Subject:
Title
Grant Application with the Office of Justice Programs for the 2016 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Grant to continue funding for the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval by the County Administrator of the grant application with the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) for the 2016 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Grant (DNA Grant) to continue funding the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory (PCFL).
Execution of the Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire.
Project Period 01/01/2017 - 12/31/2018. Total Budget $340,207.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of county services and support
Ensure Public Health, Safety and Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need.
Summary:
The DNA Grant will provide $340,207 to help fund the PCFL. The grant provides for 1.5 DNA Analyst positions, the purchase of equipment, and supplies to maintain workload and the increase in submissions to the PCFL.
Background/Explanation:
Within this program the PCFL will continue to employ one (1) full time DNA Analyst and one (1) part time DNA Analyst. This is a continuation of funding for the positions filled under the fiscal year (FY) 2012 - FY 2015 DNA Backlog awards. The DNA Grant will provide $340,207 in funds over a 24 month period from January 1, 2017 thru December 31, 2018.
The full time Analyst is responsible for DNA analysis for forensic casework to include extraction, amplification, interpretation, and testimony of profiles as well as technical review of other analysts’ casework. The part time Analyst is responsible for DNA analysis for forensic casework as well as extensive technical review duties.
The program also allows for the purchase of equipment and supplies to maintain and increase efficiency and productivity in the laboratory. The laboratory will replace the genetic analyzer that will be at end of service in 2017. Funds from the DNA Grant will also be used to purchase kits and supplies for validation of the new genetic analyzer and associated techniques.
Fiscal Impact:
DNA Grant award of $340,207 over 24 months. There are no matching funds or County dollars required for this grant.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this grant application is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Lourdes Benedict, Director, Human Services
Partners:
Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory at the District Six Medical Examiner’s Office
Attachments:
Intent to Apply DNA Grant FY16
Project Abstract DNA Grant FY16
Financial Management & System of Internal Control Questionnaire
Grant Announcement FY16