BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement - Formula Grants Program
Open Posted
- Opportunity number
- O-BJA-2026-172759
- Agency
-
Bureau of Justice Assistance
Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice
- Applications due
- Award size
- Up to $23,757,080
Opportunity facts
- Assistance listings
- Funding instrument
- Grant
- Category
-
- Law, Justice and Legal Services
- Eligible applicants
-
- State Governments
- Points of contact
-
- OJP Response Center ojp.responsecenter@usdoj.gov (800) 851-3420
- Full announcement
Opportunity details come from Grants.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Bureau of Justice Assistance is awarding formula grants to improve forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services, with applications due October 30, 2026. Only state administering agencies (SAAs) are eligible applicants; states seeking competitive Coverdell funds must apply separately under a distinct NOFO. Cost share is not required.
Total available funding is up to $23,757,080, distributed among approximately 56 eligible states based on population formulas. Each eligible state receives a statutory minimum of $237,571 (one percent of total funds). Award amounts are determined by population-driven allocation; individual state awards vary accordingly.
The 24-month grant period begins October 1, 2026. Applicants must submit the SF-424 form to Grants.gov by October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET, followed by the complete application in JustGrants by November 6, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET.
Funds support one or more of six objectives: improving quality and timeliness of forensic services; eliminating analysis backlogs; training personnel and medicolegal death investigators; addressing emerging forensic science issues and technology; educating and training forensic pathologists; and funding medicolegal death investigation systems for accreditation. Congress designated approximately 61 percent of available funds specifically to address opioid and synthetic drug challenges.
Applicants must submit five mandatory Coverdell statutory certifications addressing plans for forensic science laboratories, generally accepted laboratory practices, laboratory system accreditation (except those funding only medical examiner/coroner offices), use of funds for new facilities, and external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct. Required components also include forensic laboratory accreditation documentation and accreditation status of all state forensic laboratories.
Recipients must submit annual reports with allegations of misconduct and final reports comparing pre-grant and post-grant capabilities, average sample processing times, case acceptance data, and accreditation progress.
The program operates under 34 U.S.C. 10561–10566 (CFDA 16.742).
Synopsis
Under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Grant Program, state administering agencies (SAAs) may be eligible and apply for both formula and competitive funds. This NOFO is ONLY for formula funds. An applicant seeking to apply for Coverdell competitive funds (consistent with 34 U.S.C. § 10563(a)(2)) that are available to eligible states and units of local government would need to apply separately under BJA's FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement-Competitive Grants Program NOFO.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| PKG00294196.pdf |
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