BJA FY25 Invited to Apply- Regional Information Sharing Systems

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance has released a funding opportunity titled “BJA FY25 Invited to Apply – Regional Information Sharing Systems.” This program is specifically designed to support the six Regional Information Sharing Systems Centers, which are longstanding multi-jurisdictional organizations that provide secure intelligence sharing and investigative support to federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies. The RISS Centers include MAGLOCLEN, MOCIC, NESPIN, ROCIC, RMIN, and WSIN. Only these six centers are eligible to apply, and each has received a formal invitation letter to do so. The program is rooted in the federal government’s mission to strengthen law enforcement effectiveness, protect communities, and advance secure and lawful information sharing across jurisdictional boundaries. The funding aims to bolster law enforcement operations by enhancing the investigative and analytical capacity of RISS Centers. Their purpose is to provide technical assistance, event deconfliction, criminal intelligence sharing, and specialized investigative support across multiple jurisdictions. The program helps agencies address violent crime, gang activity, narcotics trafficking, terrorism, and other regional threats by equipping them with secure systems, training, and field-based technical support. Activities supported include the operation and expansion of platforms such as RISSIntel, RISSafe, RISSLeads, and related national systems. The centers will also facilitate equipment loans, deliver analytical briefings, and maintain interoperability with national deconfliction systems like Case Explorer and SAFETNet. Certain costs are specifically prohibited under this funding opportunity. For instance, program funds cannot be used for activities that violate federal immigration law, impede federal enforcement of immigration law, or provide legal services to undocumented individuals unless narrowly permitted for crime victims or other court-mandated purposes. Funds also may not be used for programs that violate federal nondiscrimination laws. This restriction ensures that all funded activities remain within the scope of federal law and DOJ requirements. Otherwise, awards may support staffing, operations, training, equipment, and technology related to the mission of RISS. Applications must be submitted through a two-step process. The first step requires submission of the SF-424 form in Grants.gov by September 2, 2025, no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The second step requires completion of the full application package in JustGrants, which is due by September 3, 2025, at 8:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to begin SAM.gov registration by August 25, 2025, and complete it no later than August 29, 2025, to ensure eligibility to apply. Award notifications are generally expected by September 30, 2025. Applications must include a proposal abstract, narrative, budget detail form, timeline, and required disclosures, all submitted in accordance with the DOJ Grant Application Resource Guide. Applicants will also need to provide assurances, certifications, and financial disclosures as specified. The review process includes programmatic assessment for alignment with the goals of the NOFO and risk review for financial and performance history. All final funding decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General. Award notices will be sent electronically via JustGrants. Successful applicants will be required to comply with post-award reporting, including quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, and final reports. Performance measurement data must also be collected and reported, and award recipients must comply with DOJ’s civil rights and nondiscrimination requirements. The total amount available under this opportunity is $38,756,249, with an anticipated award ceiling of $10,000,000. Six awards are expected, corresponding to the six RISS Centers, though the actual award amounts may vary and most are expected to fall below the ceiling. Each award has a period of performance of 12 months, with start dates varying by grantee. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this program. The OJP Response Center provides assistance for application-related questions by phone at 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556 (TTY available), and via email at OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov. Grants.gov, SAM.gov, and JustGrants service desks also offer technical support for registration and submission issues.

Submit early, complete SAM.gov at least 30 days before deadline, follow DOJ Guide, submit 48 hours before deadlines