Planning and Budgeting Bureau

FY26-27 Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Grant Program

Accepting applications through June 30, 2027, or until available funds are awarded.

Overview

F.S. 943.327 and legislatively appropriated funding establish the Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Grant program within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) is the combined application of laboratory testing, genetic genealogy, and law enforcement investigative methods to develop investigative leads in unsolved violent crimes and identify unidentified human remains (UHR). This funding may be used to develop SNP DNA profiles eligible for upload to the genealogical databases that permit law enforcement use, as well as for genetic genealogical research. Such methods must be employed in accordance with Department rule.

Funding is available to local law enforcement agencies and medical examiner’s offices to support those agencies and offices in the processing of DNA samples as specified below:

• Analysis of DNA samples collected under applicable legal authority, using forensic investigative genetic genealogy methods for solving violent crimes
• Analysis of DNA samples of unidentified human remains (regardless of manner of death)

An STR profile must have been developed, attributable to the perpetrator or UHR, and be searching at the State level of CODIS (Florida SDIS). Confirmation can be provided in the form of the CODIS Specimen ID and/or the report from your Florida crime laboratory (FDLE, BSO, IRCL, MDPD, PCFL, PBSO). Please contact your crime lab for confirmation as needed. Where applicable, an STR match is needed to provide a statistical weight for court purposes.

Familial Search of the State DNA Database is recommended for male perpetrators and UHRs. This requires a complete STR DNA profile at the 13 CODIS Core Loci and a 17-locus Y-STR profile. See the Familial Search Request Form found on CJNET for additional information. Familial Search in Florida has an approximate 18% success rate at identifying a first order relative and may not require additional sample to pursue. Confirm the completeness of STR profiles with your crime laboratory. 

FIGG requires additional sample, either DNA extract or sample or stain from the original evidence. Before applying, ensure your agency or crime lab has DNA extract remaining from the original testing and/or evidence or a cutting/sample for re-testing. SNP testing requires physical DNA. SNP profiles are not created from the original STR profile.

All SNP testing must target a minimum of 100,000 markers. A Genetic Genealogy Laboratory Vendor must demonstrate compliance with ISO17025 International Standards for Testing and Calibration Laboratories and the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories as issued by the Director of the FBI through an accreditation certificate (ANAB or A2LA) that includes the following within the Scope of Accreditation: Forensic Testing, Biology, DNA Profile Determination, Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), Massively Parallel Sequencing. The vendor may also conduct the Investigative Genetic Genealogy in accordance with the DOJ Interim Policy on Forensic Genetic Genealogical DNA Analysis and Searching (DOJ Policy) as well as Terms of Service (TOS) for GEDmatch PRO™ and FamilyTree DNA.

Alternatively, grant recipients may employ a separate Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) Only Vendor, such as an independent investigative genetic genealogist, LLC, nonprofit, corporation, or private investigation firm specializing in Genetic Genealogy. If an IGG Only Vendor is selected but will facilitate the SNP testing, that entity must subcontract with a laboratory meeting the criteria above. Funds may not be used for generation of SNP profiles via a non-accredited or medical testing laboratory. 

Additional criteria for an IGG Only Vendor or Independent Contractor IGG Practitioner include that the entity agrees to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement and MOU with the Investigating Agency customer (or FDLE as applicable), that the resulting SNP data file is owned by the Investigating Agency (or FDLE as applicable), and that they ensure adherence to the DOJ Policy and database TOS. Note the DOJ Interim Policy does not address UHRs with no suspicion of homicide, but Doe cases are eligible for this State of Florida funding. 

Investigating Agencies may also utilize in-house Genetic Genealogists where available, assuming sufficient training, experience, and resources to conduct the research are demonstrable.

Available funds will be distributed based on the demonstrated operational needs of each agency, by case, as approved by FDLE. The combined total of eligible funds is presently $350,000. An Investigating Agency must follow State of Florida procurement rules, or their own, whichever is more stringent. Procurement must be in accordance with State of Florida rules or those of the investigating agency, whichever is more stringent. Additional details for reimbursement are provided in the contract to be executed between the FDLE and the Investigating Agency for receipt of grant funds. Upon receipt of the deliverable or service, the Investigating Agency will submit proof of vendor payment to the FDLE for reimbursement. 

Other Financial Considerations
The grant is eligible for use of FIGG methods to include analysis of biological samples to prepare SNP profiles as well as costs associated with IGG research. An Investigating Agency should be prepared to potentially incur costs associated with travel for investigators to conduct interviews and/or collect third party reference samples. Mutual Aid between law enforcement agencies is encouraged to overcome geographic and jurisdictional barriers. FDLE may also be consulted for assistance. 

Project Period           
Awards will be for a 12-month period beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027.

How to Apply