BVP PROGRAM HISTORY

In June of 1998, the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) Grant Act of 1998 was signed into law. The BVP act is designed to save the lives of law enforcement officers by helping equip officers with body armor. Applications filed in 2001 are governed by this act.

The BVP program pays up to 50% of the cost of NIJ-approved vests. Jurisdictions should not order their vests until approved by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), unless they have sufficient funds to cover any shortfall.

Former President Clinton signed the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act of 2000, which was enacted by the 106th Congress. This extends the program through 2004. Starting in 2002 the BVP act of 2000 will provide priority funding for jurisdictions with populations under 100,000 and will increase the funding level to $50 million each year.

The BJA will accept vest applications from January 15, 2001 to January 15, 2002. During this time agencies will be able to apply online through the BVP website, http://vest.ojp.gov for new or additional funding for NIJ-approved vests, both ballistic and stab resistant. NIJ-approved vests purchased on or after March 1, 1999 are eligible for funding.

Jurisdictions must decide how to meet their vest needs, while staying within BVP guidelines and statutes. Funds can be used from more than one approved BVP application to purchase vests as long as the total BVP share does not exceed 50% of the cost.