Subject:
Title
Grant application with the U.S. Department of Justice for the 2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction 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 of related documents for the 2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction Grant on behalf of the Pinellas County Forensic Lab (Forensic Lab).
• Grant application to provide recurring funding for the Forensic Lab.
• The grant supports Forensic Lab capacity to reduce and avoid backlogs through 1.5 DNA Analyst positions along with equipment and supplies.
• The grant application is seeking funding in the amount of $300,000.00 over two years. No match is required for the grant.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety & Welfare
2.2 Be a facilitator, convener, and purchaser of services for those in need
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of the county services and support
Summary:
The DNA program seeks to increase the capacity of publicly funded forensic DNA laboratories to process more samples and reduce potential backlog of samples awaiting analysis. This grant continues to provide annual recurring funding to supplement the Pinellas Forensic Lab with 1.5 DNA Analyst positions and equipment/supply purchases to maintain DNA case workload.
Background/Explanation:
Previous DNA grant awards have been received for Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 through FY2020. This FY2021 grant application requests continued funding for positions, equipment, and supplies, including allowing for the laboratory to analyze a minimum of 300 additional DNA cases and perform 200 additional technical reviews that would not be completed based upon current non-grant resources.
Fiscal Impact:
The total grant award is $300,000.00 and no match is required. This agreement is not consistent with the FY22 Proposed Budget, but an adjustment will be made for the FY22 Tentative 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:
Department of Justice
Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory
Attachments:
2021 DNA Grant Funding Allotments
2021 DNA Grant Solicitation
Intent to Apply Approval
DOJ Certifications
DOJ Certified Assurances
Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire