BJS FY24 Federal Law Enforcement Agency Deaths in Custody Reporting Program, 2024-2026 | O BJS 2024 172117

Opportunity Information: Apply for O BJS 2024 172117

The Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), part of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP), is offering a discretionary funding opportunity to support a national data collection effort focused on deaths in custody involving federal law enforcement agencies. The program is titled "BJS FY24 Federal Law Enforcement Agency Deaths in Custody Reporting Program, 2024-2026" and is intended to continue and strengthen BJS existing work in documenting and standardizing information on people who die while in the custody of federal law enforcement. The overall purpose fits within DOJ and OJP priorities that emphasize civil rights and equity, increasing access to justice, supporting people impacted by the justice system, strengthening community safety, responding to evolving public safety threats, and improving public trust in law enforcement through transparency and accountability.

At its core, the grant funds the collection of data on deaths that occur in two main contexts: deaths that are arrest-related and deaths that occur in detention or incarceration facilities operated or used by federal law enforcement agencies. The solicitation covers three fiscal years, specifically FY 2024, FY 2025, and FY 2026, meaning the recipient is expected to support sustained reporting across multiple years rather than a one-time snapshot. A key feature of the work is the use of a web-based reporting interface that federal law enforcement agencies can use to identify and report qualifying deaths. The intention is to make reporting structured, consistent, and easier to manage across agencies, while producing data that can be used for statistical analysis and public accountability.

The funding mechanism is a cooperative agreement, which usually indicates that BJS anticipates having substantial involvement in the project beyond a typical grant. In practice, that often means the awardee should expect ongoing coordination with BJS on project design, implementation decisions, data elements, reporting procedures, quality controls, and deliverables. The activity category is "Information and Statistics," and the program is associated with CFDA number 16.734, signaling that the award is meant to produce usable statistical information and improve the federal justice data infrastructure.

The opportunity number is O-BJS-2024-172117. BJS expects to make one award, with a maximum award amount (ceiling) of $300,000. The original application closing date listed is July 2, 2024, and the opportunity was created on May 3, 2024. Because only one award is anticipated, applicants generally need to demonstrate they can run a national-level data collection operation, maintain a secure and reliable reporting system, coordinate effectively with multiple federal agencies, and meet federal expectations for data quality, documentation, and timely deliverables over a multi-year period.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of entities, such as state, county, and city or township governments; special districts; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations (including those other than small businesses); small businesses; individuals; and other entity types. Although the description references "Units of Local Government," the eligible applicant list extends well beyond local governments and is consistent with many BJS solicitations that allow applications from governments, nonprofits, academic institutions, and private-sector organizations capable of carrying out specialized statistical work.

In terms of what the funded work aims to accomplish, the practical outcome is an improved and ongoing process for federal law enforcement agencies to report deaths in custody and arrest-related deaths in a consistent, trackable manner for FY24 through FY26. By building on existing BJS efforts, the program is designed to expand and refine a system that can help DOJ and the public better understand when and how deaths occur in federal custody contexts, where gaps in reporting may exist, and what trends can be identified over time. This aligns with DOJ stated mission goals of upholding the rule of law, protecting civil rights, and keeping the country safe, with transparency and trustworthy data serving as the foundation for informed policy, oversight, and community confidence.

• The Bureau of Justice Statistics in the information and statistics sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "BJS FY24 Federal Law Enforcement Agency Deaths in Custody Reporting Program, 2024-2026" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 16.734.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-05-03.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-07-02. (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 $300,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

Apply for O BJS 2024 172117

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