Legislation Details

File #: 25-6406    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Grant Status: Passed
File created: 10/2/2025 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 10/16/2025 Final action: 10/16/2025
Title: Request by the Institute of Forensic Sciences for approval to submit an application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance/Office of Justice Programs for grant funds in the amount of $500,000, with no required match, for the FY25 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement - Competitive Grants Program.
Primary Department: Institute of Forensic Sciences
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Luis A. Sanchez, M.D., Executive Director & Chief Medical Examiner
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:

Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA

Type of Request: Grant - Application

Project ID (if applicable): O-BJA-2025-172472
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Bureau of Justice Assistance/Office of Justice Programs

MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request

Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): 0%
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Grantor does not allow indirect cost capture

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Institute of Forensic Sciences for approval to submit an application to the Bureau of Justice Assistance/Office of Justice Programs for grant funds in the amount of $500,000, with no required match, for the FY25 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement - Competitive Grants Program.
end

Background and Discussion:
This funding opportunity seeks to improve forensic science and medical examiner/coroner services, including services provided by laboratories operated by states and units of local government. Funding is to be used for forensic science laboratories and/or medical examiner/coroner offices.

Expected Impact:
This program will provide instrumentation intended to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science at the HCIFS. This program is in alignment with both the BJA's and HCIFS's goal to continue backlog reduction initiatives while maintaining industry-accepted professional practices and complying with applicable statutory, regulatory, safety and accreditation requirements.

Alternative Options:
There are few, if any, alternative options for this type of program.

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