Structured Decision-Making Framework (SDMF) Tool Site Implementation and Outcome Study

The Structured Decision-Making Framework (SDMF) Tool Site Implementation and Outcome Study is administered by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), a division of the U.S. Department of Justice. This grant supports a social science research initiative that includes both quantitative and qualitative components, specifically tailored to evaluate the NIC SDMF model. The SDMF model is designed to improve decision-making practices within the corrections field. The opportunity is issued as a Cooperative Agreement, emphasizing close collaboration between NIC and the award recipient throughout the project. This announcement is not a request for new applications but a continuation of the existing Cooperative Agreement award 23CS15GLP9. The study funded under this opportunity will focus on the implementation of the SDMF tool at designated sites and evaluate the outcomes to assess its effectiveness. The objective is to collect comprehensive data on how the SDMF model influences operational and decision-making processes within corrections institutions. The study is expected to inform policy and practice, supporting data-driven approaches in correctional management. The funding for this grant is limited to a total program amount of $160,000, with a single award anticipated. This funding must be utilized for research-related activities directly tied to the evaluation of the SDMF model. As this is a Cooperative Agreement, NIC will likely maintain substantial involvement in project planning, implementation, and reporting. Eligible applicants are limited under the terms of the existing agreement, and the grant notice explicitly states that this is not open for new applicants. Instead, it serves as a formal notification of continuation funding. This clarification is critical for determining eligibility, as it restricts broader competition and aligns with NIC’s strategic planning and previously awarded partnerships. Applications must be submitted by July 21, 2025, which is the listed closing date. The grant notice was posted and last updated on July 9, 2025, giving interested parties a brief submission window. There is no indication of pre-application steps such as letters of intent or Q&A sessions. The opportunity does not recur annually nor is it open on a rolling basis. The archive date is August 20, 2025, after which the listing will no longer be publicly accessible on Grants.gov. For further inquiries or technical issues accessing the announcement, the designated contact is Cameron D. Coblentz, Grant Management Specialist at NIC. He can be reached by phone at 202-514-0053. There is no email listed for contact. The Cooperative Agreement structure and limited application pool underline the specialized and pre-established nature of this grant opportunity.