BJA FY25 Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a division within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), has released the Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative. This grant program is designed to address and reduce firearm-related crimes by supporting the establishment or enhancement of Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs). The initiative builds upon a strategic partnership between BJA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which aims to help local law enforcement agencies deploy advanced intelligence-gathering tools and forensics technology to identify, trace, and prosecute gun-related crimes. The funding opportunity is intended to strengthen investigative capabilities through data integration, real-time analysis, and collaboration with federal law enforcement. The grant offers two distinct funding categories. Category 1 is targeted at law enforcement agencies with existing CGICs and provides up to $300,000 for enhancing operational capacity. Applicants under this category must demonstrate a track record of utilizing crime gun intelligence tools such as the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to generate leads and improve violent crime clearance rates. Category 2, with a higher ceiling of up to $700,000, is intended for agencies looking to implement a CGIC for the first time. These applicants are required to present a comprehensive plan for establishing partnerships with ATF and other stakeholders, integrating ballistic and trace evidence processes, and deploying systems such as eTrace and NIBIN to identify and trace firearms used in criminal activity. Allowable use of funds includes personnel (e.g., investigators, analysts, lab staff), training, forensic technology, equipment (e.g., microscopes, NIBIN acquisition machines, license plate readers), software, and integration with ATF’s NESS+ RMS or eTrace DIRECT systems. Applicants may propose regional models, particularly in rural areas, to expand NIBIN access and increase program impact. The grant does not require cost sharing or matching funds, and indirect costs are allowed if supported by a federally approved indirect cost rate agreement. However, use of funds for legal services to unauthorized immigrants, or for programs that violate federal immigration laws or civil rights statutes, is explicitly prohibited. Eligibility for the program is limited to state, local, and tribal government entities, as well as law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices. Federally and non-federally recognized tribal governments are eligible, along with other general-purpose political subdivisions such as towns, boroughs, and villages. Applicants must submit a certification from the Chief Executive Officer (or senior official) of the applicant government, except for tribal or educational institutions. Only one application may be submitted per entity, and applications must be limited to one funding category. The application process involves a two-step submission. First, applicants must submit the SF-424 form in Grants.gov by March 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The second step involves completing the full application in JustGrants, due by April 6, 2026, at 8:59 PM Eastern Time. Required materials include a proposal abstract, a detailed project narrative, a budget detail form, financial questionnaires, and letters of support from local ATF field divisions. Additional documentation, such as résumés of key staff and disclosure forms related to executive compensation and lobbying, may also be required depending on the applicant’s structure and budget. Applications will be evaluated based on responsiveness, technical merit, and alignment with BJA’s strategic priorities. Peer reviewers will assess the statement of the problem, proposed goals, implementation strategy, organizational capacity, and budget. Considerations such as geographic diversity, past performance, and alignment with federal law enforcement objectives may also influence final funding decisions. Awards are expected to start on October 1, 2025, and will span 24 months for Category 1 and 36 months for Category 2. The total funding available under this opportunity is $3,000,000. Awardees will be required to submit quarterly financial and semi-annual performance reports and must apply for CGIC certification from ATF as a deliverable. This grant program recurs annually and is subject to the availability of congressional appropriations.

Clearly align goals to CGIC model and provide detailed NIBIN metrics; ensure strong federal/local coordination and include required certification.