Funding Agency:
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

Solicitation Title:
BJA FY25 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Competitive Grants Program

Funding Opportunity Number:
O-BJA-2025-172472

Assistance Listing Number:
16.742

Deadlines:
Grants.gov: October 27, 2025, by 11:59 PM EST
JustGrants: November 3, 2025, by 8:59 PM EST

Program Summary:
Provides competitive funding to states and units of local government to improve forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services. The program supports efforts to:
• Enhance the quality and timeliness of forensic science services
• Eliminate forensic evidence backlogs
• Train and employ forensic laboratory personnel and medicolegal death investigators
• Address emerging forensic science issues and technologies
• Educate and train forensic pathologists
• Facilitate accreditation and certification of forensic and medicolegal death investigation systems

Approximately 59% of available funds will be allocated to address challenges related to opioids and synthetic drugs.

Eligibility:
Eligible applicants include:
• State governments (via State Administering Agencies)
• Units of local government (e.g., counties, cities, towns, boroughs, parishes, villages)
• Federally and non-federally recognized tribal governments

Applicants must submit five required certifications related to forensic planning, laboratory practices, accreditation, facility costs, and external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct.

Financial Information:
• Total Amount To Be Awarded Under This Funding Opportunity: $4,313,113
• Anticipated Award Ceiling: Up to $500,000
• Anticipated Period of Performance Duration: 36 months

Links:
Online Opportunity Page