FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Formula Grants Program
🏛 Bureau of Justice Assistance (USDOJ-OJP-BJA)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for state and local criminal justice agencies supporting forensic science lab improvements and operations. State administering agencies (SAAs) can apply for formula funds distributed to eligible states. Units of local government may also qualify. Applicants must support activities that improve forensic science capabilities through equipment, training, personnel, and facility improvements. This is a formula-based program; competitive funding requires a separate application.
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Program description
Under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Grant Program, state administering agencies (SAAs) may be eligible and apply for both formula and competitive funds. This NOFO is ONLY for formula funds. An applicant seeking to apply for Coverdell competitive funds (consistent with 34 U.S.C. § 10563(a)(2)) that are available to eligible states and units of local government would need to apply separately under BJA’s FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement—Competitive Grants Program NOFO.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative and Budget Justification
- Letters of Support from law enforcement and forensic partners
- Evidence of state administering agency authorization
- Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)
- Documentation of forensic science needs assessment
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-514-9354
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.742 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$2,371,061
-
$2,360,916
-
$2,356,933
-
$2,228,122
-
$2,116,296
-
$1,914,411
-
$1,848,206
-
$1,770,702
-
$1,737,962
-
$1,674,977
Top States by Funding
- CA 9 awards $13.1M
- FL 8 awards $7.6M
- TX 4 awards $7.3M
- IL 5 awards $3.6M
- PA 5 awards $3.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.742). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $29,501,981 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
State administering agencies, states, and units of local government may apply. You must be designated as the SAA or work through your state's SAA to access formula funds.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is October 30, 2026. This is a fixed deadline; no rolling submissions are accepted.
What activities does this fund?
Eligible uses include forensic science equipment, facility improvements, personnel training, and lab operational support to enhance forensic capabilities.
How much funding can we get?
Awards are distributed through a formula allocation to states. The total program pool is approximately $23.8 million.
Can we apply for both formula and competitive funds?
No. Formula and competitive applications are separate. You must choose which to apply for or submit both under different NOFOs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your state administering agency early to confirm eligibility and formula allocation amount.
- Align your proposed forensic science improvements with statewide priorities and unmet lab needs.
- Include letters of support from law enforcement partners and forensic science professionals.
- Focus on outcomes: how improvements reduce turnaround time or increase case solvability.
- Review past Coverdell awards to your state to understand funding patterns and priorities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications lack clear connection between proposed improvements and actual forensic lab capacity gaps. Requests exceed state's formula allocation or duplicate activities already funded under competitive grants. Weak cost justification for equipment or personnel without demonstrating operational necessity.
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