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Coverdell Program Certification Form Quick Tips

Forensics TTA | Feb 2026

The Forensics TTA team has developed the following resources to support individuals in preparing certification forms required for inclusion in Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program (Coverdell Program) applications. These ‘quick tips’ documents are intended to provide an overview of elements required for each certification including key considerations for both understanding certification criteria and submitting the accompanying certification form. For each certification requirement, interested applicants are encouraged to refer to the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for additional details and the link to the relevant certification template. Additional questions regarding certification and authorization requirements should be directed to your assigned Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Policy and Programs Office representatives.

  1. Certification Form Quick Tips: Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories
  2. Certification Form Quick Tips: Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures
  3. Certification Form Quick Tips: Forensic Science Laboratory System Accreditation
  4. Certification Form Quick Tips: Use of Funds for New Facilities
  5. Certification Form Quick Tips: External Investigations

Coverdell Program Key Reminders:

  • Under the Coverdell Program, BJA seeks to fund improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner (ME/C) laboratories operated by states and units of local government.
  • The Coverdell Program offers both Formula and Competitive awards under different NOFOs. The two awards have separate application processes.
  • The NOFO contains detailed information about how funds may be used, specific award authorizations/requirements and penalties associated with noncompliance. Before completing an application, the State Administering Agency (SAA) should review the NOFO in detail to ensure understanding of award requirements and reduction of risk for noncompliance.

Certification Form Quick Tips: Plan for Forensic Science Laboratories

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...

Certification Form Quick Tips: Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures

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...

Certification Form Quick Tips: Forensic Science Laboratory System Accreditation

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...

Certification Form Quick Tips: Use of Funds 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...

Certification Form Quick Tips: External Investigations

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...