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): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable):
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): Choose an item.
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Institute of Forensic Sciences for approval to submit an application to the Office of the Governor for grant funds in the amount of $750,000, with no required match, for the FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant Program.
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Background and Discussion:
The purpose of this grant is to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiners services as well as projects seeking to address emerging forensic science. Specific funding has been reserved for projects that support responses to the opioid epidemic.
Expected Impact:
Our program aims to provide assistance in four keys areas: (1) Purchase of scientific instrumentation to maintain and improve methods in Drug Chemistry, Toxicology and Trace Evidence; (2) outsourcing of specialty Toxicology cases; (3) overtime compensation for Forensic Analysts in Drug Chemistry, Toxicology and Trace Evidence; and, (4) purchase consumables to be expended in parts (1) and (3).
Alternative Options:
There are few, if any, alternative options for this program.
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 (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): Choose an item.
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Precinct(s): Countywide
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FY 2026 Paul Coverdell Forensic Sciences Improvement Grant |
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$750,000.00 |
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Anticipated Court Date: 1/9/2025
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): 10/1/2025
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or COVID-19 related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Wendi Welch, Budget Manager
Attachments (if applicable): Notice of Funding Opportunity