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FY 2018 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program

Award Information

Award #
2018-DN-BX-0034
Funding Category
Formula
Location
Congressional District
Status
Closed
Funding First Awarded
2018
Total funding (to date)
$644,008

Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2018, $644,008)

Over the last several years, the State of Connecticut has faced serious budgetary challenges. These challenges have prevented the Division of Scientific Services from hiring additional analysts, even as a number of scientists have left the laboratory. Therefore, the Division of Scientific Services does not have the capacity or budget to meet the continuing increase in submissions of cases for forensic biology and DNA analysis. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection requests Federal grant funds to support the Division of Scientific Services, which serves the entire state of Connecticut with a population of 3.6 million.

The project goals and objectives and expected outcomes and major deliverables are:
• To reduce the backlog of forensic DNA cases by about 650 and, as appropriate, enter profiles into state and national DNA databases
• To increase the testing capacity of the Forensic Biology/DNA Section
• To reduce the backlog of database samples by 3,000 and enter database profiles into state and national DNA databases
• To increase the professional development of staff
• To improve the analysis and interpretation of DNA profile data

Grant funds will support overtime, fringe benefits, supplies, forensic casework outsourcing, attendance at scientific conferences, expert consulting services, and other costs.

NCA/NCF

Date Created: September 4, 2018