Notices regarding the solicitation “Research and Development in 

Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes,

Fiscal Year 2021”

April 26, 2021: The “Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards” listed on page 10 has 

been changed from $500,000 to $9,400,000.

The original solicitation document begins on the next page.
OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires  12/31/2023 

U.S. Department of Justice 

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes, 

Fiscal Year 2021 

Assistance Listing Number # 

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: 

Solicitation Release Date: 

Version: 

Grants.gov Deadline: 

Application JustGrants Deadline: 

16.560 

O-NIJ-2021-95001

April 26, 2021 3:00 PM 

2

June 03, 2021 11:59 PM 

June 10, 2021 11:59 PM 

Overview 

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

applications for funding basic or applied research and development in forensic science for criminal justice purposes. This 

project furthers the Department’s mission by supporting the development of new knowledge and tools to address the 

challenges of crime and justice in the United States. NIJ’s Forensic Science Technology Working Group (TWG) identifies 

current technology challenges encountered in operational forensic science laboratories. Research-based knowledge and 

newly developed tools that work towards resolving these identified challenges facilitate the criminal justice community to 

enforce the law, promote public safety, prevent and reduce crime, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice. 

This solicitation incorporates the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide by reference. The OJP Grant Application 

Resource Guide provides guidance to applicants on how to prepare and submit applications for funding to OJP. If this 

solicitation expressly modifies any provision in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide, the applicant is to 

follow the guidelines in this solicitation as to that provision. 

Solicitation Categories 

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories. 

Eligible Applicants: 

City or township governments, County governments, For profit organizations other than small businesses, 

Independent school districts, Individuals, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native 

American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) 

status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with 

the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Public and State 

controlled institutions of higher education, Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Small businesses, 

Special district governments, State governments, Other 

Other 

For purposes of this solicitation, the term “State” means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the 

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

Mariana Islands. 

Foreign governments, foreign organizations, and foreign colleges and universities are not eligible to apply. Federal 

agencies are eligible to apply. (Any award made to a federal agency will be made as an inter-agency reimbursable 

agreement.) 

To advance Executive Order 13929 Safe Policing for Safe Communities, as of October 28, 2020, the Attorney General 

determined that all state, local, and university or college law enforcement agencies must be certified by an approved 

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O-NIJ-2021-95001
independent credentialing body or have started the certification process to be allocated FY 2021 DOJ discretionary grant 

funding, as either a recipient or a subrecipient. For detailed information on this new certification requirement, please visit 

https://cops.usdoj.gov/SafePolicingEO. 

All recipients and subrecipients (including any for-profit organization) must forgo any profit or management fee. 

NIJ will consider applications under which two or more entities would carry out the federal award; however, only one entity 

may be the applicant. Any others must be proposed as subrecipients (subgrantees). For additional information on 

subawards, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

Contact Information 

For technical assistance with submitting the SF-424 and SF- LLL in Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support 

Hotline at 800-518-4726, 606-545-5035, at Grants.gov customer support webpage, or email at support@grants.gov. The 

Grants.gov Support Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on federal holidays. 

For technical assistance with submitting the full application in DOJ’s Justice Grants System (JustGrants), contact the 

JustGrants Service Desk at JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov or at 833-872-5175. The JustGrants Service Desk operates 5 

a.m. to 9 p.m. EST Monday - Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays. 

An applicant that experiences unforeseen Grants.gov or JustGrants technical issues beyond its control that prevent it from 

submitting its application by the deadline must email the National Criminal Justice Reference Service Response Center 

(Response Center) at grants@ncjrs.gov within 24 hours after the application deadline to request approval to submit its 

application after the deadline. 

For assistance with any other requirements of this solicitation, contact the Response Center by telephone at 

800–851–3420 or TTY: 301–240–6310 (hearing impaired only) or by email at grants@ncjrs.gov. Response Center hours 

of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on the solicitation close date. 

Submission Information 

In FY 2021, applications will be submitted to DOJ in a NEW two-step process. 

Step 1: Applicants will submit an SF-424 and an SF-LLL in Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html 

. To register in Grants.gov, applicants will need to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) and System 

for Award Management (SAM) registration or renewal. 

Step 2: Applicants will submit the full application including attachments in JustGrants at JustGrants.usdoj.gov. 

To be considered timely, the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by the JustGrants application deadline. 

OJP encourages applicants to review, the “How to Apply" section in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

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O-NIJ-2021-95001 
Contents 

Contact Information 2 

Program Description 5 

Overview 5 

Statutory Authority 5 

Specific Information 5 

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 6 

Federal Award Information 10 

Awards, Amounts and Durations 10 

Availability of Funds 11 

Types of Awards 11 

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls 11 

Budget Information 11 

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 12 

Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 12 

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: Waiver 12 

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs 12 

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 12 

Eligibility Information 12 

Application and Submission Information 12 

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) 13 

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) 13 

Proposal Abstract 13 

Proposal Narrative 13 

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 18 

Budget and Associated Documentation 18 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) 18 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 18 

Financial Management Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status) 18 

Additional Application Components 18 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 18 

Tribal Authorizing Resolution 18 

Timeline Form 18 

Letters of Support 18 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 19 

Bibliography/reference 19 

Any tools/instruments, questionnaires, tables/chart/graphs, or maps 19 

List of Individuals in the Application 19 

Human Subjects Protection 19 

Privacy Certificate 19 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends 19 

Data Archiving Plan 19 

Documentation of “New Investigator” Status 20 

Consortium/Contractual Arrangements 20 

List of any previous and current NIJ awards 20 

Potential Environmental Impact Coversheet and Checklist - National Environmental Policy Act 

(NEPA) 20 

Disclosures and Assurances 20 

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O-NIJ-2021-95001 
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 20 

DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 20 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 20 

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; 

and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements 20 

Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High Risk Grantees (if applicable) 20 

How to Apply 21 

Submission Dates and Time 21 

Application Review Information 21 

Review Criteria 21 

Review Process 22 

Federal Award Administration Information 23 

Federal Award Notices 23 

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 23 

Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses 23 

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements 23 

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 24 

Other Information 24 

Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 552a) 24 

Provide Feedback to OJP 24 

Performance Measures 24 

Application Checklist 24 

27 

Endnotes 27 

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Program Description 

Overview 

The Department of Justice is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, supports 

crime victims, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the 

community. 

The purpose of the CFDA 16.560 (the National Institute of Justice Research, Evaluation, and Development Projects 

Grants program) is to foster research to develop new knowledge and tools to address the challenges of crime and justice 

in the United States. 

With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for rigorous basic or applied research and development projects. An NIJ forensic 

science research and development grant supports a discrete, specified, circumscribed project that will: 

1. Increase the body of knowledge to guide and inform forensic science policy and practice; or 

2. Lead to the production of useful material(s), device(s), system(s), or method(s) that have the potential for forensic 

application. 

The intent of this program is to direct the findings of basic scientific research; foster research and development in broader 

scientific fields applicable to forensic science; and support ongoing forensic science research toward the development of 

highly-discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation 

of forensic evidence for criminal justice purposes. Projects should address the challenges and needs of the forensic 

science community, including but not limited to, the operational needs discussed at NIJ’s FY 2020 Forensic Science 

Technology Working Group (TWG) meeting, which may be found on NIJ.OJP.gov. Additional research needs of the 

forensic science community can be found at the Organization of Scientific Area Committees website. While the goals and 

deliverables of proposed projects are not required to result in immediate solutions to the posted challenges and needs, 

proposals should, at a minimum, address the foundational work that will lead to eventual solutions. 

Applications proposing research involving partnerships with criminal justice or other agencies, are to include a strong letter 

of support, signed by an appropriate decision-making authority from each proposed, partnering agency. A letter of support 

must include the partnering agency’s acknowledgement that de-identified data provided through this project will be 

archived at the conclusion of the award. If selected for award, applicants will be expected to have a formal agreement in 

place with partnering agencies by January 1, 2022. That agreement must include provisions to meet the data archiving 

requirements of the award. In rare circumstances, for example where law prohibits the archiving of agency data, NIJ may 

agree to a successful applicant creating and archiving an appropriate synthetic dataset. Those circumstances will be rare, 

decided by NIJ on a case-by-case basis, and will require extensive documentation and justification for exceptions to be 

made. 

In the case of partnerships that will involve the use of federal award funds by multiple partnering agencies to carry out the 

proposed project, only one entity/partnering agency may be the applicant (as is the case with any application submitted in 

response to this solicitation); any others must be proposed as subrecipients. 

Statutory Authority 

Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (sections 201 and 202). 

Specific Information 

This solicitation seeks applications for funding to support basic or applied research and development forensic science 

projects. For the purposes of this solicitation, the following definitions apply: 

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

Science — The observation, identification, description, experimental investigations, and theoretical explanation of 

natural phenomena.[2] 

Basic research — A systematic study directed toward fuller knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects 

of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications towards processes or products in mind. Basic 

research may include activities with broad applications in mind.[3] For the purposes of this solicitation, basic 

research must include activities with broad application to forensic sciences related to the criminal justice system. 

Applied research — A systematic study to gain knowledge or understanding necessary to determine the means by 

which a recognized and specific need may be met.[4] For the purposes of this solicitation, the specific need(s) being 

met must relate to the improvement of forensic science services for criminal justice purposes. 

Development — The systematic application of knowledge or understanding, directed toward the production of useful 

materials, devices, and systems or methods, including design, development, and improvement of prototypes and 

new processes to meet specific requirements.[5] For the purposes of this solicitation, the development of forensic 

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technologies and methods should assist in answering questions posed in criminal investigations or increase crime 

laboratory capacity to meet the demand for forensic science services. 

Funding priorities for this program are expected to align with the Department of Justice’s mission. Proposed projects 

should address the current technology challenges encountered by forensic scientists by generating new knowledge or 

tools that will lead to better methods, move the state-of-the-art forward, or otherwise resolve identified issues so as to 

assist law enforcement, enhance public safety, prevent and reduce crime, and ensure the fair and impartial administration 

of justice. While the goals and deliverables of proposed projects are not required to result in immediate solutions to the 

posted challenges and needs, proposals should, at a minimum, address the foundational work that will lead to eventual 

solutions. 

Proposals are expected to identify the focus areas (e.g., forensic science discipline[s]) intended to benefit from the project. 

The focus areas should be listed in the keywords on the title page. Some examples are listed below. Where available, 

links have also been provided to sites containing additional information. 

DNA and forensic biology (http://strbase.nist.gov, http://www.swgdam.org, https://www.nist.gov/topics/organizationscientific-area-committees-forensic-science/biologydna-scientific-area-committee). 

Forensic crime scene analysis (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/crime-scenedeath-investigationscientific-area-committee, https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensicscience/crime-scene-investigation). 

Forensic anthropology and forensic odontology (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/anthropologysubcommittee, https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/odontology-subcommittee). 

Bloodstain pattern analysis (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/bloodstain-pattern-analysis-subcommittee). 

Seized drugs (http://www.swgdrug.org, https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/seized-drugs-subcommittee). 

Fire debris analysis and arson scene investigations (http://www.swgfex.com, https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensicscience/fire-and-explosion-investigation-subcommittee, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/fire-debris-and-explosives-subcommittee). 

Firearms and toolmark identification (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/firearms-and-toolmarkssubcommittee). 

Latent print (http://www.swgfast.org, https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensicscience/friction-ridge-subcommittee). 

Shoeprint/tire tread examination (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/footwear-and-tire-subcommittee). 

Questioned documents (http://www.swgdoc.org, https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/forensic-documentexamination-subcommittee). 

Trace evidence (http://www.asteetrace.org/, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/sac-chemistryinstrumental-analysis, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/materials-trace-subcommittee). 

Forensic toxicology (https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/toxicology-subcommittee). 

Medicolegal death investigations, including forensic pathology (http://www.swgmdi.org, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/crime-scenedeath-investigation-scientific-area-committee, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/medicolegal-death-investigation-subcommittee). 

Digital/multimedia evidence (https://www.swgde.org/, 

https://www.nist.gov/topics/forensic-science/digitalmultimedia-scientific-area-committee). 

Wildlife forensics (https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/wildlifeforensics-subcommittee). 

Indicators of successful proposals may include relationships/collaborations with operational, accredited crime laboratories, 

and demonstrated abilities to produce scholarly products. See the next sections for more details. 

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 

Goals and Objectives 

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Proposals should address at least one of the goals specified below. Proposed projects that address more than one goal 

should be separated into discrete phases that clearly identify the goal to be addressed by each phase (additional informati 

on regarding the phasing of proposals can be found in Federal Award Information section). Proposed projects should 

include goals that speak to specific forensic science needs and challenges which, if resolved, will aid the criminal justice 

community to enforce the law, enhance public safety, prevent and reduce crime, and ensure fair and impartial 

administration of justice. While some late-stage applied research and development projects may be able to propose 

tangible or direct solutions, early-stage research projects are not required to result in immediate solutions. However, these 

early-stage research projects should clearly explain how the proposed objectives, once achieved, will produce knowledge 

that contributes to eventual solutions. 

Fundamental/Basic Research Goal: Improve the understanding of the accuracy, reliability, and measurement 

validity of forensic science disciplines. Applicants may refer to Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: 

A Path Forward by the National Research Council of the National Academies to review historical material relevant to 

this goal. If addressing this goal, projects should meet at least one of the following objectives: 

Conduct basic scientific research in the physical, life, and cognitive sciences that is designed to increase the 

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

purposes of this objective, basic research studies proposed must include activities with broad application to 

forensic sciences related to the criminal justice system. Proposals should describe the anticipated impact of 

the study on one or more forensic science disciplines. 

Perform studies that examine the degree of accuracy and reliability of methods used by forensic scientists to 

achieve a more complete understanding of the scientific basis of forensic evidence and the interpretation of 

that evidence. Studies may also examine various processes within forensic methods, from the initial 

acceptance and examination of evidence for its probative value and quality, to the final interpretation of 

forensic results, including assessment of error rate. 

Conduct research studies designed to further the understanding of quantifiable measures of uncertainty in the 

conclusions of forensic analyses, regardless of the sources of uncertainty. Studies should seek to establish 

limits of reliability and accuracy that forensic methods can achieve with respect to varying conditions of 

forensic evidence. 

Develop new approaches to forensic analysis, including quantitation of analyses that are currently qualitative 

in nature (e.g., in the development of quantitative studies related to friction ridge analysis or other impression 

and pattern evidence). 

Applied Research Goal: Increase knowledge or understanding necessary to guide criminal justice policy and 

practice related to the forensic sciences. To achieve this goal, projects should meet at least one of the following 

objectives: 

Perform applied research to increase knowledge of physical evidence and/or its behavior. Examples include, 

but are not limited to, the study of fluid transfer and fluid dynamics of certain biological fluids (e.g., blood) to 

increase understanding of patterns deposited at crime scenes; the examination of chemical properties of 

evidence for the purpose of identifying source materials; studies of the behavior of chemical compounds of 

forensic interest in biological systems; research to better understand aged, degraded, limited, damaged, 

inhibited, or otherwise compromised physical evidence (e.g., studies on the effect of environmental factors on 

physical evidence; studies to increase the overall understanding of the processes and mechanisms that result 

in the inability to obtain analytical results from evidence). 

Perform evaluation studies of technologies that are expected to have application to forensic sciences in 

criminal justice settings. The purpose of an evaluation must be to test a new, modified, or previously untested 

technology to determine whether it is effective for forensic science application. Proposals for evaluation 

studies should systematically use scientific methods to measure efficiency, implementation, and utility of the 

technology being evaluated. The primary intent of a proposed evaluation study must be to generate new 

knowledge, or contribute to the knowledge in the forensic scientific literature. Furthermore, knowledge gained 

from an evaluation study should be applicable to sites other than the one(s) being evaluated. An evaluation 

study should result in a report suitable for publication and dissemination to guide criminal justice policy and/or 

practice related to the forensic sciences. The results of an evaluation study should contribute to generalizable 

knowledge that can be applied beyond a particular program/geography, and can inform other 

researchers, practitioners, and/or policymakers. 

Development Goal: Produce novel and useful materials, devices, systems, or methods that have the potential for 

forensic application for criminal justice purposes. For development projects, proposals should demonstrate potential 

for increased quality of result and/or decreased time/cost for forensic analyses as compared to current standard 

practices. In order to achieve this goal, projects should meet at least one of the following objectives: 

Improve the “front end” of the forensic analysis processes. Examples include, but are not limited to, the 

development of improved methods for detection and identification of evidence at crime scenes; the 

development of improved screening methods to help assess the probative value of forensic evidence (i.e., 

onsite presumptive and/or confirmatory analysis of evidence); the development of improved means to remotely 

detect forensic evidence at a crime scene in order to overcome scene hazards and prevent evidence 

contamination; the development of nondestructive or minimally destructive methods for evidentiary sample 

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identification and/or collection; the development of improved tools or methods for evidence preservation and/or 

storage. 

Develop instrumental systems to improve analysis throughput and the reliability, reproducibility, selectivity, 

and/or sensitivity of current methods used in crime laboratories for forensic analysis. 

Develop tools or methods that can separate the various components of a mixture. The separation method 

must be successful on typical forensic samples (limited in yield, etc.) and must not reduce the efficiency of 

downstream forensic methods. Examples of mixtures include, but are not limited to, cells from different 

sources (e.g., sperm cells from female epithelial cells, epithelial cells from different sources), products of DNA 

processes (e.g., polymerase chain reaction [PCR] products in mixtures from two or more individuals), and 

trace materials. 

Develop improved tools for examining aged, degraded, limited, damaged, inhibited, or otherwise compromised 

physical evidence. Examples include, but are not limited to, the development of tools to determine the 

condition of the evidence to assist crime laboratory analysts in selecting the appropriate analytical approach, 

the development of methods to repair damaged evidence (without compromising sample integrity) to increase 

the likelihood of obtaining an analytical result, improvements to the methods for detection and/or removal or 

remediation of substances that inhibit the success of analysis, or other methods that will maximize the success 

rate of the analysis of compromised evidence. 

Develop novel approaches to forensic science methods for analysis and interpretation. Examples include 

streamlined, portable, high-throughput, more informative, more sensitive, less susceptible to inhibition, and 

other novel methods for analysis of forensic evidence for criminal justice purposes. 

Develop novel approaches and/or enhance current approaches to interpret forensic data derived from physical 

evidence, including an assessment of the significance of association. This may include development of 

databases[6] (comprehensive, searchable, easily accessible, secure databases for use in determining the 

statistical strength of analytical results obtained from evidence found at crime scenes), and/or analyses that 

provide quantitative measures and statistical evaluation of forensic evidence. 

Deliverables 

Final Research Report. Any recipient of an award under this solicitation will be expected to submit a final research report. 

Additional information on the final research report requirement for the solicitation is posted on the Research, Development, 

and Evaluation Grant Award Requirements section on NIJ’s webpage. 

In addition to these deliverables (and the required reports and data on performance measures), NIJ expects scholarly 

products to result from each award under this solicitation, taking the form of one or more published, peer-reviewed, 

scientific journal articles, and/or (if appropriate), book chapter(s) or book(s) in the academic press, technological 

prototypes, patented inventions, or similar scientific products. Awardees are encouraged to publish their research using 

open access options. Grant funds may be used for costs associated with open access publication. 

NIJ expects that there will be an equal effort to make the research findings accessible to practitioner and policymaker 

audiences through articles in trade publications, the development of training manuals, policy briefs, conferences, webinars, 

and articles for newspapers or magazines. 

Some projects may be chosen for technology evaluation or technology transition activities. More information, including 

examples of previous workshops and evaluations, can be found through the following links: 

http://www.nij.gov/topics/forensics/lab-operations/Pages/workshops.aspx and http://www.forensiccoe.org. 

NIJ encourages researchers to seek guidance from, or partner with, crime laboratories. Such associations foster a greater 

understanding of the issues unique to the field of forensic science and may strengthen the scope of the proposed research 

plan. To assist researchers in identifying appropriate practitioner partners, NIJ has developed a site for crime laboratories 

to indicate their interest in participating in research. Interested laboratories are encouraged to visit 

https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/forensics/connecting-researchers-forensic-laboratories to provide their contact information. 

Researchers who have developed methods and/or technologies that are ready for evaluation in forensic laboratory 

practice, including previous and current NIJ research grantees, are strongly encouraged to apply to NIJ’s Research and 

Evaluation in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories program. 

Information on NIJ’s forensic science research and development programs (including previously funded projects) can be 

found at: https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/forensics. 

Priority Practices and Areas of Research Opportunities 

NIJ is interested in funding innovative research that align with FY 2021 R&D budget priorities[7]. Proposals that advance 

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the following priorities may be given special consideration in award decisions. If submitting a research proposal that 

contributes to one of the following national priorities, the applicant should state this on the title page of the 

proposal. 

American Leadership in Industries of the Future: NIJ supports technologies that power the industries of the future, to 

include industries which support the forensic sciences that may: (1) increase the body of knowledge to guide and 

inform forensic science policy and practice; or (2) lead to the production of useful material(s), device(s), system(s), 

or method(s) that have the potential for forensic application. 

American Artificial Intelligence Initiative: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to drive growth of the United 

States economy, enhance our economic and national security, and improve our quality of life. The United 

States is the world leader in AI research and development (R&D) and deployment. Continued American 

leadership in AI is of paramount importance to maintaining the economic and national security of the United 

States and to shaping the global evolution of AI in a manner consistent with our Nation’s values, policies, and 

priorities.”[8] NIJ is interested in funding proposal’s that employ AI to advance forensic science. 

National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI): The NNI is a U.S. government research and development initiative to 

understand and control matter at the nanoscale, intended to revolutionize technology and industry to benefit 

society. “The vision of the NNI is a future in which the ability to understand and control matter at the nanoscale 

leads to a revolution in technology and industry that benefits society.”[9] NIJ is interested in funding proposals 

that employ nanotechnology to advance forensic science. 

Support Transformative Research of High Risk and Potentially High Reward: The FY2021 Administration Research 

and Development Budget Priorities Memorandum states the following in regards to high risk/high reward research 

investments: “Departments and agencies should support risk taking in their R&D investments and within the 

communities they support, and they should ensure that review processes fully consider the possible rewards, risks, 

and benefits of failure for potentially transformative research.”[10] NIJ may give priority consideration to proposed 

projects that exhibit risk, but which may be transformative in advancing forensic science policy and practice. 

Build, Strengthen, and Expand Strategic Multisector Partnerships: The R&D enterprise requires a strong foundation 

of academic, industry, and government collaboration. NIJ may give priority consideration to research proposals that 

incorporate innovative partnership models involving other research agencies, state, local and Federal government, 

the private sector, and/or academia. Applicant agencies should engage in collaborations to help align basic research 

with forensic laboratory needs (See NIJ’s Forensic Science Technology Working Group (TWG)). 

Build and Leverage a Diverse, Highly Skilled American Workforce: NIJ supports the improvement of technical 

training of future forensic scientists through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) training through 

hands-on laboratory and research experience. NIJ encourages applicants to include the employment of students in 

their research proposals. Furthermore, NIJ supports building capacity at institutions that serve high proposals of 

underrepresented or underserved groups. Applications submitted under this priority consideration area should 

include in their management plans how students will be recruited, what laboratory/research activities they will 

perform, what training/education they will receive through the research, how the project increases diversity and 

inclusion in STEM, and how their post-graduation/-project activities will be tracked and reported to NIJ.[11] 

New Investigator Opportunities 

NIJ is interested in funding new investigators engaging in forensic science research. Proposals whose principal 

investigator and all co-investigator(s) are defined as “new investigators” may, in appropriate circumstances, be given 

special consideration in award decisions. 

To be considered a “new investigator” for the purposes of this solicitation, one of the two criteria below must be 

demonstrated. If submitting a proposal as a “new investigator”, the applicant should identify the principal 

investigator and any co-investigators as “new investigator” on the title page of the proposal. 

The investigator must have received — no earlier than April 1, 2017 — an initial appointment in the United States to 

a full-time junior faculty position[12]  at a university or to an equivalent full-time staff scientist position in a research 

institution; hold such a full-time appointment at the time of application submission; and must never have received NIJ 

funding for a research project — other than a Graduate Research Fellowship program grant; or 

The investigator must be an established researcher who has not successfully competed for NIJ funding as a 

principal investigator, co-principal investigator, or collaborative researcher in the past 10 years. The investigator 

must hold a full-time appointment in the United States to a faculty position at a university or an equivalent position as 

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a full-time staff scientist at a research institution at the time of application. 

In the case of a grant application that involves more than one investigator, all co-investigators must meet the definition 

of “new investigator” in order for the application to be considered as a “new investigator” application. 

Replication Studies 

NIJ recognizes the importance of replication as a fundamental part of the scientific process. To some extent, all research 

incorporates a measure of replication by building on past work. Nevertheless, particularly in the case of groundbreaking, 

surprising, or controversial results, there may be a need for an expedited replication timeline. This may be especially true 

for research conclusions with a high potential for immediate impact or widespread adoption. Consistent with the 

recommendations of the scientific community,[13] NIJ will consider funding replication studies of published results that 

have, or have the potential to, significantly impact forensic science policy and practice but have not been independently 

verified. If an applicant proposes a replication study, strong justification should be given for why the original results might 

be called into question or why the consequences of laboratories acting on the original conclusions are potentially so 

significant as to merit replication. 

The Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables are directly related to the performance measures that demonstrate the results of 

the work completed, as discussed under Application and Submission Information. 

Federal Award Information 

Awards, Amounts and Durations 

Anticipated Number of Awards 

45 

Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards 

$9,400,000.00

Period of Performance Start Date 

1/1/22 12:00 AM 

Period of Performance Duration (Months) 

60 

Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under Solicitation 

$9,400,000.00 

Additional Information 

Maximum dollar amount for each award: NIJ funding for an individual research or development project rarely 

exceeds $500,000 annually. In FY 2020, the average forensic science research and development award was 

approximately $221,000 per year. Information on previous years’ awards is provided solely for reference. 

Applicants are encouraged to propose budgets that match the research activities proposed. Costs estimates 

should be focused on maximizing the potential for success of the proposed project, rather than past averages. 

Anticipated amount to be awarded under solicitation: Total funding for this solicitation and the number of awards 

made will depend on the availability of funds, the quality of the applications, and other pertinent factors. In FY 

2020, NIJ provided nearly $17 million to fund research and development projects related to forensic science, 

including DNA. Period of performance start date: January 1, 2022. Applicants that are Federal agencies may 

propose a start date as early as October 1, 2021. Period of performance duration: To be determined by the period 

of performance of awarded applications. The average project period for FY2020 forensic science research and 

development awards was two years. Successful applicants will be expected to complete the work proposed within 

a five-year period of performance. An applicant should base its federal funding request and period of performance 

on the actual requirements of the research, and not necessarily on the anticipated amount of funding available in 

FY 2021 for awards under this solicitation. However, to expedite the budget approval process, applicants are 

encouraged to break out their budgets by project year or by phases, in the event that NIJ choses to fund the 

project partially or incrementally. 

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Availability of Funds 

This solicitation, and awards (if any are made) under this solicitation, are subject to the availability of appropriated funds 

and to any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by the agency or by law.  In addition, nothing in 

this solicitation is intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in 

equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or 

any other person. 

Types of Awards 

NIJ expects to make awards under this solicitation as grants. However, on a case-by-case basis, NIJ may elect to make an 

award to non-federal recipients under this solicitation as cooperative agreements, which provides for OJP to have 

substantial involvement in carrying out award activities. See the “Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal 

Requirements” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for a brief discussion of important statutes, 

regulations, and award conditions that apply to many (or in some cases, all) OJP grants (and cooperative agreements). 

Please note: Any recipient of an award under this solicitation will be required to comply with DOJ regulations on 

confidentiality and protection of human subjects. See “Requirements related to Research” under “Overview of Legal 

Requirements Generally Applicable to OJP Grants and Cooperative Agreements – FY 2021 Awards” in the OJP Funding 

Resource Center. 

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls 

Award recipients and subrecipients (including recipients or subrecipients that are pass-through entities) must, as described 

in the Part 200 Uniform Requirements as set out at 2 C.F.R. 200.303, comply with standards for financial and program 

management. 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. See OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional 

information. 

Budget Information 

If the applicant is proposing a project that reasonably could be conducted in discrete phases, with each phase resulting in 

completion of one or more significant, defined milestones, then NIJ strongly recommends that the applicant structure the 

application — specifically including the narrative, expected scholarly products, timelines/milestones, and budget detail 

worksheet and budget narrative — to clearly define each phase. (This is particularly the case if the applicant proposes a 

project that will exceed — in cost or the length of the period of performance — the amount or length of time anticipated for 

an individual award (or awards) under this solicitation.) Given limitations on the availability to NIJ of funds for awards for 

research, development, and evaluation, this information will assist NIJ in considering whether partial funding of 

applications would be productive. (If, in FY 2021, NIJ elects to fund only certain phases of a proposed project, the 

expected scholarly products from the partial-funding award may, in some cases, vary from those described above.) 

NIJ may elect to fund applications submitted under this FY 2021 solicitation in future fiscal years, dependent on, among 

other considerations, the merit of the applications and on the availability of appropriations. 

What will not be funded: 

Applications that are not responsive to the purposes of this specific solicitation. This includes: 

Proposals that do not contain a research component. 

Proposals that do not respond to the specific goals of this solicitation. 

Proposals that do not clearly address criminal justice concerns in the United States. 

Applications primarily to purchase equipment, materials, or supplies. (A budget may include these items if they are 

necessary to conduct research, development, demonstration, evaluation, or analysis.) Proposals that include 

equipment purchases should include a discussion of how federally-funded equipment is proposed to be used after 

the funded work has been completed and/or the project period has ended. Note that OJP may issue specific 

equipment disposition instructions in appropriate circumstances.) 

Proposals primarily to provide training. 

Proposals that provide direct criminal/forensic laboratory services. 

Proposals focusing on the estimation of postmortem interval (i.e., time since death) whose research design is not novel nor 

applicable across the geography of the United States. The primary intent of these studies must be to generate new 

knowledge or contribute to the knowledge in the forensic scientific literature that is applicable to locations other than the one 

(s) being evaluated.

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Proposals that focus on predicting the behavior of criminal offenders or indicators that result in victimization. 

Proposals that seek to administer surveys on the perceptions of forensic evidence collection policies among evidence 

examiners. 

Proposals that focus on legal factors involved in how forensic evidence is processed. 

Proposals for social science research that do not focus on the identification, analysis, and scientific interpretation of forensic 

evidence for criminal justice purposes. 

Proposals focused on criminal psychology. 

Proposals involving the use of canines (i.e., detector dogs) as the sole sensing instrument. Research involving 

detector dogs must incorporate quantitative instrumental methods of chemical analysis. 

Proposals on deception detection. 

Costs associated with conducting conferences. A conference is a symposium, seminar, workshop, or any other organized 

and formal meeting, whether conducted face-to-face or via the Internet, where individuals assemble (or meet virtually) to 

exchange information and views or explore or clarify a defined subject, problem, or area of knowledge, whether or not a 

published report results from such meeting. A meeting where a gathering discusses general matters as part of a normal 

course of doing business is not considered a conference. Funds may be used to attend conferences for the purposes of 

dissemination of research findings. 

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 

See “Cofunding” paragraph under item 5 (“Budget and Associated Documentation”) under “Content of Application 

Submission” in Application and Submission Information. 

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

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide information on Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs). 

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: Waiver 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide information on Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee 

Compensation; Waiver. 

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

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of 

Conference/Meeting/Training Costs. 

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on Costs Associated with Language Assistance. 

Eligibility Information 

For eligibility information, see the title page. 

For information on cost sharing or match requirements, see “Content of Application Submission” in Application and 

Submission Information. 

Application and Submission Information 

Content of Application Submission 

The following application elements MUST be included in the application submission for an application to meet the basic 

minimum requirements (BMR) to advance to peer review and receive consideration for funding: 

Proposal Narrative, 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (web-based form), and 

Curriculum Vitae/Resumes/Biosketches for Senior/Key Personnel. (Curriculum Vitae for key personnel (For 

purposes of this solicitation, “senior/key personnel” means the principal investigator, all co-principal 

investigators, and other significant contributors.) 

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See the “Application Elements and Formatting Instructions” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for 

information on what happens to an application that does not contain all the specified elements or that is nonresponsive to 

the scope of the solicitation. 

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

The SF-424 will be submitted in Grants.gov. The SF-424 is a required standard form used as a cover sheet for submission 

of pre-applications, applications, and related information. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional 

information on completing the SF-424. 

In Section F of the SF-424, please include the name and contact information of the individual who will complete application 

materials in JustGrants. JustGrants will use this information (email address) to assign the application to this user in 

JustGrants. 

Intergovernmental Review: This solicitation (“funding opportunity”) is not subject to Executive Order 12372. (In 

completing the SF-424, an applicant is to answer question 19 by selecting the response that the “Program is not 

covered by E.O. 12372.”) 

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) 

The Standard Applicant Information section of the JustGrants application is pre-populated with the SF-424 data submitted 

in Grants.gov. Applicants will need to review the Standard Applicant Information in JustGrants and make edits as needed. 

Within this section, applicants will need to: add zip codes for areas affected by the project; confirm their Authorized 

Representative; and verify the organization's legal name and address. 

Proposal Abstract 

The proposal abstract is a very important part of the application, and serves as an introduction to the proposed project. NIJ 

uses the project abstract for a number of purposes, including assignment of the application to an appropriate review panel. 

If the application is funded, the project abstract typically will become public information and be used to describe the 

project. 

A proposal abstract (no more than 400 words) summarizing the proposed project including primary activities, products and 

deliverables, the service area, and who will benefit from the proposed project, will be completed in the JustGrants Webbased form. 

Proposal Narrative 

The proposal narrative should be submitted as an attachment in JustGrants. The attached document should be singlespaced, using a standard 12-point font; have no less than 1-inch margins; and should not exceed 18 pages, of which a 

minimum of nine (9) pages should be dedicated to Project Design and Implementation. If included in the main body of the 

proposal narrative, tables, charts, figures, and other illustrations count toward the 18-page limit for the narrative section. 

The project abstract, table of contents, appendices, and government forms do not count toward the 18-page limit. Pages 

should be numbered. If the proposal narrative fails to comply with these length-related restrictions, NIJ may negatively 

consider such noncompliance in peer review and in final award decisions. 

The following sections should be included as part of the proposal narrative [14]: 

a. Title Page (not counted against the proposal narrative page limit) 

The title page should include: 

Project title. 

Submission date. 

Funding opportunity number. 

Principal Investigator (and any co-principal investigators). 

Unique author identifier (e.g., ORCID, ResearcherID, Scopus Author ID), if available. 

Requests for consideration under “new investigator” and/or “priority practices and areas of research”. 

Key words, including forensic science focus areas. 

Contact information (that is, name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address) for both the applicant institution 

and the principal investigator. 

b. Resubmit Response (if applicable) (not counted against the proposal narrative page limit.) 

If an applicant is resubmitting an application previously submitted to NIJ, but not funded, the applicant should clearly 

indicate this. A statement should be provided, no more than two pages, addressing: (1) the title, submission date, and NIJassigned application number of the previous application, and (2) a brief summary of revisions to the application, including 

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responses to previous feedback received from NIJ. 

c. Table of Contents and Figures (not counted against the proposal narrative page limit) 

d. Main Body 

1. Statement of the Problem. 

The statement of the problem should address the need for research in this area. Applicants should discuss current gaps in 

data, research, and knowledge, including those for particular justice sectors, for certain populations, and to answer 

questions relevant to current policy and practice needs and public interests. It is not uncommon for multiple problems to 

exist simultaneously (for example, there may be a criminal justice problem affecting public safety, a current technical 

challenge/need identified by forensic practitioners, as well as a scientific/technology gap between the current state of the art 

and a desired solution) and applicants should discuss each of these clearly and justify the importance of the separate 

issues. As part of this discussion, applicants should present a review of previous literature and discuss previous research 

related to these problems. 

This section should also identify the proposed research questions and introduce the purpose, goals, and objectives 

of the proposed project. 

The Statement of the Problem section should do the following: 

Explain the importance of the problem or critical barrier to progress in the field that the proposed 

project addresses. 

Explain the criminal justice significance of the problem. 

Describe the scientific premise for the proposed project, including consideration of the strengths and 

weaknesses of published research or preliminary data crucial to the support of your application. 

Describe the current state of the art and technologies, both in practice and in past/current research, 

directed at the described problem. If this request is a direct follow-up of an earlier study, describe 

those results. 

Explain how the proposed project will improve scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or 

forensic practice. Describe how concepts, methods, technologies, or services that drive the forensic 

science field will be changed if the proposed aims are achieved. 

Include a review of relevant literature. 

2. Project Design and Implementation. (This section should account for a minimum of nine (9) pages of the main 

body of the narrative.) 

Applicants should provide a detailed description of the strategies to implement this research project and address the 

research questions. Design elements should follow directly from the research project’s goals and objectives and 

address the program-specific information noted in the solicitation. Applicants should describe the research 

methodology and analysis plan in detail and demonstrate the validity and usefulness of the data they will collect. 

Applicants should consider the rigor and soundness of the methodology and analytical and technical approaches for 

the proposed research and address the feasibility of the proposed project and potential challenges or problems in 

carrying out the activities. 

The Project Design and Implementation section should include the following: 

Describe the overall strategy, methodology, and analyses to be used to accomplish the specific aims of the 

project. Describe the experimental design and methods proposed and how they will achieve robust and 

unbiased results. Include how the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted as well as the data 

archiving plan as appropriate. 

Human subjects/study population: If the project will involve human subjects, clearly describe the study 

population. Include detailed information about how subjects were or will be identified and sampled and the 

method(s) of characterization. For case-control studies, provide inclusion and exclusion criteria and any 

matching done between cases and controls. Describe relevant environmental factors and how they were 

measured. If the subjects provided for this study are a subset of a family population, explain which individuals 

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were included and how they were selected. Highlight special features of the study population that would 

enhance success. 

Sample information: In table form, provide: sample description such as case/control status and/or collection site; 

number of samples included in the study; subsample source (e.g., tissue source of the DNA). If data from other 

subjects will be included in the analysis, add row(s) to describe those samples. 

Three examples are provided below: 

Sample Set Target # of 

Samples 

Source Service Previous Service 

Known controls 500 Buccal Targeted 

sequencing 

STR base genotyping 

Forensic 

samples 

500 Buccal Targeted sequencing STR base genotyping 

Sample Set Target # of 

Samples 

Source Subsample Set Service 

Crania 300 Modern 

Donated 

Collection 

300 individuals of known 

Hispanic Ancestry; 150 

Male, 150 Female 

Morphometric sex 

estimation 

Pelvis 300 Modern 

Donated 

Collection 

300 individuals of known 

Hispanic Ancestry; 150 

Male, 150 Female 

Morphometric sex 

estimation 

Subject Description Target # of Samples Collection Site 

Patients at drug rehab facilities 100 Scalp, cut (not plucked) 

Controls – subjects donating hair for 

wigs 

100 Scalp, cut (not plucked) 

Provide supporting text that justifies the choice of samples. Describe other relevant information (e.g., the 

extraction methods used for each DNA source and the approximate DNA concentrations). Describe previous 

analyses done on these subjects. 

Power and effect size: Use power analyses to describe the range of effect sizes detectable by the study. 

Address relevant features of the analytic plan, such as the model(s) to be tested, the extent of multiple testing, 

and what significance level would be used for testing. Include all appropriate parameters. If the study design 

requires separate analysis of subject groups, provide power analyses for each category. If there is a plan to 

test for environment effects, address the power for detection of these effects. 

Data analyses: Provide a thorough plan for data analyses. Include: analytical approaches to be used and their 

justification; plans for quality control analyses; methods to control for possible confounding effects; how false 

positive rates will be controlled in light of multiple testing; etc. If there is a plan to analyze the data obtained 

with earlier data, or to perform comparisons to determine success, describe your strategy for that process. 

Describe the role of each team member in the analysis process, and summarize the team's experience with 

the approaches proposed. 

Discuss potential problems, alternative strategies, and benchmarks for success anticipated to achieve the 

aims. 

If the project is in the early stages of development, describe any strategy to establish feasibility, and 

address the management of any high-risk aspects of the proposed work. 

Explain how relevant variables are factored into research designs and analyses. 

Data management: Describe the institutional computing resources available for this study, the type of 

database that will be used (if applicable), and how the data will be managed. Highlight the team's experience 

with management of data sets (especially those similar to the proposed project). Also describe strategies for 

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data sustainability beyond the proposed funded work. 

Preliminary Data/Results: For new lines of research, include preliminary results, if available. Discuss the PI’s 

preliminary studies, data, and or experience pertinent to this application. Preliminary data can be an essential 

part of a research grant application, and help to establish the likelihood of success of the proposed project. 

New Investigators should include preliminary data. 

3. Potential Impact. 

Applicants should describe the potential impact of the research and how it may inform or improve criminal or juvenile 

justice-related policy, practice, or theory in the United States. 

The Potential Impact section should do the following: 

Explain the criminal justice significance of the proposed study. 

Explain how the application challenges and seeks to shift current research or forensic practice paradigms. 

Describe any novel theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, instrumentation, or interventions to be 

developed or used, and any advantage over existing methodologies, instrumentation, or inventions. 

Explain any refinements, improvements, or new applications of theoretical concepts, approaches or methodologies, 

or instrumentation. 

Describe the plan for dissemination to produce scholarly products (See Deliverables above, for a discussion 

of expected scholarly products.) Applicants should also identify plans to broader interested practitioners and 

policy makers in a form that is designed to be readily accessible and useful to them. Awardees are 

encouraged to publish their research using open access options. Grant funds may be used for costs 

associated with open access publication. 

Describe implications for criminal justice policy and practice in the United States. 

4. Capabilities and Competencies. 

This section should describe the experience and capabilities of the applicant organization, key staff, and any 

proposed subgrantees (including consultants) that the applicant will use to implement and manage this effort and the 

federal funds under this award, highlighting any previous experience implementing projects of similar scope, design, 

and magnitude. Applicants should address: 

Experience and capacity to work with the proposed data sources in the conduct of similar research efforts. 

Experience and capacity to design and implement rigorous research and data analysis projects. 

Experience producing and disseminating meaningful deliverables. 

Applicants should also outline the management plan and organization that connects to the goals and objectives of 

the project. 

The Capabilities/Competencies section should include the following: 

Facilities and other resources: Describe how the scientific environment in which the research will be done contributes 

to the probability of success (e.g., institutional support, physical resources, and intellectual rapport). In describing the 

scientific environment in which the work will be done, discuss ways in which the proposed studies will benefit from 

unique features of the scientific environment or subject populations or will employ useful collaborative arrangements. 

If there are multiple performance sites, describe the resources available at each site. 

Equipment: List major items of equipment already available for this project and, if appropriate identify location 

and pertinent capabilities. 

Senior/Key personnel profile: Describe each senior/key personnel’s role in the project and why the individual is 

well-suited for that role. The relevant factors may include: aspects of past training; previous experimental work 

on this specific topic or related topics; technical expertise; collaborators or scientific environment; and/or past 

performance in this or related fields. Senior/key personnel are defined as all individuals who contribute in a 

substantive, meaningful way to the scientific development or execution of the project, whether or not salaries 

are requested. Consultants should be included if they meet this definition. 

Principal investigator (PI) profile should be listed first. 

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The remaining senior/key personnel profiles should be listed in alphabetical order. While alphabetical 

order is preferred, it is not required. However, be aware that these profiles will appear in the application 

in the order provided by the applicant. Therefore, peer reviewers will see them in the order presented. 

Those with a postdoctoral role should be included if they meet the definition of senior/key personnel. 

Other significant contributors (OSCs): OSCs are those individuals who commit to contribute to the scientific 

development or execution of the project, but do not commit any specified measurable effort (i.e., person 

months) to the project. These individuals are typically presented at effort of “zero person months” or "as 

needed." Individuals with measurable effort may not be listed as OSCs. Consultants should be included if they 

meet the OSC definition. OSCs should be listed after all senior/key persons. 

5. Appendices (not counted against the Proposal narrative page limit) include: 

Progress report for renewal and revision applications, if applicable. For renewal/revision applications, provide 

a progress report. Provide the beginning and ending dates for the period covered since the last competitive 

review. Summarize the specific aims of the previous project period and the importance of the findings, and 

emphasize the progress made toward their achievement. Explain any significant changes to the specific aims 

and any new directions, including changes to the specific aims resulting from significant budget reductions. 

For any studies meeting the NIJ definition for research involving human subjects ( 

http://www.nij.gov/funding/humansubjects/pages/welcome.aspx), discuss previous participant enrollment (e.g., 

recruitment, retention, inclusion of women, minorities, children, etc.) as part of the progress report, particularly 

if relevant to studies proposed in the renewal or revision application. If applicable, Reviewers use these pages 

in part to address the “Project Design and Implementation” selection criterion. Attach this information as a 

separate PDF file titled “Progress Report for Renewal”. 

Progress report publication list (renewal applications only). List the titles and complete references to all 

appropriate publications, manuscripts accepted for publication, patents, and other printed materials that have 

resulted from the project since it was last reviewed competitively. This list should be included with the 

“Progress Report for Renewal” PDF file attachment noted above. 

Multiple PI leadership plan. For applications designating multiple PIs, a leadership plan must be included. For 

applications designating multiple PIs, all such individuals must be assigned the PI role on the Senior/Key 

Personnel Profile form, even those at organizations other than the applicant organization. A rationale for 

choosing a multiple PI approach should be described. The governance and organizational structure of the 

leadership team and the research project should be described, including communication plans, process for 

making decisions on scientific direction, and procedures for resolving conflicts. The roles and administrative, 

technical, and scientific responsibilities for the project or program should be delineated for the PIs and other 

collaborators. Do not submit a leadership plan if you are not submitting a multiple PI application. Reviewers 

use these pages in part to address the “Capabilities/Competencies” selection criterion. Attach this information 

as a separate PDF file titled “Multiple PI Leadership Plan.” 

If the application (including the budget) identifies any proposed non-competitive agreements that are or may 

be considered procurement "contracts" (rather than subawards), for purposes of federal grants administrative 

requirements, the applicant also must list the entities with which the applicant proposes to contract. 

List of other agencies, organizations, or funding sources to which this application has been submitted (if 

applicable). 

Note: applicants are not required to submit performance data with the application. Rather, performance measures 

information is included as an alert that successful applicants will be required to submit performance data as part of the 

reporting requirements under an award. 

OJP will require each successful applicant to submit regular performance data that demonstrate the results of the work 

carried out under the award. The performance data directly relate to the goals, objectives, and deliverables identified under 

“Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables” section. 

A list of performance measure questions for this program can be found on page 24. 

Applicants can also visit OJP’s performance measurement page at www.ojp.gov/performance for an overview of 

performance measurement activities at OJP. 

Award recipients will be required to submit performance measure data in quarterly financial reports, semi-annual progress 

reports, and the Final Research Report. Further guidance on the post-award submission process will be provided, if 

selected for award. 

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Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 

Applicants will submit the project's goals, objectives, deliverables, and timelines in the JustGrants Web-based form. See 

the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

Budget and Associated Documentation 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) 

Applicants will complete the JustGrants web-based budget form. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for 

additional information. NIJ encourages the budgeting of grant funds for open access publication costs. 

The following paragraph (on “Cofunding”) expressly modifies the “Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement” provisions in the 

OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. The applicant is to follow the guidance in the following paragraph instead of the 

guidance stated under the “Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement” heading in the OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide. 

Cofunding: An award made by NIJ under this solicitation may account for up to 100 percent of the total cost of the project. 

The application should indicate whether it is feasible for the applicant to contribute cash, facilities, or services as nonfederal support for the project. The application should identify generally any such contributions that the applicant expects 

to make and the proposed budget should indicate in detail which items, if any, will be supported with non-federal 

contributions. 

For additional match information, see the “Cost Sharing or Match Requirement” section under Federal Award Information. 

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. 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 

Applicants will submit their indirect cost rate agreement by uploading the agreement as an attachment in JustGrants. See 

the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

Financial Management Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status) 

Applicants will download the questionnaire in JustGrants and submit by uploading the completed questionnaire as an 

attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

Additional Application Components 

Applicants will attach the additional requested documentation in JustGrants. 

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 

Curriculum vitae, resumes, or biosketches of senior/key personnel should not exceed 5 pages per person. For the 

purposes of this solicitation, “senior/key personnel” means the principal investigator, all co-principal investigators, and 

other significant contributors. Reviewers use these pages in part to address the “Capabilities/Competencies” selection 

criterion. NIJ encourages use of the SciENcv standard format biosketch ((https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sciencv/). Attach 

this information as a separate PDF file titled “CVs of Key Personnel.” 

Tribal Authorizing Resolution 

If applicable, applicants will submit the Tribal Authorizing Resolution by uploading the resolution as an attachment in 

JustGrants. An application in response to this solicitation may require inclusion of information related to a tribal authorizing 

resolution as an attachment. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on tribal authorizing 

resolutions. 

Timeline Form 

Proposed project timeline and expected milestones. 

Letters of Support 

Letters of cooperation/support or administrative agreements from organizations collaborating in the project, such as law 

enforcement and correctional agencies (if applicable). Attach all appropriate letters of support, including any letters 

necessary to demonstrate the support of consortium participants and collaborators such as senior/key personnel and other 

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significant contributors included in the grant application. Letters are not required for personnel (such as research 

assistants) not contributing in a substantive, measurable way to the scientific development or execution of the project. 

Letters should stipulate expectations for co-authorship, and whether samples, data, or other resources promised in the 

letter are freely available to other investigators in the scientific community or will be provided to the particular investigators 

only. For consultants, letters should include rate/charge for consulting services and level of effort/number of hours per year 

anticipated. In addition, letters ensuring access to core facilities and resources should stipulate whether access will be 

provided as a fee-for-service. Combine and attach this information as one separate PDF file titled “Letters of Support”. 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 

If an application proposes research (including research and development) and/or evaluation, the applicant must 

demonstrate research/evaluation independence and integrity, including appropriate safeguards, before it may receive 

award funds. Applicants will submit a description of their research and evaluation independence and integrity by uploading 

the document as an attachment in JustGrants. For additional information regarding demonstrating research/evaluation 

independence and integrity, including appropriate safeguards, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

Bibliography/reference 

Provide a bibliography of any references cited in the Project Narrative. Each reference must include the names of all 

authors (in the same sequence in which they appear in the publication), the article and journal title, book title, volume 

number, page numbers, and year of publication. Include only bibliographic citations. While there is not a page limitation, it 

is important to be concise, and to select only those literature references pertinent to the proposed research. Attach this 

information as a separate PDF file titled “Bibliography and References Cited.” 

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

Any tools/instruments, questionnaires, tables/charts/graphs, or maps pertaining to the proposed project that are 

supplemental to such items included in the main body of the narrative. (Tables, charts, graphs, or other relevant 

illustrations that are essential for comprehension of the project/program design should be included in the main body of the 

narrative.) 

List of Individuals in the Application 

List of proposed project staff, affiliation, and roles. To assist OJP in assessing actual or apparent conflicts of interest 

(including such conflicts on the part of prospective reviewers of the application), provide a complete list of the individuals 

named or otherwise identified anywhere in the application (including in the budget or in any other attachment) who will or 

may work (or advise or consult) on the proposed research, development, or evaluation project. Applicants should use the “ 

Proposed Project Staff, Affiliation, and Roles” form available on the NIJ webpage to prepare this list. 

Human Subjects Protection 

Human Subjects Protection paperwork (documentation and forms related to Institutional Review Board [IRB] review). See 

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/human-subjects-and-privacy-protection. Note: Final IRB approval is not required at the time an 

application is submitted. 

Privacy Certificate 

Privacy Certificate (for further guidance go to https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/confidentiality-and-privacy-protections and 

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/model-privacy-certificate). 

Request to Use Incentives or Stipends 

Applicants proposing to use incentives or stipends payments as part of their research project design, must submit an 

incentive or stipend approval request, as a separate document, according to the requirements set forth at 

https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/participant-support-costs-and-incentives-social-scienceresearch. 

Data Archiving Plan 

NIJ considers the archiving and sharing of unique research resources developed through NIJ-sponsored research an 

important means to enhance the value and further the advancement of the research. When resources have been 

developed with NIJ funds and the associated research findings published or provided to NIJ, it is important that they be 

made readily available for research purposes to qualified individuals within the scientific community. 

Applications should include a brief plan about proposed data management and archiving, for all files and documentation 

necessary for others to reproduce or replicate the project’s findings. If awarded, applicants should expect to be 

required to archive data in accordance with this plan as approved by NIJ. Pertinent files and documentation may 

include, among other things, qualitative and quantitative data produced, instrumentation and data collection forms, 

codebook(s), any specialized programming code necessary to reproduce all constructed measures and the original data 

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analysis, description of necessary de-identification procedures, and (when required) a copy of the privacy certificate and 

informed consent protocols. Attach this information as a separate PDF file titled “Data Archiving Plan.” 

Documentation of “New Investigator” Status 

Documentation of “new investigator” status, if applicable. 

Consortium/Contractual Arrangements 

Explain the programmatic, fiscal, and administrative arrangements to be made between the applicant organization and the 

consortium organization(s). If consortium/contractual activities represent a significant portion of the overall project, explain 

why the applicant organization, rather than the ultimate performer of the activities, should be the grantee. Reviewers use 

these pages in part to address the “Project Design and Implementation” selection criterion. Attach this information as a 

separate PDF file titled “Consortium/Contractual Arrangements”. 

List of any previous and current NIJ awards 

List of any previous and current NIJ awards to the applicant and investigator(s), including the NIJ-assigned award numbers 

and a brief description of any scholarly products that resulted in whole or in part from work funded under the NIJ award(s). 

(See “Deliverables” under “Program-Specific Information,” above, for definition of “scholarly products.”) 

Potential Environmental Impact Coversheet and Checklist - National Environmental Policy 

Act (NEPA) 

Each applicant is to submit an NIJ Programmatic Coversheet and Checklist with its application to assist NIJ in assessing 

the potential environmental impacts of the activities proposed for funding by the applicant. Specifically, the applicant is 

expected to: 

Carefully read the Programmatic Environmental Assessment 

Complete the Cover Sheet and the attached the Programmatic Checklist; and 

Attach the completed documents to the grant application. 

The applicant should also submit a Cover Sheet and NIJ Programmatic Checklist for any organization identified in the Budget 

Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based form) that will receive grant funds through a sub-award or procurement contract to 

perform any of the following activities: new construction or renovations that change the basic prior use of a facility or significantly 

change the size; research and/or technology development that could be expected to have an effect on the environment; or 

implementation of programs involving the use of chemicals. For more information about NEPA and NIJ’s NEPA Process, please 

go to https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/national-environmental-policy-act-nepa. 

Disclosures and Assurances 

Applicants will complete the following disclosures and assurances. 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 

Applicants will complete and submit the SF-LLL in Grants.gov. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for 

additional information. 

DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 

See the DOJ Certified Standard Assurances in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 

Applicants will complete the JustGrants web-based Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items form. See the OJP 

Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information. 

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility 

Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements 

Applicants will review and accept the DOJ Certified Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other 

Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements. See OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High Risk Grantees (if applicable) 

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If applicable, applicants will submit as an attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for 

additional information. A DOJ High Risk Grantee is a recipient that has received a DOJ High Risk designation based on a 

documented history of unsatisfactory performance, financial instability, management system or other internal control 

deficiencies, or noncompliance with award terms and conditions on prior awards, or that is otherwise not responsible. 

How to Apply 

Applicants will submit an SF-424 and an SF-LLL in Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. 

Applicants will submit the full application including attachments in JustGrants at JustGrants.usdoj.gov. 

For additional information, see the “How to Apply” section in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

Submission Dates and Time 

The SF-424 and the SF-LLL will be submitted in Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on June 3, 2021. OJP urges 

applicants to submit applications at least 72 hours prior to the application due date to allow time for the applicant to receive 

validation messages or rejection notifications from Grants.gov and to correct in a timely fashion any problems that may 

have caused a rejection notification. 

The full application will be submitted in JustGrants by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on June 10, 2021. 

To be considered timely, the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by the JustGrants application deadline. 

Application Review Information 

Review Criteria 

a. Scored Review Criteria 

Depending on the number of applications received, applications may be categorized by scientific discipline into discrete 

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

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

how the proposed project addresses the following criteria: 

1. Statement of the Problem (10%) 

Demonstrated understanding of the problem(s) that exist in an identified forensic science field/discipline. 

Demonstrated awareness of the current state of the art and technologies, both in practice and in past/current 

research, directed at the described problem(s). 

2. Project Design and Implementation (40%). 

Soundness of methods and analytic and technical approach to addressing the stated aim(s) of the proposed 

project. The overall strategy, methodology, and analyses should be well reasoned and appropriate to 

accomplish the specific aims of the project. 

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

or methodology should be established and supported by preliminary data presented in or referenced in the proposal. 

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

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

record of the principal investigator and any co-principal investigator(s), and an outstanding scientific and 

management plan. 

Detailed description and justification of the sample type and sample size to be tested and approaches for data 

analysis are thorough and appropriate to accomplish the specific aims of the project. 

Awareness of potential pitfalls of proposed project design and feasibility of proposed actions to minimize and/or 

mitigate them. 

Feasibility of completing the deliverables noted in the solicitation (which include datasets, peer-reviewed journal 

articles, technological prototypes, patented inventions, etc., as appropriate). 

3. Potential Impact (30%) 

Potential for a significant scientific or technical advance(s) that will improve criminal/juvenile justice in the United 

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States, such as: 

Potential for significantly improved understanding of the stated forensic science problem. 

If the goals of the project are achieved, how will scientific knowledge, technical capability, and/or forensic 

science practice in the criminal justice system be improved? 

What is the likelihood that the project will exert a sustained, powerful influence on the forensic science field(s) 

related to criminal justice? 

Potential for innovative solution to address (all or a significant part of) the stated forensic science problem. 

How will successful completion change the concepts, methods, technologies, treatments, or services that drive 

the forensic science field as it relates to criminal justice? 

How will a successful project address the identified criminal justice or forensic science problem and associated 

critical barriers to progress? 

Strength and feasibility of the proposed dissemination plan to produce scholarly products (such as published, peerreviewed, scientific journal articles, book chapter(s) or book(s) in the academic press, technological prototypes, 

patented inventions, databases, standards or similar scientific products) as well as make summary information 

available to broader interested audiences, such as criminal justice practitioners or policymakers. 

4. Capabilities and Competencies (capabilities, demonstrated productivity, and experience of the applicant organization 

and proposed project staff) (20%) 

Qualifications and experience of proposed project staff (that is, the principal investigator, all co-principal 

investigators, and all other individuals (and organizations) identified in the application (regardless of 

“investigator” status) who will be significantly involved in substantive aspects of the proposed project). 

Demonstrated ability of proposed project staff to produce scholarly products. 

Strength of the scientific environment (e.g., institutional support, equipment and other physical resources, or 

collaborative arrangements) in which the work will be done and its contribution to the probability of success. 

Relationship between the capabilities/competencies of the proposed project staff (including the applicant 

organization) and the scope and methods of the proposed project. 

5. Budget (0%) 

In addition, peer reviewers will consider and may comment on the following additional items in the context of scientific and 

technical merit. 

Alignment of the proposed budget with proposed project activities. 

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

Appropriateness of the budget relative to the level of effort. 

Use of existing resources to conserve costs. 

Review Process 

Applications submitted under this solicitation that meet basic minimum requirements, will be evaluated for technical merit 

by a peer review panel(s) in accordance with OJP peer review policy and procedures using the stated review criteria 

above. 

OJP screens applications to ensure they meet the basic minimum requirements prior to conducting peer review. Although 

specific requirements may vary, the following are common requirements applicable to all solicitations for funding under 

OJP programs: 

The application must be submitted by an eligible type of applicant. 

The application must request funding within programmatic funding constraints (if applicable). 

The application must be responsive to the scope of the solicitation. 

The application must include all items necessary to meet the basic minimum requirements. 

The application, if submitted by an applicant that is a DOJ High Risk Grantee, or is designated “high risk” by 

a federal grant-making agency outside of DOJ, must not have been determined by the NIJ Director to pose a 

substantial risk of program implementation failure, based on 1) the applicant’s lack of sufficient progress in 

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addressing required corrective actions necessary for removal of the DOJ High Risk Grantee (or non-DOJ 

high risk) designation, 2) the nature and severity of the issues leading to or accompanying the DOJ High Risk 

Grantee (or non-DOJ high risk) designation, and/or 3) the applicant’s expected ability to manage grant funds 

and achieve grant goals and objectives. 

Peer review panels will evaluate, score, and rate applications that meet basic minimum requirements. NIJ may use 

external peer reviewers, internal peer reviewers, or a combination, to assess applications on technical merit using the 

solicitation’s review criteria. An external peer reviewer is an expert in the subject matter of a given solicitation who is not a 

current DOJ employee. An internal reviewer is a current DOJ employee who is well-versed or has expertise in the subject 

matter of this solicitation. Peer reviewers’ ratings and any resulting recommendations are advisory only, although reviewer 

views are considered carefully. 

Other important considerations for NIJ include priority consideration areas as described previously, geographic diversity, 

strategic priorities, past performance, available funding, the planned scholarly products, and the extent to which the 

Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative accurately explain project costs that are reasonable, necessary, and 

otherwise allowable under federal law and applicable federal cost principles. 

Pursuant to the Part 200 Uniform Requirements, before award decisions are made, OJP also reviews information related 

to the degree of risk posed by the applicant. 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 $250,000 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, 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 the applicant. 

All final award decisions will be made by the Director of the National Institute of Justice, who may take into account not 

only peer review ratings and NIJ recommendations, but also other factors as indicated in this section. 

Federal Award Administration Information 

Federal Award Notices 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on award notifications and instructions. 

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 

If selected for funding, in addition to implementing the funded project consistent with the OJP-approved application, the 

recipient must comply with all award conditions, and all applicable requirements of federal statutes and regulations 

(including applicable requirements referred to in the assurances and certifications executed in connection with award 

acceptance). 

For additional information on these legal requirements, see the “Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal 

Requirements” section in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. 

Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses 

An application in response to this solicitation may require inclusion of information related to information technology 

security. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on information technology security. 

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements 

In addition to the deliverables described in the Program Description section, any recipient of an award under this 

solicitation will be required to submit certain reports and data. 

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

final financial and progress reports, final research 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.) 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information on specific post-award reporting requirements, 

including performance measures data. 

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Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 

For questions directed to the Federal Awarding Agency, see NCJRS contact information on page 2. 

For contact information for Grants.gov, see page 2. 

Other Information 

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

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 

and 5 U.S.C. 552a). 

Provide Feedback to OJP 

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on how to provide feedback to OJP. 

Performance Measures 

Objective Performance Measure(s) Data Recipient Provides 

Conduct research in 

science, technology, 

engineering, and/or 

mathematics having clear 

implications for criminal or 

juvenile justice policy and 

1. Quality of the research as demonstrated 

by the scholarly products that result in whole 

or in part from work funded under the NIJ 

award, such as published, peer-reviewed, 

scientific journal articles, and/or (as 

appropriate for the funded project) law 

1. Quarterly financial reports, semi-annual 

and final progress reports, and products of 

the work performed under the NIJ award 

(including, at minimum, a final research 

report). If applicable, an annual audit report. 

practice in the United 

States. review journal articles, book chapter(s) or 

book(s) in the academic press, technological 

prototypes, patented inventions, or similar 

scientific products. 

2. List of citation(s) to all scholarly products 

that resulted in whole or in part from work 

funded under the NIJ award. 

2. Relevance to the needs of the field as 

measured by whether the project’s 

substantive scope did not deviate from the 

funded project or any subsequent agencyapproved modifications to the scope. 

3. Quality of management as measured by 

such factors as whether significant project 

milestones were achieved, reporting and 

other deadlines were met, and costs 

remained within approved limits. 

4. Number of technologies fielded as a 

result (in whole or in part) of work funded 

under the NIJ award. 

3. If applicable, each data set that resulted 

in whole or in part from work funded under 

the NIJ award. 

4. Description of all technologies fielded as 

a result (in whole or in part) of work funded 

under the NIJ award. 

Application Checklist 

Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes. Fiscal Year 2021 

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

What an Applicant Must Do: 

Prior to Registering in Grants.gov: 

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Acquire a DUNS Number (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Acquire or renew registration with SAM (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

To Register with Grants.gov: 

Acquire AOR and Grants.gov username/password (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Acquire AOR confirmation from the E-Biz POC (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

To Find Funding Opportunity: 

Search for the Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov 

Access Funding Opportunity and Application Package (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Sign up for Grants.gov email notifications (optional) (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Read Important Notice: Applying for Grants in Grants.gov 

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

ojp.gov/financialguide/DOJ/PostawardRequirements/chapter3.10a.htm (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Overview of Post-Award Legal Requirements: 

Review the “Overview of Legal Requirements Generally Applicable to OJP Grants and Cooperative Agreements -

FY 2021 Awards” in the OJP Funding Resource Center. 

Scope Requirement: 

The federal amount requested is within the allowable limit(s). 

Eligibility Requirement: 

State governments 

Special district governments 

City or township governments 

Public and State controlled institutions of higher education 

County governments 

Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities 

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) 

Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) 

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 

Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education 

Private institutions of higher education 

For profit organizations other than small businesses 

Independent school districts 

Small businesses 

Certain qualified individuals 

For purposes of this solicitation, the term “State” means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, the 

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

Mariana Islands. 

Foreign governments, foreign organizations, and foreign colleges and universities are not eligible to apply. Federal 

agencies are eligible to apply. (Any award made to a federal agency will be made as an inter-agency reimbursable 

agreement.) 

Submit SF-424 and SF-LLL in Grants.gov 

After SF-424 and SF-LLL Submission in Grants.gov, Receive Grants.gov Email Notifications That: 

Submission has been received in Grants.gov 

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Submission has either been successfully validated or rejected with errors (see OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide) 

If No Grants.gov Receipt, and Validation or Error Notifications are Received: 

Contact the NCJRS Response Center regarding technical difficulties (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Receive email notification to complete application in JustGrants: 

Complete Application in JustGrants 

Content of Application Submission: 

The following items are critical application elements required to pass Basic Minimum Requirements review.  An application 

that OJP determines does not include the application elements that must be included in the application submission in order 

for the application to meet the basic minimum requirements, will neither proceed to peer review, nor receive further 

consideration. 

Proposal Narrative (see page 13) 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based form) (see page 18) 

Curriculum Vitae/Resumes/Biosketches for Senior/Key Personnel (see page 18) 

~~~ 

Content of Application Submission 

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) in Grants.gov 

Standard Applicant Information (SF-424 info from Grants.gov) 

Proposal Abstract 

Proposal Narrative 

Budget and Associated Documentation 

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based form) 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Additional Application Components 

Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable) (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Potential Environmental Impact Coversheet and Checklist (NEPA) (see page 20) 

Data archiving plan 

Bibliography/references 

Any tools/instruments, questionnaires, tables/charts/graphs, or maps pertaining to the proposed study that 

supplement those in the narrative 

List of proposed project staff, affiliation, and roles 

Documentation of “new investigator” status (if applicable) 

Progress report for renewal and revision applications (if applicable) 

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Progress report publication list 

Multiple PI leadership plan 

Proposed project timeline and expected milestones 

Consortium/contractual arrangements 

Human subjects protection paperwork 

Privacy Certificate 

Letters of cooperation/support 

List of any previous and current NIJ awards to applicant organization and investigator(s) (if applicable) 

List of other agencies, organizations, or funding sources to which this proposal has been submitted (if applicable) 

Incentive or stipend approval request (if applicable) 

Disclosures and Assurances 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items (Pending Applications) (see OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide) 

DOJ Certified Standard Assurance (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free 

Workplace Requirements (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide) 

Applicant Disclosure and Justification - DOJ High Risk Grantees (if applicable) (see OJP Grant Application Resource 

Guide) 

Submit Application in JustGrants: 

Application has been successfully submitted in JustGrants 

If No JustGrants Application Submission, Validation, or Error Notifications are Received: 

Contact JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov or 833–872–5175 regarding technical difficulties 

Endnotes 

[1] The definition of “forensic” is taken from Webster’s II New Riverside University Dictionary. 

[2] The definition of “science” is taken from Webster’s II New Riverside University Dictionary. 

[3] Definition is taken from: OMB Circular A–11, Preparation, Submission, and Execution of the Budget, Section 

84—Character Classification (Schedule C). 

[4] Ibid. 

[5] Ibid. 

[6] If database development is proposed, subsequent NIJ awardees are encouraged to share such information with the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology’s forensic catalog of databases at https://www.nist.gov/oles/forensicdatabase. 

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[7] https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FY-21-RD-Budget-Priorities.pdf 

[8] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-maintaining-american-leadership-artificial-intelligence/ 

[9] https://www.nano.gov/sites/default/files/pub_resource/2016-nni-strategic-plan.pdf 

[10] https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FY-21-RD-Budget-Priorities.pdf 

[11] https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/FY-21-RD-Budget-Priorities.pdf 

[12] Typically, the appropriate faculty rank is that of “Assistant Professor,” although some institutions may use a different 

title to designate junior faculty status. 

[13] https://www.nap.edu/catalog/25303/reproducibility-and-replicability-in-science 

[14] As noted earlier, if the proposed program or project reasonably could be conducted in discrete phases, with each 

phase resulting in completion of one or more significant, defined milestones, then NIJ strongly recommends that the 

applicant structure the application – specifically including the narrative, expected scholarly products, timelines/milestones, 

and budget detail worksheet and budget narrative – to set out each phase clearly. (In appropriate cases, the expected 

scholarly product(s) from a particular phase may vary from those described above.) See generally “Deliverables” under 

“Program-Specific Information,” above. 

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