NIJ FY17 Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes | NIJ 2017 11080

Opportunity Information: Apply for NIJ 2017 11080

The NIJ FY17 Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes grant (Funding Opportunity Number NIJ 2017 11080) is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (NIJ). It supports forensic science research and development that can strengthen how physical evidence is identified, analyzed, and interpreted in the criminal justice system. The program is framed around moving forensic science forward in practical, measurable ways, either by expanding the scientific evidence base that shapes forensic policy and day-to-day practice or by producing tangible tools and methods that laboratories and practitioners can eventually use.

At its core, NIJ is looking for basic or applied R&D projects that do one of two things. First, they can build knowledge that helps decision-makers and practitioners understand what works, what does not, and why in forensic science. That includes research that improves the reliability, accuracy, and interpretation of forensic results, and research that clarifies limitations, uncertainty, and error sources so that forensic conclusions are better supported and more transparent. Second, proposals can focus on creating or advancing materials, devices, systems, or methods with clear potential for forensic application. This includes efforts that translate broader scientific advances into forensic contexts, taking ideas from chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, statistics, computer science, or other fields and shaping them into approaches that are feasible for real criminal justice settings.

The larger intent behind the solicitation is to push forensic science toward methods that are highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid. In practical terms, NIJ is signaling that it values improvements that either increase the probative value of evidence (better ability to distinguish sources or events), reduce the chance of error (stronger validation, robustness, and clearer interpretation), lower costs and complexity (so adoption is realistic for labs with limited resources), and speed up processes without sacrificing quality (which can reduce backlogs and improve case turnaround). The emphasis on identification, analysis, and interpretation highlights that NIJ is not only interested in new instruments or lab procedures, but also in the scientific foundations that support how conclusions are drawn and communicated.

The funding instrument type is a grant, and the activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services under CFDA 16.560. Eligibility is broad and includes state, county, and city or township governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (excluding universities in those categories as specified); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and even individuals. This wide eligibility signals that NIJ is open to proposals from academic researchers, forensic laboratories and public agencies, nonprofit research organizations, and private-sector developers, including those working on technology development that could translate into forensic tools.

The opportunity was created on November 18, 2016, with an original closing date of February 28, 2017. NIJ projected an estimated 50 awards under this solicitation, and it listed an award ceiling of $20,000,000. Those figures indicate a program designed to fund multiple projects, potentially ranging from smaller foundational studies to larger development efforts, with room for substantial awards when the scope and impact justify it.

In summary, this NIJ solicitation is aimed at strengthening forensic science through research and development that either deepens the scientific understanding needed to guide forensic policy and practice or produces new or improved forensic methods and tools. The overall goal is to accelerate progress toward forensic approaches that are faster, more affordable, more accurate, more reliable, and more informative for criminal justice decision-making, while encouraging translation of advances from the broader scientific community into practical forensic applications.

• The Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIJ FY17 Research and Development in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.560.
• This funding opportunity was created on Nov 18, 2016.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 28, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $20,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.

Apply for NIJ 2017 11080

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