FORENSIC DNA CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (16.741)
Program
16.741 FORENSIC DNA CAPACITY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
Federal Agency
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE, OFFICE OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Authorization
Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2005, Public Law 108-447, 118 Stat. 2809, 2853, 2865 (2004).
Program Number
16.741
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To improve the infrastructure and analysis capacity of existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis, so they can process DNA samples efficiently and cost-effectively. These improvements are critical to preventing future DNA backlogs, and to helping the criminal justice system utilize the full potential of DNA technology.
Types of Assistance
Formula Grants (Cooperative Agreements).
Uses and Use Restrictions
Expenditures from DNA capacity enhancement awards may include the following: Laboratory and Computer Equipment- Under this category, funds may be used for upgrading, replacing, and purchasing laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and computer hardware or software (e.g., LIMS) for forensic DNA analyses and data management. Supplies- Funds may be used to acquire convicted offender-related evidence collection kits, laboratory supplies for validation studies, and other expenses directly attributable to validation of new DNA analysis technologies. However, use of funds for forensic casework STR kits or items and standard office supplies (e.g. staplers, paperclips, pens, etc.) is not permitted. Contractor-Provided Services- Contracting of forensic DNA services may be allowed (1) during periods of in-house validation of new DNA technologies or methods, or (2) if efficiency or economy of the laboratory would be increased by contracting certain tasks. Renovation- Funds may be used for the renovation of facilities that will improve the effectiveness or efficiency of forensic DNA laboratory operation. For example, benches, cabinets, interior dividing walls, evidence storage rooms, or extraction rooms can be funded when it can be demonstrated that such renovations will improve the efficiency of forensic DNA analyses in the laboratory. Funds may also be used for facility renovations related to DNA analysis, including short and long-term evidence storage facilities, amplification rooms, evidence examination and preparation rooms, drying rooms, or walk-in freezers. Accreditation- Funds may be used, in whole or in part, to assist State and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis, to satisfy, with respect to their DNA operations, the requirements for accreditation from a nonprofit professional association actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community. Training- Funds may be used for appropriate internal and external training, for appropriate continuing education/training opportunities (e.g., via forensic conferences), and for applicable graduate-level course work that is directly related to the program. Reasonable travel expenses directly associated with training may be paid in accordance with the provisions of the OJP Financial Guide located at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/FinGuide. Administrative Expenses- Not more than three percent of the total amount of a grant awarded under this program may be used for administrative expenses. Hiring Laboratory Employees- Funds may be used for hiring laboratory employees directly engaged in DNA analysis. State and units of local governments need to provide the following documents to be eligible to use funds for this purpose: (1) Documentation that the hired laboratory employees will be engaged in DNA analysis. (2) NIJ grants may cover up to 75 percent of the approved salary and benefits of each newly hired staff position. (3) Subsequent year funding is dependent on Congressional appropriations. Details regarding this program may be obtained by accessing the web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij under Funding Opportunities.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Eligible applicants are State and units of local government with existing crime laboratories conducting DNA analysis that are either: (1) Accredited by a nonprofit professional association actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community such as the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) or the Forensic Quality Services (FQS), etc., or (2) Undergo external audits, not less than once every 2 years, that demonstrate compliance with DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Eligible applicants are State and units of local government with existing crime laboratories conducting DNA analysis that are either: (1) Accredited by a nonprofit professional association actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community such as the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) or the Forensic Quality Services (FQS), etc., or (2) Undergo external audits, not less than once every 2 years, that demonstrate compliance with DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Credentials/Documentation
The applicant must furnish certification of being an accredited DNA testing laboratory, or a letter indicating your DNA laboratory is in compliance with FBI DNA Quality Assurance Standards and undergo external audits, not less than once every 2 years, which demonstrate compliance with DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Documentation that the applicant's laboratory complies with the FBI DNA Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing, and is either: (1)accredited by a nonprofit professional association actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community, or (2) undergoes external audits, not less than once every 2 years, which demonstrate compliance with DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Potential applicants are encouraged to request the program announcement for additional information about eligibility requirements, the research priorities of the Institute, and application and selection procedures. The standard application form as furnished by the Federal agency, in accordance with 28 CFR, Part 66 (Common Rule), must be used for this program. Applicants must contact their State Point of Contact (SPOC) to determine if the program has been selected for review by the State. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review. The date that the application was sent to the SPOC or the reason such submission is not required must be included in the application. A copy of the application must also be submitted to the State office that administers the Edward Byrne Memorial State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance Formula Grant Program.
Application Procedure
Detailed information is provided in a program solicitation which is obtained by sending a self-addressed mailing label to NCJRS, Box 6000, Rockville, MD 20849-6000; calling toll free to request a copy at (800) 851-3420; or accessing the web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij under Funding Opportunities. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No.A-110 or the Common Rule where applicable. The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) requires that funding applications be submitted electronically through the OJP Grants Management System (GMS), which will be accessed at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fundopps.htm. On-line submission of an application represents legal binding acceptance of the terms of the application. For further information about GMS, call the OJP GMS Hotline at 1-888-549-9901.
Award Procedure
All applications will be reviewed by the Program Office. All final decisions will be made by the NIJ Director.
Deadlines
There is normally one deadline each year, usually in the Spring. The deadline varies based on when program appropriations is passed into law. Throughout the fiscal year, NIJ releases multiple announcements for research and technology development funding. Program deadline will be included in the announcements on FedGrants at www.fedgrants.gov, on NIJ's website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/funding.htm, and on the Office of Justice Programs website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fundopps.htm.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Hearing by the NIJ Director.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Grant funds shall not be used to pay salaries and/or benefits of existing State or local personnel. Applicants, however, may include the cost of hiring new laboratory personnel directly associated with the project. The maximum federal share of the approved salary and benefits for each newly hired staff position is 75 percent. The State or unit of local government will provide the funds for the remaining 25 percent.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Awards under this program are issued for a period of 12-18 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Fiscal report consisting of quarterly expenditures and budget expenditure reports; final financial report giving costs and expenditures of the complete project; program reports consisting of quarterly performance metrics reports, bi-annual progress reports; and a final report including a summary of program accomplishments. Other reports may be requested.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No.A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profits Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Records and accounts concerning the expenditure of Institute and grantee or appointee-contributed funds shall be maintained during the grant period and retained for 3 years thereafter.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2004, the DNA Capacity Enhancement Program provided federal funding to eligible applicants to pay for laboratory and computer equipment, supplies, contracted-provided services, renovation, accreditation and certification, training, and administrative expenses (not more than 3% of total award) costs in order to improve their DNA analysis capacity and infrastructure so they can process DNA samples efficiently, cost-effectively, and help prevent future backlogs.
Financial Information
Account Identification
15-0401-0-1-754.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 04 $0; FY 05 est $32,148,633; and FY 06 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
In amounts consistent with the applicant's proposed project and the Institute's plans, priorities and levels of financing.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Information about a DNA Capacity Enhancement Program solicitation may be obtained by calling NCJRS at (800) 851-3420 or accessing the web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij under Funding Opportunities.
Related Programs
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice, 810 7th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20531. Telephone: (202) 307-2942. FTS number is (202) 307-3942.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
West Virginia State Police Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau Forensic Services Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Broward County Sheriffs Office County of Santa Clara Mississippi Department of Public Safety Maryland State Police. To obtain information about additional projects funding through this program, potential applicants may contact Natalie Lu, by addressing correspondence to DNA Capacity Enhancement Program, National Institute of Justice, Office of Science and Technology, 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20531; by calling (202) 616-5209, or corresponding electronically at Natalie.Lu@usdoj.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
All eligible State and units of local government with existing crime laboratories conducting DNA analysis that are either: (1) Accredited by a nonprofit professional association actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community such as the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB) or the Forensic Quality Services (FQS), etc., or (2) Undergo external audits, not less than once every 2 years, that demonstrate compliance with DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
