Frequently Asked Questions

In the BVP Program, "uniquely fitted vests" means protective (ballistic or stab-resistant) armor vests that conform to the individual wearer to provide the best possible fit and coverage, through a combination of: 1) correctly-sized panels and carrier, determined through appropriate measurement, and 2) properly adjusted straps, harnesses, fasteners, flaps, or other adjustable features. The requirement that body armor be "uniquely fitted" does not necessarily require body armor that is individually manufactured based on the measurements of an individual wearer. In support of the Office of Justice Programs' efforts to improve officer safety, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International has made available the Standard Practice for Body Armor Wearer Measurement and Fitting of Armor (Active Standard ASTM E3003) available at no cost. The Personal Armor Fit Assessment checklist, is excerpted from ASTM E3003.

In addition, a certification section has been added to the 2019 application (in the BVP system) stating the jurisdictions and law enforcement agency are aware of and will comply with this requirement.

Simple Answer:
No

More Detailed Answer:
Jurisdictions and agencies can fully participate in this program, without regard to supplanting. Technically, this is not a grant program, so supplanting issues do not apply.

Simple Answer:
Yes

More Detailed Answer:
This program does not make a distinction between new hires and trained or certified law enforcement officers, as long as the officers in question meet the Act's definition when the BVP funded vests are purchased. The only relevant restriction applies to positions that are authorized or funded but unfilled; jurisdictions are not permitted to include anticipated vest needs for authorized but unfilled positions in their application.

Vests provided through this program must be tested and found to comply with the applicable NIJ standard. Vests modified for K-9 units have not been tested by NIJ and are therefore not eligible for matching funds.

No. BVP funds may only be used to purchase vests on the latest NIJ standards list that are American-made.

Pursuant to the BVP Program statute, receipt of JAG funding by a unit of local government may impact its eligibility for funding under the BVP Program in the same fiscal year, unless it is a qualifying unit of local government with fewer than 100,000 residents.

Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) funds may not be used to pay for that portion of the bullet proof vest (50%) that is not covered by BVP funds. JAG funds may be used to purchase vests for an agency, but they may not be used as the 50% match for BVP purposes.

Simple Answer:
No

More Detailed Answer:
Jurisdictions are permitted to apply only once per program year. Jurisdictions may apply for additional vests during subsequent program years, even though prior year vest orders or payments are still pending.

More Detailed Answer:
BVP funds can be used for tactical-level armor, but only 1 vest per officer in a replacement cycle. It the agency purchases a tactical-level vest for an officer, it must be his primary vest; they can not then use BVP funds to purchase a regular-duty vest for the same officer during the same replacement cycle.

Simple Answer:
Yes or No - It Depends.

More Detailed Answer:
Law enforcement agency (LEA) contacts should discuss application procedures and design with the jurisdiction representative. For smaller jurisdictions with only one LEA or for larger jurisdictions where only one participating LEA, there should be no need for a separate LEA application; usually this results in confusion and duplicative work. All application requirements can be fulfilled exclusively using the Jurisdiction Handbook, through the single-level application process.