BJA FY25 Invited to Apply Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Program

The Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice administers the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Training and Technical Assistance Program as part of its broader mission to support state, local, and tribal justice systems in addressing violent crime and improving public safety outcomes. The initiative is specifically designed to assist jurisdictions in resolving previously unsubmitted or partially tested sexual assault kits while strengthening investigative and prosecutorial practices. Through this continuation funding opportunity, the agency reinforces its long-standing commitment to advancing evidence-based practices in forensic science and victim-centered justice approaches. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide supplemental support to an existing training and technical assistance provider that aids jurisdictions participating in the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative. The program emphasizes enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and prosecutors to effectively investigate and prosecute sexual assault and violent cold cases. It also prioritizes improving coordination among multidisciplinary teams and ensuring that survivors and their families receive appropriate support services throughout the justice process. Funding under this cooperative agreement is intended to cover activities that deliver expertise, training, and direct technical assistance to site-based grantees. Allowable uses of funds include developing and disseminating best practices, conducting training sessions, supporting evidence collection and processing improvements, and assisting jurisdictions in establishing sustainable systems for managing sexual assault cases. The program also supports efforts to build infrastructure for tracking and testing sexual assault kits and to integrate victim advocacy services into investigative workflows. No cost sharing or matching requirement is specified, allowing the awardee to fully utilize federal funds for programmatic activities. Eligibility for this opportunity is highly restricted and operates on an invitation-only basis. Only applicants that have received an official invitation letter from the Bureau of Justice Assistance are permitted to apply. Specifically, the Research Triangle Institute, International is identified as the sole eligible applicant for this continuation opportunity. This limitation reflects the program’s intent to maintain continuity with an existing provider that has demonstrated capacity and expertise in delivering specialized technical assistance to SAKI sites. The application process is streamlined due to the invited nature of the opportunity. Eligible applicants must prepare and submit their application through the designated federal grants system by the stated deadline. While detailed application components are not outlined in the summary, applicants are expected to provide standard federal grant documentation, including project narratives, budgets, and supporting materials aligned with the program’s objectives. Applications will be reviewed based on their ability to effectively continue delivering high-quality training and technical assistance that meets the needs of participating jurisdictions. The funding opportunity was posted on April 23, 2026, with an application deadline of May 6, 2026. Only one award is expected to be made, with a maximum funding amount of up to 5,000,000 dollars. The performance period is implied to continue ongoing support for existing SAKI efforts, although the exact duration is not specified in the provided summary. For additional information or assistance with accessing the full announcement, applicants may contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center via email. The program does not indicate a recurring funding cycle, as it is structured as a continuation award tied to an existing initiative.