NIJ FY 2010 Using DNA Technology to Identify the Missing | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this grant opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "NIJ FY 2010 Using DNA Technology to Identify the Missing."

What is the Funding Opportunity Number?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NIJ-2010-2406.

Which agency offered this opportunity?

This was offered by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

What type of funding instrument was used?

The solicitation was offered as a cooperative agreement.

What CFDA program is associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity was listed under CFDA 16.560, "National Institute of Justice Research, Evaluation, and Development Project Grants."

What was the core purpose of the solicitation?

The core purpose was to strengthen the ability of states and local governments to resolve missing person cases by expanding the use of forensic DNA testing and ensuring DNA results and key case details are shared through national systems designed to generate matches and investigative leads.

What were the main goals described in the solicitation?

The solicitation described a three-part goal: (1) support DNA analysis on unidentified human remains and/or reference samples to help identify missing persons, (2) require DNA profiles generated through the work to be entered into the FBI National DNA Index System (NDIS) using CODIS version 6.0, and (3) emphasize entering relevant case information for unidentified remains into NamUs (the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System).

What types of samples could be supported for DNA analysis under this opportunity?

The solicitation referenced DNA analysis on unidentified human remains and/or reference samples.

Was this opportunity focused on research or operational casework?

Based on the description provided, the emphasis was on operationally meaningful forensic work (producing DNA profiles from remains or reference samples and ensuring appropriate national data entry) rather than basic research.

What national DNA system were applicants required to use for profile entry?

DNA profiles developed through the funded work were required to be entered into the FBI National DNA Index System (NDIS).

What CODIS version was specified for NDIS entry?

The solicitation specified CODIS version 6.0 for entering profiles into NDIS.

What is NamUs and how did it relate to the grant requirements?

NamUs is the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. The solicitation emphasized entering relevant case information related to unidentified remains into NamUs so that identification efforts can combine forensic DNA results with searchable case context and descriptive information.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on March 3, 2010.

What was the application closing date?

The application closing date was April 19, 2010.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date was July 19, 2010.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

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

What were the award floor and ceiling amounts?

The award floor and ceiling were both shown as 0. This typically indicates the specific award amounts were not defined in the summary record and that applicants needed to consult the full solicitation for expected funding levels, budget constraints, and the number of anticipated awards.

Who was eligible to apply?

Eligibility was labeled as unrestricted in the summary (open to any entity type). However, applicants still needed to follow any eligibility clarifications included in the full announcement.

How were applications required to be submitted?

Applications were required to be submitted through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Grants Management System (GMS).

What is the OJP Grants Management System (GMS)?

GMS is a web-based platform used for application submission, award processing, and ongoing grant management for OJP opportunities.

Was there any guidance about when to start the application process?

Yes. Applicants were strongly encouraged to start early, especially first-time users, because registration and system access steps could take time and could cause applicants to miss the deadline if left to the last minute.

Where could applicants find GMS registration and submission instructions?

The opportunity referenced the OJP GMS training link: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/.

Who should applicants contact for technical problems with GMS?

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

What were the GMS Help Desk hours?

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

Who was the program contact for questions about solicitation requirements?

The named NIJ contact for programmatic questions was Charles Heurich, Program Manager.

How could applicants reach the NIJ program contact?

Charles Heurich could be reached at 202-616-9264 or by email at charles.heurich@usdoj.gov.

What was the intended benefit of entering DNA results and case information into national systems?

The intent was to improve information sharing across jurisdictions and to generate matches and investigative leads that could help resolve missing person and unidentified remains cases faster and more effectively.