BJS FY25 Census of Law Enforcement Training Academies (CLETA)

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, has issued a funding opportunity to administer the 2026 Census of Law Enforcement Training Academies (CLETA). This effort represents the sixth wave of a longstanding statistical program, previously conducted in 2002, 2006, 2013, 2018, and 2022. The CLETA provides crucial national data on the basic training of newly appointed or elected law enforcement officers across the United States, covering topics such as curricula, instructor demographics, academy resources, and training methods. The academies surveyed include those operated by state, county, and municipal agencies, as well as colleges, universities, and technical schools. The total amount available under this opportunity is $750,000, with one anticipated award for a period of performance of 36 months. The funded project must begin around April 1, 2026. The scope of work involves revising and finalizing the survey instrument, updating the list of eligible training academies, collecting and verifying data during 2027, and delivering final datasets by May 2028. Throughout this process, the recipient is expected to maintain regular communication with BJS, submit semi-annual progress reports, and comply with federal standards for confidentiality and data management, including development of a BJS-approved Data Management Plan within 60 days of the award start. This program aligns with the DOJ's broader public safety priorities, including combatting violent crime, supporting law enforcement operations, and addressing victim services and trafficking. Applications that clearly articulate how they advance these goals may receive priority consideration, though such consideration does not guarantee funding. Proposals must avoid unallowable uses of funds, such as activities that violate federal immigration laws or civil rights regulations. The application process occurs in two steps. First, the SF-424 form must be submitted via Grants.gov by February 12, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Second, the full application package must be submitted in the DOJ’s JustGrants portal by February 19, 2026, at 8:59 PM Eastern Time. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this opportunity. Applicants may include state, local, and tribal governments, higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit entities (including small businesses), and individuals. Only one application is allowed per lead applicant, but collaborative applications with subrecipients are permitted. Applications must include several key components, such as a proposal narrative, budget detail form, timeline, resumes of key staff, and documents addressing human subjects protections, privacy certification, and disclosures of lobbying or high-risk status where applicable. The narrative must address need, goals and objectives, implementation plan, and organizational capacity. Applicants must also agree to ongoing performance reporting, financial oversight, and, where applicable, compliance with civil rights laws and information security protocols for data collected on behalf of BJS. Questions about this opportunity can be directed to Elizabeth Davis at [email protected] or 202-307-0765. Additional technical assistance for Grants.gov and JustGrants systems is available through their respective support centers. If technical difficulties prevent timely submission, applicants may request waivers with proper documentation within 24 hours of the relevant deadline. Final award decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General after a multi-step review process, including peer, programmatic, and financial evaluations.

Clearly align proposal with BJS goals for law enforcement data; propose methods to reduce nonresponse bias; provide strong data management and privacy documentation.