CFDA#
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Funder Type
Federal Government
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IT Classification
Unclassified - There is no classification for this grant
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Authority
Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)
Summary
The U.S. Department of Justice is committed to improving officer safety and has undertaken research to review and analyze violent encounters and law enforcement officer deaths and injuries. The Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) is a unique U.S. Department of Justice initiative designed to provide a critical resource to state and local law enforcement.
The Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program, created by the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998, is a unique U.S. Department of Justice initiative administered by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) that is designed to provide a critical resource to state and local law enforcement.
The purpose of the BVP Program is to reimburse states, counties, federally recognized tribes, cities, and local jurisdictions up to 50 percent of the cost of body armor vests purchased for law enforcement officers.
Applicants must certify that all law enforcement agencies benefitting from the BVP Program have a written "mandatory wear" policy in effect. This policy must be in place for at least all uniformed officers before any funding can be used by the agency. There are no requirements regarding the nature of the policy other than it being a mandatory wear policy for all uniformed officers while on duty. BJA strongly encourages agencies to consult the International Association of Chiefs of Police's Model Policy on Body Armor and to strongly consider all recommendations within that policy. Law enforcement agency administrators can obtain a copy of the Body Armor Model Policy and Issues Paper, developed by contacting the BVP Help Desk at 1-877-758-3787 or by email at [email protected].
History of Funding
Since 1999, the BVP program has awarded more than 13,000 jurisdictions a total of $548 million in federal funds for the purchase of over one million vests (1,490,930) as of January 12, 2022. Previously funded projects may be viewed at: https://www.ojp.gov/fy24-bvp-awards.pdf.
Additional Information
Each vest purchased must meet National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards on the date it was ordered. A complete list of Ballistic Armor Compliant gear is available to view at: https://www.justnet.org/compliant/ballistic_cpl.html.
In the BVP Program, "uniquely fitted vests" means protective (ballistic or stab-resistant) armor vests that conform to the individual wearer to provide the best possible fit and coverage, through a combination of: (1) correctly-sized panels and carrier, determined through appropriate measurement, and (2) properly adjusted straps, harnesses, fasteners, flaps, or other adjustable features. The requirement that body armor be "uniquely fitted" does not necessarily require body armor that is individually manufactured based on the measurements of an individual wearer.
Eligibility Details
Eligibility is limited to recognized units of general government (states, counties, federally recognized tribes, cities, and local jurisdictions) that employ law enforcement officers. Jurisdictions with fewer than 100,000 residents receive priority funding.
Deadline Details
Applications are to be submitted by December 19, 2025, 6:00 pm ET. A similar deadline is anticipated annually.
Award Details
Award amounts vary. Cost sharing/matching of 50% (dollar-for-dollar) is required. Vests must be ordered after April 1, 2024. Requests for payment must be submitted by August 31, 2026 — no extensions will be allowed beyond that date.
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