BJA-2026-172759 CV.PDF

OMB No. 1121-0329
Approval Expires 02/28/2027
BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell
Forensic Science Improvement—
Formula Grants Program
Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: O-BJA-2026-172759
Application Deadlines in Eastern Time (ET):
1. Complete SF-424 and submit in Grants.gov: October 30, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET
2. Submit full application in JustGrants: November 6, 2026, by 8:59 p.m. ET

BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
Contents
1. Basic Information ......................................................... 3
2. Eligibility ........................................................................ 4
3. Program Description .................................................... 6
4. Application Contents and Format ............................... 8
5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines ................ 14
6. Application Review Information ................................ 14
7. Award Notices ............................................................. 14
8. Post-Award Requirements & Administration ............ 15
9. Questions? .................................................................. 15
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
1. BASIC INFORMATION
Purpose of the Funding
The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is committed to advancing work that furthers the
U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) mission to keep our country safe and secure and
uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of American citizens. OJP provides federal
leadership, funding, and other critical resources to directly support law enforcement,
combat violent crime, protect American children, provide services to American crime
victims, and address public safety challenges, including human trafficking and the opioid
crisis.
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell
Forensic Science Improvement Grants—Formula Program. This opportunity funds
improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services, including
services provided by laboratories operated by states and units of local government.
Funding is to be used for forensic science laboratories and/or medical examiner/coroner
offices. A state or unit of local government that receives a Coverdell grant must use the
grant for one or more of the following six objectives:
1. To carry out all or a substantial part of a program intended to improve the quality
and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner/coroner services in the
state, including those services provided by laboratories operated by the state and
those operated by units of local government within the state.
2. To eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence, including,
among other things, a backlog with respect to firearms examination, latent prints,
impression evidence, toxicology, digital evidence, fire evidence, controlled
substances, forensic pathology, questioned documents, and trace evidence.
3. To train, assist, and employ forensic laboratory personnel and medicolegal death
investigators, as needed, to eliminate such a backlog.
4. To address emerging forensic science issues (such as statistics, contextual bias,
and uncertainty of measurement) and emerging forensic science technology
(such as high throughput automation, statistical software, and new types of
instrumentation).
5. To educate and train forensic pathologists.
6. To fund medicolegal death investigation systems to facilitate accreditation of
medical examiner and coroner offices and certification of medicolegal death
investigators.
Important Note: Congress has appropriated funding to help the forensic science
community address the specific challenges crime laboratories are confronting related to
the proliferation of opioids and synthetic drugs. To address these issues, BJA plans to
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
allocate approximately 61 percent of available funds to specifically target the challenges
that opioids and synthetic drugs have brought to the forensic science community.
Specific forensic definitions and information necessary to complete this application can
be found at the Coverdell Program website.
See the Eligible Applicants section for eligibility details.
Funding Details
Announcement Type Initial
Assistance Listing Number 16.742
Statutory Authority Pub. L. No. 90-351, Title I, Part BB (codified
at 34 U.S.C. 10561-10566)
Grants.gov Opportunity Number O-BJA-2026-172759
Expected Total Amount of Funding Up to $23,757,080
Anticipated Number of Awards 56
Award Type(s) Grant
Anticipated Award Amount Based on population
Expected Award Period(s) 24 months starting on October 1, 2026
Key Dates and Times
NOFO Release Date September 21, 2026
Begin the process by September 30, 2026
SAM.gov Registration/Renewal
and no later than October 20, 2026
Step 1: Grants.gov Deadline 11:59 p.m. ET on October 30, 2026
Step 2: JustGrants Deadline 8:59 p.m. ET on November 6, 2026
See Questions? at the end of this NOFO for agency contact information.
2. ELIGIBILITY
Eligible Applicants
The types of entities that are eligible to apply are:
Government Entities
o State governments
Cost Sharing (Match) Requirement: This NOFO does not require cost sharing
(match).
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
Additional Eligibility Factors
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.
Any state application for funding MUST be submitted by the Coverdell SAA (see a list of
SAAs on the OJP website at https://www.ojp.gov/funding/state-administering-
agencies/overview). Other interested state agencies or departments must coordinate
with their respective SAAs. SAAs are expected to consider the accreditation status of
forensic science laboratories within their states in formulating their requests for formula
funding.
Certifications: You must submit the following certifications. See Additional Application
Components for how to submit.
The Coverdell law (34 U.S.C. § 10562) requires that, to request a grant, an applicant for
Coverdell funds must submit:
• A certification and description regarding a plan for forensic science
laboratories (state form).
• A certification regarding use of generally accepted laboratory practices.
• A certification regarding forensic science laboratory system accreditation.
Note: Applicants requesting funds for only medical examiner’s offices or coroner’s
offices are not required to submit the certification regarding accreditation. (See 34
U.S.C. § 10562(2)).
• A certification and description regarding use of funds for new facilities.
Note: Applicants must submit this certification even if no new facilities are being
constructed.
• A certification regarding external investigations into allegations of serious
negligence or misconduct and the External Investigations Attachment
Template. In connection with the certification regarding external investigations,
applicants must provide, prior to receiving award funds, the name(s) of the existing
government entity (or government entities). This information is to be provided as an
attachment to the proposal narrative section of the application using the External
Investigations Attachment Template.
Applicants are expected to carefully review the requirements of each certification before
determining whether the certification may be properly made. Detailed information on
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
each certification can be found on the Coverdell Program website. Any certification that
is submitted must be executed by an official who is both familiar with the requirements
of the certification and authorized to make the certification on behalf of the applicant
agency (that is, the agency applying directly to BJA). Certifications must be
submitted using the templates provided on the Coverdell Program website.
3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Statutory Authority
Pub. L. No. 90-351, Title I, Part BB (codified at 34 U.S.C. 10561-10566)
Agency Funding Priorities
In order to advance public safety and help meet its mission, OJP’s priorities include:
a. Directly supporting law enforcement operations (including immigration law
enforcement operations);
b. Combatting violent crime;
c. Supporting services to American citizens;
d. Protecting American children; and
e. Supporting American victims of trafficking and sexual assault.
Unallowable Activities: The following are certain unallowable costs and certain
activities that are out of the program scope and will not be funded.
1. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that, directly or
indirectly, violates (or promotes or facilitates the violation of) federal immigration
law (including 8 U.S.C. § 1373) or impedes or hinders the enforcement of federal
immigration law—including by failing to comply with 8 U.S.C. § 1373, give access
to DHS agents, or honor DHS requests and provide requested notice to DHS
agents.
2. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that violates any
applicable Federal civil rights or nondiscrimination law. This includes violations
that – (1) indirectly violate the law, including by promoting or facilitating violations;
or (2) unlawfully favor individuals in any race or protected group, including on a
majority or minority, or privileged or unprivileged, basis, within a given area,
population, or sector.
3. As specified in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide, in Chapter 3.13 “Unallowable
Costs” (“Legal Services for Aliens”), any obligations of funds, at any tier, under
this award to provide (or to support the provision of) legal services to any
removable alien or any alien otherwise unlawfully present in the United States
shall be unallowable costs for purposes any award made under this notice, but
the foregoing shall not be understood to apply— (1) to legal services to obtain
protection orders for victims of crime; or (2) to immigration-related legal services
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
that may be expressly authorized or required by any law, or any judicial ruling,
governing or applicable to the award.
Goals and Objectives of This Funding Opportunity
Goal 1: Improve quality of forensic science services.
• Objective 1: Carry out all or a substantial part of a program intended to improve the
quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner/coroner services in
the state, including those services provided by laboratories operated by the state
and those operated by units of local government within the state.
• Objective 2: Address emerging forensic science issues (such as statistics,
contextual bias, and uncertainty of measurement) and emerging forensic science
technology (such as high throughput automation, statistical software, and new types
of instrumentation).
• Objective 3: Educate and train forensic pathologists.
• Objective 4: Fund medicolegal death investigation systems to facilitate accreditation
of medical examiners and coroner offices and certification of medicolegal death
investigators.
Goal 2: Improve timeliness of forensic science services.
• Objective 1: Eliminate backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence,
including, among other things, backlogs with respect to firearms examination, latent
prints, impression evidence, toxicology, digital evidence, fire evidence, controlled
substances, forensic pathology, questioned documents, and trace evidence.
• Objective 2: Train, assist, and employ forensic laboratory personnel and
medicolegal death investigators to eliminate such a backlog.
Expected Outcomes
OJP expects recipients to submit deliverables and performance reports, as described
below. Read the Application Resource Guide for more information. OJP will measure
success by reviewing a recipient’s submission of performance reports and data and the
extent to which project implementation reflects progress toward the goals and objectives
of this NOFO.
Deliverables
Recipients will be expected to submit the following:
• On an annual basis, an addendum report that shall be attached to the semi-annual
performance report that is due January 30 of each year which shall include:
o The number and nature of any allegations of serious negligence or
misconduct.
o Information on the referrals of such allegations of serious negligence or
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
misconduct (e.g., the government entity or entities to which referred, the
date of referral).
o The outcome of such referrals (if known as of the date of the report).
o If any such allegations were not referred, the reason(s) for the nonreferral.
• A final report that must include the following:
o A summary and assessment of the program carried out with this grant,
which shall include a comparison of pre-grant and post-grant forensic
science capabilities.
o The average number of days between submission of a sample to a
forensic science laboratory or forensic science laboratory system in the
state operated by the state or by a unit of local government and the
delivery of test results to the requesting office or agency.
o The number and type of cases accepted during the grant award period by
the forensic laboratory or laboratories that received grant funds.
o The progress of any unaccredited forensic science service provider
receiving grant funds toward obtaining accreditation.
Performance Reports
OJP requires recipients to submit regular performance reports that communicate
progress toward achieving Program Goals and Objectives. Read information on
performance reporting.
Award recipients will receive further guidance on post award reporting requirements.
4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT
Application Contents List
The table below lists the contents for your application. Refer to the DOJ Grant
Application Submission Checklist for application instructions.
Application Item Submission Type
Step 1: Grants.gov
Application for Federal Assistance: SF-424 Online Form
Step 2: JustGrants
Standard Applicant Information Online Form
Proposal Abstract Text Box
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
Application Item Submission Type
Data Requested With Application
• Financial Management and System of Internal
Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant Online Form
Disclosure of High-Risk Status)
• Agency Funding Priorities Inventory
Proposal Narrative Attachment
Budget Attachment
Other Budget/Financial Attachments
• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)
• Consultant Rate (if applicable)
Attachment
• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee
Compensation for Awards Over $250,000; Waiver (if
applicable)
Additional Application Components
• Coverdell Statutory Certifications:
o Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science
laboratories—Application from a State
o Certification as to Generally Accepted
Laboratory Practices and Procedures
o Certification as to Forensic Science
Laboratory System Accreditation
o Certification as to Use of Funds for New
Facilities
o Certification as the External Investigations Attachment
and External Investigations Attachment
• Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Documentation
• Accreditation Status of All Forensic Laboratories
within the State
• Statement Regarding Proposed Use of Funds to
Address Challenges Posed by Opioids and/or
Synthetic Drugs
• Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable)
• Timeline
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
Standard Applicant Information
Review and edit as needed the information imported from the SF-424 submitted in
Grants.gov. Add ZIP codes for areas affected by the project.
Proposal Abstract
In JustGrants, enter a proposal abstract (limited to 2,000 characters) summarizing the
proposed project. As abstracts for funded projects are public, do not include any
personally identifying information (e.g., staff names). The abstract should include the
following information:
• The name of the applicant’s proposed project.
• The purpose of the proposed project (i.e., what the project will do and why it is
necessary).
• Where the project will take place (i.e., the service area, if applicable).
• Who will be served by the project (i.e., who will be helped or have their needs
addressed by the project).
• What activities will be carried out to complete the project.
• The subrecipient(s)/partner organizations or entities, if known.
• Deliverables and expected outcomes (i.e., what the project will achieve).
View an example of a proposal abstract.
Data Requested With Application
Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including
Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)
Review information on this questionnaire.
Proposal Narrative
Format of the Proposal Narrative
Submit the narrative as an attachment in JustGrants. The document should:
• Be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point size font
• Have no less than 1-inch margins
• Have numbered pages
• Not exceed 10 pages
Tables, charts, and graphs included in the proposal narrative will count toward the page
limit and may use a legible font smaller than 12-point.
Sections of the Proposal Narrative
The Proposal Narrative must include the four sections listed below.
1. Description of the Need: What critical issue or problem do you propose to address
with this project? Please include:
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
• A brief explanation of the need, gap, or issue to be addressed by the proposed
project.
• Supporting information, data, or evidence to demonstrate the need’s existence,
size, and impact on the target population and community.
• How the need relates to the purpose of the NOFO.
2. Project Goals and Objectives: How will the proposed project address the need
identified and address the purpose of the NOFO? Please include:
• Project goals (goals are broad, visionary statements on what you hope to
accomplish).
• Project objectives (objectives are specific outcomes you plan to achieve through
project activities).
• How your project goals and objectives relate to the goals and objectives of the
funding opportunity.
3. Project Design and Implementation: How will you implement project activities that
meet the project goals and objectives? Please include:
• What activities you will conduct to achieve the proposed goals and objectives.
• How you will deliver or complete those activities.
• When the activities will take place.
• Who in your organization will staff the activities, including key staff.
• Who will participate in and benefit from the activity.
• What deliverables, reports, and other items will be produced as part of the
project.
• If you plan to use subrecipients to help conduct the project, please name them (if
they are known) or describe how you will identify them. Please describe their role
in conducting project activities.
4. Capabilities and Competencies: What administrative and technical capacity and
expertise do you bring to successfully complete this project? Please include:
• A short description of your capacity to deliver the proposed project and meet the
post-award requirements, if funded.
• A description of projects or activities your organization has conducted, or is
currently conducting, that demonstrates your ability to undertake the proposed
project activities.
• A summary of relevant experience of team members with key responsibilities for
implementing the project.
Project Evaluations: An applicant that proposes to use award funds to conduct project
evaluations must follow the guidance on project evaluations.
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
Budget and Associated Documentation
Budget
Use the Budget Detail Worksheet Separate Attachment (attach file in JustGrants) to
submit the budget. Read information on budget preparation and JustGrants Application
Submission Training.
• List each cost needed to implement the project under the appropriate cost
category.
• Clearly name and describe each cost.
• Show the computation of each cost (e.g., cost per unit, number of units, and total
cost).
• Enter narrative, as needed, to explain the cost calculations and connection to
your project goals, objectives, and activities.
• Include only costs that are reasonable, allocable, and necessary to implement
the project. They must be allowable under the funding statute and agency
requirements.1
The following information specific to this funding opportunity will help you develop your
project budget:
Availability of funds: Eighty-five percent ($23,757,080) of the available Coverdell
funds will be allocated among eligible states based on population through the Coverdell
Formula Program. The approximate amount each eligible state could receive can be
found in the Estimated Amount of FY 2026 Base Funds by State.
The Coverdell law sets a floor for the total amount an eligible applicant state will receive
as its Coverdell grant at 1 percent of total funds available. If $23,757,080 of funds are
available for FY 2026, the minimum Coverdell grant to an eligible state would be not
less than $237,571. In that case, if the amount a state would otherwise receive as its
total Coverdell funding (including both formula funds and any competitive funds) is less
than $237,571, BJA will increase that state’s total funding to $237,571.
Permissible and Impermissible Expenses
Review the list of permissible and impermissible expenses under the Coverdell
Program on the Coverdell Program website prior to submitting your application.
Budget/Financial Attachments
• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable): If the budget includes indirect
costs calculated using a current, federally approved indirect cost rate, upload
your indirect cost rate agreement. Read information about indirect costs.
• Consultant Rate (if applicable): Read information on limits to consultant rates
and whether you need to request approval to exceed those limits.
1 See 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. Read information on
unallowable costs that apply to all funding opportunities.
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation for Awards
Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable): Read information on this limitation to
determine whether you need to submit a waiver.
• Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable):
Applicants to this funding opportunity are not required to provide this disclosure.
Additional Application Components
Attach these in JustGrants:
• Coverdell Statutory Certifications: As described above in the Eligibility section,
the Coverdell law provides that, to request a grant, each applicant must submit
five certifications specific to the Coverdell Program.
o Certification as to Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories—Application
from a State.
o Certification as to Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and
Procedures.
o Certification as to Forensic Science Laboratory System Accreditation.
▪ Applicants requesting funds for only medical examiner’s offices or
coroner’s offices in the state are not required to submit this certification.
o Certification as to Use of Funds for New Facilities.
▪ Applicants must submit this certification even if no new facilities are being
constructed.
o Certification as to External Investigations and External Investigations
Attachment.
• Forensic Laboratory Accreditation Documentation: Applicants should provide
documentation of current accreditation with the application for any accredited
laboratory (including a subrecipient laboratory) that is to receive funds under the
FY 2026 Coverdell award. Per 34 U.S.C. § 10562 (2), such an accrediting body
would be “an accrediting body that is a signatory to an internationally recognized
arrangement and that offers accreditation to forensic science conformity
assessment bodies using an accreditation standard that is recognized by that
internationally recognized arrangement.”
• Accreditation Status of All Forensic Laboratories within the State: Each
applicant is to prepare a list of all forensic science laboratories in the state
specifying their accreditation status, the name of the accrediting body and the
scope of each accreditation.
o SAAs are expected to consider the accreditation status of all forensic
science laboratories within their states.
o For each forensic science laboratory within the state lacking accreditation,
the SAA is to request funds in its application budget and include plans in
its program narrative for such laboratories to prepare and apply for
accreditation.
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
• Statement Regarding Proposed Use of Funds to Address Challenges Posed
by Opioids and/or Synthetic Drugs: A state that does not intend to use at least
61 percent of its FY 2026 Coverdell allocation for opioid and/or synthetic drug-
related projects, must affirm this in writing. This statement should specify the
approximate percentage and be signed by the authorized representative of the
applicant.
• Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable): Read information on whether you
may need to submit a Tribal Authorizing Resolution.
• Timeline: Provide a timeline listing key activities and milestones, and the
quarters during which they will take place.
Disclosures and Assurances
Read the disclosures and assurances and complete them in JustGrants:
• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities
• Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items (if applicable)
• DOJ Certified Standard Assurances
• DOJ Certifications
• Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High-Risk Grantees (if applicable)
5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES
The DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist provides instructions for how to submit
your application by the deadlines. Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 (Intergovernmental
Review of Federal Programs) does apply to this funding opportunity: read the
Application Resource Guide for details. Read OJP’s policy for applicants to request late
submission due to technical difficulties, severe weather, or natural or manmade
disasters.
6. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION
OJP will review applications to ensure the information presented is reasonable,
understandable, measurable, achievable, and consistent with the goals of the funding
opportunity. See the Application Resource Guide for information on the application
review process for formula grants, including risk review, and the deciding official.
7. AWARD NOTICES
Read about the award notification process.
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BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
8. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS & ADMINISTRATION
Read the Application Resource Guide for more information about: standard award terms
and conditions, administrative and national policy requirements, and post-award
reporting requirements.
Potential Environmental Impact: Grant programs that involve chemicals must comply
with NEPA requirements.
9. QUESTIONS?
Name: OJP Response Center
Phone: 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556 (TTY for hearing-
NOFO Contact impaired callers only)
Email: OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday
Website: sam.gov/help
SAM.gov Help Desk Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday (closed federal
holidays)
Phone: 800-518-4726
Email: support@grants.gov
Grants.gov Help Desk Website: grants.gov/support
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed federal
holidays)
Phone: 833-872-5175
Email: JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov
JustGrants Help Desk Hours: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday and 9:00
a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sunday, and federal
holidays.
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