BJA FY25 Intellectual Property Enforcement Program: Protecting Public Health, Safety, and the Economy from Counterfeit Goods and Product Piracy

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has announced the FY25 Intellectual Property Enforcement Program (IPEP) to combat counterfeit goods and product piracy. The program seeks to protect public health, safety, and the economy by supporting law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in addressing intellectual property crimes. The total anticipated funding available under this opportunity is $2,400,000, with individual awards capped at $400,000. The anticipated start date for funded projects is October 1, 2025, with a performance period of 24 months. The deadline to submit the SF-424 form in Grants.gov is April 3, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time, and the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by April 10, 2025, at 8:59 PM Eastern Time. The program is designed to assist state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in developing or enhancing intellectual property enforcement task forces. The objectives include improving coordination among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities; sharing information about intellectual property crime investigations and prosecutions; and increasing public awareness to prevent counterfeit goods. Key activities supported by the program include conducting task force meetings, developing investigative strategies, prosecuting intellectual property crimes, and creating educational materials to help consumers identify counterfeit products. Applicants may request up to $400,000 in funding but are encouraged to propose budgets that are reasonable and proportionate to their capacity to manage the project. Costs must align with allowable expenses outlined in the notice, and unallowable costs include vehicle purchases, international travel, and membership fees. A cost match is not required for this opportunity. Deliverables expected under this program include quarterly task force updates, detailed reports on intellectual property cases, and a sustainment plan to ensure the longevity of enforcement efforts after the funding period ends. Eligible applicants include state, county, city, and tribal governments, as well as public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors. Entities that received IPEP funding in FY24 are not eligible to apply. Applicants must submit a single proposal, though partnerships with other entities may be included as subrecipients. The application must demonstrate the applicant’s ability to implement the project, provide clear goals and objectives, and outline a strategy for sustaining efforts beyond the conclusion of the award. Applications must include several components, including a proposal narrative of no more than ten pages, a budget detail form, a timeline of key activities, and signed memorandums of understanding if applicable. A proposal abstract summarizing the project’s purpose, activities, and anticipated outcomes must also be included. All application materials must be submitted electronically, starting with the SF-424 in Grants.gov and concluding with the full application in JustGrants. Applicants are encouraged to initiate the registration process with SAM.gov well in advance of the deadlines to ensure timely submission. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as the clarity of the issue being addressed, the soundness of the project design, the applicant’s capabilities, the reasonableness of the proposed budget, and the plan for sustaining efforts beyond the award period. Additional considerations include geographic diversity, past performance, and alignment with DOJ priorities. Award notifications are expected by September 30, 2025, and recipients must comply with reporting requirements, including quarterly financial and performance reports and a final report upon project completion. Technical support is available to applicants through the OJP Response Center and the SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants help desks. A pre-application webinar will also be provided, offering additional guidance on preparing and submitting an application. Applicants are encouraged to review the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for comprehensive instructions and requirements.