2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Formula Grants Program (US)

The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) offers the FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program under funding opportunity O-BJA-2026-172718. This formula grant opportunity supports states and units of local government with crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis to process more DNA samples for CODIS and reduce forensic and DNA database backlogs. The application deadline is 29 October 2026 (time zone not specified in the source). This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) supports states and units of local government that have existing crime laboratories performing DNA analysis. The program’s purpose is to help these laboratories process and/or increase capacity to process more DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). BJA states that the supported work should help reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis and/or prevent backlogs of forensic and database DNA samples. BJA lists the following eligible applicants: Additional eligibility clarification provided in the source: Key eligibility context (from the opportunity description): (The source describes the program’s target capacity; it does not provide additional eligibility thresholds beyond the applicant types listed.) The opportunity is focused on supporting crime laboratories to: Specific allowable activities and priority areas: Not specified in the source excerpt. Applicants should consult the full NOFO for detailed scope. For eligible jurisdictions and institutions with forensic DNA analysis capacity, this program is designed to address operational bottlenecks that lead to backlogs. By supporting increased DNA processing capacity for CODIS entry, the opportunity targets the practical need to move DNA samples through analysis workflows more efficiently and reduce the number of samples waiting for results. Use the BJA link provided in the Grants.gov record: BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program (O-BJA-2026-172718). The Grants.gov excerpt provided here does not include submission steps, required documents, or the application portal details. Time zone not specified in the source. If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically: Contact [contact details removed] (as listed in the source).

1) What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?

The funding opportunity number is O-BJA-2026-172718.

2) Who offers this opportunity?

It is offered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

3) What is the application deadline?

The application closing date is 29 October 2026. The source does not specify the deadline time or time zone.

4) What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is $3,500,000. The source does not specify an award amount per recipient beyond the ceiling.

5) Is matching or cost sharing required?

No. The source lists Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No.

6) Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include public and state controlled institutions of higher education, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, and special district governments (and “other units of local government” as defined in the source).

7) What does the program aim to fund?

It supports states and local government units with existing crime laboratories to process and/or increase capacity to process more DNA samples for CODIS, helping reduce or prevent forensic DNA and DNA database backlogs. Eligible applicants should read the full BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Formula Grants Program announcement linked above to confirm detailed requirements, allowable activities, and application instructions. Then, prepare the application materials in line with the official guidance and submit by 29 October 2026.