DNA Forensic Technology Development | INLEA INLCJ 16 002

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the DNA Forensic Technology Development grant opportunity?

The DNA Forensic Technology Development opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number INLEA INLCJ 16 002) is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). It supports practical efforts to strengthen forensic science systems in Central America, with a strong emphasis on DNA forensic technology and the end-to-end processes needed to collect, process, interpret, and use forensic evidence effectively.

What is the main purpose of this grant?

The main purpose is to increase citizen security by helping law enforcement and justice-sector institutions build stronger, more reliable forensic programs that can better support investigations and prosecutions across multiple Central American countries.

Which U.S. government agency administers this program?

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is up to $2,000,000.

How many awards are expected?

The source information lists "Expected Awards" but does not provide a specific number.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The associated CFDA number is 19.703, which corresponds to INL assistance programs.

What is the target region for this program?

The program is focused on Central America and is intended to have impact across more than one country in the region.

Is this program limited to DNA laboratory upgrades?

No. While there is a clear emphasis on improving DNA forensic technology, the program targets the broader system needed for effective forensic evidence use. This includes improving crime scene evidence collection practices, strengthening laboratory operations and staff skills, and improving the courtroom use of forensic evidence.

What kinds of activities does the program prioritize?

Based on the opportunity description, prioritized activities include: developing and implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for improved crime scene evidence collection; strengthening laboratory operations; building institutional and human capacity through training and skills development for forensic scientists and crime scene investigators; and improving how forensic evidence is presented, understood, and used in court.

Why is SOP development emphasized in this opportunity?

SOP development is emphasized because crime scene evidence collection is described as a critical weak point in the forensic chain. Improving SOPs is intended to strengthen the reliability of evidence from the earliest stage of the process.

Who are the intended beneficiaries or stakeholders?

The opportunity is designed to support law enforcement and justice-sector institutions in Central America, including forensic laboratories and personnel involved in crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, and courtroom proceedings where forensic results are used.

Does the program address courtroom use of forensic evidence?

Yes. A core component is improving the courtroom use of forensic evidence. The program is intended to strengthen not only laboratory and training capacity, but also the justice system's ability to present and understand forensic results in legal proceedings to support credible case outcomes.

What is the project period for the grant?

The project period can be up to one year.

What does "practical, capacity-building work" mean in this context?

In the context provided, it refers to implementable efforts that can be completed within a one-year period, such as SOP development and implementation, targeted training, improvements to laboratory operations, and measures that help forensic evidence be used more effectively in court.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligibility includes independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status (with the note that the non-501(c)(3) nonprofit category applies as long as the nonprofit is not an institution of higher education).

Are universities and colleges eligible applicants?

Yes. Both public/state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education are listed as eligible.

Are nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status eligible?

Yes. Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status are listed as eligible, as long as the nonprofit is not an institution of higher education in that non-501(c)(3) category.

What types of organizations are well-positioned to apply?

Based on the description, organizations with the capacity to deliver SOP development, training, technical assistance, laboratory strengthening, and courtroom-oriented improvements are well-positioned. Examples mentioned or implied include universities with forensic science expertise and nonprofit implementers with justice-sector programming experience.

When was this funding opportunity created and when did it close?

The creation date is October 5, 2015, and the original closing date is December 4, 2015, indicating the solicitation was time-bound.

What is the overall intended outcome?

The intended outcome is a measurable improvement in law enforcement effectiveness and justice-sector performance through stronger forensic programs, contributing to enhanced public safety and citizen security across multiple Central American countries.