DNA Forensic Technology Development | INLEA INLCJ 16 002

Opportunity Information: Apply for INLEA INLCJ 16 002

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). Its purpose is to strengthen forensic science capabilities in Central America, with a clear emphasis on improving DNA forensic technology and the broader systems needed to collect, process, interpret, and use forensic evidence effectively. The overall aim is to increase citizen security by helping law enforcement and justice-sector institutions build stronger, more reliable forensic programs that can support investigations and prosecutions across multiple Central American countries.

This grant focuses on practical, capacity-building work that can be completed within a project period of up to one year. The program is designed to support the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) that improve how forensic evidence is collected at crime scenes, which is often a critical weak point in the forensic chain. Beyond SOP development, the opportunity emphasizes building institutional and human capacity by strengthening laboratory operations and enhancing the skills of forensic scientists and crime scene investigators. Another core component is improving the courtroom use of forensic evidence, meaning the program is not limited to lab upgrades or training alone, but also targets the ability of justice systems to present and understand forensic results in legal proceedings, supporting more credible and effective case outcomes.

The funding instrument is a grant, with an award ceiling of up to $2,000,000. While the source information lists "Expected Awards" without a number, the ceiling indicates relatively substantial support is available for proposals with regional impact and clear deliverables. The associated CFDA number is 19.703, which corresponds to INL assistance programs. Key dates provided include a creation date of October 5, 2015, and an original closing date of December 4, 2015, indicating it was a time-bound solicitation.

Eligibility is broad and includes independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and nonprofit organizations both with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as the nonprofit is not an institution of higher education in the non-501(c)(3) category). In practical terms, this allows a wide range of potential applicants, including universities with forensic science expertise, nonprofit implementers with justice-sector programming experience, and other eligible entities capable of delivering training, technical assistance, SOP development, laboratory strengthening, and courtroom-oriented improvements.

In summary, this opportunity is centered on improving DNA and forensic science systems in Central America through a one-year, grant-funded initiative that strengthens the entire forensic workflow: better crime scene evidence collection through SOPs, stronger laboratory and staff capacity, and more effective use of forensic evidence in court. The intended outcome is a measurable improvement in law enforcement effectiveness and justice-sector performance that contributes to enhanced public safety across more than one country in the region.

• The Bureau of International Narcotics-Law Enforcement in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "DNA Forensic Technology Development" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.703.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2015-10-05.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2015-12-04. (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 $2,000,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.

Apply for INLEA INLCJ 16 002

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: