Applied Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the "Applied Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes" opportunity?

This was a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) discretionary funding solicitation that focused on applied research and development (R&D) in forensic science for criminal justice use. The intent was to move forensic science forward in practical, justice-centered ways by supporting projects that translate scientific knowledge into usable tools, methods, and guidance for real-world forensic casework.

What was NIJ trying to accomplish through this solicitation?

The core aim was to fund applied work that either (1) strengthens the evidence base that informs forensic policy and day-to-day practice, or (2) produces tangible outputs such as new or improved materials, devices, systems, or analytical methods that can be used in forensic casework. NIJ emphasized improvements that make forensic examinations more accurate, reliable, faster, and more affordable for criminal justice settings.

What kinds of deliverables or outputs did NIJ emphasize?

NIJ highlighted deliverables that could directly support forensic operations, including new or improved materials, devices, systems, and analytical methods. The solicitation also supported research outcomes that build the evidence base needed to guide forensic policy and routine practice.

What does "applied research and development" mean in this context?

In this solicitation, "applied" meant work oriented toward practical use in criminal justice settings. The focus was on turning scientific findings into workable forensic advances that can be adopted by practitioners, and that improve identification, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence in ways that are defensible in the justice system.

What scientific sources or fields could inform proposed projects?

The solicitation stated an intent to channel findings from multiple sources of science into workable forensic advances, including basic scientific research, R&D from broader scientific fields that can be adapted to forensic problems, and ongoing forensic science research already underway.

What characteristics did NIJ want forensic methods or technologies to have?

The solicitation emphasized approaches that are highly discriminating (able to differentiate between similar sources or samples), accurate and reliable (consistent performance and defensible results), cost effective (realistic for laboratories and agencies to adopt), and rapid (reducing turnaround times while maintaining quality).

How did NIJ describe the overarching purpose of the program?

The overarching purpose was better identification, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence, with outcomes that can stand up in criminal justice settings.

What type of award mechanism was used?

This solicitation was issued as a cooperative agreement under NIJ.

What does it mean that this was a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant?

The summary indicated that a cooperative agreement typically involves a more active federal role during the life of the project than a standard grant, such as closer collaboration, structured reporting, or coordinated technical input.

What funding activity areas did this opportunity fall under?

The opportunity fell under the broad activity areas of law, justice, and legal services, as well as science and technology research and development, reflecting the combined focus on operational relevance and strong scientific grounding.

What CFDA number was associated with this solicitation?

The solicitation was associated with CFDA number 16.560, titled "National Institute of Justice Research, Evaluation, and Development Project Grants."

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The summary stated that the opportunity did not require cost sharing or matching funds.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was described as unrestricted, meaning it was open to essentially any applicant type (for example, universities, nonprofits, for-profits, state and local governments, or labs), subject to any additional eligibility clarifications in the full announcement.

How many awards were expected?

The source data listed an expected 100 awards.

What were the minimum and maximum award amounts?

The award floor and ceiling were shown as 0 in the summary fields, which generally indicates the specific award sizes were not captured in the summary and applicants would have needed to consult the full solicitation for budget expectations, project periods, and any caps or typical ranges.

When was this funding opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted and created on January 31, 2012. The original and current closing date was April 20, 2012.

Is this solicitation still open?

No. The opportunity was archived on July 20, 2012, and it is no longer open.

What year or funding round does this solicitation correspond to?

The key dates indicate this was a 2012 funding round.

What legal authorities supported this solicitation?

The solicitation cited multiple legal authorities, including Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (sections 201 and 202), the Homeland Security Act (section 232), and the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2012.

Why were those legal authorities relevant?

As summarized, these authorities collectively support NIJ's role in sponsoring research, evaluation, and development that improves criminal justice operations, including forensic science capabilities.

Where could applicants direct programmatic questions about the solicitation?

Program questions and requirements assistance were directed to NIJ via email at forensic.research@ojp.usdoj.gov.

Where could applicants find general funding information and FAQs?

The summary noted that additional general funding information and FAQs were available on NIJ's website.

Where could applicants get help with submission or system issues?

Applicants were directed to Grants.gov customer support by phone or email for submission and system issues.

What were the Grants.gov customer support hours mentioned?

The summary noted that the Grants.gov hotline operates 24/7 except federal holidays.

What kinds of improvements to forensic casework were highlighted as priorities?

The solicitation prioritized advances that improve forensic examinations by increasing accuracy and reliability, speeding up processes (while maintaining quality), and keeping methods affordable enough to be adopted by laboratories and agencies.

What did NIJ mean by methods that are "highly discriminating"?

In the solicitation summary, "highly discriminating" referred to methods that can differentiate between similar sources or samples.

Does the summary provide details about specific budget expectations or project periods?

No. The summary indicates that award size fields were not captured (floor and ceiling shown as 0), implying applicants would have needed to consult the full solicitation for budget expectations, project periods, and any caps or typical ranges.

What was the general orientation of the solicitation: research theory or operational impact?

The orientation was strongly toward operational impact: justice-centered applied R&D and evidence-building that can shape policy and daily practice, with outputs usable in forensic casework and results that can stand up in criminal justice settings.