Meeting Type: BCC Regular Meeting
Meeting Date: 10/20/2026
Item Status: New
From: Katrina Taylor, Grants and Compliance Manager
Submitted by: Alivia Wade, Grants Coordinator
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ITEM TITLE
Title
FY 2026 Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grants Program Application
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Take the following actions:
1) Approve the submittal of the FY 2026 Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grants Program grant application by staff to request $500,000.00 in federal funds to purchase laboratory and testing equipment, fund personnel expenses, and procure contract services for toxicology analysis for the Baldwin County Coroner’s Office; and
2) Authorize the Chairman to execute documents related to this grant application; and
3) Authorize the Grants and Compliance Manager to submit the application electronically through the Justice Grants System portal on behalf of the Baldwin County Commission.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Background: The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive Grants Program provides funding to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science or medical examiner/coroner services; eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic science evidence; train, assist, and employ forensic science or medical examiner/coroner personnel; and facilitate accreditation of medical examiner and coroner offices, and certification of medicolegal death investigators. Funding may also be used for the renovation and/or construction of a facility to improve forensic science or medical examiner/coroner services.
If awarded, the Baldwin County Coroner’s Office would utilize funding to purchase laboratory and testing equipment, fund personnel expenses, and procure contract services for toxicology analysis for the Baldwin County Coroner’s Office to address opioid and synthetic drug-related challenges and to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and coroner services.
The BJA funding applications are submitted in a two-step process, each with its own deadline. Applicants begin the application process by submitting an SF-424 and SF-LLL within Grants.gov by October 29, 2026. The applicant can then submit the full application, including attachments, in JustGrants by November 5, 2026.
Previous Commission action/date: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Total cost of recommendation: $500,000.00 in grant revenues.
Budget line item(s) to be used: TBD
If this is not a budgeted expenditure, does the recommendation create a need for funding? N/A
LEGAL IMPACT
Is legal review necessary for this staff recommendation and related documents?
N/A
Reviewed/approved by: N/A
Additional comments: N/A
ADVERTISING REQUIREMENTS
Is advertising required for this recommendation? N/A
If the proof of publication affidavit is not attached, list the reason: N/A
FOLLOW UP IMPLEMENTATION
For time-sensitive follow up, select deadline date for follow up: 10/29/2026
Individual(s) responsible for follow up: Administration
Action required (list contact persons/addresses if documents are to be mailed or emailed): Admin staff - forward the signed Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL), and Certification documents to the Grants Department, attention Katrina Taylor, for grant submission.
If the grant is awarded, the funds acceptance along with any agreements and related documents will be brought back for Commission approval.
Additional instructions/notes: Administration Staff, please draw a signature line at the bottom of the SF-424 and SF-LLL for Chairman to sign.