Pays for armor
Law enforcement
What it pays for
Governed by the same March 2024 joint guide, which lists body armor among permissible equipment; supplement not supplant applies.
The rules
- Who can apply
- State, local and tribal law enforcement agencies that participated in a Treasury forfeiture; sharing is discretionary.
- When
- Continuous; tied to forfeitures.
- Assistance listing
- ALN 21.016
Related programs
Pays for armorFederal
Open until Oct 30, 2026
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance
Law enforcementCorrections
Reimburses up to 50 percent of the cost of ballistic or stab-resistant body armor vests for law enforcement officers. Vests must have been tested through the NIJ Compliance Testing Program and comply with the most current NIJ standards (appear on the NIJ Compliant Products List as of the order date), be uniquely fitted to the officer, and be made in the United States. The jurisdiction must have a written mandatory wear policy for uniformed officers in effect at application. BVP does not fund replacement trauma plates for existing vests.
- Match
- Up to 50 percent federal share; the applicant pays the rest. A financial or natural disaster hardship waiver can raise reimbursement up to 100 percent for vests with a unit cost of $1,200 or less, excluding taxes, shipping and handling. JAG funds may not be used as the BVP match.
- Who can apply
- States, units of local government and federally recognized Indian tribes that employ law enforcement officers. By statute, jurisdictions with fewer than 100,000 residents are funded first.
- When
- The FY 2026 BVP application period is open until October 30, 2026 (OJP program page, modified October 1, 2026). Awards are paid as reimbursements through the BVP System.
Pays for armorFederal
Open until Oct 15, 2026
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services
Law enforcement
Allowable equipment includes uniforms and standard issue supplies, ballistic resistant body armor and body worn cameras. Ballistic resistant body armor vests bought with TRGP funds must be tested and found to comply with the latest applicable NIJ ballistic standards and appear on the NIJ Compliant Products List.
- Who can apply
- Federally recognized tribes and tribal consortia.
- When
- FY 2026 CTAS is open: Grants.gov deadline October 15, 2026; JustGrants deadline October 22, 2026, 8:59 PM ET.
Pays for armorFederal
Open until Oct 30, 2026
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance
Law enforcement
One approach the NOFO lists is personnel, tactics, training and equipment to reduce violent crime, explicitly including records systems, vehicles, vests and firearms. Federal body armor conditions (NIJ compliance, mandatory wear certification) are expected to apply to vest purchases but were not quoted from this NOFO.
- Match
- No cost sharing (match) required (FY 2026 NOFO).
- Who can apply
- State, county, city or township and special district governments, and federally recognized tribal governments, serving rural areas; also prosecutors' offices through those governments.
- When
- FY 2026 (O-BJA-2026-172761) posted September 21, 2026: Grants.gov deadline October 30, 2026; JustGrants deadline November 6, 2026.
Pays for armorFederal
Open until Oct 20, 2026
U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (administered through BJA)
Law enforcementCorrections
Technology and Equipment is a permissible activity, including officer safety and tactical equipment. The NOFO states that recipients funded for body armor (also UAS, body-worn cameras or NIBIN machines) must submit equipment-specific certifications as an award condition.
- Match
- No cost sharing (match) required (FY 2026 NOFO).
- Who can apply
- State, county, city or township, special district and tribal governments with direct criminal justice responsibility that have, or commit to, a 287(g) partnership and participate in Homeland Security Task Force operations or other major DOJ enforcement efforts.
- When
- FY 2026 (O-BJA-2026-172778) posted September 24, 2026: Grants.gov deadline October 20, 2026; JustGrants deadline October 27, 2026. About $25 million, up to $500,000 per award, about 50 awards.
This is a reference compiled from public program documents, not legal or grant advice. The program’s own solicitation and guidance are the record.
