NIJ FY 2023 Invited to Apply - Forensic Technology Center of Excellence | O NIJ 2023 171859

Opportunity Information: Apply for O NIJ 2023 171859

The NIJ FY 2023 Invited to Apply - Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (FTCOE) opportunity is a Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice solicitation designed to fund the continued operation of a national center that helps move forensic science research into day-to-day practice. Issued under the Office of Justice Programs broader priorities, the program is framed around advancing civil rights and racial equity, expanding access to justice, supporting victims and people impacted by the justice system, strengthening public safety, responding to evolving threats, and improving trust between law enforcement and communities. In practical terms, NIJ is looking for a qualified organization to serve as a hub that supports NIJ's forensic science research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDTandE) work and ensures that validated tools, methods, and findings are actually transferred and adopted by the practitioners who need them.

The core purpose of the FTCOE is to provide scientific and technical assistance across NIJ's forensic science portfolio and to act as a bridge between research and operational implementation. The center is expected to help demonstrate and evaluate emerging and existing forensic technologies, support testing and validation efforts, and facilitate the adoption of appropriate technologies by end users such as crime laboratories, medical examiner and coroner offices, law enforcement agencies, and other forensic service providers. A major emphasis is on technology transition: helping researchers and practitioners understand what works, what is ready for use, what limitations exist, and what steps are needed for responsible implementation in real-world settings.

Beyond hands-on technology support, the FTCOE is also expected to strengthen knowledge transfer and research dissemination in the forensic science and criminal justice communities. That includes developing and providing access to resources that help spread evidence-based best practices, educational materials, and practical guidance that can be used by practitioners and decision-makers. The center is intended to work closely with NIJ program managers to assess the impact of NIJ-funded RDTandE, communicate results in ways that are meaningful to practitioners and stakeholders, and promote systems-based approaches that improve how forensic science contributes to the criminal justice system overall.

A distinctive deliverable highlighted in the solicitation is the development of national forensic science library services. This involves identifying, curating, and making available scholarly literature relevant to both the forensic research community and working practitioners. The intent is to strengthen access to high-quality, up-to-date scientific information and to organize it in a way that supports applied decision-making, research planning, training, and continuous improvement across the field.

Administratively, this is a continuation opportunity funded through a cooperative agreement, which typically means substantial federal involvement in guiding or collaborating on the work during the award period. The opportunity is listed under CFDA 16.560 and is associated with funding activity categories focused on science, technology, and other research and development. The award ceiling is $2,500,000, with an anticipated total of two awards. The solicitation was created on August 14, 2023, with an original closing date of August 17, 2023, indicating a short submission window consistent with an invited-to-apply or continuation competition. Eligibility is described broadly as "Others" with further clarification referenced in the solicitation's additional eligibility information.

The stated statutory authorities supporting the program include Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (sections 201 and 202), relevant sections of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (sections 231-233 and 235), and 28 U.S.C. 530C. Overall, the grant is centered on maintaining a national capability that helps NIJ ensure its forensic science investments produce measurable, practical improvements, from validated technologies and methods to accessible best-practice resources and curated scientific literature that can be used across the forensic and criminal justice landscape.

• The Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIJ FY 2023 Invited to Apply - Forensic Technology Center of Excellence" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.560.
• This funding opportunity was created on Aug 14, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 17, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 2 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for O NIJ 2023 171859

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