BJA FY 21 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program | O BJA 2021 28001

Opportunity Information: Apply for O BJA 2021 28001

The BJA FY 21 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), focused on strengthening the ability of publicly funded forensic DNA laboratories and DNA database laboratories to handle more work, faster. The central aim is practical and measurable: increase laboratory capacity so jurisdictions can reduce existing backlogs of DNA evidence awaiting analysis and also prevent new backlogs from forming as caseloads grow. In doing so, the program supports broader DOJ priorities around improving access to justice, supporting victims, protecting the public, and reinforcing trust in the criminal justice system through timely and reliable forensic processing.

This funding is designed for states and units of local government that already have crime laboratory operations and need resources to expand throughput. The emphasis is on processing more forensic DNA samples (for casework) and more DNA database samples (often tied to CODIS-related workflows), which can help investigations move forward more quickly, strengthen prosecutions where appropriate, and reduce delays that can affect victims, defendants, and communities. While the opportunity is framed around backlog reduction, its underlying strategy is capacity enhancement, meaning applicants are generally expected to propose ways to increase efficiency, staffing, equipment access, or workflow performance so the lab can sustain improved turnaround times over the long term.

Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, and city or township governments, along with public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, and additional eligible entities as described in the program guidance. The award mechanism is a grant, and the program is listed under CFDA number 16.741. The opportunity was created on May 21, 2021, with an original closing date of June 8, 2021, reflecting a relatively short application window typical of many DOJ solicitations.

In terms of scale, the program anticipated a large number of awards, with an expected 135 grants nationally, suggesting BJA intended broad distribution across jurisdictions rather than a small number of large projects. The maximum award ceiling was $4,250,000, giving applicants room to propose significant upgrades or expansions when justified by backlog size, projected sample volume, and a clear plan for increasing processing capacity. Overall, the CEBR program is best understood as targeted operational funding aimed at helping public DNA labs process more samples, reduce the queue of untested evidence, and improve the speed and effectiveness of the justice system outcomes that depend on timely DNA analysis.

• The Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance in the affordable care act sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BJA FY 21 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.741.
• This funding opportunity was created on May 21, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 08, 2021. (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 $4,250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 135 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for O BJA 2021 28001

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