Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program
Forecasted
Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program supports government jurisdictions with reimbursement for NIJ-approved body armor purchases to equip law enforcement officers with protective vests.
Funder: South Carolina Department of Public Safety (OHSJP)
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible body armor vest costs; funding may fall below 50%
Summary: Supports government jurisdictions purchasing NIJ-approved body armor vests for law enforcement officers through federal reimbursement.
Key Information: Jurisdictions are advised to wait for BJA approval before ordering unless they can cover initial costs and potential funding shortfalls.
Description
The Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Program reimburses states, counties, cities, other local jurisdictions, and federally recognized Indian tribes for part of the cost of body armor purchased for law enforcement officers. Established under the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 1998, the program supports purchases of NIJ-approved vests through an electronic application and payment-request process.
In South Carolina, the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Justice Programs serves as the lead state agency for qualifying state agencies. Its responsibilities include monitoring participating agencies’ applications, forwarding Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) payments after vests have been purchased, and providing technical assistance. Applications and requests for federal reimbursement are handled through the federal BVP website.
