[Bureau of Justice Statistics](https://bjs.ojp.gov)

February 24, 2026 (Grants.gov) | March 3, 2026 (JustGrants)

Total program funding: $135,000,000; Award ceiling: $2,410,714; ~56 awards expected

Supports state, tribal, and court system efforts to improve criminal history record quality, completeness, and accessibility, and to enhance national background check systems.

--- ## Description This program funds projects to improve the quality, completeness, and accessibility of criminal history record information across the United States. It supports national efforts to advance criminal justice and non-criminal justice background check systems, reduce violent crime, and address gun violence by improving the accuracy and utility of criminal history and related records. The program includes three main components: - **National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP):** Enhances criminal history record systems and background check processes. - **NCHIP SF BSCA:** Implements provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to further reduce violent crime and improve interstate record accessibility. - **NICS Act Record Improvement Program (NARIP):** Assists in updating the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) with records that may disqualify individuals from purchasing or possessing firearms. --- ## Due Dates - **Grants.gov Submission Deadline:** February 24, 2026, 11:59 pm Eastern - **JustGrants Submission Deadline:** March 3, 2026, 8:59 pm Eastern --- ## Funding Amount - **Estimated Total Program Funding:** $135,000,000 - **Award Ceiling:** $2,410,714 - **Award Floor:** $0 - **Expected Number of Awards:** 56 --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State governments - Federally recognized Native American tribal governments - Courts: Specifically, the state central administrative office or similar entity designated by statute or regulation to administer federal grant funds on behalf of the jurisdiction’s court system *Note: “Others” may be eligible as clarified in the program solicitation; see official documentation for details.* --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted in two parts: - **Step 1:** Submit through [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361155) by February 24, 2026. - **Step 2:** Complete submission in JustGrants by March 3, 2026. - Download the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and follow all instructions for required documents and procedures. - No cost-sharing or matching is required. --- ## Additional Information - The program is administered as a Cooperative Agreement. - Supports projects that enhance state and national criminal record systems, particularly those affecting firearm background checks and compliance with federal mandates. - Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with relevant state and federal agencies to ensure complementarity and consistency. --- ## External Links - [Full Program Details & NOFO](https://bjs.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bjs-2025-172527) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361155) --- ## Contact Information | Method | Details | |-----------|----------------------------------------------| | Email | [AskBJS@usdoj.gov](mailto:AskBJS@usdoj.gov) | | Contact Page | [BJS Contact Page](https://bjs.ojp.gov/contact) | ---

BJS FY25 Consolidated National Criminal History Improvement Program

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