BJA FY26 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Competitive Grants Program
Competitive grants help state and local crime laboratories expand forensic DNA testing for database entry and implement Rapid DNA at booking stations.
Funder: Bureau of Justice Assistance
Due Dates: November 3, 2026 (Grants.gov) | November 10, 2026 (JustGrants)
Funding Amounts: Awards up to $4,900,000
Summary: Supports DNA analysis capacity and efficiency in jurisdictions with existing crime laboratories, including Rapid DNA implementation at booking stations.
Key Information: Applicants must be states or eligible units of local government with existing crime laboratories.
Description
The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) runs this competitive program to help states and units of local government with existing crime laboratories increase their capacity to process DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Its broader purpose is to use DNA technology effectively to strengthen evidence-based criminal justice responses.
The program prioritizes increasing the capacity or efficiency of publicly funded forensic DNA laboratories to analyze samples for CODIS, as well as implementing Rapid DNA at booking stations in eligible jurisdictions. BJA considers key performance measures reported by publicly funded forensic DNA laboratories to prioritize jurisdictions facing operational challenges.
