BJS FY25 National Prison Rape Statistics Program (NPRSP) Assessment

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), a component of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) within the U.S. Department of Justice, is offering funding through the National Prison Rape Statistics Program (NPRSP) Assessment. This opportunity seeks to support a comprehensive evaluation and enhancement of BJS’s current data collection efforts under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) of 2003. The NPRSP was created in response to PREA’s mandate that BJS conduct an annual review and analysis of the incidence and effects of prison rape across the United States. The program includes several data collections that focus on adult and juvenile correctional facilities and aims to provide national estimates on sexual victimization while identifying facilities and characteristics associated with high incidences. This funding opportunity will support an in-depth assessment of existing NPRSP components, including the Survey of Sexual Victimization (SSV), National Inmate Survey (NIS), and the National Survey of Youth in Custody (NSYC), as well as the inactive National Former Prisoner Survey (NFPS). The goal is to recommend improvements to these data collections and develop methodological enhancements that can increase their accuracy, reduce respondent burden, and strengthen BJS's ability to meet its statutory obligations. The recipient will also develop feasibility studies for new data sources and research strategies that could expand the scope and utility of NPRSP data. The award is structured as a cooperative agreement, meaning BJS will be significantly involved in oversight and guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Responsibilities for the recipient include initiating a kickoff meeting, managing project timelines, producing regular financial and progress reports, and maintaining a data management plan that aligns with federal standards. Additional requirements involve stakeholder engagement, wherein a diverse group of subject matter experts will be consulted to inform the feasibility studies and broader methodological recommendations. The total funding available under this opportunity is $500,000, with one award anticipated and a performance period of 24 months. There is no cost-sharing or match requirement associated with this award. The application process involves a two-step submission: the SF-424 form must be submitted through Grants.gov by May 4, 2026, and the full application must be submitted through JustGrants by May 11, 2026. Applicants must be registered in SAM.gov and JustGrants prior to submission. Eligible applicants include a broad range of organizations such as public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations regardless of IRS status, and for-profit organizations including small businesses. Only one application per entity is allowed, though collaborative projects involving subrecipients are permitted. All applicants must demonstrate their capacity to manage federal awards and comply with strict requirements related to data confidentiality, civil rights compliance, and financial reporting. For more information, applicants can contact Michael B. Field, Statistician, at [email protected] or 202-307-0765, referencing “FY25 NPRSP Assessment” in the subject line. Full details are provided in the official NOFO document available through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. The anticipated start date for the project is July 1, 2026, and applicants are encouraged to initiate registrations and preparations well in advance to meet the stated deadlines.

Highlight how the project addresses PREA mandates, reduces response burden, and improves statistical rigor.