O-BJA-2021-04003: BJA FY 21 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence
Closed
This grant is closed. A newer notice from the same program is open now: BJA FY 2026 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence (O-BJA-2026-172771). Status: Closes December 8, 2026 (31 days left). It is in our archive of Bureau of Justice Assistance notices from 2021.
Bureau of Justice Assistance offered grants of up to $500,000 to the applicants described in the notice. It expected to make about 15 awards worth $7.2 million in total. Applications closed on July 12, 2021.
From the official notice on Grants.gov, last changed July 11, 2021. Checked November 7, 2026.
- Award ceiling$500,000
- Total funding$7.2 million
- Expected awards15
- Cost sharingNot required
- Funding typeGrant
Other notices with this title
| Notice | Posted | Deadline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| O-BJA-2026-172771 | October 28, 2026 | Closes December 8, 2026 (31 days left) | Open |
| O-BJA-2025-172471 | September 17, 2025 | Closed December 10, 2025 | Closed |
| O-BJA-2024-172014 | March 6, 2024 | Closed April 29, 2024 | Closed |
| O-BJA-2023-171580 | February 9, 2023 | Closed April 4, 2023 | Closed |
| O-BJA-2022-171340 | May 12, 2022 | Closed June 22, 2022 | Closed |
Key dates
| Posted | May 6, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Deadline | July 12, 2021 |
Who can apply
This opportunity was open to the applicants described in the notice.
- Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
See Eligibility Section
Is this a realistic fit?
- Past Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence awards averaged $834,984; this notice allows up to $500,000 per award.
- Most of the program's money (67% over five years) went to state and local governments.
- No cost sharing or match is required.
What the grant funds
The Department of Justice is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, supports crime victims, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. BJA seeks proposals for funding to assist in defraying the costs associated with postconviction DNA testing in cases of violent felony offenses (as defined by state law) in which actual innocence might be demonstrated. Funds may be used to identify and review such postconviction cases and to locate and analyze associated biological evidence.
Who has won Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence grants before
From fiscal 2021 to 2025, Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence (16.820) awarded $41.7 million across 50 grant awards, an average of $834,984 per award.
| Recipient | State | Awards | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office of Emergency Services | California | 3 | $3.5 million |
| New York City Off of Cheif Med Exam | New York | 2 | $2.5 million |
| The Regents of the University of Colorado | Colorado | 2 | $2.3 million |
| The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | 1 | $2.0 million |
| Committee for Public Counsel Services | Massachusetts | 2 | $2.0 million |
Applying now
This notice no longer takes applications. Apply under the newer notice, O-BJA-2026-172771, which is open now.
The notice on Grants.gov keeps its full text and attachments, which is useful for planning a resubmission.
Questions people ask
Is O-BJA-2021-04003 still open?
No. It closed on July 12, 2021. A newer notice is open: O-BJA-2026-172771, closes December 8, 2026 (31 days left).
Who can apply for BJA FY 21 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence?
Bureau of Justice Assistance accepted applications from the applicants described in the notice. The notice adds further conditions, so read its eligibility section.
What is the deadline for BJA FY 21 Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence?
Closed July 12, 2021. Applications are no longer accepted; the program's newer notices are on this page when there are any.
How much funding is available?
Awards of up to $500,000 each. About $7.2 million in total across about 15 awards.
Who has won Postconviction Testing of DNA Evidence grants before?
The largest recipients over five fiscal years were Office of Emergency Services, New York City Off of Cheif Med Exam, The Regents of the University of Colorado. The program made 50 awards worth $41.7 million in that time.