Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Grant Program

The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Grant Program, administered by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs (OHSJP), is designed to enhance the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services. As South Carolina’s State Administrative Agency (SAA) for this federal grant program, the OHSJP distributes funds to eligible state and local governmental units for projects aimed at addressing critical forensic challenges. This grant is especially responsive to issues caused by the proliferation of synthetic drugs and opioids, which have overwhelmed crime laboratories and medical examiner offices across the country. To this end, approximately 56% of the state’s allocation will specifically target opioid-related forensic science needs. Eligible applicants for the program include state agencies and units of local government, such as cities, counties, and townships. While entities like police departments, sheriff’s offices, and coroner’s offices are not permitted to apply directly, they may serve as implementing agencies under the legal authority of their city or county government. Notably, non-accredited laboratories are allowed to participate, provided they commit to using grant funds for accreditation purposes and demonstrate intent to apply for accreditation within two years of receiving the sub-award. Acceptable accrediting bodies include ANAB, NAME, A2LA, and IAC&ME. The grant supports a range of expenditures critical to forensic operations. Allowable uses include hiring forensic staff, purchasing laboratory equipment and supplies, implementing new forensic technologies, enhancing medical examiner services, training forensic pathologists, and addressing backlogs in various forensic disciplines such as toxicology, firearms examination, digital forensics, and more. Education and training must be directly related to improving forensic services. Costs associated with constructing new facilities are permissible but must not exceed specific statutory limits, and must be justified and described in the application. Applicants are required to submit a series of signed statutory certifications as part of their application. These include documentation of a forensic science plan, adherence to accepted laboratory practices, a commitment to laboratory accreditation, and the existence of an independent external process for investigating allegations of serious negligence or misconduct. Supporting documentation, including a checklist and accreditation records (if applicable), must be submitted with the application through the IntelliGrants platform. Applications for the FY2026 Coverdell Program must be submitted by Friday, April 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. through IntelliGrants, the SCDPS web-based grants management system. First-time agency administrators must register by March 20, 2026. The grant period runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. Notifications of funding decisions are expected in June 2026. Award recipients must comply with post-award reporting requirements, including semiannual progress and quarterly financial reports. A final report is also required, which must summarize program impact, identify case volumes, and assess improvements in service quality and timeliness. Applicants must also report on referrals related to serious forensic misconduct. Projects must include performance measures such as reductions in processing time and forensic backlogs, and participation in training programs. This program represents a significant opportunity for South Carolina forensic science agencies to advance their capabilities and address the complex challenges posed by evolving drug trends, backlogs, and accreditation standards. Through targeted investments in personnel, technology, and training, the Coverdell program seeks to enhance justice outcomes statewide.