Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant

The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant Program, administered by the District Attorneys Council’s Federal Grants Division in Oklahoma, aims to enhance the quality and timeliness of forensic science services for the criminal justice system. The program particularly focuses on reducing backlogs in the analysis of forensic evidence and improving operational capacity in medical examiner and coroner offices. In 2025, Oklahoma expects to receive $287,541 through the program, of which $258,788 will be available for distribution to eligible applicants. The grant supports a wide range of activities, including the training and employment of forensic personnel, acquisition of laboratory equipment and supplies, enhancement of computer systems, and implementation of new forensic science technologies. Funds may also be used for laboratory accreditation and staff certification through recognized accrediting bodies such as the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board, the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, and the National Association of Medical Examiners. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to allocate at least 55% of their funding toward addressing the forensic impacts of opioid and synthetic drug use. Eligible applicants must be units of state or local government with established forensic laboratories or medical examiner offices that employ generally accepted practices and are either accredited or in the process of seeking accreditation. Agencies must also demonstrate a formal mechanism for conducting independent external investigations into serious misconduct or negligence affecting forensic results. Certification of these processes is mandatory as part of the application. The application process includes submission of several forms and certifications, such as those related to forensic science laboratory planning, accreditation, use of funds for new facilities, and external investigation protocols. Applications must be submitted electronically in both Word and PDF formats by October 26, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. All applicants must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Attendance at a mandatory programmatic and financial meeting is also required for all successful applicants. Awards are expected to begin on January 1, 2026, and end on December 31, 2026. The grant does not support the supplanting of existing funds and prohibits the use of funds for general law enforcement functions, research, purchase of vehicles, or programs in violation of federal immigration law or civil rights requirements. Compliance with strict financial and programmatic reporting requirements, including quarterly and bi-annual reports, is mandatory. While projects may be renewed annually based on merit, funding is not guaranteed beyond the current award cycle.

Emphasize opioid/synthetic drug alignment; ensure all certifications and UEI/SAM registration are submitted to avoid disqualification.