Opportunity Information: Apply for O BJA 2023 171650
The BJA FY 23 Smart Policing Initiative (SPI) Grant Program is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). It is designed to help law enforcement agencies strengthen how they prevent and respond to crime by using evidence-based policing strategies, better data practices, and modern technology. The program also sits within OJP's broader priorities around advancing civil rights and racial equity, increasing access to justice, supporting victims and people impacted by the justice system, improving community safety, and building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
SPI is specifically aimed at supporting projects that do more than just purchase tools or expand routine operations. Instead, BJA is looking for initiatives that implement and test innovative approaches to common policing challenges, particularly approaches that can be measured, evaluated, and refined based on results. A key theme in the solicitation is practical innovation: agencies are encouraged to try new tactics, use analytics and research to guide decisions, and document outcomes so that lessons learned can be shared and replicated. The opportunity also emphasizes the role of law enforcement in appropriately supporting community violence intervention and prevention efforts in their jurisdictions, which signals interest in strategies that coordinate with community partners and align enforcement activities with broader violence reduction plans.
Another major focus is the development, implementation, and testing of technologies that improve information sharing and data transparency. In practice, this can include tools, systems, and processes that make it easier to share relevant information within an agency, across agencies, and with the public when appropriate. BJA references its broader portfolio of data- and technology-driven public safety efforts, including initiatives like the National Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) Initiative, to reinforce that SPI projects should be grounded in sound data use and modern operational capabilities rather than ad hoc decision-making.
The award is offered as a cooperative agreement, which typically means BJA will have an active role during the project period through collaboration, guidance, and oversight, more so than under a standard grant. The posted award ceiling is $800,000. The funding opportunity number is O-BJA-2023-171650, the assistance listing (CFDA) number is 16.738, and the activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services. The original application closing date was May 1, 2023, and the opportunity was created on March 9, 2023.
Eligibility is geared toward public-sector and tribal law enforcement entities and their governmental partners. Eligible applicants include state, local, tribal, and campus law enforcement agencies; governmental non-law-enforcement agencies that serve as the fiscal agent for a law enforcement agency; federally recognized Indian tribal governments that perform law enforcement functions; and tribal consortia made up of two or more federally recognized tribes, including consortia organized as nonprofit entities, when acting as a fiscal agent for one or more tribal law enforcement agencies.
For applicants looking for models of what BJA has funded under SPI in prior years, the solicitation points to examples of successful projects available at https://www.smart-policing.com/. That site is useful for understanding the kinds of policing problems agencies have tackled under SPI, how projects were structured, and the way outcomes and implementation lessons are typically framed for this program.Apply for O BJA 2023 171650
- The Bureau of Justice Assistance in the law, justice and legal services sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BJA FY 23 The Smart Policing Initiative Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.738.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2023-03-09.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2023-05-01. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $800,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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FAQs: BJA FY 23 Smart Policing Initiative (SPI) Grant Program
What is the BJA FY 23 Smart Policing Initiative (SPI) Grant Program?
The Smart Policing Initiative (SPI) is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP). It is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and is intended to help law enforcement agencies improve how they prevent and respond to crime through evidence-based strategies, stronger data practices, and modern technology.
Which federal agency is offering and administering this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered through the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), and administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
What are the main goals of SPI?
SPI focuses on strengthening policing approaches by encouraging evidence-based policing strategies, improving data collection and analysis, and using modern technology to support measurable, effective crime prevention and response.
How does SPI align with broader OJP priorities?
The program sits within OJP priorities that include advancing civil rights and racial equity, increasing access to justice, supporting victims and people impacted by the justice system, improving community safety, and building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Does SPI fund routine operations or basic equipment purchases?
SPI is specifically aimed at projects that go beyond simply purchasing tools or expanding routine operations. BJA is looking for initiatives that implement and test innovative approaches to common policing challenges, especially approaches that can be measured, evaluated, and refined based on results.
What does BJA mean by “practical innovation” in SPI projects?
The solicitation emphasizes practical innovation, meaning agencies are encouraged to try new tactics, use analytics and research to guide decisions, and document outcomes so lessons learned can be shared and replicated by other jurisdictions.
What kinds of policing challenges is SPI meant to address?
SPI is designed to support innovative approaches to common policing challenges. The emphasis is on solutions that can be implemented, tested, measured, evaluated, and improved based on results rather than approaches based on ad hoc decision-making.
Is evaluation and measurement expected as part of an SPI project?
Yes. A central theme is that projects should be measurable and evaluated so approaches can be refined based on results and so outcomes and lessons learned can be documented and shared.
How does SPI address community violence intervention and prevention?
The opportunity emphasizes the role of law enforcement in appropriately supporting community violence intervention and prevention efforts. This signals interest in strategies that coordinate with community partners and align enforcement activities with broader violence reduction plans in the jurisdiction.
What is the technology and data focus in SPI?
A major focus is the development, implementation, and testing of technologies that improve information sharing and data transparency. This can include tools, systems, and processes that make it easier to share relevant information within an agency, across agencies, and with the public when appropriate.
Does SPI encourage information sharing beyond a single agency?
Yes. The solicitation highlights improving information sharing within an agency, across agencies, and with the public when appropriate, supported by technologies and processes that strengthen data transparency and operational decision-making.
How does the National Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) Initiative relate to SPI?
BJA references its broader data- and technology-driven public safety portfolio, including initiatives like the National Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) Initiative, to reinforce that SPI projects should be grounded in sound data use and modern operational capabilities.
What type of award is SPI and what does that mean for the recipient?
The award is offered as a cooperative agreement. This typically means BJA will have an active role during the project period through collaboration, guidance, and oversight, more so than under a standard grant.
What is the maximum funding amount available under this opportunity?
The posted award ceiling for this opportunity is $800,000.
What is the funding opportunity number for SPI FY 23?
The funding opportunity number is O-BJA-2023-171650.
What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this program?
The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 16.738.
What is the activity category for this opportunity?
The activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services.
When was the opportunity created and when was the application closing date?
The opportunity was created on March 9, 2023. The original application closing date was May 1, 2023.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is geared toward public-sector and tribal law enforcement entities and their governmental partners. Eligible applicants include state, local, tribal, and campus law enforcement agencies; governmental non-law-enforcement agencies that serve as the fiscal agent for a law enforcement agency; federally recognized Indian tribal governments that perform law enforcement functions; and tribal consortia made up of two or more federally recognized tribes (including consortia organized as nonprofit entities) when acting as a fiscal agent for one or more tribal law enforcement agencies.
Can a governmental non-law-enforcement agency apply?
Yes. A governmental non-law-enforcement agency may be eligible if it serves as the fiscal agent for a law enforcement agency.
Are campus law enforcement agencies eligible?
Yes. Campus law enforcement agencies are listed among eligible applicants.
Are federally recognized tribal governments eligible?
Yes. Federally recognized Indian tribal governments that perform law enforcement functions are eligible.
Can tribal consortia apply, including those organized as nonprofit entities?
Yes. Tribal consortia made up of two or more federally recognized tribes are eligible, including consortia organized as nonprofit entities, when acting as a fiscal agent for one or more tribal law enforcement agencies.
Where can applicants see examples of previously funded SPI projects?
The solicitation points to examples of successful projects at https://www.smart-policing.com/. This resource can help applicants understand the types of problems addressed, how projects were structured, and how outcomes and implementation lessons are typically presented for SPI.
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| BJA FY 23 Preventing School Violence: BJA's STOP School Violence Program Apply for O BJA 2023 171666 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171666 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
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| BJA FY 23 National Training and Technical Assistance: Capital Case Litigation Initiative Apply for O BJA 2023 171669 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171669 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program Apply for O BJA 2023 171677 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171677 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Community Courts Initiative Apply for O BJA 2023 171688 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171688 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $900,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Tribal Justice Training and Technical Assistance Program Apply for O BJA 2023 171680 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171680 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $1,800,000 |
| BJA FY 23 State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Apply for O BJA 2023 171698 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171698 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $59,000,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program - Competitive Apply for O BJA 2023 171700 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171700 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvement Grants Program - Formula Apply for O BJA 2023 171701 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171701 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $2,404,940 |
| BJA FY 23 Intellectual Property Enforcement Program: Protecting Public Health, Safety, and the Economy from Counterfeit Goods and Product Piracy Apply for O BJA 2023 171686 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171686 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $375,000 |
| BJA FY 23 National Public Safety Partnership- Capacity Building Grant Limited Competition Grant Solicitation Apply for O BJA 2023 171722 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171722 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Prison Rape Elimination Act Resource Center Apply for O BJA 2023 171723 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171723 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $4,580,222 |
| BJA FY 23 Rural and Small Department Violent Crime Reduction Program Apply for O BJA 2023 171729 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171729 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $300,000 |
| OVW Fiscal Year 2023 State and Territory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalitions Program Solicitation Apply for O OVW 2023 171652 Funding Number: O OVW 2023 171652 Agency: Office on Violence Against Women Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $340,618 |
| BJA FY 23 The National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative: Training and Technical Assistance Program Apply for O BJA 2023 171749 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171749 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| BJA FY 23 The Price of Justice: Rethinking the Consequences of Fines and Fees Apply for O BJA 2023 171758 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171758 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative Apply for O BJA 2023 171767 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171767 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| BJA FY 23 John R. Justice (JRJ) Formula Grant Program Apply for O BJA 2023 171770 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171770 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $80,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Harold Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) Apply for O BJA 2023 171768 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171768 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| BJA FY 23 Transforming Prison Cultures, Climates, and Spaces Apply for O BJA 2023 171771 Funding Number: O BJA 2023 171771 Agency: Bureau of Justice Assistance Category: Law, Justice and Legal Services Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
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