FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—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 states and local government units with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis. Eligible applicants include state law enforcement agencies, local police departments, and other units of local government like towns, boroughs, parishes, and villages.
The program supports DNA processing capacity to reduce backlogs in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Funding may be used to process more DNA samples or increase capacity for DNA analysis.
Projects must involve existing crime laboratory infrastructure with DNA analysis capabilities. No cost sharing is required to apply.
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Program description
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program. This opportunity will support states and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis to process, and/or to increase the capacity to process, more DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), thereby helping to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis and/or to prevent a backlog of forensic and database DNA samples.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Statement of Need
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Proof of laboratory accreditation/certification
- CODIS participation documentation
- Organizational capability statement
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Assistance
- 📧 OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
- 📞 202-514-9354
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.036 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$3,243,893
-
$3,136,178
-
$2,808,230
-
$2,671,284
-
$2,461,059
-
$2,459,640
-
$2,378,897
-
$2,257,585
-
$2,122,317
-
$2,033,717
Top States by Funding
- TX 8 awards $9.7M
- CA 9 awards $9.7M
- NY 10 awards $6.6M
- FL 6 awards $6.0M
- GA 3 awards $3.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.036). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $105,366,613 | |
| 2025 | $253,789 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for this grant?
States and local government units with existing crime laboratories conducting DNA analysis. This includes police departments, sheriffs' offices, and other units of local government.
What can the funding be used for?
Processing DNA samples, increasing laboratory capacity for DNA analysis, and reducing CODIS backlogs. Equipment, personnel, and supplies related to DNA analysis are typical uses.
Is cost sharing required?
No, this is a formula grant with no mandatory cost-sharing requirement.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is October 29, 2026. Check the official BJA website for any updates or rolling acceptance periods.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards range up to $3.5 million, though specific amounts depend on formula allocation and laboratory capacity needs.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly document your laboratory's current DNA backlog and processing capacity to demonstrate need.
- Provide a detailed plan showing how funding will increase sample processing or reduce CODIS backlogs.
- Include data on current DNA analysis turnaround times and projected improvements with new funding.
- Demonstrate existing laboratory credentials, certifications, and quality assurance procedures.
- Align your project with state crime laboratory strategic plans and CODIS participation requirements.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without documented DNA analysis backlog data or capacity assessment. Proposing projects unrelated to DNA processing or CODIS participation. Failing to demonstrate existing laboratory infrastructure and DNA analysis capability.
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