BJA FY26 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR)—Competitive Grants Program
Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance
Assistance Listings: 16.036 -- Comprehensive Forensic DNA Analysis Grant Program
Last Updated: September 23, 2026
Description
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) — Competitive Grants Program. This opportunity will increase capacity of states and units of local government with existing crime laboratories to process DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The purpose of the CEBR Competitive Program is to maximize the effective utilization of DNA technology to strengthen evidence-based criminal justice responses. The priorities of the CEBR Competitive Program are (1) to use DNA technology to increase the capacity...
and/or efficiency of publicly funded forensic DNA laboratories to conduct analysis of DNA samples for entry into CODIS and (2) implementing Rapid DNA in the booking station(s) in eligible jurisdictions. The program is designed to fairly and efficiently prioritize jurisdictions facing operational challenges by considering key performance measures reported by publicly funded forensic DNA laboratories.
This program is for Competitive funding only. The BJA FY 2026 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) — Formula Grants Program for formula funding will post at a later date. Eligible agencies may apply for both Competitive and Formula CEBR Funding.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants
Government
- Special district governments
- City or township governments
- County governments
- State governments
Miscellaneous
- Other
Additional information
Other units of local government: For the purposes of this notice of funding opportunity, other units of local government include towns, boroughs, parishes, villages, or other general purpose political subdivisions of a state.
Grantor contact information
Description
OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov
OJP Response Center
Documents
No documents are currently available.
Link to additional information
Closing: November 3, 2026
Award
$--
Program Funding
--
Expected awards
$--
Award Minimum
$4,900,000
Award Maximum
Funding opportunity number:
O-BJA-2026-172680
Cost sharing or matching requirement:
No
Funding instrument type:
Grant
Opportunity Category:
Discretionary
Opportunity Category Explanation:
--
Category of Funding Activity:
Law justice and legal services
Category Explanation:
--
History
Version:
1
Posted date:
September 23, 2026
Archive date:
--
