Subject:
Title
Grant application with the U.S. Department of Justice for the Fiscal Year 2025 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grants Program on behalf of the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the grant application the U.S. Department of Justice for the Fiscal Year 2025 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grants Program on behalf of the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory.
• The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grants Program improves 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.
• One-time competitive funds are being sought by the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory to purchase supplies and equipment to improve efficiency and maintain operation of the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory.
• The application request is for $495,000.00 in federal funding over 36 months from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028.
• No match is required.
• ME is not expecting awarding of Grant until mid FY26 and will start utilizing in FY27 if awarded.
• This grant is not budgeted in the FY26 Adopted Budget. If the grant is awarded, it will be expended in FY27 and will be requested as part of the FY27 Proposed Budget.
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Strategic Priorities:
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve Public Health
2.2 Enhance Community Safety
Summary:
The Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grants Program provides one-time funding for forensic science laboratories, supplies, and equipment for Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory to increase efficiency and forensic capabilities.
The County is seeking funding to procure and validate a high-resolution mass spectrometer (LC/QTOF or ORBITRAP) for the analysis of novel synthetic drugs (including opioids) in biological fluids submitted in relation to postmortem, DUI, and sexual assault investigations.
Background/Explanation:
The Coverdell Grant Competitive Program awards grants to States and units of local government to carry out all or a substantial part of a program intended to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner/coroner services in the state, including those services provided by laboratories operated by the state and those operated by units of local government within the state. The Coverdell Grant Program awards competitive funds to the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory who pass through funding for the Medical Examiner’s.
Fiscal Impact:
The application request is for $495,000.00 in federal funding over 36 months from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028. No match is required.
ME is not expecting awarding of Grant until mid FY26 and will start utilizing in FY27 if awarded. If awarded will be included in FY27 Proposed Budget.
This grant is not budgeted in the FY26 Adopted Budget. If the grant is awarded, it will be expended in FY27 and will be requested as part of the FY27 Proposed Budget.”?
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this grant application is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Karen Yatchum, Director, Human Services
Partners:
U.S. Department of Justice
Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory
Medical Examiner’s Office
Attachments:
Intent to Apply Approval
FY25 Paul Coverdell Competitive Grant Solicitation
Five Required Coverdell Certifications