NIJ FY25 Research and Development of Innovations in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes | O NIJ 2025 172598

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the name of this funding opportunity?

The opportunity is titled "NIJ FY25 Research and Development of Innovations in Forensic Science for Criminal Justice Purposes."

Who is offering this grant?

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is offering this discretionary grant opportunity.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number (FON)?

The Funding Opportunity Number is O-NIJ-2025-172598.

What is the purpose of this solicitation?

The purpose is to fund basic or applied research and development projects that advance forensic science in ways that are directly relevant to criminal justice.

What kinds of projects is NIJ looking for?

NIJ is looking for proposals that are clearly defined, stand-alone efforts rather than broad, open-ended programming. The work should be a discrete, well-scoped project with specific goals, methods, and deliverables.

What are the main types of outcomes NIJ expects projects to achieve?

Funded projects are expected to do one of two main things: (1) build the evidence base by increasing knowledge that informs forensic science policy and practice, or (2) produce tangible innovations (materials, devices, systems, or methods) with clear potential for forensic application.

What does it mean to "build the evidence base" in this context?

It means conducting research that helps decision-makers and practitioners understand what works, what is reliable, what is valid, and what limitations exist in forensic methods and their implementation.

What qualifies as a "tangible innovation" under this NOFO?

Tangible innovations can include materials, devices, systems, or methods that have clear potential for forensic application and could realistically improve forensic science capabilities used in criminal justice.

Does NIJ only fund product development, or can it fund research studies too?

Both are in scope. NIJ is open to knowledge-building research and to product- or method-development work, as long as the outcomes are relevant to improving forensic science capabilities used in the criminal justice context.

What is the funding instrument?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is science and technology and other research and development.

What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The CFDA number is 16.560.

How many awards does NIJ anticipate making?

NIJ anticipates making about 30 awards.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is up to $12,500,000.

When was this opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on April 30, 2026.

What is the application closing date?

The original closing date listed for applications is June 2, 2026.

How large can proposed projects be?

Based on the high ceiling and the expectation of multiple awards, the program appears designed to support a range of project sizes, from smaller targeted studies to larger development and validation efforts. The appropriate size should match the project scope and be justified in the application.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education in that nonprofit category); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other entities.

Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments and other tribal organizations are included as eligible applicants.

Are nonprofits eligible to apply?

Yes. Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status are eligible, as long as they are not applying as institutions of higher education within that nonprofit category.

Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. The eligibility list includes for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses as well.

Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply?

Yes. Both public/state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are eligible.

Are local government entities eligible?

Yes. State, county, city or township, special district governments, and other units of local government are included as eligible applicants.

Does the opportunity mention federal agencies or specialized research centers?

Yes. The solicitation description explicitly references federal agencies, federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), and university affiliated research centers (UARCs) as participants contemplated within the opportunity description.

What does NIJ mean by a "stand-alone effort"?

It means the proposal should focus on a discrete project rather than broad or ongoing programming. The effort should be clearly defined and well-scoped, with specific goals, methods, and deliverables.

How should applicants show criminal justice relevance?

A competitive application would typically be expected to articulate a clear criminal justice need and explain how the proposed research or innovation can directly improve forensic science capabilities used in the criminal justice context.

What should a strong proposal generally include?

Based on the opportunity description, a strong proposal would typically define measurable objectives and deliverables, explain why the approach is innovative or necessary, and show how results could translate into policy guidance, practitioner decision-making, or deployable forensic capability.

What kinds of impacts is NIJ trying to achieve through this NOFO?

The overall aim is to strengthen forensic science through research that either improves the scientific foundation behind forensic practices or produces new or improved tools and methods that could be adopted in the field.