Fellowship Opportunities at the National Institute of Justice. MENU TITLE: Solicitation: Fellowships Series: NIJ Solicitation Published: June 1995 32 pages 128,560 bytes Fellowship Opportunities at the National Institute of Justice NIJ's Individual Development Program supports scholars and practitioners as they develop, enhance, and apply their skills to the study of criminology and criminal justice issues, especially those that reflect NIJ's areas of interest. This NIJ program provides opportunities for individuals at all stages of their careers to pursue or develop interests and capabilities in criminal justice research, evaluation, and technology and includes the following six programs: o Visiting Fellowship Program for senior scholars and practitioners. o Assistant Attorney General's Graduate Research Fellowship Program for Ph.D. dissertation support. o Historically Black Colleges and University Fellowship Program for the support of master's thesis research. o Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship Program for graduate programs interested in developing law enforcement technology. o John B. Pickett Fellowship in Criminal Justice Policy and Management for experienced professionals and senior government executives. o Internship Program for undergraduate students. These individual-oriented programs provide support for students and other scholars who are committed to studying issues that relate to policy and practice in the criminal justice field. Visiting fellows and interns work onsite at NIJ on topics of major importance to criminal justice policy. Visiting Fellowship Program The purpose of the Visiting Fellowship Program is to support research and development on high-priority topics that enhance the capabilities of law enforcement and criminal justice to combat crime, violence, and substance abuse. The Visiting Fellowship Program offers criminal justice professionals and researchers an opportunity to undertake independent research on criminal justice issues that have relevance to NIJ and to public policy. The program provides a path to investigate new approaches for resolving operational problems and becoming involved in NIJ's national program of criminal justice research directed at meeting the needs of Federal, State, and local agencies. Visiting Fellows study a topic of mutual interest to the Fellow and the Institute while in residence at NIJ for 6 to 18 months. Fellows are expected to prepare a report, suitable for publication by NIJ, summarizing the results and policy implications of their research. Specific products will be negotiated with Fellows during the preaward period. At the Institute, the Fellows also participate in developing plans for criminal justice research programs that have a national scope, interact with Institute staff and other fellows, and present their work at seminars. As part of their fellowship, Fellows may be asked by NIJ to provide technical assistance in specific program areas and to assist in developing training materials for new or current projects. Fellows receive full financial and logistical support from NIJ as well as access to the abundant criminal justice resources of the Nation's capital. NIJ is particularly interested in applications from candidates who are working in areas related to the long-range goals of the Institute's research, evaluation, and technology program (see NIJ Research Plan 1995-1996) and the priority areas specified in the Director's message at the beginning of this document. As part of its international program, NIJ also seeks applications from foreign professionals and researchers who propose to undertake projects that interest NIJ and can benefit U.S. justice practice. Emphasizing the nexus of research and practice, the Visiting Fellowship Program solicits proposals from criminal justice professionals and researchers. Criminal Justice Professionals: Applications are sought from individuals who have reached the middle or upper level of their profession in the justice field. These individuals, usually professionals in all branches of State or local government, have demonstrated leadership ability. The candidates should have earned at least a bachelor's degree and have a working knowledge of the way local communities function, the policy development and command structures of the justice system, and innovations introduced at the local level. Police departments, courts, corrections and probation agencies, and victim services are among the organizations from which candidates have been selected. Previous studies have focused on policy-relevant issues that may require technical assistance from NIJ in design and analysis. Senior Researchers: These applicants will have broad and extensive experience in criminal justice research and may be currently employed in colleges and universities, private nonprofit research institutions, or State and local research agencies. Research topics include those from which findings could improve either the assumptions on which criminal justice operations are based or field operations. Some examples of Visiting Fellows and their research topics include: o Sergey S. Chapkey, Senior Prosecutor, Office of the Attorney General, Ukraine. Topic: Designing and Developing an Internet-based clearinghouse on the Rule of Law for Emerging Democracies. o Helen G. Corrothers, past President, American Correctional Association. Topic: Developing an Effective Intermediate Sanctions Model. o George L. Kelling, Ph.D., Professor in the College of Criminal Justice, Northeastern University; Research Fellow, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard. Topic: Impact of Police Order Maintenance on Fear, Crime, and Urban Decay. o Paula N. Rubin, former Legal Counsel, Texas Employment Commission. Topic: Americans With Disabilities Act: Implications for Criminal Justice. o Ann Taylor, former County Prosecutor, Jefferson County (Fairfield), Iowa. Topic: Prosecution of Domestic Violence in Rural Areas. Application Information Application Requirements. See page 10 for application requirements and recommendations. Additional requirements for this solicitation are specified below. Proposals not conforming to these application procedures will not be considered. The applicant should confine the technical proposal (excluding references and appendices) to no more than 30 double-spaced pages. Selection Criteria. The selection process for the Visiting Fellowship Program is highly competitive. Candidates are chosen on the basis of their background and experience as well as on the quality and viability of their proposed projects. In most instances, submissions to the Visiting Fellowship Program are reviewed by external peer reviewers as well as panels of NIJ professional staff. Eligibility Requirements. NIJ awards grants to, or enters into cooperative agreements with, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, individuals, and profitmaking organizations that are willing to waive their fees. For this program, no indirect costs are allowable. Award Amount. Funding allocations for this program are based on the quality of the proposals received and the extent to which they are related to ongoing research, evaluation, or science and technology programs at NIJ. NIJ encourages applicants to develop a reasonable budget that will adequately cover the costs of the proposed project. It is anticipated that two to three awards will be made annually. The fellowship covers salary, fringe benefits, reasonable costs of relocation, travel essential to the project, and office expenses not provided by NIJ (computers, secretarial support, research assistance, and so forth). NIJ recognizes that in extraordinary cases a move to the Washington, D.C., area could impose a financial hardship. Hence, the salary may be adjusted to compensate for the difference in cost of living between the applicant's place of residence and Washington, D.C. This differential is not to exceed 20 percent of the applicant's current salary. An allocation for relocation expenses may be approved to supplement the cost of temporary housing in, or commuter travel from, the Fellow's permanent residence to Washington, D.C. Award Period. Visiting Fellowships last from 6 to 18 months. The period in residency at NIJ is negotiable. Due Date. Completed proposals must be received by the National Institute of Justice by the close of business on September 15, 1995, and April 15, August 15, and December 16, 1996. Extension of these deadlines will not be permitted. Ten (10) copies of fully executed proposals should be sent to: Visiting Fellowship Program National Institute of Justice 633 Indiana Avenue N.W., Room 866 Washington, DC 20531 Contact. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Institute to discuss topic viability and proposal content before submitting proposals. To obtain further information regarding the Visiting Fellowship Program, prospective applicants may contact Dr. Christy A. Visher at 202-307-0694 or Dr. Sally T. Hillsman at 202-307- 2958. Assistant Attorney General's Graduate Research Fellowship Program The Assistant Attorney General's Graduate Research Fellowship Program provides dissertation research support to outstanding doctoral students undertaking independent research on issues in the criminal justice field. The subject of the proposed doctoral dissertation should constitute the research for this fellowship. Research must focus on a topic discussed as part of NIJ's five substantive long-range goals (Goals I through V as presented in the NIJ Research Plan 1995-1996), focus on one of the priority areas described in the Director's message in this document, or be directly related to the concerns of an operating agency. The program encourages investigation of new approaches to solving problems and allows direct involvement in national criminal justice research programs. Advanced doctoral-level students are eligible to apply for the Assistant Attorney General's Graduate Research Fellowship. Awards are made through the student's sponsoring university. At the conclusion of the grant period, the dissertation must be completed and submitted as a final product. Applicants are encouraged to contact NIJ to discuss their proposals prior to submission. Application Information Application Requirements. See page 10 for application requirements and recommendations. Additional requirements for this solicitation are specified below. Proposals not conforming to these application procedures will not be considered. Applications must be no longer than 15 double-spaced pages. Letters of support should be included as appendices. Applicants must provide the following information: o Detailed discussion of the proposed project, including research questions, a literature review, research design, and analysis plan. o Management plan and schedule of critical milestones. o Background statement that includes education, employment experience, publications, and current stage of degree program. Official transcripts for graduate work should be included. o Discussion of proposed products to be developed and timelines for them. o A statement of support from an academic adviser, which should evaluate the proposed project and the potential of the candidate to succeed in the program and describe the adviser's role in monitoring the project. o A letter of support from the dean or provost of the college or university. Fellowship recipients are encouraged to spend 1 or more weeks in Washington, D.C., at the offices of NIJ. While at NIJ, the graduate scholar will participate in criminal justice research programs that are national in scope, interact with Institute staff and other Fellows, and present seminars on work in progress. Selection Criteria. The Assistant Attorney General's Graduate Research Fellowships are highly competitive. All applications will be reviewed by an external review panel and NIJ professional staff. Review criteria include technical merit, understanding of the problem, relevance to NIJ's long-range goals, and qualifications of the applicant. Award Amount and Allowable Expenses. Grant awards will be made to educational institutions. No indirect costs are allowed for this program. Individuals may not receive awards directly in this program. Up to $35,000 will be awarded to successful applicants. It is anticipated that five or six awards will be made annually. The grant may include the Fellow's stipend (prorated on the basis of $15,000 for full-time study for a 12-month period) and allowances for certain types of dependents (the maximum amount allotted for dependents is $3,000). Major project costs may include supplies, reproduction costs, computer time, and necessary local and out-of-town travel (reimbursed at the sponsoring university's or agency's rate), which includes travel to Washington, D.C., for the onsite period at NIJ. Indirect costs incurred by the sponsoring university or agency are not covered by this program. Reimbursement for travel to and from Washington, D.C., and for living in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area while working onsite at NIJ can include round-trip coach airfare (or its equivalent) and the cost of housing. Award Period. The Assistant Attorney General's Graduate Research Fellowships will last for up to 18 months. Due Date. Completed proposal must be received at the National Institute of Justice by the close of business on September 15, 1995, and April 15, August 15, and December 16, 1996. Extension of these deadlines will not be permitted. Ten (10) copies of fully executed proposals should be sent to: Assistant Attorney General's Graduate Research Fellowship Program National Institute of Justice 633 Indiana Avenue N.W., Room 866 Washington, DC 20531 Contact. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Institute to discuss topic viability and proposal content before submitting proposals. To obtain further information regarding the Assistant Attorney General's Graduate Research Fellowship Program, potential applicants should contact Dr. Kevin Jack Riley at 202-616-9030. Graduate Research Fellowships at Historically Black Colleges and Universities This program, designed especially for students enrolled at historically black institutions of higher education, promotes criminological research and the advancement of knowledge about the causes and control of crime, and encourages African-American and other minority scholars in the fields of criminology and criminal justice. NIJ provides fellowships to support research undertaken by master's degree students in social science who are enrolled at historically black colleges and universities. The research project for this fellowship should be the subject of a proposed master's thesis. This research must focus on a topic discussed as part of NIJ's five substantive long-range goals (Goals I through V as described in the NIJ Research Plan 1995-1996) or be directly related to the concerns of an operating agency. The program encourages investigation of new approaches to solving problems and allows direct involvement in national criminal justice research programs. Students who have been accepted into a graduate program are eligible to apply. Grant awards will be made to educational institutions designated as one of the "historically black colleges and universities in the United States." At the conclusion of the grant period, the master's thesis must be completed and submitted as a final product. Fellowship recipients are encouraged to spend 1 or more weeks in Washington, D.C., at the offices of NIJ. While at NIJ, the graduate scholar will participate in criminal justice research programs that are national in scope, interact with Institute staff and other Fellows, and present seminars on work in progress. Application Information Application Requirements. See page 10 for application requirements and recommendations. Additional requirements for this solicitation are specified below. Applications must be no longer than 15 double-spaced pages. Proposals not conforming to these application procedures will not be considered. Applicants must provide the following information: o Detailed discussion of the proposed project, including research questions, a literature review, research design, and analysis plan. o Management plan and schedule of critical milestones. o Background statement that includes education, employment experience, publications, and current stage of degree program. Official transcripts for graduate work should be included. o Discussion of proposed products to be developed and timelines for them. o A statement of support from an academic adviser, which should evaluate the proposed project and the potential of the candidate to succeed in the program and describe the adviser's role in monitoring the project. Selection Criteria. Selection for this graduate research fellowship program is competitive. All applications will be reviewed by an external review panel and Department of Justice professional staff. Review criteria include technical merit, understanding of the research problem, relevance to NIJ's long-range goals, and the qualifications of the applicant. Award Amount and Allowable Expenses. Funding is available in an amount up to $25,000. Two or three projects will be funded annually. The grant may include the applicant's stipend (prorated on the basis of $15,000 for full-time study for a 12-month period); allowances for certain types of dependents (the maximum amount allotted for dependents is $2,000); and certain institutional fees, including continuing registration, library fees, and matriculation fees. Major project expenses, such as clerical assistance, special supplies, photocopying, and computer time, are also included. Necessary local and out-of-town travel would be reimbursed at the institution's rate. No indirect costs are covered for this program. Individuals may not receive awards directly. Award Period. Fellowships are usually awarded for a period of 1 year or less, although awards of up to 18 months may be considered. Due Date. Completed proposals must be received at the National Institute of Justice by the close of business on September 15, 1995, and April 15, August 15, and December 16, 1996. Extension of these deadlines will not be permitted. Ten (10) copies of fully executed proposals should be sent to: Graduate Research Fellowship Program National Institute of Justice 633 Indiana Avenue N.W., Room 866 Washington, DC 20531 Contact. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact NIJ to discuss topic viability before submitting their applications. To obtain more information about the program, prospective applicants may contact Dr. Voncile Gowdy at 202- 307-2951. Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship The Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship Program supports research in law enforcement technology issues that will enhance the capabilities of law enforcement to combat crime and substance abuse. Background The Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship Program offers individuals in graduate programs in science or engineering an opportunity to undertake research on issues that relate to the development of innovative law enforcement technology. The fellowship provides a path for investigating new approaches to resolving operational problems and for becoming involved in NIJ's national program of research directed at meeting the needs of Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. The potential benefits of new technologies in law enforcement are nearly unlimited. Some examples of technologies that would advance law enforcement's ability to prevent and control crime include those that would: o Make stolen weapons unusable and possibly prevent the deaths each year of hundreds of children in firearms accidents. o Track suspects or detect weapons in a fleeing felon's car or a suspect's house. o Detect armed suspects in schools and other public places and in crowds of people. o Employ small, easy-to-use, inexpensive devices to detect the presence of explosives or chemicals. o Subdue suspects who may be found in several circumstances: in a hostage/barricade situation or domestic disturbance; in a fleeing vehicle or on foot; in a one-on-one confrontation when the subject is armed and mentally ill; in a carjacking; or in a resisted search or drug raid. The technologies should permit subduing without injury to the suspect, hostages, or innocent bystanders. o Safely manage an uncooperative prisoner or control unruly crowds or quell riots in a safe, effective, and socially acceptable way. o Provide better, more sophisticated training for law enforcement personnel at all levels, from officer to chief. Program Strategy The NIJ Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship Program encourages research in science and engineering to develop innovative law enforcement technology. Applicants eligible to apply for a Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship include: o Doctoral-level science and engineering programs. o Master's degree programs in science and technology that require students to complete an original research project as part of their degree program. o Master's degree programs in science and technology at historically black colleges and universities. Research resulting from this program should demonstrate a potential for direct contribution to law enforcement policies and practices and should advance the body of knowledge on important technological issues as they relate to law enforcement. Grants awarded in this competition are available for projects that address a broad range of technological issues. Awards are made to graduate schools or departments of science and engineering through sponsoring institutions. Available on a competitive basis, these grants require: o The applicant institutions to establish graduate student teams that will pursue the development of a project or innovative application of technology that addresses any of the preceding law enforcement issues. o The active support and participation of a local or State law enforcement agency. o The matching support obtained by applicant institutions from one or more members of industry in an amount at least equal to that of the NIJ award. Application Information Application Requirements. See page 10 for application requirements and recommendations. Additional requirements for this solicitation are specified below. Proposals not conforming to these application procedures will not be considered. The Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship Program awards are designed primarily to support an institution's program of research for advanced doctoral or master's degree students who are engaged in researching and writing a dissertation or thesis. The applications must be no longer than 15 double-spaced pages and must include the following: o Background Statement. Applications must include the name and biographies of faculty consultants, a letter or other document from a State or local police department agreeing to provide consulting assistance, and letters or other documents from corporations pledging support for the project. Applicants should also request a summary of projects already undertaken by NIJ in its Science and Technology Program. This can be obtained from David G. Boyd, Director of Science and Technology, by calling 202-307-0645. o Products. To deal more effectively with the issues of crime in our society, criminal justice professionals, citizen groups, and policymakers must be well informed. The proposal should highlight the policy and practice issues that the research will address, as well as the products that will furnish information and assistance to law enforcement. o Requirements of Sponsoring Institution. To be eligible to administer a Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship grant, an institution must be fully accredited by one of the regional institutional accrediting commissions recognized by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation. NIJ awards grants to or enters into cooperative agreements with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, individuals, and profitmaking organizations that are willing to waive their fees. Selection Criteria. Selection for the Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship Program is competitive. The review criteria are based on the background and experience of the applicants as well as the quality and viability of the proposed project. Submissions to the Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship Program will in most instances be reviewed by panels of experts in the area of law enforcement technology. The essential question that will be asked of each applicant is, "If this line of research were successful, how would law enforcement policies or practices be improved?" Four criteria are applied in reviewing the applications: technical merit, understanding of the problem, importance of the research, and qualifications of the applicant. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate institutional backing of the proposed project by providing faculty, student, and administrative support. Award Amount. Funding allocations for this program are based on the quality of the proposals received. The applicant is expected to obtain matching funds from interested corporations. The maximum amount of any fellowship awarded by NIJ is $50,000. One or two fellowships will be awarded annually. Funding for this fellowship is primarily intended for the purchase of equipment and laboratory supplies and for necessary expenses. Other project costs may also be included. Examples include part-time support for a faculty supervisor, limited clerical and editorial assistance, reproduction expenses, computer time, and necessary local and out-of-town travel (reimbursed at the sponsoring institution's rate) to disseminate project results to practitioners and researchers. Costs incurred before the formal grant award are not reimbursable. Indirect costs incurred by the sponsoring institution are not covered by this program. Award Period. Graduate law enforcement technology fellowships are generally made for 1 to 2 years. Due Date. Completed proposals must be received at the National Institute of Justice by close of business on September 15, 1995, and April 15, August 15, and December 16, 1996. Extensions of these deadlines will not be permitted. Ten (10) copies of fully executed proposals should be sent to: Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship Program National Institute of Justice 633 Indiana Avenue N.W., Room 900 Washington, DC 20531 Contact. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Institute to discuss topic viability and proposal content before submitting proposals. To obtain further information about the Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship Program, prospective applicants may contact David G. Boyd, Director of Science and Technology, at 202-307- 0645. John B. Pickett Fellowships in Criminal Justice Policy and Management The John B. Pickett Fellowship in Criminal Justice Policy and Management assists experienced professionals and senior government executives who seek to expand their knowledge in the field. These fellowships, awarded for study at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, are available for both the 1-year Master's Degree in Public Administration Program (Mid-Career Program) and the 3-week Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government (Executive Program). Background The John B. Pickett Fellowship in Criminal Justice Policy and Management was established in memory of John B. Pickett, the first Director of Planning and Management at the National Institute of Justice. During his 20-year career at NIJ, John B. Pickett made many significant contributions to the administration of criminal justice. He was instrumental in establishing the Executive Session on Policing at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He also helped develop the management and administrative policies of the State Justice Institute, where he served as Acting Director on assignment from NIJ. The recipient of Justice Department outstanding performance and special achievement awards, John B. Pickett also received a presidential certificate of appreciation in 1978. He died in 1990. Mid-Career MPA Program This fellowship will provide full or partial tuition for a student pursuing a 1-year Master's Degree in Public Administration at Harvard University. This fellowship aims to assist experienced mid-career professionals working in public service who seek to expand their knowledge of criminal justice policy and management. It provides the opportunity to learn new management, policymaking, and analytic skills that are practical and immediately useful as well as to engage in scholarly activities and discussion. Applicants must demonstrate the qualities of integrity, professionalism, and dedication to public service exemplified in John B. Pickett's character and distinguished career and must have the motivation and values to lead in their fields as well as to meet society's need for excellence in government. Eligibility Requirements. Applicants must meet the following requirements: o They must have an outstanding academic or professional record. o They must be enrolled in or admitted to Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. o They should have at least 7 years of experience in law enforcement, corrections, courts, or other criminal justice professions. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a desire to continue in the field of criminal justice policy and management, although not necessarily in their current capacity. Application Information Application Requirements. This Program is administered by Harvard University. Applicants must submit to the address below (1) a statement of proposed graduate study and career plans, (2) a detailed resume, and (3) three letters of reference. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is also required for admission to this program. Applicants who wish to discuss the fellowship requirements and procedures should contact Dr. Brenda White, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Services at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, at 617-495-1153 or at the address below. NIJ is not involved in the review of applications or selection of Fellows for this program. Award Amount. The fellowship award will cover some or all of the cost of tuition for the 1-year Master's Degree in Public Administration. Award Period. The award is for the 1-year master's degree program. Due Date. Applications and further information are available from: Mid-Career Admissions John F. Kennedy School of Government Harvard University 79 John F. Kennedy Street Cambridge, MA 02138 The Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government The Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University offers an intensive 3 weeks of executive education for senior-level appointed or elected executives in all government functions from State, county, and municipal governments. It is designed to prepare participants for increased responsibilities and stimulate interest in new management ideas and techniques. Through the support of the National Institute of Justice, Harvard University will select one or more qualified applicants for this program whose area of expertise is law enforcement and policing. Preference will be given to executives in policing. Eligibility Requirements. Applicants must meet the following requirements: o They must be admitted to Harvard University's Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. o They must be senior-level executives. Application Information Application Requirements. Applicants who wish to discuss fellowship requirements and procedures should contact Elizabeth Nill, Director, Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, at 617-495-1165 or at the address below. NIJ is not involved in the review of applications or selection of Fellows for this program. Award Amount. This fellowship will provide the full cost of tuition, lodging, meals, and instructional materials for the 3-week session. Award Period. The award covers the 3-week session. Applicants may request one of two sessions in 1996: June 9 to June 28 and July 7 to July 26. Due Date. Applications and further information are available from: Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government John F. Kennedy School of Government Harvard University 79 John F. Kennedy Street Cambridge, MA 02138 NIJ Internship Program NIJ's Internship Program offers students the opportunity to learn about criminal justice issues and the operations of a Federal Government research agency. Throughout the year, NIJ offers opportunities to undergraduates to participate in these 10- to 16-week internships, working under the direct supervision of program staff. In addition to learning about issues and operations, interns are encouraged to participate in discussions with various Justice Department officials and tour criminal justice and government facilities. While at the Institute, interns may participate in the following types of activities: o Develop a basic understanding of criminal justice issues and assist NIJ staff with such tasks as interviewing practitioners in the field, assisting with organizing and hosting a focus group meeting conducted among constituents of the agency, and preparing written documents for briefings. o Work with the Director's staff or with an Office Director, assisting in the day-to-day operations of the agency, individual office projects, and obtaining a generalist's view of criminal justice and administrative issues. o Work with staff in an area of mutual interest and complete a literature review of the research field. o Work with NIJ staff or Visiting Fellows, assisting with their research. o Assist program managers in monitoring and managing research and evaluation grants and in editing final grantee research reports and evaluations. o Attend conferences, meetings, and congressional hearings on criminal justice issues of interest. o Visit or attend briefings at other Washington agencies such as the FBI, CIA, Office of National Drug Control Policy, DEA, and the Supreme Court and the White House. Application Information Applicants must submit the following: o A resume or completed SF-171 application for Federal Government employment or OF612 (Optional Form for Federal Government Employment). (These can be obtained from local Federal Government personnel offices or by contacting NIJ directly.) o A brief essay, written by the applicant, stating specific areas of interest and qualifications for the position. o Two letters of recommendation. o Additional supporting documents, such as writing samples or resumes, will also be considered. NIJ hosts approximately 5-10 interns per semester. Applicants who are selected to participate in the internship program are required to take a drug test and undergo an FBI name and fingerprint check. Selection Criteria. Qualifications for the internship include an interest in criminal justice issues or government operations, a desire to pursue graduate study in criminal justice or other public policy fields, and a basic understanding of computers and basic software programs (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, or statistical programs). Award Amount. Student internships are volunteer positions for which no financial support is available. Award Period. Interns work at least 3 days per week for one semester. To the extent possible, NIJ is willing to accommodate arrangements necessary to complete course requirements. Due Date. Applications for the NIJ Internship program may be submitted at any time. Selections are made 6-8 weeks prior to the beginning of the semester or summer. One (1) copy of materials described above should be sent to: NIJ Internship Program National Institute of Justice 633 Indiana Avenue N.W., Room 866 Washington, DC 20531 Contact. To obtain further information about the NIJ Internship Program, call Chriss Wetherington at 202-307-2942. Recommendations to and Requirements for Grant Writers Over the past 4 years, Institute staff have reviewed approximately 1,500 grant applications. On the basis of those reviews and inquiries from applicants, the Institute offers the following recommendations to help potential applicants present workable, understandable proposals. Many of these recommendations were adopted from materials provided to NIJ by the State Justice Institute, especially for applicants new to NIJ. Note there are NIJ requirements for all award applicants. The author(s) of the proposal should be clearly identified. Proposals that are incorrectly collated, incomplete, or handwritten will be judged as submitted or, at NIJ's discretion, will be returned without a deadline extension. No additions to the original submission are allowed. The Institute suggests that applicants make certain that they address the questions and issues set forth below when preparing an application. 1. What is the subject or problem you wish to address? Describe the subject or problem and how it affects law enforcement and the public. Discuss how your approach will improve the situation or advance the state of the art of knowledge, and explain why it is the most appropriate approach to take. The source of statistics or research findings cited to support a statement or position should be included in a reference list. 2. What do you want to do? Explain the goal(s) of the project in simple, straightforward terms. The goals should describe the intended consequences or expected overall effect of the proposed project, rather than the tasks or activities to be conducted. To the greatest extent possible, applicants should avoid a specialized vocabulary that is not readily understood by the general public. Technical jargon does not enhance an application. 3. How will you do it? Describe the methodology carefully so that what you propose to do and how you would do it is clear. All proposed tasks should be set forth so that a reviewer can see a logical progression of tasks and relate those tasks directly to the accomplishment of the project's goal(s). When in doubt about whether to provide a more detailed explanation or to assume a particular level of knowledge or expertise on the part of the reviewers, err on the side of caution and provide the additional information. A description of project tasks will also help identify necessary budget items. All staff positions and project costs should relate directly to the tasks described. The Institute encourages applicants to attach letters of cooperation and support from agencies that will be involved in or directly affected by the proposed project. 4. What should you include in a grant application for a program evaluation? An evaluation should determine whether the proposed program, training, procedure, service, or technology accomplished the objectives it was designed to meet. Applicants seeking support for a proposed evaluation should describe the criteria that will be used to evaluate the project's effectiveness and identify program elements that will require further modification. The description in the application should include how the evaluation will be conducted, when it will occur during the project period, who will conduct it, and what specific measures will be used. In most instances, the evaluation should be conducted by persons not connected with the implementation of the procedure, training, service, or technique, or the administration of the project. 5. How will others learn about your findings? Include a plan to disseminate the results of the research or evaluation beyond the jurisdictions and individuals directly affected by the project. The plan should identify the specific methods that will be used to inform the field about the project such as the publication of journal articles or the distribution of key materials. Expectations regarding products are discussed more fully in the following section, "Requirements for Award Recipients." A statement that a report or research findings "will be made available to" the field is not sufficient. The specific means of distribution or dissemination as well as the types of recipients should be identified. Reproduction and dissemination costs are allowable budget items. Applicants must concisely describe the interim and final products and address each product's purpose, audience, and usefulness to the field. This discussion should identify the principal criminal justice constituency or type of agency for which each product is intended and describe how the constituent group or agency would be expected to use the product or report. Successful proposals will clearly identify the nature of the grant products that can reasonably be expected if the project is funded. In addition, a schedule of delivery dates of all products should be delineated. 6. What are the specific costs involved? The budget application should be presented clearly. Major budget categories such as personnel, benefits, travel, supplies, and equipment should be identified separately. Indirect costs, where allowable, should also be identified separately. The components of "Other" or "Miscellaneous" items should be specified in the application budget narrative and should not include set-asides for undefined contingencies. 7. How much detail should be included in the budget narrative? The budget narrative should list all planned expenditures and detail the salaries, materials, and cost assumptions used to estimate project costs. The narrative and cost estimates should be presented under the following standard budget categories: personnel, fringe benefits, travel, equipment, supplies, contracts, other, and indirect costs. For multiyear projects, applicants must include the full amount of NIJ funding for the entire life of the project. This amount should be reflected in item 15g on Form 424 and line 6k on 424A. When appropriate, grant applications should include justification of consultants and a full explanation of daily rates for any consultants proposed. To avoid common shortcomings of application budget narratives, include the following information: o Personnel estimates that accurately provide the amount of time to be spent by personnel involved with the project and the total associated costs, including current salaries for the designated personnel (e.g., Project Director, 50 percent of 1 year's annual salary of $50,000 = $25,000). If salary costs are computed using an hourly or daily rate, the annual salary and number of hours or days in a work-year should be shown. l Estimates for supplies and expenses supported by a complete description of the supplies to be used, nature and extent of printing to be done, anticipated telephone charges and other common expenditures, with the basis for computing the estimates included (e.g., 100 reports x 75 pages each x $0.05/page = $375.00). Supply and expense estimates offered simply as "based on experience" are not sufficient. o What travel regulations apply to the budget estimates? Transportation costs and per diem rates must comply with the policies of the applicant organization, and a copy of the applicant's travel policy should be submitted as an appendix to the application. If the applicant does not have a travel policy established in writing, then travel rates must be consistent with those established by the Federal Government. The budget narrative should state which regulations are in force for the project and should include the estimated fare, the number of persons traveling, the number of trips to be taken, and the length of stay. The estimated costs of travel, lodging, ground transportation, and other subsistence should be listed separately. When combined, the subtotals for these categories should equal the estimate listed on the budget form. 9. Which forms should be used? A copy of Standard Form SF 424, Application for Federal Assistance, plus instructions, appears in the back of this solicitation. Please follow the instructions carefully and include all parts and pages. In addition to SF 424, recent requirements involve certification regarding (1) lobbying; (2) debarment, suspension, and other responsibility matters; and (3) drug-free workplace requirements. The certification form that is attached to SF 424 should be signed by the appropriate official and included in the grant application. 10. What technical materials should be included in the application? o A one-page abstract of the full proposal, highlighting the project's purpose, methods, activities, and when known, the location(s) of field research. o A program narrative, which is the technical portion of the proposal. It should include a clear, concise statement of the problem, goals, and objectives of the project, and related questions to be explored. A discussion of the relationship of the proposed work to the existing literature is expected. o A statement of the project's anticipated contribution to criminal justice policy and practice. It is important that applicants briefly cite those particular issues and concerns of present-day criminal justice policy that stimulate the proposed line of inquiry and suggest what their own investigation would contribute to current knowledge. o A detailed statement of the proposed research or study design and analytical methodologies. The proposed data sources, data collection strategies, variables and issues to be examined, and procedures of analysis to be employed should be delineated carefully and completely. When appropriate, experimental designs are encouraged because of their potential relevance to policymaking and the strength of the evidence they can produce. o The organization and management plan to conduct the study. A list of major milestones of events, activities, and products, and a timetable for completion that indicates the time commitments to individual project tasks should be included. All grant activities, including writing of the final report, should be completed within the duration of the award period. o The applicant's curriculum vitae should summarize education, research experience, and bibliographic information related to the proposed work. 11. How can grant funds be used? Grant funds may be used to purchase or lease equipment essential to accomplishing the objectives of the project. The budget narrative must list such equipment and explain why the equipment is necessary. Funds may not be used for operating programs, writing texts or handbooks, training, etc. 12. To what extent may indirect costs be included in the budget estimates? It is the policy of the Institute that all costs should be budgeted directly; however, if an applicant has an indirect cost rate that has been approved by a Federal agency within the past 2 years, an indirect cost recovery estimate may be included in the budget. A copy of the approved rate agreement should be submitted as an appendix to the application. If an applicant does not have an approved rate agreement, the applicant should contact the Office of the Comptroller, Office of Justice Programs, 202-307- 0623, to obtain information about preparing an indirect cost rate proposal. Note, however, certain fellowships do not allow indirect costs. 13. What, if any, matching funds are required? Units of State and local governments (not including publicly supported institutions of higher education) are encouraged to contribute a match (cash, non-cash, or both) of requested funds. Other applicants also are encouraged to seek matching contributions from other Federal agencies or private foundations to assist in meeting the costs of the project. Note that the Graduate Law Enforcement Technology Fellowship requires matching funds. 14. Should other funding sources be listed? Applicants are expected to identify all other Federal, local, or private sources of support, including other NIJ programs, to which this or a closely related proposal has been or will be submitted. This information permits NIJ to consider the joint funding potential and limits the possibility of inadvertent duplicate funding. Applicants may submit more than one proposal to NIJ, but the same proposal cannot be submitted in more than one program area. 15. What is the deadline? See specific fellowships. 16. Is there a page limit? In general, the fellowships specify a double-spaced, 15-page limit. (See specific fellowships.) This page limit does not include references, budget narrative, curriculum vitae, or necessary apendixes. NIJ does not wish to create elaborate regulations regarding type fonts, margins, and spacing. Applicants are cautioned, however, that obvious attempts to stretch interpretations of the Institute's limits have, in the past, caused proposal reviewers to regard such efforts unfavorably. 17. What is the page order? The following order is mandatory. Omission can result in rejection of the application: 1. SF 424 2. Names and affiliations of all key persons from applicant and subcontractor(s), to advisors, consultants, and Advisory Board members. 3. Abstract 4. Table of contents 5. Budget narrative 6. Assurances and certifications, etc. 7. Negotiated rate agreement 8. Program narrative 9. References 10. Resumes of key personnel 18. What does the review process entail? After all applications for a competition are received, NIJ will convene a series of peer review panels of criminal justice professionals and researchers. NIJ will assign proposals to peer panels that it deems most appropriate. Panel members read each proposal and meet to assess the technical merits and policy relevance of the proposed research. Panel assessments of the proposals, together with assessments by NIJ staff, are submitted to the Director, who has sole and final authority over approval and awards. The review normally takes 60 to 90 days, depending on the number of applications received. Each applicant receives written comments from the peer review panel concerning the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal. These comments may include suggestions for how a revised or subsequent application to NIJ might be improved. 19. What are the criteria for an award? The essential question asked of each applicant is, "If this study is successful, how would criminal justice policies or operations be improved?" Four criteria are applied in the evaluation process: o Impact of the proposed project. o Feasibility of the approach to the issue, including technical merit and practical considerations. o Originality of the approach, including creativity of the proposal and capability of the research staff. o Economy of the approach. Applicants bear the responsibility of demonstrating to the panel that the proposed study addresses the critical issues of the topic area and that the study findings could ultimately contribute to a practical application in law enforcement. Reviewers will assess applicants' awareness of related research or studies and their ability to direct the research or study toward answering questions of policy or improving the state of law enforcement operations. Technical merit is judged by the likelihood that the study design will produce convincing findings. Reviewers take into account the logic and timing of the research or study plan, the validity and reliability of measures proposed, the appropriateness of statistical methods to be used, and each applicant's awareness of factors that might dilute the credibility of the findings. Impact is judged by the scope of the proposed approach and by the utility of the proposed products. Reviewers consider each applicant's understanding of the process of innovation in the targeted criminal justice agency or setting and knowledge of prior uses of criminal justice research by the proposed criminal justice constituency. Appropriateness of products in terms of proposed content and format is also considered. Applicants' qualifications are evaluated both in terms of the depth of experience and the relevance of that experience to the proposed research or study. Costs are evaluated in terms of the reasonableness of each item and the utility of the project to the Institute's program. 20. Are there any other considerations in selecting applications for an award? Projects should have a national or regional impact or have potential relevance to a number of jurisdictions. Because of the broad national mandate of the National Institute of Justice, projects that address the unique concerns of a single jurisdiction should be fully justified. The applicant's performance on previous or current NIJ grants will also be taken into consideration in making funding decisions. 21. Who is eligible to apply? NIJ awards grants to, or enters into cooperative agreements with, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, individuals, and profitmaking organizations that are willing to waive their fees. Where appropriate, special eligibility criteria are indicated in the separate solicitations. 22. Does NIJ accept resubmission of proposals? The Institute will accept resubmission of a previously submitted proposal. The applicant should indicate for Question 8, Form 424, that the application is a revision. The applicant should include this information in the abstract. Finally, the applicant should prepare a one-page response to the earlier panel review (to follow the abstract) including 1) the title, submission date, and NIJ-assigned application number of the previous proposal, and 2) a brief summary of responses to the review and/or revisions to the proposal. Requirements for Award Recipients Required Products Each project is expected to generate tangible products of maximum benefit to criminal justice professionals, researchers, and policymakers. In particular, NIJ strongly encourages documents that provide information of practical utility to law enforcement officials; prosecutors; judges; corrections officers; victims services providers; and Federal, State, county, and local elected officials. Products should include: o A summary of approximately 2,500 words highlighting the findings of the research and the policy issues those findings will inform. The material should be written in a style that will be accessible to policy officials and practitioners and suitable for possible publication as an NIJ Research in Brief. An NIJ editorial style guide is sent to each project director at the time of the award. o A full technical report, including a discussion of the research question, review of the literature, description of project methodology, detailed review of project findings, and conclusions and policy recommendations. o Clean copies of all automated data sets developed during the research and full documentation prepared in accordance with the instructions in the NIJ data resources manual. o Brief project summaries for NIJ use in preparing annual reports to the President and the Congress. As appropriate, additional products such as case studies and interim and final reports (e.g., articles, manuals, or training materials) may be specified in the proposal or negotiated at the time of the award. Public Release of Automated Data Sets The National Institute of Justice is committed to ensuring the public availability of research data and to this end established its Data Resources Program in 1984. All NIJ award recipients who collect data are required to submit a machine-readable copy of the data and appropriate documentation to NIJ prior to the conclusion of the project. The data and materials are reviewed for completeness. NIJ staff then create machine-readable data sets, prepare user's guides, and distribute data and documentation to other researchers in the field. A variety of formats are acceptable; however, the data and materials must conform with requirements detailed in Depositing Data With the Data Resources Program of the National Institute of Justice: A Handbook. A copy of this handbook is sent to each project director at the time of the award. For further information about NIJ's Data Resources Program, contact Dr. James Trudeau, 202-307-1355. Standards of Performance by Recipients NIJ expects individuals and institutions receiving its support to work diligently and professionally toward completing a high-quality research or study product. Besides this general expectation, the Institute imposes specific requirements to ensure that proper financial and administrative controls are applied to the project. Financial and general reporting requirements are detailed in Financial and Administrative Guide for Grants, a publication of the Office of Justice Programs. This guideline manual is sent to recipient institutions with the award documents. Project directors and recipient financial administrators should pay particular attention to the regulations in this document. Program Monitoring Award recipients and principal investigators assume certain responsibilities as part of their participation in government-sponsored research and evaluation. NIJ's monitoring activities are intended to help grantees meet these responsibilities. They are based on good communication and open dialogue, with collegiality and mutual respect. Some of the elements of this dialogue are: o Communication with NIJ in the early stages of the grant, as the elements of the proposal's design and methodology are developed and operationalized. o Timely communication with NIJ regarding any developments that might affect the project's compliance with the schedules, milestones, and products set forth in the proposal. (See statement on Timeliness, below.) o Communication with other NIJ grantees conducting related research projects. An annual "cluster conference" should be anticipated and should be budgeted for by applicants at a cost of $1,000 for each year of the grant. o Consideration of communication with the field through electronic media to make available interim reports and data sets, and other grant products as appropriate. o Providing NIJ on request with brief descriptions of the project in interim stages at such time as the Institute may need this information to meet its reporting requirements to the Congress. NIJ will give as much advance notification of these requests as possible, but will expect a timely response from grantees when requests are made. o Providing NIJ with copies of presentations made at conferences, meetings, and elsewhere based in whole or in part on the work of the project. o Providing NIJ with prepublication copies of articles based on the project appearing in professional journals or the media, either during the life of the grant or after. o Other reporting requirements (Progress Reports, Final Reports, and other grant products) are spelled out elsewhere in this solicitation. Financial reporting requirements will be described in the grant award documents received by successful applicants. Communications NIJ Program Managers should be kept informed of research progress. Written progress reports are required on a quarterly basis. All awards use standard quarterly reporting periods (January 1 through March 31, April 1 through June 30, and so forth) regardless of the project's start date. Progress reports will inform the monitor which tasks have been completed and whether significant delays or departures from the original workplan are expected. Timeliness Grantees are expected to complete award products within the timeframes that have been agreed upon by NIJ and the grantee. Publications The Institute encourages grantees to prepare their work for NIJ publication. In cases where grantees disseminate their findings through a variety of media, such as professional journals, books, and conferences, copies of such publications should be sent to the Program Manager as they become available, even if they appear well after a project's expiration. NIJ imposes no restriction on such publication other than the following acknowledgment and disclaimer: This research was supported by grant number _________ from the National Institute of Justice. Points of view are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the position of the U.S. Department of Justice. Data Confidentiality and Human Subjects Protection Research that examines individual traits and experiences plays a vital part in expanding our knowledge about crime control and criminal behavior. It is essential, however, that researchers protect subjects from needless risk of harm or embarrassment and proceed with willing and informed cooperation. NIJ requires that investigators protect information identifiable to research participants. When information is safeguarded, it is protected by statute from being used in legal proceedings: "[S]uch information and copies thereof shall be immune from legal process, and shall not, without the consent of the person furnishing such information, be admitted as evidence or used for any purpose in any action, suit, or other judicial, legislative, or administrative proceedings." 42 U.S.C. 3789g(a). Applicants should file their plans to protect sensitive information as part of their proposal. Necessary safeguards are detailed in 28 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 22. A short "how-to" guideline for developing a privacy and confidentiality plan can be obtained from NIJ program managers. In addition, the Department of Justice has adopted Human Subjects policies similar to those established by the Department of Health and Human Services. In general, these policies exempt researchers from Institutional Review Board (IRB) review provided that necessary safeguards of privacy and confidentiality have been met. However, the Institute may find in certain instances that subjects or subject matters are especially sensitive and may require IRB review. These exceptions will be decided on an individual basis during application review. Applicants should read 28 CFR, Part 46, to determine their individual project requirements.