BJA FY 21 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program - Local Solicitation | O BJA 2021 35004

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the BJA FY 21 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program - Local Solicitation?

It is a federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), intended to help local jurisdictions support their criminal justice and public safety priorities. JAG is described as one of the cornerstone federal grant programs for criminal justice systems nationwide.

2) Who is the funding agency and program office for this opportunity?

The funding agency is the U.S. Department of Justice, and the program office is the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

3) Is this opportunity for local governments or states?

This notice is specifically the local-government solicitation for FY 2021. BJA indicated it would release a separate solicitation for states.

4) What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this solicitation?

The Funding Opportunity Number is O-BJA-2021-35004.

5) What type of funding instrument is being offered?

The Funding Instrument Type listed for this opportunity is a grant.

6) What is the CFDA number associated with this program?

The program is associated with CFDA number 16.738.

7) What kinds of applicants are eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include units of local government such as county governments and city or township governments. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are also eligible. The eligibility information also references an "Others" category that may include additional eligible applicant types depending on the full solicitation’s "Additional Information on Eligibility" guidance.

8) Are tribal governments eligible under this solicitation?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are specifically identified as eligible applicants.

9) Does the opportunity allow any applicants beyond local governments and tribes?

The eligibility line includes an "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)" category. This suggests that additional applicant types may qualify, but the details would be clarified in the full solicitation. Based on the information provided here, the core intended applicants are local governmental entities and federally recognized tribes.

10) What is the purpose of JAG funding under this local solicitation?

The solicitation is designed to support local criminal justice priorities and strengthen public safety. It is also intended to advance broader DOJ goals such as protecting civil rights, expanding access to justice, supporting crime victims, addressing evolving crime threats, and improving trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

11) What kinds of activities or priorities does the solicitation emphasize?

Based on the opportunity description, the solicitation supports a wide range of public safety and justice-system activities consistent with DOJ priorities, including efforts that promote lawful and equitable policing, improve justice outcomes, enhance victim services, strengthen community trust, and respond to both traditional crime problems and emerging threats.

12) When was the opportunity created and what was the original closing date?

The opportunity record shows it was created on June 8, 2021, and the original closing date listed is July 26, 2021.

13) How many awards did BJA expect to make under this solicitation?

The source data lists expected awards as 1,185.

14) What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) shown in the opportunity listing?

The award ceiling shown in the listing is $4,095,916.

15) Will every applicant receive the maximum award amount?

The record provides only the ceiling figure. It also notes that actual awards for local JAG typically vary widely based on the formula and jurisdiction size, but those variations are not detailed in the provided information.

16) Is this a formula-based program?

The provided description indicates that the statutory framework allows BJA to provide formula-based criminal justice assistance funding to eligible state and local governments, with the FY 2021 notice here specifically aimed at local-level recipients.

17) What legal authority authorizes the JAG program?

The JAG program is authorized under Title I of Public Law 90-351, generally codified at 34 U.S.C. 10151-10726, including subpart 1 of part E at 34 U.S.C. 10151-10158, and it also references 28 U.S.C. 530C(a).

18) The listing mentions an "Affordable Care Act" funding activity category. Does that change the focus of the program?

Although the listing includes "Affordable Care Act" as the Funding Activity Category, the substance of the solicitation described here is focused on criminal justice and public safety funding through the JAG program.

19) What makes this solicitation significant for local jurisdictions?

It is presented as BJA’s FY 2021 pathway for local jurisdictions to access JAG funding to support public safety and justice-system needs while aligning with DOJ priorities such as civil rights protections, access to justice, victim support, responses to evolving threats, and improved community trust.