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Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program) - Formula

Link

https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bja-2023-171701

Additional Links

Notice of Funding Opportunity (Grants.gov)
Solicitation Overview

Deadline

Application Deadline: May 31, 2023

Sponsor

Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

Purpose

Awards funding to states by formula to improve the quality and efficiency of forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services statewide. Supports efforts by state and local forensic laboratories to eliminate backlogs, especially those caused by the opioid crisis. Funding must be used for one or more of the following objectives:

Implement a program designed to enhance the quality and accelerate the timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner/coroner services in the state
Remove any backlogs concerning the examination of forensic science evidence
Train, support, and hire individuals who are needed to eliminate backlogs, including forensic laboratory staff, and medical and legal death investigators
Address new forensic science concerns and forensic science technology
Teach and train forensic pathologists
Financially support medical and legal death investigation systems to help accredit medical examiner and coroner offices and certify medical and legal death investigators

Funding may be used for the following expense types:

Laboratory personnel salaries and benefits, including overtime pay
Computerization
Laboratory equipment and supplies
Accreditation
Education, training, and certification
Facilities, including renovation and constructions projects
Administrative costs

Amount of Funding

Award ceiling: $2,404,940
Award floor: $312,708
Project period: 24 months
Estimated number of awards: 56
Estimated total program funding: $31,270,782

Fiscal year 2023 estimated Coverdell formula funds by state

Approximately 55% of the total program funding is set aside for projects that specifically address forensic science challenges related to opioids and synthetic drugs.

Who Can Apply

States, including territories, are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted by the designated State Administering Agency (SAA).

Geographic Coverage

Nationwide

What This Program Funds

Buildings and Facilities • Capacity Building • Equipment • New Program • Operating Costs and Staffing • Training Providers

Application Process

Application instructions, requirements, and additional information about the application process can be found in the funding announcement.

Applications must be submitted electronically through a 2-step process:

Step 1: Applicants will submit an SF-424 and an SF-LLL in grants.gov by the May 31, 2023 deadline.
Step 2: Applicants will submit the full application, including attachments, in the JustGrants grants management system by the June 1, 2023 deadline.

Contact

For questions on submitting in grants.gov:
800-518-4726
support@grants.gov

For questions on submitting in JustGrants:
833-872-5175
JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov

For technical questions:
Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Response Center
800-851-3420
TTY at 301-240-6310
grants@ncjrs.gov

Topics This Program Addresses

Healthcare Facilities • Healthcare Workforce • Infrastructure • Justice System • Opioids • Teleservices and Technology