U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

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

Justice (NIJ), is seeking applications for funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 

Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program. This program furthers the Department’s 

mission by offering an opportunity for States and units of local government with existing 

crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis to handle, screen, and analyze backlogged 

forensic DNA casework samples, as well as to improve DNA laboratory infrastructure 

and analysis capacity, so that forensic DNA samples can be processed efficiently and 

cost effectively. These improvements are critical to preventing future DNA backlogs and 

to helping the criminal justice system use the full potential of DNA technology. 

 

Solicitation: 

Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction 

Program 

Eligibility 

See “Eligibility,” page 4. 

Deadline 

All applications are due May 15, 2008, 11:59 p.m. eastern time.

Contact Information 

For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact Senior Program 

Manager Mark Nelson at 202–616–1960 or Mark.S.Nelson@usdoj.gov, or Program 

Manager Minh Nguyen at 202–305–2664 or Minh.Nguyen@usdoj.gov. 

This application must be submitted through OJP’s online Grants Management System 

(GMS). For technical assistance with submitting the application, call the Grants 

Management System Customer Support Hotline at 1–888–549–9901. 

SL# 000831 
CONTENTS 

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

Deadline: Registration ..................................................................................... 3 

Deadline: Application....................................................................................... 4 

Eligibility....................................................................................................... 4 

Specific Information......................................................................................... 4 

Performance Measures ..................................................................................11 

How to Apply................................................................................................ 12 

What an Application Must Include..................................................................... 13 

Selection Criteria and Review Process............................................................... 15 

Additional Requirements and Information.............................................................16 

Appendix 1: Estimated Allocation of Funds—FY 2008............................................18 

2
Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program 

CFDA No. 16.741 

Overview 

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research, development, and evaluation 

agency of the U.S. Department of Justice and a component of the Office of Justice 

Programs (OJP). NIJ provides objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and 

tools to enhance the administration of justice and public safety. NIJ solicits applications 

to inform its search for the knowledge and tools to guide policy and practice. 

The goal of NIJ's Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 is 

to assist eligible States and units of local government to reduce forensic DNA sample 

turnaround time, increase the throughput of public DNA laboratories, and reduce DNA 

forensic casework backlogs. These improvements are critical to preventing future DNA 

backlogs and to helping the criminal justice system use the full potential of DNA 

technology. 

Eligible States and units of local government may request funds to increase the capacity 

of their existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis in order to analyze DNA 

samples more efficiently and cost effectively. Eligible applicants also may request funds 

to handle, screen, and analyze backlogged forensic DNA casework samples. 

All DNA analyses funded under this program must be conducted either by accredited 

government-owned laboratories or through accredited fee-for-service laboratories. All 

eligible forensic DNA profiles obtained with funding from this announcement must be 

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

uploaded to the National DNA Index System (NDIS). Laboratories must follow NDIS 

DNA Data Acceptance Standards for all profiles uploaded to NDIS. 

Applicants must provide a detailed plan showing how they intend to use FY 2008 

Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program funds to meet the goals of this program. 

Applicants also must provide information on how they intend to identify and address 

bottlenecks in the DNA casework analysis process. 

Award recipients will be expected to provide performance measure data to demonstrate 

their progress in: 

• Reducing the average time to complete DNA forensic sample analysis. 

• Increasing the number of DNA forensic samples analyzed per analyst. 

• Reducing the backlog of forensic DNA casework. 

Deadline: Registration 

The GMS registration deadline is the same as the application deadline. 

3
Deadline: Application 

The due date for applying for funding under this announcement is May 15, 2008, 11:59 

p.m. eastern time.

Eligibility 

Eligible applicants for funding are States1

 and units of local government with existing 

crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis that: 

• Undergo external audits not less than once every 2 years to demonstrate 

compliance with DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the Director of 

the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and 

• Are accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively 

involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic 

science community. 

Units of local government that meet the eligibility requirements may apply directly to NIJ 

for a portion of the funds allocated for awards to their State. 

Each eligible applicant must satisfy the specific application requirements outlined in this 

announcement (including those concerning allocation of funds, unobligated FY 2005–FY 

2006 Backlog Reduction awards, and permissible expenses), the general requirements 

for NIJ and OJP grants, and all other applicable legal requirements. 

Specific Information—Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction 

Program

A. Allocation of Funds 

NIJ expects to award a total of up to $56,355,383 under the FY 2008 Forensic DNA 

Backlog Reduction Program. In general, the aggregate amount of FY 2008 funds 

allocated to eligible applicants from a particular State will be based on: 

1. The number of UCR, Part 1 Violent Crimes reported to the FBI for 2006 (the most 

current year for which such data are available), and 

2. The amount of any awards under the FY 2005–FY 2006 Forensic Casework DNA 

Backlog Reduction Programs that remained entirely unobligated as of March 17, 

2008 (“unobligated FY 2005–FY 2006 Backlog Reduction awards").2

 

 

1

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

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

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Virgin Islands also may be eligible for 

funding. Please contact NIJ at 202–616–1960 for additional information, including information on 

allocation of funds. 

2

 NIJ anticipates that it will be adjusting unobligated FY 2006 Backlog Reduction awards to 

authorize award funds to be used for purposes and cases similar to those permissible under this 

FY 2008 Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program solicitation. 

4
3. The number of qualifying State and local applicants also may affect award 

amounts. 

For FY 2008, a minimum has been set for the aggregate amount available to eligible 

applicants from a State. If the aggregate amount that would otherwise have been made 

available for FY 2008 to applicants from a State (including units of local government in 

the State) would have been less than $100,000, that aggregate amount has been 

increased to $100,000.3

 See “Appendix 1: Estimated Allocation of Funds—FY 2008” for 

a chart of estimated aggregate amounts available for awards, by State. 

Units of local government must specify in their applications the proportion of the State’s 

total number of UCR, Part 1 Violent Crimes they reported to the FBI for 2006. In general, 

funds will be allocated among the eligible applicants within a particular State on the 

basis of UCR, Part 1 Violent Crimes and the amount(s) of unobligated FY 2005–FY 2006 

Backlog Reduction awards, if applicable.4

 

To avoid delay in the processing of applications and release of award funds, all eligible 

applicants within each State (including units of local government) that seek FY 2008 

Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program funds are encouraged to coordinate to 

ensure that the total amount of funds sought by the applicants does not exceed the total 

aggregate amount available to that State as shown in the chart in appendix 1. 

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

or additional requirements that may be imposed by law. 

B. Award Period 

All awards will start on the same date of October 1, 2008. In general, NIJ will limit its 

grants under this program to a maximum period of 18 months after start of the award 

(from October 1, 2008, to March 31, 2010). 

C. Restrictions on Access to Award Funds in Certain Circumstances

Applicants with unexpended funds on prior years’ awards from NIJ for analysis of 

backlogged forensic DNA casework samples:5

Awards to eligible applicants with unexpended funds on prior years’ awards from NIJ for 

analysis of backlogged forensic DNA casework samples will be subject to a special 

condition that will prevent (until the condition is lifted by NIJ) drawdown, obligation, or 

expenditure of any funds awarded under this FY 2008 program for either: 

 

3

 This minimum aggregate amount is intended, among other things, to provide funds for 

purchase of items such as expert systems, laboratory information management systems, or 

robotic workstations (should eligible applicants have needs for such items). 

4

 States and units of local government with unobligated FY 2005–FY 2006 Backlog Reduction 

awards are not eligible to apply for FY 2008 funding unless the applicant’s proportionate share of 

the FY 2008 funds—based on UCR, Part 1 Violent Crimes reported to the FBI for 2006—exceeds 

the total amount of the applicant’s unobligated FY 2005–FY 2006 Backlog Reduction award(s). In 

this instance, applicants may apply for the difference between the two figures. Please contact the 

NIJ Program Office in advance for additional information. 

5 FY 2004, FY 2005, and FY 2006 Forensic Casework DNA Backlog Reduction Programs and 

any funds from the FY 2007 DNA Backlog Reduction Program for DNA casework analysis. 

5
• Expenses of supplies for in-house forensic DNA casework analyses, or 

• Expenses of obtaining, through an accredited DNA laboratory, DNA analyses of 

forensic casework samples. 

D. Award Purposes and Related Requirements 

The goal of NIJ's Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program for FY 2008 is to assist 

eligible States and units of local government to reduce the overall turnaround time for 

the handling, screening, and analysis of forensic DNA samples, increase the throughput 

of DNA laboratories, and reduce existing DNA forensic casework backlogs. 

Eligible States and units of local government may request funds to handle, screen, and 

analyze forensic DNA samples currently residing in casework backlogs. Although the 

allocation of funds in general will be based on UCR, Part 1 Violent Crimes, the use 

of award funds will no longer be limited to handling, screening, and analyzing 

backlogged forensic DNA casework samples from UCR, Part 1 Violent Crimes. 

Although UCR, Part 1 Violent Crimes are the priority, States and units of local 

government may use FY 2008 program funds to handle, screen, and analyze any 

backlogged criminal forensic DNA casework sample. The following requirements apply 

to forensic DNA analyses conducted under this FY 2008 program: 

• Any laboratory that conducts DNA analyses under this program must undergo 

external audits, not less than once every 2 years, that demonstrate compliance 

with DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the Director of the Federal 

Bureau of Investigation. 

• Any laboratory that conducts DNA analyses under this program must be 

accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively involved in 

forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science 

community, and may include any of the following: 

o An accredited, government-owned laboratory operated by the applicant State 

or unit of local government. 

o An accredited, government-owned laboratory operated by another 

government agency. 

o An accredited fee-for-service laboratory. 

• All eligible forensic DNA profiles obtained with funding from this program must be 

entered into CODIS and, where applicable, uploaded to NDIS. Laboratories must 

follow NDIS DNA Data Acceptance Standards for all profiles uploaded to NDIS. 

• Each DNA analysis conducted under this program must be maintained pursuant 

to all applicable Federal privacy requirements, including those described in 42 

U.S.C. § 14132(b)(3). 

In general, funds for in-house handling, screening, and analysis of forensic DNA 

casework samples will be awarded on the basis of the number of forensic DNA cases 

that meet both of the following criteria: 

6
• Are projected to be awaiting in-house analysis as of September 30, 2008. 

• Are projected to be analyzed during the award period with Federal funds 

provided under this announcement. 

States or units of local government that are provided funds for in-house laboratory 

handling, screening, and analysis of forensic DNA cases will be expected to provide 

quarterly progress reports documenting the number of backlogged forensic DNA cases 

analyzed during the reporting period (see “Performance Measures” section below). The 

expected total number of backlogged DNA cases analyzed during the entire project 

period should be based upon an estimated $1,000 per case analyzed (and uploaded to 

NDIS when applicable), averaged over all backlogged forensic DNA cases processed. 

Example: An FY 2008 award with $N allocated specifically to overtime and supplies for 

in-house processing of backlogged forensic DNA casework in the proposed budget 

would be expected to process N/1,000 backlogged cases over the course of the project 

period. 

In addition to funds for analysis of forensic DNA casework samples, eligible applicants 

may request funds to increase the capacity of existing government crime laboratories 

that conduct DNA analysis. Areas and/or systems that may be considered for 

implementation, upgrade, and/or expansion in order to handle, screen, or analyze 

forensic DNA casework samples more efficiently and cost effectively may include, but 

are not limited to, the following: 

• Basic Infrastructure Support: Public crime laboratories that currently conduct 

DNA analyses may utilize FY 2008 funds to obtain additional equipment and 

materials for use in basic DNA analysis processes such as extraction, 

quantitation, amplification, fragment separation, and data analysis. Basic 

infrastructure support purchases should ultimately aid laboratories to continue to 

meet or exceed Federal quality assurance standards. 

• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS): LIMS are software 

systems designed to manage samples, laboratory users, instruments, and other 

laboratory functions. Benefits of the integration of a LIMS into a laboratory may 

include automation of evidence-handling procedures, improved casework 

management, superior integrity and speed of evidence-handling procedures, and 

assurance of proper chain-of-custody documentation. 

• DNA Laboratory Operations: Strategic efficiency planning, which may include 

needs assessments, evaluations, workflow analyses, process mapping, and, 

ultimately, the implementation of process improvements in order to improve the 

efficiency of existing public DNA laboratories. 

• Automation Tools: Automation may be applied to both wet laboratory (i.e., robotic 

platforms) and data analysis (i.e., expert system software packages) processes. 

Automation tools allow crime laboratory personnel to streamline aspects of the 

DNA analysis procedures that are labor and/or time intensive. Automating DNA 

analysis procedures can increase analyst productivity and minimize human error 

caused by repetitive manual processing, thereby reducing the potential for 

contamination. 

7
• Storage of Forensic Evidence That May Contain DNA: Forensic evidence that 

may contain DNA must be stored in a manner that ensures its integrity and 

maintains its availability throughout criminal investigations, judicial proceedings, 

and as required by law. Appropriate evidence storage conditions require 

equipment such as security systems, environmental control systems, ambient 

temperature monitors, and dehumidifiers. Improved evidence storage may offer 

benefits to DNA laboratories such as more efficient access to evidence for 

processing and higher success rates in obtaining DNA profiles with fewer 

processing attempts. 

E. Expected Results and Outcomes 

At the end of the project period, public crime laboratories receiving FY 2008 Forensic 

DNA Backlog Reduction funding are expected to demonstrate improvements over 

current operations in forensic DNA casework backlog reduction and/or crime laboratory 

capacity enhancement for DNA analysis. Expected results include: 

• A reduction in the average number of days between submission of DNA evidence 

samples to the applicant's forensic science laboratory (or laboratories) and the 

delivery of DNA test results to the requesting office or agency. 

• An increase in the number of forensic DNA samples processed per analyst per 

month. 

• A reduction in the applicant's backlog of forensic DNA casework. 

F. Permissible Uses of Funds6

All funds awarded must be used to further the program goals of reducing forensic DNA 

sample turnaround time, increasing the throughput of public DNA laboratories, and 

reducing DNA forensic casework backlogs. 

Permissible uses of funds under this program may include the following: 

1. Salary and benefits of additional laboratory employees: Funds may be used to 

hire additional full-time or part-time laboratory employees who will be directly 

engaged in handling, screening, and/or analyzing forensic evidence that may 

contain DNA, or in validating new DNA analysis technologies. Matching funds are 

not required. 

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

 future award announcements. 

2. Overtime for existing laboratory staff: Funds may be used to pay overtime for 

existing laboratory employees who will be directly engaged in handling, 

screening, and analyzing forensic evidence that may contain DNA, or in 

 

6

 As noted earlier, certain awards to applicants with unexpended funds on prior years’ awards 

from NIJ for analysis of backlogged forensic DNA casework samples may contain conditions that 

restrict access to funds awarded for certain types of expenses. Please refer to "Restrictions on 

Access to Award Funds in Certain Circumstances," above. 

8
validating new DNA analysis technologies. Any payments for overtime must be in 

accordance with the applicable provisions of the OJP Financial Guide, available 

at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/. 

3. Training: Funds may be used for appropriate training of DNA laboratory 

personnel. 

• Existing members of the DNA unit: Appropriate training may include internal or 

external training, appropriate continuing education/training opportunities, and/or 

applicable graduate-level coursework that is directly related to the applicant's 

forensic DNA laboratory operation and is for members of the DNA Unit. 

(Reasonable travel expenses directly associated with training may be paid in 

accordance with the provisions of the OJP Financial Guide.) 

Funds associated with internal or external training, appropriate continuing 

education/training opportunities, and/or applicable graduate-level 

coursework for existing members of the DNA Unit (including travel 

expenses) are limited to no more than 5 percent of the total award. Such 

funds will be awarded with the intended purpose of aiding existing 

members of the DNA Unit to meet the continuing educational 

requirements mandated in DNA Quality Assurance Standards established 

by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

• New members of the DNA Unit: States and units of local government that wish to 

use funds to train new employees to handle, screen, or analyze DNA evidence 

should submit a detailed plan for training these individuals with their proposal. 

There is no fixed percentage cap on the funds for this purpose. 

4. Travel (limited): Funds may be used for travel to public or private accredited 

laboratories that will conduct DNA analyses to review procedures and practices 

prior to initial sample shipment, and to make one additional unannounced site 

visit. Funds may also be used for travel associated with DNA training as 

described above. Travel expenses must be reasonable and must comply with the 

applicable provisions of the OJP Financial Guide. 

5. Equipment: Funds may be used for upgrading, replacing, and purchasing 

laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and computer hardware or software (e.g., 

LIMS or expert systems) for forensic DNA analyses and data management. 

6. Supplies for validation: Allowable supply expenses include the purchase of 

laboratory supplies that can be directly attributed to the validation of new DNA 

analysis technologies. Convicted offender-related evidence collection kits may 

also be purchased. 

7. Supplies for in-house laboratory handling, screening, and analysis of forensic 

DNA casework samples: These costs include any supplies necessary for the 

handling, screening, and analysis of backlogged forensic casework samples.7

 

7

 See footnote 5. 

9
8. Renovation: Funds may be used for renovations to existing DNA laboratory

facilities if it can be demonstrated that the purchases will directly and 

specifically improve the efficiency of the forensic DNA laboratory. Expenses 

that may be allowable include the purchase or upgrade of benches, cabinets, 

interior dividing walls, plumbing, HVAC systems, electrical wiring, evidence 

examination and preparation rooms, evidence storage rooms, drying rooms, 

walk-in freezers, and extraction or amplification rooms.

9. Consultant and contractor services other than sending forensic DNA casework 

samples to accredited fee-for-service laboratories for analysis: Funds may be 

used to hire consultants and/or temporary contract staff to handle, screen, and 

analyze forensic evidence that may contain DNA, or to validate new DNA 

analysis technologies. Funds may also be used to hire consultants or contractors 

to assist laboratories with the installation of LIMS or expert systems, or with the 

implementation of DNA process-improvement measures. 

10. Sending forensic DNA casework samples to public or private accredited forensic 

DNA laboratories for analyses8

: Funds may be used to send samples to 

accredited fee-for-service laboratories to conduct DNA analyses. Funds may also 

be used to enter into agreements with accredited government-owned laboratories 

to conduct DNA analyses, perform data review, enter eligible forensic DNA 

profiles into CODIS and, where applicable, upload to NDIS. 

 If an eligible applicant chooses to send samples to an external accredited 

forensic DNA laboratory, the applicant will be responsible for ensuring that 

applicable NDIS Data Acceptance Standards are met for all profiles uploaded to 

NDIS. 

11. Administrative expenses: Up to 3 percent of the Federal portion of a grant 

awarded under this program may be used for direct and indirect administrative 

expenses specifically related to grant administration and management. 

G. Expenses That Are Not Permitted 

Federal funds awarded under this program may not be used for the following: 

1. Salaries and benefits for existing staff (other than overtime as discussed above in 

Section F. Permissible Use of Funds). 

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

training and visits to outsourcing laboratories as discussed above in Section F. 

Permissible Uses of Funds). 

3. Construction. 

4. Administrative expenses (direct or indirect) that exceed 3 percent of the Federal 

portion of the award.

5. Accreditation costs (Funding assistance for maintaining accreditation is available 

under the Paul Coverdell Grant Program). 

 

8

 See footnote 5. 

10
H. Match Requirement. There is no State or local match required under this 

program.

Limitation on use of award funds for employee compensation; waiver: No portion 

of any award of more than $250,000 made under this solicitation may be used to pay 

any portion of the total cash compensation (salary plus bonuses) of any employee of the 

award recipient whose total cash compensation exceeds 110 percent of the maximum 

annual salary payable to a member of the Federal Government’s Senior Executive 

Service (SES) at an agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that 

year. (The salary table for SES employees is available at http://www.opm.gov.) 

This prohibition may be waived at the discretion of the Assistant Attorney General for the 

Office of Justice Programs. An applicant that wishes to request a waiver should include 

a detailed justification in the budget narrative for the application. 

Performance Measures 

To assist in fulfilling the Department’s responsibilities under the Government 

Performance and Results Act (GPRA), P.L. 103–62, applicants who receive funding 

under this solicitation must provide data that measures the results of their work. 

Performance measures for this announcement are as follows: 

Objective Performance Measures Data Grantee Provides 

1. Number of days between the 

submission of a DNA sample to a 

laboratory and the delivery of the test 

results to the requesting agency at the 

beginning of the grant period. 

1. Reduction in the average 

number of days between the 

submission of a DNA sample to a 

laboratory and the delivery of the 

test results to the requesting 

agency.

2. Number of days between the 

submission of a DNA sample to a 

laboratory and the delivery of the test 

results to the requesting agency at the 

end of the reporting period. 

3. Number of DNA samples analyzed 

per analyst at the beginning of the 

grant period. 

1. To improve DNA 

analysis capacity of 

existing State and 

local government 

crime laboratories 

that conduct DNA 

analysis. 

2. Increase in DNA analysis 

throughput for the lab. 

4. Number of DNA samples analyzed 

per analyst at the end of the reporting 

period. 

11
2. To reduce 

backlogged DNA 

casework in State 

and local government 

crime laboratories. 

3a. Percent reduction in DNA 

backlog casework. 

3b. CODIS hits attributable to 

forensic analyses funded under this 

announcement. 

1. Number of backlogged DNA cases 

at the beginning of the award period. 

2. Number of backlogged DNA cases 

analyzed using FY 2008 funds 

provided under this announcement. 

3. Number of backlogged DNA cases 

at the end of the award period. 

4. Number of forensic DNA profiles 

entered into CODIS as the result of 

funds provided under this 

announcement. 

5. Number of CODIS hits attributable to 

forensic analyses funded under this 

announcement. 

. 

How to Apply 

Grants Management System (GMS) Instructions: Applications must be submitted 

through the online Grants Management System (GMS). We suggest that you begin the 

process early, especially if this is the first time you have used the system. Each 

application requires a separate GMS registration. To learn how to begin the online 

application process, go to http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/funding.htm and refer to the 

GMS Application Job Aids, a step-by-step guide for applying online. For additional 

information, please call the GMS Help Desk at 1–888–549–9901. 

Please note: OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS) does not accept 

executable file types as application attachments. These disallowed file types include, 

but are not limited to, the following extensions: ".com", ".bat", ".exe", ".vbs", ".cfg", ".dat", 

".db", ".dbf", ".dll", ".ini", ".log", ".ora", ".sys", and ".zip". 

CFDA Number: The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this 

solicitation is 16.741, titled “Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Program.” 

A DUNS Number is Required: The Office of Management and Budget requires that all 

businesses and nonprofit applicants for Federal funds include a DUNS (Data Universal 

Numeric System) number in their application for a new award or renewal of an award. 

Applications without a DUNS number are incomplete. A DUNS number is a unique ninedigit sequence recognized as the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of 

entities receiving Federal funds. The identifier is used for tracking purposes and to 

validate address and point-of-contact information. The DUNS number will be used 

throughout the grant life cycle. Obtaining a DUNS number is a free, simple, one-time 

activity. Obtain one by calling 1-866-705-5711 or by applying online at 

http://www.dnb.com/us. Individuals are exempt from this requirement. 

12
What an Application Must Include 

Those interested in submitting applications in response to this announcement must 

complete the required application forms and related documents. You will complete some 

of the forms shown as part of the development of your user profile during the GMS 

online application process; others must be attached to your application file. GMS 

accepts Adobe PDF (*.pdf), Word (*.doc), and Text (*.txt) document files. It does not 

accept compressed or zipped (*.zip) files or the executable files detailed above. 

Note: Proposals containing maps, tables, digital photos, and other types of graphics will 

produce large file sizes that may affect the speed of electronic transfer. Please take this 

into consideration when submitting your application online. 

Required Documents 

1. Application for Federal Assistance—Standard Form 424: Completing the user 

profile and summary information in GMS will populate portions of your Standard 

Form 424. Below are answers to specific items: 

• Item 8: Type of Application—“New.” 

• Item 9: Name of Federal Agency—“National Institute of Justice.” 

• Item 10: Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA)—For this 

Program, the number is 16.741. 

• Item 11: Descriptive Title of Applicant’s Project—“FY 2008 Forensic DNA 

Backlog Reduction Program – YOUR AGENCY NAME.” 

• Item 13: Proposed Project Dates—For this program, the proposed project 

dates should be “October 1, 2008 to March 31, 2010.” 

• Item 16: Is Application Subject To Review By State Executive Order 12372 

Process?—A listing of States that have participated in this process can be 

found at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html. 

2. Program Abstract: The proposal abstract should serve as a succinct and accurate 

description of the proposed work. Applicants should concisely describe project 

goals and objectives, project plans, and methods for achieving the goals. Once an 

award has been granted, the abstract is computerized and serves as a summary 

available to all interested parties for the duration of the grant. 

3. Program Narrative: The program narrative must address the objectives, expected 

results, and the implementation approach. Applicants must provide a detailed 

plan showing how they intend to use FY 2008 Forensic DNA Backlog 

Reduction Program funds to meet the goals of the program: reducing 

forensic DNA sample turnaround time, increasing the throughput of the 

public DNA laboratory, and reducing the DNA forensic casework backlog.

Applicants should discuss how they intend to identify and address bottlenecks in 

the DNA casework analysis process. 

13
The program narrative must also include the following: 

• A statement of (a) the current length of time it takes to handle, screen, or 

analyze a forensic DNA sample from submission to delivery of forensic DNA 

test results; (b) the average number of DNA samples analyzed per analyst/per 

month; and (c) the anticipated number of forensic DNA cases in backlog as of 

September 30, 2008. 

• A statement of the number of forensic DNA cases anticipated to be in backlog 

as of September 30, 2008, and the number of cases that can be handled, 

screened, and analyzed within 18 months using the Federal funding requested 

in this FY 2008 program. The latter number should represent the number of 

DNA cases to be analyzed above and beyond the number that can be 

analyzed within 18 months using other sources of funding. The 18-month 

period begins October 1, 2008. 

Units of local government must specify in the program narrative the proportion of 

the State’s total number of UCR, Part 1 Violent Crimes they reported to the FBI for 

2006.

4. List of Key Personnel, Including Names, Organizational Affiliations, and 

Complete Contact Information for All Key Persons Directly Related to This 

Project. 

5. Résumés of Key Personnel. 

6. Letters of Cooperation/Support or Administrative Agreements From 

Organizations Collaborating in the Project (If Applicable). 

7. Budget Narrative: The Budget Narrative should be a plain-language explanation 

of the proposed expenditures listed in the Budget Detail Worksheet. Applicants that 

request funds for additional new full-time/part-time laboratory employees must 

include a statement that any such employees will be directly engaged in handling, 

screening, and (where permitted) analyzing forensic evidence that may contain 

DNA, or validating new DNA analysis technologies.

8. Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Summary: The Budget Detail Worksheet 

should address the specific cost breakdowns for the proposed project and should 

be organized into the standard OJP budget categories. This information should be 

presented in a manner that details how the cost for each of the major categories 

was determined. 

In addition, the Budget Detail Worksheet should clearly indicate the specific 

amount of funds requested (if any) for each of the following types of expenses: 

 

• Expenses of sending samples to external accredited laboratories for forensic 

DNA analysis. 

14
• Expenses for laboratory supplies for forensic DNA casework analysis and for 

other supply expenses directly attributable to forensic DNA casework analysis. 

The Budget Summary should list the total amount of funding requested for each 

OJP budget category listed below and the total amount requested for the project. 

 A. Personnel. 

B. Fringe Benefits. 

C. Travel. 

D. Equipment. 

E. Supplies. 

F. Construction. 

G. Consultants/Contracts. 

H. Other Costs. 

I. Indirect Costs. 

Templates for filling out the Budget Detail Worksheet may be found through the 

Internet at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms/budget_detail.pdf, OJP Standard 

Forms and Instructions. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the 

Chief Financial Officer’s Customer Service Center at 1–800–458–0786. 

9. Proof of DNA Laboratory Accreditation (required): Submit an electronic 

(scanned) copy of the current accreditation certificate(s). 

10. Other Program Attachments 

These include several forms, available on OJP’s funding pages at 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms.htm. 

11. Page limit: The program narrative section of your proposal must not exceed 10 

double-spaced pages in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Abstracts, tables of 

contents, charts, figures, appendixes, and government forms do not count toward 

the 10-page limit for the narrative section.

Selection Criteria and Review Process

Subject to the availability of appropriated funds, NIJ anticipates that it will make an 

award to each eligible applicant that satisfies the specific application requirements 

outlined in this announcement (including those concerning allocation of funds, 

unobligated FY 2005–FY 2006 Backlog Reduction Awards, and permissible expenses), 

the general requirements for NIJ and OJP grants, and all other applicable legal 

requirements. 

Reasons for rejection: NIJ may reject applications that are incomplete, do not respond 

to the scope of the solicitation, do not comply with format requirements, or are submitted 

after the deadline. 

When awards will be made: All applicants, whether they are accepted or rejected, will 

be notified. The review and approval process takes about 7 months. You should not 

propose to begin work until at least 7 months after the application deadline on the cover 

of this solicitation. Also, you should not expect to receive notification of a decision for at 

15
least 7 months after that date. Lists of awards are updated regularly on NIJ’s Web site at 

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/funding/welcome.htm. 

Additional Requirements and Information 

• Civil Rights Compliance 

• Confidentiality and Human Subjects Protections Regulations 

• Anti-Lobbying Act 

• Financial and Government Audit Requirements 

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance 

• DOJ Information Technology Standards 

• Single Point of Contact Review 

• Nonsupplanting of State and Local Funds 

• Criminal Penalty for False Statements 

• Compliance with Office of Justice Programs Financial Guide

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/

• Suspension or Termination of Funding 

• Nonprofit Organizations 

• Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) 

• Rights in Intellectual Property 

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) 

We strongly encourage you to review the information pertaining to these additional 

requirements prior to submitting your application. Additional information for each can be 

found at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm.

Reporting Requirements: Each award recipient must submit quarterly performance 

metrics reports, quarterly financial status reports, and semi-annual progress reports. 

Each award recipient also must submit a final report. The report must include a summary 

and assessment of the program carried out with the FY 2008 award, including: 

• The reduction in the average number of days between submission of a DNA 

forensic sample to the laboratory and delivery of the test results to the requesting 

State or unit of local government. 

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• The increase in forensic DNA analysis throughput for the laboratory. 

• The reduction in the forensic DNA casework backlog. 

• The number of forensic DNA profiles entered into CODIS as a result of funds 

provided under the award. 

• The number of CODIS hits attributable to forensic analyses funded under the 

award. 

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Appendix 1 

Estimated Allocation of Funds—FY 2008 

The estimated aggregate amount that NIJ expects to award to eligible applicants within 

each State (including eligible units of local government) is shown in the chart on the next 

page. As indicated earlier under “Allocation of Funds,” the aggregate amounts shown 

take into account UCR, Part 1 Violent Crimes and unobligated FY 2005–FY 2006 

Backlog Reduction awards. Although the permissible use of FY 2008 funds now 

includes the handling, screening, and analysis of any backlogged criminal 

forensic DNA casework samples, the general method of allocating funds for this 

program will remain unchanged. 

For FY 2008, a minimum has been set for the aggregate amount available to eligible 

applicants from a State. If the aggregate amount that would otherwise have been made 

available for FY 2008 to applicants from a State (including units of local government in 

the State) would have been less than $100,000, that aggregate amount has been 

increased to $100,000. 

An asterisk after a State’s estimated aggregate funding amount indicates that an 

adjustment has been made due to the existence of one or more unobligated FY 

2005FY 2006 Backlog Reduction awards to the State and/or units of local 

government within the State. States and units of local government with 

unobligated FY 2005–FY 2006 Backlog Reduction awards are not eligible to apply 

for FY 2008 funding unless the applicant’s proportionate share of the FY 2008 

funds—based on UCR, Part 1 Violent Crimes reported to the FBI for 2006—

exceeds the total amount of the applicant’s unobligated FY 2005–FY 2006 Backlog 

Reduction award(s). In this instance, applicants may apply for the difference 

between the two figures. Applicants from these States should seek additional 

guidance from the Program Office before completing their applications. 

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19

Estimated Aggregate Amounts for Awards to 

State and Local Applicants, by State—FY 20089

Alabama $497,241* Nebraska $217,701

Alaska $201,405 Nevada $808,592

Arizona $937,312 * New Hampshire $100,000

Arkansas $604,311 * New Jersey $1,025,308*

California $7,529,650* New Mexico $441,333*

Colorado $813,311 New York $3,132,509*

Connecticut $429,941 North Carolina $1,840,347

Delaware $254,138 North Dakota $100,000

District of Columbia $383,238 Ohio $1,706,683*

Florida $5,324,714* Oklahoma $777,792

Georgia $1,926,938 Oregon $453,184

Hawaii $157,935 Pennsylvania $1,362,233*

Idaho $158,372 Puerto Rico $212,580*

Illinois $3,036,284 Rhode Island $106,120

Indiana $796,313* South Carolina $1,445,138

Iowa $369,389 South Dakota $100,000

Kansas $250,096* Tennessee $1,535,589*

Kentucky $483,329 Texas $5,031,219*

Louisiana $915,228* Utah $249,987

Maine $100,000 Vermont $100,000

Maryland $1,448,517* Virginia $942,280

Massachusetts $1,257,145 Washington $966,396

Michigan $2,480,563 West Virginia $222,245

Minnesota $704,395 Wisconsin $689,540

Mississippi $131,318* Wyoming $100,000

Missouri $1,392,799

Montana $104,725 TOTAL $56,355,383

 

9

 Units of local government that meet the eligibility requirements may apply directly to NIJ for a 

portion of the funds allocated for awards to their State. See “Allocation of Funds.” Any awards to 

American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands will be determined by a different method. Please contact NIJ at 202–616–1960 for 

additional instructions.