With this solicitation, NIJ seeks applications for funding for proposals to study how adopted technologies with a forensic science application impact criminal justice systems, how the implementation of forensic laboratory programs or practices broadly effect outcomes, and how changes in policies adapt the use of forensic evidence. NIJ seeks rigorous evaluations of the implementation of technologies, methods, or workflow processes to understand the impact on backlog reduction, capacity enhancement, cost relative to benefit, workforce development, or case closure efficiency.
Solicitation Overview
Public, private, and state-controlled institutions of higher education; 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; small businesses; for-profit organizations other than small businesses. Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); Native American tribal governments (federally recognized). Local, state, and special district governments. Independent school districts.
NIJ seeks applications for funding for proposals to study how adopted technologies with a forensic science application impact criminal justice systems, how the implementation of forensic laboratory programs or practices broadly effect outcomes, and how changes in policies adapt the use of forensic evidence. NIJ also seeks rigorous evaluations of the implementation of technologies, methods, or workflow processes to understand the impact on backlog reduction, capacity enhancement, cost relative to benefit, workforce development, or case closure efficiency.
Up to $1,000,000
NIJ is interested in funding new investigators engaging in research relevant to NIJ. NIJ may, in appropriate circumstances, give special consideration in award decisions to applications proposing such researchers as principal investigators (PIs). If seeking to be considered for the new investigator opportunity, the applicant should identify that it is submitting a new investigator proposal on the title page of the application.
NIJ will give special consideration in award decisions to proposals for which a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) is the lead applicant.
Receiving priority consideration for one or more priority areas does not guarantee an award.
NIJ is interested in research and evaluation projects analyzing the implementation of technologies, methods, or workflows across the forensic science enterprise, to include crime laboratories, medical examiner/coroner offices, law enforcement agencies, officers of the court, and other entities that collect, process, or consume forensic evidence. The intent of this program is to evaluate the implementation of technologies, methods, or workflow processes to better understand the impact on:
- Forensic evidence backlog reduction.
- Capacity enhancement in forensic evidence analysis and interpretation.
- Cost effectiveness or cost-benefit analysis of implementation of the technology/method/workflow process.
- Workforce development regarding education, training, and retention.
- Case closure efficiency.
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 29, 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 May 6, 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.