BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)-Formula Grants Program
This grant funds state and local crime labs to increase DNA testing capacity and reduce or prevent backlogs of forensic and database DNA samples for CODIS entry.
Funder: Bureau of Justice Assistance
Due Dates: November 4, 2026 (Grants.gov) | November 5, 2026 (JustGrants)
Funding Amounts: Up to $3,500,000 per award; 140 awards expected; no matching requirement
Summary: Formula grants support DNA analysis and laboratory capacity to reduce or prevent forensic and database DNA sample backlogs.
Key Information: Applicants must submit the first application stage through Grants.gov to proceed in JustGrants.
Description
The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Formula Grants Program supports states and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis. The program funds work to process more DNA samples, increase laboratories’ capacity to process samples, or both, for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
The goal is to reduce the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis and to prevent backlogs of these samples. Administered by BJA within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, this opportunity provides formula grants focused on DNA analysis capacity and backlog reduction.
