FY 2012 National Criminal History Improvement Program | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the FY 2012 National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) grant opportunity?

The FY 2012 NCHIP opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number BJS-2012-3187) is a discretionary federal funding program administered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). Its overall purpose is to strengthen public safety and national security by improving the quality, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history record information nationwide, and by supporting full nationwide implementation of both criminal justice and noncriminal justice background check systems.

Which federal agency administers this program?

The program is administered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS).

Is this opportunity a grant or a cooperative agreement?

It is offered as a cooperative agreement. This means awardees should expect an ongoing working relationship with the federal sponsor that can include coordination, reporting, and adherence to program priorities.

What does "cooperative agreement" mean for an awardee?

Based on the information provided, a cooperative agreement implies more federal involvement than a typical grant. Awardees should anticipate an ongoing relationship with the federal sponsor, which may involve coordination, reporting, and following program priorities during the project period.

What is the main purpose of NCHIP funding in this competition?

The purpose is to improve criminal history record information nationwide by strengthening record quality, completeness, and accessibility, and to support full nationwide implementation of background check systems in both criminal justice and noncriminal justice settings.

What kinds of improvements are meant by "quality" and "completeness" of criminal history records?

"Quality" and "completeness" typically point to making sure records are accurate, up to date, and include key dispositions and final outcomes, not only arrest information.

What does "accessibility" mean in the context of this program?

"Accessibility" refers to ensuring that authorized users can reliably obtain needed records in a timely manner across agencies and jurisdictions, using standardized processes and modernized data systems.

What does the opportunity mean by "nationwide implementation" of background check systems?

It highlights the goal of consistent, interoperable processes that support legitimate screening needs, both for criminal justice purposes and for noncriminal justice purposes where background checks are required or authorized by law.

What is the activity category for this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under the "Information and Statistics" activity category.

What CFDA number is associated with this program?

The opportunity is tied to CFDA 16.554, National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP).

How much funding was expected to be available under this FY 2012 competition?

The competition anticipated an estimated total funding amount of $6,000,000.

About how many awards did BJS expect to make?

The competition anticipated making about 50 awards.

Does this program require cost sharing or matching funds?

Yes. A cost sharing or matching requirement applies, so applicants would need to plan for required non-federal contributions. The description notes this may include cash or allowable in-kind support, depending on the rules in the full announcement.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to (1) the state agency designated by the governor in each state to administer NCHIP and (2) federally recognized tribal entities.

Can states and tribes apply together or as part of a consortium?

Yes. The announcement allows collaborative applications, including a multi-state consortium, a multi-tribe consortium, or another entity formed for joint submission.

Why does the opportunity allow consortium or collaborative applications?

This structure is intended to support shared solutions where participating states or tribes may benefit from pooled expertise, shared technology approaches, coordinated standards, or joint planning related to criminal history information systems and background check implementation.

What was the posting date for the FY 2012 opportunity?

The opportunity was posted and created on February 9, 2012.

What was the application deadline?

The original and final closing date was March 26, 2012.

Is this funding opportunity still open?

No. It was archived on April 25, 2012, indicating it was a time-limited competitive funding round for that fiscal year.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is BJS-2012-3187.

Who is the federal point of contact for questions or access issues?

The listing names Cathy Maston, Program Analyst, as the federal point of contact.

How can the point of contact be reached by phone?

Cathy Maston can be reached at 202-307-5992.

Where would applicants find detailed requirements such as allowable uses of funds and reporting expectations?

The listing references an "Additional Information Link" to the program announcement. That full announcement would typically include details such as allowable uses of funds, match specifics, reporting expectations, deliverables, performance measures, and compliance obligations tied to criminal history records improvement and background check system implementation.

Does the summary provide the specific allowable uses of funds?

No. The summary indicates that the detailed requirements (including allowable uses of funds) are contained in the full program announcement linked via the "Additional Information Link."

Does the summary specify the exact match percentage or match calculation rules?

No. It only states that a cost sharing or matching requirement applies and notes that non-federal contributions may be cash or allowable in-kind support depending on the program rules described in the full announcement.