Eligibility

Eligible jurisdictions include general purpose units of local government (such as cities, counties, parishes, and municipalities), federally recognized Indian tribes, the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Applications must be submitted by the jurisdiction’s CEO or authorized representative.

How To Participate

The entire application and payment process occurs over the Internet. Eligible applicants begin the process by registering at the program’s dedicated web site: http://vests.ojp.gov. The program accepts applications during its annual open period, which normally runs for 90 days during the months of January through April of each year.

Applicants can read online about vest models that meet National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards for armor vests, and link to vest vendors and manufacturers. After a jurisdiction’s CEO has determined the number and types of vests needed, he or she completes an online request for funding. The system accepts only one application for funds from eligible jurisdictions each fiscal year. Once funding has been approved, jurisdictions purchase new vests directly from vest distributors.

After a jurisdiction receives the vests, jurisdiction and law enforcement agency representatives verify receipt and request federal payments online. Funds are electronically deposited directly in the jurisdiction’s bank account, established during the online registration period.