Subject:
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Grant application with the U.S. Department of Justice for the 2025 Competitive DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Competitive 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 and related documents for the 2025 Competitive DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Grant on behalf of the Pinellas County Forensic Lab (Forensic Lab).
• This funding opportunity support states and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis to solve crimes and protect public safety by maximizing the effective utilization of DNA technology to process DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
• The County is seeking $470,000 in one-time federal funding to acquire new higher-throughput instrumentation, validate efficient sample preparation techniques, and modernize the DNA extraction process to eliminate the need for ultra-low-temperature freezer storage at the Forensic Lab.
• No match is required for the grant.
• This grant is not budgeted in the FY26 Adopted Budget. If the grant is awarded, it will be expended in FY26 and will be require a Budget Amendment.
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Strategic Priorities:
Health and Safe Communities
2.1 Improve Public Health
2.2 Enhance Community Safety
Summary:
This funding opportunity seeks to support states and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis to solve crimes and protect public safety by maximizing the effective utilization of DNA technology to process DNA samples for entry into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
The County is seeking federal funding to acquire new higher-throughput instrumentation (capillary electrophoresis and Real-time PCR), validate efficient sample preparation techniques (direct-to-amplification and Rapid DNA for forensic samples), and modernize the DNA extraction process to eliminate the need for ultra-low-temperature freezer storage for the Forensic Lab.
Background/Explanation:
The Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory performs DNA analyses of evidentiary materials for the law enforcement agencies operating in Pinellas County, Florida and for the District Six Medical Examiner which serves Pinellas and Pasco counites. DNA analysis requests are accepted for both violent and non-violent crimes.
Fiscal Impact:
Federal funding is being sought in the amount of $470,000.00, for a two-year period of performance from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. No match is required.
This grant is not budgeted in the FY26 Adopted Budget. If the grant is awarded, it will be expended in FY26 and will be require a Budget Amendment.
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:
Department of Justice
Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory
Attachments:
2025 Competitive DNA Grant Solicitation
Intent to Apply Approval
CEBR Eligibility Certification
DOJ Certifications
DOJ Assurances
DNA Program Income Policy