Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner System Program

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance is offering the FY25 Strengthening the Medical Examiner-Coroner System Program to address nationwide capacity challenges in the medicolegal death investigation field. These challenges are tied to strict autopsy limits imposed on certified pathologists, compounded by the rising number of opioid-related deaths and the residual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this funding, BJA aims to expand the pool of certified forensic pathologists and improve the consistency and quality of death investigations across the United States. The statutory authority for these awards is provided under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2025. The program is divided into two categories of funding. Category 1 supports forensic pathology fellowships, allowing institutions with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited programs to host up to two fellows. Awards are expected to be $150,000 for one fellow or $300,000 for two fellows. Category 2 funds medical examiner and coroner offices to achieve or maintain accreditation from recognized accrediting organizations such as the National Association of Medical Examiners or the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. Awards in this category are capped at $100,000. Both categories are intended to strengthen the workforce and ensure offices adhere to nationally recognized standards. The total amount available under this program is approximately $1,750,000, with an anticipated 6 awards for forensic pathology fellowships and 7 awards for accreditation projects. The period of performance for all funded projects is 36 months, beginning on October 1, 2025. Allowable expenses under Category 1 include fellow stipends, loan repayment, recruitment travel, equipment, certification fees, training, and medical license reimbursement. Category 2 allows expenditures on personnel, equipment, accreditation fees, and travel related to accreditation. Prohibited costs across both categories include supplanting state or local funds, construction costs, administrative costs exceeding 10 percent, and vehicle purchases. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, township, and tribal governments; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status; and for-profit entities other than small businesses. Category 1 applicants must demonstrate that their forensic pathology fellowship program meets ACGME standards, while Category 2 applicants must be medical examiner or coroner offices actively seeking or maintaining accreditation. An entity may submit multiple applications if they are for distinct projects, but separate applications are required for each funding category. Subrecipients may be included in multiple projects, but only one applicant may serve as the lead entity. Applications must be submitted in a two-step process. Step 1 requires submission of the SF-424 form through Grants.gov by October 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Step 2 requires submission of the complete application through JustGrants by October 14, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. ET. Applications must include a proposal abstract, a detailed proposal narrative addressing need, goals, implementation, and capacity, a budget detail form, and other supporting documents such as resumes of key staff, accreditation certificates, and organizational charts. Required disclosures include lobbying activities, duplication of cost items, and standard DOJ assurances and certifications. Applications will first be screened for eligibility and completeness. Those meeting the basic requirements will undergo merit review by peer reviewers, who will evaluate based on the problem statement, project goals, design, applicant capacity, data collection plan, budget, and expected outcomes. Proposals aligning with DOJ priorities such as supporting law enforcement, reducing violent crime, aiding victims, and protecting children may receive priority consideration. Following peer review, applications will also undergo programmatic and financial review, including risk assessments and checks against SAM.gov exclusion lists. Award notifications will be issued through JustGrants. Successful applicants will receive an official award package containing conditions of the grant, which must be accepted or declined within 45 days. Post-award requirements include quarterly financial reports, semiannual performance reports, and final closeout reports. Awardees must comply with federal civil rights and nondiscrimination laws, financial management standards, and any additional DOJ award conditions. The Bureau of Justice Assistance may evaluate projects to measure outcomes and identify best practices. All questions about this opportunity may be directed to the OJP Response Center at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov or 800-851-3420.

Submit early in Grants.gov and JustGrants, provide detailed budget justifications, ensure category clarity, and address DOJ priorities.