OJJDP National Center for Missing and Exploited Children | O OJJDP 2021 62001

FAQs: OJJDP National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Funding Opportunity

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a discretionary funding announcement from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), to support a national-level effort tied to the work of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Is this a grant or a cooperative agreement?

The federal government plans to use a cooperative agreement rather than a standard grant. A cooperative agreement typically involves substantial involvement by the awarding agency, such as active collaboration, ongoing coordination, and more direct program oversight than under a traditional grant.

Who is the administering agency?

The administering agency is the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP).

What is the purpose of using a cooperative agreement for this program?

Based on the description provided, the cooperative agreement structure signals that DOJ/OJJDP expects to be an active partner in the work. That can include close coordination and a higher level of involvement in program operations than would usually be expected under a typical grant award.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is O-OJJDP-2021-62001.

When was the opportunity created?

The record states the opportunity was created on August 5, 2021.

What was the application closing date?

The original closing date listed is August 13, 2021, which indicates a short application window between posting and deadline.

How many awards does OJJDP expect to make?

The program anticipates making one award (ExpectedAwards: 1).

What is the maximum (ceiling) award amount?

The award ceiling is $36,922,517.

What does it mean that only one award is expected?

A single expected award suggests the funding is designed for one centralized, national effort rather than multiple smaller local or regional projects. It also implies that competition and eligibility screening may be especially important, since the program is structured to select one entity to carry out the national-level work.

What kind of work is this funding intended to support?

The opportunity is described as supporting mission-critical national services related to missing and exploited children, tied to the work of NCMEC. The scale of funding and the single-award design point toward broad national coverage, national coordination, and sustained operational capability rather than a small pilot project.

Is this opportunity meant for local or regional projects?

Based on the description provided, the opportunity appears intended to sustain or operate comprehensive national center functions, not to fund multiple smaller local or regional projects.

What is the statutory authority for this program?

The opportunity was issued under statutory authority provided by Public Law 116-260 (134 Stat. 1182, 1261), reflecting congressional direction and appropriations enabling DOJ/OJJDP to fund this type of national capacity program.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The listing is associated with CFDA number 16.543, which is tied to juvenile justice and related OJJDP program areas.

Why does the record show an "Affordable Care Act" funding activity category if this is a DOJ/OJJDP program?

The information provided notes that the record shows an "Affordable Care Act" funding activity category, but also clarifies that the administering agency is DOJ/OJJDP and that the substance of the opportunity is centered on national missing and exploited children work.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others." The specific details are referenced as being in an "Additional Information on Eligibility" section, but that section is not included in the provided text. The exact eligible applicant types would need to be confirmed from the full announcement language.

Does the broad eligibility label mean anyone can apply?

Not necessarily. While the listing shows eligibility as "Others," the details are stated to be in a separate eligibility section that is not included here. The description also notes that, in similar OJJDP postings, this kind of label often points to a limited set of organizations capable of providing nationwide services and specialized infrastructure, but the definitive eligibility requirements would come from the full announcement.

What level of federal involvement should an awardee expect?

Because this is a cooperative agreement, DOJ/OJJDP is expected to have substantial involvement, which may include active collaboration, ongoing coordination, and more direct program oversight than is typical under a standard grant.

What does the award size suggest about the program's intended scope?

The large award ceiling ($36,922,517) and single-award structure strongly suggest the funded entity would be expected to deliver broad coverage, national coordination, and sustained operational capability.

Is this opportunity designed for a time-limited pilot?

The description indicates the opposite: it suggests sustained operations and comprehensive national services rather than a time-limited pilot effort.