2.1 Application Process
Application Submittal
Applicants for DOJ funding can submit applications online through either the federal grants portal Grants.Gov (www.grants.gov), the DOJ???s Grants Management System (GMS) (https://grants.ojp.usdoj.gov), or the COPS Office Agency Portal (https://portal.cops.usdoj.gov). Each program solicitation will specify which system should be used for that program, and will contain detailed technical instructions on how to register with the system and apply for funding. Applicants for OJP and OVW formula/block funding, earmarked funding, and some continuation (supplemental) funding, are generally required to register and create a profile in GMS. Applicants for competitive funding are generally required to register in Grants.Gov. It is best to register well in advance of the application deadline, as processing registration into these systems may take sometime (in most cases, approximately one week).
Most DOJ discretionary grant solicitations require, at a minimum, a number of elements. These generally include the Standard Form 424 (SF-424 - Application for Federal Assistance), a program narrative, budget detail worksheet and budget narrative. There also are a number of certifications that may be required, and other elements as specified in the program announcement.
COPS Office Specific Tip
The COPS Office might not require a budget detail worksheet with the application submittal process. Refer to the specific award program Application Guide.
Financial Management Tip
Note regarding SF-424 question regarding determination of applicant type: Applicants must specify what type of entity they are on the SF-424. Generally, applicants for DOJ grants are one of the following types of entities: States, units of local government, Indian tribes or units of tribal government, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and (in limited circumstances) individuals. It is possible to select other applicant types, as appropriate.
