In fiscal years 2005 through 2007, the Convicted Offender DNA Backlog Reduction Program (In-House Analysis and Data Review) made a total of 45 awards to States with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis of convicted offender DNA in order to pay for samples to reduce backlogs of convicted offender DNA samples through in-house analysis and data review.

Uses and Use Restrictions

All expenditures from DNA Backlog Reduction Program Awards must directly relate to analysis and data review of Convicted Offender and /or Arrestee DNA database samples by the State's designated DNA database laboratory or to data review profiles generated by an accredited-fee for service laboratory from such samples.

Types of expenditures from awards under this program for in-house testing may include the following: Overtime - funds may be used for overtime of in-house laboratory staff directly engaged in (a) handling and analyzing DNA database samples, including handling and analyzing quality assurance samples, and (b) data review of profiles generated by an accredited fee-for-service vendor from DNA database samples that, due to the lack of laboratory resources, have yet to be reviewed and entered into NDIS; Salary and Benefits of Additional Laboratory Employees - funds may be used to hire additional full-time or part-time laboratory employees who will be directly engaged in the handling or analysis of DNA database samples, or the data review of DNA profiles generated from such samples (including profiles generated by accredited fee-for-service vendors); Consultant and Contractor Services for Data Review - Funds may be used to hire consultants and/or temporary contract staff to conduct data review of profiles generated by an accredited fee-for-service vendor from DNA database samples that, due to the lack of laboratory resources, have yet to be reviewed and entered into NDIS; Laboratory and Computer Equipment for the DNA database laboratory - funds may be used for upgrading, replacing, and purchasing laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and computer hardware or software (e.g., expert systems and Laboratory Information Management Systems) for use in the DNA database laboratory; Certain Supplies - funds may be used to acquire commercially available PCR kits accepted by NDIS, and other laboratory supplies for analysis of DNA database samples, including analysis of quality assurance samples; Renovations - funds may be used for the renovation of facilities that will directly and specifically improve the effectiveness or efficiency of the DNA database laboratory operation; and Administrative Expenses - up to 3 percent of the Federal portion of the award may be used for administrative and grant management expenses directly related to the performance of the project.

Types of expenditures from awards under this program for sending samples out for analysis by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory may include the following: O review of DNA database profiles generated by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory.

Any payments for overtime must be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the OJP Financial Guide, available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/.

Contracts.

Funds may be used to establish a contract for testing DNA Database samples with an accredited fee-for-service laboratory.

Agencies will follow their own procurement procedures for establishing these contracts.

Any sole source requests in excess of $100,000 must be submitted and approved through GMS as required in the OJP Financial Guide.

Contracts may only be established under this solicitation with accredited fee-for-service laboratories that are on the GSA Blanket Purchase Agreement list for Convicted Offender DNA Backlog Reduction Program (Outsourcing) used by the OJP Contract Office.

Consultant and Contractor Services for Data Review.

Funds may be used to hire consultants and/or temporary contract staff to conduct data review of profiles generated by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory that, due to the lack of laboratory resources, have yet to be reviewed and entered into NDIS.

Consultants or contract laboratory personnel must meet all NDIS requirements for the review of DNA data.

Administrative Expenses.

Up to 3 percent of the Federal portion of a grant awarded under this program may be usedfordirectorindirect administrative expenses specifically related to grant administration and management.

Types of expenditures from awards under this program for data review of DNA profiles generated by accredited fee-for-service laboratories may include: Overtime for Existing Laboratory Employees.

Funds may be used to pay overtime for existing laboratory employees who will be directly engaged in the review of DNA profiles generated by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory.

Any payments for overtime must be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the OJP Financial Guide, available at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/.

Consultant and Contractor Services for Data Review.

Funds may be used to hire consultants and/or temporary contract staff to conduct data review of profiles generated by an accredited fee-for-service laboratory that, due to the lack of laboratory resources, have yet to be reviewed and entered into NDIS.

Consultants or contract laboratory personnel must meet all NDIS requirements for the review of DNA data.

Administrative Expenses: Up to 3 percent of the Federal portion of a grant awarded under this program may be used for direct or indirect administrative expenses specifically related to grant administration and management.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible applicants are States with a designated existing crime laboratory that conducts analysis of DNA database samples, provided the designated DNA database laboratory meets all of the following requirements: The laboratory is accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community.

If the laboratory requests assistance with analysis of samples in-house, then the laboratory must possess sufficient in-house DNA analysis capacity to analyze at least 50 percent of its annual receipt of DNA database samples, or a minimum of 5,000 DNA database samples per month.

The laboratory is a participant in the National DNA Index System (NDIS).

The laboratory undergoes external audits, not less than once every 2 years, to demonstrate compliance with DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

For purposes of this announcement, the term "State" includes the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

For those States that use a laboratory operated by a unit of local government for analysis of the State's DNA database samples, the application must be submitted by the unit of local government having oversight of the DNA database program.

Beneficiary Eligibility

Eligible applicants are States with a designated existing crime laboratory that conducts analysis of DNA database samples, provided the designated DNA database laboratory meets all of the following requirements: The laboratory is accredited by a nonprofit professional association of persons actively involved in forensic science that is nationally recognized within the forensic science community. If the laboratory requests assistance with analysis of samples in-house, then the laboratory must possess sufficient in-house DNA analysis capacity to analyze at least 50 percent of its annual receipt of DNA database samples, or a minimum of 5,000 DNA database samples per month. The laboratory is a participant in the National DNA Index System (NDIS). The laboratory undergoes external audits, not less than once every 2 years, to demonstrate compliance with DNA Quality Assurance Standards established by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For purposes of this announcement, the term "State" includes the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. For those States that use a laboratory operated by a unit of local government for analysis of the State's DNA database samples, the application must be submitted by the unit of local government having oversight of the DNA database program.

Credentials/Documentation

Applicants must submit a copy of the accreditation certificate of the State's designated DNA database laboratory.

Aplication and Award Process

Preapplication Coordination

Potential applicants are encouraged to request the program announcement for additional information about eligibility requirements, the research priorities of National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and application and selection procedures.

Indicating Environmental Impact Statement: An environmental impact statement may be required for this program, depending upon the purpose for which funding under this program is awarded.

Identifying Programs Pertaining to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs": This program is eligible for coverage under E.O.

12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedures

General information is provided in individual program solicitations, which are obtained by accessing the web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij, sending a self-addressed mailing label to NCJRS, Box 6000, Rockville, MD 20849-6000; or calling toll free to request a copy at; Telephone: (800) 851-3420. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110 or the Common Rule, where applicable. The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) requires that funding applications be submitted electronically through the OJP Grants Management System (GMS), which will be accessed at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fundopps.htm. On-line submission of an application represents legal binding acceptance of the terms of the application. For further information about GMS, call the OJP GMS Hotline at 1-888-549-9901.

Award Procedures

All applications will be reviewed by the program office. The NIJ Director makes all final decisions.

Deadlines

There is normally one deadline each year, usually in the Spring. The deadline varies based on when program appropriation is passed into law. The Program deadline will be included in the announcements on FedGrants at www.fedgrants.gov, on NIJ's website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/funding.htm, and on the Office of Justice Programs website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/fundopps.htm .

Authorization

For FY 06, Science, State, Justice, Commerce, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006, Public Law 109-108. FY 07 authorization as yet undetermined.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time

Approximately 90 days from application deadline.

Appeals

Hearing by the NIJ Director.

Renewals

None.

Assistance Considerations

Formula and Matching Requirements

There is no State or local match required under this program. However, while funds may be used to hire consultants and/or temporary contract staff to conduct data review of profiles generated by an accredited fee-for-service vendor, NIJ makes no assurance that funds will be available for this purpose in future award announcements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance

Awards under this program are issued for a period of 18 months.

Post Assistance Requirements

Reports

Fiscal report consisting of quarterly expenditures and budget expenditure reports; final financial report giving costs and expenditures of the complete project; program reports consisting of quarterly performance metrics reports, bi-annual progress reports; and a final report including a summary of program accomplishments.

Other reports may be requested.

Audits

In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No.A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofits Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.

Records

Records and accounts concerning the expenditure of Institute and grantee or appointee-contributed funds shall be maintained during the grant period and retained for three years thereafter.

Financial Information

Account Identification

15-0404-0-1-754.

Obigations

FY 07 $5,486,756; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not available.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance

Awards are made in amounts consistent with the applicant's proposed project and the Institute's plans, priorities and levels of financing.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature

For specific information on eligibility, deadlines, specific uses of funds, application requirements, selection criteria, and all additional requirements, please access the "Convicted Offender and/or Arrestee DNA Backlog Reduction Program (In-House Analysis and Data Review)" solicitation, which is available on NIJ's web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij.

Information Contacts

Regional or Local Office

None.

Headquarters Office

National Institute of Justice, Department of Justice, 810 7th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20531. Telephone: (202) 307-2942. FTS: (202) 307-2942. Please contact Mark Nelson; Telephone: (202) 616-1960, E-mail: Mark.S.Nelson@usdoj.gov; or Minh Nguyen, Program Manager; Telephone: (202)305-2664; E-mail: Minh.Nguyen@usdoj.gov.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals

Subject to the availability of appropriated funds and to any modifications or additional requirements imposed by law, NIJ anticipates that it will make an award to each eligible applicant that satisfies the specific application requirements outlined in this announcement (including those concerning permissible expenses), the general requirements for NIJ and OJP grants, and all other applicable legal requirements. NIJ may also reject applications from applicants with prior awards for convicted offender (and/or arrestee) in-house analysis that remain entirely unobligated as of the posting date of this solicitation.