Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance is offering the FY25 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence grant program to support states and units of local government in addressing wrongful convictions through advanced DNA testing. This program aims to defray costs associated with postconviction case reviews, evidence location, and DNA analysis in violent felony cases where results could demonstrate actual innocence. The grant responds to the growing recognition that advances in DNA technology allow for the testing of previously unsuitable or degraded evidence, providing opportunities for exoneration or confirmation of convictions. The program is structured into two categories of funding. Category 1 provides resources to support case reviews and DNA testing in postconviction violent felony cases. Funding may cover personnel, overtime, supplies, testing services, and related expenses necessary to locate and analyze biological evidence. Category 2 offers support to improve the preservation of biological evidence and to modernize record retention systems, ensuring that evidence relevant to postconviction testing is properly maintained and accessible. Awards for both categories are anticipated at up to $1,000,000 each, with approximately 12 awards expected under Category 1 and 2 awards under Category 2. Eligibility for this program is limited to specific entities, including state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, other units of local government, and public or state-controlled institutions of higher education. Applicants that are state or local governments must submit a certification from their chief executive officer confirming compliance with statutory requirements regarding postconviction DNA testing and biological evidence preservation. An additional certification from the state’s chief legal officer is required before funds are disbursed. Awards are subject to compliance with federal laws, including 8 U.S.C. § 1373, which relates to immigration law enforcement. The total funding available under this notice is $8,832,940, and the period of performance for awarded projects is anticipated to begin October 1, 2025, with a 36-month duration. The program does not require cost-sharing or matching contributions. Applications must follow a two-step submission process. First, applicants must submit the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by October 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Second, applicants must complete the full application package in JustGrants by October 17, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to register early in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants to avoid submission delays. The Department of Justice emphasizes adherence to program rules regarding DNA testing, evidence handling, and privacy. All DNA testing must be conducted by accredited laboratories meeting FBI Quality Assurance Standards. No profiles generated under this program may be uploaded to nongovernmental databases without explicit written approval. Additionally, recipients must comply with performance reporting requirements to track progress toward program goals, including the number of cases reviewed, evidence located, and viable DNA profiles generated. Successful outcomes may include both exonerations and the confirmation of convictions, which collectively support the fair administration of justice. Technical assistance for applicants is available through the OJP Response Center, which can be reached at 800-851-3420 or by email at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov. Additional resources and training materials are available through the DOJ Application Resource Guide and the JustGrants submission training portal. Applicants should carefully review these resources, as well as the eligibility and certification requirements outlined in the notice, to ensure compliance. The Department of Justice encourages early submission to mitigate risks of technical issues and strongly advises applicants to monitor the BJA website for pre-application webinar details.

DOJ recommends early submission to Grants.gov and JustGrants (at least 48 hours before deadlines); register early in SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants; monitor BJA site for pre-application webinar; use DOJ Application Resource Guide and JustGrants Training Portal