NIJ FY 2023 Invited to Apply - University of Texas at Austin Developing More Effective Services and Programs for Victims of Mass Shootings | O NIJ 2023 171863

Opportunity Information: Apply for O NIJ 2023 171863

The NIJ FY 2023 Invited to Apply opportunity is a discretionary research grant from the Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice (NIJ), focused on improving services and programs for people harmed by mass shootings. It is explicitly tied to DOJ Office of Justice Programs priorities such as advancing civil rights and racial equity, expanding access to justice, supporting crime victims and others affected by the justice system, strengthening community safety, protecting the public from evolving threats, and building trust between law enforcement and communities. In practice, this solicitation is meant to support research that does not just document harms, but helps communities deliver better victim-centered responses after mass violence.

This particular funding opportunity is “invited to apply,” meaning it is not a broadly open competition. NIJ is seeking a proposal specifically from the University of Texas at Austin, which is listed as the eligible applicant under the “Others” category with eligibility clarified in the solicitation text. The project is intended to complete the third phase of an ongoing program of research connected to the Robb Elementary School shooting. The central goal of this phase is to identify which victim services and program needs remain unmet for victims and survivors, develop or support efforts to address those needs, and translate lessons learned into practical guidance that can help officials and service providers in other jurisdictions respond more effectively to similar incidents in the future.

The scope centers on understanding and closing gaps in victim services following a mass shooting, using the Robb Elementary School shooting as the key case. The research emphasis is on unfulfilled needs, which can include access barriers, service availability, coordination challenges, culturally and linguistically appropriate supports, longer-term recovery needs, and system-level issues that prevent victims and survivors from receiving timely and effective assistance. A major element is application: the work is expected to generate knowledge that can inform planning and operational responses elsewhere, rather than remaining purely academic. The intended outcome is a stronger evidence base for victim services and programs after mass shootings, shaped by real-world experience and the needs voiced by those most affected.

From an administrative standpoint, the funding instrument is a grant, categorized under Science and Technology and other Research and Development, with CFDA number 16.560. NIJ anticipated making one award under this opportunity, with an award ceiling of up to $1,000,000. The opportunity was created on August 28, 2023, with an original closing date of August 30, 2023, reflecting the limited and targeted nature of an invited submission.

The statutory authority for NIJ to make this award is grounded in Title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (Public Law 90-351), specifically sections 201 and 202 (codified at 34 U.S.C. 10121-10122), along with 34 U.S.C. 20105(b) and 28 U.S.C. 530C. These authorities collectively support NIJ’s role in funding research, evaluation, and related activities that strengthen the criminal justice system and improve responses to crime and victimization, including in the context of mass casualty violence.

• The Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "NIJ FY 2023 Invited to Apply - University of Texas at Austin Developing More Effective Services and Programs for Victims of Mass Shootings" 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 Aug 28, 2023.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 30, 2023. (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 $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for O NIJ 2023 171863

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