NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - Advancing the Understanding of 3D Algorithms for Firearm Identification
Closed Posted
- Opportunity number
- O-NIJ-2026-172787
- Agency
-
National Institute of Justice
Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice
- Applications due
- Award size
- Up to $500,000
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Category
-
- Science and Technology and other Research and Development
- Eligible applicants
-
- Other
- Points of contact
-
- Jillian Conte jillian.conte@usdoj.gov (202) 451-7164
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The National Institute of Justice is soliciting applications for rigorous research and evaluation projects advancing the understanding of 3D algorithms for firearm identification, with an SF-424 form due October 7, 2026 and complete application due October 13, 2026. This is an invited applicants only opportunity; Houston Forensic Science Center, Inc. is the sole eligible applicant identified in the official invitation letter from NIJ. No cost share or matching funds are required.
The award will provide up to $500,000 for one project with a 36-month period of performance beginning January 1, 2027. NIJ seeks proposals that identify best practices through evaluation of existing and emerging laboratory protocols and provide direct, immediate impact on laboratory efficiency and policy decisions. Projects must address operational needs developed by the Forensic Science Research and Development Technology Working Group or research needs documented by the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Organization of Scientific Area Committees. Applicants must propose robust, multi-pronged dissemination strategies including strategic partnerships with organizations and associations equipped to ensure research findings lead to policy and practice changes. Multidisciplinary research teams are encouraged.
Key deliverables include a technical summary with methods and validation summaries, peer-reviewed publications, research dissemination products for policymakers and practitioners, and archived datasets. All applications require biographical sketches and current/pending support forms for key personnel, proof of forensic laboratory accreditation, a data management and sharing plan, and a project management timeline.
The program is funded under Assistance Listing 16.560 (National Institute of Justice Research, Evaluation, and Development Project Grants).
Synopsis
This opportunity seeks applications for rigorous research and evaluation projects that will: 1. Identify and inform the forensic community of best practices through the evaluation of existing and emerging laboratory protocols; and/or 2. Have a direct and immediate impact on laboratory efficiency and assist in making laboratory policy decisions. The intent of this program is to direct the findings of this research and evaluation toward the identification of the most efficient, accurate, reliable, and cost-effective methods for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence for criminal justice purposes. Projects should address the challenges and needs of the forensic science community, including, but not limited to, the operational needs developed by Forensic Science Research and Development Technology Working Group (R & D TWG) meetings. More information can be found on NIJ's website. Additional research needs of the forensic science community can be found at the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) website. NIJ seeks proposals that include robust, creative, and multi-pronged dissemination strategies that include strategic partnerships with organizations and associations that are best equipped to ensure that research findings lead to changes in policies and practices. Applicants are encouraged to propose multidisciplinary research teams to build on the complementary strengths of different methods and areas of subject matter expertise.
Eligibility
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: Houston Forensic Science Center, Inc.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| PKG00294268.pdf |
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