Project Grant 2019CDBX0063

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Washington, D.C. was awarded a $500,000 Project Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (CFDA 16.742). The grant aims to eliminate the backlog in forensic toxicology reporting through a systems-based approach, including implementing Lean Six Sigma process improvements, utilizing automation, and expanding laboratory capacities. The key deliverables are a measurable...

The Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner (ACOME) Forensic Biology Section was awarded a $320,843 Formula Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance under the DNA Backlog Reduction Program (CFDA 16.741). The grant funding will be used to increase DNA sample throughput and reduce the DNA casework backlog and turnaround time. Specifically, the grant will support capacity enhancements through the purchase of new laboratory instrumentation and supplies. This will enable the ACOME to...

The Pinal County Medical Examiner's Office received a $500,000 federal Project Grant award from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program (CFDA 16.050). The purpose of this 3-year grant is to conduct DNA analyses of 22 unidentified persons under the medical examiner's care, collect 15 familial reference samples from the local community, and coordinate with consulates to obtain up to 225 familial reference...

The Coconino County Office of the Medical Examiner was awarded a $500,000 Project Grant from the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Missing and Unidentified Human Remains (MUHR) Program (CFDA #16.050). The grant will fund initiatives to improve the reporting, transportation, processing, and identification of missing persons and unidentified human remains cases within Coconino County, Arizona, and on tribal lands such as the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe. Key activities...

The City of Tucson is receiving a $471,541 Formula Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) under the DNA Backlog Reduction Program (CFDA 16.741). The grant will fund two Evidence Examination Specialists and two DNA Criminalists to screen, sample, and analyze a backlog of DNA cases, with a focus on homicides and sexual assaults. This is expected to enable the processing of 110 cases consisting of approximately 550 items per specialist and 110 cases with 550 samples per criminalist...

The Arizona Department of Public Safety's Scientific Analysis Bureau (SAB) received a $700,166 Formula Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance under the DNA Backlog Reduction Program (CFDA 16.741) to continue efforts to eliminate the backlog of DNA analysis cases and increase testing capacity. Key products and services to be delivered include: Achieving and maintaining a backlog of zero DNA cases older than 60 days, while reducing turnaround time to 45 days. Maintaining a zero backlog of...

This $472,201 Formula Grant award from the Bureau of Justice Assistance's Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program (CFDA 16.742) supports initiatives to enhance the quality, timeliness, and capabilities of forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services across the state of Arizona. The grant funds will be used to provide training and educational opportunities, hire personnel for overtime, purchase new technology, prepare for accreditation, and cover laboratory...

The City of Mesa, Arizona has been awarded a $291,873 Formula Grant from the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the DNA Backlog Reduction Program (CFDA 16.741). This funding will be used by the Mesa Forensic Services Biology Unit to increase its DNA analysis capacity and reduce the backlog of forensic biology/DNA cases. Specifically, the grant will support: 1) Replacing an aging DNA extraction system and establishing new preventative maintenance/service contracts for...

The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (NYC OCME) received a $974,978 Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program (CFDA 16.036). The grant award, effective October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026, supports the OCME's DNA testing capacity and backlog reduction efforts. Specifically, the funding will enable the OCME to increase available staff hours through overtime, purchase...

The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (COCME) has been awarded a $295,054 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner System Program (CFDA 16.037). This 3-year grant (October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027) will support two forensic pathologist fellowship positions at the COCME. The program aims to recruit, train, and prepare qualified fellows to become board-certified forensic pathologists,...