Subject:
Title
Grant application with the U.S. Department of Justice for the Fiscal Year 2025 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Formula Grant 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 with the U.S. Department of Justice for Fiscal Year 2025 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Formula Grants Program on behalf of the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory (Forensic Lab).
• The Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Formula Grants Program funds projects to help improve the timeliness and quality of forensic science and medical examiner services.
• Formula grant funds will be used by the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory to purchase supplies and equipment to improve the efficiency and maintain operation of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Formula funding in an amount of $54,689.99 is available for a 24-month grant period from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027.
• 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 Grant Formula Program will provide federal grant dollars to purchase supplies and equipment for the Medical Examiner’s Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory increase efficiency and forensic capabilities.
Background/Explanation:
The Coverdell Grant Formula 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 timelines of forensic science or medical examiner/coroner services in the state, including these services provided by laboratories operated by the state and those operated by units of local government within the state. The Coverdell Grant Program awards formula funds to Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory who pass through funding for the Medical Examiner’s Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory.
Fiscal Impact:
Federal funding, passed through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, in the amount of $54,689.99 will be provided to the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory for a 24-month period of performance from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027. 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.
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:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory
Medical Examiner’s Office
Attachments:
Intent to Apply Approval
Coverdell Grant Solicitation
Coverdell Formula Allocations
Five Required Coverdell Statutory Certification