Electronic Surveillance Technologies for Criminal Justice Applications | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Electronic Surveillance Technologies for Criminal Justice Applications (NIJ)

1) What is the title of this NIJ grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "Electronic Surveillance Technologies for Criminal Justice Applications" and is offered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

2) What is the overall purpose of this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary, competitive program intended to advance practical research and development that strengthens criminal justice work in the United States. NIJ is focusing on electronic surveillance because it remains a major investigative tool, but fast changes in information and communications technology have created real-world challenges for criminal justice agencies. NIJ is seeking work that helps agencies adapt to modern communications environments and associated technical issues, with the end goal of improving criminal justice policy and daily practice.

3) What kinds of projects is NIJ looking to fund under this solicitation?

Based on the summary, NIJ is seeking proposals that do one or more of the following:

• Develop new electronic surveillance technologies relevant to criminal justice applications
• Evaluate existing tools and practices used for electronic surveillance
• Conduct focused research that helps agencies adapt to modern communications environments and technical challenges

4) Is this opportunity research-focused, operationally focused, or both?

Both. The solicitation is framed as research, evaluation, and development, but it also emphasizes practical, applied outcomes. The description signals NIJ expects work that connects clearly to operational criminal justice needs, is not purely theoretical, and produces usable deliverables (such as prototypes, validated methods, evaluation findings, or practitioner guidance).

5) What program does this solicitation fall under (CFDA number)?

It is issued under NIJ's Research, Evaluation, and Development Projects Grants program, listed as CFDA 16.560.

6) What is the funding mechanism (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement. This generally means NIJ expects to be more actively involved than under a standard grant, such as collaborating on project direction, milestones, deliverables, and/or oversight of technical progress.

7) What does NIJ's use of a cooperative agreement likely mean for project management?

Because it is a cooperative agreement, applicants should be prepared for NIJ to have an active role during the award period. The summary specifically notes possible NIJ collaboration on project direction, milestone setting, deliverable expectations, and technical progress oversight.

8) Is this a competitive opportunity?

Yes. It is described as a discretionary, competitive funding program.

9) Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning the solicitation is open to a broad range of applicant types, subject to any additional clarifications in the full announcement.

10) What kinds of organizations typically apply to NIJ opportunities like this (based on the summary description)?

While the summary does not restrict eligibility, it notes that NIJ research and technology solicitations of this type typically attract applicants such as:

• Universities
• Nonprofit research organizations
• Private companies (including technology firms)
• Government entities

The emphasis is on applicants positioned to produce applied results that criminal justice practitioners can adopt.

11) Is cost sharing or matching required?

Yes. The summary indicates cost sharing/matching is required ("Yes"). Applicants would need to follow the solicitation terms for the specific percentage, allowable sources, and documentation requirements.

12) Where can applicants find the required cost share percentage and rules?

The summary does not provide the percentage or detailed rules. It indicates applicants should consult the full solicitation announcement for the required match amount, allowable sources, and documentation requirements.

13) How many awards are expected?

The listing shows an "ExpectedAwards" figure of 100. The summary does not explain how those awards would be distributed across project types or budgets.

14) Is there an award ceiling or floor listed in the summary?

No. The summary fields provided do not specify a dollar award ceiling or floor. Applicants would need to consult the full solicitation text for budget expectations, limits, and how NIJ intended to size awards.

15) When was the opportunity posted, and what was the application deadline?

The opportunity was posted/created on November 9, 2010, and the application deadline was February 7, 2011.

16) Is the opportunity still active?

The summary indicates an archive date of May 7, 2011, suggesting the opportunity is not currently open under that posting.

17) What are the main activity categories associated with this funding?

The opportunity is categorized under:

• Law, Justice and Legal Services
• Science and Technology and other Research and Development

18) What legal authorities support this NIJ solicitation?

The opportunity is grounded in federal statutory authority, specifically:

• The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (sections 201 and 202)
• The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (section 232)

19) What types of deliverables does NIJ appear to be seeking (based on the summary)?

The summary emphasizes practical outputs that agencies can use. Examples mentioned or implied include:

• Guidance that supports criminal justice policy and practice
• Prototypes or new technology developments
• Validated methods or technical approaches
• Evaluation findings about existing tools and practices

20) Who should be contacted for questions about the solicitation's programmatic requirements?

For substantive questions about requirements, contact the NIJ programmatic/solicitation contact:

• John Kaplan, General Engineer
• Phone: 202-305-4503
• Email: John.Kaplan@usdoj.gov

21) Who should be contacted for technical help with submission (Grants.gov issues)?

For technical submission support, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline:

• Phone: 800-518-4726
• Email: support@grants.gov
• Availability: 24/7 except federal holidays

22) Where can applicants find the detailed "Program Specific Information" and application instructions?

The summary references an additional information link to the full solicitation announcement. That full text would contain the detailed program-specific electronic surveillance challenges NIJ wanted addressed, evaluation criteria, required deliverables, and application/compliance instructions.