Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement – Competitive Grants Program (United States)

Deadline: 29-Oct-2026

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is offering competitive grants under the FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement—Competitive Grants Program to support forensic science improvement efforts in the United States. Funding ranges from $100,000 to $500,000. The Grants.gov deadline is 29-Oct-2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern, and the JustGrants deadline is 29-Oct-2026 at 8:59 pm Eastern. This is a BJA competitive grants opportunity for the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement—Competitive Grants Program. The program is designed to fund efforts that improve forensic science capabilities and related outcomes, supporting the broader public safety and justice mission of the Bureau of Justice Assistance. Because the provided article text does not include applicant-type requirements, readers should confirm eligibility details in the official solicitation documents linked from the opportunity page. Applicants should review the official solicitation (and any PDF attachments) for the specific project types and priorities. Forensic science improvement efforts can strengthen the quality, reliability, and effectiveness of forensic services used in criminal justice processes. This BJA competitive grant opportunity provides a defined funding range to support science-focused work aligned with the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement program. Use the BJA opportunity page for Opportunity ID O-BJA-2026-172711 and download the PDF solicitation if available. The page indicates two system-specific deadlines: The page shows a closing date of November 5, 2026, but also lists earlier and later deadlines depending on the system. Ensure both submissions are completed by their respective times. The provided source text does not include step-by-step instructions, required documents, or the submission link. Applicants should follow the official guidance in the solicitation PDF and on the BJA page.

Official opportunity page: BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement—Competitive Grants Program (O-BJA-2026-172711)

What is the grant program name and who offers it? The program is the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement—Competitive Grants Program, offered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). What is the funding amount range? The grant size is $100,000 to $500,000. What is the application deadline?

The page lists system-specific deadlines: Grants.gov: October 29, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern and JustGrants: November 5, 2026, 8:59 pm Eastern.

Where are applicants eligible to apply from? The source text indicates eligible location(s) as Latest Grants and Resources in United States. Specific state or jurisdiction limits are not provided in the supplied text. What types of organizations are eligible? The provided article text does not specify eligible applicant types. Applicants should check the official solicitation for eligibility requirements. What project activities does the grant support? The provided text only specifies the focus area as Science. Specific eligible activities and priority areas are not included in the supplied article text. How do I submit the application? The page indicates submission through Grants.gov and JustGrants, with different deadlines for each. Detailed submission steps and required documents are not included in the provided text. Before preparing an application, review the official BJA solicitation for Opportunity ID O-BJA-2026-172711, including the PDF and any instructions on eligible applicants, allowable activities, required documents, and submission procedures. Then plan your Grants.gov and JustGrants submissions to meet the deadlines shown on the opportunity page.