MODIFICATION NOTICE

On February 24, 2015, the deadline for applications under this solicitation was changed from 

April 27, 2015 to June 22, 2015.

For questions or concerns related to this solicitation, please 

contact Charles.Heurich@usdoj.gov.
NIJ-2015-3987

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

Office of Justice Programs Approval Expires 07/31/2016

National Institute of Justice

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

Justice (NIJ) is seeking applications for funding under the DNA Arrestee Collection Process 

Implementation Grants Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by offering 

assistance to eligible States with existing designated DNA database laboratories to help defray 

the costs associated with the implementation of DNA arrestee collection processes, to improve 

the capacity of laboratories that conduct DNA analysis of DNA database samples.

FY 2015 NIJ DNA Arrestee Collection Process 

Implementation Grants Program

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are States with a designated existing crime laboratory that conducts analysis 

of DNA database samples. For additional eligibility information regarding the applicant’s 

designated DNA database laboratory, see page 9. Also, to be eligible for an award, an applicant 

must submit a certification from the chief legal officer of the State, as specified under Section C. 

Eligibility Information. FY 2014 DNA Arrestee Collection Process Implementation Grants 

Program awardees are not eligible to apply.

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

Deadline

Applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application. All applications are 

due to be submitted and in receipt of a successful validation message in Grants.gov by 

11:59 p.m. eastern time on June 22, 2015.

All applicants are encouraged to read this Important Notice: Applying for Grants in 

Grants.gov.

For additional information, see How To Apply in section D. Application and Submission 

Information.

Contact Information

For technical assistance with submitting an application, contact the Grants.gov Customer 

Support Hotline at 800-518-4726 or 606-545-5035, or via e-mail to support@grants.gov.

The Grants.gov Support Hotline hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except 

federal holidays. 

Applicants that experience unforeseen Grants.gov technical issues beyond their control that 

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

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

submit their application. Additional information on reporting technical issues is found under

“Experiencing Unforeseen Grants.gov Technical Issues” in the How To Apply section. 

For assistance with any other requirements of this solicitation, contact Charles Heurich, Senior 

Program Manager, by telephone at 202-616-6264, or by e-mail at Charles.Heurich@usdoj.gov.

Grants.gov number assigned to this announcement: NIJ-2015-3987

Release date: February 11, 2015

SL001156
NIJ-2015-3987

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Contents

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

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

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

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables .........................................................................................4

Evidence-Based Programs or Practices ...................................................................................4

B. Federal Award Information .......................................................................................................5

Type of Award...........................................................................................................................5

Budget Information....................................................................................................................6

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement.........................................................................................8

Pre-Agreement Cost Approvals ................................................................................................8

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation; Waiver.................................8

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs .....................9

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) .....................................................9

C. Eligibility Information ................................................................................................................9

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

Limit on Number of Application Submissions..........................................................................11

D. Application and Submission Information ................................................................................11

What an Application Should Include .......................................................................................11

How To Apply..........................................................................................................................18

E. Application Review Information ..............................................................................................20

Selection Criteria.....................................................................................................................20

Review Process ......................................................................................................................22

F. Federal Award Administration.................................................................................................23

Federal Award Notices............................................................................................................23

Administrative, National Policy, and other Legal Requirements .............................................23

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements..............................24

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) ....................................................................................24

H. Other Information ...................................................................................................................24

Provide Feedback to OJP .......................................................................................................24

Application Checklist...............................................................................................................26

Appendix I: Certification Template...............................................................................................28
NIJ-2015-3987

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FY 2015 NIJ DNA Arrestee Collection Process 

Implementation Grants Program

(CFDA No. 16.741)

A. Program Description

Overview

NIJ seeks applications from eligible States with designated DNA database laboratories for 

funding to assist with the costs associated with the implementation of DNA arrestee collection 

processes, in keeping with the purposes of the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 

2012 (Public Law 112-253), thereby helping to improve the capacity of laboratories that

conduct DNA analysis of DNA database samples.

Authorizing Legislation: Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2015 (Public Law 113-235).

Program-Specific Information

This solicitation seeks applications for funds to assist States with designated DNA database 

laboratories with the costs associated with the implementation of DNA arrestee collection 

processes, in keeping with the purposes of the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of

2012 (Public Law 112-253), thereby helping to improve the capacity of laboratories that

conduct DNA analysis of DNA database samples.

For the purposes of this announcement, “DNA arrestee collection process” means a process 

under which the State provides for the collection, for purposes of inclusion in the National DNA 

Index System (NDIS), of DNA profiles or DNA data from the following individuals who are at

least 18 years of age:

a. Individuals who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense under State law that 

consists of a homicide.

b. Individuals who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense under State law that 

has an element involving a sexual act or sexual contact with another and that is 

punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

c. Individuals who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense under State law that 

has an element of kidnapping or abduction and that is punishable by imprisonment for 

more than one year.

d. Individuals who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense under State law that 

consists of burglary punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

e. Individuals who are arrested for or charged with a criminal offense under State law that 

consists of aggravated assault punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
NIJ-2015-3987

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Non-supplanting: As the primary purpose of this program is to assist States by defraying DNA 

arrestee process implementation costs, successful applicants will be expected to provide 

assurances, as a condition of receiving grant funds under this program, that the funds will be 

used to supplement, not supplant, State funds that would otherwise be available for the 

purposes described in this solicitation. NIJ will include grant special conditions to this effect in 

any award made from this solicitation.

Expungement of profiles: If funded, applicants must agree to provide to NIJ (within 60 days of 

award notification) as a condition of receiving access to grant funds, documentation that 

demonstrates that the applicant has a procedure in place to—

• Provide written notification of expungement provisions and instructions for requesting 

expungement to all persons who submit a DNA profile or DNA data for inclusion in the

index.

• Provide the eligibility criteria for expungement and instructions for requesting 

expungement on an appropriate public web site.

• Make a determination on all expungement requests not later than 90 days after receipt

and provide a written response of the determination to the requesting party.

If this information is available for inclusion with the application, applicants are encouraged to 

include documentation of procedures regarding expungement of profiles, as described above, 

with the application for funding.

Also, in addition to any requirements under State (or other applicable) law, States must adhere 

to applicable federal expungement of records requirements for States described in 42 U.S.C. § 

14132(d)(2).

Please note: No profiles generated with funding from this program may be entered into any 

non-governmental DNA database without prior express written approval from NIJ.

All DNA analyses conducted and profiles generated under this program must be maintained 

pursuant to all applicable federal privacy requirements, including those described in 42 U.S.C. 

§ 14132(b)(3).

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables

The goal of this program is for States to implement an arrestee DNA collection program in 

keeping with the purposes of the Katie Sepich Enhanced DNA Collection Act of 2012 (Public 

Law 112-253). The program objectives are for States to develop and/or enhance the 

infrastructure(s) and process(es) needed to implement and sustain an arrestee DNA collection

program. The project plan should discuss, in detail, how the proposed program would absorb 

any additional samples anticipated should the proposed project be implemented as planned.

Evidence-Based Programs or Practices

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

development in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. OJP is committed to:
NIJ-2015-3987

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• Improving the quantity and quality of evidence OJP generates.

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

field.

• Improving the translation of evidence into practice.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

juvenile justice, and crime victim services.

B. Federal Award Information 

NIJ estimates that it will make awards of up to $500,000 for an estimated total of $1,500,000 for 

a 12-month project period, beginning on October 1, 2015.

Funding under this program will be provided to an agency only once, so successful applicants 

that receive FY 2015 grants should not expect to submit a subsequent application for funding 

under this program.

FY 2014 DNA Arrestee Collection Process Implementation Grants Program awardees are not 

eligible to apply.

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

additional requirements that may be imposed by law.

Type of Award1

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

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls

If selected for funding, the award recipient must:

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

reasonable assurance that the non-Federal entity is managing the Federal award in 

compliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the 

Federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in 

“Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller 

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

including grants and cooperative agreements (a type of grant)).
NIJ-2015-3987

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General of the United States and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by 

the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

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

awards.

c) Evaluate and monitor the non-Federal entity's compliance with statute, regulations and 

the terms and conditions of Federal awards.

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

noncompliance identified in audit findings.

e) Take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally identifiable information 

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

sensitive or the non-Federal entity considers sensitive consistent with applicable 

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

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

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

Management Online Training available here.

Budget Information

Permissible Expenses

Permissible uses of funds for eligible applicants for assistance with in-house analysis, 

data review, and upload of data to NDIS may include the following:

1. Overtime. Funds may be used for overtime of existing in-house laboratory employees 

directly engaged in (a) handling and analyzing DNA database samples, including 

handling and analyzing quality-assurance samples, and (b) data review of profiles 

generated in-house that, due to the lack of laboratory resources, have yet to be reviewed 

and entered into NDIS. Any payments for overtime must be in accordance with the 

applicable provisions of the Financial Guide, available

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

2. Certain Supplies. Funds may be used to acquire commercially available polymerase 

chain reaction (PCR) kits accepted by NDIS and other laboratory supplies for analysis of 

DNA database samples, including analysis of quality assurance samples.

3. Administrative Expenses. Up to three percent of the federal portion of an award under 

this program may be used for direct or indirect administrative expenses specifically 

related to grant administration and management. Applicants submitting budgets that 

include indirect costs must submit documentation of their federally approved indirect cost 

rate, but may not request indirect costs or direct costs in excess of three percent.

Permissible uses of funds for eligible applicants for assistance with analysis of DNA 

database samples by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory and data review of the 

resulting profiles may include the following:
NIJ-2015-3987

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1. Overtime. Funds may be used for overtime of laboratory employees directly engaged in 

data review of DNA database profiles generated by an accredited fee-for-service 

laboratory. Any payments for overtime must be in accordance with the applicable 

provisions of the Financial Guide, available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/.

2. Contracts. Funds may be used to establish a contract for analyzing DNA database 

samples with an accredited fee-for-service laboratory. Procurements under Federal 

awards are subject to the “Procurement Standards” set forth in 2 C.F.R. 200 (“Subpart 

D—Post Federal Award Requirements”) – including the provisions relating to competition 

– and other applicable law.

3. Administrative Expenses. Up to three percent of the federal portion of an award under 

this program may be used for direct or indirect administrative expenses specifically 

related to grant administration and management. Applicants submitting budgets that 

include indirect costs must submit documentation of their federally approved indirect cost 

rate, but may not request indirect costs or direct costs in excess of three percent.

Permissible uses of funds for eligible applicants solely for assistance with review and 

upload to NDIS of DNA profile data generated from DNA database samples by an 

accredited fee-for-service laboratory may include the following:

1. Overtime for Existing Laboratory Employees. Funds may be used to pay overtime for 

existing laboratory employees who will be directly engaged in the review of DNA profiles 

generated by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory. Any payments for overtime must 

be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Financial Guide, available

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

2. Administrative Expenses. Up to three percent of the federal portion of an award under 

this program may be used for direct or indirect administrative expenses specifically 

related to grant administration and management. Applicants submitting budgets that 

include indirect costs must submit documentation of their federally approved indirect cost 

rate, but may not request indirect costs or direct costs in excess of three percent.

Expenses that are not permitted:

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

expenses outlined above. Applicants must be careful not to request items that may be 

duplicated in any DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program award to

the applicant agency currently open. Among other things, funds may not be used for:

1. Salaries and Benefits for Existing Staff. Funds may not be used to pay salaries and/or 

benefits for existing staff, other than overtime as discussed above.

2. Salaries and Benefits for Additional Staff. Funds may not be used to hire and pay 

salaries and/or benefits for additional staff.

3. Consultant and Contractor Services for In-House Sample Analysis.

4. Payment for Technical Review of Data to Individuals Who Do Not Meet Standard

17.5.2 of the Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories 

Established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This standard 
NIJ-2015-3987

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currently states, in relevant part, “A technical review of a vendor laboratory’s DNA data 

shall be performed by an analyst or technical reviewer, employed by the NDIS 

participating laboratory, who is qualified or was previously qualified in the technology, 

platform, and test kit used to generate the DNA data, and participates in the laboratory’s 

proficiency testing program.”

5. Travel.

6. Construction.

7. Training or Continuing Education.

8. Accreditation.

9. Laboratory and Computer Equipment for the DNA Database Laboratory.

10. Renovations.

11. Other Capacity Enhancement Expenses. Funds may not be used to purchase 

software, such as expert systems and Laboratory Information Management Systems.

12. Administrative Expenses that Exceed Three Percent. Direct or indirect administrative 

expenses that exceed three percent of the federal portion of the award are not permitted.

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement

See “Cofunding” paragraph under item 4 (“Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative”) 

under What an Application Should Include in Section D. Application and Submission 

Information.

Pre-Agreement Cost Approvals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation; Waiver

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

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

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

payable to a member of the Federal Government’s Senior Executive Service (SES) at an 
NIJ-2015-3987

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agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year.2 The 2015 salary 

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

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

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

not be considered matching funds where match requirements apply.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

at www.ojp.gov/financialguide/PostawardRequirements/chapter15page1.htm. OJP policy and 

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

prior written approval (which may affect project timelines) of most such costs for cooperative 

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

including a general prohibition of all food and beverage costs.

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable)

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

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

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

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

services where appropriate.

For additional information, see the "Civil Rights Compliance" section under “Solicitation 

Requirements” in the OJP Funding Resource Center.

C. Eligibility Information 

Please refer to the title page for important eligibility information under this program. 

Additional eligibility information: Eligible applicants are States with a designated existing 

crime laboratory that conducts analysis of DNA database samples, provided the designated 

DNA database laboratory meets all of the following requirements: 

 2 This limitation on use of award funds does not apply to the non-profit organizations specifically named at Appendix 

VIII to 2 C.F.R. part 200.
NIJ-2015-3987

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• The laboratory is accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively 

involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science 

community. 

• The laboratory is a participant in the National DNA Index System (NDIS). 

• The laboratory undergoes external audits, not less than once every 2 years, to 

demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the Quality Assurance Standards for 

DNA Databasing Laboratories established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation. 

Certification as to the State’s legal authority to implement a DNA arrestee collection 

process in the applicant State: To be eligible for an award, the applicant State must submit an 

express certification from its chief legal officer (typically the Attorney General) that one (only 

one) of the following two circumstances (options (1) or (2) shown immediately below) applies 

with respect to the applicant State:

1. The State has legal authority to implement a DNA arrestee collection process in the 

applicant State under a State statute enacted on or after January 1, 2013. 

2. The State has legal authority to implement a DNA arrestee collection process in the 

applicant State under a State statute enacted prior to January 1, 2013, but with regard to 

which the State is submitting documentation with this application for funding that—

a. Details the State’s plan (or statutory scheme), developed prior to January 1, 

2013, to implement a DNA arrestee collection process in the applicant State on 

or after January 1, 2013; or 

b. Explains how the State’s request for funds via this application would be used to 

implement enhancements or other changes to existing DNA arrestee collection 

processes within the State pursuant to the enactment of legal authority to collect 

DNA arrestee samples from individuals arrested or charged with crimes with 

respect to which such legal authority was not previously available. 

Any certification that is submitted must be personally executed by the chief legal officer of the 

State after a determination that the certification may properly be made. To establish eligibility, 

the certification must be received by NIJ no later than the application deadline as an 

attachment to the application. See also “What an Application Should Include” below 

and Appendix I, which includes a template for the certification. This certification must be 

submitted using the template that appears in Appendix I. 

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement

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

Award Information.
NIJ-2015-3987

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Limit on Number of Application Submissions

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

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

see How To Apply.

D. Application and Submission Information

What an Application Should Include

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

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

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

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

conditions.

Moreover, applicants should anticipate that applications that are determined to be 

nonresponsive to the scope of the solicitation, or that do not include the application elements 

that NIJ has designated to be critical, will neither proceed to peer review nor receive further 

consideration. Under this solicitation, NIJ has designated the following application elements as 

critical: Program Narrative; Budget Detail Worksheet, Budget Narrative; resumes/curriculum 

vitae of key personnel; and the required express certification from the chief legal officer of the 

State, and any accompanying documentation (see Section C. Eligibility Information, 

and Appendix I). Applicants may combine the Budget Narrative and the Budget Detail 

Worksheet in one document. However, if an applicant submits only one budget document, it 

must contain both narrative and detail information. Please review the “Note on File Names and 

File Types” under How To Apply to be sure applications are submitted in permitted formats.

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

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

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

applicants include resumes in a single file.

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

The SF-424 is a required standard form used as a cover sheet for submission of preapplications, applications, and related information. Grants.gov and OJP’s Grants 

Management System (GMS) take information from the applicant’s profile to populate the 

fields on this form. When selecting "type of applicant," if the applicant is a for-profit entity, 

select "For-Profit Organization" or "Small Business" (as applicable).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

process. (Applicants whose state does not appear on the SPOC list are to make the 
NIJ-2015-3987

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appropriate selection in response to question 19 to indicate that the “Program is subject to 

E.O. 12372 but has not been selected by the State for review.”)

2. Project Abstract

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

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

• Written for a general public audience.

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

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

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

program narrative. 

All project abstracts should follow the detailed template available 

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

3. Program Narrative

The program narrative section of the application should not exceed 15 double-spaced pages 

in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. If included in the main body of the program narrative, 

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

section. The project abstract, table of contents, appendices, and government forms do not 

count toward the 15-page limit.

If the program narrative fails to comply with these length-related restrictions, NIJ may

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

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

a. Statement of the Problem.

b. Project Design and Implementation.

c. Capabilities and Competencies.

d. Impact and Outcomes; Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s 

Performance Measures.

To assist the Department with fulfilling its responsibilities under the Government Performance 

and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), Public Law 103-62, and the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010, 

Public Law 111–352, applicants that receive funding under this solicitation must provide data 

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

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

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

for this solicitation are as follows:
NIJ-2015-3987

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Objective Performance Measure(s) Data Grantee Provides

To perform DNA 

analysis on arrestee 

DNA samples as part of 

an arrestee DNA 

collection program

Percentage of samples 

subjected to DNA analysis

Number of eligible arrestee DNA samples 

subjected to DNA analysis

Number of eligible arrestee DNA samples 

collected (if applicable).

To enter DNA profiles 

into the FBI’s National 

DNA Index System 

using CODIS version 

7.0

Percent of DNA profiles 

resulting in a CODIS match.

Number of eligible Arrestee DNA profiles 

resulting in a CODIS match resulting from 

DNA analysis of arrestee samples funded 

under this award (if applicable).

Number of eligible Arrestee DNA profiles 

entered into CODIS resulting from DNA 

analysis of arrestee samples funded 

under this award (if applicable).

To improve an 

arrestee DNA 

collection program (if 

applicable)

Number of new policies, 

procedures, strategies or 

interventions developed to 

improve an arrestee DNA 

collection program 

Number and description of new policies, 

procedures, strategies or interventions 

developed to improve an arrestee DNA 

collection program based on project 

evaluations to generate internal 

improvements (if applicable)

Number of new policies, 

procedures, strategies or 

interventions implemented to 

improve an arrestee DNA 

collection program

Number and description of new policies, 

procedures, strategies or interventions 

implemented to improve an arrestee DNA 

collection program based on project 

evaluations to generate internal 

improvements (if applicable)

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

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

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

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

required data, should they receive funding.

Note on Project Evaluations

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

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

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

purposes of applicable DOJ human subjects protection regulations. However, project 
NIJ-2015-3987

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subjects” section of the OJP Funding Resource Center Web page 

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

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

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

4. Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative

a. Budget Detail Worksheet 

A sample Budget Detail Worksheet can be found 

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

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

the sample budget worksheet.

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

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

b. Budget Narrative

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

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

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

activities).

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

effectiveness of grant expenditures. Budget narratives should generally describe cost 

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

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

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

used to reduce costs, without compromising quality.

The narrative should be mathematically sound and correspond with the information and 

figures provided in the Budget Detail Worksheet. The narrative should explain how the 

applicant estimated and calculated all costs, and how they are relevant to the completion 

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

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

Narrative should be broken down by year.
NIJ-2015-3987

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c. 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 non-federal 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 B. 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.

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

Threshold

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

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

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

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

the Financial Guide.

e. Pre-Agreement Cost Approvals

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

5. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Applicant Disclosure of High Risk Status

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

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

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

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

to OJPComplianceReporting@usdoj.gov at the time of application submission:
NIJ-2015-3987

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

• Date the applicant was designated high risk;

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

federal agency; and

• Reasons for the high risk status;

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

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

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

included, if necessary, in award documentation.

7. Additional Attachments

a. Applicant Disclosure of Pending Applications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leveraging multiple funding sources in a complementary manner to implement 

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

duplication.

Applicants that have pending applications as described above are to provide the 

following information about pending applications submitted within the last 12 months:

• The federal or State funding agency.

• The solicitation name/project name.

• The point of contact information at the applicable funding agency.
NIJ-2015-3987

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SAMPLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

b. Certification as to the State’s legal authority to implement a DNA arrestee 

collection process in the applicant State

As described above in Section C. Eligibility Information, to be eligible for an award, a

State must submit a specific certification personally executed by its chief legal officer

(typically the Attorney General) as to the State’s legal authority to implement a DNA

arrestee collection process in the applicant State. A template for the certification

appears in Appendix I. Any such certification—along with any accompanying

documentation for applicant States whose applicable arrestee collection legislation

was enacted prior to January 1, 2013—must be received by NIJ by the application

deadline, as an attachment, or the application will neither proceed to peer

review nor receive further consideration.

8. Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire

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

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

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

complete, and submit this form.

9. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

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

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

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

Federal or 

State 

Funding 

Agency 

Solicitation 

Name/Project 

Name

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

Funding Agency

DOJ/COPS COPS Hiring 

Program

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

HHS/ 

Substance 

Abuse & 

Mental Health 

Services 

Administration

Drug Free 

Communities 

Mentoring Program/ 

North County Youth 

Mentoring Program

John Doe, 202/000-0000; john.doe@hhs.gov
NIJ-2015-3987

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

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

How To Apply

Applicants must register in, and submit applications through Grants.gov, a “one-stop storefront” 

to find federal funding opportunities and apply for funding. Find complete instructions on how to 

register and submit an application at www.Grants.gov. Applicants that experience technical 

difficulties during this process should call the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800-518-

4726 or 606–545–5035, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays. Registering 

with Grants.gov is a one-time process; however, processing delays may occur, and it can 

take several weeks for first-time registrants to receive confirmation and a user password. OJP 

encourages applicants to register several weeks before the application submission deadline. 

In addition, OJP urges applicants to submit applications 72 hours prior to the application due 

date to allow time 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.

NIJ strongly encourages all prospective applicants to sign up for Grants.gov email notifications 

regarding this solicitation. If this solicitation is cancelled or modified, individuals who sign up with 

Grants.gov for updates will be automatically notified.

Note on File Names and File Types: Grants.gov only permits the use of certain specific

characters in names of attachment files. Valid file names may include only the characters shown 

in the table below. Grants.gov is designed to reject any application that includes an 

attachment(s) with a file name that contains any characters not shown in the table below. 

Characters Special Characters

Upper case (A – Z) Parenthesis ( ) Curly braces { } Square brackets [ ]

Lower case (a – z) Ampersand (&) Tilde (~) Exclamation point (!)

Underscore (__) Comma ( , ) Semicolon ( ; ) Apostrophe ( ‘ )

Hyphen ( - ) At sign (@) Number sign (#) Dollar sign ($)

Space Percent sign (%) Plus sign (+) Equal sign (=)

Period (.) When using the ampersand (&) in XML, applicants must use the “&” 

format.

Grants.gov is designed to forward successfully submitted applications to OJP’s Grants 

Management System (GMS).

GMS does not accept executable file types as application attachments. These disallowed 

file types include, but are not limited to, the following extensions: “.com,” “.bat,” “.exe,” “.vbs,” 

“.cfg,” “.dat,” “.db,” “.dbf,” “.dll,” “.ini,” “.log,” “.ora,” “.sys,” and “.zip.” GMS may reject applications 

with files that use these extensions. It is important to allow time to change the type of file(s) if 

the application is rejected.

All applicants are required to complete the following steps:

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

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

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

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

award and use that determination as a basis for making a federal award to another applicant.
NIJ-2015-3987

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

number will be used throughout the grant life cycle. Obtaining a DUNS number is a free, 

one-time activity. Call Dun and Bradstreet at 866–705–5711 to obtain a DUNS number or 

apply online at www.dnb.com. A DUNS number is usually received within 1-2 business days.

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

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

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

assistance to maintain current registrations in the SAM database. Applicants must be 

registered in SAM to successfully register in Grants.gov. Applicants must update or renew 

their SAM registration annually to maintain an active status.

Applications cannot be successfully submitted in Grants.gov until Grants.gov receives the 

SAM registration information. The information transfer from SAM to Grants.gov can take 

up to 48 hours. OJP recommends that the applicant register or renew registration with SAM 

as early as possible.

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

3. Acquire an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and a Grants.gov 

username and password. Complete the AOR profile on Grants.gov and create a username 

and password. The applicant organization’s DUNS number must be used to complete this 

step. For more information about the registration process, go 

to www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.

4. Acquire confirmation for the AOR from the E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC). 

The E-Biz POC at the applicant organization must log into Grants.gov to confirm the 

applicant organization’s AOR. Note that an organization can have more than one AOR.

5. Search for the funding opportunity on Grants.gov. Use the following identifying 

information when searching for the funding opportunity on Grants.gov. The Catalog of 

Federal Domestic Assistance number for this solicitation is 16.741, titled “DNA Backlog 

Reduction Program,” and the funding opportunity number is NIJ-2015-3987.

6. Submit a valid application consistent with this solicitation by following the directions 

in Grants.gov. Within 24–48 hours after submitting the electronic application, the applicant 

should receive two notifications from Grants.gov. The first will confirm the receipt of the 

application and the second will state whether the application has been successfully

validated, or rejected due to errors, with an explanation. It is possible to first receive a 

message indicating that the application is received and then receive a rejection notice a few 

minutes or hours later. Submitting well ahead of the deadline provides time to correct the 

problem(s) that caused the rejection. Important: OJP urges applicants to submit 

applications at least 72 hours prior to the application due date to allow time to receive 
NIJ-2015-3987

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validation messages or rejection notifications from Grants.gov, and to correct in a timely 

fashion any problems that may have caused a rejection notification.

Click here for further details on DUNS, SAM, and Grants.gov registration steps and 

timeframes.

Note: Duplicate Applications

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

recent system-validated version submitted. See Note on File Names and File Types under How 

To Apply.

Experiencing Unforeseen Grants.gov Technical Issues

Applicants that experience unforeseen Grants.gov technical issues beyond their control that 

prevent them from submitting their application by the deadline must contact the 

Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline or the SAM Help Desk to report the technical issue and 

receive a tracking number. Then applicant must e-mail the NIJ contact identified in the Contact 

Information section on page 1 within 24 hours after the application deadline and request 

approval to submit their application. The e-mail must describe the technical difficulties, and 

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

applicant’s DUNS number, and any Grants.gov Help Desk or SAM tracking number(s). Note: 

NIJ does not automatically approve requests. After the program office reviews the 

submission, and contacts the Grants.gov or SAM Help Desks to validate the reported technical 

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

approved or denied. If OJP determines that the applicant failed to follow all required procedures,

which resulted in an untimely application submission, OJP will deny the applicant’s request to 

submit their application. 

The following conditions are generally insufficient to justify late submissions:

• Failure to register in SAM or Grants.gov in sufficient time.

• Failure to follow Grants.gov instructions on how to register and apply as posted on its 

website.

• Failure to follow each instruction in the OJP solicitation.

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

including firewalls.

Notifications regarding known technical problems with Grants.gov, if any, are posted at 

the top of the OJP funding Web page 

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

E. Application Review Information

Selection Criteria

1. Statement of the Problem (10%)

Applicants should supply information demonstrating an understanding of the problem 

and the expected impact of the funding in solving cases with DNA.
NIJ-2015-3987

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2. Project Design and Implementation (40%)

a. Soundness of methods and analytic and technical approach to addressing the 

stated aim(s) of the proposed project

b. Feasibility of the proposed project.

c. Awareness of potential pitfalls of proposed project design and feasibility or 

proposed actions to minimize and/or mitigate them.

d. Innovation and creativity (when appropriate).

3. Capabilities and Competencies (20%)

a. Qualifications and experience of proposed staff.

b. Demonstrated ability of proposed staff and organization to manage the effort.

c. Adequacy of the plan to manage the project, including how various tasks are 

subdivided and resources are used.

d. Successful past performance on NIJ grants and contracts (when applicable).

4. Impact and Outcomes; Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s 

Performance Measures (20%)

a. Potential impact on participating laboratories of any new arrestee samples to be 

collected under this program.

b. Plan for collecting data and/or performance measures.

5. Budget: complete, cost effective, and allowable (e.g., reasonable, allocable, and 

necessary for project activities). Budget narratives should generally demonstrate how 

applicants will maximize cost effectiveness of grant expenditures. Budget narratives 

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

of the project.

3 (10%)

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

b. Appropriateness of the budget relative to the level of effort.

c. Use of existing resources to conserve costs.

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

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

costs.
NIJ-2015-3987

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Review Process

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

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

measurable, and achievable, as well as consistent with the solicitation.

Peer reviewers will review the applications submitted under this solicitation that meet basic 

minimum requirements. For purposes of assessing whether applicants have met basic minimum 

requirements, OJP screens applications for compliance with specified program requirements to 

help determine which applications should proceed to further consideration for award. Although 

program requirements may vary, the following are common requirements applicable to all 

solicitations for funding under OJP grant programs:

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

• Applications must request funding within programmatic funding constraints (if 

applicable).

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

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

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

Parties List.

For a list of critical elements, see “What an Application Should Include” under Section D. 

Application and Submission Information.

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

applications meeting basic minimum requirements on technical merit using the solicitation’s 

selection 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. A peer review panel 

will evaluate, score, and rate applications that meet basic minimum requirements. Peer 

reviewers’ ratings and any resulting recommendations are advisory only, although their views 

are considered carefully. In addition to peer review ratings, considerations for award 

recommendations and decisions may include, but are not limited to, underserved populations, 

geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past performance under prior NIJ and OJP awards, and 

available funding.

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

applicants before they receive an award. This review may include but is not limited to the 

following:

1. Financial stability and fiscal integrity.

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

prescribed in the Financial Guide.

3. History of performance.
NIJ-2015-3987

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4. Reports and findings from audits.

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

requirements imposed on non-Federal entities.

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

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

and allowable under applicable federal cost principles and agency regulations

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

award decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General, who may consider factors 

including, but not limited to, peer review ratings, underserved populations, geographic diversity, 

strategic priorities, past performance under prior NIJ and OJP awards, and available funding 

when making awards.

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Federal Award Notices

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

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

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

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

Administrative, National Policy, and other Legal Requirements

If selected for funding, in addition to implementing the funded project consistent with the 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility

Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements

• Standard Assurances

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

prospective award recipient. In addition to other award information, the award document 
NIJ-2015-3987

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contains award terms and conditions that specify national policy requirements4 with which 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

program. 

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

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

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

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements

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

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

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

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

or administrative obligations of the recipient or the program.

Final Project Report

Before the end of the project period, grantees must provide an overall summary of the project, 

documenting project objectives, design and methods, results, and analysis of impact. Specific 

commentary regarding the degree of completion of planned project goals is required. The final 

project report should be submitted 30 days prior to the project end date.

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

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

For additional contact information for Grants.gov, see the Title page.

H. Other Information

Provide Feedback to OJP

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

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

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

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

to recipients of Federal awards, including the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA).
NIJ-2015-3987

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

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

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

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

who can address your specific questions in a timely manner.

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

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

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

reviewer in a competition in which you or your organization have submitted an application.
NIJ-2015-3987

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Application Checklist

FY 2015 NIJ DNA Arrestee Collection Process 

Implementation Grants Program

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

What an Applicant Should Do: 

Prior to Registering in Grants.gov:

_____ Acquire a DUNS Number (see page 19)

_____ Acquire or renew registration with SAM (see page 19)

To Register with Grants.gov: 

_____ Acquire AOR and Grants.gov username/password (see page 19)

_____ Acquire AOR confirmation from the E-Biz POC (see page 19)

To Find Funding Opportunity:

_____ Search for the Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov (see page 19)

_____ Download Funding Opportunity and Application Package (see page 19)

_____ Sign up for Grants.gov email notifications (optional) (see page 18)

_____ Read Important Notice: Applying for Grants in Grants.gov

After application submission, receive Grants.gov email notifications that:

_____ (1) application has been received,

_____ (2) application has either been successfully validated or rejected with errors

 (see page 19)

If no Grants.gov receipt, and validation or error notifications are received:

_____ contact NIJ regarding experiencing technical difficulties (see page 20)

General Requirements:

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

Scope Requirement:

_____ The federal amount requested is within the allowable limit(s) of $500,000.

Eligibility Requirement:

_____ Certification as to the State’s legal authority to implement a DNA arrestee collection 

process in the applicant State (see page 10 and Appendix I).

What an Application Should Include:

_____ Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) (see page 11)

_____ Project Abstract (see page 12)

_____ Program Narrative (see page 12)

_____ Budget Detail Worksheet (see page 14)

_____ Budget Narrative (see page 14)

_____ Employee Compensation Waiver request and justification (if applicable) 

(see page 8)

_____ Read OJP policy and guidance on conference approval, planning, and reporting
NIJ-2015-3987

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

(see page 9)

_____ Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (see page 17)

_____ Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) (see page 15)

_____ Applicant Disclosure of High Risk Status (see page 15)

_____ Additional Attachments

_____ Applicant Disclosure of Pending Applications (see page 16)

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

(see page 17)
NIJ-2015-3987

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Appendix I: Certification Template

(Instructions: Execute the certification by initialing only one of the two options, (1) or (2), and 

by signing and completing the information requested at the bottom of the certification template. 

Scan the completed document and submit the image file electronically through GMS.)
NIJ-2015-3987

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE

FY 2015 NIJ DNA Arrestee Collection Process Implementation Grants Program

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

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

The State has legal authority to implement a DNA arrestee collection process in the applicant

State—

(1) under a State statute enacted on or after January 1, 2013; or

(2) under a State statute enacted prior to January 1, 2013, but with regard to

which the State is submitting documentation with this application for funding that—

a. details the State’s plan (or statutory scheme), developed prior to January 1,

2013, to implement a DNA arrestee collection process in the applicant State on 

or after January 1, 2013; or

b. explains how the State’s request for funds via this application would be used

to implement enhancements or other changes to existing DNA arrestee

collection processes within the State pursuant to the enactment of legal

authority to collect DNA arrestee samples from individuals arrested or

charged with crimes with respect to which such legal authority was not

previously available.

I am the chief legal officer of the applicant State and have authority to make this certification. I 

am aware that a false statement in this certification may be the subject of criminal prosecution, 

including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001. I also acknowledge that certifications provided in connection 

with Office of Justice Programs grants are subject to review by the Office of Justice Programs or 

by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General.

Signature of Certifying Official

Printed Name of Certifying Official

Title of Certifying Official

Name of Applicant State

Date