SUBJECT:
Title
MOTION: Medical Examiner FIGG Grant
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DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
The Medical Examiner staff applied for and was awarded $79,992 for the FY 25 Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) Grant Program through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, relating to lab testing, genetic genealogy and law enforcement investigative methods to investigate leads in unsolved violent crimes and identify unidentified human remains (UHR). Funding is available for processing of DNA samples, specific to:
• 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)
This grant program is distributed to government agencies, similar to the Coverdell Grant. It includes an Agreement for State Financial Assistance Between the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and District 5 & 24 Medical Examiner’s Office, which will be presented to the BCC on a future agenda to execute as it exceeds the signature ordinance for the County Administrator to sign. Once approved to accept, a budget amendment will be issued to recognize the funds so that Othram can be paid. The invoices and backup documentation then have to be submitted for reimbursement, as the project period is from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
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