NIJ FY15 Research on the Efficacy of Different Contraband Interdiction Modalities Used in Correctional Facilities | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the title of this NIJ funding opportunity?

The opportunity was titled "Research on the Efficacy of Different Contraband Interdiction Modalities Used in Correctional Facilities" (NIJ FY15).

Which agency offered this solicitation?

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

What program was this solicitation part of?

It was a discretionary funding solicitation under NIJ's Research, Evaluation, and Development Project Grants program.

What CFDA number was associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity was 16.560.

What was the overarching aim of the NIJ program behind this solicitation?

The program aims to support research, development, and evaluation efforts that can strengthen criminal justice policy and practice across the United States.

What was NIJ trying to accomplish with this specific research solicitation?

NIJ sought a research project that could (1) map what correctional agencies are currently doing to keep contraband out of jails and prisons and (2) assess what is known about how well those approaches work.

What does NIJ mean by an "interdiction modality" in this solicitation?

NIJ defined an "interdiction modality" broadly. It is not limited to tools or devices and is not restricted to the moment contraband is discovered. It includes the full set of policies and practices used to prevent contraband from entering a facility, as well as methods used to detect and remove contraband already inside.

Does the definition of "interdiction modality" include legal or administrative factors?

Yes. The definition explicitly includes the legal and administrative framework around interdiction practices, including relevant statutes and regulations that shape how interdiction methods are implemented.

What kinds of strategies might be included in the research scope for this solicitation?

Based on NIJ's broad definition, the research could cover screening and search procedures, staff and visitor policies, intelligence and investigative practices, detection technologies, and operational protocols for response and removal, while also accounting for legal boundaries affecting how each method can be used.

Was NIJ focused only on detection technologies or devices?

No. NIJ emphasized that modalities are not limited to tools or devices and include policies, practices, prevention approaches, detection methods, and removal/response procedures.

Was the research limited only to the point when contraband is discovered?

No. NIJ stated that interdiction modalities are not restricted to the moment contraband is discovered and include prevention, detection, and removal activities.

How many awards did NIJ anticipate making?

NIJ anticipated making a single award.

What was the estimated total funding amount?

The estimated total funding amount was $500,000.

What was the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument was a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that the award was a cooperative agreement (as described in the posting)?

In this posting, a cooperative agreement was described as typically indicating more ongoing involvement from the funding agency than a standard grant, often through collaboration, monitoring, or coordination on project direction and deliverables.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement was stated for this solicitation.

Who was eligible to apply?

The solicitation was open to unrestricted applicants, meaning it was broadly accessible to many entity types, subject to any eligibility clarifications contained in the full solicitation text.

When was the opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on January 2, 2015.

What was the application deadline?

The closing deadline was April 2, 2015.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on May 2, 2015.

How were applications expected to be submitted?

Applicants were expected to submit through Grants.gov.

What should applicants do if they experience technical problems submitting through Grants.gov?

The posting noted standard federal guidance that technical submission issues had to be documented promptly, and directed applicants to the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline for submission problems.

Where should questions about program or solicitation requirements be sent?

Questions about program or solicitation requirements were directed to NIJ via email at ST_Research@ojp.usdoj.gov.

Was there additional NIJ guidance available to applicants?

Yes. Additional NIJ guidance for applicants, including general application information and frequently asked questions, was available through NIJ's funding webpages.

What is the overall purpose of this solicitation in terms of expected outcomes?

Overall, the solicitation was designed to build a clearer evidence base around contraband interdiction in correctional settings by identifying what modalities are in use and summarizing or evaluating what is known about their effectiveness, with attention to operational practices and the statutory and regulatory environment that governs how facilities can apply them.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. Based on the provided dates, it closed on April 2, 2015 and was archived on May 2, 2015.