Notices regarding the solicitation “Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program – Formula”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Office of Justice Programs Approval Expires 12/31/2018 

National Institute of Justice 

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

Justice (NIJ) is seeking applications for formula (“base”) funding under the FY 2017 Paul 

Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. This program furthers the 

Department’s mission by providing states 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/coroner’s office services, including services provided by laboratories 

operated by states and/or units of local government.

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program – Formula 

Applications Due: March 10, 2017

Eligibility 

Eligible applicants are limited to states (including territories). State Administering Agencies 

(SAAs) apply on behalf of states, including any state government entity. 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 under this solicitation. All applicants must register, even those that previously 

registered in GMS. Previously registered applicants should ensure, prior to applying, that the 

user profile is up to date in GMS (including, but not limited to, address, legal name of agency 

and authorized representative) as this information is populated in any new application from the 

user profile. Select the “Apply Online” button associated with the solicitation title. All 

registrations and applications are due by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on March 10, 2017. 

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 operates 24 hours every day, including on federal holidays. 

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

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

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

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

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

Information. 

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

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

2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Release date: January 10, 2017 
Paul Coverdell

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Contents 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement .....................................................................................10

Pre-Agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) .......................................................10

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) ..................................................11

C. Eligibility Information .............................................................................................................11

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

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

How to Apply .........................................................................................................................26

E. Application Review Information .............................................................................................29

Review Process ....................................................................................................................29

F. Federal Award Administration Information ............................................................................30

Federal Award Notices ..........................................................................................................30

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements ............................................30

General Information About Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements .............................31

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) ...................................................................................32

H. Other Information..................................................................................................................32

Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 552a) ....................32

Provide Feedback to OJP .....................................................................................................32

Appendix 1. Estimated Amount of FY 2017 Base Funds, by State. ...........................................36

Appendix 2. Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications ....................................................37

Appendix 3. Template for “External Investigations” Attachment ................................................43
Paul Coverdell

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Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program – Formula 

CFDA No. 16.742 

A. Program Description 

Overview 

With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for formula (“base”) funding under 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/coroner’s office 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 and medicolegal death investigators, as needed, to eliminate such a 

backlog. Under the Coverdell program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for both 

“base” (formula) and competitive funds. This solicitation is ONLY for SAAs applying for the 

formula (“base”) funds.1

Statutory Authority: The Coverdell program is authorized by Title I of the Omnibus Crime 

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

Coverdell law). 

IMPORTANT NOTE 

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

additional requirements that may be imposed by law. 

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

the Coverdell program for FY 2017 has been enacted. No final decision as to the amount of 

funds, if any, to be provided under this FY 2017 program should be expected until after a fullyear appropriation is enacted. 

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

applications. 

Please refer to “Available Funding” under “Program-Specific Information,” below.

Program-Specific Information 

This solicitation seeks applications for funding from States to improve the quality and timeliness 

of forensic science and medical examiner/coroner’s office services, including services provided 

by laboratories operated by States and/or units of local government. Among other things, funds 

 

1

 An applicant that seeks to apply for Coverdell competitive funds (consistent with 42 U.S.C. 3797l(a)(1)) available for 

grants to eligible states and units of local government would need to apply under NIJ’s FY 2017 Paul Coverdell 

Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Competitive) solicitation. 
Paul Coverdell

5

may be used to eliminate backlogs in the analysis of general forensic evidence or to train and 

employ forensic laboratory personnel and medicolegal death investigators to eliminate such 

backlogs. 

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables 

Available Funding 

As of the writing of this solicitation, no full-year appropriation has been enacted for the 

Department of Justice for FY 2017 and thus the amount (if any) that will be made available 

for the Coverdell program is not known. 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 $11,500,000, 

although the amount ultimately made available could be higher or lower (or even zero). 

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 85 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 $11,500,000 were made available for FY 

2017 is listed in Appendix 1: “Estimated Amount of FY 2017 Base Funds, by State.”2

These are the ONLY funds that will be distributed among eligible applicants under this 

solicitation.3

2. 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 $11,500,000 were to become available for FY 2017, the 

minimum Coverdell grant to an eligible State would be not less than $115,000.4 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 $115,000, NIJ will increase that 

State’s total grant to $115,000. 

Grant Purposes 

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

one or more of these six 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/coroner’s office services in the State, 

 

2

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

“base” amounts.

3

 An applicant that seeks to apply for Coverdell competitive funds (consistent with 42 U.S.C. 3797l(a)(2)) available for 

grants to eligible states and units of local government would need to apply under NIJ’s FY 2017 Paul Coverdell 

Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Competitive) solicitation. 

4

 Minimum awards for America Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands would be lower. 
Paul Coverdell

6

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,5 including, among 

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

evidence, toxicology, digital evidence, fire evidence, controlled substances, forensic 

pathology, questioned documents, and trace evidence. 

3. To train, assist, and employ forensic laboratory personnel and medicolegal death 

investigators, as needed to eliminate such a backlog. 

4. To address emerging forensic science issues (such as statistics, contextual bias, and 

uncertainty of measurement) and emerging forensic science technology (such as high 

throughput automation, statistical software, and new types of instrumentation). 

5. To educate and train forensic pathologists. 

6. To fund medicolegal death investigation systems to facilitate accreditation of medical 

examiner and coroner offices and certification of medicolegal death investigators. 

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/coroner’s office 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 Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables are directly related to the performance measures set 

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

Narrative." 

B. Federal Award Information 

NIJ expects to make up to 55 awards, with award amounts allocated among eligible States 

based on population. The approximate amount each eligible State would receive if $11,500,000 

were made available for FY 2017 is listed in Appendix 1: “Estimated Amount of FY 2017 Base 

Funds, by State.” NIJ will make awards for a 12-month period of performance, to begin on 

January 1, 2018. Applicants should be aware that the total period of an award, including one 

that receives a project period extension, ordinarily will not exceed three (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. 

 

5

 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

7

Type of Award 

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

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

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

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

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls 

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

entities6

) must, as described in the Part 200 Uniform Requirements7 as set out at 2 C.F.R. 

200.303: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). 

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

awards. 

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

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

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

noncompliance identified in audit findings. 

e) Take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally identifiable information 

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

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

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

confidentiality. 

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

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

Management Online Training, available here. 

 

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

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

7

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

modifications) the provisions of 2 C.F.R. Part 200. 
Paul Coverdell

8

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/coroner’s 

office personnel, overtime, fellowships, visiting scientists, interns, consultants, or 

temporary 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/coroner’s office equipment and instrumentation. 

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

examiner/coroner’s office 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 Section F. Federal Award Administration Information, later in this 

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

legal requirements. 

Recipients may encounter delays in the release of award funds pending satisfactory 

completion of the NEPA review process for applications involving the use or purchase of 

chemicals. 

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

ASCLD/LAB, FQS, NAME, the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation 

(A2LA), International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners (IAC&ME) or other, 

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

maintenance fees charged by appropriate accrediting bodies. An applicant that proposes 

to use any portion of the grant amount to fund a forensic science laboratory system that 

is not accredited (as set out in the Coverdell law) will be required to use (or, as 

applicable, must require any unaccredited subrecipient forensic science laboratory 

system to use) a portion of the grant amount for accreditation purposes. Coverdell 

awardees must use grant funds to prepare and apply for accreditation of any FY 2017 

Coverdell grant-funded unaccredited forensic laboratory system not more than two (2) 

years after the FY 2017 Coverdell award date. 

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

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

9

science or medical examiner/coroner’s office 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/coroner’s office 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. 

OJP recognizes the benefit of attending discipline-related conferences to receive training 

and/or education; however, it is recommended that the applicant consider the costeffectiveness of this option compared to other viable modes of training. For example, 

hosting on-site training or attending a local program may be more suitable for the 

applicant’s personnel and organization.

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/coroner’s office 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/coroner’s office 

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 grants received (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 2017 

will be $11,500,000. Please refer to the discussion under “Available Funding.”)

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

total grants that exceed 0.6 percent of the total available funds (estimated here at 

$69,000), 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 $55,200) plus 40 percent of the amount of the grant in excess 

of 0.6 percent of the total available funds. 

For example, if $11,500,000 were to become available for Coverdell awards in FY 2017 

and a state were to receive a total Coverdell grant of $200,000, no more than $113,120 

may be used for the costs of any new facility. 

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

Eighty percent of 0.6 percent of the total available funds: $69,000 x .80 = $55,200. 

Amount in excess of $55,200: $200,000 - $55,200 = $144,800 

Forty percent of amount in excess of $55,200: $144,800 x .40 = $57,920. 

Sum of $55,200+ $57,920= $113,120. 
Paul Coverdell

10

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 Section F. 

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

webpages containing information about NEPA and other legal requirements. 

Recipients may encounter delays in the release of award funds pending satisfactory 

completion of the NEPA review process for applications involving construction or 

renovation. 

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

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

into the approved budget becomes mandatory and subject to audit.

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

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

performance of the grant award. 

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

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

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

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

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

approving pre-agreement costs, the applicant may contact the point of contact listed on the title 

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

approved in advance by OJP, award funds may be used for pre-agreement costs, consistent 

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

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

11

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 

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

individuals, the costs of taking reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to those services 

or benefits for individuals with limited English proficiency may be allowable. Reasonable steps 

to provide meaningful access to services or benefits may include interpretation or translation 

services, where appropriate. 

For additional information, see the "Civil Rights Compliance" section under “Overview of Legal 

Requirements Generally Applicable to OJP Grants and Cooperative Agreements” in the OJP 

Funding Resource Center. 

C. Eligibility Information 

States8 may apply for FY 2017 formula Coverdell funds. States may be eligible for both “base” 

(formula) and competitive funds. This solicitation is ONLY for the formula (“base”) funds. 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 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. 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 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 (whether directly or through a subgrant) uses generally accepted 

laboratory practices and procedures established by accrediting organizations or 

appropriate certifying bodies. 

3. A certification regarding forensic science laboratory accreditation. Each applicant 

must submit a certification that any forensic science laboratory system 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) either is 

accredited, or, is not so accredited, but will (or will be required in a legally binding and 

enforceable writing to) use a portion of the grant amount to prepare and apply for such 

 

8 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

12

accreditation not more than two (2) years after the date on which a grant is awarded 

under the FY 2017 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. 

4. 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 solicitation.) Applicants must also specifically describe any new 

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

5. 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 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 carefully review the requirements of each certification 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 and should not be submitted. 

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

In connection with the certification regarding forensic science laboratory accreditation 

(described above), applicants must demonstrate, prior to receiving award funds, that any 

forensic science laboratory system that will receive any portion of the grant amount either is 

accredited or will (or will be required to) prepare and apply for accreditation consistent with the 

Coverdell law. See “What an Application Should Include,” which describes the documentation 

and information an applicant is to provide regarding its accreditation or its plans to prepare and 

apply for accreditation. 

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

necessary information. 
Paul Coverdell

13

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

Serious Misconduct.

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

enhancement of the administration of justice. NIJ assumes 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 carefully review each of the statutory 

elements and this guidance 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. 
Paul Coverdell

14

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

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

the grant amount. 

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

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

receive a portion of the grant amount. Certifying officials are advised that: 

(1) A false statement in the certification or in the grant application that it supports may be 

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. 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 examiner/coroner’s offices, both at the State and local levels. 

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

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

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

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

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

State official or office). 

2. 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. 
Paul Coverdell

15

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. 

3. 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.) 

4. 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; therefore, there is no process in place to conduct independent, external 

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

certification. 

5. 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. 

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

organization such as the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies 

(CALEA), the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors / Laboratory Accreditation 

Board (ASCLD/LAB), the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), Forensic 

Quality Services (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 
Paul Coverdell

16

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

properly make the required certification in this situation. 

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

Information.

D. Application and Submission Information 

What an Application Should Include 

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

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

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

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

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

funds available. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

applicants include résumés in a single file. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

of the SF-424. 

Applicants should ensure that the legal name is correct and matches on the SF-424, the five 

required certifications, and the external investigations attachment. 

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

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

17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by the state for review.”)

2. Project Abstract

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

project in 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.

 Single-spaced, using a standard 12-point font (Times New Roman) with 1-inch margins. 

3. Program Narrative

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/coroner’s office 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. 

If grant funds are requested for accreditation, the program narrative must describe 

accreditation activities and plans and, as applicable, the projected schedule for preparation 

for and application for accreditation. Under the Coverdell program, any forensic science 

laboratory system that is not accredited (as set out in the Coverdell law) and that will receive 

a portion of the grant amount must use a portion of the grant amount to prepare and apply 

for accreditation not more than two (2) years after the date of the Coverdell grant award. 

The program narrative should be attached as a separate file with an appropriately 

descriptive file name. 

The following sections should be included as part of the program narrative:9

a. Description of the Issue. 

 

9

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

application), see "Budget and Associated Documentation" under Section D. Application and Submission Information. 
Paul Coverdell

18

b. Project Design and Implementation. 

c. Capabilities and Competencies.

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

OJP will require each successful applicant to submit specific performance measures 

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

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

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

Description. 

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

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

should it receive funding. 
Paul Coverdell

19

Objective Performance Measure(s) Data Recipient 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/coroner’s office personnel who 

completed appropriate training or 

educational opportunities with FY 2017 

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/coroner’s office 

personnel attending training 

programs.

To implement recommendations 

as adopted by the National 

Commission on Forensic 

Sciences (NCFS) to strengthen 

the forensic science 

communities 

Percent of agencies/organizations that 

are accredited with FY 2017 Coverdell 

funding

Number of 

agencies/organizations seeking 

initial accreditation with FY 

2017 Coverdell funding

Number of 

agencies/organizations 

obtaining initial accreditation 

with FY 2017 Coverdell funding

Number of 

agencies/organizations using 

FY 2017 Coverdell funding for 

fees to maintain accreditation

Number of 

agencies/organizations 

receiving funding

Percent of certified individuals Number of analysts

Number of analysts certified

Number of analysts seeking 

certification with FY2017

Coverdell funding

Note on Project Evaluations 

An applicant that proposes to use award funds through this solicitation to conduct project 

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

20

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

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

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

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

not constitute “research.” Each applicant should provide sufficient information for OJP to 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grants and Cooperative Agreements" available through the OJP Funding Resource Center. 

Every prospective applicant whose application may propose a research or statistical component 

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

page. 

4. Budget and Associated Documentation

Budget document(s) should be attached as a separate file with an appropriately 

descriptive file name.

a. Budget Detail Worksheet

A sample Budget Detail Worksheet can be found at 

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

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

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

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

see the DOJ Grants Financial Guide.

b. Budget Narrative 

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

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

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

activities). 

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

effectiveness of award expenditures. Budget narratives should generally describe cost 

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

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

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

used to reduce costs, without compromising quality. 
Paul Coverdell

21

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

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

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

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

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

Detail Worksheet, the budget narrative should describe costs by year. 

Accreditation

The budget detail worksheet and budget narrative should clearly identify the cost for any 

proposed accreditation activities, within the appropriate cost category (e.g., personnel, 

fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, and (procurement) contracts) of the budget 

documents. 

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

Contracts (if any) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

procurement "contracts" under awards differ markedly. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

subaward for purposes of federal grants administrative requirements. 

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

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

the title nor the structure of an agreement determines whether the agreement -- for 

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

procurement “contract” under an award.

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

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

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

OJP Part 200 Uniform Requirements web page. 
Paul Coverdell

22

1. Information on proposed subawards 

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

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

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

authorization from OJP before it may make a subaward. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and program, and those subawards are not specifically authorized (or required) by 

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

subrecipient(s), (2) describe in detail what each subrecipient will do to carry out the 

federal award and federal program, and (3) provide a justification for the subaward(s), 

with details on pertinent matters such as special qualifications and areas of expertise. 

Pertinent information on subawards should appear not only in the Program Narrative, but 

also in the Budget Detail Worksheet and budget narrative. 

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

proposed noncompetitive contracts over $150,000) 

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

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

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

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

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

Procurement Standards of the (DOJ) Part 200 Uniform Requirements (as set out at 2 

C.F.R. 200.317 - 200.326). The Budget Detail Worksheet and budget narrative should 

identify proposed procurement contracts. (As discussed above, subawards must be 

identified and described separately from procurement contracts.) 

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

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

requirements) constitute procurement “contracts” under awards will be entered into on 

the basis of full and open competition. If a proposed procurement contract would exceed 

the simplified acquisition threshold -- currently, $150,000 -- a recipient of an OJP award 

may not proceed without competition, unless and until the recipient receives specific 

advance authorization from OJP to use a non-competitive approach for the procurement. 

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

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

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

proceed without competition. Various considerations that may be pertinent to the 

justification are outlined in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. 
Paul Coverdell

23

d. Pre-Agreement Costs 

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

5. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

Indirect costs may be charged to an award only if: 

(a) The recipient has a current (that is, unexpired), federally-approved indirect cost rate; 

or

(b) The recipient is eligible to use, and elects to use, the “de minimis” indirect cost rate

described in the Part 200 Uniform Requirements, as set out at 2 C.F.R. 200.414(f). 

An applicant with a current (that is, unexpired) federally-approved indirect cost rate is to 

attach a copy of the indirect cost rate agreement to the application. An applicant that does 

not have a current federally-approved rate may request one through its cognizant federal 

agency, which will review all documentation and approve a rate for the applicant entity, or, if 

the applicant’s accounting system permits, applicants may propose to allocate costs in the 

direct cost categories. 

For assistance with identifying the appropriate cognizant federal agency for indirect costs, 

please contact the OCFO Customer 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. 

Certain OJP recipients have the option of electing to use the “de minimis” indirect cost rate. 

An applicant that is eligible to use the “de minimis” rate that wishes to use the "de minimis" 

rate should attach written documentation to the application that advises OJP of both-- (1) the 

applicant’s eligibility to use the “de minimis” rate, and (2) its election to do so. If an eligible 

applicant elects the “de minimis” rate, costs must be consistently charged as either indirect 

or direct costs, but may not be double charged or inconsistently charged as both. The "de 

minimis" rate may no longer be used once an approved federally-negotiated indirect cost 

rate is in place. (No entity that ever has had a federally-approved negotiated indirect cost 

rate is eligible to use the "de minimis" rate.) 

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

applicant disclosure of high-risk status)

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

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

Controls Questionnaire, as part of its application. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

24

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

 The date the applicant was designated high-risk. 

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

and email address). 

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

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

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

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

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

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

document). 

7. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

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

8. 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 five (5) 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. 

All five (5) 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 five required Coverdell statutory certifications are as follows—

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

State. 

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

3. Certification as to Forensic Science Laboratory System Accreditation. 

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

5. Certification as to External Investigations. 

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

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

25

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

certification. 

b. External Investigations Attachment 

All applicants are to provide 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 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. 

The five certifications and the external investigations attachment should be attached 

as a separate file with an appropriately descriptive file name. 

c. Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Documentation (if applicable) 

Applicants should provide documentation of current accreditation with the application for 

any accredited laboratory (including a subrecipient laboratory) that is to receive funds 

under the 2017 Coverdell award. Acceptable types of documentation of current 

accreditation include: an electronic (scanned) copy of the current accreditation 

certificate(s), a digital photograph of the current accreditation certificate(s), or a letter 

from the accrediting body that includes the certificate number. Additionally, if a certificate 

references another document that contains key information on the type or scope of the 

accreditation, provide a copy of that supplemental documentation. Independent 

accrediting or certifying organizations may include the American Society of Crime 

Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB), Forensic Quality 

Services (FQS), the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), or other 

appropriate accrediting bodies. Note that funds will not be made available to applicant 

agencies that fail to provide the necessary information. 

Accreditation document(s) should be attached as a separate file with an 

appropriately descriptive file name. 

d. Applicant Disclosure of Pending Applications 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(“subgrant”) federal funds).
Paul Coverdell

26

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

Leveraging multiple funding sources in a complementary manner to implement 

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

duplication. 

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

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

months: 

 The federal or state funding agency. 

 The solicitation name/project name. 

 The point of contact information at the applicable federal or state funding agency. 

SAMPLE

Federal or State 

Funding Agency 

Solicitation 

Name/Project Name

Name/Phone/E-mail for Point of 

Contact at Federal or State Funding 

Agency

DOJ/ Office of 

Community Oriented 

Policing Services 

(COPS)

COPS Hiring Program Jane Doe, 202/000-0000; 

jane.doe@usdoj.gov

Health and Human 

Services/Substance 

Abuse & Mental 

Health Services 

Administration

Drug-Free 

Communities 

Mentoring Program/ 

North County Youth 

Mentoring Program

John Doe, 202/000-0000; 

john.doe@hhs.gov

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

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

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

statement. 

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

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

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

cooperative agreements (or for subawards under federal grants or cooperative 

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

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

submitted as part of this application.”

How to Apply 

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

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

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

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

27

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

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

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

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

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

application package by the deadline. 

Note on File Types: GMS does not accept executable file types as application 

attachments. These disallowed file types include, but are not limited to, the following 

extensions: “.com,” “.bat,” “.exe,” “.vbs,” “.cfg,” “.dat,” “.db,” “.dbf,” “.dll,” “.ini,” “.log,” “.ora,” “.sys,” 

and “.zip.”

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

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

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

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

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

making the award to a different applicant. 

All applicants should complete the following steps: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-2 business days. 

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

repository for certain standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, 

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

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

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

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

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

3. Acquire a GMS username and password. New users must create a GMS profile by 

selecting the “First Time User” link under the sign-in box of the GMS home page. For more 

information on how to register in GMS, go to www.ojp.gov/gmscbt. Previously registered 

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

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

as this information is populated in any new application.
Paul Coverdell

28

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

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

side of the default screen. Click the submit button to verify the SAM (formerly CCR) 

registration. 

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

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

side of the page. Select 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” 

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

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

and create an application in the system. 

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

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

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

for GMS approval before submitting an application. OJP urges applicants to submit the 

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

Note: Application Versions 

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

recent system-validated version submitted. 

Experiencing Unforeseen GMS Technical Issues 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

request to submit its application. 

The following conditions generally are insufficient to justify late submissions: 

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

take as long as 10 business days to complete). 
Paul Coverdell

29

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

website. 

 Failure to follow each instruction in the OJP solicitation. 

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

such as issues with firewalls. 

E. Application Review Information 

Base funds and minimum awards 

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

(including eligibility requirements) outlined in this solicitation, 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. 

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. 

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

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

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

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

listed in SAM as excluded from receiving a federal award. In addition, if OJP anticipates that an 

award will exceed $150,000 in federal funds, OJP also must review and consider any 

information about the applicant that appears in the non-public segment of the integrity and 

performance system accessible through SAM (currently, the Federal Awardee Performance and 

Integrity Information System; "FAPIIS"). 

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

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

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

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

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

risks posed by applicants. OJP takes into account information pertinent to matters such as --

1. Applicant financial stability and fiscal integrity. 

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

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

Guide 

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

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

other federal agencies 
Paul Coverdell

30

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

Uniform Requirements 

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

implement other award requirements. 

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

Assistant Attorney General will make all final award decisions. 

F. Federal Award Administration Information 

Federal Award Notices 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 

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

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

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

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

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

Grants and Cooperative Agreements”, available in the OJP Funding Resource Center. In 

addition, applicants should examine the following two legal documents, as each successful 

applicant must execute both documents before it may receive any award funds. 

 Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility 

Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements 

 Standard Assurances 

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

to OJP Grants and Cooperative Agreements” are intended to give applicants for OJP awards a 

general overview of important statutes, regulations, and award conditions that apply to many (or 

in some cases, all) OJP grants and cooperative agreements awarded in FY 2017. Individual 

OJP awards typically also will include additional award conditions. Those additional conditions 
Paul Coverdell

31

may relate to the particular statute, program, or solicitation under which the award is made; to 

the substance of the funded application; to the recipient's performance under other federal 

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

considerations. 

General Information About Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements 

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

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

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

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

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

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

OJP may require additional reports.) 

In addition, Coverdell grantees are required to submit a final report that must, among other 

things: (1) include a summary and assessment of the program carried out with FY 2017 grant 

funds, (2) identify the number and type of cases accepted during the FY 2017 award period by 

the forensic laboratory or laboratories that received FY 2017 grant funds, (3) cite the specific 

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

examiner/coroner’s office services (including any reduction in forensic analysis backlog) that 

occurred as a direct result of the FY 2017 grant award, and (4) detail the progress of any 

unaccredited forensic science service provider that received FY 2017 grant funds toward 

obtaining accreditation. 

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

32

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

fulfilling its responsibilities under the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 

(GPRA), Public Law 103-62, and the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010, Public Law 111–352, 

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

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

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

performance measures. 

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 

For questions directed to the Federal Awarding Agency, see the title page. 

For contact information for GMS, see the title page. 

H. Other Information 

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

All applications submitted to OJP (including all attachments to applications) are subject to the 

federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and to the Privacy Act. By law, DOJ may withhold 

information that is responsive to a request pursuant to FOIA if DOJ determines that the 

responsive information either is protected under the Privacy Act or falls within the scope of one 

of nine statutory exemptions under FOIA. DOJ cannot agree in advance of a request pursuant 

to FOIA not to release some or all portions of an application. 

In its review of records that are responsive to a FOIA request, OJP will withhold information in 

those records that plainly falls within the scope of the Privacy Act or one of the statutory 

exemptions under FOIA. (Some examples include certain types of information in budgets, and 

names and contact information for project staff other than certain key personnel.) In appropriate 

circumstances, OJP will request the views of the applicant/recipient that submitted a responsive 

document. 

For example, if OJP receives a request pursuant to FOIA for an application submitted by a 

nonprofit or for-profit organization or an institution of higher education, or for an application that 

involves research, OJP typically will contact the applicant/recipient that submitted the 

application and ask it to identify -- quite precisely -- any particular information in the application 

that applicant/recipient believes falls under a FOIA exemption, the specific exemption it believes 

applies, and why. After considering the submission by the applicant/recipient, OJP makes an 

independent assessment regarding withholding information. OJP generally follows a similar 

process for requests pursuant to FOIA for applications that may contain law-enforcement 

sensitive information. 

Provide Feedback to OJP 

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

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

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

33

IMPORTANT: This email is for feedback and suggestions only. OJP does not reply to 

messages it receives in this mailbox. A prospective applicant that has specific questions on any 

program or technical aspect of the solicitation must use the appropriate telephone number or 

email listed on the front of this solicitation document to obtain information. These contacts are 

provided to help ensure that prospective applicants can directly reach an individual who can 

address specific questions in a timely manner. 

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

résumé to ojppeerreview@lmsolas.com. (Do not send your résumé to the OJP Solicitation 

Feedback email account.) Note: Neither you nor anyone else from your organization or entity 

can be a peer reviewer in a competition in which you or your organization/entity has submitted 

an application. 
Paul Coverdell

34

Application Checklist

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program – Formula 

This application checklist has been created as an aid in developing an application. 

What an Applicant Should Do: 

Prior to Registering in GMS:

_____ Acquire a DUNS Number (see page 27) 

_____ Acquire or renew registration with SAM (see page 27) 

To Register with GMS: 

_____ For new users, acquire a GMS username and password* (see page 27) 

_____ For existing users, check GMS username and password* to ensure account access 

(see page 27) 

_____ Verify SAM registration in GMS (see page 28) 

_____ Search for correct funding opportunity in GMS (see page 28) 

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

title (see page 28) 

_____ If experiencing technical difficulties in GMS, contact NIJ (see page 28) 

*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.

Overview of Post-Award Legal Requirements:

_____ Review the "Overview of Legal Requirements Generally Applicable to OJP Grants and 

Cooperative Agreements" in the OJP Funding Resource Center. 

Eligibility Requirement: See Section C. Eligibility Information

What an Application Should Include: 

_____ Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) (see page 16) 

_____ Intergovernmental Review (see page 17) 

_____ Project Abstract (see page 17) 

_____ Program Narrative (see page 17) 

_____ Budget Detail Worksheet (see page 20) 

_____ Budget Narrative (see page 20) 

_____ Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) (see page 23) 

_____ Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (see page 23) 

_____ Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (if applicable) (see page 24) 

_____ Additional Attachments 

_____ Coverdell Statutory Certifications (see page 24) 

_____ Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application 

from a State 
Paul Coverdell

35

_____ Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and 

Procedures 

_____ Certification as to Forensic Science Laboratory System Accreditation 

_____ Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities 

_____ Certification as to External Investigations 

_____ External Investigations Attachment (see page 25) 

_____ Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Documentation (if applicable) (see page 25) 

_____ Applicant Disclosure of Pending Applications (see page 25)
Paul Coverdell

36

Appendix 1. Estimated Amount of FY 2017 Base Funds, by State.10

 

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

“base” amounts. Additionally, as noted earlier in the text, as of the writing of this solicitation, the amount (if any) that 

will be made available for the Coverdell program for FY 2017 is not yet known. All awards are subject to the 

availability of appropriated funds. 

*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 $115,000. See “Available Funding” under “Program-Specific 

Information” for additional details. 

Alabama $146,024 Nevada* $86,877

Alaska* $22,192 New Hampshire* $39,988

Arizona $160,563 New Jersey $210,649

Arkansas $89,502 New Mexico* $62,663

California $920,496 New York $465,501

Colorado $128,312 North Carolina $236,158

Connecticut $107,915 North Dakota* $22,747

Delaware* $28,428 Ohio $273,091

District of Columbia* $20,202 Oklahoma $117,545

Florida $476,682 Oregon $121,080

Georgia $240,204 Pennsylvania $301,053

Hawaii* $43,023 Rhode Island* $31,744

Idaho* $49,735 South Carolina $115,134

Illinois $302,405 South Dakota* $25,799

Indiana $155,663 Tennessee $155,207

Iowa $93,881 Texas $645,940

Kansas $87,502 Utah $90,035

Kentucky $132,985 Vermont* $18,814

Louisiana $140,367 Virginia $197,127

Maine* $39,950 Washington $168,612

Maryland $141,241 West Virginia* $55,420

Massachusetts $159,772 Wisconsin $135,714

Michigan $233,331 Wyoming* $17,614

Minnesota $129,089 American Samoa/ 

Northern Mariana Islands11*

$3,206

Mississippi $89,927 Guam* $4,862

Missouri $143,058 Puerto Rico $104,408

Montana* $31,043 Virgin Islands* $3,113

Nebraska* $56,985
Paul Coverdell

37

Appendix 2. Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications 

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

38

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2017 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

39

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2017 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)

____________________

Date
Paul Coverdell

40

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2017 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement

Grants Program

Certification as to Forensic Science Laboratory System Accreditation

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:

Before receiving any funds under this grant, any forensic science laboratory system 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 either—

a) is accredited by an accrediting body that is a signatory to an internationally recognized 

arrangement and that offers accreditation to forensic science conformity assessment 

bodies using an accreditation standard that is recognized by that internationally 

recognized arrangement, or, 

b) is not so accredited, but will (or will be required in a legally binding and enforceable 

writing to) use a portion of the grant amount to prepare and apply for such accreditation 

not more than 2 years after the date on which a grant is awarded under the FY 2017 Paul 

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)

____________________

Date
Paul Coverdell

41

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2017 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 2017 Coverdell 

Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program solicitation. 

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

42

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2017 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 2017 program 

solicitation 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)

___________________

Date
Paul Coverdell

43

Appendix 3. Template for “External Investigations” Attachment

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

GMS.) 
Paul Coverdell

44

FY 2017 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 solicitation for the FY 2017 Coverdell program.

Name of Applicant Agency (including Name of State): 

______________________________________

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

45

FY 2017 External Investigations Attachment (continued)

Name of Applicant Agency: _______________________________

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6. ___________________________ _____________________________

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7. ___________________________ _____________________________

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