HomeMy WebLinkAbout(0048) M&C 19-0228City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 10/15/19 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 19-0228
LOG NAME: 35COVERDELL FY19
SUBJECT
Ratify Application and Authorize Acceptance of, if Awarded, the Fiscal Year 2019 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Competitive
Grant in an Amount not to Exceed $250,000 from the U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice, and
Authorize Execution of Related Agreement. (ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS)
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Ratify application for and authorize acceptance of, if awarded, the Fiscal Year 2019 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science
Improvement Competitive Grant from the U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice in an amount
not to exceed $250,000; and
2. Authorize the execution of a Grant Agreement with the U. S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice.
DISCUSSION:
The United States Department of Justice under the Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program- Competitive (the Coverdell
Program) awards grants to States and units of local government to help improve forensic science and medical examiner/ coroner services. The
Program also seeks to eliminate a backlog in the analysis of forensic evidence and to train and employ forensic laboratory personnel and
medicolegal death investigators, as needed, to eliminate such a backlog.
The Fort Worth Police Department Crime Laboratory (FWPD- CL) applied for program funding in an amount not to exceed $250,000
in equipment, specifically for a liquid chromatography- mass spectrometer (LC -MS) that will allow the Crime Lab to identify drugs of abuse and
also quantify compounds such as THC so that it can distinguish between Marijuana and hemp, as required by a change in both federal and state
laws.
Matching funds are not required under the Program. The funding type is reimbursable.
Indirect Cost is an eligible expense under this grant.
This Program will serve ALL COUNCIL DISTRICTS.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This contract will be with a governmental entity, state agency or public institution of higher education: U. S.
Department of Justice
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that upon approval of the above recommendations and award of the grant, funds in the Grants Operating Federal
Fund are subject to future Council appropriation. The Police Department is responsible for the collection of funds due to the City. Prior to an
expenditure being made, the Police Department has the responsibility to validate the availability of funds. This is a reimbursement grant.
Submitted for City Manager's Office bT. Jay Chapa 5804
Originating Business Unit Head: Ed Kraus 4231
Additional Information Contact: Angela Miller 4441