BJA FY25 Invited to Apply - Justice Information Sharing Training and Technical Assistance Program (RISS Support)

The Bureau of Justice Assistance, within the U.S. Department of Justice, administers funding programs designed to strengthen the nation’s criminal justice system through training, technical assistance, and information-sharing initiatives. This funding opportunity is a continuation award under the Justice Information Sharing Training and Technical Assistance Program, specifically supporting the Regional Information Sharing Systems initiative. The program is intended to sustain and enhance collaboration among law enforcement agencies by improving information exchange infrastructure and services. The Regional Information Sharing Systems Centers and the associated Technology Support Center are core components of this national effort, providing secure platforms and analytical tools for criminal intelligence sharing across jurisdictions. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to ensure the ongoing delivery of training and technical assistance that supports these information-sharing systems. The award is structured as a cooperative agreement, indicating substantial involvement from the Bureau of Justice Assistance in program oversight and implementation. The funding is carved out from an existing allocation dedicated to the Regional Information Sharing Systems program, emphasizing continuity rather than the creation of a new initiative. Activities supported through this funding are expected to include system maintenance, user support, training programs, and technical enhancements that strengthen interagency communication and data-sharing capabilities. Funding under this opportunity is limited to a single award with a defined ceiling. The funding supports operational and programmatic activities directly tied to the continued functioning and improvement of the Regional Information Sharing Systems infrastructure. Allowable uses of funds are aligned with technical assistance delivery, system support services, and training development, though specific cost categories are governed by federal grant regulations and cooperative agreement requirements. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement, which simplifies financial participation for the eligible applicant. Eligibility for this opportunity is highly restricted. Only one entity, The Institute for Intergovernmental Research, is permitted to apply, and only if it has received an official invitation from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. This reflects the continuation nature of the award and the specialized expertise required to support the existing system. The opportunity is not open to general competition, and no additional applicants are considered eligible. This exclusivity ensures program consistency and leverages institutional knowledge already developed under prior funding cycles. The application process is correspondingly streamlined. Because this is an invited application, the eligible organization must submit its application through the designated federal grants platform by the specified deadline. Required components are expected to include standard federal grant forms, a project narrative outlining continued support activities, budget documentation, and any additional materials specified in the full announcement. The Bureau of Justice Assistance will review the submission based on its alignment with program goals, prior performance, and capacity to deliver the required services. The timeline for this opportunity is short, reflecting its continuation status. The funding announcement was posted in late April, with a closing date in early May of the same year. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent or concept papers. Award decisions are expected to follow federal review procedures, with notification and project start timelines determined by the agency. The performance period will align with ongoing program needs and prior funding cycles, ensuring uninterrupted support for the Regional Information Sharing Systems. For additional information or assistance with the application process, applicants are directed to contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center via email. The funding opportunity does not explicitly state recurrence, but given its continuation designation and role within an ongoing federal program, similar funding opportunities may be issued periodically to sustain the initiative.