NIJ released the FY 2011 DNA Backlog Reduction Program solicitation on April 5, 2011. This program furthers the Department's mission by offering an opportunity for States and units of local government with existing crime laboratories that conduct DNA analysis to handle, screen, and analyze forensic DNA casework samples and/or DNA database samples, as well as to improve forensic DNA and DNA database laboratories infrastructure and analysis capacity so that DNA samples can be processed efficiently and cost effectively. These improvements are critical to preventing future DNA backlogs and to helping the criminal justice system use the full potential of DNA technology.