With this solicitation, NIJ seeks applications for funding basic or applied research and development in forensic science for criminal justice purposes. NIJ’s Forensic Science Strategic Research Plan and Forensic Science Research and Development Technology Working Group (TWG) identify current research priorities and technology challenges encountered in operational forensic science laboratories. Research-based knowledge and newly developed tools that work towards addressing these priorities and resolving these challenges facilitate the criminal justice community to enforce the law, promote public safety, prevent and reduce crime, and ensure fair and impartial administration of justice.
Solicitation Overview
State governments; Special district governments; City or township governments; Federal agencies; Units of local government; County governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; Public and State controlled institutions of higher education; Private institutions of higher education; For-profit organizations other than small businesses; Small businesses; Individuals.
NIJ seeks applications for funding basic or applied research and development in forensic science for criminal justice purposes. These projects will increase the body of knowledge to guide and inform forensic science policy and practice; or lead to the production of useful material(s), device(s), system(s), or method(s) that have the potential for forensic application.
Total of $12,500,000 for all awards. Approximately up to 30 awards, maximum dollar amount for each award to be determined by the requirements of the research proposed in grants selected for the award.
NIJ is interested in supporting researchers who are early in their careers and new to NIJ’s research grant portfolios, as defined in the solicitation. If you are seeking to be considered for the New Investigator/Early Career Opportunity, you (the applicant) should identify that you are submitting a New Investigator/Early Career proposal on the title page of the application.
NIJ will give special consideration in award decisions to proposals from Minority Serving Institutions (MSI).
Receiving priority consideration for one or more priority areas does not guarantee an award.
- To direct the findings of basic scientific research; foster research and development in broader scientific fields applicable to forensic science; and support ongoing forensic science research toward the development of highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of forensic evidence for criminal justice purposes.
- Improve the understanding of the accuracy, reliability, and measurement validity of forensic science disciplines.
- Increase knowledge or understanding necessary to guide criminal justice policy and practice related to the forensic sciences.
- Produce novel and useful materials, devices, systems, or methods that have the potential for forensic application for criminal justice purposes.
The following application elements must be included in the application to meet the basic minimum requirements to advance to peer review and receive consideration for funding:
- A proposal narrative (in JustGrants)
- A budget web-based form, which includes the budget details and the budget narrative describing and justifying costs (in JustGrants).
- Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire, including applicant disclosure of high-risk status
- Curriculum Vitae/Resumes for key personnel. For purposes of this solicitation, “key personnel” means the principal investigator, and any and all co-principal investigators.)
Start early! To apply, you must first register with the System for Award Management (SAM). Registration and renewal can take up to 10 business days to complete. Register with SAM.gov.
After registering with SAM, you must submit two forms the SF-424 and SF-LLL in Grants.gov by the Grants.gov deadline 11:59pm eastern time on April 11, 2024. Submit the SF-424 and SF-LLL as early as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the Grants.gov deadline.
Finally, after submitting both forms, you must then submit the full application, including attachments, in JustGrants by the JustGrants deadline 8:59pm eastern time on April 18, 2024.
Where applicable, NIJ seeks proposals that:
- Propose an inclusive research design.
- Address issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and other potential disparities in data sources, research methods, and outcomes.
- Propose a multi-disciplinary research team.
- Ensure rigorous measurement of implementation fidelity.
- Allocate ample resources for translation and dissemination of research findings.
A successful proposal must do the following:
- Center the need for the proposed research within the existing body of knowledge.
- Present a rigorous and feasible project design that is appropriate to address the question(s) of interest.
- Demonstrate that the proposed team has the capabilities and competencies to carry out the project.
- Describe how the research will address one or more U.S. safety and justice challenges, including a discussion of how relevant stakeholders can make the resulting knowledge products actionable.
- Present a budget that demonstrably supports the work proposed in the application.
See examples of successful applications and other useful information.
The page limit and formatting requirements for the Proposal Narrative have been changed. See page 24 of the solicitation document.
NIJ has adjusted the total available funding for this solicitation. The total available is reduced by $1,000,000 from $13,500,000 to $12,500,000.