2021 Research and Evaluation on the Administration of Justice (US)

Deadline: 29-Mar-21

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), National Institute of Justice (NIJ), is seeking applications for funding to conduct rigorous, applied research and evaluation projects examining the impact of pretrial detention healthcare, data-driven interventions, prosecutorial discretion, decriminalization of certain offences, and bail reform on the administration of justice and public safety.

Goals

The ultimate goal of this solicitation is to provide objective and independent knowledge and tools that support prosecutors and others in their efforts to advance justice and reduce violence and other crime.

Objectives

The objective of this solicitation is to support applied research that examines the impact of pretrial detention healthcare, data-driven interventions, prosecutorial discretion, decriminalization of certain offences, and bail reform on the administration of justice and public safety.

Funding Information

Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards: $600,000.00;
Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under Solicitation: $3,000,000.00;
Period of Performance Duration (Months): 60.

Eligibility Criteria

City or township governments, County governments, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Independent school districts, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Small businesses, Special district governments, State governments, Other.

Review Criteria

Scored Review Criteria: Applications that meet basic minimum requirements will be evaluated by peer reviewers. Applications will be evaluated on how the proposed project/program addresses the following criteria:
- Statement of the Problem (understanding of the problem, (10%).
  - Demonstrated understanding of the problem.
  - Demonstrated importance of research questions, goals and objectives,
  - including alignment with the aims of the solicitation.
  - Demonstrated awareness of the state of current research.
- Project Design and Implementation (quality and technical merit) (50%).
  - Feasibility of proposed project.
  - Soundness of methods and analytic and technical approach to addressing the stated aim(s) of the proposed project.
  - Awareness of potential pitfalls of proposed project design and feasibility of proposed actions to minimize and/or mitigate them.
  - Feasibility of completing the deliverables noted in the solicitation.
- Capabilities and Competencies (capabilities, demonstrated productivity, and experience of the applicant organization and proposed project staff) (20%).
  - Qualifications and experience of proposed project staff (that is, the principal investigator, any and all co-principal investigators, and all other individuals (and organizations) identified in the application (regardless of “investigator” status) who will be significantly involved in substantive aspects of the proposed project).
  - Demonstrated ability of the applicant organization to implement the proposed strategies and manage the effort.
  - Relationship between the capabilities/competencies of the proposed project staff (including the applicant organization) and the scope and strategies of the proposed project.
- Potential Impact (20%).
  - Potential for a significant scientific or technical advance(s) that will improve criminal/juvenile justice in the United States.
  - Potential for significantly improved understanding of the stated criminal/juvenile justice problem.
  - Potential for innovative solution to address (all or a significant part of) the stated criminal/juvenile justice problem.
  - Strength and feasibility of the proposed dissemination plan to produce scholarly products (such as published, peer-reviewed, scientific journal articles, book chapter(s) or book(s) in the academic press, technological prototypes, patented inventions, databases, standards or similar scientific products) as well as make summary information available to broader interested audiences, such as criminal justice practitioners or policymakers.
- Budget (0%).
  - In addition, peer reviewers will consider and may comment on the following additional items in the context of scientific and technical merit.
  - Alignment of the proposed budget with proposed project activities.
  - Total cost of the project relative to the perceived benefit (cost effectiveness).
  - Appropriateness of the budget relative to the level of effort.
  - Use of existing resources to conserve costs.