Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP)
Reimburses law enforcement agencies for up to half the cost of NIJ-compliant body armor. A reimbursement program: you buy the vests, then claim back up to 50 percent.
Who it is for
State and local jurisdictions with law enforcement powers: police departments, sheriff's offices, and similar agencies. Individual officers cannot apply; the agency or jurisdiction applies.
Department types: Any department
An honest note on fit
Narrow but reliable. It only covers body armor, but for that one need it is straightforward and most agencies that apply receive funding. Plan for the reimbursement model: you pay first, then claim back.
Before you start
How you apply: Application path varies.
Municipal and county agencies apply directly to DOJ through the BVP system. State law enforcement agencies apply through their state's administering office. Most local departments use the direct path.
Match required: Effectively yes. The program covers up to 50 percent, so your agency funds the other half. JAG funds cannot be used to cover that other half. Some states run a separate state BVP that can fund the remaining share.
How to apply
- Confirm SAM.gov registration.
- Log into the BVP online system through the OJP BVP program page when the application period is open.
- Apply for your jurisdiction's vest funding, identifying the number and cost of NIJ-compliant vests you plan to buy.
- After award, purchase the NIJ-certified vests with your own funds first.
- Log back into the BVP system, enter the purchase receipts, and request reimbursement. Funds are paid on a monthly schedule and remain available to draw for about two years.
Deadline: Annual application period, typically announced on the DOJ BVP page. After award, you generally have about two years to buy vests and request reimbursement. (Annual cycle)
Funding: Up to 50 percent of the cost of each NIJ-compliant vest. A per-officer reimbursement cap is set each year, commonly around $2,000 per officer.
Verified as of 2026-05-31. Programs are checked periodically against their official source. Funding details and deadlines change. Confirm the current requirements on the official program page before you apply.