GRANT TITLE: PAUL COVERDELL FORENSIC SCIENCE IMPROVEMENT GRANT (COVERDELL)

OVERVIEW: The purpose of the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement  Grant is to improve the quality of forensic science services for the criminal justice system and to reduce the backlog of forensic evidence in criminal justice cases.

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for funding from the NFSIA Grant, an applicant must be one of the following:

1) A unit of local government (i.e., city, town, county) that has an established forensic science laboratory or medical examiner’s office that:

• Employs generally accepted practices and procedures as established by the appropriate accrediting organization.
   
• Is accredited or seeking accreditation, by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB).
  
  
• Employs generally accepted practices and procedures as established by appropriate accrediting organizations and is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners/American Board of Forensic Toxicologists.
  
  
• Is actively seeking, or in process of obtaining, IAI certification as outlined in state statute.

2) Each applicant must be able to certify that a government entity exists and an appropriate process is in place to conduct independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct by employees or contractors substantially affecting the integrity of forensic results.

BOARD PRIORITIES: The Forensic Science Task Force, comprised of nine members uses a consensus decision-making process in determining the use of the grant funds.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION: The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grant application period is closed. It is anticipated that funds will be available in 2011.   

TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION: To participate in this grant program, please submit a request letter to the District Attorneys Council, Federal Grants Division by December 31st for consideration in the next funding cycle.