BJA FY25 Invited to Apply Forensics Training and Technical Assistance (FTTA) Program

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, administers federal funding programs aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system, supporting law enforcement, and advancing public safety initiatives across the United States. This funding opportunity represents a cooperative agreement under the Forensics Training and Technical Assistance Program and is specifically designated as an invited opportunity. It is intended to provide targeted support to an identified organization with established expertise in forensic science program delivery and technical assistance. The purpose of this program is to enhance the effectiveness and outcomes of multiple existing forensic science grant programs administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The initiative focuses on improving the quality, consistency, and application of forensic science practices across state and local jurisdictions. Through this effort, the selected recipient will provide training, technical assistance, and resource development that supports innovation in forensic science methodologies, promotes best practices, and strengthens information sharing among criminal justice stakeholders. Funding under this opportunity supports a wide scope of activities including the development of training materials, delivery of technical assistance to grantees, facilitation of knowledge exchange, and advancement of forensic technologies. The program emphasizes practical implementation and measurable improvements in forensic science capacity. Funds may be used to support personnel, program operations, technology solutions, and dissemination of best practices; however, all expenditures must align with federal guidelines and the cooperative agreement structure, which includes substantial involvement from the awarding agency. Eligibility for this opportunity is highly restricted. Only applicants that have received a formal invitation from the Bureau of Justice Assistance are eligible to apply. Specifically, the Research Triangle Institute International is identified as the eligible applicant. This limitation reflects the specialized nature of the work and the agency’s determination that the invited entity possesses the requisite experience and infrastructure to successfully execute the program objectives. The application process is streamlined due to the invited nature of the opportunity. Applicants must submit materials through the designated federal grants system by the specified deadline. While standard federal requirements such as registration in SAM.gov and Grants.gov apply, the core submission consists of required proposal documents outlined in the full announcement. These typically include a program narrative, budget detail, and supporting documentation that demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to deliver training and technical assistance at a national level. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is June 10, 2026. The posting date was May 27, 2026, indicating a short application window consistent with invited solicitations. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent. The anticipated period of performance and award notification timeline are not explicitly stated in the provided materials but would typically follow federal grant award cycles. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement associated with this opportunity, which reduces financial barriers for the eligible applicant. Overall, this funding opportunity plays a critical role in strengthening forensic science capabilities across the criminal justice system by leveraging a centralized provider of training and technical assistance. By focusing on innovation, standardization, and capacity building, the program aims to improve forensic outcomes and support more effective justice processes nationwide.