BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA | O BJA 2026 172708

FAQs: BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program

What is the BJA FY 2026 Prosecuting Cold Cases Using DNA (COLD) Program?

It is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The program is designed to help communities move long-unsolved violent cold cases toward prosecution or another meaningful resolution by using a developed DNA profile from a suspect that is already in hand.

What is the main purpose of this funding?

The program supports prosecutor-led (or prosecutor-integrated) efforts to re-energize cold case work where an existing suspect DNA profile can serve as a strong investigative and courtroom anchor. The broader public safety goals include identifying and holding violent offenders accountable and providing answers and a measure of closure to victims and their families.

What kinds of cases does this program focus on?

This NOFO focuses on violent cold case crimes that are beyond the initial investigative phase but remain unresolved. It is geared toward cases where suspect DNA has already been developed.

Does this program pay for creating the first DNA profile from scratch?

The program is not primarily about generating the first DNA profile. It is focused on leveraging an already-developed suspect DNA profile to build a prosecutable case and move the matter toward court or another appropriate resolution.

What types of activities can grant funds support?

Funds can support a mix of investigative and prosecutorial activities needed to file charges and take a case to court. Examples described in the opportunity include follow-up investigation, case review and preparation, witness location and re-interviews, evidence review, and other prosecution-oriented work.

Can funding be used for forensic or crime analysis work?

Yes. The opportunity allows crime and forensic analysis that can strengthen cases and improve the chances of successful prosecution or other appropriate outcomes. In practice, this can include targeted forensic work that complements the existing DNA profile, corroborates timelines, ties a suspect to a crime scene more clearly, or resolves remaining evidentiary gaps.

What outcomes is the program trying to achieve?

The program is intended to support progress toward prosecution or other meaningful resolution of cold cases where suspect DNA is already available. It also references outcomes such as successful prosecution and other appropriate outcomes, including clearance by arrest or exceptional means where applicable.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is aimed at agencies that prosecute and litigate these cases, or law enforcement agencies working in close partnership with prosecutors. The NOFO identifies eligible applicants as state and local prosecuting agencies, or law enforcement agencies that have an engaged prosecutorial entity.

What types of governments or entities are listed as eligible applicant types?

The eligible applicant types listed include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and other tribal organizations, along with other eligible entities as described in the NOFO.

Are smaller jurisdictions like towns or villages included?

Yes. The notice clarifies that "other units of local government" covers general-purpose political subdivisions such as towns, boroughs, parishes, and villages, provided they meet program requirements and have prosecutorial engagement.

Do law enforcement agencies need a prosecutor partner to apply?

Based on the description, the program emphasizes converting investigative leads into filed cases and courtroom-ready prosecutions. Law enforcement agencies are identified as eligible when they have an engaged prosecutorial entity, reflecting the requirement for close prosecutor involvement.

What is the funding instrument type?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the funding activity/category associated with this grant?

The opportunity is under the Law, Justice and Legal Services funding activity category.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA (Assistance Listing) 16.036.

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is O-BJA-2026-172708.

What is the application deadline?

The application closing date listed is October 29, 2026.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling (maximum award amount) is $750,000.

How many awards will be made?

The summary information shows "ExpectedAwards:" without a number provided. Awards should be expected to be competitive, and outcomes depend on federal appropriations, application quality, and program priorities.

Is this a competitive grant?

Yes. The description indicates a competitive process typical of BJA discretionary programs, with awards depending on appropriations, application quality, and program priorities.

What is the program’s basic approach to solving cold cases?

The program supports specialized time, coordination, and forensic follow-through to leverage an existing suspect DNA profile and convert cold case investigative progress into actionable prosecutions, accountability, and improved outcomes for victims and their families.