FY24 Formula Capacity Enhancement for Backlog Reduction (CEBR) program for DNA laboratories.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety proposes to implement the DNA Capacity Enhancement Backlog Reduction Formula award with the entire State of Iowa comprising the service area and the citizens of Iowa being the intended beneficiaries. The purpose of this award would be to increase the number of Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) eligible samples developed by our DNA case working and DNA databasing laboratories. Project activities would include funding four employees to add additional capacity; providing overtime opportunities for DNA staff; purchasing equipment, a new CODIS server, and DNA database kits; and ongoing annual maintenance contracts for our STRmix licenses.

The expected outcome of being awarded this federal funding would be used to reduce the backlog and increase capacity of forensic biology/DNA cases and to reduce the backlog and increase capacity and capability in the databasing section. We also expect this funding to increase our laboratory’s submission of DNA profiles into CODIS and benefit the citizens of the State of Iowa with enhanced capabilities and stable turnaround times from our Crime Laboratory.