This document serves as a fact sheet on a grant to support crime laboratories with backlogs of DNA samples awaiting analysis; it provides an overview of who may apply and why, maximum award funds, where to find more information, tips for successful grant applications, and how and when to apply.
This solicitation overview provides grant information and resources for entities that may be interested in funding assistance from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) for the DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program, including competitive and formula grants. The grant will provide funding up to $3,500,000 based on a formula, plus up to one million dollars per award for applicants under the competitive/discretionary program. Eligible applicants include city or township, county, or state governments; or public and state-controlled institutions of higher education. The grant’s purpose is to assist existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis for sample entry into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) by providing funding for those laboratories to increase capacity to conduct analyses of crime scene samples for entry into CODIS, in order to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis, and/or to prevent a backlog of forensic and database DNA samples. The document also lists examples of strategies or activities that can be funded, as well as where to get more information about the grant opportunity; it provides five tips for submitting a successful grant application, with details about how and when to apply; and it notes that the System for Award Management (SAM) registration or renewal may take up to 10 business days.