The BJA FY26 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Competitive Grants Program is designed to help state and local governments with crime labs improve their ability to process DNA samples. This will help get more DNA data into the national database, CODIS, and improve the criminal justice system's efficiency. The grant focuses on boosting lab capacity and implementing Rapid DNA technology in booking stations.
Who it's for: This grant is for state and local government agencies that have publicly funded forensic DNA laboratories. These entities should be looking to enhance their lab's capacity to process DNA samples or to implement Rapid DNA technology.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of a publicly funded forensic DNA laboratory
- Not a state or local government entity
- Inability to report key performance measures
- Not planning to use funds for DNA capacity enhancement or Rapid DNA implementation
What You May Need
- Proof of publicly funded forensic DNA laboratory
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget plan
- Performance measures report
- Registration with grants.gov
- DUNS number
- SAM registration
Cautions
- This is a competitive grant, so not all applicants will receive funding.
- Ensure all performance measures are accurately reported.
- The program is separate from the Formula Grants Program.
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include state governments, city or township governments, county governments, and special district governments. These entities must have publicly funded forensic DNA laboratories to qualify for this grant.
Overview
This grant is for state and local government agencies that have publicly funded forensic DNA laboratories. These entities should be looking to enhance their lab's capacity to process DNA samples or to implement Rapid DNA technology.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Lack of a publicly funded forensic DNA laboratory
- Not a state or local government entity
- Inability to report key performance measures
- Not planning to use funds for DNA capacity enhancement or Rapid DNA implementation
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to increase the capacity and efficiency of forensic DNA laboratories, including the purchase of equipment, hiring of additional staff, and implementation of Rapid DNA technology in booking stations.
Cost Sharing
Not Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Sep 23, 2026
- Deadline
- Nov 3, 2026(40 days)
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- Early 2027
Application Checklist
- Verify eligibility as a state or local government with a forensic DNA lab
- Prepare a detailed project proposal
- Develop a comprehensive budget plan
- Compile performance measures report
- Register on grants.gov
- Obtain a DUNS number
- Ensure SAM registration is current