Closed on Jun 2, 2026

NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation on Forensic Science Systems

National Institute of Justice · Opportunity number O-NIJ-2025-172599

Details summarized from the official notice as of Jun 3, 2026. Always confirm eligibility, deadlines and requirements in the official notice before applying.

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This opportunity is closed as of Jun 2, 2026. It is kept here for reference. See the related open opportunities below, or check the official listing in case the agency posts a new cycle.

Key facts

Opportunity number	O-NIJ-2025-172599
Agency	National Institute of Justice Department of Justice
Assistance listing (ALN, formerly CFDA)	16.560
Posted	Apr 30, 2026
Deadline	Jun 2, 2026
Award ceiling	$2,000,000
Expected number of awards	6
Estimated total program funding	$2,000,000
Cost sharing or matching required	No
Funding type	Cooperative agreement
Category	Science technology and other research and development
Last updated here	Jun 3, 2026

Summary from the notice

This NOFO seeks proposals for rigorous applied research and evaluative studies on the forensic science system. The field of forensic science is changing, particularly as technological advancements improve the criminal justice system’s ability to use forensic evidence more effectively and efficiently. Research is needed to better understand the impact of forensic science on the criminal justice system and law enforcement operations. With this NOFO, NIJ requests applications in three topic areas: • The impact of forensic science on the criminal justice system and law enforcement operations, such as improving investigative clearance rates, increasing law enforcement effectiveness, and reducing crime lab backlogs. • Evaluations of the implementation of new and innovative forensic science methods and their impact on strengthening courtroom admissibility and evidentiary reliability. • Developing the forensic science workforce.

Who can apply

The official notice lists these applicant types as eligible:

Other Native American tribal organizations
Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
Private colleges and universities
Small businesses
Public and Indian housing authorities
Special district governments
Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than colleges)
County governments
Others named in the notice (see the eligibility text)
State governments
For-profit organizations other than small businesses
Federally recognized tribal governments
Independent school districts
Public and state colleges and universities
City or township governments

Who should take a closer look

Small businesses
Nonprofits
Colleges and universities
State governments
Local governments
Tribal governments and organizations
Larger for-profit companies

Not listed as eligible

Individuals

Unless the eligibility text in the notice names you, this opportunity is probably not for you.

Eligibility details from the notice

Other Units of Local Government

Registrations you will likely need

Most applications submitted through Grants.gov need the following. Registration can take several weeks, so start early. The notice lists the exact requirements.

SAM.gov registration for your organization, which also gives you a Unique Entity ID (UEI). Registration is free.
A Login.gov account, which Grants.gov uses for sign-in.
A Grants.gov applicant registration linked to your organization's UEI.

Related open opportunities

NIJ FY 2026 Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP)

National Institute of Justice · O-NIJ-2026-172798

Deadline: Nov 16, 2026 (31 days left) Up to: $5,943,493 Science technology and other research and development

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Before you apply

Read the full official notice, including the evaluation criteria.
Confirm your organization type and location are eligible.
Check your SAM.gov registration is active.
Note the exact deadline time and time zone in the notice.