Award Information
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2023, $850,773)
The purpose is for the OSBI Forensic Biology Discipline, which consists of three distinct Forensic Biology (casework) units and one Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) (databasing) unit, to conduct DNA analysis to process, and/or to increase the capacity to process, more DNA samples for entry into CODIS, thereby reducing the number of forensic DNA and DNA database samples awaiting analysis and preventing the backlog of forensic DNA cases and CODIS offender samples across the state of Oklahoma. The everchanging dynamic of state government funding directly impacts the OSBI in its operating budget, often in a reduction of funding that limits the ability of the OSBI to provide quality services in forensic and databasing DNA analysis. CEBR program funding would assist the OSBI in continuing its mission to provide forensic casework and CODIS databasing DNA services to agencies across Oklahoma; without which, OSBI may have to reduce such services provided to agencies throughout the state.
The OSBI seeks to increase casework productivity, decrease the overall turnaround time and backlog of forensic DNA cases, maintain current productivity of CODIS offender DNA sample analysis, and increase capacity for more DNA personnel through the project. Therefore, primary project activities include funding technicians and overtime for personnel, outsourcing forensic cases to an accredited vendor laboratory/ies, upgrading existing office space for an OSBI regional forensic biology unit to accommodate more personnel, and purchasing CODIS supplies, all of which would not be achieved outside of the project due to budget shortfalls and constraints.
Expected outcomes include a capacity increase and reduction in the number of forensic DNA cases and DNA database samples awaiting analysis, leading to prevention of both casework and database unit backlogs and allowing for the OSBI to provide a 30 day turnaround time for the DNA analysis of forensic cases and database samples. Improved (increased) casework productivity, lower turnaround times and backlog, and capacity increase can all be achieved through the project activities funded under this program.
The service area of the OSBI is mandated by state statute directing OSBI to provide forensic services (casework and database) in criminal cases to all eligible agencies in the state of Oklahoma. As such, the people of the State of Oklahoma are the intended beneficiaries of the project.
Subrecipient activities do not apply to the project.