OpenFederal grantO-BJA-2026-172759

BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement - Formula Grants Program

Bureau of Justice AssistanceCloses Oct 30, 2026(17 days left)Up to $23,757,080

Does this fit your business?

This is a federal formula grant for state governments only, funding forensic science and crime lab improvement, including backlog reduction and medical examiner/coroner systems. If you are not a state administering agency, do not apply; small businesses, sole proprietors, and nonprofits are all ineligible. Local governments seeking Coverdell funds must use the separate competitive program.

Best for
State governments, State administering agencies (SAAs)
Not for
For-profit businesses of any size, Small businesses and sole proprietors, Nonprofits and local governments (for this formula NOFO)
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Arts & CultureLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Education & TrainingLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Environment & ConservationLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Finance & BankingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Food & BeverageLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
ManufacturingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Social Services & NonprofitLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Technology & SoftwareLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
Forensic science improvement, Crime lab improvement, Equipment, Training, Technical assistance
Who can apply
State and local governments
Award range
Up to $23,757,080

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is 2026-10-30.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
The facts list awards ranging from $0 to $23,757,080, but no typical or per-applicant amount is published.
Who can apply for this grant?
Only state governments may apply. This NOFO covers formula funds only; state administering agencies (SAAs) apply, and units of local government would need to apply separately under the competitive Coverdell program.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
No. Only state governments are eligible, so a sole proprietor or single-member LLC cannot apply.
Can a nonprofit apply?
No. The program accepts only state governments, so nonprofits are not eligible applicants.

Summary

Formula grants to state administering agencies to improve forensic science: reduce backlog, improve quality/timeliness of forensic science in criminal investigations, including medical examiner/coroner systems. Only state governments (SAAs) may apply; no cost sharing required.

About this grant

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

Our reading of the listing: for-profit businesses are not eligible for this one.

The listing does not include detailed eligibility text. Check the official listing before you apply.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Forensic science
  • Justice
  • Public safety

Program contact

Bureau of Justice AssistanceOJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov202-514-9354

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