Title
FFY 2023 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Formula Grant Program (CEBR) (Ordinance S-49697)
Description
Request to retroactively authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to allow the Police Department to apply for, accept, and enter into an agreement for federal grant funds through the Bureau of Justice Assistance for the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2023 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (Formula) grant program in the amount not to exceed $799,488. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Police Department's Laboratory Services Bureau (LSB) has applied for and been awarded funds through this grant program for several years. This grant funding is to provide for the processing, recording, screening, and analysis of forensic DNA and/or DNA database samples. The grant objective is to increase the capacity of public forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories to process more samples, thereby, reducing the backlog. All DNA profiles will be entered into the combined DNA Index System and ultimately, where applicable, uploaded to the National DNA Index System.
If awarded, grant funding will be utilized for forensic scientist overtime, related fringe benefits, equipment, travel, training, consultants for outsourcing DNA testing and other costs to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic DNA analysis. The grant application was due April 26, 2023. If authorization is denied, the grant application will be rescinded.
Contract Term
The contract term will be for two years beginning Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2025.
Financial Impact
The total funding requested is $799,488. No matching funds are required.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Police Department.