The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) is seeking applications for funding under the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. The purpose of this work is to evaluate the outcomes and implementation of paroling authorities who adopted NIC’s Structured Decision-Making Framework (SDMF) Model. The study will add to the body of knowledge for evidence-based practices on parole release decision models in general and NIC’s SDMF specifically. The study will be completed in 3 phases: research methodology design; data collection and analysis; and the development of a final written report.
Deadline
Applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application. NIC encourages applicants to register several weeks before the application submission deadline. In addition, NIC urges applicants to submit applications 72 hours prior to the application due date. All applications are due to be submitted and in receipt of a successful validation message in Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on May 15, 2023.
Goals
The goal of this cooperative agreement is to design and conduct an implementation and outcome research study of NIC’s Structured Decision-Making Framework. The research project may involve all or some of the NIC SDMF implementation paroling authority sites - CA, CT, KS, OH, MI, MO, SD, UT, VT, WA, and Canada.
Objectives & Deliverables
The tasks and deliverables to be completed each year by the awardee, under this cooperative agreement include the following:
Year I - Objectives:
- Convene a research team, in consultation with NIC and conduct virtual planning meetings to clarify project goals, objectives, and deliverables, including discussing a timeline of activities and role clarification within 60 days of the award.
- Gather SDMF information from NIC, project sites, subject matter experts, and literature.
- Complete site-specific research permission procedures as necessary.
- Design the appropriate research methodology.
- Educate NIC SDMF sites on the methodology and their role in the research project.
Year I - Deliverables:
- Written research project plan, including tasks, timelines, and roles and responsibilities.
- Written research methodology plan that addresses both qualitative and quantitative areas of inquiry.
- Written research tools, such as consent/permission forms, questionnaires, surveys, etc.
Year II - Objectives:
- Collect and interpret data and related information based on the methodology plan.
- Implementation of the research methodology.
Year II - Deliverables:
- Summary of data collected (e.g., charts/spreadsheets/logs/tables)
- SDMF research computer data base of information.
Year III - Objectives:
- Conduct further analysis of all data and related information.
- Draft a final research report in collaboration with NIC for public posting.
Year III - Deliverables:
- Final written research report.
Each of these objective tasks and deliverables will be reviewed and approved by the NIC program manager.
Applications must include in Program Narrative and Budget Narrative the incorporation of products delivered meet Plain Language and Section 508 Standards.