OpportunityTitle: Postconviction DNA Testing Assistance Program
Description: With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals from States wishing to receive funding to help defray the costs associated with postconviction DNA testing in cases that involve violent felony offenses (as defined by State law) in which actual innocence might be demonstrated. Funds may be used to review such postconviction cases, and to locate and analyze biological evidence associated with these cases. Where a strong justification is provided, a limited proportion of Federal award funds may be used for case identification. Postconviction DNA testing has received considerable attention in recent years. Since the advent of forensic DNA analysis, a number of people convicted of crimes have been subsequently exonerated through DNA analysis of crime scene evidence that was not tested at the time of trial. Additionally, newer technologies have substantially increased the successful DNA analysis of aged, degraded, limited, or otherwise compromised biological evidence. As a result, crime scene samples once thought to be unsuitable for testing in the past may now yield DNA profiles. Moreover, samples that previously generated inconclusive DNA results may now be amenable to reanalysis using newer methods. Authorizing Legislation: Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112&#150;55).
GrantorContactEmailDescription: Agency point of contact e-mail address.
GrantorContactText: For assistance with any other requirements of this solicitation, contact Michael Dillon, Senior Grants Management Specialist, by telephone at 202-514-5528 or by e-mail at Michael.Dillon3@usdoj.gov. &lt;br/&gt;For technical assistance with submitting an application, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800-518-4726 or 606-545-5035, or via e-mail to support@grants.gov. &lt;br/&gt;Note: The Grants.gov Support Hotline hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except Federal holidays.