2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG)

The 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG) Announcement of Available Funds, Application Instructions, and FAQs can be obtained through Colorado’s online application system, ZoomGrants Library.

Apply Now in ZoomGrants

Project applications must be submitted on or before TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024. DCJ support ends that day at 5:00 PM MST.  `

PROJECT APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ON-LINE.  

Failure to submit a complete project application may result in denial of funding.

It is highly recommended for applicants to read all of the Application Instructions, which are available through this LINK.

The grant announcement, application, and instructions can also be obtained in the library on ZoomGrants.

Office Hours: Join us for a virtual overview and question and answer session about the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP) grant programs and application process. Register for a session from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. on either February 15 or February 21.

Recording of JAG & SCIP Office Hours Session from February 21, 2024.

To support the implementation of sustainable programs, or to provide resources that prevent or reduce or address crime, delinquency, recidivism, or improve outcomes for those affected by crime, using innovative, multidisciplinary, evidence-based, promising or best practices.

These funds are for start-up efforts, either to attempt a new project design or to replicate a successful project. There is a 48-month funding cap, it is expected that State and local agencies will assume fiscal responsibility for projects when the federal JAG funding is no longer available. Applicants who are applying for continuation funds or expecting to apply for continuation funding in future years (up to 48 months) for the same project will be expected to apply each year.

The JAG Program is authorized by Title I of Public Law 90-351 (generally codified at 34 U.S.C. 10151-10726), including subpart 1 of part E (codified at 34 U.S.C. 10151-10158).

JAG funds can be used for state and local governmental agencies to provide technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one or more of the following Program Areas.

JAG Program Areas:

1. Law Enforcement
2. Prosecution, Court, and Indigent Defense
3. Prevention and Education
4. Corrections and Community Corrections
5. Drug Treatment and Drug Enforcement
6. Planning, Evaluation, Technology Improvement
7. Crime Victims and Witness Protection
8. Mental Health Programs
9. Implementation of State Crisis Intervention Court Proceedings and Related Programs or Initiatives , but not limited to, mental health courts, drug courts, veterans’ courts, and extreme risk protection order programs.[NEW]

Full descriptions of each program area can be accessed at the following link

JAG Board Funding Priorities:

• Community-Based Violence Intervention
• Behavioral Health Programs that prevent and/or reduce criminality related to substance and/or mental health disorders.
• Activities to Prevent Motor Vehicle Theft
• Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate collaboration with underserved communities.

1. Project Summary
2. Problem Statement
3. Implementation Plan
4. If a continuation project - description of accomplishments, project changes, and past progress
5. Measurable goals, objectives, and outcomes
6. Project Evaluation
7. Budget and Budget Narrative
8. All appropriate documents

$3,744,995

October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025

Match is not a requirement for this funding source.

As directed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), JAG funds CANNOT be used to purchase any of the following:

Category A - Strictly Prohibited. (A waiver WILL NOT be granted to utilize JAG funds for the items listed.)

1. Food and beverages.
2. Any inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization.  
3. Any direct or indirect use of JAG award funds to provide any security enhancements or any equipment to any nongovernmental entity that is not engaged in criminal justice or public safety.
4. Firearms or ammunition of .50 or greater caliber.
5. Firearm silencers, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(24).
6. Bayonets.
7. Grenades and Grenade launchers (including launchers for stun and flash-bang).
8. Explosives (except for explosives and percussion actuated non-electric disruptors used for accredited bomb squads and explosive detection canine training).
9. Any vehicles that do not have a commercial application, including all tracked and armored vehicles, unless the LEA certifies that the vehicle will be used exclusively for disaster-related emergencies; active shooter scenarios; hostage or other search and rescue operations; or anti-terrorism preparedness, protection, prevention, response, recovery, or relief.
10. Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), Unmanned Aircraft (UA) and/or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
11. Weapons systems covered by DOD Directive 3000.09 of November 21, 2012, as amended (Autonomy in Weapon Systems).
12. Weaponized aircraft, vessels, and vehicles of any kind.
13. Aircraft that are combat-configured or combat-coded, have no established commercial flight application, or have no application for disaster-related emergencies; active shooter scenarios; hostage or other search and rescue operations; or anti-terrorism preparedness, protection, prevention, response, recovery, or relief.
14. Long-range acoustic devices that do not have a commercial application.
15. Camouflage Uniforms (digital pattern). Woodland and desert patterns are allowable based on operational needs. Camouflage may not be worn in urban or populous areas.

As directed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), JAG funds CANNOT be used to purchase any of the following:

Category B - Statutorily Prohibited without Waiver (Must have Department of Justice certification)

For purposes of Category B, a vehicle is considered a “Police Cruiser” only if it is used in the ordinary course for routine police patrol within the United States. Vehicles (including motorcycles, SUVs, pickup trucks, ATVs, and UTVs) used as “Police Cruisers” ARE NOT prohibited under JAG, and therefore may be acquired with JAG funds in the ordinary course, to the extent otherwise allowable under the award.

1. Vehicles (excluding police cruisers), vessels (excluding police boats), or aircraft (see excluding police helicopters). 
2. “Vehicles” includes, without limitation:
   • Buses / recreational vehicles.
   • Trucks, including pickup trucks.
   • Vans, including passenger vans.
   • Motorcycles.
   • Sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
   • Segways, golf carts, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs) and similar items.
3. Luxury items
4. Real estate
5. Construction projects (other than penal or correctional institutions)

JAG Board Exclusions:

1. Pre-existing Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force activities.

JAG Board Limitations:

1. Applicants without a purchasing policy/price agreement must use the State of Colorado’s Price Agreement as a guideline for the allowable amount that may be requested for each piece of equipment. If the item requested is higher than the State Price Agreement the JAG Board will consider the request on a case-by-case basis.
2. There will be a preference for applicants requesting funds for BWC or other technology, using the State of Colorado’s Price Agreement.
3. Applicants requesting funds to purchase equipment and related software costs, JAG funds will only pay for equipment and one (1) year of subscription costs. A quote must be included at time of application.
4. Warranties are limited to one year unless included in a bundle package. A quote must be included at time of application.
5. Computers (includes both laptops and desktops) – maximum federal funds applicants can request is $2,000 per unit (this does not include Mobile Data Terminals).
6. Conference costs - contact DCJ for further clarification
7. Gift cards or incentives - contact DCJ for further clarification

Units of government at the municipal, county and state level, including special districts, and recognized Native American tribal governments, may apply to the Office of Adult and Juvenile Justice Assistance, Division of Criminal Justice, for a JAG grant. The JAG program strongly encourages partnerships, so applications may support projects involving combined teams of agencies at all levels and including non-profit organizations. However, non-profit organizations cannot apply directly for JAG funding. * Non-profit organizations may participate as a team member, with the government agency assuming overall responsibility and leadership for a project.

∗The JAG Board finds that to prevent fragmentation of law enforcement it will accept limited grant applications from non-profit organizations representing statewide associations of local law enforcement. These non-profits must include in their applications how the grant will benefit statewide priorities adopted annually by the Board. 

Applications will be reviewed by the JAG Advisory Board using the criteria listed below:

1. The proposed project is likely to positively impact the Colorado JAG Board’s Goal: To support implementation of sustainable programs or to provide resources that prevent or reduce or address crime, delinquency, and recidivism, or improve outcomes for those affected by crime; using innovative, multidisciplinary, evidence-based, best, or promising practices.
2. Applicant meets eligibility requirements. 
3. Applicant provides a clear, focused and concise description of the project.
4. The applicant clearly identifies need through use of statistics/information at the level of the project (i.e., using current state or local data).
5. The applicant clearly demonstrates that the proposed project will solve critical problems within a state or local agency, or agencies, and/or within a community. 
6. Preference will be given to applicants who use a pooled/banked equipment approach.
7. Preference will be given to applications that demonstrate collaboration with underserved communities.
8. Applicant demonstrates the capability and authority to successfully complete the proposed project. This includes the ability and willingness to comply with federal and state administrative, financial, evaluation, and other reporting and record keeping requirements. 
9. Goals and Objectives are logical, sensible, clearly written and directly tied to the project.
10. Outcomes are realistic and can be accomplished in the time frames described. Outcomes must identify the amount of intended change expressed as a rate, percent or whole number. Measures are included that will sufficiently document any change that occurs.
11. Budget items are detailed, reasonable, specifically defined, justified and demonstrate how the costs were determined.  No concerns of supplanting have been identified.
12. The project demonstrates the ability to meet the requirements of reporting on the mandatory performance measures within the 15-day due date.

For small Law Enforcement grants:

Applications for hardware (e.g., portable radios, TASERS) are required to address the following:

1. Is funding requested for specific make and model?  If so, why was this specific make and model selected?
2. What are the alternate funding sources sought (e.g. local government budget, e911 authority boards, other grants, and surplus programs)?
3. The proposed project clearly satisfies a critical agency or community need which is not a product of the agency’s failure to plan.
4. The proposal will improve safety, security, and/or efficiency through meeting basic needs of the agency or community.

If a project application is denied funding, a letter describing the reasons for the denial of funding and information on how to request reconsideration (if eligible for reconsideration) of the JAG Board decision will be sent to the applicant.

If awarded, grantees will receive additional information regarding administrative requirements.

Sample Intergovernmental Grant Agreement for Federal Funds

The grantee will be required to submit financial and programmatic reports describing how the grant funds were utilized, including data and other relevant information on performance metrics. These reports will be required quarterly. Performance metrics will be outlined at the time of the award.

Announcement date:  January 16, 2024

Application deadline:  February 27, 2024

Funding decision announced:  Early June 2024

Reconsideration/appeals deadline: Mid-June 2024

Grant Agreement Issuance:  August/September 2024

Award Period:  October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025

Michele Lovejoy
Colorado Division of Criminal Justice, OAJJA
Direct:720-498-7205
E-mail: michele.lovejoy@state.co.us

If you experience problems or have questions about how to use ZoomGrants, please contact dcjgms@state.co.us.

The State of Colorado is committed to providing equitable access to our services to all Coloradans. The Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is committed to the full inclusion of all individuals, and we are continually making changes to improve accessibility and usability of our services. As part of this commitment, the DCJ is prepared to offer reasonable accommodations for those who have difficulty engaging with our content. As an example, documents can be produced in an alternative file format upon request. To request this and other accommodations, or to discuss your needs further contact Michele Lovejoy at 720-498-7205 or michele.lovejoy@state.co.us.