BJA FY25 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)- Formula Grants Program

The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Office of Justice Programs and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, is offering funding under the FY25 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Formula Grants Program. This initiative is designed to support publicly funded forensic laboratories operated by states and units of local government that conduct DNA analysis. The program’s primary objective is to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis and to prevent future backlogs, thereby strengthening the effectiveness of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). By doing so, it helps accelerate investigations, resolve cases more efficiently, and support the criminal justice system in delivering timely justice. The purpose of the program is to provide formula-based funding to laboratories for activities that increase their capacity to process more DNA samples for CODIS entry. Eligible uses include analyzing DNA database samples collected under applicable authority, testing crime scene samples, hiring personnel, funding overtime for existing staff, outsourcing samples to accredited laboratories, and upgrading or purchasing equipment, software, or laboratory information management systems. Funds may also be applied to accreditation activities, process evaluations, and renovations that enhance laboratory efficiency. Some expenses are specifically unallowable, such as legal services for undocumented individuals, activities in violation of federal immigration law, and projects not compliant with federal nondiscrimination statutes. Eligibility is limited to state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and other units of local government that own, control, or operate a crime laboratory. States and local governments that only contract for forensic services without directly operating their own laboratory are not eligible. Applicants must also submit a completed DNA CEBR Program Eligibility Certification form. There is no matching requirement for this funding opportunity. Applicants should note that if multiple laboratories exist within a state, they must coordinate their applications to ensure the total request does not exceed the state’s allocation. The total amount available under this opportunity is $87,535,359, with an award ceiling of $3,500,000. The minimum allocation for any state is $600,000. The expected number of awards is approximately 130, and the period of performance will be 24 months beginning October 1, 2025. The formula distribution of funds is based on FBI Uniform Crime Reporting statistics for violent and property crimes, as well as state population size. This ensures that resources are distributed equitably in relation to workload and demographic need. The application process involves two main steps. First, applicants must submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov no later than October 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Second, applicants must submit the full application in JustGrants by October 29, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The JustGrants application includes a project narrative, budget documents, certification forms, and performance measure data. Applicants must also provide baseline backlog statistics and staffing data as part of their proposal narrative. Applications that do not meet the submission requirements will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed for clarity, feasibility, and alignment with the program’s goals. Award decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General. Successful applicants will receive a JustGrants notification with their award package, which must be accepted within 45 days. Post-award requirements include quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, and a final report at the end of the performance period. Laboratories receiving funds will be required to provide performance data that demonstrate how funds were used to reduce backlogs, improve timeliness, and enhance capacity for CODIS entry. For assistance with the funding opportunity, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center at 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556, or by email at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov. Assistance is available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. For technical support with registration and submission systems, applicants may contact SAM.gov, Grants.gov, or JustGrants help desks as specified in the notice. The funding opportunity was released on September 11, 2025, and is open nationwide to all eligible jurisdictions, including U.S. territories.