NIJ FY 2010 Solving Cold Cases With DNA | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NIJ FY 2010 Solving Cold Cases With DNA

1) What is the NIJ FY 2010 Solving Cold Cases With DNA program?

It is a discretionary funding opportunity from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) intended to help state and local governments move long-unsolved violent crime investigations forward using modern DNA capabilities.

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

The central purpose is to support agencies in identifying and systematically reviewing violent crime cold cases, prioritizing cases that are likely to be solved through DNA analysis, and actively investigating those prioritized cases.

3) What kinds of activities does NIJ expect funded projects to carry out?

Based on the program description, funded work centers on structured cold case review and follow-up investigation supported by forensic DNA testing. This includes locating, preserving, and testing biological evidence associated with violent crime cold cases, and pursuing investigative leads that result from DNA analysis.

4) What types of cases are the focus of this program?

The focus is on violent crime cold cases that have remained unsolved for a long time, particularly those where biological evidence exists and DNA analysis has a strong likelihood of producing investigative leads.

5) Why does the solicitation emphasize DNA technology advances?

NIJ emphasizes that advances in DNA technology have expanded what can be done with older evidence. Samples that are aged, degraded, limited in quantity, or otherwise compromised may now yield usable DNA profiles.

6) Can evidence that was previously tested be tested again under this program?

Yes. The opportunity recognizes that evidence that produced inconclusive or partial results in earlier testing attempts can sometimes be successfully re-analyzed using newer DNA methods.

7) What does the program say about older biological evidence storage and preservation?

A key part of the work involves locating, preserving, and testing biological evidence tied to cold cases, including evidence collected years ago and stored in ways that previously made testing difficult or unproductive.

8) What is meant by “structured case review” in this program context?

The solicitation is grounded in the idea that cold case programs can produce real outcomes when agencies systematically review cases, prioritize those most likely to benefit from DNA analysis, and then pair targeted forensic testing with follow-up investigation.

9) What funding mechanism is used for this opportunity?

Funding is offered through a cooperative agreement mechanism, which typically indicates a more involved federal role in the project compared to a standard grant.

10) Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is listed in the provided information, which lowers the barrier for eligible agencies that may not have extra funds to contribute.

11) How many awards did NIJ anticipate making?

NIJ anticipated making around 100 awards under this solicitation.

12) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 16.560 (National Institute of Justice Research, Evaluation, and Development Project Grants).

13) What category does this funding opportunity fall under?

It sits within the Law, Justice and Legal Services category, with a connection to science and technology or other research and development activities due to its reliance on forensic DNA analysis.

14) Who is eligible to apply based on the information provided?

Eligibility is aimed at states and units of local government. The listing also notes “unrestricted” eligibility subject to clarifications in the full solicitation, but the described intent is to fund public agencies responsible for investigating violent crimes and managing associated evidence.

15) What types of agencies is the program intended to support?

In practical terms, the program is intended for public agencies responsible for violent crime investigations and evidence management, including law enforcement agencies and their governmental partners, particularly those able to coordinate evidence retrieval, laboratory testing, and investigative follow-through.

16) How were applications required to be submitted?

Applications were required to be submitted electronically through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Grants Management System (GMS), a web-based platform used to manage the full lifecycle of OJP awards.

17) What is the OJP Grants Management System (GMS)?

GMS is a web-based system used to manage OJP awards from application submission through award management.

18) Why did NIJ urge applicants to start the GMS registration process early?

NIJ strongly urged applicants, especially first-time users, to begin registration early because registration and system setup can take time, and delays could prevent on-time submission.

19) Where could applicants find training or guidance on using GMS?

Guidance for registering and submitting through GMS was provided via an online training resource at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/.

20) Who should applicants contact for technical issues with GMS?

Applicants were directed to contact the GMS Help Desk by email at GMSHelpDesk@usdoj.gov or by phone at 1-888-549-9901 (option 3).

21) What were the GMS Help Desk hours of operation?

The Help Desk was available Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to midnight Eastern Time, excluding federal holidays.

22) When was this opportunity posted?

The posted date listed for this FY 2010 opportunity is January 26, 2010.

23) What was the application deadline?

The application closing date was March 12, 2010. The original and current closing dates were the same.

24) When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was later archived on June 12, 2010.

25) Who was the NIJ point of contact for programmatic questions?

For programmatic questions about solicitation requirements, NIJ listed Charles Heurich, Program Manager, reachable at 202-616-9264 or charles.heurich@usdoj.gov.