DOJ to stop using outside experts to help vet competitive grant applicants

The Justice Department is discontinuing its practice of utilizing external experts to review and rank competitive grant applications submitted by law enforcement agencies, victim services groups, and research institutions, raising concerns about the integrity of the selection process and the well-spent funds. The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) have relied on this peer review program for decades to ensure fairness and impartiality in awarding billions of dollars in federal grants.

The peer review process involves hiring independent subject matter experts who evaluate the proposals' feasibility, relevance, and budget appropriateness. Kristina Rose, a former director of OJP's Office for Victims of Crime, stated that eliminating peer review is detrimental, particularly for the National Institute of Justice, which funds specialized criminal justice research.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson explained that peer review has become inefficient and outdated, as it outsources crucial departmental functions to individuals who may lack understanding of the administration's goals and priorities. The DOJ will formally end its peer review program for competitive grants in the fall, shifting the responsibility to internal staff responsible for managing grant awards.