FY2014 PAUL COVERDELL FORENSIC SCIENCE IMPROVEMENT GRANT (AC16)-SOLICITATION.PDF

U.S. Department of Justice OMB No. 1121-0329
Approval Expires 07/31/2016
Office of Justice Programs
National Institute of Justice
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), National Institute of
Justice (NIJ) is seeking applications for funding under the FY 2014 Paul Coverdell Forensic
Science Improvement Grants Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by
providing States and units of local government with tools needed to meet the challenges of
crime and justice. Specifically, this program seeks to improve the quality and timeliness of
forensic science and medical examiner services, including services provided by laboratories
operated by States and units of local government.
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science
Improvement Grants Program
Eligibility
Eligible applicants are limited to States (including territories) and units of local government.
State Administering Agencies (SAAs) apply on behalf of States, including any State government
entity. (See “Eligibility” on page 3.)
Deadline
Applicants must register in OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS) prior to submitting an
application for this funding opportunity. Select the “Apply Online” button associated with the
solicitation title. (See “How to Apply,” page 25.) All registrations and applications are due by
11:59 p.m. eastern time on April 1, 2014. (See “Deadlines: Registration and Application,” page
3.)
Contact Information
For technical assistance with submitting an application, contact the Grants Management System
Support Hotline at 888–549–9901, option 3 or via e-mail at GMS.HelpDesk@usdoj.gov.
The GMS Support Hotline hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 6:00 a.m. to midnight
eastern time, except federal holidays.
Applicants that experience unforeseen GMS technical issues beyond their control that prevent
them from submitting their application by the deadline must e-mail the NIJ Office of Investigative
and Forensic Sciences (OIFS) contact identified below within 24 hours after the application
deadline and request approval to submit their application.
For assistance with any other requirements of this solicitation, contact Alan Spanbauer,
Program Manager, at Alan.Spanbauer@usdoj.gov. Additional information can be found
at www.nij.gov/nij/funding/welcome.htm. Frequently asked questions that may assist with
applying are posted at www.nij.gov/funding/faqs.htm.
Release Date: February 14, 2014
SL001081

Contents
Overview ................................................................................................................................ 3
Deadlines: Registration and Application ................................................................................. 3
Eligibility ................................................................................................................................. 3
Program-Specific Information ................................................................................................. 8
Performance Measures .........................................................................................................13
What an Application Should Include ......................................................................................14
Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF–424) ........................15
Project Abstract .................................................................................................................15
Program Narrative .............................................................................................................15
External Investigations Attachment to the Program Narrative ............................................17
Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s Performance Measures ..........17
Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative ................................................................18
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) .....................................................................18
Additional Attachments ......................................................................................................19
Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionaire ................................................20
Selection Criteria ...................................................................................................................20
Review Process ....................................................................................................................23
Additional Requirements .......................................................................................................23
Reporting ..............................................................................................................................24
How to Apply .........................................................................................................................25
Provide Feedback to OJP .....................................................................................................27
Application Checklist .............................................................................................................29
2 Coverdell Forensic Science

Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement
Grants Program
CFDA No. 16.742
Overview
With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement
Grants Program (the Coverdell program), which awards grants to States and units of local
government to help improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner
services. Among other things, funds may be used to eliminate a backlog in the analysis of
forensic evidence and to train and employ forensic laboratory personnel, as needed, to
eliminate such a backlog. State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for both “base”
(formula) and competitive funds. Units of local government may apply for competitive funds.
Authorizing Legislation: The Coverdell program is authorized by Title I of the Omnibus Safe
Streets and Crime Control Act of 1968, Part BB, codified at 42 U.S.C. § 3797j-3797o (the
Coverdell law).
Deadlines: Registration and Application
Applicants must register in GMS prior to submitting an application for this funding opportunity.
The deadline to register in GMS is 11:59 p.m. eastern time on April 1, 2014, and the deadline to
apply for funding under this announcement is 11:59 p.m. eastern time on April 1, 2014. See
“How to Apply” on page 25 for details.
Eligibility
States1 and units of local government may apply for FY 2014 Coverdell funds. States may be
eligible for both “base” (formula) and competitive funds. Units of local government within States
may be eligible for competitive funds and may apply directly to NIJ. Any State application for
funding MUST be submitted by the Coverdell SAA (see list of SAAs on the OJP Web site
at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/saa/index.htm). (Other interested State agencies or departments must
coordinate with their respective SAAs.)
The Coverdell law (at 42 U.S.C. § 3797k) requires that, to request a grant, an applicant for
Coverdell funds must submit:
1. A certification and description regarding a plan for forensic science laboratories
Each applicant must submit a certification that the State or unit of local government has
developed a plan for forensic science laboratories under a program intended to improve
the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services in the State,
including such services provided by the laboratories operated by the State and those
1 For purposes of the Coverdell program, the term “State” means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands. For certain purposes, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands are treated as one State.
3 Coverdell Forensic Science

operated by units of local government within the State. Applicants must also specifically
describe the manner in which the grant will be used to carry out that plan.
2. A certification regarding use of generally accepted laboratory practices
Each applicant must submit a certification that any forensic laboratory system, medical
examiner’s office, or coroner’s office in the State, including any laboratory operated by a
unit of local government within the State, that will receive any portion of the grant
amount (whether directly or through a subgrant) uses generally accepted laboratory
practices and procedures established by accrediting organizations or appropriate
certifying bodies.
3. A certification and description regarding costs of new facilities
Each applicant must submit a certification that the amount of the grant used for the costs
of any new facility constructed as part of a program to improve the quality and timeliness
of forensic science or medical examiner services will not exceed certain limitations set
forth in the Coverdell law at 42 U.S.C. § 3797m(c). (See information on “permissible
expenses” in the next section of this announcement.) Applicants must also specifically
describe any new facility to be constructed as well as the estimated costs of the facility.
4. A certification regarding external investigations into allegations of serious
negligence or misconduct
Each applicant must submit a certification that “a government entity exists and an
appropriate process is in place to conduct independent external investigations into
allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the
forensic results committed by employees or contractors of any forensic laboratory
system, medical examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law enforcement storage facility, or
medical facility in the State that will receive a portion of the grant amount.”
Applicants are expected to review the requirements of each certification carefully before
determining whether the certification properly may be made. Any certification that is submitted
must be executed by an official who is both familiar with the requirements of the certification and
authorized to make the certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency
applying directly to NIJ). Certifications must be submitted using the templates that appear
in Appendix 2.
Certifications made on behalf of subrecipients of award funds—rather than certifications made
on behalf of the agency applying directly to NIJ—are not acceptable to satisfy the certification
requirements.
In connection with the certification regarding external investigations (described above),
applicants must provide, prior to receiving award funds, the name(s) of the existing
“government entity” (or government entities). This information is to be provided as an
attachment to the program narrative section of the application. See “What an Application Should
Include,” page 4, and Appendix 3, which includes a template for the attachment.
Please note that funds will not be made available to applicant agencies that fail to provide the
necessary information.
4 Coverdell Forensic Science

Important Note on Referrals in Connection With Allegations of Serious Negligence or
Serious Misconduct
The highest standards of integrity in the practice of forensic science are critical to the
enhancement of the administration of justice. We assume that recipients (and subrecipients) of
Coverdell funds will make use of the process referenced in their certification as to external
investigations and will refer allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially
affecting the integrity of forensic results to government entities with an appropriate process in
place to conduct independent external investigations, such as the government entities identified
in the grant application.
For each fiscal year of an award made under this solicitation, recipients will be required to report
to NIJ on an annual basis—
1) the number and nature of any such allegations;
2) information on the referrals of such allegations (e.g., the government entity or entities to
which referred, the date of referral);
3) the outcome of such referrals (if known as of the date of the report); and
4) if any such allegations were not referred, the reason(s) for the non-referral.
Payments to recipients (including payments under future awards) may be withheld if the
required information is not submitted on a timely basis.
Special Guidance on Certification Regarding External Investigations Into Allegations of
Serious Negligence or Misconduct.
The certification regarding external investigations has a number of requirements, each of which
must be satisfied before the certification may be made. The official authorized to make the
certification on behalf of the applicant agency must review each of the statutory elements and
this guidance carefully before determining whether a certification properly may be made. After
reviewing the information and guidance provided here, the official, on behalf of the applicant
agency, must determine whether:
• A government entity exists
• With an appropriate process in place
• To conduct independent, external investigations
• Into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct
• Substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results
• Committed by employees or contractors
5 Coverdell Forensic Science

• Of any forensic laboratory system, medical examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law
enforcement storage facility, or medical facility in the State that will receive a portion of
the grant amount.
Note: In making this certification, the certifying official is certifying that these requirements are
satisfied not only with respect to the applicant itself but also with respect to each entity that will
receive a portion of the grant amount. Certifying officials are advised that: (1) a false statement
in the certification or in the grant application that it supports may be the subject of criminal
prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42 U.S.C. § 3795a, and (2) Office of Justice
Programs grants, including certifications provided in connection with such grants, are subject to
review by the Office of Justice Programs and/or by the Department of Justice’s Office of the
Inspector General.
The following guidance, provided by way of examples for applicants’ review, is designed to
illustrate elements of the external investigation certification that the official authorized to make
the certification on behalf of the applicant agency must take into account in determining whether
the certification properly may be made.
Because it is not possible for NIJ to provide examples relating to every type of government
entity with an appropriate process in place to conduct independent, external investigations into
allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the
forensic results committed by employees or contractors, this guidance should not be viewed as
all inclusive. In addition, this guidance is not intended to constitute legal advice from NIJ on the
question of whether the required certification properly may be made on behalf of the applicant.
Such a determination must be made by an appropriate official based on the statutory
requirements of the certification after review of this guidance.
Illustrative Examples:
1. The only government entity that will receive Coverdell award funds is a forensic
laboratory that is a unit of a local law enforcement agency (e.g., a police department).
The law enforcement agency has an Internal Affairs Division (IAD) that reports directly to
the head of the law enforcement agency (the Police Chief) and the head of the unit of
local government (the Mayor/City Commissioner). The IAD has the authority to conduct
investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by laboratory
employees and contractors.
Guidance: Execution of the certification might be appropriate under these facts.
Nevertheless, the official authorized to make the certification on behalf of the applicant
agency must be satisfied that the IAD at issue has the requisite authority to conduct
independent investigations (for example, whether the IAD is completely free from
influence or supervision by laboratory management officials) into allegations relating to
employees or contractors of the laboratory.
2. A State intends to distribute Coverdell award funds to State and local forensic
laboratories and medical examiners’ offices. There is an Office of the Inspector General
(OIG) in the State with authority to conduct investigations into allegations of serious
negligence or misconduct by employees and contractors of forensic laboratories and
medical examiners’ offices, both at the State and local levels.
6 Coverdell Forensic Science

Guidance: Execution of the certification might be appropriate under these facts.
Nevertheless, the certifying official must be satisfied that the State IG’s authority in this
regard is not circumscribed in such a way that the IG’s ability to conduct independent
investigations is limited (for example, through a reporting hierarchy that does not provide
for the IG to report directly to the chief executive officer or another equally independent
State official or office).
3. A city has applied for a Coverdell award and all funds will go to the city’s forensic
laboratory. There is a process in place whereby the city’s District Attorney (DA) may
appoint an independent investigator to conduct an investigation into allegations
concerning the city’s forensic laboratory. If the DA appoints an independent investigator,
the investigator will have authority to investigate allegations of serious negligence or
misconduct by both laboratory employees and contractors.
Guidance: Execution of the certification might be appropriate under these facts. In this
regard however, the certifying official must be satisfied that the process at issue
(appointment of an independent investigator by the city DA) includes procedures under
which allegations involving the laboratory are submitted to or are made known to the DA,
and that the DA’s authority and responsibility to appoint an independent investigator to
conduct investigations of such allegations is sufficiently delineated in city policies and/or
regulations so that the “appropriate process” in place is clearly defined.
4. An applicant agency determines that the forensics laboratory director (or some other
individual in the chain of command at the laboratory) has sole responsibility to conduct
investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by
laboratory employees.
Guidance: Under these circumstances, execution of the certification would not be
appropriate because there is no process in place to conduct independent, external
investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by
laboratory employees and contractors.
5. A State applicant intends to distribute Coverdell award funds to forensic laboratories at
both the State and local level. An independent commission established by the Governor
has authority to investigate allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by
employees, including employees of units of local government within the State.
Guidance: Under these circumstances, the existence of this commission is not itself a
sufficient basis for execution of the certification. In this regard, the commission does not
have authority to investigate allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by
contractors of State and local government forensic laboratories that receive Coverdell
funds. (If, however, some other government entity, distinct from the commission, has a
process in place to conduct independent external investigations of allegations of serious
negligence or misconduct by such contractors, execution of the certification might be
appropriate depending on all the facts.)
6. A local forensic laboratory, which is intended to receive a portion of the funds from a
Coverdell award to a State, notifies the State applicant that a quality assurance official is
responsible for investigating allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by
employees and contractors of the local forensic laboratory. The quality assurance official
reports to the director of the forensic laboratory.
7 Coverdell Forensic Science

Guidance: Under these circumstances, execution of the certification would not be
appropriate because the quality assurance official reports to the director of the forensic
laboratory and, therefore, there is no process in place to conduct independent, external
investigations of allegations against the forensics laboratory as required to make the
certification.
7. An applicant agency (a forensics laboratory) intends to employ a contractor or a
nongovernmental organization to conduct investigations into allegations of serious
negligence or misconduct committed by laboratory employees.
Guidance: Under these circumstances, execution of the certification would not be
appropriate, as there is neither a government entity nor an appropriate process in place
to conduct independent, external investigations of allegations against the laboratory,
whether alleged to be committed by laboratory employees and/or contractors, because
the contractor or nongovernmental entity is employed by and responsible to the
forensics laboratory.
8. An applicant agency is accredited by an independent accrediting or certifying
organization such as CALEA, ASCLD-LAB, NAME, FQS, etc.
Guidance: In this situation, execution of the certification would not be appropriate. The
fact of accreditation or certification by an outside entity on its own does not demonstrate
that the agency has a process in place to investigate allegations of serious negligence or
misconduct committed by employees or contractors. There is insufficient information to
properly make the required certification in this situation.
Program-Specific Information
This solicitation seeks applications for funding to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic
science and medical examiner services, including services provided by laboratories operated by
States and/or units of local government. Among other things, funds may be used to eliminate
backlogs in the analysis of general forensic evidence or to train and employ forensic laboratory
personnel to eliminate such backlogs.
A. Available Funding
Because certain authorized deductions may be taken, between $10,500,000 and
$12,000,000 is anticipated to be available for Coverdell awards in FY 2014. The figures and
calculations reflected in this solicitation (for example, the estimated minimum award to
States and the estimated amount of “base” funds, by State) are based on an estimated total
amount available of $10,500,00, although, as indicated, the amount could be as much as
$12,000,000.
1. “Base” Funds for States
Approximately 75 percent of the funds available for Coverdell grants will be allocated
among eligible States based on population (State “base” funds). The approximate
8 Coverdell Forensic Science

amount each eligible State would receive if $10,500,000 were made available for FY
2014 is listed in Appendix 1: “Estimated Amount of FY 2014 Base Funds, by State.”2
2. Competitive Funds for States and Units of Local Government
Twenty-five percent of the available funds will be allocated among States and units of
local government through a competitive process. The average annual number of Part 1
violent crimes reported by each State to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for calendar
years 2010, 2011, and 2012; existing resources; and current needs of the potential grant
recipient will be considerations in award decisions. For FY 2014, the maximum amount a
State or unit of local government may receive in competitive funds is $175,000.
Units of local government that provide forensic science or medical examiner services
(whether through a forensic science laboratory, medical examiner’s office, or coroner’s
office) may apply directly to NIJ for competitive funds. A State may apply through its
SAA for competitive funds for forensic sciences improvements above and beyond those
it can accomplish with its estimated amount of base funds.
3. Minimum Awards to States
The Coverdell law sets a floor for the total amount an eligible applicant State will receive
as its Coverdell grant. If $10,500,000 were to become available for FY 2014, the
minimum Coverdell grant to an eligible State would be not less than $63,000.3 In that
case, if the amount a State would otherwise receive as its total Coverdell grant (including
both base funds and any competitive funds) is less than $63,000, NIJ will increase that
State’s total grant to $63,000.
All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and to any modifications
or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.
B. Grant Purposes
A State or unit of local government that receives a Coverdell grant must use the grant for
one or more of these three purposes:
1. To carry out all or a substantial part of a program intended to improve the quality and
timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services in the State, including those
services provided by laboratories operated by the State and those operated by units of
local government within the State.
2. To eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence,4 including, among
other things, a backlog with respect to firearms examination, latent prints, toxicology,
controlled substances, forensic pathology, questioned documents, and trace evidence.
2 Under the provisions of the Coverdell law, several factors (including the number of eligible State applicants) affect
“base” amounts.
3 Minimum awards for America Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are lower.
4 A backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence exists if forensic evidence has been stored in a laboratory,
medical examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility; and has not been
subjected to all appropriate forensic testing because of lack of resources or personnel.
9 Coverdell Forensic Science

3. To train, assist, and employ forensic laboratory personnel as needed to eliminate such a
backlog.
C. Expected Results and Outcomes
The result of Coverdell grants to applicant States should be a demonstrated improvement
over current operations in the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical
examiner services provided in the State, including services provided by laboratories
operated by the State and services provided by laboratories operated by units of local
government within the State. Reduction of forensic analysis backlogs is considered an
improvement in timeliness of services. The result of Coverdell grants directly to units of local
government should be a demonstrated improvement over current operations in the quality
and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services provided by the local
jurisdiction.
See “Performance Measures,” page 10, for additional information.
D. Grant Period
Coverdell grants generally are limited to a 12-month period. Applicants are asked to
establish a project period of October 1, 2014, to September 30, 2015. Applicants should be
aware that the total period of an award, including one that receives a project period
extension, ordinarily will not exceed 3 years.
Budget Information
A. Permissible Expenses
The types of expenses listed below generally may be paid with Coverdell funds.
Note: The following list details the types of expenses allowed under the Coverdell program.
These expenses should NOT be used as budget categories—instead they are to be
incorporated into the appropriate standard OJP budget categories. For more information on
OJP’s standard budget format, see the section titled “What an Application Should Include.”
1. Personnel. Funds may be used for forensic science or medical examiner personnel,
overtime, fellowships, visiting scientists, interns, consultants, or contracted staff.
2. Computerization. Funds may be used to upgrade, replace, lease, or purchase
computer hardware and software for forensic analyses and data management.
3. Laboratory equipment. Funds may be used to upgrade, lease, or purchase forensic
laboratory or medical examiner equipment and instrumentation.
4. Supplies. Funds may be used to acquire forensic laboratory or medical examiner
supplies.
Note: To help ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
and Department of Justice regulations, Coverdell awardees that intend to use funds
for activities involving the use or purchase of chemicals will be required to submit
additional information. See the "Additional Requirements" section of this
announcement.
10 Coverdell Forensic Science

Applicants should note that award recipients whose proposals involve the use or
purchase of chemicals may encounter delays in the release of their award funds
pending satisfactory completion of the NEPA review process.
5. Accreditation. Funds may be used to prepare for laboratory accreditation by the
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board
(ASCLD-LAB), Forensic Quality Services (FQS), the National Association of Medical
Examiners (NAME), the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA),
or other appropriate accrediting bodies. Funds also may be used for application and
maintenance fees charged by appropriate accrediting bodies.
6. Education, training, and certification. Funds may be used for appropriate internal
and external training of staff that are directly and substantially involved in providing
forensic science or medical examiner services. In appropriate cases, funds also may
be used for fees charged by appropriate certifying bodies for certification of staff in
specific forensic discipline areas. All education, training, and certification activities
must be designed to improve the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or
medical examiner services. The grant application should demonstrate that the
proposed training or certification is directly related to the job position and duties of
the individual(s) receiving the training or seeking certification.
7. Facilities. Funds may be used for program expenses relating to facilities, provided
the expenses are directly attributable to improving the quality and/or timeliness of
forensic science or medical examiner services. Funds also may be used for
renovation and/or construction undertaken as part of the applicant’s program to
improve the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner
services.
Limitations on use of funds for costs of new facility. The Coverdell law limits the
amount of funds that may be used for the costs of a new facility or facilities. See 42
U.S.C. § 3797m(c). Maximum amounts are determined by the total amount of the
Coverdell grant (including both base and competitive funds) and the total amount of
funds available for Coverdell grants nationwide. The maximum amounts that may be
used for costs of new facilities are as follows. (Estimates and calculations are based
on the assumption that the total available funds for Coverdell awards in FY 2014 will
be $10,500,000. Please refer to the discussion under “Available Funding” on page
8.)
a. Grants that do not exceed 0.6 percent of the total available funds (estimated at
$63,000) for FY 2014. If the total Coverdell grant to an applicant State or unit of
local government is less than or equal to 0.6 percent of the total available funds
(estimated here at $63,000), no more than 80 percent of the total grant may be
used for the costs of any new facility.
b. Grants that exceed 0.6 percent of the total available funds. If an applicant State
receives a total grant that exceeds 0.6 percent of the total available funds
(estimated here at $63,000), the amount of the grant that can be used for the
costs of any new facility cannot exceed the sum of 80 percent of 0.6 percent of
the total available funds (such 80 percent estimated here at $50,400) plus 40
percent of the amount of the grant in excess of 0.6 percent of the total available
funds.
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For example, if $10,500,000 were to become available for Coverdell awards in FY
2014 and a State were to receive a total Coverdell grant of $100,000, no more than
$65,400 may be used for the costs of any new facility.
A sample calculation for a $100,000 grant would be as follows:
Eighty percent of 0.6 percent of the total available funds: $63,000 x .80 = $50,400
Amount in excess of $63,000: $100,000 - $63,000 = $37,000
40 percent of amount in excess of $63,000: $37,000 x .40 = $14,800
Sum of $50,400+ $14,800 = $65,200
Note: To help ensure compliance with NEPA and Department of Justice regulations,
Coverdell awardees that intend to use funds for activities involving the renovation or
construction of facilities will be required to submit additional information (see
"Additional Requirements").
Applicants should note that award recipients whose proposals involve construction or
renovation may encounter delays in the release of their award funds pending
satisfactory completion of the NEPA review process.
8. Administrative expenses. Not more than 10 percent of the total amount of a
Coverdell grant may be used for a recipient’s administrative expenses.
B. Expenses That are not Permitted
1. Expenses other than those listed above (including expenses for general law
enforcement functions or non-forensic investigatory functions).
2. Costs for any new facility that exceed the limits described above.
3. Recipient administrative expenses (direct or indirect) that exceed 10 percent of the total
grant amount.
C. Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs
OJP strongly encourages applicants that propose to use award funds for any conference-,
meeting-, or training-related activity to review carefully – before submitting an application –
the OJP policy and guidance on “conference” approval, planning, and reporting available
at www.ojp.gov/funding/confcost.htm. OJP policy and guidance (1) encourage minimization
of conference, meeting, and training costs; (2) require prior written approval (which may
affect project timelines) of most such costs for cooperative agreement recipients and of
some such costs for grant recipients; and (3) set cost limits, including a general prohibition
of all food and beverage costs.
D. Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable)
If an applicant proposes a program or activity that would deliver services or benefits to
individuals, the costs of taking reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to those
services or benefits by individuals with limited English proficiency may be allowable costs.
12 Coverdell Forensic Science

Reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services or benefits may include
interpretation or translation services where appropriate.
For additional information, see the "Civil Rights Compliance" section of the OJP "Other
Requirements for OJP Applications" Web page
(www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm).
E. Match Requirement
This solicitation does not require a match. However, if a successful application proposes a
voluntary match amount, and OJP approves the budget, the total match amount
incorporated into the approved budget becomes mandatory and subject to audit.
Performance Measures
To assist the Department with fulfilling its responsibilities under the Government Performance
and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), Public Law 103-62, and the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010,
Public Law 111–352, applicants that receive funding under this solicitation must provide data
that measure the results of their work done under this solicitation. OJP will require any award
recipient, post award, to provide the data requested in the “Data Grantee Provides” column so
that OJP can calculate values for the “Performance Measures” column. Performance measures
for this solicitation are as follows:
Objective Performance Measure(s) Data Grantee
Provides
To improve the quality and Outcome Measure 1. Average number of
timeliness of forensic services and days to process a
to reduce the number of 1. Reduction in the average number of days sample at the
backlogged cases in forensic from the submission of a sample to a beginning of the grant
laboratories. forensic science laboratory to the delivery of period.
test results to a requesting office or agency.
2. Average number of
2. Percent reduction in the number of days to process a
backlogged forensic cases. sample at the end of
the grant period.
Output Measure
3. Number of backlogged
1. The number of forensic science or medical cases at the beginning
examiner personnel who completed of the grant period.
appropriate training or educational
opportunities with FY 2014 Coverdell funds 4. Number of backlogged
(if applicable to the grant). cases at the end of the
grant period.
5. Number of forensic
science personnel
attending training.
6. Number of medical
examiner personnel
attending training
programs.
13 Coverdell Forensic Science

OJP does not require applicants to submit performance measures data with their applications.
Instead, applicants should discuss in their application their proposed methods for collecting data
for performance measures. Refer to the section “What an Application Should Include” seen
below, for additional information.
Note on Project Evaluations (if applicable)
Applicants that propose to use funds awarded through this solicitation to conduct project
evaluations should be aware that certain project evaluations (such as systematic investigations
designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge) may constitute “research” for
purposes of applicable DOJ human subjects’ protection regulations. However, project
evaluations intended only to generate internal improvements to a program or service, or are
conducted only to meet OJP’s performance measure data reporting requirements likely do not
constitute “research.” Applicants should provide sufficient information for OJP to determine
whether the particular project they propose would either intentionally or unintentionally collect
and/or use information in such a way that it meets the DOJ regulatory definition of research.
Research, for the purposes of human subjects’ protections for OJP-funded programs, is defined
as, “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation,
designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge” 28 C.F.R. § 46.102(d). For
additional information on determining whether a proposed activity would constitute research,
see the decision tree to assist applicants on the “Research and the Protection of Human
Subjects” section of the OJP “Other Requirements for OJP Applications” Web page
(www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm). Applicants whose proposals may involve
a research or statistical component also should review the “Confidentiality” section on that Web
page.
What an Application Should Include
Applicants should anticipate that if they fail to submit an application that contains all of the
specified elements, it may negatively affect the review of their application; and, should a
decision be made to make an award, it may result in the inclusion of special conditions that
preclude the recipient from accessing or using award funds pending satisfaction of the
conditions.
Moreover, applicants that request competitive funds should anticipate that applications that are
unresponsive to the scope of the solicitation, or that do not include application elements that NIJ
has designated to be critical, will neither proceed to peer review nor receive further
consideration. Under this solicitation, NIJ has designated, for requests for competitive funds, the
following application elements as critical: Program Narrative, Budget Detail Worksheet and
Budget Narrative, and all four certifications required by the Coverdell law. Applicants may
combine the Budget Narrative and the Budget Detail Worksheet in one document. However, if
an applicant submits only one document, it must contain both narrative and detail information.
(Requests for competitive funds from States must clearly differentiate between the information
on program narrative and budget provided for the request for competitive funds and the
information provided for the request for “base” funds.)
OJP strongly recommends that applicants use appropriately descriptive file names (e.g.,
“Program Narrative,” “Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative,” “Timelines,”
14 Coverdell Forensic Science

“Memoranda of Understanding,” “Resumes”) for all attachments. Also, OJP recommends that
applicants include resumes in a single file.
1. Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF–424)
The SF-424 is a required standard form used as a cover sheet for submission of pre-
applications, applications, and related information. OJP’s Grants Management System
(GMS) takes information from the applicant’s profile to populate the fields on this form.
When selecting "type of applicant," if the applicant is a for-profit entity, select "For-Profit
Organization" or "Small Business" (as applicable).
2. Project Abstract
Applications should include a high-quality “Project Abstract” that summarizes the proposed
project in 250-400 words. Project abstracts should be—
• Written for a general public audience.
• Submitted as a separate attachment with “Project Abstract” as part of its file name.
• Single-spaced, using a standard 12-point font (Times New Roman) with 1-inch margins.
As a separate attachment, the project abstract will not count against the page limit for the
program narrative section of a request for competitive funds.
All project abstracts should follow the detailed template available
at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/Project_Abstract_Template.pdf.
3. Program Narrative
Program Narrative Guidelines:
a. Main Body
The main body of the program narrative should address the project objectives, the
expected results, and the implementation approach.
a. Formula (base) applications
• State (base) applicants: The program narrative must specifically describe the
manner in which Coverdell grant funds will be used to carry out the State plan to
improve the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner
services over current operations. (Reduction of forensic analysis backlogs is
considered an improvement in timeliness of services.) States are expected to
consider the needs of laboratories operated by units of local government as well
as those operated by the State.
If grant funds are requested for costs of a new facility, the program narrative
must specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and the estimated
costs of that facility.
15 Coverdell Forensic Science

b. Requests for competitive funds
The main body of the program narrative for a request for competitive funds should
describe the project in depth. The following sections should be included as part of
the main body of a program narrative:
• Statement of the Problem.
• Project/Program Design and Implementation.
• Capabilities/Competencies.
• Impact/Outcomes and Evaluation/Plan for Collecting Data for Performance
Measures.
• Other/Part 1 violent crimes data (see pages 16 and 22 for details).
• State (base/competitive) applicants: A State that seeks competitive funds in
addition to base funds should include a separate program narrative (as well as a
separate proposed budget detail worksheet and budget narrative), which should
describe how competitive funds will be used to support improvements in forensic
science or medical examiner services above and beyond the improvements it
will accomplish with its estimated amount of base funds. As noted earlier,
existing resources and current needs will be considered in awarding competitive
funds and should be addressed in any request for competitive funds. As part of
the discussion of existing resources and current needs, applicants requesting
competitive funds should include information in the program narrative that
describes any known, specific impact(s) on resources and needs indicated by the
applicant State’s part 1 violent crime data. Requests for competitive funds should
specify the dollar amount requested, which should not exceed $175,000.
If grant funds are requested for costs of a new facility, the program narrative
must specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and the estimated
costs of that facility.
Any State application for funding MUST be submitted by the Coverdell SAA (see
list of SAAs on the OJP Web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/saa/index.htm). When
applying for competitive funds, an SAA should consult with all interested State
agencies to prepare a request for competitive funds. No more than one request
for competitive funds per State (SAA) will be funded.
• Unit of local government: The program narrative must specifically describe the
manner in which Coverdell grant funds will be used to carry out the unit of local
government plan to improve the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or
medical examiner services over current operations. (Reduction of forensic
analysis backlogs is considered an improvement in timeliness of services.)
Existing resources and current needs will be considered in awarding competitive
funds and should be addressed in any request for competitive funds. As part of
the discussion of existing resources and current needs, applicants requesting
competitive funds should include information in the program narrative that
16 Coverdell Forensic Science

describes any known, specific impact(s) on resources and needs indicated by the
applicant unit of local government’s part 1 violent crime data (State data and any
data reported by the unit of local government). Requests for competitive funds
should specify the dollar amount requested, which should not exceed $175,000.
If grant funds are requested for costs of a new facility, the program narrative
must specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and the estimated
costs of that facility.
All interested components of a unit of local government should be consulted
before preparing an application for competitive funds. No more than one
application for competitive funds per unit of local government will be funded.
The program narrative section for a request for competitive funds should not
exceed 20 double-spaced pages in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Abstract,
table of contents, charts, figures, appendices, and government forms do not
count toward the 20-page limit for the narrative section.
If the program narrative for a request for competitive funds fails to comply with
these length-related restrictions, noncompliance may be considered in peer
review and in final award decisions
4. External Investigations Attachment to the Program Narrative
• All applicants are to provide—as an attachment to the program narrative—the name(s)
of the existing “government entity” (or entities) that is the subject of the certification (see
Appendix 2) that—
A government entity exists and an appropriate process is in place to conduct
independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or
misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results committed by
employees or contractors of any forensic laboratory system, medical examiner's
office, coroner's office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility in the
State that will receive a portion of the grant amount.
• Appendix 3 includes a template for this attachment. Note that funds will not be made
available to applicant agencies that fail to provide the necessary information.
5. Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s Performance Measures
NIJ does not require applicants to submit performance measures data with their application.
Performance measures are included as an alert that NIJ will require successful applicants to
submit specific data to NIJ as part of their reporting requirements. For the application (“base”
and/or competitive), applicants should indicate an understanding of these requirements and
discuss how they will gather the required data, should they receive funding.
17 Coverdell Forensic Science

6. Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative
a. Budget Detail Worksheet
A sample Budget Detail Worksheet can be found
at www.ojp.gov/funding/forms/budget_detail.pdf. NIJ highly recommends that applicants
submit their budget documentation using the sample detail worksheet shown here.
Applicants that submit their budget in a different format should include the budget
categories listed in the sample budget worksheet.
For questions pertaining to budget and examples of allowable and unallowable costs,
see the OJP Financial Guide at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/index.htm.
b. Budget Narrative
The Budget Narrative should thoroughly and clearly describe every category of expense
listed in the Budget Detail Worksheet. OJP expects proposed budgets to be complete,
cost effective, and allowable (e.g., reasonable, allocable, and necessary for project
activities).
Applicants should demonstrate in their budget narratives how they will maximize cost
effectiveness of grant expenditures. Budget narratives should generally describe cost
effectiveness in relation to potential alternatives and the goals of the project. For
example, a budget narrative should detail why planned in-person meetings are
necessary, or how technology and collaboration with outside organizations could be
used to reduce costs, without compromising quality.
The narrative should be mathematically sound and correspond with the information and
figures provided in the Budget Detail Worksheet. The narrative should explain how the
applicant estimated and calculated all costs, and how they are relevant to the completion
of the proposed project. The narrative may include tables for clarification purposes but
need not be in a spreadsheet format. As with the Budget Detail Worksheet, the Budget
Narrative should be broken down by year.
c. Non-Competitive Procurement Contracts In Excess of Simplified Acquisition
Threshold
If an applicant proposes to make one or more non-competitive procurements of products
or services, where the non-competitive procurement will exceed the simplified
acquisition threshold (also known as the small purchase threshold), which is currently
set at $150,000, the application should address the considerations outlined in the OJP
Financial Guide.
7. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)
Indirect costs are allowed only if the applicant has a federally approved indirect cost rate.
(This requirement does not apply to units of local government.) Attach a copy of the
federally approved indirect cost rate agreement to the application. Applicants that do not
have an approved rate may request one through their cognizant federal agency, which will
review all documentation and approve a rate for the applicant organization, or, if the
applicant’s accounting system permits, costs may be allocated in the direct cost categories.
18 Coverdell Forensic Science

For assistance with identifying your cognizant agency, please contact the Customer Service
Center at 1-800-458-0786 or at ask.ocfo@usdoj.gov. If DOJ is the cognizant federal agency,
applicants may obtain information needed to submit an indirect cost rate proposal
at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/pdfs/indirect_costs.pdf.
8. Additional Attachments
a. Coverdell Statutory Certifications
As described above in the “Eligibility” section, the Coverdell law provides that, to request
a grant, each applicant must submit four certifications specific to the Coverdell
Program. A certification may only be completed by an official familiar with its
requirements and authorized to certify on behalf of the applicant agency (i.e., the agency
applying directly to NIJ). Templates for the statutory certifications appear in Appendix 2.
(Note that there are two versions of the first template—one for State applicants, the
other for applicant units of local government.) All four certifications must be completed
using these templates. Certifications made on behalf of subrecipients of award funds—
rather than certifications made on behalf of the agency applying directly to NIJ—are not
acceptable to satisfy the certification requirements.
The four required Coverdell statutory certifications are as follows—
1. Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application from a
State or Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application
from a Unit of Local Government.
2. Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures.
3. Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities.
4. Certification as to External Investigations.
Please note: Specific information and guidance with respect to the “Certification
as to External Investigations” are provided above, under “Eligibility.” Certifying
officials must read and review this information and guidance prior to executing
the certification.
b. Applicant Disclosure of Pending Applications
Applicants are to disclose whether they have pending applications for federally funded
grants or subgrants (including cooperative agreements) that include requests for funding
to support the same project being proposed under this solicitation and will cover the
identical cost items outlined in the budget narrative and worksheet in the application
under this solicitation. The disclosure should include both direct applications for federal
funding (e.g., applications to federal agencies) and indirect applications for such funding
(e.g., applications to State agencies that will subaward federal funds).
OJP seeks this information to help avoid any inappropriate duplication of funding.
Leveraging multiple funding sources in a complementary manner to implement
comprehensive programs or projects is encouraged and is not seen as inappropriate
duplication.
19 Coverdell Forensic Science

Applicants that have pending applications as described above are to provide the
following information about pending applications submitted within the last 12 months:
• The Federal or State funding agency.
• The solicitation name/project name.
• The point of contact information at the applicable funding agency.
Federal or Solicitation Name/Phone/E-mail for Point of Contact at
State Name/Project Funding Agency
Funding Name
Agency SAMPLE
DOJ/COPS COPS Hiring Jane Doe, 202/000-0000; jane.doe@usdoj.gov
Program
HHS/ Drug Free John Doe, 202/000-0000; john.doe@hhs.gov
Substance Communities
Abuse & Mentoring Program/
Mental Health North County Youth
Services Mentoring Program
Administration
Applicants should include the table as a separate attachment, with the file name
“Disclosure of Pending Applications,” to their application. Applicants that do not have
pending applications as described above are to include a statement to this effect in the
separate attachment page (e.g., “[Applicant Name on SF-424] does not have pending
applications submitted within the last 12 months for federally funded grants or subgrants
(including cooperative agreements) that include requests for funding to support the same
project being proposed under this solicitation and will cover the identical cost items
outlined in the budget narrative and worksheet in the application under this solicitation.”).
9. Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire
Any applicant (other than an individual) that is a non-governmental entity and that has not
received any award from OJP within the past 3 years is to download, complete, and submit
this form.
Selection Criteria
Base funds and minimum awards
Subject to the availability of appropriated funds, States that satisfy the specific requirements
(including eligibility requirements) outlined in this announcement, the general requirements
for NIJ and OJP grants, and all other applicable legal requirements, may expect to be
awarded "base" funds or minimum awards determined in accordance with the Coverdell law.
20 Coverdell Forensic Science

Requests for competitive funds
Each criterion is weighted according to the percentage listed below.
Statement of the Problem (Understanding of the problem and its importance)—15%
Project/Program Design and Implementation (Quality and technical merit)—15%
1. Soundness of the approach to reduce and/or eliminate a backlog.
2. Soundness of the approach to improve the quality of forensic services.
3. Soundness of the approach to train and employ forensic personnel to eliminate a
backlog and increase capacity.
4. Innovation and creativity in the approach to reducing and/or eliminating a backlog
and increasing capacity.
5. Feasibility of the proposed project and awareness of pitfalls.
Capabilities/Competencies (Capabilities, demonstrated productivity, and experience of the
applicant organization and proposed project staff)—10%
1. Qualifications and experience of proposed project staff (including any and all
individuals (and organizations) identified in the application who will be significantly
involved in substantive aspects of the proposal).
2. Demonstrated ability of the applicant organization to manage the effort.
3. Relationship between the capabilities/competencies of the proposed project staff
(including the applicant organization) and the scope of the proposed project.
Budget—25%
NOTE: The budget should be complete, cost effective, and allowable (e.g., reasonable,
allocable, and necessary for project activities.) Budget narratives should generally
demonstrate how applicants will maximize cost effectiveness of grant expenditures. Budget
narratives should demonstrate cost effectiveness in relation to potential alternatives and the
goals of the project.5
1. Total cost of the project relative to the perceived benefit.
2. Use of existing resources to conserve costs.
3. Cost effectiveness of proposed activities applicable to backlog reduction and/or
timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner services.
5 Generally speaking, a reasonable cost is a cost that, in its nature or amount, does not exceed that which would be
incurred by a prudent person under the circumstances prevailing at the time the decision was made to incur the
costs.
21 Coverdell Forensic Science

4. Cost effectiveness of proposed activities applicable to improvement in the quality of
forensic science or medical examiner services.
5. Cost effectiveness of education and training as related to quality and/or timeliness of
forensic science or medical examiner services.
Impact/Outcomes and Evaluation/Plan for Collecting Data for Performance Measures
(Relevance to policy and practice)—30%
1. Improvement in Quality and Timeliness
a. Anticipated reduction in backlog.
b. Anticipated improvement in quality and timeliness of forensic results.
c. Anticipated benefit of education and training to reduce backlog and improve
timeliness of results.
d. Planned steps to achieve accreditation to positively impact quality and/or
timeliness of forensic results.
2. Anticipated Impact of Eligible Project Activities
a. Personnel: If applicable, anticipated impact of requested personnel resources
(e.g., overtime) on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or
medical examiner services.
b. Equipment/Supplies: If applicable, anticipated impact of requested equipment
and supplies on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or
medical examiner services.
c. Computerization: If applicable, anticipated impact of requested computerization
on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of forensic science or medical
examiner services.
d. Renovation/Construction of Facilities: If applicable, anticipated impact of
proposed action on improvement in quality and/or timeliness of forensic science
or medical examiner services.
3. Demonstrated plan for collection of the performance measure data as described
in the solicitation.
Other—5%
Discussion of impact on resources and needs based on the average annual number of
Part I violent crimes reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for calendar years
2010, 2011, and 2012 by the State (and, for applicant units of local government, the
local data, if available).
22 Coverdell Forensic Science

Review Process
OJP is committed to ensuring a fair and open process for awarding grants. NIJ reviews the
application to make sure that the information presented is reasonable, understandable,
measurable, and achievable, as well as consistent with the solicitation. NIJ will review
applications for formula awards to ensure statutory requirements have been met.
Peer reviewers will review the requests for competitive funds submitted under this solicitation
that meet basic minimum requirements. NIJ may use either internal peer reviewers, external
peer reviewers, or a combination, to review these requests under this solicitation. An external
peer reviewer is an expert in the subject matter of a given solicitation who is NOT a current DOJ
employee. An internal reviewer is a current DOJ employee who is well-versed or has expertise
in the subject matter of this solicitation. Eligible requests for competitive funds that meet basic
minimum requirements will be evaluated, scored, and rated by a peer review panel. Peer
reviewers’ ratings and any resulting recommendations are advisory only. In addition to peer
review ratings, considerations for award recommendations and decisions may include, but are
not limited to, underserved populations, geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past
performance, and available funding.
When appropriate, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), in consultation with NIJ,
reviews requests for competitive funds to evaluate the fiscal integrity and financial capability of
applicants; examines proposed costs to determine if the Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget
Narrative accurately explain project costs; and determines whether costs are reasonable,
necessary, and allowable under applicable federal cost principles and agency regulations.
Absent explicit statutory authorization or written delegation of authority to the contrary, all final
award decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General (AAG). With respect to
requests for competitive funds, the AAG may also give consideration to factors including, but not
limited to, underserved populations, geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past performance,
and available funding when making awards.
All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds, and to any modifications
or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.
Additional Requirements
Applicants selected for awards must agree to comply with additional legal requirements upon
acceptance of an award. OJP encourages applicants to review the information pertaining to
these additional requirements prior to submitting an application. Additional information for each
requirement can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm.
• Civil Rights Compliance
• Civil Rights Compliance Specific to State Administering Agencies
• Faith-Based and Other Community Organizations
• Confidentiality
• Research and the Protection of Human Subjects
23 Coverdell Forensic Science

• Anti-Lobbying Act
• Financial and Government Audit Requirements
• Reporting of Potential Fraud, Waste, and Abuse, and Similar Misconduct
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• DOJ Information Technology Standards (if applicable)
• Single Point of Contact Review
• Non-Supplanting of State or Local Funds
• Criminal Penalty for False Statements
• Compliance with Office of Justice Programs Financial Guide
• Suspension or Termination of Funding
• Non-profit Organizations
• For-profit Organizations
• Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)
• Rights in Intellectual Property
• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA)
• Awards in Excess of $5,000,000 – Federal Taxes Certification Requirement
• Active SAM Registration
• Policy and Guidance for Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conferences (including
Meetings and Trainings)
• OJP Training Guiding Principles for Grantees and Subgrantees
Reporting
If a proposal is funded, the award recipient will be required to submit several reports and other
materials, including:
Each grantee under the Coverdell program must submit semiannual progress reports, quarterly
financial status reports, and, if applicable, an annual audit report in accordance with Office of
Management and Budget Circular A–133. In addition, Coverdell grantees must submit a final
report that must, among other things: (1) include a summary and assessment of the program
24 Coverdell Forensic Science

carried out with FY 2014 grant funds, (2) identify the number and type of cases accepted during
the FY 2014 award period by the forensic laboratory or laboratories that received FY 2014 grant
funds, and (3) cite the specific improvements in the quality and/or timeliness of forensic science
and medical examiner services (including any reduction in forensic analysis backlog) that
occurred as a direct result of the FY 2014 grant award. Future awards and fund drawdowns may
be withheld if reports are delinquent.
In addition, as noted earlier under “Eligibility,” for each fiscal year of an award, recipients will be
required to report to NIJ on an annual basis—
1) the number and nature of any allegations of serious negligence or misconduct
2) substantially affecting the integrity of forensic results;
3) information on the referrals of such allegations (e.g., the government entity or entities to
which referred, the date of referral);
4) the outcome of such referrals (if known as of the date of the report); and
5) if any such allegations were not referred, the reason(s) for the non-referral.
Payments to recipients (including payments under future awards) may be withheld if the
required information is not submitted on a timely basis.
The highest standards of integrity in the practice of forensic science are critical to the
enhancement of the administration of justice. We assume that recipients (and subrecipients) of
Coverdell funds will make use of the process referenced in their certification as to external
investigations and will refer allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially
affecting the integrity of forensic results to government entities with an appropriate process in
place to conduct independent external investigations, such as the government entities identified
in the grant application.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit applications through the Grants Management System (GMS), which
provides cradle to grave support for the application, award, and management of awards at OJP.
Applicants must register in GMS for each specific funding opportunity. Although the
registration and submission deadlines are the same, OJP urges applicants to register
promptly, especially if this is their first time using the system. Find complete instructions on
how to register and submit an application in GMS at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/. Applicants that
experience technical difficulties during this process should e-mail GMS.HelpDesk@usdoj.gov or
call 888-549-9901 (option 3), Monday – Friday from 6:00 a.m. to midnight, eastern time, except
federal holidays. OJP recommends that applicants register promptly to prevent delays in
submitting an application package by the deadline.
Note on File Types: GMS does not accept executable file types as application
attachments. These disallowed file types include, but are not limited to, the following
extensions: “.com,” “.bat,” “.exe,” “.vbs,” “.cfg,” “.dat,” “.db,” “.dbf,” “.dll,” “.ini,” “.log,” “.ora,” “.sys,”
and “.zip.”
25 Coverdell Forensic Science

All applicants should complete the following steps:
1. Acquire a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. In general, the Office of
Management and Budget requires that all applicants (other than individuals) for federal
funds include a DUNS number in their application for a new award or a supplement to an
existing award. A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the
universal standard for identifying and differentiating entities receiving federal funds. The
identifier is used for tracking purposes and to validate address and point of contact
information for federal assistance applicants, recipients, and subrecipients. The DUNS
number will be used throughout the grant life cycle. Obtaining a DUNS number is a free,
one-time activity. Call Dun and Bradstreet at 866-705-5711 to obtain a DUNS number or
apply online at www.dnb.com. A DUNS number is usually received within 1-2 business days.
2. Acquire registration with the System for Award Management (SAM). SAM is the
repository for standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, recipients,
and subrecipients. OJP requires that all applicants (other than individuals) for federal
financial assistance maintain current registrations in the SAM database. Applicants must
update or renew their SAM registration annually to maintain an active status.
Information about SAM registration procedures can be accessed at www.sam.gov.
3. Acquire a GMS username and password. New users must create a GMS profile by
selecting the “First Time User” link under the sign-in box of the GMS home page. For more
information on how to register in GMS, go to www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/.
4. Verify the SAM (formerly CCR) registration in GMS. OJP requests that all applicants
verify their SAM registration in GMS. Once logged into GMS, click the “CCR Claim” link on
the left side of the default screen. Click the submit button to verify the SAM (formerly CCR)
registration.
5. Search for the funding opportunity on GMS. After logging into GMS or completing the
GMS profile for username and password, go to the “Funding Opportunities” link on the left
side of the page. Select NIJ and the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants
Program.
6. Register by selecting the “Apply Online” button associated with the funding
opportunity title. The search results from step 5 will display the funding opportunity title
along with the registration and application deadlines for this funding opportunity. Select the
“Apply Online” button in the “Action” column to register for this funding opportunity and
create an application in the system.
7. Complete the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, if applicable. Any applicant that
expends any funds for lobbying activities is to provide the detailed information requested on
the form, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL).
8. Follow the directions in GMS to submit an application consistent with this
solicitation. Once submitted, GMS will display a confirmation screen stating the submission
was successful. Important: In some instances, applicants must wait for GMS approval
before submitting an application. OJP urges applicants to submit the application at least 72
hours prior to the application due date.
26 Coverdell Forensic Science

Note: Duplicate Applications
If an applicant submits multiple versions of an application, NIJ will review only the most recent
version submitted.
Experiencing Unforeseen GMS Technical Issues
Applicants that experience unforeseen GMS technical issues beyond their control that prevent
them from submitting their application by the deadline must e-mail the NIJ contact identified in
the Contact Information section on page 1 within 24 hours after the application deadline and
request approval to submit their application. The e-mail must describe the technical difficulties
and include a timeline of the applicant’s submission efforts, the complete grant application, the
applicant’s DUNS number, and any GMS Help Desk or SAM tracking number(s). Note: NIJ
does not automatically approve requests. After the program office reviews the submission,
and contacts the GMS Help Desk to validate the reported technical issues, OJP will inform the
applicant whether the request to submit a late application has been approved or denied. If OJP
determines that the applicant failed to follow all required procedures, which resulted in an
untimely application submission, OJP will deny the applicant’s request to submit their
application.
The following conditions are generally insufficient to justify late submissions:
• Failure to register in SAM or GMS in sufficient time.
• Failure to follow GMS instructions on how to register and apply as posted on the GMS
website.
• Failure to follow each instruction in the OJP solicitation.
• Technical issues with the applicant’s computer or information technology environment,
including firewalls.
Notifications regarding known technical problems with GMS, if any, are posted at the top
of the OJP funding Web page at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/solicitations.htm.
Provide Feedback to OJP
To assist OJP in improving its application and award processes, we encourage applicants to
provide feedback on this solicitation, the application submission process, and/or the application
review/peer review process. Feedback may be provided
to OJPSolicitationFeedback@usdoj.gov.
IMPORTANT: This email is for feedback and suggestions only. Replies are not sent from this
mailbox. If you have specific questions on any program or technical aspect of the solicitation,
you must directly contact the appropriate number or email listed on the front of this solicitation
document. These contacts are provided to help ensure that you can directly reach an individual
who can address your specific questions in a timely manner.
If you are interested in being a reviewer for other OJP grant applications, please email your
resume to ojppeerreview@lmbps.com. The OJP Solicitation Feedback email account will not
27 Coverdell Forensic Science

forward your resume. Note: Neither you nor anyone else from your organization can be a peer
reviewer in a competition in which you or your organization have submitted an application.
28 Coverdell Forensic Science

Application Checklist
Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program
This application checklist has been created to assist in developing an application.
What an Applicant Should Do]
Prior to Registering in GMS:
_____ Acquire a DUNS Number (see page 26)
_____ Acquire or renew registration with SAM (see page 26)
To Register with GMS:
_____ For new users, acquire a GMS username and password* (see page 26)
_____ For existing users, check GMS username and password*
to ensure account access (see page 26)
_____ Verify SAM registration in GMS (see page 26)
_____ Search for correct funding opportunity in GMS (see page 26)
_____ Register by selecting the “Apply Online” button associated with the funding opportunity
title (see page 26)
*Password Reset Notice – GMS users are reminded that while password reset capabilities exist,
this function is only associated with points of contacts designated within GMS at the time the
account was established. Neither OJP or the GMS Help Desk will initiate a password reset
unless requested by the authorized official or a designated point of contact associated with an
award or application.
General Requirements:
_____ Review “Other Requirements” webpage
Eligibility Requirement:
_____ Coverdell Statutory Certifications (see pages 3-8 and 19)
____ Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application from a
State or Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application
from a Unit of Local Government
____ Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures
____ Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities
____ Certification as to External Investigations
What an Application Should Include:
_____ Application for Federal Assistance (SF–424) (see page 15)
_____ Project Abstract (see page 15)
_____ Program Narrative(s) (see page 15)
_____ External Investigations Attachment to the Program Narrative (see page 17)
_____ Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s Performance Measures
(see page 17)
_____ Budget Detail Worksheet(s) (see page 18)
_____ Budget Narrative(s) (see page 18)
_____ Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) (see page 26)
29 Coverdell Forensic Science

_____ Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) (see page 18)
_____ Additional Attachments
____ Applicant Disclosure of Pending Applications (see page 18)
____ Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (see page 20)
30 Coverdell Forensic Science

Appendix 1. Estimated Amount of FY 2014 Base Funds, by State.6
*Note: If the amount a State would otherwise receive as its total Coverdell grant award, including
both base funds and any competitive funds, is less than the minimum grant amount set by the
Coverdell law, the total Coverdell grant award will be increased to the minimum grant amount,
which is estimated to be not less than $63,000. See “Available Funding” under “Program-Specific
Information” for additional details.
Alabama $ 109,222 Nevada $ 63,046
Alaska* $ 18,085 New Hampshire* $ 32,558
Arizona $ 149,735 New Jersey $ 201,089
Arkansas $ 66,870 New Mexico* $ 51,299
California $ 866,159 New York $ 444,035
Colorado $ 119,044 North Carolina $ 222,526
Connecticut $ 81,257 North Dakota* $ 17,796
Delaware* $ 22,774 Ohio $ 261,453
District of Columbia* $ 15,903 Oklahoma $ 87,007
Florida $ 441,815 Oregon $ 88,803
Georgia $ 225,782 Pennsylvania $ 288,636
Hawaii* $ 34,540 Rhode Island* $ 25,868
Idaho* $ 39,659 South Carolina $ 107,892
Illinois $ 291,084 South Dakota* $ 20,784
Indiana $ 148,476 Tennessee $ 146,783
Iowa $ 69,831 Texas $ 597,621
Kansas $ 65,392 Utah $ 65,548
Kentucky $ 99,316 Vermont* $ 15,415
Louisiana $ 104,517 Virginia $ 186,651
Maine* $ 32,677 Washington $ 157,525
Maryland $ 133,967 West Virginia* $ 45,617
Massachusetts $ 151,231 Wisconsin $ 129,762
Michigan $ 223,601 Wyoming* $14,334
Minnesota $ 122,478 American Samoa/ $ 2,605
Northern Mariana Islands7*
Mississippi $ 67,589 Guam* $ 3,945
Missouri $ 136,574 Puerto Rico $ 81,686
Montana* $ 24,974 Virgin Islands* $ 2,577
Nebraska* $ 45,967
6 Under the provisions of the Coverdell law, several factors (including the number of eligible State applicants) affect
“base” amounts.
7 The Coverdell law includes specific provisions with respect to allocations to American Samoa and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Please contact NIJ for additional information on this allocation.
31 Coverdell Forensic Science

Appendix 2. Templates for Coverdell Statutory Certifications
(Instructions: Scan signed certifications and submit image files electronically through GMS.)
32 Coverdell Forensic Science

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE
FY 2014 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement
Grants Program
Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—
Application from a State
On behalf of the applicant agency named below, I certify the following to the National Institute of
Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice:
The State has developed a plan for forensic science laboratories under a
program intended to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or
medical examiner services in the State, including such services provided by the
laboratories operated by the State and those operated by units of local
government within the State.
I acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant application that it
supports may be the subject of criminal prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42
U.S.C. § 3795a. I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including
certifications provided in connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office of
Justice Programs and/or by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General.
I have authority to make this certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency
applying directly to the National Institute of Justice).
___________________________________________
Signature of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Printed Name of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Title of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Name of Applicant Agency (Including Name of State)
____________________
Date
33 Coverdell Forensic Science

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE
FY 2014 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement
Grants Program
Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—
Application from a Unit of Local Government
On behalf of the applicant agency named below, I certify the following to the National Institute of
Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice:
This unit of local government has developed a plan for forensic science
laboratories under a program intended to improve the quality and timeliness of
forensic science or medical examiner services provided by the laboratories
operated by the applicant unit of local government and any other government-
operated laboratories within the State that will receive a portion of the grant
amount.
I acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant application that it
supports may be the subject of criminal prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42
U.S.C. § 3795a. I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including
certifications provided in connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office of
Justice Programs and/or by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General.
I have authority to make this certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency
applying directly to the National Institute of Justice).
___________________________________________
Signature of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Printed Name of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Title of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Name of Applicant Agency
(Including Name of Unit of Local Government)
____________________
Date
34 Coverdell Forensic Science

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE
FY 2014 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement
Grants Program
Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory
Practices and Procedures
On behalf of the applicant agency named below, I certify the following to the National Institute of
Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice:
Any forensic science laboratory system, medical examiner's office, or coroner's
office in the State, including any laboratory operated by a unit of local
government within the State, that will receive any portion of the grant amount
uses generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures, established by
accrediting organizations or appropriate certifying bodies.
I acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant application that it
supports may be the subject of criminal prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42
U.S.C. § 3795a. I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including
certifications provided in connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office of
Justice Programs and/or by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General.
I have authority to make this certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency
applying directly to the National Institute of Justice).
___________________________________________
Signature of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Printed Name of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Title of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Name of Applicant Agency
(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government)
____________________
Date
35 Coverdell Forensic Science

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE
FY 2014 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement
Grants Program
Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities
On behalf of the applicant agency named below, I certify the following to the National Institute of
Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice:
The amount of the grant (if any) used for the costs of any new facility or facilities
to be constructed as part of a program to improve the quality and timeliness of
forensic science and medical examiner services will not exceed the limitations
set forth at 42 U.S.C. § 3797m(c) and summarized in the FY 2014 Coverdell
Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program Announcement.
I acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant application that it
supports may be the subject of criminal prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42
U.S.C. § 3795a. I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including
certifications provided in connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office of
Justice Programs and/or by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General.
I have authority to make this certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency
applying directly to the National Institute of Justice).
___________________________________________
Signature of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Printed Name of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Title of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Name of Applicant Agency
(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government)
____________________
Date
36 Coverdell Forensic Science

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE
FY 2014 Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement
Grants Program
Certification as to External Investigations
On behalf of the applicant agency named below, I certify the following to the National Institute of
Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice:
A government entity exists and an appropriate process is in place to conduct
independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or
misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results committed
by employees or contractors of any forensic laboratory system, medical
examiner's office, coroner's office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical
facility in the State that will receive a portion of the grant amount.
I personally read and reviewed the section entitled “Eligibility” in the Fiscal Year 2014 program
announcement for the Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program. I
acknowledge that a false statement in this certification or in the grant application that it supports
may be the subject of criminal prosecution, including under 18 U.S.C. § 1001 and 42 U.S.C.
§ 3795a. I also acknowledge that Office of Justice Programs grants, including certifications
provided in connection with such grants, are subject to review by the Office of Justice Programs
and/or by the Department of Justice’s Office of the Inspector General.
I have authority to make this certification on behalf of the applicant agency (that is, the agency
applying directly to the National Institute of Justice).
__________________________________________
Signature of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Printed Name of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Title of Certifying Official
___________________________________________
Name of Applicant Agency
(Including Name of State or Unit of Local Government)
___________________
Date
37 Coverdell Forensic Science

Appendix 3. Template for “External Investigations” Attachment
(Instructions: Scan the completed document and submit image file electronically through
GMS.)
38 Coverdell Forensic Science

FY 2014 Coverdell Forensic Science
Improvement Grants Program
Attachment: External Investigations
The “Certification as to External Investigations” that is submitted on behalf of the applicant
agency as part of this application certifies that—
A government entity exists and an appropriate process is in place to conduct independent
external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially
affecting the integrity of the forensic results committed by employees or contractors of
any forensic laboratory system, medical examiner's office, coroner's office, law
enforcement storage facility, or medical facility in the State that will receive a portion of
the grant amount.
Prior to receiving funds, the applicant agency (that is, the agency applying directing to the National
Institute of Justice) must provide—for each forensic laboratory system, medical examiner’s office,
coroner’s office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility that will receive a portion of the grant
amount—the name of the “government entity” (or entities) that forms the basis for the certification. Please
use the template below to provide this information. (Applicants may adapt this template if necessary, but
should ensure that the adapted document provides all required information.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: If necessary for accuracy, list more than one entity with respect to each intended
recipient of a portion of the grant amount. For example, if no single entity has an appropriate process in
place with respect to allegations of serious negligence as well as serious misconduct, it will be necessary
to list more than one entity. Similarly, if no single entity has an appropriate process in place with respect
to allegations concerning contractors as well as employees, it will be necessary to list more than one
entity.
Additional guidance regarding the “Certification as to External Investigations” appears in the “Eligibility”
section of the program announcement for the FY 2014 Coverdell program.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name of Applicant Agency (including Name of State or Unit of Local Government):
______________________________________
Date: _________________________________
Name of any forensic laboratory system, medical Existing government entity (entities) with an
examiner’s office, coroner’s office, law appropriate process in place to conduct
enforcement storage facility, or medical facility independent external investigations
that will receive a portion of the grant amount
1. ___________________________ _____________________________
_____________________________
2. ___________________________
39 Coverdell Forensic Science

FY 2014 External Investigations Attachment (continued)
Name of Applicant Agency: _______________________________
3. ___________________________ _____________________________
_____________________________
4. ___________________________ _____________________________
_____________________________
5. ___________________________ _____________________________
_____________________________
6. ___________________________ _____________________________
_____________________________
7. ___________________________ _____________________________
_____________________________
40 Coverdell Forensic Science