Help States Reduce DNA Backlog Applications are now invited for an annual program that provides funding to boost states' capacity to analyze backlogged offender DNA information. Vender labs and state labs choosing to analyze their own convicted offender samples may apply for funding. Multiple vender labs will be selected for the program, officials say. Qualified state labs may also apply to perform analyses of their own convicted offender DNA samples in-house as long as they are qualified and can meet program requirements, officials say. The solicitation outlines requirements that must be met by vendor laboratories and by state labs conducting in-house analyses.
State governments are eligible to apply in the latter category.
In states where a local lab conducts DNA analyses, applications are to be submitted by state government agencies with oversight over the DNA program. States receiving awards under the program must conduct DNA analysis, in-house or by outsourcing, on at least 1 percent of the total number of convicted offender samples for which an award was received under the program in unknown suspect cases. Such cases are those where biological evidence is available but for which no suspect has been identified. Reporting must take place within 30 days of such a hit, officials say. States are also expected to describe in their program narrative how they will include the unknown suspect cases from local labs in their state, if applicable.