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

• BVP System
• NIJ Standard-0101.06: Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor
• NIJ Standard 0115.00: Stab Resistance of Personal Body Armor
• NIJ Compliance Testing Program
• NIJ Compliant Products List
• Ballistic Resistant Body Armor and the NIJ Mark
• NIJ Selection and Application Guide to Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor
• NIJ Selection and Application Guide 0101.06 to Ballistic-Resistant Body Armor

Advisories, Notices, and Alerts

Contacts

The BVP Helpdesk can be contacted at 1-877-758-3787 or vests@usdoj.gov.

Media and Congressional inquiries should be directed to the OJP Office of Communications at 202-307-0703 or ojp.ocom@usdoj.gov.