BJA FY2026 Postconviction DNA Testing Grants — Category 1 Case Reviews and DNA Analysis
The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance announced the FY2026 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence funding opportunity on October 28, 2026. This is the Category 1 competition, identifier C-BJA-2026-00042-PROD, under Grants.gov opportunity O-BJA-2026-172771 (Assistance Listing 16.820). This is distinct from the other category in the same NOFO.
Individual applicant funding
Each anticipated grant award is up to $1,000,000, with an expected project period of up to 36 months starting January 1, 2027. The NOFO identifies up to $11,179,802 in total funding for both categories combined; that is not an individual award or a confirmed allocation specifically to Category 1. Approximately 12 awards are anticipated in Category 1. There is no required nonfederal cost match.
Category 1 purposes
This track supports identification and review of suitable postconviction violent felony cases, searching for biological evidence, and DNA analysis or testing that could demonstrate actual innocence. Funded projects may include evidence review, collection and eligible laboratory testing. The BJA forensic appendix requires accredited laboratories for traditional DNA testing, external audits and applicable FBI quality standards, and prior BJA written approval before profiles may be entered into nongovernmental DNA databases.
Eligibility and required certifications
Eligible direct applicants are state, county, city/township, special district, and other qualifying local governments, and public or state-controlled institutions of higher education. Organizations not on that eligible-applicant list may participate as partners or allowable subrecipients, but are not automatically eligible to apply directly. No nonfederal matching funds are required. State and local government applicants must attach the required executive/senior-official certification using the NOFO template. Before award funds are released, a recipient must obtain a separate certification signed by the state’s chief legal officer addressing both access to postconviction DNA testing and biological evidence preservation; extra certifications may be required for cases from other states.
Application stages
Step 1: Submit the SF-424 in Grants.gov by December 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Step 2: Complete the full JustGrants application by December 15, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. These are different deadlines; meeting the Grants.gov deadline alone does not complete the application. Start or renew SAM.gov registration early (NOFO recommends starting by November 5 and no later than November 20). JustGrants requires standard applicant information, a proposal questionnaire, a detailed budget and cost justifications, and applicable certifications/financial and disclosure documents. A proposal abstract is requested. Each application must identify only one category and propose a distinct project.
Budget and compliance
The accompanying official six-page forensic appendix specifies eligible personnel, overtime, forensic services, limited training/travel, equipment and evidence handling costs. Victim-centered notification/support services may use no more than 10% of grant funds; direct administrative expenses exceeding 5% of the federal share are unallowable. Construction, renovation, office furnishings, witness travel and unrelated litigation/training are prohibited. DNA analysis must meet accredited laboratory quality-assurance and privacy rules. Government applicants must consider the NOFO’s applicable federal eligibility conditions and certifications. Review current agency updates before submitting.
Controlling documents: BJA official 16-page NOFO released October 28, 2026 and BJA FY2026 POST Forensic Appendix. Research verified October 28, 2026. This is an applicant-facing financial assistance grant, not a contractor procurement.