BJA-2025-172447.PDF

Maricopa County — Formal (2025-09-12)

Extracted text (via pymupdf) 113741 characters

OMB No. 1121-0329
Approval Expires 02/28/2027

BJA FY25 Paul
Coverdell Forensic
Science Improvement –
Formula Grants
Program
Anticipated Total Amount to Be Awarded Under This
Funding Opportunity: $24,440,975
Anticipated Award Ceiling: Based on Population
Anticipated Period of Performance Duration: 24 months
Funding Opportunity Number: O-BJA-2025-172447
Deadline to submit SF-424 in Grants.gov: October 27, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
Deadline to submit application in JustGrants: November 3, 2025, by 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time

CONTENTS
Basic Information .............................................................................................. 3
Eligibility ............................................................................................................ 7
Program Description ....................................................................................... 11
Application Contents, Submission Requirements, and Deadlines ...............15
Application Review ..........................................................................................30
Award Notices ..................................................................................................32
Post-Award Requirements and Administration .............................................33
Other Information .............................................................................................36
Application Checklist.......................................................................................37
Additional Information Regarding Certification Regarding External
Investigations into Allegations of Serious Negligence or Misconduct ........40

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Post-Award
Requirements
BASIC INFORMATION
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau
of Justice Assistance (BJA) is accepting applications for funding in response to
this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO).
Agency Name
U.S. Department of Justice
Office of Justice Programs
Bureau of Justice Assistance
NOFO Title
FY25 BJA Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement
– Formula Grants Program
Announcement Type
Initial
Funding Opportunity Number
O-BJA-2025-172447
Assistance Listing Number
16.742
Executive Summary
This NOFO funds improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services,
including services provided by forensic science laboratories operated by states and units of
local government.
Under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Grant Program, state administering
agencies (SAAs) may apply for both formula and competitive funds. This NOFO is ONLY for
SAAs applying for formula funds. An applicant seeking to apply for Coverdell competitive
funds (consistent with 34 U.S.C. § 10563(a)(2)) that are available to eligible states and units of
local government would need to apply separately under BJA’s FY25 Paul Coverdell Forensic
Science Improvement – Competitive Grants Program NOFO.
Please see the Eligible Applicants section for the eligibility criteria.
OJP is committed to advancing work that furthers DOJ’s mission to uphold the rule of law, to
keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and
other critical resources to directly support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect
American children, provide services to American crime victims, and address public safety
challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid crisis.
Key Dates and Times
Funding Opportunity Release Date
September 16, 2025
SAM.gov Registration/Renewal
Recommend beginning process by September
26, 2025, and no later than October 13, 2025
Step 1: Grants.gov Application Deadline 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on October 27, 2025
Step 2: JustGrants Application Deadline 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 3, 2025

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Post-Award
Requirements
Funding Details
Anticipated Total Amount to Be Awarded Under This Funding Opportunity:
$24,440,975
Anticipated Number of Awards: 56
Anticipated Award Ceiling: Based on population
Anticipated Period of Performance Start Date: October 1, 2025
Anticipated Period of Performance Duration: 24 months

Availability of Funds
This funding opportunity, and awards under this funding opportunity, are subject to the
availability of funding and any changes or additional requirements that may be imposed by the
agency or by law. In addition, nothing in this NOFO is intended to, nor does it, create any right
or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the
United States or its departments, agencies, entities, officers, employees, agents, or any other
person.
The figures and calculations reflected in this NOFO are based on an estimated total amount
available of $28,754,088 (combined Coverdell Formula and Coverdell Competitive Program
funds available), although the amount ultimately made available could be higher or lower.
Applicants are strongly advised to check for updates to the NOFO prior to submitting
applications.
Eighty-five percent ($24,440,975) of the available funds will be allocated among eligible states
based on population through the Coverdell Formula Program. The approximate amount each
eligible state could receive can be found in the Estimated Amount of FY 2025 Base Funds, by
State. Under the provisions of the Coverdell law, several factors, including the number of eligible
state applicants, affect formula amounts. These are the ONLY funds that will be distributed
among eligible applicants under this NOFO.
The Coverdell law sets a floor for the total amount an eligible applicant state will receive as its
Coverdell grant at 1 percent of total funds available. If $28,754,088 of funds are available for FY
2025, the minimum Coverdell grant to an eligible state would be not less than $287,541. In that
case, if the amount a state would otherwise receive as its total Coverdell funding (including both
formula funds and any competitive funds) is less than $287,541, BJA will increase that state’s
total funding to $287,541.
Note: For formula allocations under the Coverdell Program, American Samoa and the Northern
Mariana Islands are treated as one state. Within that state allocation, 67 percent of the amount
is allocated to American Samoa, and 33 percent is allocated to the Northern Mariana Islands.
See 34 U.S.C §10563(b)(1)-(2).

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Post-Award
Requirements
Statutory Authority
Pub. L. No. 90-351, Title I, Part BB (codified at 34 U.S.C. 10561-10566); any awards under this
NOFO would be made under the statutory authority provided by the Full-Year Continuing
Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (Pub. L. No. 119-4, 139 Stat. 9, 10-11).
Agency Contact Information
For assistance with the requirements of this funding opportunity:
OJP Response Center
Phone: 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556 (TTY for hearing-impaired callers only)
Email: OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) Monday–Friday
For assistance with SAM.gov (registration/renewal):

SAM.gov Help Desk

Phone: 866-606-8220

Web: SAM.gov Help Desk (Federal Service Desk)
Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET Monday–Friday
For assistance with Grants.gov (registration, submission of the Application for Federal
Assistance SF-424):
Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline
Phone: 800-518-4726, 606-545-5035
Email: support@grants.gov
Web: Grants.gov Customer Support
Hours of operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on federal holidays
For assistance with JustGrants (registration, submission of full application):

JustGrants Service Desk

Phone: 833-872-5175
Email: JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov
Hours of operation: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET Monday–Friday and 9:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays.
For procedures related to unforeseen technical issues beyond the control of the
applicant that impact submission by the deadlines, see Experiencing Technical Issues
Preventing Submission of an Application (Technical Waivers).

Resources for Applying
OJP Grant Application Resource Guide: Referred to as the “Application Resource Guide”
throughout the NOFO, this resource provides guidance to help applicants for OJP funding
prepare and submit their applications.
JustGrants Application Submission Training Webpage: Offers helpful information and
resources on the grant application process.

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Post-Award
Requirements
Note: If this NOFO requires something different from any guidance provided in the Application
Resource Guide, the difference will be noted in this NOFO and the applicant should follow the
guidance in this NOFO.

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Applicants
The types of entities that are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity are
listed below:
•
Government Entities
o State governments
State Government Entities: For the purposes of this NOFO, “state” means any state of the
United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin
Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Additional Applicant Eligibility Factors
States may be eligible for both formula and competitive funds. This NOFO is ONLY for the
formula funds. Any state application for funding MUST be submitted by the Coverdell SAA (see
a list of SAAs on the OJP website at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/saa/index.htm). Other interested
state agencies or departments must coordinate with their respective SAAs. SAAs are expected
to consider the accreditation status of forensic science laboratories within their states in
formulating their requests for formula funding.
See the Definitions section of the NOFO under Program Description for details on what BJA
considers a “forensic science laboratory” for the purposes of this NOFO.
Note: A prospective recipient of grant funds that is found to have an “unresolved audit finding”
from a DOJ Office of the Inspector General audit, as described at 34 U.S.C. § 10263, will be
ineligible to receive grant funds during the period specified in that statute. See 34 U.S.C. §
10263(2).
The Coverdell law (34 U.S.C. § 10562) 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
(state form). Each applicant must submit a certification that 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. 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.

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
3. A certification regarding forensic science laboratory system accreditation. Each
applicant must submit a certification that any forensic science laboratory system 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)
either is accredited OR is not so accredited but will (or will be required in a legally
binding and enforceable writing to) use a portion of the grant amount to prepare and
apply for such accreditation not more than 2 years after the date on which a grant is
awarded under the FY 2025 Coverdell Program.
NOTE: Applicants requesting funds for only medical examiner or coroner’s offices
are not required to submit the certification regarding forensic science laboratory
system accreditation. See 34 U.S.C. § 10562(2).
4. A certification and description regarding use of funds for 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 34 U.S.C. § 10564(c). (See information on “Permissible
Expenses.”) Applicants must also specifically describe any new facility to be constructed,
as well as the estimated costs of the facility.
NOTE: Applicants must submit this certification even if no new facilities are being
constructed.
5. A certification regarding external investigations into allegations of serious
negligence or misconduct and the External Investigations Attachment Template. 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 office, coroner’s office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical
facility in the state that will receive a portion of the grant amount.” In connection with the
certification regarding external investigations, 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 proposal narrative section of
the application using the External Investigations Attachment Template.
Applicants are expected to carefully review the requirements of each certification before
determining whether the certification may be properly 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 BJA). Certifications must be submitted using the templates provided.
Certifications made on behalf of subrecipients of award funds—rather than certifications made
on behalf of the agency applying directly to BJA—are NOT acceptable to satisfy the certification
requirements and should not be submitted.
Please note that funds will not be made available to applicant agencies that fail to provide the
necessary information.

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Important Note on Referrals in Connection with Allegations of Serious Negligence or
Misconduct
The highest standards of integrity in the practice of forensic science are critical to the
enhancement of the administration of justice. BJA assumes 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 NOFO, recipients will be required to report to
BJA on an annual basis:
•
The number and nature of any such allegations.
•
Information on the referrals of such allegations (e.g., the government entity or entities
to which referred, the date of referral).
•
The outcome of such referrals (if known as of the date of the report).
•
If any such allegations were not referred, the reason(s) for the nonreferral.
This information must be included as an attachment to the semi-annual performance report that
is due January 30 each year. 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 carefully review each of the statutory
elements and this guidance 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
•
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/or 1621 and
34 U.S.C. §§ 10271-10273.

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
2. OJP grants, including certifications provided in connection with such grants, are subject
to review by OJP and/or DOJ’s Office of the Inspector General.
Cost Sharing/Match Requirement
This NOFO does not require cost sharing/match.

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
General Purpose of the Funding
The Coverdell Program provides funding to states to improve forensic science
and medical examiner/coroner services, including services provided by
laboratories operated by states and units of local government. Under the Coverdell Program,
state administering agencies (SAAs) may apply for both formula and competitive funds. This
NOFO is ONLY for SAAs applying for formula funds.1 A state that receives a Coverdell grant
must use the grant for one or more of the following six objectives:
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/coroner 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, including, among
other things, a backlog with respect to firearms examination, latent prints, impression
evidence, toxicology, digital evidence, fire evidence, controlled substances, forensic
pathology, questioned documents, and trace evidence.
3. To train, assist, and employ forensic laboratory personnel and medicolegal death
investigators, as needed, to eliminate such a backlog.
4. To address emerging forensic science issues (such as statistics, contextual bias, and
uncertainty of measurement) and emerging forensic science technology (such as high
throughput automation, statistical software, and new types of instrumentation).
5. To educate and train forensic pathologists.
6. To fund medicolegal death investigation systems to facilitate accreditation of medical
examiner and coroner offices and certification of medicolegal death investigators.
Important Note: Congress has appropriated funding to help the forensic science community
address the specific challenges crime laboratories are confronting related to the proliferation of
opioids and synthetic drugs. To address these issues, BJA plans to allocate approximately 59
percent of available funds to specifically target the challenges that opioids and synthetic drugs
have brought to the forensic science community.
As described above in the Eligibility section, the Coverdell law provides that, to request a grant,
each applicant must submit five certifications specific to the Coverdell Program. Applicants
requesting funds for only medical examiner’s offices or coroner’s offices are not required to
submit the certification regarding accreditation. (See 34 U.S.C. § 10562(2).)
Funding awarded under the Coverdell Program may not be used for research. However,
applicants may address emerging forensic science issues and technology through
implementation of new technologies and processes into public laboratories.

1 An applicant that seeks to apply for Coverdell competitive funds (consistent with 34 U.S.C. §
10563(a)(2)) available for grants to eligible states and units of local government would need to apply
under BJA’s FY25 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program – Competitive NOFO.

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Applicants should refer to the Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative for information on
allowable and unallowable costs that may inform the development of their project design.
Definitions
For the purposes of this NOFO, the following terms are defined:
•
Backlog: A backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence exists if such evidence:
o Has been stored in a laboratory, medical examiner's office, coroner's office, law
enforcement storage facility, or medical facility.
o Has not been subjected to all appropriate forensic testing because of a lack of
resources or personnel.
•
Forensic Science Laboratory: Any state/local government entity performing forensic
science services is considered a “forensic science laboratory.” Medical examiner and
coroner offices are considered to be forensic science laboratories for the purposes of
this NOFO.
•
Research: A systematic investigation—including research development, testing, and
evaluation—designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Validation of
established technologies for implementation in a laboratory setting is not considered
research for the purposes of this NOFO.
•
Accreditation: A formal process by which an impartial entity reviews the policies and
procedures of an organization to ensure its operations are consistent with national or
international standards. Accreditation assesses a forensic laboratory's capacity to
generate and interpret results in a particular forensic discipline and helps to ensure an
ongoing compliance to industry and applicable international standards.
Notice Regarding DNA Testing
All traditional (e.g., nongenetic genealogy) DNA analyses conducted using program funds must
be performed by a laboratory (government-owned or fee-for-service) that is accredited,
undergoes external audits at least once every 2 years, and demonstrates compliance with the
applicable DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the Director of the Federal Bureau
of Investigation. All DNA analyses conducted, and profiles generated, during the testing portion
of this program must be maintained pursuant to all applicable federal privacy requirements,
including those described in 34 U.S.C. § 12592(b)(3).
Program activity involving Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching (FGGS)
is subject to the DOJ Interim Policy on Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and
Searching or the final policy, when issued. See the “Performance Measures” section for
additional required grantee reporting on FGGS activities.
Unallowable Uses of Funds
The following are certain unallowable costs and certain activities that are out of the program
scope and will not be funded.
1. Out of program scope is any program or activity at any tier that, directly or indirectly,
violates (or promotes or facilitates the violation of) federal immigration law (including 8
U.S.C. § 1373) or impedes or hinders the enforcement of federal immigration law—
including by failing to comply with 8 U.S.C. § 1373, give access to DHS agents, or honor
DHS requests and provide requested notice to DHS agents.

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
2. Out of program scope is any program or activity at any tier that violates any applicable
federal civil rights or nondiscrimination law. This includes violations that (1) indirectly
violate the law, including by promoting or facilitating violations, or (2) unlawfully favor
individuals in any race or protected group, including on a majority or minority, or
privileged or unprivileged, basis, within a given area, population, or sector.
3. As specified in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide, in Chapter 3.13 “Unallowable Costs”
(“Legal Services for Aliens”), any obligations of funds at any tier under this award to
provide (or to support the provision of) legal services to any removable alien or any alien
otherwise unlawfully present in the United States shall be unallowable costs for
purposes any award made under this notice, but the foregoing shall not be understood to
apply: (1) to legal services to obtain protection orders for victims of crime, or (2) to
immigration-related legal services that may be expressly authorized or required by any
law, or any judicial ruling, governing or applicable to the award.
Program Goals and Objectives
The goal of Coverdell Program grants is to demonstrate improvement over current operations in
forensic science or medical examiner/coroner 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 in forensic analysis backlogs is
considered an improvement in timeliness of services.
Goal 1: Improve quality of forensic science services.
Objective 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/coroner 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.
Objective 2: To address emerging forensic science issues (such as statistics, contextual
bias, and uncertainty of measurement) and emerging forensic science technology (such
as high throughput automation, statistical software, and new types of instrumentation).
Objective 3: To educate and train forensic pathologists.
Objective 4: To fund medicolegal death investigation systems to facilitate accreditation
of medical examiner and coroner offices and certification of medicolegal death
investigators.
Goal 2: Improve timeliness of forensic science services.
Objective 1: To eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence,
including, among other things, a backlog with respect to firearms examination, latent
prints, impression evidence, toxicology, digital evidence, fire evidence, controlled
substances, forensic pathology, questioned documents, and trace evidence.
Objective 2: To train, assist, and employ forensic laboratory personnel and medicolegal
death investigators, as needed, to eliminate such a backlog.

Eligibility

Program
Description
Deadlines &
Contents
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
How Awards Will Contribute to Program Goals/Objectives
The Coverdell Program assists forensic science laboratories and medical examiner/coroner’s
offices to improve forensic services that are often crucial to the outcome of criminal cases. This
program provides flexibility in funding a wide range of activities performed by approximately 400
publicly funded forensic laboratories in the United States and its territories.
Award recipients will work toward improving forensic science and/or medical examiner/coroner
services in the United States. Entities may demonstrate improvement over current operations in
a variety of ways, such as adoption of technology, improved efficiencies, implementation of
software, addressing emerging forensic science issues, or achieving accreditation, with the goal
of improving quality and/or timeliness of services.
The Coverdell Program supports forensic scientists in achieving and/or maintaining certification,
as well as supporting forensic service provider facilities in obtaining and retaining accreditation.
It provides support to smaller jurisdictions to acquire current technology that they otherwise
could not afford and to larger jurisdictions to meet continually growing demands. It supports
laboratories in modernizing and maintaining needed analytical equipment and instrumentation,
and it provides laboratories and medical examiners/coroners with resources to address the
opioid and synthetic drug epidemic.
Expected Outcomes: Deliverables and Performance Measures
To achieve the goals and objectives of this funding opportunity, OJP has identified expected
deliverables that must be produced by a recipient. OJP has also identified performance
measures (pieces of data) that will indicate how a recipient is achieving the performance goals
and objectives identified above. Recipients will need to collect and report this performance
measure data to OJP.
OJP will measure success by reviewing a recipient's submission of performance reports and
data and the extent to which project implementation reflects progress toward the goals and
objectives of this NOFO.
Deliverables
Recipients under this funding opportunity do not need to submit any deliverables other than the
standard Post-Award Requirements and Administration.
Performance Measures
OJP will require each award recipient to submit regular performance reports that communicate
progress toward achieving the goals and objectives identified in Program Goals and Objectives.
Applicants can visit OJP’s performance measurement page at ojp.gov/performance for more
information on performance measurement activities.
A list of performance measure questions for this funding opportunity can be found at Coverdell
Performance Measures.
Funding Instrument
OJP expects to make awards under this funding opportunity as grants. See the “Administrative,
National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements” section of the Application Resource Guide for a
brief discussion of important statutes, regulations, and award conditions.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
APPLICATION CONTENTS, SUBMISSION
REQUIREMENTS, AND DEADLINES
This NOFO contains all the information needed to apply for this funding
opportunity. The application for this funding opportunity is submitted through
web-based forms and attachments in Grants.gov and JustGrants through the steps that follow.
Unique Entity Identifiers (UEIs) and SAM.gov Registration
To submit an application, an applicant must have an active registration in the System for Award
Management (SAM.gov). SAM.gov assigns entities a unique entity identifier (UEI) that is
required for the entity to apply for federal funding. Applicants will enter their UEI with their
application. Award recipients must then maintain an active UEI for the duration of their award's
period of performance.
First-time Registration: Entities registering in SAM.gov for the first time will submit information
about their entity type and structure, financial information (such as dates of the fiscal year,
banking information, and executive compensation), entity points of contact, and other
information. The information is reviewed and verified by SAM.gov, and then a UEI is issued.
This process may take several weeks, so entities considering applying for funding should begin
the registration process as soon as possible.
Renewing an Existing Registration: Entities must renew their SAM.gov registration every 12
months to keep it active. If an entity does not renew their SAM.gov registration, it will expire. An
expired registration can delay or prevent the submission of an application for funding in
Grants.gov and JustGrants.
Applicants are encouraged to start the SAM.gov registration or renewal process at least 30
days prior to the application’s Grants.gov deadline. Applicants who fail to begin the
registration or renewal process at least 10 business days prior to the Grants.gov deadline may
not be able to complete the process in time and will not be considered for a technical waiver that
allows for late submission.
Submission Instructions: Summary
Applications must be submitted to DOJ electronically through a two-step process that begins in
Grants.gov and is completed in JustGrants. See Basic Information: Key Dates for the
Grants.gov and JustGrants application deadlines.
•
Step 1: The applicant must submit the required Application for Federal Assistance SF-
424 by the Grants.gov deadline.
•
Step 2: The applicant must submit the full application, including attachments, through
JustGrants by the deadline (see JusticeGrants.usdoj.gov).
Submission Step 1: Grants.gov Submission of SF-424
Access/Registration
If the applicant does not already have a Grants.gov account, they will need to register for this
opportunity in Grants.gov. Applicants should follow the Grants.gov Quick Start Guide for
Applicants to register, create a workspace, assign roles, submit an application, and troubleshoot
issues.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Submission of the SF-424
Applicants will begin the application process in Grants.gov with the submission of the SF-424,
which collects the applicant’s name, address, and UEI; the funding opportunity number; and
proposed project title, among other information. The SF-424 must be signed by the Grants.gov
Authorized Organizational Representative for the applicant.
See the Application Resource Guide for additional information on completing the SF-424.
Section 8F – Applicant Point of Contact: Please include the name and contact information of
the individual who will complete the application in JustGrants. JustGrants will use this
information (i.e., email address) to assign the application to this user in JustGrants.
Section 19 – Intergovernmental Review: This funding opportunity is subject to Executive
Order (E.O.) 12372 (Intergovernmental Review). States that participate in the Intergovernmental
Review process have an opportunity to review the applicant’s submission. An applicant may find
the names and addresses of state Single Points of Contact (SPOCs) for Intergovernmental
Review at https://www.ojp.gov/IntergovernmentalReviewSPOCList.pdf. If the applicant’s state
appears on the SPOC list, the applicant must contact its SPOC to find out about, and comply
with, the state’s process under E.O. 12372. On the SF-424, an applicant whose state appears
on the SPOC list must make the appropriate selection in response to question 19 once the
applicant has complied with its state E.O. 12372 process. An applicant whose state does not
appear on the SPOC list should answer question 19 by selecting “Program is subject to E.O.
12372 but has not been selected by the state for review.”
An applicant should submit the SF-424 as early as possible and recommended not later
than 48 hours before the Grants.gov deadline. If an applicant fails to submit the SF-424 in
Grants.gov by the deadline, they will be unable to submit their application in JustGrants.
Once the first part of the application has been successfully submitted in Grants.gov, the
Grants.gov Workspace status will change from “In Progress” to “Submitted.” Applicants will also
receive a series of four Grants.gov email notifications. Refer to the DOJ Application Submission
Checklist for additional details.
If an applicant needs to update information in the SF-424 after it is submitted in Grants.gov, they
can update the information as part of their JustGrants submission (see Application Contents,
Submission Requirements, and Deadlines: Standard Applicant Information). They do not need
to submit an update in Grants.gov.
Submission Step 2: JustGrants Submission of Full Application
Access/Registration
For first-time JustGrants applicants, once the application is received from Grants.gov, DOJ will
send an email (from DIAMD-NoReply@usdoj.gov) to the email address listed in Section 8F of
the SF-424 with instructions on how to create a JustGrants account. This email should arrive
within 24 hours after confirmation from Grants.gov of the SF-424 submission.
Creating and setting up a JustGrants account consists of three steps:
1. Follow the instructions in the email to first confirm who will be the Entity Administrator
(the person who manages which staff can access JustGrants on behalf of the applicant).
2. Log in to JustGrants and confirm the information in the Entity Profile.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
3. Invite other individuals who will serve as the Application Submitter and the Authorized
Representative for the applicant to register for JustGrants.
These steps should be completed in JustGrants as early as possible and recommended not
later than 48 hours before the JustGrants deadline. Once registered in JustGrants, the
Application Submitter will receive a link in an email to complete the rest of the application in
JustGrants. Applicants can find additional information on JustGrants registration in the DOJ
Grant Application Submission Checklist.
Preparing for Submission
Some of the required sections of the application will be entered directly into JustGrants, and
other sections will require documents to be uploaded and attached. Therefore, applicants
should allow enough time before the JustGrants deadline to prepare, enter, and upload all the
requirements of the application.
Applicants may save their application in the system and add to or change the application as
needed prior to hitting the “Submit” button at the end of the application in JustGrants. After the
application deadline, no changes or additions can be made to the application. OJP
recommends that applicants submit the complete application package in JustGrants at
least 48 hours prior to the JustGrants deadline.
For additional information, including file name and type requirements, see the “How To Apply”
section in the Application Resource Guide.
Standard Applicant Information
The Standard Applicant Information section of the JustGrants application is pre-populated with
the SF-424 data submitted in Grants.gov. The applicant will need to review the Standard
Applicant Information in JustGrants and can make whatever edits are needed. Within this
section, the applicant will need to add ZIP codes for areas affected by the project; confirm their
Authorized Representative; and confirm the organization’s unique entity identifier, legal name,
and address.
Proposal Abstract
A proposal abstract (no more than 2,000 characters) summarizing the proposed project must be
completed in the JustGrants web-based form. The text from abstracts will be made publicly
available on the OJP.gov and USASpending.gov websites if the project is awarded, so this
section of the application should not contain any personally identifiable information (e.g., the
name of the project director).
The abstract should be in paragraph form without bullets or tables and written in the third person
(e.g., they, the community, their, themselves, rather than I or we). The abstract should include
the following information:
•
The name of the applicant’s proposed project.
•
The purpose of the proposed project (i.e., what the project will do and why it is
necessary).
•
Where the project will take place (i.e., the service area, if applicable).
•
Who will be served by the project (i.e., who will be helped or have their needs addressed
by the project).
•
What activities will be carried out to complete the project.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
•
The subrecipient(s)/partner organizations or entities, if known.
•
Deliverables and expected outcomes (i.e., what the project will achieve).
See the Application Resource Guide for an example of a proposal abstract.
Data Requested With Application
Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire
(including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)
The Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire helps OJP assess
what financial management and internal control systems the applicant has in place, whether
these systems would be sufficient to maintain a funding award, and the associated potential
risks of an applicant as part of the pre-award risk assessment process. Every OJP applicant
(other than an individual applying in their personal capacity, not representing an applicant
organization) is required to complete the web-based form in JustGrants. See the Application
Resource Guide: Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire
(including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status) for additional guidance on how to complete
the questionnaire.
Proposal Narrative
Format of the Proposal Narrative: The Proposal Narrative will be submitted as an attachment
in JustGrants. The attached document should be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point size
font; have no less than 1-inch margins; have numbered pages; and should not exceed 20
pages. Tables, charts, references and other relevant materials may be submitted as an
appendix to the proposal narrative if needed and will not count toward the page limit.
The Proposal Narrative must specifically describe the manner in which Coverdell grant funds
will be used to carry out the state plan to improve forensic science or medical examiner/coroner
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 to cover the costs of a new facility, the proposal narrative must
specifically describe the new facility to be constructed and the estimated costs of that facility.
If grant funds are requested for projects to address the challenges to the state’s forensic
science laboratories posed by opioids and/or synthetic drugs, the proposal narrative should
describe the challenges posed and how the requested funds would help to address them.
Accreditation
If grant funds are requested for accreditation, the proposal narrative must describe the
accreditation activities and plans and, as applicable, the projected schedule for preparation and
application for accreditation. Under the Coverdell Program, any forensic science laboratory
system, including any laboratory operated by a unit of local government within the state, that is
not accredited (as set out in the Coverdell law) and that will receive a portion of the grant
amount must use a portion of the grant amount to prepare and apply for accreditation not more
than 2 years after the date of the Coverdell grant award. For purposes of this NOFO, see
definition of “forensic science laboratory” under Definitions in the Program Description section.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Additionally, after ascertaining the accreditation status of all forensic laboratories within its state,
each SAA is to include within the proposal narrative plans for each forensic science laboratory
within its state lacking accreditation to prepare and apply for accreditation.
Sections of the Proposal Narrative: The Proposal Narrative must include the four sections
listed below.
1. Description of the Need: What critical issue or problem is the applicant proposing to
address with this project? Please include:
•
A brief explanation of the need, gap, or issue to be addressed by the proposed project.
•
Supporting information, data, or evidence to demonstrate the need’s existence, size, and
impact on the target population and community.
•
How the need relates to the purpose of the NOFO.
•
Describe the challenges faced in providing forensic and/or medical examiner/coroner
services in the jurisdiction.
2. Project Goals and Objectives: How will the proposed project address the need identified
and address the purpose of the NOFO? Please include:
•
Project goals (goals are broad, visionary statements on what the applicant hopes to
accomplish).
•
Project objectives (objectives are specific outcomes the applicant plans to achieve
through project activities).
•
How the applicant’s goals and objectives relate to the goals and objectives of the NOFO.
•
Which specific Coverdell goal(s) and objective(s) the applicant proposes to achieve.
3. Project Design and Implementation: How will the applicant implement project activities that
meet the goals and objectives? Please include:
•
What activities the applicant will conduct to achieve the proposed goals and objectives.
•
How the applicant will deliver or complete those activities.
•
When the activities will take place and the likelihood that the desired goals will be
achieved within the proposed period of performance.
•
Demonstrate the soundness of the approach to improve forensic services. Specifically
outline the impact the proposed project will have on laboratory operations and/or
forensic science discipline.
•
Who in the applicant’s organization will conduct the activities, including key staff.
•
Who will participate in and benefit from the activity.
•
What deliverables, reports, and other items will be produced as part of the project.
•
If the applicant plans to use subrecipients to help conduct the project, please name them
(if they are known) or describe how the applicant will identify them. Please describe their
role in conducting project activities.
•
Describe a sustainability plan, as relevant, for activities once the award has completed. A
non-exhaustive list of examples may include a plan for annual maintenance following
purchase of new instrumentation, hand-off of activities assigned to grant funded staff,
validation of newly purchased instrumentation and plan for continued casework following
outsourcing.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
4. Capabilities and Competencies: What administrative and technical capacity and expertise
does the applicant bring to successfully complete this project? Please include:
•
A short description of the applicant’s capacity to deliver the proposed project and meet
the requirements of the award, including collecting and reporting the required
performance measure data. Who will be responsible for this task, and how will the
applicant collect the data? Refer to Program Description: Performance Measures for
additional details on performance measures for this funding opportunity.
•
Information demonstrating an understanding of the Coverdell Performance Measures,
the specific section(s) that are relevant to the proposed project, and the plans for
collecting said data.
•
A description of projects or activities the applicant organization has conducted, or is
currently conducting, that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to undertake the proposed
project activities.
•
A summary of relevant experience of team members with key responsibilities for
implementing the project.
Project Evaluations: An applicant that proposes to use award funds to conduct project
evaluations must follow the guidance in the “Note on Project Evaluations” section in the
Application Resource Guide.
Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Attachment)
The applicant will complete the budget worksheet attachment and submit it by uploading it as an
attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional
information.
For additional information about how to prepare a budget for federal funding, see the Application
Resource Guide section on “Budget Preparation and Submission Information.” For details on
the technical steps to complete the budget attachment and upload it in JustGrants, see the
Complete the Application in JustGrants: Budget training.
Permissible Expenses
The following list details the types of expenses allowed under the Coverdell Program. Federal
funds must be used to supplement existing state and local funds for program activities and must
not supplant those funds that have been appropriated for the same purpose. 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 Applicant Review.
•
Salary and benefits of laboratory employees. Funds may be used for forensic science
or medical examiner/coroner office personnel, fellowships, visiting scientists, interns,
consultants, or temporary staff.
•
Overtime for laboratory staff. Funds may be used to pay overtime for laboratory
scientists (excluding executive personnel) to directly examine, analyze, and interpret
physical and/or digital evidence in criminal matters. Any payments for overtime must be
in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DOJ Grants Financial Guide.
•
Computerization. Funds may be used to upgrade, replace, lease, or purchase
computer hardware and software for forensic analyses and data management.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
•
Laboratory equipment. Funds may be used to upgrade, lease, or purchase forensic
laboratory or medical examiner/coroner office equipment and instrumentation.
•
Supplies. Funds may be used to acquire forensic laboratory or medical
examiner/coroner office supplies.
•
Accreditation. Funds may be used to prepare for laboratory accreditation by the ANSI-
ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB), the National Association of Medical
Examiners (NAME), the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA), the
International Association of Coroners & Medical Examiners (IAC&ME), or other
appropriate accrediting bodies for forensic science and/or medicolegal death
investigation. Funds may also be used for application and maintenance fees charged by
appropriate accrediting bodies. Per 34 U.S.C. §10562(2), such an accrediting body must
be “an accrediting body that is a signatory to an internationally recognized arrangement
and that offers accreditation to forensic science conformity assessment bodies using an
accreditation standard that is recognized by that internationally recognized
arrangement.”
An applicant that proposes to use any portion of the grant amount to fund a forensic
science laboratory system, including any laboratory operated by a unit of local
government within the state, that is not accredited (as set out in the Coverdell law) will
be required to use (or, as applicable, must require any unaccredited subrecipient
forensic science laboratory system to use) a portion of the grant amount for accreditation
purposes. Coverdell awardees must use grant funds to prepare and apply for
accreditation of any FY25 Coverdell grant-funded unaccredited forensic laboratory
system, including any laboratory operated by a unit of local government within the state,
not more than 2 years after the FY25 Coverdell award date.
Note to SAAs regarding laboratories seeking accreditation: To carry out the aims of
and meet requirements under the Coverdell law with respect to forensic science
laboratory accreditation, SAAs are expected to consider the accreditation status of all
forensic science laboratories within their states. As part of a complete application
package, each SAA is to prepare a list of all forensic science laboratories in the state
that specifies each forensic science laboratory’s accreditation status by an appropriate
accrediting body, the name of the accrediting body, and the scope of each accreditation.
For each forensic science laboratory within the state lacking accreditation, each SAA is
to request funds in its application budget and include plans in its program narrative for
such laboratories to prepare and apply for accreditation. This serves one of the purposes
of the Coverdell statute by helping to ensure that those labs that may need assistance in
preparing and applying for accreditation have access to funds to assist in that purpose.
•
Education, training, and certification. Funds may be used for appropriate internal and
external training of staff that are involved directly and substantially in providing forensic
science or medical examiner/coroner 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 forensic science or medical examiner/coroner 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. OJP recognizes the benefit of attending discipline-related conferences to

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
receive training and/or education, however, it is recommended that the applicant
consider the cost-effectiveness of this option compared to other viable modes of training.
For example, hosting onsite training or attending a local program may be more suitable
for the applicant’s personnel and organization.
•
Facilities. Funds may be used for program expenses related to facilities, provided that
the expenses are directly attributable to improving forensic science or medical
examiner/coroner services. Funds may also be used for renovation and/or construction
undertaken as part of the applicant’s program to improve forensic science or medical
examiner/coroner 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 (34 U.S.C. §
10564(c)). Maximum amounts are determined by the total amount of the Coverdell
grants received (including both formula 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 below. Note that estimates and calculations
are based on the assumption that the total available funds for Coverdell awards in FY25
(Formula and Competitive) will be $28,754,088. Please refer to the discussion under
Available Funding.
Grants that exceed 0.6 percent of the total available funds. If an applicant state receives
grants whose total amount exceeds 0.6 percent of the total available funds (estimated
here at $172,525), 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 $138,020) plus 40 percent of the amount of the grant
in excess of 0.6 percent of the total available funds. For example, if $28,754,087 were to
become available for Coverdell awards in FY25 and a state were to receive a total
Coverdell grant of $287,541, no more than $184,026 may be used for the costs of any
new facility.
A sample calculation for a $287,541 grant would be as follows:
Eighty percent of 0.6 percent of the total available funds: $172,525 × .80 = $138,020.
Amount in excess of $287,541: $287,541 – $172,525 = $115,016
Forty percent of amount in excess of $287,541: $115,016 × .40 = $46,007
Sum of $138,020 + $46,007 = $184,026.
Estimates and calculations are based on the assumption that the total available funds for
ALL Coverdell awards (formula and competitive) in FY25 will be $28,754,088.
•
Administrative expenses. Not more than 10 percent of the total amount of a Coverdell
grant may be used for a recipient’s administrative expenses.
Program activity involving forensic genetic genealogical DNA analysis and searching (FGGS) is
subject to the DOJ Interim Policy on Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and
Searching or to the final policy, when issued. See Performance Measures for additional required
grantee reporting on FGGS activities.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Note on the use of funds to address opioid- and synthetic drug-related challenges: The
application should demonstrate, wherever applicable, how any proposed use of funds would
address challenges that opioids and/or synthetic drugs have brought to the forensic science
community, as described in the “Important Note” under “Objectives” in the Program Description.
To facilitate this, an applicant should annotate each line item in the budget as “opioid- and/or
synthetic drug-related” (addressing the opioid and/or synthetic drug crisis) or “non-opioid- or
synthetic drug-related.” Coverdell funds are available for permissible uses that would not
address opioid and synthetic drug related challenges. However, states should plan to allocate at
least 59 percent of Coverdell grant funds (commensurate with each state’s specifically identified
need) to address the challenges to the forensic science community posed by opioids and
synthetic drugs. A state also may propose to dedicate more than 59 percent of its Coverdell
allocation to opioid and synthetic drug related uses, in accordance with the state’s needs.
A state that does not intend to include any opioid- or synthetic drug-related projects in its
request for Coverdell funds, or that intends to request an amount for opioid- and/or synthetic
drug-related projects that would amount to less than 59 percent of its FY 2025 Coverdell
allocation, will still receive the full FY 2025 formula allocation for which it is eligible. Any such
state will be expected to affirm—in a separate writing (See “Additional Application Components”
for details)—that of its total allocation, it intends to use less than 59 percent (or, zero, as
applicable) of the grant funds for opioid- and synthetic drug-related projects.
Expenses That Are Not Permitted
•
Funds to conduct research, although applicants may address emerging forensic
science issues and technology through implementation of new technologies and
processes into public laboratories.
•
Expenses other than those listed above (including expenses for general law
enforcement functions or non-forensic investigatory functions).
•
Costs for any new facility that exceed the limits described above.
•
Recipient administrative expenses (direct or indirect) that exceed 10 percent of the
total grant amount.
•
The use of funds for the purchase and/or lease of vehicles, such as crime scene
vans.
All recipients and subrecipients (including any for-profit organization) must forgo any profit or
management fee.
Budget proposals should include the funding needed to implement the proposed activities. In
preparing their budget proposals, applicants should consider what types of costs are allowable,
if awarded funding. Costs are allowable when they are reasonable, allocable to, and necessary
for the performance of the project funded under the federal award and when they comply with
the funding statute and agency requirements, including the conditions of the award and the cost
principles set out in 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide.
Costs Associated With a Conference/Meeting/Training: An applicant that proposes to use
award funds for activities related to a conference, meeting, training, or similar event should
review the Application Resource Guide for information on prior approval, planning, and reporting
costs for a conference/meeting/training.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Costs Associated With Language Assistance and Access: 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 for individuals with
limited English proficiency may be allowable in specific grant programs. Costs to provide
reasonable accommodation and facilitate language access for individuals who are deaf or hard
of hearing may also be allowable in specific grant programs. See the Application Resource
Guide for information on costs associated with language assistance
For additional information about how to prepare a budget for federal funding, see the Application
Resource Guide section on “Budget Preparation and Submission Information” and the technical
steps to complete the budget form in JustGrants in the Complete the Application in JustGrants:
Budget training.
Budget and Associated Documentation: Budget/Financial Attachments
Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable): An applicant with a current, federally approved
indirect cost rate agreement should upload it as an attachment in JustGrants.
Indirect costs are costs of an organization that are not readily assignable to a particular project
but are necessary for the operation of the organization and the performance of the project.
Examples of costs usually treated as indirect include those incurred for operation and
maintenance of offices or workspaces and salaries of administrative or support staff. The
requirements for the development and submission of indirect cost proposals and cost allocation
plans are listed in Appendices III–VII of 2 C.F.R. Part 200. A non-federal applicant should follow
the guidelines applicable to its type of organization. See the DOJ Grants Financial Guide and
the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information on indirect cost rate
agreements.
Consultant Rate (if applicable): OJP has established maximum rates for consultants; see the
“Listing of Costs Requiring Prior Approval” section of the DOJ Grants Financial Guide for more
information. If an applicant proposes a rate for a consultant on their project that is higher than
the established maximum rate and receives an award, then the award recipient must submit a
document requesting approval for the rate and cannot incur costs at the higher rate without prior
OJP approval. The award recipient must provide justification for why the proposed rate is higher
than the established maximum rate, such as why the rate is reasonable and consistent with that
paid for similar services in the marketplace.
Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation for Awards Over
$250,000; Waiver (if applicable): This notice of funding opportunity expressly modifies the OJP
Grant Application Resource Guide by not incorporating the “Limitation on Use of Award Funds
for Employee Compensation; Waiver” provisions in the “Financial Information” section of the
OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.
Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable): This notice of
funding opportunity expressly modifies the Application Resource Guide by not incorporating its
“Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation” provisions. Applicants to this
funding opportunity are not required to provide this disclosure.
Additional Application Components
The applicant should attach the additional requested documentation listed below in JustGrants.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
•
Coverdell Statutory Certifications: As described above in the Eligibility section, the
Coverdell law provides that, to request a grant, each applicant must submit five
certifications specific to the Coverdell Program.
•
Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Documentation: Applicants should provide
documentation of current accreditation with the application for any accredited laboratory
(including a subrecipient laboratory) that is to receive funds under the FY25 Coverdell
award. Acceptable types of documentation of current accreditation include: an electronic
(scanned) copy of the current accreditation certificate(s), a digital photograph of the current
accreditation certificate(s), or a letter from the accrediting body that includes the certificate
number. Additionally, if a certificate references another document that contains key
information on the type or scope of the accreditation, provide a copy of that supplemental
documentation. Independent accrediting or certifying organizations may include ANAB,
NAME, A2LA, AC&ME, or other appropriate accrediting bodies. Per 34 U.S.C. § 10562 (2),
such an accrediting body would be “an accrediting body that is a signatory to an
internationally recognized arrangement and that offers accreditation to forensic science
conformity assessment bodies using an accreditation standard that is recognized by that
internationally recognized arrangement.”
Accreditation document(s) should be attached as a separate file with an appropriately
descriptive file name.
•
Accreditation Status of All Forensic Laboratories within the State: Each applicant is to
prepare a list of all forensic science laboratories in the state that specifies each forensic
science laboratory’s accreditation status and, if applicable, the name of the accrediting body
and the scope of each accreditation.
The accreditation status documentation should be attached as a separate file with an
appropriately descriptive file name.
•
Statement Regarding Proposed Use of Funds to Address Challenges Posed by
Opioids and/or Synthetic Drugs: See the “Note on the use of funds to address opioid-and
synthetic drug-related challenges” in the “Budget and Associated Documentation” section for
an important discussion relevant to applicants requesting funds to address forensic science
challenges relating to opioids and/or synthetic drugs.
A state that does not intend to include any opioid-and synthetic drug-related projects in its
request for Coverdell funds, or that intends to request an amount for opioid-and synthetic
drug related projects that would amount to less than 59 percent of its FY 2025 Coverdell
allocation, is to prepare and submit a statement (signed by the authorized representative of
the applicant) affirming that, of the total FY 2025 allocation for which it is eligible under the
FY 2025 Coverdell Grant Program, the state intends to use none of the funds for opioid and
synthetic drug projects or, if applicable, that it intends to use less than 59 percent (the
statement should specify the approximate percentage) of its grant funds for opioid-and/or
synthetic drug-related projects. This document should be attached as a separate file with an
appropriately descriptive file name (for example, “Opioids and Synthetic Drugs Use of Funds
Statement”).
•
Potential Environmental Impact: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969
(Public Law No. 90-190; 42 U.S.C. § 4371, et seq.) established a national policy to
promote the protection and enhancement of the environment. This policy was in response
to growing concerns about the ecological balance and preservation of wildlife in the United

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
States while meeting the demands of a growing population. Any BJA grant recipient with a
project involving construction, expansion, renovation, facility planning, site selection, site
preparation, and security or facility upgrades must be in compliance with the NEPA
requirements during the initiation of the project as part of its planning, site selection, and
site preparation. The BJA grant recipient must complete the NEPA process prior to actual
construction, expansion, renovation, or remodeling (including security upgrades).
Additionally, any BJA grant recipient with a project involving the use of chemicals must
complete the NEPA process prior to project initiation.
A Categorical Exclusion (CATEX)—a class of actions that, either individually or cumulatively,
would not have a significant effect on the human environment and therefore would not
require preparation of an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement
under NEPA—may be available for some projects where the environmental impact is
minimal. A Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) has been conducted that may
cover certain projects, particularly those limited to routine indoor laboratory activities.
Alternatively, a grant recipient may be required to conduct an environmental assessment
(EA), to assess the need for a project or proposed action, alternatives to the project/action,
and the environmental impacts of the proposed and alternative project/action. If a grantee is
required to conduct an EA, BJA will provide this service free of charge. Applicants do not
need to allocate funding for this process in their grant applications.
Depending on a review of the project, after award grant recipients may be asked to provide
additional information, so BJA can determine if either the CATEX or the PEA completes the
NEPA process for particular projects or if an EA is necessary. For more information
regarding NEPA, please visit https://bja.ojp.gov/national-environmental-policy-act-nepa-
guidance. Provide resumes of key personnel who will work on the proposed project, or a
description of the experience and skills of key personnel necessary to implement the project.
•
Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable): An application in response to this NOFO
may require inclusion of Tribal authorizing documentation as an attachment. If applicable,
the applicant will upload the Tribal authorizing documentation as an attachment in
JustGrants. See the Application Resource Guide for information on Tribal authorizing
resolutions.
•
Timeline: Provide a timeline listing key activities and milestones, and the quarters during
which they will take place.
Disclosures and Assurances
The applicant will address the following disclosures and assurances.
Disclosure of Lobbying Activities: JustGrants will prompt each applicant to indicate if it is
required to complete and submit a lobbying disclosure under 31 U.S.C. § 1352.
The applicant is required by law to complete and submit a lobbying disclosure form (Standard
Form/SF-LLL) if it has paid or will pay any person to lobby in connection with the award for
which it is applying AND this application is for an award in excess of $100,000. This disclosure
requirement is not applicable to such payments by an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or any
other Indian organization that are permitted by other federal law.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Lobbying means (for this requirement) influencing or attempting to influence an officer or
employee of any agency, a member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an
employee of a member of Congress. See 31 U.S.C. 1352; 28 C.F.R. part 69. Note: Most
applicants do not engage in activities that trigger this disclosure requirement.
An applicant that is not required by law (31 U.S.C. 1352) to complete and submit a lobbying
disclosure, should enter “No.” By doing so, the applicant is affirmatively asserting (under
applicable penalties) that it has nothing to disclose under 31 U.S.C. § 1352 with regard to the
application for the award at issue.
Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items: To ensure funding coordination across grantmaking
agencies, and to avoid unnecessary or inappropriate duplication of grant funding, the applicant
must disclose if it has any pending applications for federal funding, including pending
applications for subawards of federal funds, for the same project and the same budget items
included in this proposal. Complete the JustGrants Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost
Items form. See the Application Resource Guide for additional information.
DOJ Certified Standard Assurances: Review and accept the DOJ Certified Standard
Assurances in JustGrants. See the Application Resource Guide for additional information.
DOJ Certifications: Review the DOJ document Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment,
Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements;
Coordination with Affected Agencies. An applicant must review and sign the certification
document in JustGrants. See the Application Resource Guide for more information.
Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High-Risk Grantees (if applicable): If
applicable, submit the DOJ High-Risk Disclosure and Justification as an attachment in
JustGrants. A DOJ high-risk recipient is an award recipient that has received a DOJ high-risk
designation based on a documented history of unsatisfactory performance, financial instability,
management system or other internal control deficiencies, noncompliance with award terms and
conditions on prior awards, or that is otherwise not responsible. See the Application Resource
Guide for additional information.
Submission Dates & Times
Refer to Basic Information: Key Dates for the submission dates and times.
Applicants should submit their applications as early as possible and recommended not later
than 48 hours before the deadlines. To be considered timely, the full application must be
submitted in JustGrants by the JustGrants application deadline. Applicants will use the “Certify
and Submit” feature in JustGrants to confirm that all required application components have been
entered, which includes identifying the Authorized Representative for the applicant. Once the
application is submitted, the Application Submitter, Authorized Representative, and Entity
Administrator receive a confirmation email.
An applicant will receive emails after successfully submitting application components in
Grants.gov and JustGrants and should retain all emails and other confirmations received from
the SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants systems.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information

Experiencing Technical Issues Preventing Submission of
an Application (Technical Waivers)
If an applicant misses a deadline due to unforeseen technical issues with SAM.gov,
Grants.gov, or JustGrants, the applicant may request a waiver to submit an application
after the deadline. OJP will only consider requests to submit an application via
alternative methods or after the deadline when the applicant can document that there is
a technical issue with a government system that was beyond their control and that
prevents submission of the application via the standard process prior to the deadlines.
Issues resulting from circumstances within the applicant’s control, such as failure to
begin the SAM.gov, Grants.gov, or JustGrants registration and application process in
sufficient time, will not be considered.
Requests and documentation must be sent to the OJP Response Center at
OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov. Applicants should follow these steps if they
experience a technical issue:
1. Contact the relevant help desk to report the issue and receive a tracking
number.
See Basic Information: Contact Information for the phone numbers, email
addresses, and operating hours of the SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants
help desks. Reports of technical issues to the help desk must occur before the
application deadline.
If an applicant calls the help desk and experiences a long wait time, they can
also email the help desk to obtain a tracking number. Tracking numbers are
generated automatically when an applicant emails the applicable service desk,
and for this reason, long call wait times for support do not relieve the applicant
of the responsibility of getting a tracking number.
2. If an applicant has technical issues with SAM.gov or Grants.gov, the
applicant must contact the OJP Response Center at
OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov within 24 hours of the Grants.gov
deadline to request approval to submit after the deadline. The applicant’s
request will need to include:
•
A description of the technical difficulties experienced (provide
screenshots if applicable).
•
A timeline of the applicant’s submission efforts (e.g., date and time the
error occurred, date and time of actions taken to resolve the issue and
resubmit, and date and time support representatives responded).

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information

•
An attachment of the complete grant application and all the
required documentation and materials (this serves as a “manual”
submission of the application).
•
The applicant’s unique entity identifier (UEI).
•
Any SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants Service Desk
tracking/ticket numbers documenting the technical issue.
3. If an applicant has technical issues with JustGrants that prevent
application submission by the deadline, the applicant must contact
the OJP Response Center at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
within 24 hours of the JustGrants deadline to request approval to
submit after the deadline. See step 2 for the list of information the
applicant must provide as part of its request.
As a reminder: the waiver request will not be considered unless it includes
documentation of attempts to receive technical assistance to resolve the issue
prior to the application deadline. OJP will review each waiver request and the
required supporting documentation and notify the applicant whether the request
for late submission has been approved or denied. An applicant that does not
provide documentation of a technical issue (including all information previously
listed), or that does not submit a waiver request within the required time period,
will be denied.
For more details on the waiver process, OJP encourages applicants to review
the “Experiencing Technical Issues” section in the Application Resource Guide.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
APPLICATION REVIEW
Review Process and Criteria
OJP will review applications to ensure the information presented is reasonable,
understandable, measurable, achievable, and consistent with the goals of the
funding opportunity. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on the
application review process for formula grants.
The Coverdell law (34 U.S.C. § 10562) requires that, to request a grant, an applicant for
Coverdell funds must Complete and upload the five certifications required by the Coverdell
law*:
1. Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application from a State
o The applicant is to submit only one version of the “Certification as to Plan for
Forensic Science Laboratories.” DO NOT submit both versions of this
certification. Applicant states are to submit the “Application from a State” version
only; applicant units of local government are to submit the “Application from a
Unit of Local Government” version only.
2. Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures
3. Certification as to Forensic Science Laboratory System Accreditation
o Applicants requesting funds for only medical examiner’s offices or coroner’s
offices in the state are not required to submit this certification.
4. Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities
o Applicants must submit this certification even if no new facilities are being
constructed.
5. Certification as to External Investigations and Attachment
*Note: If OJP determines that an application does not include the designated items,
award withholding conditions will be placed on the award that prevent obligating,
expending, or drawing down funds until the required certifications are submitted and
complete.
Risk Review
Pursuant to the Part 200 Uniform Requirements, before award decisions are made, OJP also
reviews information related to applicant risk. OJP assesses whether an applicant with one or
more prior federal awards has a satisfactory record of performance, integrity, and business
ethics, including by (among other things) checking whether the applicant is listed in SAM.gov as
excluded from receiving a federal award.
Depending on the severity and nature of the risk factors, the risk assessment may result in
additional post-award conditions and oversight for any awarded applicant.
In addition, if OJP anticipates that an award will exceed $250,000 in federal funds, OJP also
must review and consider any information about the applicant that appears in the non-public
segment of the integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.gov.
Important Note on Responsibility/Qualification Data (formerly FAPIIS): An applicant may
review and comment on any information about its organization that currently appears in
SAM.gov and was entered by a federal awarding agency. OJP will consider such comments by

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
the applicant, in addition to the other information in SAM.gov, in its assessment of the risk posed
by the applicant.
Selection Process
All final award decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General, unless a statute
explicitly authorizes award decisions by another official or there is written delegation of authority
to another official. This official may consider not only program office recommendations, but also
other factors as indicated in the “Application Review” section. For additional information on the
application review process, see the Application Resource Guide.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
AWARD NOTICES
Federal Award Notices
For successful applicants, JustGrants will send a system-generated email to the
Application Submitter, Authorized Representative, and Entity Administrator with
information on accessing their official award package in JustGrants. The award
package will include key information (such as funding amount and period of performance) as
well as award conditions that must be followed. An authorized representative for the entity
should accept or decline the award within 45 days of the notification. See the Application
Resource Guide for information on award notifications and instructions.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS AND
ADMINISTRATION
Reporting
All award recipients under this funding opportunity will be required to submit the
following reports and data:
•
Quarterly financial reports.
•
Semi-annual performance reports.
•
Final financial and performance reports.
•
If applicable, an annual audit report in accordance with the Part 200 Uniform
Requirements or specific award conditions.
•
Coverdell grantees will be required to report to BJA on an annual basis:
1. The number and nature of any allegations of serious negligence or misconduct
substantially affecting the integrity of forensic results.
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).
4. If any such allegations were not referred, the reason(s) for the nonreferral.
This information must be included as an attachment to the semi-annual performance
report that is due January 30 each year. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be
withheld if reports are delinquent (in appropriate cases, OJP may require additional
reports).
•
Coverdell grantees are required to submit a final report that must, among other things:
o include a summary and assessment of the program carried out with FY 2025
grant funds,
o identify the number and type of cases accepted during the FY 2025 award period
by the forensic laboratory or laboratories that received FY 2025 grant funds,
o cite the specific improvements in forensic science and medical examiner/coroner
services (including any reduction in forensic analysis backlog) that occurred as a
direct result of the FY 2025 grant award, and
o detail the progress of any unaccredited forensic science service provider that
received FY 2025 grant funds toward obtaining accreditation.
See the Application Resource Guide for additional information on specific post-award reporting
requirements, including performance measure data and the method for submitting reports in
OJP’s online systems. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if reports are
delinquent (in appropriate cases, OJP may require additional reports).
Performance Measure Reporting
Award recipients are required to submit performance measure data and performance reports in
JustGrants on a semi-annual basis. Applicants selected for an award will receive further
guidance on post-award reporting processes.
Program- and Award-Specific Award Conditions
OJP includes various conditions on its awards. These may include program-specific conditions,
which typically apply to all recipients of a funding opportunity, and award-specific conditions,

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
which are included to address recipient-specific issues (e.g., programmatic or financial risk).
Recipients may view all conditions, and actions required to satisfy those conditions, in the award
package in JustGrants.
Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements
If selected for funding, in addition to implementing the funded project consistent with the OJP-
approved application, the recipient must comply with all award conditions and all applicable
requirements of federal statutes and regulations, including the applicable requirements referred
to in the assurances and certifications executed in connection with award acceptance. For
additional information on these legal requirements, see the “Administrative, National Policy, and
Other Legal Requirements” section in the Application Resource Guide.
Civil Rights Compliance
If a successful applicant accepts funding from OJP—as a recipient of OJP funding—that award
recipient must comply with certain federal civil rights laws that prohibit the award recipient from
discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or disability in how it
delivers its program’s services or benefits and in its employment practices. The civil rights laws
that may be applicable to the award include, but are not limited to, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964, the nondiscrimination provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of
1968, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. These and other federal civil rights laws
are discussed in greater detail on OJP’s Legal Overview—FY 2025 Awards webpage under the
“Civil Rights Requirements” section. Additional resources are available from the OJP Office for
Civil Rights.
Compliance with federal civil rights and nondiscrimination laws is material to the government’s
decision to make any award and payment under this program, including for purposes of the
False Claims Act, and each recipient will be required to certify (in its acceptance of the
conditions of the award) that it does not operate any programs (including any such programs
having components relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion) that violate any applicable Federal
civil rights or nondiscrimination laws.
See OJP’s Partnerships with Faith-Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations webpage for
specific information for faith-based organizations applying under this NOFO.
Financial Management and System of Internal Controls
Award recipients and subrecipients (including recipients or subrecipients that are pass-through
entities) must, as described in the Part 200 Uniform Requirements set out at 2 C.F.R. 200.303,
comply with standards for financial and program management. See the Application Resource
Guide for additional information.
Information Technology Security Clauses
An application in response to this NOFO may require inclusion of information related to
information technology security. See the Application Resource Guide for more information.
Other Reporting Requirements
Applicants and recipients are required to notify OJP if you know that you or any of your
organization’s principals for the award transaction are presently excluded or disqualified (i.e.,
debarred or suspended) or otherwise meet any of the criteria in 2 C.F.R. 180.335. Recipients
must comply with requirements in 2 C.F.R. Part 180, as implemented by DOJ in 2 C.F.R. Part

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
2867, which, among other things, require recipients to check certain information sources and, in
some cases, notify the federal awarding agency prior to the agency awarding federal funds via
contracts or subawards.
If a recipient’s award includes a federal share of more than $500,000 over the period of
performance of the award, then the award (per 2 C.F.R. 200.113) will include a condition that
may require the recipient to report and maintain certain information (relating to certain criminal,
civil, and administrative proceedings) in SAM.gov. See the Reporting Requirements page for
more information.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
OTHER INFORMATION
Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of
Programs and Activities
OJP may conduct or support an evaluation of the projects and activities funded
under this NOFO. For additional information on what should be included in the application, see
the Application Resource Guide section “Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of
Programs and Activities.”
Freedom of Information and Privacy Act
See the Application Resource Guide for important information on the Freedom of Information
and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. §§ 552 and 552a).
Applicants are advised not to include any unnecessary personally identifiable information,
sensitive law enforcement information, or confidential financial information with the application.
Provide Feedback to OJP
See the Application Resource Guide for information on how to provide feedback to OJP.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
BJA FY25 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants
Program
This application checklist has been created as an aid in developing an
application. For more information, reference the “OJP Application Submission Steps” in the OJP
Grant Application Resource Guide and the DOJ Application Submission Checklist.
SAM.gov Registration/Renewal
•
Confirm that your entity’s registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) is
active through the NOFO period; submit a new or renewal registration in SAM.gov, if
needed (see Application Resource Guide).
Grants.gov Registration
•
Acquire an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and a Grants.gov username
and password (see Application Resource Guide).
•
Acquire AOR confirmation from the E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) (see
Application Resource Guide).
Grants.gov Opportunity Search
•
Search for the funding opportunity in Grants.gov using the opportunity number,
assistance listing number, or keyword(s).
•
Access the funding opportunity and application package (see Step 7 under “OJP
Application Submission Steps” in the Application Resource Guide).
•
Sign up for Grants.gov email notifications (optional) (see Application Resource Guide).
Funding Opportunity Review and Project Planning
•
Review all sections of the NOFO.
•
Confirm your entity is eligible to receive funding (see Eligibility: Eligible Applicants).
•
Confirm your proposed budget is within the allowable limits (see Basic Information:
Funding Details), includes only allowable costs (see the Budget Worksheet and Budget
Narrative), and includes cost sharing if applicable (see Eligibility: Cost Sharing/Match
Requirement).
•
Review the performance measures for this funding opportunity and confirm you will be
prepared to collect and report on this data (see Program Description: Performance
Measures).
•
Review the “Legal Overview—FY 2025 Awards” in the OJP Funding Resource Center
and confirm you are prepared to follow the requirements.
•
Read OJP policy and guidance on conference approval, planning, and reporting under
“Listing of Costs Requiring Prior Approval” in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide or see the
Application Resource Guide.
Submission Step 1: Grants.gov
After registering with SAM.gov, submit the SF-424 in Grants.gov.
•
Complete and submit the SF-424 by the deadline.
•
Confirm Section 8F of the SF-424 lists the name and contact information of the individual
who will complete the application in JustGrants.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
•
Submit documents for Intergovernmental Review (if applicable).
•
Confirm that, within 48 hours of your submission in Grants.gov, you receive four (4)
Grants.gov email notifications:
o A submission receipt.
o A validation receipt.
o A grantor agency retrieval receipt.
o An agency tracking number assignment.
•
If no Grants.gov receipt and validation email is received, or if error notifications are
received, contact the OJP Response Center at 800-851-3420, 202-353-5556, or
OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov or the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800-
518-4726, 606-545-5035, or support@grants.gov regarding technical difficulties (see the
Application Resource Guide section on “Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues”).
•
Confirm that, within 24 hours after receipt of confirmation emails from Grants.gov, the
individual listed in Section 8F of the SF-424 receives an email from JustGrants with login
instructions.
Submission Step 2: JustGrants
•
Complete the following information:
o Entity and User Verification (first-time applicants)
o Standard Applicant Information
o Proposal Abstract
o Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (see
Application Resource Guide)
•
Upload the Proposal Narrative.
•
Upload the budget worksheet and budget narrative attachment.
•
Upload the other budget/financial attachments, as applicable.
•
Upload additional application components, as applicable.
•
Complete the Coverdell Statutory Certifications:
o Certification as to Plan for Forensic science laboratories – Application from a
State
o Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures
o Certification as to Forensic Science Laboratory System Accreditation
o Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities
o Certification as to External Investigations and External Investigations Attachment
•
Complete the Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Documentation (if applicable)
•
Accreditation status of All Forensic Laboratories within the State
•
Statement Regarding Proposed use of Funds to Address Challenges Posed by Opioids
and/or Synthetic Drugs
•
Complete the required disclosures and assurances:
o Disclosure of Lobbying Activities and submission of SF-LLL, if prompted by the
system
o Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items
o DOJ Certified Standard Assurances
o Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High-Risk Grantees
•
Complete the required DOJ Certification on Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and
Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; Coordination with
Affected Agencies.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
JustGrants Review, Certification, and Application Submission
•
Address any validation errors displayed on screen after attempted submission, then
return to the “Certify and Submit” screen to submit the application.
•
Note the confirmation message at the top of the page. Users will also receive a
notification in the “bell” alerts confirming submission.
•
If you do not receive an application submission confirmation email or validation from
JustGrants, or if you receive an error notification, please contact the JustGrants Service
Desk at 833-872-5175 or JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov. See the Application Resource
Guide for additional information.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING
CERTIFICATION REGARDING EXTERNAL
INVESTIGATIONS INTO ALLEGATIONS OF SERIOUS
NEGLIGENCE OR MISCONDUCT
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 may be properly made.
Because it is not possible for BJA 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 BJA on the
question of whether the required certification may be properly 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
One: 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.
Two: A state intends to distribute Coverdell award funds to state and local forensic laboratories
and medical examiners/coroners’ 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
examiner/coroner’s offices, both at the state and local levels.
Guidance: Execution of the certification might be appropriate under these facts.
Nevertheless, the certifying official must be satisfied that the state OIG’s authority in this
regard is not circumscribed in such a way that the OIG’s ability to conduct independent
investigations is limited (for example, through a reporting hierarchy that does not provide
for the OIG to report directly to the chief executive officer or another equally independent
state official or office).

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
Three: 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.
Four: A state applicant intends to distribute Coverdell award funds to forensic laboratories at
both the state and local levels. 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.)
Five: 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.
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; therefore, there is no process in place to conduct independent external
investigations of allegations against the forensics laboratory as required to make the
certification.
Six: 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 because 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.
Seven: An applicant agency is accredited by an independent accrediting or certifying
organization such as ANAB, NAME, A2LA, IAC&ME, etc.

Eligibility
Program
Description
Application
Submission
Application
Review
Award
Notices
Post-Award
Requirements
Other
Information
Application
Checklist
Basic
Information
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.