2026 Coverdell Grant - Formula Application

Who can apply

• Those eligible to receive grant funds through this solicitation include state and local units of government which operate a forensic laboratory.
• For the purposes of this solicitation –
• ● Any state/local government entity performing forensic science services is considered a “forensic science laboratory.”
• ● Medical examiner and coroner offices are considered to be forensic science laboratories for the purposes of this solicitation.
• For purposes of this solicitation, a local unit of government is defined as a city, county, town, township or other general purpose political subdivision of a state and includes Indian tribes as determined by the Secretary of the Interior.
• COVERDELL SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
• Accreditation
• Funds may be used to prepare for laboratory accreditation by an appropriate accrediting body. An applicant that proposes to use any portion of the grant amount to fund a forensic science laboratory system, including any laboratory operated by a unit of local government within the State, that is not accredited will be required to use a portion of the grant amount for accreditation purposes. Successful applicants must use grant funds to prepare and apply for accreditation not more than two (2) years after the Coverdell award date.
• Program Specific Certification
• Plan for Forensic Science
• (state agencies only) are required to certify that they have developed a statewide forensic science and medical examiner plan to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services.
• Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures
• Applicants are required to certify that they use generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures established by accrediting organizations or appropriate certifying bodies.
• External Investigations
• Applicants are required to certify that an appropriate process is in place to conduct independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of the forensic results committed by employees or contractors.
• Forensic Science Accreditation
• Applicants are required to certify that they are either accredited OR not so accredited but will use a portion of the grant amount to prepare and apply for such accreditation not more than 2 years after the date on which a grant is awarded.
• Potential Environmental Impact Coversheet and Checklist
• Applicants are required to assess the potential environmental impacts of the activities proposed. Applicants are required to complete and attach the environmental impact coversheet and checklist.
• APPLICATION DEADLINE
• Applications for funding must be received by ODCP through Iowa’s enterprise grant management system (www.iowagrants.gov) by 4:30 p.m. October 28, 2026.
• *Note: Registration with www.iowagrants.gov is required prior to submitting an application. Registration may take several business days to complete. Do not wait until the last minute to begin your application. Difficulty with registration will not be an appealable hardship.

• Iowa only

Those eligible to receive grant funds through this solicitation include state and local units of government which operate a forensic laboratory. For the purposes of this solicitation – ● Any state/local government entity performing forensic science services is considered a “forensic science laboratory.” ● Medical examiner and coroner offices are considered to be forensic science laboratories for the purposes of this solicitation. For purposes of this solicitation, a local unit of government is defined as a city, county, town, township or other general purpose political subdivision of a state and includes Indian tribes as determined by the Secretary of the Interior. COVERDELL SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS Accreditation Funds may be used to prepare for laboratory accreditation by an appropriate accrediting body. An applicant that proposes to use any portion of the grant amount to fund a forensic science laboratory system, including any laboratory operated by a unit of local government within the State, that is not accredited will be required to use a portion of the grant amount for accreditation purposes. Successful applicants must use grant funds to prepare and apply for accreditation not more than two (2) years after the Coverdell award date. Program Specific Certification Plan for Forensic Science (state agencies only) are required to certify that they have developed a statewide forensic science and medical examiner plan to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic science and medical examiner services. Generally Accepted Laboratory Practices and Procedures Applicants are required to certify that they use generally accepted laboratory practices and procedures established by accrediting organizations or appropriate certifying bodies. External Investigations Applicants are required to certify that an appropriate process is in place to conduct independent external investigations into allegations of serious negligence or misconduct substantially affecting the integrity of