BJA FY26 Bridging Immigration-Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide Program: District of Columbia Safe Housing Camera Program Invitation to Apply

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, supports law enforcement and public safety initiatives across the United States. This grant opportunity, offered under the Bridging Immigration-Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide (BIDEN) Reimbursement Fund, is part of the BJA’s broader mission to strengthen criminal justice systems and enhance public safety. The BIDEN Fund was authorized through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Public Law 119-21, Title X, Subtitle A, Part II, and is codified at 34 U.S.C. § 61101. Its primary focus is to provide financial support to state and local governments for law enforcement activities addressing criminal conduct by individuals who are unlawfully present in the United States and to combat associated issues such as drug and human trafficking. This specific funding opportunity is directed solely at the Government of the District of Columbia. It supports the District’s efforts to address crime through technological enhancements in safe housing and street surveillance. The grant will reimburse costs associated with the purchase and installation of law enforcement surveillance infrastructure, including cameras and related technologies like license plate readers. These tools are intended to assist in crime prevention and investigation, with a focus on addressing gang and criminal activity within the jurisdiction. Beyond infrastructure acquisition, funds may also be used to support the operation, maintenance, and data storage needs directly related to the surveillance equipment. Subscriptions necessary to operate this technology may also be included within allowable expenses. However, the program is strictly confined to uses that are directly associated with the enhancement of law enforcement technology for investigative and preventative purposes. Any use outside of this scope would not be eligible for reimbursement. There is no matching or cost-sharing requirement for this grant, making it more accessible for the District’s administration. However, eligibility is exclusive; only the Government of the District of Columbia is permitted to apply under this funding opportunity. The grant is discretionary, and the funding ceiling is $10,000,000. The total estimated program funding and the number of awards are not specified in the current notice. Applications must be submitted by April 9, 2026. The opportunity was officially posted on March 26, 2026, and there are no pre-application requirements such as a Letter of Intent or concept paper. All application materials must be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov system. If applicants experience difficulty in accessing the full announcement or application materials, they are advised to contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center at [email protected]. The performance period, evaluation criteria, and award notification timelines are not detailed in the current synopsis. Additionally, there is no stated recurrence of the program, suggesting that it may be a one-time opportunity. Nevertheless, the program reflects a strategic federal investment in surveillance technologies to enhance public safety at the local level, aligned with broader national goals of combating crime involving criminal illegal aliens and trafficking operations.