BJA FY25 Forensic Ballistics and Higher Education Program

Summary

This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJA FY 2025 Forensic Ballistics and Higher Education Program. This program enables public and state-controlled institutions of higher education to partner with local law enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to develop or build upon current specialized curricula that provide comprehensive forensic education in firearm ballistics and crime gun intelligence (CGI). Since foundational curricula in crime gun intelligence, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) operations, and forensic ballistics have already been developed and piloted, this NOFO will support hands-on training for students to gain proficiency and competency in firearms evidence processing, ballistic analysis using NIBIN, CGI generation, and investigative methodologies that support criminal apprehension and conviction. The program will increase the pipeline of trained professionals entering the forensic science and law enforcement workforce while building sustainable partnerships between higher education and law enforcement agencies to combat violent gun crime. This funding opportunity will expand geographic reach and create replicable frameworks for national dissemination.