BJA FY25 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)- Competitive Grants Program | O BJA 2025 172441

Opportunity Information: Apply for O BJA 2025 172441

The BJA FY25 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Competitive Grants Program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), aimed at helping states and local governments strengthen the capacity of existing crime laboratories that perform DNA analysis. The core purpose is to reduce DNA backlogs and improve public safety outcomes by expanding and optimizing the use of DNA technology to process crime scene and other qualifying biological evidence so it can be uploaded into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). In practical terms, the program is designed to help crime labs move more DNA samples through the pipeline efficiently and effectively, with the end goal of generating eligible DNA profiles for CODIS entry that can support investigations, identify suspects, exonerate the innocent, and connect related cases.

This is the competitive version of CEBR funding, meaning awards are made through a competitive review process rather than by a statutory formula. Applicants who may be a good fit are state governments and units of local government that already operate crime laboratories capable of conducting DNA analysis. The eligibility list includes state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, and certain other entities, but the emphasis is clearly on public agencies with established laboratory operations that can demonstrate an ability to convert added resources into measurable backlog reduction and improved throughput. Importantly, eligible agencies are allowed to apply for both this competitive opportunity and the separate formula-based CEBR program (referenced as FY 2025 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Formula Grants Program, #8211), which creates an option for agencies to pursue multiple funding avenues to support complementary capacity-building needs.

From an administrative and funding standpoint, the opportunity is listed under CFDA 16.036 and falls within the Law, Justice and Legal Services activity category. The funding instrument is a grant, and the opportunity is categorized as discretionary. The opportunity number is O-BJA-2025-172441. The application deadline is October 22, 2025. BJA anticipates making approximately three awards, and the maximum (ceiling) award amount is $1,000,000. The opportunity was created on September 11, 2025. Overall, this program is best understood as a targeted investment in DNA laboratory capacity and productivity, focused specifically on supporting the operational and technological improvements needed to process more DNA samples for CODIS entry and to reduce backlogs that can delay investigations and justice outcomes.

• The Bureau of Justice Assistance in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BJA FY25 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)- Competitive Grants Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.036.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2025-09-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-10-22. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Others.

Apply for O BJA 2025 172441

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