NIJ FY 2010 Research and Development on Pattern and Impression Evidence

NIJ seeks proposals for funding research and development to enhance forensic scientists’ ability to identify, capture, visualize, analyze, and preserve impression evidence and pattern evidence. In FY 2010, priority will be given to research that focuses on tools and methods that will allow faster, more widely applicable, more rugged, less costly, or less labor-intensive identification, collection, preservation, and analysis of impression and pattern evidence; studies in fluid transfer and fluid dynamics, specifically blood, to analyze bloodstain patterns; studies to examine the mechanical properties of materials (fracture mechanics) in physical match analysis of evidence; and research on the effect of environmental factors on impression and/or pattern evidence. Pattern and impression evidence may include, but is not limited to, firearms and tool marks, footwear impressions, tire tread impressions, bite marks, blood spatter, friction ridges, fracture match, and questioned documents.How to Apply: Applications will be submitted through OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS). GMS is a Web-based, data-driven computer application that provides cradle to grave support for the application, award and management of grants at OJP. Applicants should begin the process immediately to meet the GMS registration deadline, especially if this is the first time they have used the system. Complete instructions on how to register and submit an application in GMS can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/. If you experience technical difficulties at any point during this process, please e-mail [email protected], or call 1–888–549–9901 (option 3), Monday–Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. eastern time. OJP highly recommends starting the registration process as early as possible to prevent delays in the application submission by the specified deadline.All applicants are required to complete the following. 1. Acquire a DUNS Number: A DUNS number is required to submit an application in GMS. The Office of Management and Budget requires that all businesses and nonprofit applicants for Federal funds include a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number in their application for a new award or renewal of an existing award. A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of entities receiving federal funds. The identifier is used for tracking purposes and to validate address and point of contact information for federal assistance applicants, recipients, and subrecipients. The DUNS number will be used throughout the grant life cycle. Obtaining a DUNS number is a free, one-time activity. Obtain a DUNS number by calling 1–866–705–5711 or by applying online at www.dunandbradstreet.com. Individuals are exempt from this requirement. 2. Acquire or Renew Registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) Database: CCR registration is required to receive funding. OJP requires that all applicants (other than individuals) for federal financial assistance maintain current registrations in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. The CCR database is the repository for standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, recipients, and subrecipients. Organizations that have previously submitted applications via Grants.gov are already registered with CCR, as it is a requirement for Grants.gov registration. Please note, however, that applicants must update or renew their CCR registration at least once per year to maintain an active status. Information about CCR registration procedures can be accessed at www.ccr.gov. 3. Acquire a GMS Username and Password: If you are a new user, please create a GMS profile by selecting the first time user link under the sign-in box of the GMS home page. For more information on how to register in GMS, go to www.ojp.usdoj.gov/gmscbt/. 4. Search for the Funding Opportunity on GMS: After you log in to GMS or complete your GMS profile for your username and password, go to the Funding Opportunities link on the left hand side of the page. Please select NIJ and Research and Development on Pattern and Impression Evidence. 5. Select the Apply Online Button Associated with the Solicitation Title: The search results from step 4 will display the solicitation title along with the Registration and Application Deadlines for this funding opportunity. Please select the Apply Online button in the Action Column to create an application in the system. 6. Submit an Application Addressing All of the Requirements Outlined in this Solicitation by Following the Directions in GMS: Once submitted, GMS will display a confirmation screen stating your submission was successful. UImportant:U You are urged to submit your application at least 72 hours prior to the due date of the application. Note: OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS) does not accept executable file types as application attachmentsU. These disallowed file types include, but are not limited to, the following extensions: ".com," ".bat," ".exe," ".vbs," ".cfg," ".dat," ".db," ".dbf," ".dll," ".ini," ".log," ".ora," ".sys," and ".zip." For a comprehensive list of application requirements, please review the full Solicitation Document at the link provided here.