FY2015 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Grant

The Criminal Justice Council (CJC) is the applicant/fiscal agent for these funds and proposes to utilize the formula grant funding of $63,000 for FY15 to fund an as of yet unidentified agency to provide services in conjunction with the intent of the Coverdell funds.
A request for proposals (RFP) will be written and distributed throughout the state through the various CJC listservs and the agency website to ensure thorough dissemination of this funding opportunity. The entirety (100%) of grant funds will be sub-awarded to provide services intended to: improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services, eliminate backlogs in the analysis of general forensic evidence and/or train and employ forensic laboratory personnel to eliminate backlogs for a period of one year.
Due to the amount of funds available, the CJC has prioritized that funds be used for the elimination of backlogs, personnel, laboratory equipment, computerization and training. Funds will not be used for the renovation or construction of any facilities. At this time, there is one state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME). For this reason it is inundated with cases and some agencies are beginning to contract with outside agencies for forensic analysis. Although the OCME maintains responsibility for entering cases into CODIS, the actual analysis is being contracted elsewhere. Based on preliminary information gathering, if the funds received are not sub-awarded to the OCME, they will most likely going to a state or local law enforcement agency. Until proposals are received by the Criminal Justice Council, it cannot be stated with certain who will be sub-awarded these grant funds.

nca/ncf