BJA FY25 Invited to ApplySex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA)

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a component of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), is inviting eligible jurisdictions to apply for funding under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) program. SORNA, enacted as Title I of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, was designed to establish consistent, comprehensive national standards for sex offender registration and notification across the United States. The purpose of the funding is to help jurisdictions that have not yet substantially implemented SORNA’s requirements move closer to full compliance. Through this solicitation, BJA will reallocate funds previously withheld as a penalty for noncompliance with SORNA from eligible state jurisdictions. This grant opportunity is available exclusively to State Administering Agencies (SAAs) for states and Puerto Rico that were penalized under SORNA and received an invitation letter from BJA. The aim is to support these jurisdictions in achieving substantial implementation by providing funding for technology upgrades, personnel support, and programmatic enhancements necessary to meet the federal requirements. The SORNA program promotes public safety by improving the accuracy, accessibility, and interoperability of sex offender registry systems and enhancing interagency coordination. The SMART Office, part of OJP, supports grantees through technical assistance and oversight. Funds awarded under this program must align with the specific reallocation request previously submitted and approved by OJP. Allowable costs include the purchase of equipment such as scanners, computer hardware, and fingerprint or palm print technology. Software acquisitions are also supported, especially those that improve registry integration, facilitate sharing with federal and local databases, or assist in kiosk-based registration systems. Importantly, administrative costs, including indirect costs and management fees, are not allowable under this funding opportunity. Prohibited activities include any program that interferes with federal immigration law or violates federal civil rights or nondiscrimination statutes. The application process follows a two-step submission structure. Applicants must first submit an SF-424 form via Grants.gov by April 13, 2026. Once the SF-424 is accepted, applicants will complete the remaining components in the JustGrants portal by April 20, 2026. Required materials include a proposal abstract, a detailed proposal narrative with specific sections covering need, design, capabilities, and performance measurement, and a budget narrative and worksheet. Applicants must also complete a financial questionnaire and standard assurances. Applications are reviewed for alignment with the invitation letter, consistency with prior reallocation plans, and feasibility of implementation. The anticipated period of performance begins October 1, 2025, and spans 24 months. BJA expects to make 22 awards under this solicitation, with individual award ceilings reaching up to $841,732. The total funding allocated for this opportunity is $3,881,374. This program does not require cost sharing or matching contributions from applicants. Funding is dependent on congressional appropriations and continued program authorization. Submissions must comply with civil rights standards and federal grant administration regulations. Although this opportunity does not recur on a strict schedule, jurisdictions penalized under SORNA are typically invited to apply annually, based on their ongoing compliance status. Future opportunities may follow similar structures and deadlines. Prospective applicants are encouraged to begin required federal registrations (SAM.gov and Grants.gov) as early as possible to ensure timely submissions. Additional information, training, and application resources can be found via the JustGrants platform and the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. For technical support, applicants may contact the OJP Response Center, the Grants.gov support line, or the JustGrants helpdesk.

Ensure application aligns with prior reallocation plan; submit at least 48 hours early to avoid portal errors.