JAG Training and Equipment Program

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Equipment and Training Program is administered in California by the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC). This program is funded through the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance and provides essential support for criminal justice initiatives at the county level. JAG is the primary federal funding stream for state and local jurisdictions to address a wide range of justice-related needs. While the BSCC typically administers JAG as a competitive grant every two to three years, the JAG Equipment and Training Program described in this Request for Applications (RFA) is a one-time, non-competitive allocation available to counties based on population. The purpose of this grant is to strengthen local capacity by funding equipment purchases and training efforts that align with established JAG Program Purpose Areas and related priority needs. These include law enforcement programs, prosecution and court programs, prevention and education efforts, drug treatment and enforcement, and mental health-related initiatives tied to corrections and law enforcement. Counties may use the funding to acquire supplies, safety equipment, case management systems, software, or to provide training in areas such as crisis intervention, community-based treatment, and legal defense innovations. However, funds cannot be used for personnel costs except in limited training contexts, construction or renovation, entertainment, food, client stipends, or to supplant existing funds. The total amount available under this RFA is approximately $30.65 million, distributed across all California counties using a population-based formula, with a minimum allocation of $10,000 for the smallest jurisdictions. Counties may request up to their full allocation and must budget expenditures to align with the program’s short one-year grant period, which runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026. There is no match requirement for this funding, but counties must comply with all federal and state reporting, audit, and oversight requirements. Grantees must submit quarterly data into the federal Performance Management Tool and adhere to BSCC’s administrative and financial rules. Eligibility for the JAG Equipment and Training Program is limited strictly to California counties. Applications must be approved by the county’s Board of Supervisors or Chief Administrative Officer, and each county may submit only one application. Counties must also designate a Lead Public Agency, which may be the county itself or a designated local agency or department, to coordinate all activities and act as the primary liaison with BSCC. This agency is responsible for data collection, fiscal reporting, and coordination with local stakeholders. Applications must be submitted electronically through the BSCC Submittable portal by 3:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on September 8, 2025. Required materials include a project narrative and a detailed project budget using the official BSCC template. The narrative must identify local needs connected to JAG Purpose Areas, outline planned equipment purchases or training, and describe how these activities address priority areas. Applications are not considered complete until all required information is submitted, and the portal will not allow incomplete applications to be finalized. Counties are advised to submit early to avoid technical delays. Applicants may attend an optional virtual Grant Applicant Information Session scheduled for August 7, 2025, to receive additional clarification on the RFA. Following the award period, successful applicants will be required to attend a mandatory virtual orientation in October or November 2025. Technical questions about the application process may be directed to JAG@bscc.ca.gov, or applicants can call the BSCC main line at (916) 445-5073 for assistance. All documents submitted as part of the application process become public records under the California Public Records Act.

Submit early through Submittable to avoid disqualification; ensure budget and activities align with JAG Purpose Areas; comply with BSCC submission rules