The FY2026 application period for the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) is open until October 30, 2026. Administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), BVP reimburses states, units of local government, and federally recognized tribes for up to 50% of the cost of body armor vests purchased for law enforcement officers.
If your agency plans to buy or replace armor, this is the window to apply for funding. Here is what you need to know before the deadline.
FY2026 BVP at a Glance
- Application deadline: October 30, 2026
- Reimbursement: up to 50% of eligible vest costs
- Who applies: the jurisdiction's chief executive or an authorized designee, not individual officers
- Priority: qualifying units of local government with fewer than 100,000 residents are funded first
- Payment window: about two years from award release to request reimbursement, subject to the expiration date in your award notification
What Is the BVP Program?
Since 1999, BVP has shared the cost of body armor with the agencies that buy it. According to OJP, more than 13,000 jurisdictions have participated, using $573 million in federal funds to purchase over 1.5 million vests.
Who Can Apply?
States, units of local government, and federally recognized tribes that employ law enforcement officers are eligible. Full-time, part-time, and auxiliary officers count. Trainees and new hires qualify if they meet the law enforcement officer definition when the vest is purchased. Vests for authorized but unfilled positions do not.
What Does BVP Reimburse?
BVP covers ballistic and stab-resistant vests, plus the carriers, attachments, inserts, and covers that are integral to wearing the vest. Shipping, handling, fitting charges, and applicable taxes are also eligible.
BVP does not cover trauma plates purchased separately for existing vests, used vests, K-9 armor, ballistic shields, or helmets. Tactical vests are allowed, but each officer can receive only one BVP-funded vest per replacement cycle, and it must be their primary vest.
Vest Requirements
- NIJ compliant: the model must meet the applicable NIJ body armor standards and be on the NIJ Compliant Products List as of the date you order.
- Made in the USA: required for every BVP-funded vest.
- Uniquely fitted: panels and carrier sized to the individual officer from measurements, with straps and fasteners properly adjusted.
- Mandatory wear policy: a written policy specifying when uniformed officers must wear armor on duty must be in effect when you submit your application.
See our NIJ Certifications page for details on how armor is tested and listed.
How to Apply
- Register in the BVP System. Your jurisdiction's chief executive, or an authorized designee who works for the jurisdiction, completes the registration process through the BVP System.
- Submit your application by October 30, 2026. Base your requested vest count on current body armor needs for eligible officers and confirm your mandatory wear policy is in place. Do not include authorized but unfilled positions.
- Buy, then request payment. After your award is released, purchase eligible vests and submit payment requests once they are delivered. Check the expiration date in your award notification. BJA reports payment typically arrives five to six weeks after successful submission and chief executive certification of the payment request.
For a deeper look at avoiding common mistakes, read 5 Tips to Maximize Your BVP Funding.
How Angel Armor Can Help
Angel Armor's NIJ-certified RISE® soft armor options, Truth SNAP® ICW rifle plate configurations used in conjunction with RISE® soft armor, and 308 Elite standalone rifle plate are made in the USA and designed to help agencies meet BVP requirements. These NIJ Standard 0101.06-certified options can be eligible for reimbursement when the specific configuration and purchase meet program requirements.
Every agency's configuration is different, so we recommend confirming eligibility for your specific order with BJA before you buy. Our team can help you scope quantities, sizing, and documentation for your application. See our NIJ Certifications page for additional certification details.
Learn more on our BVP Program page or explore other grant programs for body armor.
Sources: OJP BVP overview (updated October 1, 2026) and the BJA BVP FAQ (updated September 2025). Program details can change, so always confirm with BJA at vests@usdoj.gov or 1-877-758-3787.
