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

Office of Justice Programs 

National Institute of Justice 

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

Justice (NIJ) is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications for funding under the FY 

2011 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. This program furthers the 

Department’s mission by providing States and units of local government with tools needed to 

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

and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services, including services provided 

by laboratories operated by States and units of local government. 

Solicitation: 

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program 

Eligibility

Applicants are limited to States (including territories) and units of local government. State 

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

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

Deadline 

Registration for this funding opportunity is required prior to application submission, by selecting 

the “Apply Online” button associated with the solicitation title in OJP’s Grants Management 

System (GMS). (See “How to Apply,” page 14.) 

All registrations and applications are due by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on May 20, 2011. 

(See “Deadlines: Registration and Application,” page 3.) 

Contact Information

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

System Support Hotline at 1–888–549–9901, option 3 or via e-mail to 

GMSHelpDesk@usdoj.gov. 

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

midnight eastern time, except for Federal holidays. 

For assistance with any other requirement of this solicitation, contact Alan C. Spanbauer, 

Program Manager, at 202–305–2436 or by e-mail to Alan.Spanbauer@usdoj.gov. 

SL# 000952 
CONTENTS 

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

Deadlines: Registration and Application ....................................................................................... 3 

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

Program-Specific Information ....................................................................................................... 9 

Performance Measures ............................................................................................................... 13 

Notice of New Post-Award Reporting Requirements .................................................................. 14 

How to Apply ............................................................................................................................... 14 

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

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance, Standard Form (SF) 

424 ...................................................................................................................... 17 

Program Narrative ........................................................................................................... 17 

Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative....................................................19 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement ......................................................................................... 20 

Additional Attachments ................................................................................................... 20 

Other Standard Forms .................................................................................................... 21 

Selection Criteria ........................................................................................................................ .21 

Review Process .......................................................................................................................... 23 

Additional Requirements ............................................................................................................ 24 

Reporting .................................................................................................................................... 25 

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

Appendices ................................................................................................................................. 27 

Appendix 1: Estimated Amount of FY 2011 Base Funds by State .................................. 27 

Appendix 2: Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications ......................................... 28 

Appendix 3: Template for “External Investigations” Attachment ..................................... 34 

2 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

CFDA No. 16.742 

Overview 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coverdell law). 

IMPORTANT NOTE 

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

additional requirements that may be imposed by law. Applicants should be aware that as of 

the posting date of this solicitation, no full-year appropriation for FY 2011 for the Department 

of Justice or the Coverdell program has been enacted. Please refer to “Available Funding” 

under “Program-Specific Information,” below. 

Deadlines: Registration and Application 

Registration for this funding opportunity is required prior to submission. The deadline to register 

in GMS is 11:59 p.m. eastern time on May 20, 2011, and the deadline to apply for funding 

under this announcement is 11:59 p.m. eastern time on May 20, 2011. Please see the “How to 

Apply” section, page 14, for more details. 

Eligibility 

States1

 and units of local government may apply for FY 2011 Coverdell funds. States may be 

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

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

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

3 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

 

1

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

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

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

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

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

coordinate with their respective SAAs). 

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

Coverdell funds must submit: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

practices and procedures established by accrediting organizations or appropriate 

certifying bodies. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. A certification regarding external investigations into allegations of serious 

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

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

external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially 

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

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

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

the grant amount.” 

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

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

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

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

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

in Appendix 2.

4 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

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

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

requirements. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

necessary information. 

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

Serious Misconduct

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

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

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

investigations and will refer allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially 

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

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

in the grant application. 

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

to NIJ on an annual basis— 

1) the number and nature of any such allegations;

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

which referred, the date of referral);

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

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

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

required information is not submitted on a timely basis.

Special Guidance on Certification Regarding External Investigations Into Allegations of 

Serious Negligence or Misconduct.

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

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

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

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

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

agency, must determine whether: 

5 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
• A government entity exists 

• With an appropriate process in place

• To conduct independent, external investigations

• Into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct

• Substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results 

• Committed by employees or contractors

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

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

the grant amount. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Inspector General. 

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

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

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

the certification properly may be made. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

requirements of the certification after review of this guidance. 

Illustrative Examples:

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

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

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

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

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

6 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by laboratory 

employees and contractors. 

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

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

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

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

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

employees or contractors of the laboratory. 

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

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

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

negligence or misconduct by employees and contractors of forensic laboratories and 

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

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

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

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

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

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

State official or office). 

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

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

appoint an independent investigator to conduct an investigation into allegations 

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

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

misconduct by both laboratory employees and contractors. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by 

laboratory employees. 

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

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

investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by 

laboratory employees and contractors. 

 

7 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

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

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

has authority to investigate allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by 

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

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

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

have authority to investigate allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by 

contractors of State and local government forensic laboratories that receive Coverdell 

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

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

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

appropriate depending on all the facts.) 

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

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

responsible for investigating allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by 

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

reports to the director of the forensic laboratory. 

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

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

laboratory and, therefore, there is no process in place to conduct independent, external 

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

certification. 

 

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

nongovernmental organization to conduct investigations into allegations of serious 

negligence or misconduct committed by laboratory employees. 

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

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

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

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

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

forensics laboratory. 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

properly make the required certification in this situation. 

8 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
Program-Specific Information—Paul Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program

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

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

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

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

personnel to eliminate such backlogs.

A. Available Funding 

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

Department of Justice for FY 2011 and thus the amount (if any) that will be made available 

for the Coverdell program is not known. The figures and calculations reflected in this 

solicitation (for example, the estimated minimum award to States and the estimated amount 

of “base” funds, by State) are based on an estimated total amount available of $28,000,000, 

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

Applicants are strongly advised to check for updates to the solicitation prior to submitting 

applications. 

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

modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law. 

1. “Base” Funds for States 

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

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

amount each eligible State would receive if $28,000,000 were made available for FY 

2011 is listed in Appendix 1: “Estimated Amount of FY 2011 Base Funds, by State.”2

2. Competitive Funds for States and Units of Local Government 

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

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

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

years 2007, 2008 and 2009, existing resources, and current needs of the potential grant 

recipient will be considerations in award decisions. For FY 2011, the maximum amount a 

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

 

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

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

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

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

it can accomplish with its estimated amount of base funds. 

9 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

 

2

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

“base” amounts. 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
3. Minimum Awards to States

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

as its Coverdell grant. If $28,000,000 were to become available for FY 2011, the 

minimum Coverdell grant to an eligible State would be not less than $168,0003

. In that 

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

both base funds and any competitive funds) were less than $168,000, NIJ would 

increase that State’s total grant to $168,000. 

B. Grant Purposes 

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

one or more of these three purposes: 

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

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

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

local government within the State. 

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

 including, among 

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

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

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

backlog.

C. Expected Results and Outcomes 

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

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

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

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

government within the State. Reduction of forensic analysis backlogs is considered an 

improvement in timeliness of services. The result of Coverdell grants directly to units of local 

government should be a demonstrated improvement over current operations in the quality 

and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services provided by the local 

jurisdiction. 

See “Performance Measures,” page 13, for additional information. 

D. Grant Period 

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

establish a project period of October 1, 2011, to September 30, 2012. Applicants should be 

aware that the total period of an award, including one that receives a project period 

extension, ordinarily will not exceed 3 years. 

10 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

 

3

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

4

 A backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence exists if forensic evidence has been stored in a laboratory, 

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

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

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
Budget Information 

A. Permissible Expenses 

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

 

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

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

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

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

Include.” 

 

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

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

 

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

hardware and software for forensic analyses and data management. 

 

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

laboratory or medical examiner equipment and instrumentation. 

 

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

supplies. 

 

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

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

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

information. Please see the "Additional Requirements" section of this announcement. 

 

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

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

satisfactory completion of the NEPA review process. 

 

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

American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLDLAB), Forensic Quality Services (FQS), the National Association of Medical Examiners 

(NAME), or other appropriate accrediting bodies. Funds also may be used for application 

and maintenance fees charged by appropriate accrediting bodies. 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

seeking certification. 

 

11 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

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

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

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

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

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

assumption that the total available funds for Coverdell awards in FY 2011 will be 

$28,000,000. Please refer to the discussion under “Available Funding” on page 9.) 

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

$168,000) for FY 2011. If the total Coverdell grant to an applicant State or unit of 

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

(estimated here at $168,000), no more than 80 percent of the total grant may be 

used for the costs of any new facility. 

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

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

here at $168,000), the amount of the grant that can be used for the costs of any new 

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

funds (such 80 percent estimated here at $134,400) plus 40 percent of the amount of 

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

 

For example, if $28,000,000 were to become available for Coverdell awards for FY 

2011, and a State were to receive a total Coverdell grant of $200,000, no more than 

$147,200 could be used for the costs of any new facility. 

 

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

 

Eighty percent of 0.6 percent of the total available funds: $168,000 x .80 = $134,400 

Amount in excess of $168,000: $200,000 - $168,000 = $32,000 

40 percent of amount in excess of $168,000: $32,000 x .40 = $12,800 

Sum of $134,400 + $12,800 = $147,200 

 

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

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

construction of facilities will be required to submit additional information (see "Additional 

Requirements"). 

 

Applicants should note that award recipients whose proposals involve construction or 

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

completion of the NEPA review process. 

 

12 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

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

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

B. Expenses That are not Permitted 

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

functions or non-forensic investigatory functions). 

 

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

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

grant amount. 

C. Match Requirement: There is no State or local match required under the Coverdell 

program. 

Performance Measures 

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

Results Act (GPRA), Public Law 103-62, applicants that receive funding under this solicitation 

must provide data that measure the results of their work. Any award recipient will be required, 

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: 

Objective Performance Measure(s) Data Grantee Provides 

To improve the quality 

and timeliness of 

forensic services and 

to reduce the number 

of backlogged cases in 

forensic laboratories 

Outcome Measure 

1. Reduction in the average 

number of days from the 

submission of a sample to a 

forensic science laboratory to the 

delivery of test results to a 

requesting office or agency. 

2. Percent reduction in the number 

of backlogged forensic cases. 

Output Measure 

1. The number of forensic science 

or medical examiner personnel 

who completed appropriate 

training or educational 

opportunities with FY2011 

Coverdell funds (if applicable to 

the grant). 

1. Average number of days to 

process a sample at the 

beginning of the grant period. 

 

2. Average number of days to 

process a sample at the end of 

the grant period. 

 

3. Number of backlogged cases at 

the beginning of the grant period. 

 

4. Number of backlogged cases at 

the end of the grant period. 

 

5. Number of forensic science 

personnel attending training. 

6. Number of medical examiner 

personnel attending training 

programs. 

13 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
Submission of performance measures data is not required for the application. Instead, 

applicants should discuss in their applications their proposed methods for collecting data for 

performance measures. Please refer to the section “What an Application Should Include” 

(below) for additional information. 

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 protections. However, 

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

service, or are conducted only to meet OJP’s performance measure data reporting 

requirements, likely do not constitute “research.” Applicants should provide sufficient information 

for OJP to determine whether the particular project they propose would either intentionally or 

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

definition of research. 

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

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

designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge.” 26 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 “Other Requirements for OJP Applications” Web page 

(www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/otherrequirements.htm). Applicants whose proposals may involve a 

research or statistical component also should review the “Confidentiality” section on that Web 

page. 

Notice of New Post-Award Reporting Requirements 

Applicants should anticipate that all recipients (other than individuals) of awards of $25,000 or 

more under this solicitation, consistent with the Federal Funding Accountability and 

Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA), will be required to report award information on any first-tier 

subawards totaling $25,000 or more, and, in certain cases, to report information on the names 

and total compensation of the five most highly compensated executives of the recipient and 

first-tier subrecipients. Each applicant entity must ensure that it has the necessary processes 

and systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements should it receive funding. 

Reports regarding subawards will be made through the FFATA Subaward Reporting System 

(FSRS), found at www.fsrs.gov. 

Please note also that applicants should anticipate that no subaward of an award made under 

this solicitation may be made to a subrecipient (other than an individual) unless the potential 

subrecipient acquires and provides a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. 

How to Apply 

Applications are submitted through OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS). GMS is a Webbased, data-driven computer application that provides cradle to grave support for the 

application, award, and management of awards at OJP. Applicants must register in GMS for 

14 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
each specific funding opportunity and should begin the process immediately to meet the GMS 

registration deadline, especially if this is the first time using the system. Complete instructions 

on how to register and submit an application in GMS can be found at 

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/. If the applicant experiences technical difficulties at any point during 

this process, please e-mail GMS.HelpDesk@usdoj.gov or call 888–549–9901 (option 3), 

Monday – Friday from 6:00 a.m. to midnight eastern time, except federal holidays. OJP highly 

recommends that applicants start the registration process as early as possible to prevent delays 

in submitting an application package by the specified application deadline. 

All applicants should complete the following steps: 

1. Acquire a DUNS number. A DUNS number is required to submit an application in GMS. 

In general, the Office of Management and Budget requires that all applicants (other than 

individuals) for federal funds include a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) 

number in their application for a new award or renewal of an existing award. A DUNS 

number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal standard for 

identifying and keeping track of entities receiving federal funds. The identifier is used for 

tracking purposes and to validate address and point of contact information 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. 

Obtain a DUNS number by calling Dun and Bradstreet at 866–705–5711 or by applying 

online at www.dnb.com. Individuals are exempt from this requirement. 

2. Acquire or renew registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) 

database. OJP requires that all applicants (other than individuals) for federal financial 

assistance maintain current registrations in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) 

database. The CCR database is the repository for standard information about federal 

financial assistance applicants, recipients, and subrecipients. Organizations that have 

previously submitted applications via Grants.gov are already registered with CCR, as it 

is a requirement for Grants.gov registration. Please note, however, that applicants must 

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

Information about CCR registration procedures can be accessed at www.ccr.gov. 

3. Acquire a GMS username and password. A new user must create a GMS profile by 

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

more information on how to register in GMS, go to www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/.

4. Verify the CCR registration in GMS. OJP requests that all applicants verify their CCR 

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

side of the default screen. Click the submit button to verify the CCR registration.

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

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

left side of the page. Please select “National Institute of Justice” and the “Paul Coverdell 

Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program.”

6. Register by selecting the “Apply Online” button associated with the solicitation 

title. The search results from step 5 will display the solicitation title along with the 

15 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
registration and application deadlines for this funding opportunity. Please select the 

“Apply Online” button in the “Action” column to register for this solicitation and create an 

application in the system.

7. Submit an application consistent with this solicitation by following the directions 

in GMS. Once submitted, GMS will display a confirmation screen stating the submission 

was successful. Important: In some instances, an applicant must wait for GMS approval 

before submitting an application. Applicants are urged to submit the application at least 

72 hours prior to the due date of the application. 

Note: OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS) does not accept executable file types as 

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

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

“.ora,” “.sys,” and “.zip.”

Experiencing Unforeseen GMS Technical Issues 

If an applicant experiences unforeseen GMS technical issues beyond the applicant’s control that 

prevent submission of its application by the deadline, the applicant must contact NIJ staff within 

24 hours after the deadline and request approval to submit its application. At that time, NIJ 

staff will instruct the applicant to submit specific information detailing the technical difficulties. 

The applicant must e-mail: a description of the technical difficulties, a timeline of submission 

efforts, the complete grant application, the applicant DUNS number, and GMS Help Desk 

tracking number(s) received. After the program office reviews all of the information submitted, 

and contacts the GMS Help Desk to validate the technical issues reported, OJP will contact the 

applicant to either approve or deny the request to submit a late application. If the technical 

issues reported cannot be validated, the application will be rejected as untimely. 

To ensure a fair competition for limited discretionary funds, the following conditions are not valid 

reasons to permit late submissions: (1) failure to begin the registration process in sufficient time, 

(2) failure to follow GMS instructions on how to register and apply as posted on its Web site, (3) 

failure to follow all of the instructions in the OJP solicitation, and (4) technical issues 

experienced with the applicant’s computer or information technology (IT) environment. 

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

OJP funding Web page, www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/solicitations.htm. 

What an Application Should Include 

This section describes what an application should include and sets out a number of elements. 

Applicants should anticipate that failure to submit an application that contains all of the specified 

elements may negatively affect the review of the application; and, should a decision be made to 

make an award, it may result in the inclusion of special conditions that preclude access to or 

use of award funds pending satisfaction of the conditions. 

16 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Moreover, applicants that request competitive funds should anticipate that some application 

elements are so critical that requests for competitive funds that are unresponsive to the scope of 

the solicitation, or that do not include all four certifications required by the Coverdell law, a 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
program narrative, and a budget detail worksheet including a budget narrative will neither 

proceed to peer review nor receive further consideration. (Requests for competitive funds from 

States must clearly differentiate between the information on program narrative and budget 

provided for the request for competitive funds and the information provided for the request for 

“base” funds.) 

OJP strongly recommends use of appropriately descriptive file names (e.g., “Program 

Narrative,” “Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative,” “Timelines,” “Memoranda of 

Understanding,” “Resumes”) for all attachments. OJP recommends that resumes be included in 

a single file.

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

The SF-424 is a standard form required for use as a cover sheet for submission of preapplications, applications, and related information. Grants.gov and GMS take information 

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

2. Program Narrative 

The program narrative should include: 

− Cover page 

− Abstract (not to exceed 600 words) 

− Table of contents 

− Main body 

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

expected results, and the implementation approach. 

a. Formula (base) applications 

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

describe the manner in which Coverdell grant funds will be used to carry 

out the State plan to improve the quality and/or timeliness of forensic 

science or medical examiner services over current operations. (Reduction 

of forensic analysis backlogs is considered an improvement in timeliness 

of services.) States are expected to consider the needs of laboratories 

operated by units of local government as well as those operated by the 

State. 

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

narrative must specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and 

the estimated costs of that facility. 

b. Requests for competitive funds 

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

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

as part of the main body of a program narrative: 

17 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
− Statement of the Problem. 

− Project/Program Design and Implementation. 

− Capabilities/Competencies. 

− Impact/Outcomes and Evaluation. 

− Other / Part 1 violent crimes data (see page 23). 

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

funds in addition to base funds should include a separate program 

narrative (as well as a separate proposed budget detail worksheet, 

including a budget narrative), which should describe how competitive 

funds will be used to support improvements in forensic science or medical 

examiner services above and beyond the improvements it will 

accomplish with its estimated amount of base funds. As noted earlier, 

existing resources and current needs will be considered in awarding 

competitive funds and should be addressed in any request for competitive 

funds. Requests for competitive funds should specify the dollar amount 

requested, which should not exceed $175,000. 

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

narrative must specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and 

the estimated costs of that facility. 

Any State application for funding MUST be submitted by the Coverdell 

SAA (see list of SAAs on the OJP Web site at 

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/saa/index.htm). When applying for competitive funds, 

SAA’s should consult with all interested State agencies to prepare an 

application for competitive funds. No more than one application for 

competitive funds per State (SAA) will be funded. 

• Unit of local government: The program narrative must specifically 

describe the manner in which Coverdell grant funds will be used to carry 

out the unit of local government plan to improve the quality and/or 

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services over current 

operations. (Reduction of forensic analysis backlogs is considered an 

improvement in timeliness of services.) Existing resources and current 

needs will be considered in awarding competitive funds and should be 

addressed in any request for competitive funds. Requests for competitive 

funds should specify the dollar amount requested, which should not 

exceed $175,000. 

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

narrative must specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and 

the estimated costs of that facility. 

All interested components of a unit of local government should be 

consulted before preparing an application for competitive funds. No more 

than one application for competitive funds per unit of local government 

will be funded. 

18 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

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

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

table of contents, charts, figures, appendices, and government forms do not 

count toward the 20-page limit for the narrative section. 

If the program narrative for a request for competitive funds fails to comply with 

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

review and in final award decisions. 

3. External Investigations Attachment to the Program Narrative 

• All applicants are to provide—as an attachment to the program narrative—the 

name(s) of the existing “government entity” (or entities) that is the subject of the 

certification (see Appendix 2) that— 

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

conduct independent external investigations into allegations of 

serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity 

of the forensic results committed by employees or contractors of any 

forensic laboratory system, medical examiner's office, coroner's 

office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility in the State 

that will receive a portion of the grant amount. 

• Appendix 3 includes a template for this attachment. Please note that 

funds will not be made available to applicant agencies that fail to 

provide the necessary information.

4. Plan for Collecting the Data Required for This Solicitation’s Performance 

Measures 

Submission of performance measures data is not required for the application. 

Performance measures are included as an alert that successful applicants will be 

required to submit specific data to NIJ as part of their reporting requirements. For 

the application (“base” and/or competitive), the applicant should indicate an 

understanding of these requirements and discuss how the applicant will gather 

the required data, should the applicant receive funding. 

5. Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative 

a. Budget Detail Worksheet 

A sample Budget Detail Worksheet can be found at 

www.ojp.gov/funding/forms/budget_detail.pdf. If the budget is submitted in a different 

format, the budget categories listed in the sample budget worksheet should be 

included. 

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

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

19 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
b. Budget Narrative 

The Budget Narrative should thoroughly and clearly describe every category of 

expense listed in the Budget Detail Worksheet. The narrative should be 

mathematically sound and correspond with the information and figures provided in 

the Budget Detail Worksheet. The narrative should explain how all costs were 

estimated and calculated 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. 

Note: As indicated earlier, State applicants that request both “base” and competitive 

funds should include a separate budget detail worksheet including budget narrative for 

each component of the application. 

6. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 

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

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

approval should be attached. If the applicant does not have an approved rate, one can 

be requested by contacting the applicant’s 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. If DOJ 

is the cognizant Federal agency, obtain information needed to submit an indirect cost 

rate proposal at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/part3/part3chap17.htm.

7. Additional Attachments

Coverdell Statutory Certifications 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

acceptable to satisfy the certification requirements.

The four required Coverdell statutory certifications are as follows— 

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

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

Application From a Unit of Local Government. 

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

20 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

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

4. Certification as to External Investigations. 

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

as to External Investigations” is provided above, under “Eligibility.” Certifying 

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

the certification. 

8. Other Standard Forms 

Additional forms that may be required in connection with an award are available on 

OJP’s funding page at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms.htm. For successful applicants, 

receipt of funds may be contingent upon submission of all necessary forms. Please note 

in particular the following forms. 

a. Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other

Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (required to 

be submitted in GMS prior to the receipt of any award funds). 

b. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (required for any applicant that expends any 

funds for lobbying activities; this form must be downloaded, completed, and 

then uploaded). 

c. Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (required for any 

applicant other than an individual that is a non-governmental entity and that 

has not received any award from OJP within the past 3 years; this form must 

be downloaded, completed, and then uploaded). 

d. Standard Assurances (required to be submitted in GMS prior to the receipt of 

any award funds). 

Selection Criteria 

Base funds and minimum awards 

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

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

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

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

Requests for competitive funding 

Each criterion is weighted according to the percentage listed below.

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

21 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

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

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

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

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

eliminate a backlog and increase capacity. 

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

backlog and increasing capacity. 

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

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

applicants)—10%

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

subdivided and resources are used. 

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

3. Demonstrated ability of the organization to manage the effort. 

Budget—25% 

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

2. Use of existing resources to conserve costs. 

3. Cost effectiveness of proposed activities applicable to backlog reduction 

and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

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

quality of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

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

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

Impact/Outcomes and Evaluation (Relevance to policy and practice)—30% 

1. Improvement in Quality and Timeliness 

 

a. Anticipated reduction in backlog. 

b. Anticipated improvement in quality and timeliness of forensic 

results. 

c. Anticipated benefit of education and training to reduce backlog 

and improve quality and timeliness of results. 

d. Planned steps to achieve accreditation to positively impact quality 

and/or timeliness of forensic results. 

2. Anticipated Impact of Eligible Project Activities 

 

a. Personnel: If applicable, anticipated impact of requested 

personnel resources (e.g., overtime) on improvement in quality 

and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner 

services. 

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

equipment and supplies on improvement in quality and/or 

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

22 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
c. Computerization: If applicable, anticipated impact of requested 

computerization on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of 

forensic science or medical examiner services. 

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

impact of proposed action on improvement in quality and/or 

timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services. 

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

 described in the solicitation. 

Other—5% 

Average annual number of Part I violent crimes reported to the Federal Bureau of 

Investigation for calendar years 2007, 2008, and 2009. 

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 requests for competitive funds submitted under this solicitation that 

meet basic minimum requirements. NIJ may use either internal peer reviewers, external peer 

reviewers, or a combination to review these requests under this solicitation. An external peer 

reviewer is an expert in the field of the subject matter of a given solicitation who is NOT a 

current U.S. Department of Justice employee. An internal reviewer is a current U.S. Department 

of Justice employee who is well-versed or has expertise in the subject matter of this solicitation. 

Eligible requests for competitive funds will be evaluated, scored, and rated by a peer review 

panel. Peer reviewers’ ratings and any resulting recommendations are advisory only. In addition 

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

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

performance, and available funding. 

When appropriate, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), in consultation with NIJ, 

conducts a financial review of requests for competitive funds to evaluate the fiscal integrity and 

financial capability of applicants; examines proposed costs to determine if the budget detail 

worksheet and budget narrative accurately explain project costs; and determines whether 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 (AAG). With respect to 

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

limited to, underserved populations, geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past performance, 

and available funding when making awards. 

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

or additional requirements that may be imposed by law. 

23 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
Additional Requirements 

Applicants selected for awards must agree to comply with additional legal requirements upon 

acceptance of an award. OJP strongly encourages applicants to review the information 

pertaining to these additional requirements prior to submitting an application. Additional 

information for each requirement can be found at 

www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm. 

• Civil Rights Compliance 

• Faith-Based and Other Community Organizations 

• Confidentiality 

• Research and the Protection of Human Subjects 

• Anti-Lobbying Act 

• Financial and Government Audit Requirements 

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 

• DOJ Information Technology Standards (if applicable) 

• Single Point of Contact Review 

• Non-Supplanting of State or Local Funds 

• Criminal Penalty for False Statements 

• Compliance with Office of Justice Programs Financial Guide

• Suspension or Termination of Funding 

• Nonprofit Organizations 

• For-profit Organizations 

• Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) 

• Rights in Intellectual Property 

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) of 2006 

• Awards in Excess of $5,000,000 – Federal Taxes Certification Requirement 

24 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

• Active CCR Registration 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
Reporting 

If a proposal is funded, the award recipient will be required to submit several reports and other 

materials, including: 

Each grantee under the Coverdell program must submit semiannual progress reports, quarterly 

financial status reports, and, if applicable, an annual audit report in accordance with Office of 

Management and Budget Circular A–133. In addition, Coverdell grantees must submit a final 

report that must, among other things, (1) include a summary and assessment of the program 

carried out with FY 2011 grant funds, (2) identify the number and type of cases accepted during 

the FY 2011 award period by the forensic laboratory or laboratories that received FY 2011 grant 

funds, and (3) cite the specific improvements in the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science 

and medical examiner services (including any reduction in forensic analysis backlog) that 

occurred as a direct result of the FY 2011 grant award. Future awards and fund drawdowns may 

be withheld if reports are delinquent. 

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

required to report to the National Institute of Justice on an annual basis— 

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

 substantially affecting the integrity of forensic results; 

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

to which referred, the date of referral); 

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

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

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

required information is not submitted on a timely basis. 

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

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

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

investigations and will refer allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially 

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

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

in the grant application. 

25 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 
26 

OMB No. 1121-0329 

Approval Expires 02/28/2013 Paul Coverdell 

 

Application Checklist 

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program 

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

Eligibility Requirement: 

_____ Coverdell Statutory Certifications (see pages 3–8 and 19–20) 

____ Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application From a 

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

From a Unit of Local Government 

____ Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures 

____ Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities 

____ Certification as to External Investigations

What an Application Should Include: 

_____ Application for Federal Assistance (SF–424) (see page 17) 

_____ Program Narrative(s) (see page 17) 

_____ External Investigations Attachment to the Program Narrative (see page 19) 

_____ Plan for Collecting the Data for this Solicitation’s Performance Measures (see page 19) 

_____ Budget Detail Worksheet(s) (see page 19) 

_____ Budget Narrative(s) (see page 20) 

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

_____ Program Narrative/Abstract Format: (see page 17) 

_____ Double-spaced 

_____ 12-point standard font 

_____ 1” standard margins 

_____ Narrative for competitive funds request (if any) is 20 pages or less 

_____ Other Standard Forms as applicable (see page 21), including: 

 _____ Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (if applicable) 

 _____ Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable) 
Appendix 1. Estimated Amount of FY 2011 Base Funds, by State.5

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

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

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

“Available Funding” under “Program-Specific Information” (pages 9-10) for additional details. 

Alabama $ 291,037 Nevada $ 163,400

Alaska $ 47,522 New Hampshire $ 88,729

Arizona $ 410,842 New Jersey $ 537,368

Arkansas $ 179,080 New Mexico $ 136,350

California $ 2,293,178 New York $ 1,204,704

Colorado $ 313,537 North Carolina $ 582,047

Connecticut $ 217,028 North Dakota $ 43,829

Delaware $ 59,763 Ohio $ 709,621

District of Columbia $ 40,933 Oklahoma $ 229,182

Florida $ 1,149,342 Oregon $ 237,248

Georgia $ 609,705 Pennsylvania $ 777,350

Hawaii $ 87,157 Rhode Island $ 70,852

Idaho $ 104,568 South Carolina $ 282,871

Illinois $ 796,526 South Dakota $ 54,977

Indiana $ 396,607 Tennessee $ 390,012

Iowa $ 186,023 Texas $ 1,551,494

Kansas $ 174,827 Utah $ 174,189

Kentucky $ 267,025 Vermont $ 41,727

Louisiana $ 278,715 Virginia $ 489,329

Maine $ 88,019 Washington $ 415,123

Maryland $ 353,040 West Virginia $ 122,381

Massachusetts $ 408,052 Wisconsin $ 348,809

Michigan $ 611,113 Wyoming $ 36,713

Minnesota $ 325,544 American Samoa/ 

Northern Mariana Islands6

$ 7,595

Mississippi $ 182,171 Guam* $ 12,287

Missouri $ 369,929 Puerto Rico $ 233,333

Montana $ 65,709 Virgin Islands $ 7,352

Nebraska $ 121,413

27 

 

5 Under the provisions of the Coverdell law, several factors (including the number of eligible State applicants) affect “base” amounts. 

Additionally, as noted in the text, as of the posting date of this solicitation, the amount (if any) that will be made available for the 

Coverdell program for FY 2011 is not yet known. All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. 

6

 The Coverdell law includes specific provisions with respect to allocations to American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the 

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

 
Appendix 2. Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications 

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

28 

 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2011 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories— 

Application from a State 

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

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

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

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

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

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

government within the State. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice). 

___________________________________________ 

Signature of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Printed Name of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Title of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Name of Applicant Agency (Including Name of State) 

____________________ 

Date 

29 

 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2011 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories— 

Application from a Unit of Local Government

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

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

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

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

forensic science or medical examiner services provided by the laboratories 

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

amount. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice). 

________________________________________ 

Signature of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Printed Name of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Title of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of Unit of Local Government) 

____________________ 

Date 

30 

 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2011 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory 

Practices and Procedures 

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

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

Any forensic science laboratory system, medical examiner's office, or coroner's 

office in the State, including any laboratory operated by a unit of local 

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

uses generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures, established by 

accrediting organizations or appropriate certifying bodies. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice). 

___________________________________________ 

Signature of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Printed Name of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Title of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government) 

____________________ 

Date 

31 

 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2011 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities 

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

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

The amount of the grant (if any) used for the costs of any new facility or facilities 

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

forensic science and medical examiner services will not exceed the limitations 

set forth at 42 U.S.C. § 3797m(c) and summarized in the FY 2011 Coverdell 

Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program Announcement. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice). 

___________________________________________ 

Signature of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Printed Name of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Title of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government) 

____________________ 

Date 

32 

 
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE 

FY 2011 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement 

Grants Program 

Certification as to External Investigations 

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

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

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

independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or 

misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results committed 

by employees or contractors of any forensic laboratory system, medical 

examiner's office, coroner's office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical 

facility in the State that will receive a portion of the grant amount. 

 

I personally read and reviewed the section entitled “Eligibility” in the Fiscal Year 2011 

program announcement for the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants 

Program. I acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant 

application that it supports may be subject to criminal prosecution, including under 18 

U.S.C. § 1001 and 42 U.S.C. § 3795a. I also acknowledge that Office of Justice 

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

subject to review by the Office of Justice Programs and/or by the Department of 

Justice’s Office of the Inspector General. 

 

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

applying directly to the National Institute of Justice). 

__________________________________________ 

Signature of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Printed Name of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Title of Certifying Official 

___________________________________________ 

Name of Applicant Agency 

(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government) 

___________________ 

Date 

33 

 
Appendix 3. Template for “External Investigations” 

Attachment 

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

GMS.) 

34 

 
35 

 

FY 2011 Coverdell Forensic Science 

Improvement Grants Program 

Attachment: External Investigations 

The “Certification as to External Investigations” that is submitted on behalf of the applicant 

agency as part of this application certifies that— 

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

external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially 

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

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

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

the grant amount. 

Prior to receiving funds, the applicant agency (that is, the agency applying directing to the National 

Institute of Justice) must provide—for each forensic laboratory system, medical examiner’s office, 

coroner’s office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility that will receive a portion of the grant 

amount—the name of the “government entity” (or entities) that forms the basis for the certification. Please 

use the template below to provide this information. (Applicants may adapt this template if necessary, but 

should ensure that the adapted document provides all required information.)

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: If necessary for accuracy, list more than one entity with respect to each intended 

recipient of a portion of the grant amount. For example, if no single entity has an appropriate process in 

place with respect to allegations of serious negligence as well as serious misconduct, it will be necessary 

to list more than one entity. Similarly, if no single entity has an appropriate process in place with respect 

to allegations concerning contractors as well as employees, it will be necessary to list more than one 

entity. 

Additional guidance regarding the “Certification as to External Investigations” appears in the “Eligibility” 

section of the program announcement for the FY 2011 Coverdell program. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Name of Applicant Agency (including Name of State or Unit of Local Government): 

______________________________________

Date: ___________________________________ 

Name of any forensic laboratory system, medical 

examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law 

enforcement storage facility, or medical facility 

that will receive a portion of the grant amount 

 

Existing government entity (entities) with an 

appropriate process in place to conduct 

independent external investigations 

1. ___________________________ 

 

2. ___________________________ 

 _____________________________

_____________________________ 

_____________________________ 

_____________________________
FY 2011 External Investigations Attachment (continued) 

Name of Applicant Agency: _______________________________ 

3. ___________________________ _____________________________ 

 _____________________________ 

4. ___________________________ _____________________________ 

 _____________________________ 

5. ___________________________ _____________________________ 

 _____________________________ 

6. ___________________________ _____________________________ 

 _____________________________ 

7. ___________________________ _____________________________ 

 _____________________________ 

36