BJA FY25 Forensic Ballistics and Higher Education Program

The Forensic Ballistics and Higher Education Program is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice, under the Office of Justice Programs. The program aligns with the federal government’s broader mission to enhance public safety, support law enforcement, and address violent crime through evidence-based strategies. This funding opportunity is designed to strengthen national capacity in forensic science by investing in academic institutions that can develop and expand specialized education in firearm ballistics and crime gun intelligence. It reflects a strategic priority to build a sustainable workforce pipeline of trained forensic professionals capable of supporting law enforcement investigations and prosecutions. The primary purpose of this program is to support institutions of higher education in developing or expanding curricula related to forensic ballistics, crime gun intelligence, and related investigative methodologies. The initiative emphasizes hands-on training and real-world application, enabling students to gain technical proficiency in firearm evidence processing, ballistic analysis, and intelligence generation. The program builds upon previously developed curricula and seeks to scale and replicate successful educational models nationwide. It also aims to foster formal partnerships between universities, local law enforcement agencies, and federal partners such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Funding under this opportunity is intended to support a wide range of activities related to curriculum development, instructional delivery, student training, and partnership coordination. Allowable costs include faculty salaries, curriculum design, laboratory instruction, student internship stipends, and travel related to training and collaboration with federal facilities. The program explicitly prohibits certain activities, including those that violate federal immigration law or civil rights statutes, as well as the provision of certain legal services to individuals unlawfully present in the United States. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding opportunity. Eligibility for this program is limited to educational organizations, specifically private, public, and state controlled institutions of higher education that have established academic programs in criminal justice, forensic science, or related disciplines. Applicants are required to demonstrate or propose partnerships with at least one law enforcement agency that has access to or plans to establish access to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. These partnerships must be formalized through a memorandum of understanding and include commitments to provide student training opportunities, access to evidence, and supervision. The application process consists of a two step submission. Applicants must first complete and submit the SF 424 form through Grants.gov, followed by a full application submission through the JustGrants system. Required application components include a proposal narrative, budget, memorandum of understanding with partners, and several standard forms and disclosures. The proposal narrative must address the need for the project, goals and objectives, project design and implementation, and organizational capabilities. Applications are evaluated based on criteria such as alignment with program goals, quality of project design, and organizational capacity. Key deadlines include submission of the SF 424 by September 14, 2026, and the full application by September 21, 2026. The funding opportunity was released on August 5, 2026, with anticipated award notifications by September 30, 2026. The expected performance period for funded projects is 36 months beginning June 1, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to begin required registrations early to ensure timely submission. The program requires recipients to produce specific deliverables, including comprehensive curricula on crime gun intelligence and forensic ballistics, as well as a final program report detailing outcomes and lessons learned. Performance is monitored through regular reporting requirements, and awards may be issued as cooperative agreements, allowing for substantial involvement by the federal agency. For questions, applicants may contact the Office of Justice Programs Response Center via phone or email during standard business hours.

Align proposal clearly with program goals emphasize partnerships with law enforcement and demonstrate hands on training outcomes