Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement- Competitive Grants Program

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance is offering funding through the FY25 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grants Program. This program supports states and units of local government in improving forensic science and medical examiner or coroner services. The program is intended to enhance the quality and timeliness of forensic science services and to address challenges related to case backlogs, accreditation, training, and the opioid and synthetic drug crisis. It is part of the larger Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Program, which offers both formula and competitive funds. This notice of funding opportunity is for competitive funds only. The total amount available for competitive awards under this opportunity is $4,313,113, with an anticipated number of 14 awards. The maximum award is up to $500,000, and the period of performance is 36 months, beginning on October 1, 2025. States and units of local government may apply, with state applications required to be submitted through their State Administering Agency. Applicants must submit five statutory certifications, including those related to forensic science plans, laboratory practices, accreditation, facilities, and external investigations into allegations of negligence or misconduct. Applications must demonstrate how the funds will improve forensic services, including reducing backlogs, supporting accreditation, and enhancing staff training. The program has six eligible objectives, including improving forensic science or medical examiner services, eliminating backlogs of forensic evidence, employing and training personnel, addressing emerging forensic science issues and technologies, educating forensic pathologists, and supporting accreditation of medicolegal death investigation systems. Approximately 59 percent of funds will be allocated to projects addressing opioid and synthetic drug challenges. Funding cannot be used for research, general law enforcement, or administrative expenses exceeding 10 percent of the grant. Specific limitations exist on use of funds for new facilities, vehicles, or ineligible activities. Applications must follow a two-step submission process. Applicants must first submit the SF-424 form in Grants.gov by October 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The full application must then be submitted in JustGrants by November 3, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Required application components include a proposal abstract, proposal narrative, budget detail form, statutory certifications, accreditation documentation, and other standard disclosures. Applications will be evaluated on statement of the problem, goals and objectives, project design, capabilities and competencies, and budget. Priority consideration may be given to projects supporting law enforcement, combatting violent crime, protecting children, and serving victims of trafficking and sexual assault. Applicants must maintain registration in SAM.gov and JustGrants, and compliance with federal civil rights requirements is mandatory. Award recipients must submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, and a final report describing program outcomes, including backlog reductions and accreditation progress. Recipients must also annually report on any allegations of serious negligence or misconduct in forensic laboratories and their referrals. Awards will be announced through JustGrants, and unsuccessful applicants will receive notification with peer review feedback. Future continuation awards may be considered based on performance, funding availability, and program priorities. For assistance, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center at 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556, or via email at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov. Technical assistance is also available through SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants help desks. Applications should be submitted as early as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues, and waiver requests for late submissions will only be considered if delays result from documented system errors beyond the applicant’s control.

Applicants should begin registrations early, submit applications 48 hours before deadlines, and annotate budgets to highlight opioid and synthetic drug-related activities.