufficient time.

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

Web site.

• Failure to follow each instruction in the OJP solicitation.

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

including firewalls.

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

of the OJP funding Web page 

at www.ojp.gov/funding/Explore/CurrentFundingOpportunities.htm.

E. Application Review Information

Selection Criteria

Base funds and minimum awards

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

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

NIJ and OJP grants, and all other applicable legal requirements, may expect to be awarded 

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

Requests for competitive funds

Each criterion is weighted according to the percentage listed below.

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

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

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

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

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

backlog and increase capacity.
Paul Coverdell 26

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

and increasing capacity.

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

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

applicant organization and proposed project staff)—10%

1. Qualifications and experience of proposed project staff (including any and all 

individuals (and organizations) identified in the application who will be significantly 

involved in substantive aspects of the proposal).

2. Demonstrated ability of the applicant organization to manage the effort.

3. Relationship between the capabilities/competencies of the proposed project staff 

(including the applicant organization) and the scope of the proposed project.

Budget—25% 

NOTE: The budget should be complete, cost effective, and allowable (e.g., reasonable, 

allocable, and necessary for project activities.) Budget narratives should generally 

demonstrate how applicants will maximize cost effectiveness of grant expenditures. Budget 

narratives should demonstrate cost effectiveness in relation to potential alternatives and the 

goals of the project.6

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

2. Use of existing resources to conserve costs. 

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

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

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

forensic science or medical examiner services. 

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

forensic science or medical examiner services. 

Impact/Outcomes and Evaluation/Plan for Collecting Data for Performance Measures

(Relevance to policy and practice)—30%

1. Improvement in Quality and Timeliness

a. Anticipated reduction in backlog.

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

 6 Generally speaking, a reasonable cost is a cost that, in its nature or amount, does not exceed that which would be 

incurred by a prudent person under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made to incur the 

costs.
Paul Coverdell 27

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

timeliness of results.

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

timeliness of forensic results.

2. Anticipated Impact of Eligible Project Activities

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

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

medical examiner services. 

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

and supplies on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or 

medical examiner services. 

c. Computerization: If applicable, anticipated impact of requested computerization 

on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical 

examiner services. 

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

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

or medical examiner services. 

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

the solicitation. 

Other—5%

Discussion of impact on resources and needs based on the average annual number of 

Part I violent crimes reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for calendar years 

2011, 2012, and 2013 by the State (and, for applicant units of local government, the 

local data, if available).

Review Process

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

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

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

applications to ensure statutory requirements have been met.

Peer reviewers will review the requests for competitive funds submitted under this solicitation 

that meet basic minimum requirements. For purposes of assessing whether applications have 

met basic minimum requirements, OJP screens applications for compliance with specified 

program requirements to help determine which should proceed to further consideration for 

award. Although program requirements may vary, the following are common requirements 

applicable to all solicitations for funding under OJP grant programs:

• Applications must be submitted by an eligible type of applicant.
Paul Coverdell 28

• Applications must request funding within programmatic funding constraints (if 

applicable).

• Applications must be responsive to the scope of the solicitation.

• Applications must include all items designated as “critical elements.”

• Applicants will be checked against the General Services Administration’s Excluded 

Parties List.

For a list of critical elements applicable to requests for competitive funds submitted under this 

solicitation, see “What an Application Should Include” under Section D. Application and 

Submission Information.

NIJ may use either internal peer reviewers, external peer reviewers, or a combination, to review 

competitive requests under this solicitation. An external peer reviewer is an expert in the subject 

matter of a given solicitation who is NOT a current DOJ employee. An internal reviewer is a 

current DOJ employee who is well-versed or has expertise in the subject matter of this 

solicitation. A peer review panel will evaluate, score, and rate eligible requests for competitive 

funds that meet basic minimum requirements. Peer reviewers’ ratings and any resulting 

recommendations are advisory only, although their views are considered carefully. In addition to 

peer review ratings, considerations for award recommendations and decisions may include, but 

are not limited to, underserved populations, geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past 

performance, and available funding.

OJP reviews applications for potential awards to evaluate the risks posed by applicants before 

they receive an award. This review may include but is not limited to the following:

1. Financial stability and fiscal integrity.

2. Quality of management systems and ability to meet the management standards 

prescribed in the Financial Guide.

3. History of performance.

4. Reports and findings from audits.

5. The applicant's ability to effectively implement statutory, regulatory, or other 

requirements imposed on non-Federal entities.

6. Proposed costs to determine if the Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative 

accurately explain project costs, and whether those costs are reasonable, necessary, 

and allowable under applicable federal cost principles and agency regulations.

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

Assistant Attorney General will make all final award decisions. With respect to requests for 

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

peer review ratings, underserved populations, geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past 

performance, and available funding when making awards.
Paul Coverdell 29

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Federal Award Notices

OJP award notification will be sent from GMS. Recipients will be required to login; accept any 

outstanding assurances and certifications on the award; designate a financial point of contact; 

and review, sign, and accept the award. The award acceptance process involves 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 

agency-approved project proposal and budget, the recipient must comply with award terms and 

conditions, and other legal requirements, including but not limited to OMB, DOJ or other federal 

regulations which will be included in the award, incorporated into the award by reference, or are 

otherwise applicable to the award. OJP strongly encourages prospective applicants to review 

the information pertaining to these requirements prior to submitting an application. To assist 

applicants and recipients in accessing and reviewing this information, OJP has placed pertinent 

information on its Solicitation Requirements page of the OJP Funding Resource Center

webpages.

Please note in particular the following two forms, which applicants must accept in GMS prior to 

the receipt of any award funds, as each details legal requirements with which applicants must 

provide specific assurances and certifications of compliance. Applicants may view these forms 

in the Apply section of the OJP Funding Resource Center and are strongly encouraged to 

review and consider them carefully prior to making an application for OJP grant funds.

• Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility 

Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements

• Standard Assurances

Upon grant approval, OJP electronically transmits (via GMS) the award document to the 

prospective award recipient. In addition to other award information, the award document 

contains award terms and conditions that specify national policy requirements7 with which 

recipients of federal funding must comply; uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, 

and audit requirements; and program-specific terms and conditions required based on 

applicable program (statutory) authority or requirements set forth in OJP solicitations and 

program announcements, and other requirements which may be attached to appropriated 

funding. For example, certain efforts may call for special requirements, terms, or conditions 

relating to intellectual property, data/information-sharing or -access, or information security; or 

audit requirements, expenditures and milestones, or publications and/or press releases. OJP 

also may place additional terms and conditions on an award based on its risk assessment of the 

applicant, or for other reasons it determines necessary to fulfill the goals and objectives of the 

program.

 7 See generally 2 C.F.R. 200.300 (provides a general description of national policy requirements typically applicable 

to recipients of Federal awards, including the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 

(FFATA)).
Paul Coverdell 30

Prospective applicants may access and review the text of mandatory conditions OJP includes in 

all OJP awards, as well as the text of certain other conditions, such as administrative conditions, 

via OJP’s Mandatory Award Terms and Conditions page of the OJP Funding Resource Center.

General Information About Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements

Recipients must submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual progress reports, final financial 

and progress reports, and, if applicable, an annual audit report in accordance with 2 CFR Part 

200. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if reports are delinquent.

In addition, Coverdell grantees must submit a final report that must, among other things: (1) 

include a summary and assessment of the program carried out with FY 2015 grant funds, (2) 

identify the number and type of cases accepted during the FY 2015 award period by the 

forensic laboratory or laboratories that received FY 2015 grant funds, and (3) cite the specific 

improvements in the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner 

services (including any reduction in forensic analysis backlog) that occurred as a direct result of 

the FY 2015 grant award. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if reports are 

delinquent.

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

required to report to NIJ on an annual basis—

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

substantially affecting the integrity of forensic results;

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

to which referred, the date of referral);

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

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

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

required information is not submitted on a timely basis.

Special Reporting requirements may be required by OJP depending on the statutory, legislative 

or administrative requirements of the recipient or the program.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

For additional Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s), see Title page.

For additional contact information for GMS, see the Title page.
Paul Coverdell 31

H. Other Information

Provide Feedback to OJP

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

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

review process. Provide feedback to OJPSolicitationFeedback@usdoj.gov.

IMPORTANT: This e-mail is for feedback and suggestions only. Replies are not sent from this 

mailbox. If you have specific questions on any program or technical aspect of the solicitation, 

you must directly contact the appropriate number or e-mail listed on the front of this solicitation 

document. These contacts are provided to help ensure that you can directly reach an individual 

who can address your specific questions in a timely manner.

If you are interested in being a reviewer for other OJP grant applications, please e-mail your 

resume to ojppeerreview@lmbps.com. The OJP Solicitation Feedback email account will not 

forward your resume. Note: Neither you nor anyone else from your organization can be a peer 

reviewer in a competition in which you or your organization have submitted an application.
Paul Coverdell 32

Application Checklist

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program

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

What an Applicant Should Do:

Prior to Registering in GMS:

_____ Acquire a DUNS Number (see page 23)

_____ Acquire or renew registration with SAM (see page 24)

To Register with GMS:

_____ For new users, acquire a GMS username and password* (see page 24)

_____ For existing users, check GMS username and password*

to ensure account access (see page 24)

_____ Verify SAM registration in GMS (see page 24)

_____ Search for correct funding opportunity in GMS (see page 24)

_____ Register by selecting the “Apply Online” button associated with the 

funding opportunity title (see page 24)

_____ If experiencing technical difficulties in GMS, contact NIJ (see page 24)

*Password Reset Notice – GMS users are reminded that while password reset capabilities exist, 

this function is only associated with points of contacts 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.

General Requirements:

_____ Review Solicitation Requirements webpage in the OJP Funding Resource Center.

Eligibility Requirement:

_____ Coverdell Statutory Certifications (see page 3)

_____ Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories

— Application from a State or Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science 

Laboratories

— Application from a Unit of Local Government

_____ Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures

_____ Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities

_____ Certification as to External Investigations

What an Application Should Include: 

_____ Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) (see page 15)

_____ Project Abstract (see page 15)

_____ Program Narrative (see page 16)

_____ External Investigations Attachment to the Program Narrative (see page 18)

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

(see page 18)
Paul Coverdell 33

_____ Budget Detail Worksheet (see page 19)

_____ Budget Narrative (see page 20)

_____ Employee Compensation Waiver request and justification (if applicable) 

(see page 13)

_____ Read OJP policy and guidance on conference approval, planning, and reporting

available 

at www.ojp.gov/financialguide/PostawardRequirements/chapter15page1.htm 

(see page 14)

_____ Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (if applicable) (see page 23)

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

_____ Applicant Disclosure of High Risk Status (see page 21)

_____ Additional Attachments

_____ Applicant Disclosure of Pending Applications (see page 22)

_____ Coverdell Statutory Certifications (see page 21)

_____ Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (if applicable)

(see page 23)
Paul Coverdell 34

Appendix 1. Estimated Amount of FY 2015 Base Funds, by State.8

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

“base” amounts. All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. 9 The Coverdell law includes specific provisions with respect to allocations to American Samoa and the 

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

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

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

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

which is estimated to be not less than $61,932. See “Available Funding” under “Goals, Objectives, 

and Deliverables” for additional details. 

Alabama $105,972 Nevada* $61,170

Alaska* $17,778 New Hampshire* $32,006

Arizona $145,279 New Jersey $195,105

Arkansas $64,880 New Mexico* $50,430

California $840,385 New York $430,822

Colorado $115,501 North Carolina $215,904

Connecticut $78,839 North Dakota* $17,494

Delaware* $22,388 Ohio $253,673

District of Columbia* $15,633 Oklahoma $84,418

Florida $428,668 Oregon $86,161

Georgia $219,064 Pennsylvania $280,047

Hawaii* $33,955 Rhode Island* $25,429

Idaho* $38,987 South Carolina $104,681

Illinois $282,422 South Dakota* $20,432

Indiana $144,057 Tennessee $142,415

Iowa $67,753 Texas $579,838

Kansas $63,448 Utah $63,597

Kentucky $96,360 Vermont* $15,154

Louisiana $101,407 Virginia $181,097

Maine* $32,123 Washington $152,838

Maryland $129,981 West Virginia* $44,844

Massachusetts $146,730 Wisconsin $125,901

Michigan $216,947 Wyoming* $14,091

Minnesota $118,834 American Samoa/ 

Northern Mariana Islands9*

$2,561

Mississippi $65,578 Guam* $3,879

Missouri $132,510 Puerto Rico $79,256

Montana* $24,550 Virgin Islands* $2,533

Nebraska* $45,187
Paul Coverdell 35

Appendix 2. Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications

(Instructions: Scan signed certifications and submit image files electronically through GMS.)
Paul Coverdell 36

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2015 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement

Grants Program

Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—

Application from a State 

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

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

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

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

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

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

government within the State.

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

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

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

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

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

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

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice).

___________________________________________

Signature of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Printed Name of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Title of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Name of Applicant Agency (Including Name of State)

____________________

Date
Paul Coverdell 37

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2015 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement

Grants Program

Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—

Application from a Unit of Local Government

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

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

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

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

forensic science or medical examiner services provided by the laboratories 

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

amount.

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

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

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

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

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

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

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice).

___________________________________________

Signature of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Printed Name of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Title of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Name of Applicant Agency

(Including Name of Unit of Local Government)

____________________

Date
Paul Coverdell 38

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2015 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement

Grants Program

Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory

Practices and Procedures

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

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

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

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

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

uses generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures, established by 

accrediting organizations or appropriate certifying bodies. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice).

___________________________________________

Signature of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Printed Name of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Title of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government)

____________________

Date
Paul Coverdell 39

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2015 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement

Grants Program

Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities 

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

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

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

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

forensic science and medical examiner services will not exceed the limitations 

set forth at 42 U.S.C. § 3797m(c) and summarized in the FY 2015 Coverdell 

Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program Announcement. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice).

___________________________________________

Signature of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Printed Name of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Title of Certifying Official

___________________________________________

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government)

____________________

Date
Paul Coverdell 40

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2015 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement

Grants Program

Certification as to External Investigations 

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

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

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

independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or 

misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results committed 

by employees or contractors of any forensic laboratory system, medical 

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

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

I personally read and reviewed the section entitled “Eligibility” in the Fiscal Year 2015 program 

announcement for the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. I 

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

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

§ 3795a. I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including certifications 

provided in connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office of Justice Programs 

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

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

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice).

__________________________________________

Signature of Certifying Official

__________________________________________

Printed Name of Certifying Official

__________________________________________

Title of Certifying Official

__________________________________________

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government)

___________________

Date
Paul Coverdell 41

Appendix 3. Template for “External Investigations” Attachment

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

GMS.) 
Paul Coverdell 42

FY 2015 Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program

Attachment: External Investigations

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

agency as part of this application certifies that—

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

external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially 

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

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

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

the grant amount.

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

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

coroner’s office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility that will receive a portion of the grant 

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

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

should ensure that the adapted document provides all required information.)

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

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

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

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

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

entity.

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

section of the program announcement for the FY 2015 Coverdell program.

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

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

______________________________________

Date: _________________________________

Name of any forensic laboratory system, medical 

examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law 

enforcement storage facility, or medical facility 

that will receive a portion of the grant amount

Existing government entity (entities) with an 

appropriate process in place to conduct 

independent external investigations

1. ___________________________

2. ___________________________

 _____________________________

_____________________________
Paul Coverdell 43

FY 2015 External Investigations Attachment (continued)

Name of Applicant Agency: _______________________________

3. ___________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________

4. ___________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________

5. ___________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________

6. ___________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________

7. ___________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________