Day: February 25, 2026

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) services through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program). Under the Formula Coverdell Program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for funds to improve forensic science and ME/C services provided by laboratories operated by the state or units of local government. The Coverdell law requires state applicants to create a plan for forensic science laboratories supported by the Coverdell Program, and then certify the plan. The plan must outline a strategy for how Coverdell Program funds will improve the quality and timeliness of the forensic services provided.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) services through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program). Under the Formula Coverdell Program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for funds to improve forensic science and ME/C services provided by laboratories operated by the state or units of local government. The Coverdell law requires state applicants to certify that any forensic science laboratory system or ME/C office receiving Coverdell Program funds uses generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures as established by accrediting organizations or appropriate certifying bodies. To meet this requirement, SAAs should demonstrate that Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned to those provided by accrediting organizations or appropriate certifying bodies exist and are in use within the forensic science laboratory system or ME/C office.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) services through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program). Under the Formula Coverdell Program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for funds to improve forensic science and ME/C services provided by laboratories operated by the state or units of local government. The Coverdell law requires state applicants to certify that any forensic science laboratory system receiving Coverdell Program funds is either accredited or, if not accredited, will designate a portion of the funds to prepare and apply for accreditation within 2 years of receiving the Coverdell Program funds. Applications requesting funds solely for ME/C offices within the state are not required to submit this certification.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) services through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program). Under the Formula Coverdell Program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for funds to improve forensic science and ME/C services provided by laboratories operated by the state or units of local government. The Coverdell law requires that each applicant certify that the amount of the grant used for the cost of any new facility constructed as part of a program to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or ME/C services will not exceed certain limitations set forth in the Coverdell law. All applicants are required to submit this certification, even if no funds are proposed to be used for new facilities.

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) services through the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program). Under the Formula Coverdell Program, State Administering Agencies (SAAs) may apply for funds to improve forensic science and ME/C services provided by laboratories operated by the state or units of local government. The Coverdell law requires each applicant to certify the existence of a government entity that has an appropriate process in place to conduct independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct committed by individuals that substantially affects the integrity of the forensic results provided. Such individuals include employees or contractors of any forensic laboratory system, ME/C office, law enforcement storage facility, or medical facility in the state that will receive a portion of the award amount.