Legislation Details

File #: 26-5132    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Grant Status: Passed
File created: 7/23/2026 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 8/6/2026 Final action: 8/6/2026
Title: Request by the Institute of Forensic Sciences for approval to submit an application to the US Department of Justice for grant funds not to exceed $300,000, with no required match, for the FY 2026 National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program.
Attachments: 1. IFS_DOJ_Application.pdf
Primary Department: Institute of Forensic Sciences
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Pramod Gumpeni, Interim 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):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):

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): 5%
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Rate is not 0% and is listed above.

Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Institute of Forensic Sciences for approval to submit an application to the US Department of Justice for grant funds not to exceed $300,000, with no required match, for the FY 2026 National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program.
end

Background and Discussion:

This grant program is a collaboration between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Office of Justice Programs' (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to provide state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with funding to acquire modern ballistic imaging equipment and implement crime gun intelligence best practices. This program will modernize NIBIN technology at 194 existing sites currently utilizing outdated technology. Grant funds will cover the cost of new NIBIN-compatible equipment and maintenance costs for five years.






Expected Impact:
Replacement of obsolete equipment.

Alternative Options:
Fund the equipment with General Fund dollars or withdraw from providing service.

County Strategic Plan Goal: 1. Make Harris County safer and more just.
County Strategic Plan Objective: B: Reduce criminal legal system exposure that does not advance public safety.
Justice/Safety Initiative ...

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