PKG00294269.pdf

OMB No. 1121-0329 Approval Expires 02/28/2027

NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: O-NIJ-2026-172786

Application Deadlines in Eastern Time (ET):

1. Complete SF-424 and submit in Grants.gov: October 7, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET

2. Submit full application in JustGrants: October 13, by 8:59 p.m. ET https://Grants.gov

NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

Contents

1. Basic Information

2. Eligibility

3. Program Description

4. Application Contents and Format

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

6. Application Review Information

7. Award Notices

8. Post-Award Requirements & Administration

9. Questions?

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NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

1. BASIC INFORMATION

Purpose of the Funding

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is committed to advancing work that furthers the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) mission to keep our country safe and secure and uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of American citizens. OJP provides federal leadership, funding, and other critical resources to directly support law enforcement, combat violent crime, protect American children, provide services to American crime victims, and address public safety challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid crisis.

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A

Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy. This opportunity seeks to direct the findings of basic scientific research;

foster research and development in broader scientific fields applicable to forensic science; and support ongoing forensic science research toward the development of highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of forensic evidence for criminal justice purposes. Toward that end, it aims to complete funding for the project “A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy” (15PNIJ-

24-GG-03857-NIJB).

See the Eligible Applicants section for eligibility details.

Funding Details

Announcement Type Initial

Assistance Listing Number 16.560

Statutory Authority Pub. L. No. 119-74, 140 Stat 5, 38; 28

USC 530C.

Grants.gov Opportunity Number O-NIJ-2026-172786

Expected Total Amount of Funding $402,889

Anticipated Number of Awards 1

Award Type(s) Grant

Anticipated Award Amount Up to $402,889

Expected Award Period(s) 36 months starting on January 1, 2027

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NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

Key Dates and Times

NOFO Release Date September 30, 2026

SAM.gov Registration/Renewal Begin the process as soon as possible

Step 1: Grants.gov Deadline 11:59 p.m. ET on October 7, 2026

Step 2: JustGrants Deadline 8:59 p.m. ET on October 13, 2026

See Questions? at the end of this NOFO for agency contact information.

2. ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants

The types of entities that are eligible to apply are:

Other: Only the applicant that received an official invitation letter from NIJ is able and eligible to apply. Please refer to that letter for eligibility requirements. The application will only be accepted from the following:

• RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK

Cost Sharing (Match) Requirement: Match is not required but see details regarding “Cofunding” here Guidance for Applicants and Awardees.

3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Statutory Authority

Pub. L. No. 119-74, 140 Stat 5, 38; 28 U.S.C. 530C.

Agency Funding Priorities

In order to advance public safety and help meets its mission, NIJ priorities include:

(a) Directly supporting law enforcement operations (including immigration law enforcement operations);

(b) Combatting violent crime;

(c) Supporting services to American citizens;

(d) Protecting American children; and

(e) Supporting American victims of trafficking and sexual assault.

Unallowable Activities: The following are certain unallowable costs and certain activities that are out of the program scope and will not be funded.

1. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that, directly or indirectly, violates (or promotes or facilitates the violation of) federal immigration

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | National Institute of Justice | 4 https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/guidance-applicants-and-awardees#develop-your-budget

NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy law (including 8 U.S.C. § 1373) or impedes or hinders the enforcement of federal immigration law—including by failing to comply with 8 U.S.C. § 1373, give access to DHS agents, or honor DHS requests and provide requested notice to DHS agents.

2. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that violates any applicable Federal civil rights or nondiscrimination law. This includes violations that—(1) indirectly violate the law, including by promoting or facilitating violations;

or (2) unlawfully favor individuals in any race or protected group, including on a majority or minority, or privileged or unprivileged, basis, within a given area, population, or sector.

3. As specified in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide, in Chapter 3.13 “Unallowable Costs” (“Legal Services for Aliens”), any obligations of funds, at any tier, under this award to provide (or to support the provision of) legal services to any removable alien or any alien otherwise unlawfully present in the United States shall be unallowable costs for purposes any award made under this notice, but the foregoing shall not be understood to apply: (1) to legal services to obtain protection orders for victims of crime; or (2) to immigration-related legal services that may be expressly authorized or required by any law, or any judicial ruling, governing or applicable to the award.

Goals and Objectives of This Funding Opportunity

Goal 1: Foundational/Basic Research Goal: Improve the understanding of the accuracy, reliability, and measurement validity of forensic science disciplines.

• Objective 1: Conduct basic scientific research in the physical, life, and cognitive sciences that is designed to increase the knowledge underlying forensic science discipline(s) intended for use in the criminal justice system.

• Objective 2: Perform studies that examine the degree of accuracy and reliability of methods, or various processes within methods, used by forensic scientists to achieve a more complete understanding of the scientific basis of forensic evidence and the interpretation of that evidence.

Goal 2: Applied Research Goal: Increase knowledge or understanding necessary to guide criminal justice policy and practice related to the forensic sciences.

• Objective 1: Perform applied research to increase knowledge of physical evidence and/or its behavior.

• Objective 2: Perform evaluation studies of technologies that are expected to have application to forensic sciences in criminal justice settings.

Goal 3: Development Goal: Produce novel and useful materials, devices, systems, or methods that have the potential for forensic application for criminal justice purposes.

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NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

• Objective 1: Improve forensic analysis processes to detect, identify, screen, or preserve evidence.

• Objective 2: Develop instrumental systems to improve analysis throughput and/or the reliability, reproducibility, selectivity, and/or sensitivity of current methods used in crime laboratories for forensic analysis.

For a description of how awards under this NOFO will contribute to achieving these goals and objectives, see the Performance Reports section below.

Expected Outcomes

NIJ expects recipients to submit deliverables and performance reports, as described below. Read the Application Resource Guide for more information. NIJ will measure success by reviewing a recipient’s submission of performance reports and data and the extent to which project implementation reflects progress toward the goals and objectives of this NOFO.

Deliverables

Recipients will be expected to deliver the following:

• Scholarly Products as described at Post-Award Requirements for Research, Development, and Evaluation Grants should be disseminated throughout the period of performance to the extent possible. Development and delivery of interim products should be built into the Project Timeline. Author-accepted manuscripts for peer-reviewed publications derived from research funded by the award should be deposited in a publication repository designated by NIJ.

• Research Dissemination Products should translate the research into actionable information for policymakers and practitioners to promote change in the field. Grantees should devote equal effort to development of these products as they to do scholarly products.

• Final Deliverable (Technical Summary) as described at Scientific Deliverable Requirements for Forensic Science Research, Development, and Evaluation Awards.

• Data Sets and Associated Files and Documentation resulting in whole or in part from their funded research must be archived to ensure the preservation, availability, and transparency of data collected. For more information on this requirement, please review the information found here: Data Archiving.

Performance Reports

OJP requires recipients to submit regular performance reports that communicate progress toward achieving Program Goals and Objectives. Read information on performance reporting.

For NIJ’s post award reporting requirements please review Post-Award Requirements for

Research, Development, and Evaluation Grants.

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | National Institute of Justice | 6 https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information-about-post-federal-award-reporting-requireme https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/research-development-and-evaluation-grant-award-requirements#scholarly-products https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/research-development-and-evaluation-grant-award-requirements#scholarly-products https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/research-development-and-evaluation-grant-award-requirements#scientific-deliverable-requirements-for-forensic-science-researc https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/research-development-and-evaluation-grant-award-requirements#scientific-deliverable-requirements-for-forensic-science-researc https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/research-development-and-evaluation-grant-award-requirements#scientific-deliverable-requirements-for-forensic-science-researc https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/data-archiving https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information-about-post-federal-award-reporting-requireme https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/research-development-and-evaluation-grant-award-requirements https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/research-development-and-evaluation-grant-award-requirements

NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

A list of performance measure questions for this funding opportunity can be found at Performance Measures for Award Recipients.

4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Application Contents List

The table below lists the contents of your application. Refer to the DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist for application instructions.

Application Item Submission Type

Step 1: Grants.gov

Application for Federal Assistance: SF-424 Online Form

Step 2: JustGrants

Standard Applicant Information Online Form

Proposal Abstract Text Box

Data Requested With Application

• Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)

• Agency Funding Priorities Inventory

• Principal Investigator Contact Information

Online Form

Proposal Narrative Attachment

Budget Online Form

Other Budget/Financial Attachments

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

• Consultant Rate (if applicable)

• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee

Compensation for Awards Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable)

• Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable)

Attachment

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | National Institute of Justice | 7 https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/performance-measures-award-recipients https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission

NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

Additional Application Components

• Gold Standard Science

• Biographical Sketches *Required*

• Current and Pending (Other) Support Common

Forms *Required*

• Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable)

• Research and Evaluation Independence and

Integrity Statement

• Letters of Support (if applicable)

• Bibliography/References

• Tools/Instruments, Questionnaires, Tables/Charts/Graphs, or Maps

• List of Individuals in the Application

• Human Subjects Protection

• Privacy Certificate

• Request to Use Incentives or Stipends

• Project Management Plan and Timeline

• Consortium/Contractual Agreements

• Data Management, Sharing, and Archiving Plan

(DMSAP)

Attachments

Standard Applicant Information

Review and edit as needed the information imported from the SF-424 submitted in Grants.gov. Add ZIP codes for areas affected by the project.

Proposal Abstract

In JustGrants, enter a proposal abstract (limited to 2,000 characters) summarizing the proposed project. As abstracts for funded projects are public, do not include any personally identifying information (e.g., staff names). The abstract should include the following information:

• The name of the applicant’s proposed project.

• The purpose of the proposed project (i.e., what the project will do and why it is necessary).

• Where the project will take place (i.e., the service area, if applicable).

• Who will be served by the project (i.e., who will be helped or have their needs addressed by the project).

• What activities will be carried out to complete the project.

• The subrecipient(s)/partner organizations or entities, if known.

• Deliverables and expected outcomes (i.e., what the project will achieve).

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NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

View an example of a proposal abstract.

Data Requested With Application

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)

Review information on this questionnaire.

Agency Funding Priorities Inventory

Applicants seeking priority consideration under the Agency Funding Priorities section should answer the inventory questions in their entirety in the web-based form in JustGrants.

Principal Investigator Contact Information

To facilitate administrative processes associated with application review and post review activities, applicants are requested to enter the name of the Principal Investigator for the application project, as well as their contact information.

Proposal Narrative

Format of the Proposal Narrative

Submit the narrative as an attachment in JustGrants. The document should:

• Be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point size font

• Have no less than 1-inch margins

• Have numbered pages

• Not exceed 20 pages.

Sections of the Proposal Narrative

The Proposal Narrative should include the sections listed below. If you want priority consideration, the Proposal Narrative must state which priority(ies) your project will advance and describe how it will do so.

1. Title Page (not counted against the proposal narrative page limit): The title page should include:

• Project Title.

• Submission date.

• Funding opportunity number.

• Principal Investigator (and any co-principal investigators).

• Unique author identifier (e.g., ORCID, Researcher ID, Scopus Author ID), if available.

• Requests for consideration under “agency funding priorities”.

• Key words, including science focus areas.

3. Table of Contents and Figures (not counted against the proposal narrative page limit).

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NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

4. Statement of the Problem: The applicant should clearly articulate the research problem, its significance to the criminal justice field, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of existing knowledge gaps. The statement should establish why this research is needed now and how it addresses a critical issue.

5. Project Design and Implementation: How the applicant will implement activities, including a sound project design and how the activities align to the stated goals and objectives. The proposal should present a rigorous research methodology, realistic timeline, and clear connection between proposed activities and expected outcomes.

6. Capabilities and Competencies: The applicant’s administrative and scientific technical capacity to successfully complete the project. The proposal should demonstrate the research team’s relevant expertise, institutional resources, and track record of completing similar projects successfully.

7. Potential impact: The applicant should describe how the research findings will provide actionable knowledge to criminal justice practitioners and policymakers. The proposal should articulate clear dissemination strategies and explain how the research will advance the field or inform practice and policy.

8. Appendices (not counted against the proposal narrative page limit) include:

• If the application (including the budget) identifies any proposed noncompetitive agreements that are or may be considered procurement "contracts" (rather than subawards), for purposes of federal grants administrative requirements, the applicant also must list the entities with which the applicant proposes to contract.

• List of other agencies, organizations, or funding sources to which this application has been submitted (if applicable).

• Any table/charts/graphs supporting the program narrative.

Budget and Associated Documentation

Budget

Use the Budget Detail Worksheet (Web-Based Form) to submit the budget. Read information on budget preparation and JustGrants Application Submission Training.

Completeness and cost effectiveness. The budget should be detailed, reasonable, and clearly justified, with all costs directly supporting the proposed research activities and demonstrating efficient use of federal funds.

• List each cost needed to implement the project under the appropriate cost category.

• Clearly name and describe each cost.

• Show the computation of each cost (e.g., cost per unit, number of units, and total cost).

• Enter narrative, as needed, to explain the cost calculations and connection to your project goals, objectives, and activities.

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NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

• Include only costs that are reasonable, allocable, and necessary to implement the project. They must be allowable under the funding statute and agency requirements.1

Budget/Financial Attachments

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable): If the budget includes indirect costs calculated using a current, federally approved indirect cost rate, upload your indirect cost rate agreement. Read information about indirect costs.

• Consultant Rate (if applicable): Read information on limits to consultant rates and whether you need to request approval to exceed those limits.

• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation for Awards Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable): Read information on this limitation and to determine whether you need to submit a waiver request.

• Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable):

Applicants to this funding opportunity are not required to provide this disclosure.

Additional Application Components

Applications to NIJ NOFOs are expected to include additional research-related components (as applicable), attached in JustGrants. One of these is a required application component:

• Biographical Sketch Forms *Required* and Current and Pending (Other)

Support Common Forms *Required*: All applicants to NIJ NOFOs are required to submit the Biographical Sketch common form and the Current and Pending (Other) Support common form (see details of the required data elements here: NSPM-33 Implementation Guidance) for all key personnel involved in the research i.e., Principal and Co-Principal Investigators, Project Directors, and any individual who contributes in a substantive way to the scientific development or execution of the project proposed or is defined as such in the NOFO. In addition to ensuring transparency, these forms help reviewers assess the qualifications, expertise, and capacity of researchers to complete the proposed work. NIJ encourages the use of SciENcv (with no preference as to available formats) to populate both forms (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sciencv/).

A description of the other application components is found here Guidance for Applicants and Awardees | National Institute of Justice.

Disclosures and Assurances

Read the disclosures and assurances and complete them in JustGrants:

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

1 See 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. Read information on unallowable costs that apply to all funding opportunities.

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NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

• Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items (if applicable)

• DOJ Certified Standard Assurances

• DOJ Certifications

• Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High-Risk Grantees (if applicable)

5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

The DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist provides instructions for how to submit your application by the deadlines. Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) does not apply to this funding opportunity: read the Application Resource Guide for details. Read OJP’s policy for applicants to request late submission due to technical difficulties, severe weather, or natural or manmade disasters.

6. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

OJP will review applications to ensure the information presented is reasonable, understandable, measurable, achievable, and consistent with the goals of the funding opportunity. In addition, OJP reviews invited applications for consistency with the invitation letter and invited applicant guidance. See the Application Resource Guide for information on the application review process, including risk review, and the deciding official.

7. AWARD NOTICES

Read about the award notification process.

8. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS & ADMINISTRATION

Read the Application Resource Guide for more information about: standard award terms and conditions, administrative and national policy requirements, and post-award reporting requirements.

9. QUESTIONS?

NOFO Contact Name: Gregory Dutton

Phone: 202-532-5612 Email: gregory.dutton@usdoj.gov Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday

SAM.gov Help Desk Website: sam.gov/help Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday (closed federal holidays)

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | National Institute of Justice | 12 https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#guidance-for-specific-sf-424-fields https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#experiencing-unforeseen-technical-issues https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#experiencing-unforeseen-technical-issues https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#programmatic-and-financial-review-criteria https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#federal-award-notices https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information mailto:gregory.dutton@usdoj.gov https://sam.gov/help

NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy

Grants.gov Help Desk Phone: 800-518-4726 Email: support@grants.gov Website: grants.gov/support Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed federal holidays)

JustGrants Help Desk Phone: 833-872-5175 Email: JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov Hours: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday and 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays.

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | National Institute of Justice | 13 mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov