[National Institute of Justice](https://nij.ojp.gov)

June 3, 2026 (Grants.gov) | June 10, 2026 (JustGrants)

Up to $1,500,000 per award; total program funding $1,500,000; expected 7 awards.

Supports research and evaluation to improve the examination and interpretation of physical evidence in publicly funded forensic laboratories.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) seeks proposals for rigorous research and evaluation studies that can advance practical knowledge for improving the examination and interpretation of physical evidence in forensic science laboratories. The goal is to identify and inform the forensic community of best practices through the evaluation of both existing and emerging laboratory protocols, and to generate findings that have a direct and immediate impact on laboratory efficiency and policy decisions. --- ## Due Dates - Grants.gov application deadline: June 3, 2026 (11:59 pm Eastern) - JustGrants application deadline: June 10, 2026 (8:59 pm Eastern) --- ## Funding Amount - Total estimated program funding: $1,500,000 - Maximum award per project: $1,500,000 - Expected number of awards: 7 - No cost sharing or matching requirement --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State, county, city, or township governments - Special district governments - Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education - Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) - Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized) - Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions) - Private institutions of higher education - For-profit organizations (including small businesses) - Federal agencies - Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) - University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) - Other units of local government --- ## Application Process 1. **Prepare and submit your application via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362170) by June 3, 2026.** 2. **Complete submission in JustGrants by June 10, 2026.** 3. Review the [full solicitation and instructions](https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-nij-2025-172604) for detailed requirements, including proposal content, eligibility, and evaluation criteria. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should focus on research or evaluation that leads to actionable improvements in forensic laboratory processes, protocols, or policy. - The solicitation supports both evaluation of current practices and innovative approaches with potential for immediate impact. --- ## External Links - [Full Solicitation & Details](https://nij.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-nij-2025-172604) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362170) - [NIJ Funding Page](https://nij.ojp.gov/funding) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |---------|----------------| | General & Technical Questions | OJP Response Center
Phone: 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556 (TTY)
Email: [OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov](mailto:OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday–Friday | ---

NIJ FY25 Research and Evaluation for the Testing and Interpretation of Physical Evidence in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories

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