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File #: 21-2716    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Submit Applications Status: Passed
File created: 6/1/2021 In control: Commissioners Court
On agenda: 6/8/2021 Final action: 6/8/2021
Title: Request by the Institute of Forensic Sciences for authorization to submit an application to the Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance for grant funds in the amount of $689,593, with no required match, for the FY2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program.

To:                                                               Harris County Commissioners Court

 

Through:                                          Luis A. Sanchez, M.D., Executive Director & Chief Medical Examiner, Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences

prepared

Prepared By:                                          Robin Alewine, Grant Analyst, Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences

 

Subject:                                           Grant Item for June 8, 2021 Court Agenda

end

Project ID (If applicable]:  Grant Application #O-BJA-2021-28001

 

Purpose and Request:

title

Request by the Institute of Forensic Sciences for authorization to submit an application to the Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance for grant funds in the amount of $689,593, with no required match, for the FY2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program.

end

 

Background and Discussion:

The goal of this project is to provide assistance for minimizing backlogs by either implementation of new systems or directly impacting existing systems through overtime, training, outsourcing of casework, and supplies.

 

 

Fiscal Impact:

This is a two (2) year grant with a total project cost of $689,593.00.  The project is 100% grant-funded with no cash match requirement.

 

 

Fiscal Summary

 Expenditures

FY 20-21

FY 21-22 Projected

Future Years Projected [3 additional years]

Service Impacted:  [Please provide service or division where expenditure will be used]*

 

Forensic Genetics Laboratory

N/A

Existing Budget

 

0

0

Additional Appropriation Requested

 

0

0

Total Expenditures

 

0

0

Funding Sources

 

 

 

Existing Department Budget

 

0

0

DOJ/Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant

 

 

 

FY2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program*

 

$344,796.50

344,796.50

Total Sources

 

344,796.50

344,796.50

 

 

Alternatives:

 There are very few, if any, alternatives or other resources available for this type of program.  If HCIFS does not receive this award, the program would have to be funded by the general fund. 

 

 

 

 

Alignment with Strategic Objective:

This program meets the goals of the agency by emphasizing process improvement, monitoring productivity and working to optimize operational flow to reduce turnaround time by establishment of key performance indicators.  Regular review by management of activities and statistics allows for evaluation and effective planning to improve turnaround times.

                     

Attachments:

Court Letter

Court Order

Grant Narrative

Grant Budget

Financial Management and Internal Controls Form (needs County Judge’s Signature)

 

 

 

 

To:                                                               Harris County Commissioners Court

 

Through:                                          Luis A. Sanchez, M.D., Executive Director & Chief Medical Examiner, Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences

prepared

Prepared By:                                          Robin Alewine, Grant Analyst, Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences

 

Subject:                                           Grant Item for June 8, 2021 Court Agenda

end

Project ID (If applicable]:  Grant Application #O-BJA-2021-28001

 

Purpose and Request:

title

Request by Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences for authorization to submit an application to the Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance for grant funds in the amount of $689,593.00, with no required match, for the FY2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program.

 

end

 

Background and Discussion:

The goal of this project is to provide assistance for minimizing backlogs by either implementation of new systems or directly impacting existing systems through overtime, training, outsourcing of casework, and supplies.

 

 

Fiscal Impact:

This is a two (2) year grant with a total project cost of $689,593.00.  The project is 100% grant-funded with no cash match requirement.

 

 

Fiscal Summary

 Expenditures

FY 20-21

FY 21-22 Projected

Future Years Projected [3 additional years]

Service Impacted:  [Please provide service or division where expenditure will be used]*

 

Forensic Genetics Laboratory

N/A

Existing Budget

 

0

0

Additional Appropriation Requested

 

0

0

Total Expenditures

 

0

0

Funding Sources

 

 

 

Existing Department Budget

 

0

0

DOJ/Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant

 

 

 

FY2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Program*

 

$344,796.50

344,796.50

Total Sources

 

344,796.50

344,796.50

 

 

Alternatives:

 There are very few, if any, alternatives or other resources available for this type of program.  If HCIFS does not receive this award, the program would have to be funded by the general fund. 

 

 

 

 

Alignment with Strategic Objective:

This program meets the goals of the agency by emphasizing process improvement, monitoring productivity and working to optimize operational flow to reduce turnaround time by establishment of key performance indicators.  Regular review by management of activities and statistics allows for evaluation and effective planning to improve turnaround times.

                     

Attachments:

Court Letter

Court Order

Grant Narrative

Grant Budget

Financial Management and Internal Controls Form (needs County Judge’s Signature)