National Survey of Internet- and Technology-Facilitated Child Exploitation, FY 2019 | NIJ 2019 16572

FAQs: National Survey of Internet- and Technology-Facilitated Child Exploitation, FY 2019 (NIJ 2019 16572)

What is this funding opportunity?

This is a U.S. Department of Justice research funding opportunity issued by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) titled "The National Survey of Internet- and Technology-Facilitated Child Exploitation, FY 2019." It supports a national-level research study focused on child sexual exploitation crimes that are enabled or amplified by the internet and modern technologies.

What is the main purpose of the project?

The core purpose is to improve what the United States knows about internet- and technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation by building a more accurate nationwide picture of these offenses. The project is designed to reduce reliance on fragmented or inconsistent information by collecting standardized data directly from law enforcement agencies.

What kinds of crimes or issues is the study focused on?

The study focuses on crimes involving child sexual exploitation that are facilitated by the internet and modern technologies. A specific emphasis mentioned is generating national estimates and descriptive information tied to arrests for these internet- and technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation crimes.

What is the primary research activity NIJ expects to be funded?

A central requirement is the development, testing, and administration of a national data collection instrument aimed at law enforcement. In practice, this means designing a survey (or similar structured instrument), piloting it to confirm it functions as intended, and then deploying it nationally.

Who is the target audience for data collection?

The data collection is aimed at law enforcement agencies, and the standardized data are expected to be collected directly from these agencies.

Is the project only about analysis, or does it require building a data system?

Based on the solicitation description, NIJ is emphasizing methodology and testing, which indicates an expectation for a defensible data collection approach (a credible instrument and process) capable of producing reliable national estimates and trend information, not analysis alone.

What are the expected deliverables or end products?

The end product is intended to generate accurate and reliable national estimates and descriptive information about internet- and technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation, including information tied to arrests. The effort is also intended to improve ongoing ability to track and monitor threats over time through standardized data collection.

Why does the solicitation emphasize testing and methodology?

The emphasis suggests NIJ is seeking results that are defensible and credible at a national level. Developing and piloting the instrument is meant to ensure the data collection works as intended before national deployment, supporting reliable numbers and trends rather than inconsistent or fragmented reporting.

How is this research expected to help law enforcement and policymakers?

The study is intended to help law enforcement and policymakers keep pace with a fast-changing technological environment by identifying emerging threats, evolving offender behaviors, and new investigative problems and concerns. It is also aimed at improving the ability to track and monitor threats as they appear, intensify, or decline over time.

Does the opportunity address investigative strategies and what works?

Yes. Beyond producing national estimates, the research is intended to build a better understanding of which investigative strategies are linked to more favorable outcomes, particularly strategies that improve the protection of children from online victimization.

What type of award is this?

This is a discretionary award offered as a cooperative agreement.

What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?

A cooperative agreement typically means the agency anticipates substantial involvement during the project, such as collaboration, guidance, or ongoing input throughout performance.

What is the funding category for this opportunity?

The funding activity is categorized under science and technology and other research and development.

What is the CFDA (Assistance Listing) number for this opportunity?

The CFDA (assistance listing) number is 16.560, which corresponds to NIJ research, evaluation, and development activities.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad but primarily centered on higher education. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education. The announcement also references additional eligible entities in an "Additional Information on Eligibility" section.

How many awards did NIJ expect to make?

NIJ anticipated a single award (Expected Awards: 1), indicating the intent to fund one lead project rather than multiple separate projects.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $1,000,000.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The solicitation was created on June 20, 2019, and the original closing date was August 20, 2019.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is NIJ 2019 16572.

How does this opportunity connect to Department of Justice priorities?

It is framed as supporting Department of Justice priorities by strengthening the nation’s ability to reduce crime and combat victimization, specifically by improving the evidence base and operational understanding of online and technology-enabled child sexual exploitation.

What makes this effort "national-level" rather than local or regional?

The project is explicitly designed to build a nationwide picture by administering a national data collection instrument and producing national estimates based on standardized information collected directly from law enforcement agencies.

What kinds of insights is the study expected to generate besides counts and estimates?

The solicitation highlights applied insights such as recognizing emerging threats, evolving offender behaviors, investigator challenges, and improving tracking of threats over time. It also aims to improve understanding of investigative strategies associated with better outcomes for protecting children.