NIJ FY 10 Development, Delivery, and Evaluation of Sexual Assault Forensic Training Programs | Apply Online

FAQs: NIJ FY 10 Development, Delivery, and Evaluation of Sexual Assault Forensic Training Programs (NIJ 2010 2408)

What is this grant opportunity?

This was a discretionary National Institute of Justice (NIJ) solicitation offered through a cooperative agreement titled "NIJ FY 10 Development, Delivery, and Evaluation of Sexual Assault Forensic Training Programs" (Funding Opportunity Number NIJ 2010 2408). It focused on improving how professionals are trained to conduct sexual assault examinations and handle DNA evidence, with the broader goal of strengthening sexual assault response, investigation, and related criminal justice outcomes.

What was the main purpose of the solicitation?

The solicitation aimed to expand access to high-quality, no-cost training for practitioners directly involved in sexual assault examinations, victim support, forensic evidence handling, and related investigative processes. It also aimed to build credible evidence about whether sexual assault forensic training programs improve real-world outcomes such as case processing and victim engagement with the criminal justice system.

Which agency administered the opportunity?

The opportunity was offered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice.

What type of award mechanism was used?

The solicitation was offered through a cooperative agreement. This typically indicates substantial involvement by the funding agency compared with a standard grant, but specific expectations would be detailed in the full solicitation text.

What were the two main tracks of work supported?

The solicitation supported two closely related tracks:

1. Development and delivery of new training programs focused on sexual assault examinations and DNA evidence competencies.
2. Delivery and evaluation of existing training programs covering those same DNA-evidence-related competencies, with an emphasis on measuring real-world impacts.

What kinds of projects fit under the "develop and deliver new training" track?

Projects under this track were expected to develop and deliver new sexual assault examination training programs that specifically address the identification, collection, preservation, analysis, and use of DNA evidence. These efforts were intended to increase the availability of educational opportunities provided at no direct cost to key audiences and to improve the quality and consistency of forensic medical evidence collection in sexual assault cases.

What kinds of projects fit under the "deliver and evaluate existing training" track?

Projects under this track were expected to deliver existing sexual assault examination training programs addressing DNA evidence competencies and evaluate how those trainings affect real-world outcomes. The evaluation emphasis went beyond participant counts or satisfaction and focused on impacts such as criminal justice case processing and victim participation in the justice system.

What training topics or competencies were emphasized?

The solicitation emphasized training related to DNA evidence in the context of sexual assault examinations, specifically: identification, collection, preservation, analysis, and the practical use of DNA evidence in cases.

Who were the intended audiences for the training?

The solicitation highlighted expanding no-cost training access for audiences most directly involved in victim care and case outcomes, including:

• Medical personnel who perform or support sexual assault examinations
• Victim service providers who assist survivors through reporting and follow-up
• Forensic science practitioners involved in evidence handling and analysis
• Other professionals who interface with victims and the investigative process

Was the training expected to be offered at no cost to participants?

Yes. A central goal was to expand access to high-quality training provided at no direct cost to key practitioner audiences, reducing barriers to participation and promoting consistent practices.

What outcomes was NIJ interested in measuring through evaluations?

NIJ expressed interest in whether training affects measurable, real-world outcomes, including:

• Criminal justice case processing (for example, quality and usability of collected evidence; movement of cases from reporting to investigation to prosecution; how evidence is interpreted and presented)
• Victim participation in the criminal justice system (for example, willingness to report; continued cooperation; engagement through investigative and court stages)

Was participant satisfaction alone enough for the evaluation track?

No. The solicitation specifically noted that evaluation was not intended to be limited to participation counts or satisfaction measures; instead, NIJ wanted evaluations that connect training to outcomes in the justice system and victim engagement.

What was the CFDA number for this program?

The program fell under CFDA 16.560, identified as "National Institute of Justice Research, Evaluation, and Development Project Grants."

How was the opportunity categorized?

It was categorized under Law, Justice and Legal Services as well as Science and Technology and other Research and Development.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The posted and creation date was May 7, 2010. The original and current closing date was June 21, 2010.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date was September 21, 2010.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The opportunity indicated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was listed as unrestricted, meaning it was open to any type of entity, subject to any clarifications or limits that may have been described in the full solicitation text.

Were award minimum and maximum amounts provided in the summary?

No. The award ceiling and floor were listed as 0 in the summary data, which generally signals that applicants needed to consult the full announcement for actual funding limits, budget guidance, and award expectations.

Who should applicants contact with questions about training development and delivery proposals?

For questions tied to sexual assault forensic science training development and delivery, the solicitation listed:

Brigid OBrien, Program Manager
Phone: 202 305 1983
Email: brigid.obrien@usdoj.gov

Who should applicants contact with questions about training delivery and evaluation proposals?

For questions related to training delivery and evaluation proposals, the solicitation listed:

Karen Bachar, Social Science Analyst
Phone: 202 514 4403
Email: karen.bachar@usdoj.gov

Where could applicants get technical help with submission?

Technical submission assistance was handled through Grants.gov support:

Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline: 1 800 518 4726
Email: support@grants.gov

What overall problem was NIJ trying to address through this opportunity?

The opportunity combined practical training expansion with an evaluation focus to improve practitioner capability in DNA-related sexual assault forensic work and to generate evidence about which training approaches meaningfully improve justice system performance and survivor participation.