NIJ FY24 Novel Psychoactive Substance Discovery, Education, and Reporting Institute | O NIJ 2024 172007

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NIJ FY24 Novel Psychoactive Substance Discovery, Education, and Reporting Institute opportunity?

This is a discretionary, science and technology focused research and development funding opportunity from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). It supports the creation and operation of a single institute called the Novel Psychoactive Substance Discovery, Education, and Reporting Institute (NPS DiscERn).

What is the institute that will be funded?

The funded effort is intended to establish and run one institute: the Novel Psychoactive Substance Discovery, Education, and Reporting Institute (NPS DiscERn). NIJ expects a single recipient to serve as the lead organization for this institute.

What is the main purpose of NPS DiscERn?

The purpose is practical and time-sensitive: rapidly identify newly emerging drugs (especially novel opioids and stimulants) and quickly communicate reliable findings so public safety and justice stakeholders are not surprised by sudden shifts in the drug landscape.

What kinds of substances are the focus of this opportunity?

The focus is on newly emerging drugs, particularly novel opioids and stimulants, and more broadly on drugs that may cause intoxication, impairment, or other adverse effects.

Why is NIJ emphasizing rapid identification and rapid communication?

Because emerging drug threats can change quickly, NIJ wants an entity that can keep pace and provide timely, actionable information. The goal is to reduce the chances that stakeholders are caught off guard by new substances appearing in the field.

What real-world issues is this institute expected to support?

The work is tied to real-world impacts such as overdoses, impaired driving, officer safety, jail and community supervision challenges, and demands on forensic and toxicology casework.

What type of award is this?

This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement.

What does a cooperative agreement mean for how the project will be managed?

A cooperative agreement typically means NIJ expects substantial involvement during the project. Applicants should anticipate ongoing coordination with NIJ, shared planning around deliverables, and regular communication about methods, priorities, and how results are disseminated.

Is this meant to fund a one-time research study?

No. The solicitation frames the effort as operating an institute rather than conducting a narrow, one-off study. It implies an expectation of sustained operational capability: monitoring emerging substances, confirming chemical identity, interpreting potential risks, and producing usable reporting and educational outputs.

How many awards will NIJ make under this opportunity?

Only one award is expected. This makes the competition highly selective, with one recipient serving as the national hub or lead organization for rapid discovery and reporting.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $2,000,000 (the maximum total amount available for the selected recipient under this solicitation).

When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on March 6, 2024.

What is the original application closing date?

The original application closing date is April 30, 2024.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes: state, county, and city or township governments; special district governments; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations other than small businesses; small businesses; and other entities.

Are tribal entities eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations are included in the eligible applicant categories.

Are colleges and universities eligible?

Yes. Both public/state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are eligible.

Are nonprofits eligible even if they do not have 501(c)(3) status?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status are listed as eligible.

Are for-profit organizations eligible?

Yes. For-profit organizations other than small businesses are listed as eligible, and small businesses are also listed as eligible.

What kinds of stakeholders is the institute expected to serve or coordinate with?

The opportunity highlights the cross-sector nature of the problem and points to public safety and justice stakeholders, with references to federal agencies and units of local government as relevant stakeholders. The description also reflects likely coordination across public health, public safety, forensic science, and research communities.

What kinds of outputs is NPS DiscERn expected to produce?

Based on the stated goals, the institute is expected to produce rapid and reliable reporting and educational outputs, translating technical identification work into timely, usable information for practitioners.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number associated with this opportunity is 16.560.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is O-NIJ-2024-172007.

What makes this opportunity different from typical grant funding?

Several features stand out: it is structured as an institute operation, it is time-sensitive and focused on rapid identification and communication, it is a cooperative agreement with substantial NIJ involvement, and only one award is expected to create a single national hub.

What is NIJ ultimately trying to achieve with this institute?

NIJ is seeking an operational capability that can keep pace with rapidly shifting novel psychoactive substances and turn technical discovery into timely, actionable reporting and education, helping the field recognize and respond to new drugs before they become widely entrenched and cause broader harm.