Opportunity Information: Apply for 21CS29
The Structured Decision Making Framework Community of Practice Seminar is a Department of Justice National Institute of Corrections (NIC) cooperative agreement opportunity focused on strengthening how parole boards use the Structured Decision Making Framework (SDMF), an evidence-based parole decision model developed by Ralph Serin at Carleton University. The SDMF is designed to improve the quality and consistency of parole decisions by giving boards a clear, research-backed structure for weighing factors that are known to affect a persons likelihood of reoffending after release. By grounding decisions in validated evidence rather than subjective judgments, the framework helps parole boards show that release decisions are objective, consistent, and not arbitrary.
A central theme of the opportunity is long-term fidelity to the SDMF model. NIC notes that even strong evidence-based tools can lose effectiveness if day-to-day practice slowly shifts away from the original design, sometimes called project drift. To reduce that risk, NIC proposes using a community of practice (CoP) approach, built on social learning theory, where practitioners learn from one another in real time, compare how they are applying the framework, share lessons learned, and continually check their practices against the intended SDMF methods. The goal is to keep SDMF use aligned with research and to support ongoing improvement through shared experience, data discussion, and peer problem-solving.
NIC also emphasizes that it has already created specialized technical assistance to help parole boards integrate SDMF into existing operations through an onboarding process that can include readiness assessments, implementation planning, training, and coaching. By the time of this announcement, NIC reports assisting twelve states in adopting the model. This funding opportunity extends that work by supporting a structured seminar or convening that sustains learning after implementation, reinforces skill development, and promotes consistent application across jurisdictions.
Key details from the solicitation include the funding opportunity number 21CS29 and a CFDA listing of 16.601. The award is a cooperative agreement, meaning NIC expects substantial involvement and collaboration during the project rather than a hands-off grant. The estimated award ceiling is $100,000, with one award expected. The opportunity was posted July 2, 2021, with an original closing date of August 16, 2021. Eligibility is listed broadly as others, with further clarification referenced in the full opportunity materials.Apply for 21CS29
- The Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections in the other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification) sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Structured Decision Making Framework Community of Practice Seminar" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.601.
- This funding opportunity was created on Jul 02, 2021.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Aug 16, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $100,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Structured Decision Making Framework Community of Practice Seminar funding opportunity?
This is a Department of Justice, National Institute of Corrections (NIC) cooperative agreement opportunity to support a Community of Practice (CoP) seminar or convening focused on strengthening how parole boards use the Structured Decision Making Framework (SDMF).
What is the Structured Decision Making Framework (SDMF)?
The SDMF is an evidence-based parole decision model developed by Ralph Serin at Carleton University. It provides a clear, research-backed structure for weighing factors known to affect a person's likelihood of reoffending after release, with the aim of improving the quality and consistency of parole decisions.
Why is NIC promoting SDMF for parole decision-making?
NIC describes SDMF as a way to ground parole decisions in validated evidence rather than subjective judgment. The framework is intended to help parole boards demonstrate that release decisions are objective, consistent, and not arbitrary.
What is the main purpose of the Community of Practice (CoP) approach in this opportunity?
A central theme is long-term fidelity to the SDMF model. NIC is using a CoP approach, grounded in social learning theory, so practitioners can learn from one another in real time, compare how they apply SDMF, share lessons learned, and check their practices against the intended SDMF methods.
What problem is the CoP approach intended to prevent?
NIC highlights the risk that evidence-based tools can lose effectiveness when daily practice gradually shifts away from the original design, a phenomenon sometimes called project drift. The CoP model is intended to reduce that risk by reinforcing consistent, research-aligned use of SDMF over time.
What kinds of activities or outcomes does NIC expect from the seminar or convening?
Based on the solicitation description, the seminar or convening is meant to sustain learning after implementation, reinforce skill development, and promote consistent application of SDMF across jurisdictions through shared experience, data discussion, and peer problem-solving.
How does this opportunity relate to NIC's existing SDMF technical assistance?
NIC notes it has already created specialized technical assistance to help parole boards integrate SDMF into existing operations. This includes an onboarding process that can involve readiness assessments, implementation planning, training, and coaching. This funding opportunity extends that work by supporting structured, ongoing learning after implementation.
How many jurisdictions has NIC supported with SDMF implementation as of this announcement?
NIC reports that it has assisted twelve states in adopting the SDMF model by the time of this announcement.
What type of award is this?
The award is a cooperative agreement. NIC indicates this means substantial involvement and collaboration is expected during the project, rather than a hands-off grant.
What is the estimated funding amount for this opportunity?
The estimated award ceiling is $100,000.
How many awards does NIC expect to make?
One award is expected.
What is the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number is 21CS29.
What is the CFDA listing associated with this opportunity?
The solicitation lists CFDA 16.601.
When was this opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on July 2, 2021.
What was the original closing date for applications?
The original closing date was August 16, 2021.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is listed broadly as "others," with additional clarification referenced in the full opportunity materials.
Is this opportunity focused on implementing SDMF for the first time or sustaining its use?
The description emphasizes sustaining learning after implementation, reinforcing skill development, and promoting consistent application over time, with a particular focus on maintaining fidelity to the SDMF model.
What does "fidelity" mean in the context of SDMF?
In this solicitation, fidelity refers to continuing to apply SDMF in alignment with its intended, research-based methods over the long term, rather than gradually shifting away from the model as it was designed.
Why does NIC emphasize peer learning and real-time comparison across jurisdictions?
NIC describes the CoP method as a way for practitioners to learn from one another, compare application approaches, and share lessons learned so practices remain aligned with SDMF and can improve through collaborative problem-solving.
What agency within the Department of Justice is offering this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), within the U.S. Department of Justice.
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