OpenFederal grantO-BJA-2026-172711

BJA FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement- Competitive Grants Program

Bureau of Justice AssistanceCloses Oct 29, 2026(16 days left)Up to $500,000

Does this fit your business?

This is a federal program for governments and tribal entities that run or oversee forensic science and medical examiner or coroner services, including publicly operated crime labs. If you are a small business, a for-profit lab, or a nonprofit, do not bother applying: the program does not accept for-profit applicants and does not accept nonprofits either. Awards run up to $500,000 with no cost share, and the deadline is October 29, 2026.

Best for
State and local government crime labs and medical examiner or coroner offices, City, county, and state governments improving forensic science services, Federally recognized tribes and tribal organizations running forensic or medical examiner services, Special district governments operating public safety or forensic laboratories
Not for
For-profit businesses of any size, including small businesses and sole proprietors, Nonprofit organizations, Private forensic labs or consultants seeking operating funds
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Agriculture & FarmingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Arts & CultureLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Construction & InfrastructureLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Education & TrainingLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Energy & Clean TechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Environment & ConservationLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Show all 15 industries
Estimated fit by industry, best first
IndustryEstimated fit
Finance & BankingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Food & BeverageLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Healthcare & BiotechLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Housing & Real EstateLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
ManufacturingLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Retail & E-CommerceLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Social Services & NonprofitLimit: This program does not accept nonprofit applicants.
0
Worth Exploring
Technology & SoftwareLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring
Transportation & LogisticsLimit: Only governments, nonprofits, tribes or universities may apply —…
0
Worth Exploring

These are our matcher’s estimates for a typical business in each industry. A real match depends on your size, your state and what you need the money for — check your own fit.

What this funds

Money can be used for
Infrastructure, Operating support, Technical assistance
Who can apply
State and local governments, Tribal governments and organizations
Award range
Up to $500,000

Questions about this grant

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline is October 29, 2026. The opportunity was posted on September 21, 2026.
How much funding can an applicant receive?
Awards range up to $500,000. The smallest award listed is $0, and no cost sharing is required.
Who can apply for this grant?
City or township governments, county governments, state governments, special district governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and other Native American tribal organizations may apply. This program funds improvements to forensic science and medical examiner or coroner services, including publicly operated crime laboratories.
Can a sole proprietor or single-member LLC apply?
No. Only government and tribal entities are eligible; for-profit businesses, including small businesses, may not apply.
Can a nonprofit apply?
No. The eligible applicants are governments and tribal entities only, and the program does not accept nonprofit applicants.

Summary

Federal grants to state and local governments and tribal entities to improve forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services, including publicly operated crime laboratories. Up to $500,000; no cost share required.

About this grant

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY26 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement—Competitive Grants Program. This opportunity funds improvements to forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services, including services provided by laboratories operated by states and units of local government.

Who can apply

Our reading of the listing: for-profit businesses are not eligible for this one.

The listing does not include detailed eligibility text. Check the official listing before you apply.

Topics and uses of funds

Topics

  • Forensic science
  • Criminal justice
  • Public safety

Program contact

Bureau of Justice AssistanceOJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov202-514-9354

Open opportunities funding similar work, from the same funder or in the same place.