Labs face heavy demand and limited staff, and careful testing, quality control and review steps take substantial time.
Often, unless agencies request expedited testing or cold case grants fund the work, though priority systems vary.
Usually not directly, since agencies control the evidence; agencies may outsource to accredited private labs.
Yes. Department of Justice programmes have funded backlog reduction, sexual assault kit testing and cold case DNA work.
Whether evidence was submitted, which tests were requested, expected timing and whether expedited or outside testing was considered.