NIJ FY 09 Forensic Science Training Development and Delivery Program

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and a component of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP). NIJ provides objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to enhance the administration of justice and public safety. NIJ solicits applications to inform its search for the knowledge and tools to guide policy and practice. As stated in the President’s DNA Initiative, Advancing Justice Through DNA Technology, the forensic science community has a critical need for trained forensic scientists in public crime laboratories. Additionally, there is a need to inform other criminal justice practitioners and policymakers on developments in forensic science. To that end, NIJ seeks applications from training provider(s), and other relevant entities, to develop and/or deliver knowledge-based forensic science curricula at the State and/or local level to train forensic scientists and to inform other criminal justice practitioners and policymakers. Applicants are encouraged to propose enhancements or modifications to existing training programs for computer-based or Web-based delivery. Dissemination of the product and sustainability of these initiatives is a priority. Applicants that propose to deliver training will be responsible for all aspects of the training delivery, including, but not limited to, travel, lodging, and per diem for participants, and any other training-related logistics. The project period for proposals submitted under this solicitation is up to 24 months.