Opportunity Information: Apply for O NIJ 2026 172786
This National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funding opportunity for FY 2026 is a continuation grant intended to complete funding for a specific, already-established research project titled "A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy" (award reference 15PNIJ-24-GG-03857-NIJB). The core purpose aligns with NIJ's broader forensic science research mission: translating and directing the outcomes of basic scientific research into practical advances that strengthen criminal justice capabilities. In particular, the program focus is on supporting research and development that can produce highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid approaches for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of forensic evidence. Within that framing, the grant centers on gunshot residue (GSR) detection and the use of vibrational spectroscopy as the key analytical approach, with the goal of improving how GSR evidence is detected and interpreted for forensic and criminal justice applications.
The opportunity is explicitly restricted and is not an open, competitive solicitation. It is labeled as a "Continuation" opportunity, meaning it is designed to extend or finalize support for a project that is already underway rather than to fund new, unrelated proposals. NIJ states that only the applicant that received an official NIJ invitation letter may apply, and applicants must follow the eligibility requirements specified in that invitation letter. Practically, this means eligibility is limited to a single invited organization, and NIJ will only accept an application from the Research Foundation for the State University of New York. No other institutions, even if otherwise qualified, are eligible to submit under this posting.
Administratively, the opportunity is issued by the National Institute of Justice under CFDA (now commonly referenced as Assistance Listing) 16.560, and it is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development. The funding instrument is a grant. The funding opportunity number is O-NIJ-2026-172786. NIJ anticipates making one award under this announcement, reflecting the single-invite, continuation nature of the funding. The award ceiling is $402,889, which functions as the maximum amount available under this continuation action. The opportunity was created on 2026-09-30, and the original closing date for submission is 2026-10-07, indicating a short application window typical of invited-to-apply continuation actions.
In short, this is a targeted NIJ continuation grant designed to finish funding for a specific NIJ-supported forensic science R&D project focused on developing a broadly applicable, spectroscopy-based method for detecting gunshot residue. It is invitation-only, accepts submissions solely from the Research Foundation for the State University of New York, and provides up to $402,889 for one expected award, with applications due by October 7, 2026.Apply for O NIJ 2026 172786
- The National Institute of Justice in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply - A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.560.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-09-30.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-10-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $402,889.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this NIJ funding opportunity?
This is a National Institute of Justice (NIJ) FY 2026 continuation grant opportunity to complete funding for an already-established research project. It is not a new, open competition. The continuation supports the specific project titled "A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy" (award reference 15PNIJ-24-GG-03857-NIJB).
Is this an open solicitation that any organization can apply to?
No. This posting is explicitly restricted and is not an open, competitive solicitation. NIJ describes it as a "Continuation" opportunity, meaning it is intended only to extend or finalize support for a project that is already underway.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to the applicant that received an official NIJ invitation letter and meets the eligibility requirements stated in that letter. Under this opportunity, NIJ will only accept an application from the Research Foundation for the State University of New York.
If my organization is qualified, can we still submit an application?
No. NIJ states that no other institutions are eligible to submit under this posting, even if they would otherwise be qualified.
What is the purpose of the funded work?
The grant supports NIJ's forensic science research mission, which focuses on translating and directing the outcomes of basic scientific research into practical advances that strengthen criminal justice capabilities. Specifically, this continuation centers on improving gunshot residue (GSR) detection and interpretation using vibrational spectroscopy.
What topic area does the project focus on?
The funded project focuses on gunshot residue (GSR) detection and uses vibrational spectroscopy as the key analytical approach, with the goal of improving how GSR evidence is detected and interpreted for forensic and criminal justice applications.
What kinds of outcomes is NIJ aiming to support through this program area?
Within NIJ's forensic science R&D framing, the program focus includes supporting research and development that can produce highly discriminating, accurate, reliable, cost-effective, and rapid approaches for the identification, analysis, and interpretation of forensic evidence.
What type of funding instrument is being used?
The funding instrument for this opportunity is a grant.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?
The opportunity is issued under Assistance Listing (formerly CFDA) 16.560.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is O-NIJ-2026-172786.
How many awards does NIJ expect to make under this announcement?
NIJ anticipates making one award under this announcement, consistent with the single-invite, continuation nature of the funding.
What is the maximum funding amount available?
The award ceiling is $402,889, which is the maximum amount available under this continuation action.
When was this opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on 2026-09-30.
What is the application deadline?
The original closing date for submission is 2026-10-07.
Why is the application window so short?
Based on the posting details, this is an invited-to-apply continuation action, and the provided dates indicate a short submission window that is typical for restricted continuation opportunities.
What does it mean that this is a "continuation" opportunity?
In this context, "continuation" means the opportunity is designed to extend or complete funding for a specific, already-funded project that is currently underway, rather than to fund new or unrelated proposals.
Which organization will NIJ accept an application from for this continuation?
NIJ will only accept an application from the Research Foundation for the State University of New York.
What is the name of the specific research project being continued?
The continued project is titled "A Universal Method for the Detection of Gunshot Residue using Vibrational Spectroscopy" (award reference 15PNIJ-24-GG-03857-NIJB).
How is this opportunity categorized?
It is categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development.
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