BJS FY25 Consolidated National Criminal History Improvement Program

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is offering funding under the Consolidated National Criminal History Improvement Program (CNCHIP). This consolidated funding opportunity unites three federal initiatives: the National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP), the National Criminal History Improvement Program Supplemental Funding under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (NCHIPSF), and the NICS Act Record Improvement Program (NARIP). The combined effort aims to improve the accuracy, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history and related records across states, territories, and tribal entities. These enhancements are intended to strengthen national databases and support comprehensive background checks, especially in the context of firearm purchases and public safety determinations. The overarching goal of this program is to reduce violent crime and mitigate gun violence by enhancing data sharing and record integration across criminal justice systems. Funding supports improvements to state and tribal criminal history records, ensuring that these records are promptly and accurately updated and accessible to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Allowable project types include automating criminal history records, reporting relevant mental health and protection order data, ensuring participation in national databases like the Interstate Identification Index (III), and implementing systems for sealing or expunging eligible records in accordance with law. Eligibility for this program varies slightly across the three funding tracks but generally includes state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, and state court systems. The application process accommodates collaborative submissions, allowing both a state record repository agency and a state court to apply separately from the same jurisdiction. Importantly, cost-sharing or matching funds are not required for any of the funding streams included in this opportunity. The anticipated total funding available is $135 million, with individual awards expected to range up to approximately $2.4 million. Awards are structured as cooperative agreements with an anticipated period of performance of up to 36 months. Applicants are required to complete a two-step application process. The first step involves submitting the SF-424 form via Grants.gov by February 24, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The second step requires submission of the full application through JustGrants by March 3, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. ET. There is no requirement for a pre-application or letter of intent. Applications must include a proposal narrative, a budget detail form, and various standard forms and disclosures, including lobbying activity disclosures, assurances, and any necessary MOUs or tribal resolutions. The proposal narrative should address prior accomplishments, current data gaps, project goals and timelines, coordination plans, and a strategy for collecting and reporting required performance metrics. BJS will evaluate submissions based on their alignment with program goals, project design, organizational capacity, and clarity of performance measurement plans. Priority consideration will be given to projects that directly support law enforcement operations, combat violent crime, protect vulnerable populations, and serve victims of trafficking or sexual assault. Selected awardees will be notified through the JustGrants system, with awards anticipated to begin on April 1, 2026. While the application does not mandate recurring submission, BJS notes the potential for future funding of high-performing projects based on merit and available appropriations. Applicants may seek assistance during the application process from various support desks, including Grants.gov and JustGrants customer support, as well as the BJS contact point: Stephanie L. Burroughs ([email protected], 202-307-0765). All awards are subject to availability of funding and must comply with DOJ’s civil rights requirements and applicable federal laws. The performance of recipients will be monitored through required financial and performance reporting, and data must be submitted on a semi-annual basis to demonstrate progress against the defined performance measures.

Ensure strong link to NICS/III data completeness; prioritize automation, record availability, and measurable impact on firearm background checks.