Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement- Formula Grants Program

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, has released the Fiscal Year 2025 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Formula Grants Program. This program is authorized under the Coverdell law and aims to support improvements to forensic science and medical examiner or coroner services across the United States. The funding is intended to enhance the quality and timeliness of forensic services provided by state-operated laboratories as well as those run by local governments. The program provides formula-based awards to State Administering Agencies, which are responsible for coordinating applications and ensuring compliance with program requirements. Competitive funds are available under a separate notice, while this solicitation applies strictly to formula funds. The program’s purpose is to assist eligible states in addressing backlogs in forensic analysis, training forensic laboratory staff, employing additional forensic personnel, supporting accreditation of laboratories, and improving medicolegal death investigation systems. In addition, funding may be used to address emerging forensic science issues, adopt new technologies, and provide training to forensic pathologists. Congress has placed particular emphasis on supporting efforts that respond to challenges posed by opioids and synthetic drugs, requiring that approximately 59 percent of available funds be allocated to projects addressing those issues unless otherwise affirmed by a state. This ensures that the program not only supports broad forensic improvements but also responds directly to pressing national challenges. The anticipated total available under this funding opportunity is $24,440,975, which represents the formula portion of the broader $28,754,088 estimated for both formula and competitive programs. Funds are distributed among states based on population, with a statutory floor guaranteeing that no state receives less than one percent of the total available funding, currently estimated at $287,541. The anticipated performance period is 24 months beginning October 1, 2025. Permissible expenses include salary and benefits for forensic staff, overtime, laboratory equipment and supplies, computerization, training, accreditation costs, and certain facility-related costs subject to statutory caps. Funds may not be used for research, general law enforcement purposes, or vehicle purchases. Eligibility for this program is limited to state governments, which for the purposes of this solicitation includes the fifty states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Applications must be submitted by the State Administering Agency designated by each jurisdiction. These agencies are responsible for ensuring that their applications include the required certifications, including a plan for improving forensic science services, adherence to generally accepted laboratory practices, accreditation or plans for accreditation, limitations on new facility costs, and a certification that external investigations into allegations of negligence or misconduct are available. States must also include information about the accreditation status of forensic science laboratories within their jurisdiction. Applications must be submitted in a two-step process. Step one requires applicants to submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by October 27, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Step two requires the full application submission through JustGrants by November 3, 2025 at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. States are encouraged to begin or renew their SAM.gov registration as early as possible, ideally by September 26, 2025, and no later than October 13, 2025, to ensure timely application. Applications must include a proposal narrative addressing need, goals and objectives, project design and implementation, and organizational capacity. Additional attachments such as certifications, accreditation documents, and statements regarding opioid-related projects are required. Applications will be reviewed for completeness, compliance with statutory requirements, and alignment with program goals. Awards will be issued through JustGrants, and recipients will be notified via email. Award packages will specify funding amounts, period of performance, and conditions. Post-award, grantees are required to submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, and a final comprehensive report. Coverdell-specific reporting requirements include annual reporting on allegations of negligence or misconduct, referrals, and outcomes. Grantees must also detail forensic backlogs reduced, improvements achieved, and progress toward accreditation. For assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center at 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556, or by email at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov. For technical assistance, help desks are available through SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants, each with specified operating hours. This program represents a key federal investment in advancing forensic science capacity nationwide, ensuring that states and territories can meet current and emerging forensic challenges while safeguarding the integrity of the justice system.

Start SAM.gov early; submit at least 48 hours before deadlines; address opioid-related priorities; include sustainability plan.