BJA FY25 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use, Site-Based Program

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), operating under the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs, has released a funding opportunity aimed at combating substance use disorders and overdose fatalities through its Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use, Site-Based Program. This federal initiative supports state, territorial, local, and tribal governments in developing, expanding, or implementing multi-faceted responses to the opioid crisis and broader substance misuse issues. With an anticipated total funding amount of $104.4 million, the program seeks to address the public health and safety consequences of drug abuse by enhancing prevention, enforcement, treatment, and recovery services. The program is structured into three primary applicant categories: local governments (urban, suburban, and rural), state governments, and tribal governments. Award ceilings vary across categories, ranging from $1 million for rural localities and tribal governments to $7 million for state-level initiatives. Local governments must select the appropriate subcategory based on jurisdictional size and population metrics, and states must propose projects covering at least six jurisdictions. Each grant has a 36-month period of performance beginning June 1, 2026, with funding expected to be awarded under opportunity number O-BJA-2025-172485. Allowable uses of the funds are broad and tailored to local needs. They include law enforcement activities targeting illegal opioid distribution, implementation of diversion programs, support for overdose prevention strategies, and provision of evidence-based treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder and transitional housing. Additional eligible activities include embedding social services within law enforcement, initiating prescription drug take-back efforts, and supporting court-based treatment programming. Up to 30% of awarded funds may be allocated toward recovery housing, but certain uses—such as legal services for undocumented immigrants, construction costs, and the purchase of vehicles—are prohibited. Applicants must submit proposals through a two-step process: the SF-424 must be submitted via Grants.gov by May 4, 2026, followed by the full application submission in JustGrants by May 11, 2026. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement. Local and state applicants must submit a certification by the Chief Executive Officer using the provided template, while tribal applicants are exempt from this requirement. Proposals must include a project narrative, budget detail, and may include optional components such as research/evaluation plans and priority considerations for alignment with law enforcement and public safety goals. Applications will be evaluated first for eligibility and completeness, then for merit based on problem description, funding need, project design, implementation capacity, and budget. Priority may be given to jurisdictions enforcing laws on illicit drug use, urban camping, and squatting, or those complying with specific immigration enforcement coordination statutes. Successful grantees must comply with detailed post-award requirements including quarterly reporting and performance measurement tracking. Interested applicants are encouraged to begin registration processes in SAM.gov by March 25, 2026, to avoid technical delays. Awards are contingent on congressional appropriations and are subject to the conditions laid out in the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025. Key support contacts include the OJP Response Center for general questions, Grants.gov for submission assistance, and JustGrants for portal access issues. This funding opportunity provides critical support to jurisdictions addressing the complex and evolving challenge of substance abuse and overdose fatalities.

Submit SF-424 early to avoid portal delays; align with law enforcement or overdose prevention goals for priority consideration; ensure CEO certification is complete if applicable.