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An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership

Notice: Critical Program Information (Click here.)

Overview

Bulletproof Vest Partnership

The Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) reimburses states, units of local government, and federally recognized Indian tribes, for up to 50 percent of the cost of body armor vests purchased for law enforcement officers.

Since 1999, over 13,000 jurisdictions have participated in the BVP Program, with a total of $573 million in federal funds for the purchase of over 1.5 million body armor vests.

Funding

The annual BVP application period typically begins in April and closes six weeks from the opening date. 

NEW: The fiscal year 2023 BVP awards have been announced. See the complete list of FY 2023 BVP awards. See Award History by Jurisdiction for detailed award history.

Fact Sheet

The BVP Program Fact Sheet provides background information and other details about the BVP Program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The BVP FAQs contain pertinent information on the BVP Program. Mandatory Wear FAQs are also available.

Links


Advisories, Notices, and Alerts


Contacts

The BVP Helpdesk can be contacted at 1-877-758-3787 or [email protected].

Media and Congressional inquiries should be directed to the OJP Office of Communications at 202-307-0703 or [email protected].

Latest Advisories

12-7-23 NIJ Advisory Notice: Verco Materials model – UrbanShieldMH 

11-20-23 NIJ Advisory Notice: Onyx Protective Group Inc. model - PLF-II-01

11-20-23 NIJ Advisory Notice: Onyx Protective Group Inc. model - STRYX

11-20-23 NIJ Advisory Notice: Spartan Armor model - SAS-III-MCHY

11-20-23 NIJ Advisory Notice: C.P.E Production OY model - Polar Bear

10-25-23 NIJ Advisory Notice: Slate Solutions model – H2001

10-24-23 NIJ Advisory Notice: Arsenal Industries Panama Inc. - GR301

3-9-23 NIJ Safety Notice: Safariland, LLC, ND01-2020S-ME 

3-3-23 NIJ Advisory Notice: HighCom - sa2910

3-3-23 NIJ Advisory Notice: C.I.A. Miguel Caballero S.A.S. - Alpha S33

2-2-23 NIJ Advisory Notice: Mex Msf Sco S.A. de C.V. - Coyote

8-9-22 NIJ Advisory Notice: U.S. Armor Corporation - 6316M

8-9-22 NIJ Advisory Notice: Ceska zbrojovka a.s. - Model HW 490

4-26-22 NIJ Advisory Notice: Safariland, LLC - ND01-2020S-ME

3-18-22 NIJ Advisory Notice: PRE Labs Inc.- Model 2/18F

All Active Advisories

Date Modified: September 29, 2023
Date Created: January 16, 2020