FY 2026 Invited To Apply Census of Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies and Census of Tribal Court Systems
🏛 Bureau of Justice Statistics
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for research organizations and tribal data collection experts selected by BJS through an Invited to Apply process. Only pre-selected applicants may apply. The grant supports census data collection and statistical analysis of tribal law enforcement agencies and tribal court systems across the United States.
Activities include metadata collection, data validation, non-response bias analysis, and methodological research. The award extends an existing project for 12 months through December 31, 2027.
Organizations must demonstrate capacity to conduct rigorous statistical research and tribal justice data collection. Prior experience with tribal data collection or BJS programs is highly valued.
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Program description
This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the BJS FY 26 Invited to Apply- Census of Tribal law Enforcement Agencies (CTLEA) and Census of Tribal Court Systems (CTCS). This opportunity seeks to provide supplemental funding and a 12-month extension (through December 31, 2027) in the period of performance.
The CTLEA and CTCS statistical programs are part of BJS’s multi-faceted approach to provide accurate and timely statistics on federally recognized tribal justice agencies operating in the United States and responds directly to the legislative mandate that BJS “establish and implement such tribal data collection systems as the director [of BJS] determines to be necessary to achieve the purposes of,” the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010. Pub. L. 111-211.
The supplemental funding and added period of performance will ensure the awardee can complete the previously approved scope of work, as well as the expanded methodological tasks. The expanded methodological activities for both CTLEA and CTCS to be conducted include: 1) metadata collection and research analyses; 2) data validation and verification activities; 3) detailed non-response bias analysis and reports; 4) tribal justice data collection implementation report; and 5) detailed metadata analysis reports.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Statement of Work
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Organizational Capacity Documentation
- Prior Project Results (if applicable)
- Tribal Partnerships/Letters of Support
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Justice Statistics
- 📧 AskBJS@usdoj.gov
- 📞 0000000000
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.734 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$5,399,590
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$4,984,036
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$4,496,252
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$4,455,666
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$3,999,959
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$3,999,752
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$3,968,275
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$3,599,993
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$3,299,964
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$3,037,354
Top States by Funding
- NC 18 awards $29.1M
- MD 6 awards $14.4M
- IL 4 awards $7.4M
- DC 4 awards $6.8M
- CA 2 awards $4.6M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 16.734). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $12,264,525 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Only organizations pre-selected and invited by BJS can apply. This is not an open competition.
What is the funding amount?
The total pool is $200,000 for supplemental funding and a 12-month project extension.
What activities does this fund?
Metadata collection, data validation, non-response bias analysis, and tribal justice data collection implementation and reporting.
Is this for a new project?
No, this funds continuation and expansion of an existing CTLEA and CTCS project through December 2027.
What type of organization typically receives this grant?
Research organizations with expertise in statistical methodology and tribal justice data collection.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Confirm you have been officially invited by BJS before preparing an application. Unsolicited applications will be rejected.
- Document your team's prior experience with tribal data collection and statistical research methods.
- Clearly explain how you will complete the expanded methodological tasks within the 12-month timeframe.
- Build a detailed budget that reflects costs for data validation, bias analysis, and reporting activities.
- Establish strong partnerships with tribal law enforcement and court systems for data access and cooperation.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without an official BJS invitation. Submitting vague or incomplete methodological plans for the expanded scope. Underestimating timeline and resource needs for non-response bias analysis and validation activities.
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