PKG00293495.pdf

Updates regarding the FY 2026 National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Modernization Program notice of funding opportunity.

On page 28-29, an addendum has been added to amend information regarding the reimbursement for the lease/purchase cost and ongoing service costs through the NIBIN Modernization Program.

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: O-BJA-2026-172648

Application Deadlines in Eastern Time (ET):

1. Complete SF-424 and submit in Grants.gov: July 27, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET

2. Submit full application in JustGrants: July 29, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. ET

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Bureau of Justice Assistance | 1 https://Grants.gov

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

Contents

1. Basic Information

2. Eligibility

3. Program Description

4. Application Contents and Format

5. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

6. Application Review Information

7. Award Notices

8. Post-Award Requirements & Administration

9. Questions?

Appendix 1—Invited to Apply

Appendix 2—ATF MOU Template

Appendix 3—Defined Terms

Appendix 4—Amendment

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

1. BASIC INFORMATION

Purpose of the Funding

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) is committed to advancing work that furthers the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) mission to keep our country safe and secure and uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of American citizens. This NOFO is authorized under Public Law 119-21, Title X, Subtitle A, Part II, Section 100055 (codified at 34 U.S.C. § 61101), which provides funding to enhance capacity to locate and apprehend aliens who have committed crime(s) under Federal, State, or local law, in addition to being unlawfully present in the United States, investigate crimes committed by illegal aliens, counter gang and criminal activity including drug and human trafficking operations, support prosecutions, coordinate with federal immigration enforcement partners, and strengthen multi-jurisdictional responses to transnational criminal organizations threatening American communities.

This grant program is a collaboration between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Office of Justice Programs’ (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to provide state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies with funding to acquire modern ballistic imaging equipment and implement crime gun intelligence best practices.

This is an invitation to apply notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the FY 2026 National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Modernization Program.

This program will modernize NIBIN technology at 194 existing sites currently utilizing outdated technology. Grant funds will cover the cost of new NIBIN-compatible equipment and maintenance costs for five years. Eligible applicants are entities listed in Appendix 1.

See the Eligible Applicants section for eligibility details.

Funding Details

Announcement Type Addendum

Assistance Listing Number 16.076

Statutory Authority Pub. L. No. 119-21, Sec. 100055 (codified at 34 U.S.C. § 61101)

Grants.gov Opportunity Number O-BJA-2026-172648

Competition ID Number 25825

Expected Total Amount of Funding $58,200,000

Anticipated Number of Awards 194

Award Type(s) Grant

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

Anticipated Award Amount ($300,000 per equipment system)

Expected Award Period(s) 60 months

Key Dates and Times

NOFO Release Date June 26, 2026

SAM.gov Registration/Renewal Begin the process by June 26, 2026, and no later than July 13, 2026

Step 1: Grants.gov Deadline 11:59 p.m. ET on July 27, 2026

Step 2: JustGrants Deadline 8:59 p.m. ET on July 29, 2026

Anticipated Notification Date By September 30, 2026

See Questions? at the end of this NOFO for agency contact information.

2. ELIGIBILITY

Eligible Applicants

The types of entities that are eligible to apply are:

Other: Eligible applicants are jurisdictions listed in Appendix 1.

Cost Sharing (Match) Requirement: This NOFO does not require cost sharing (match).

3. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Statutory Authority

Pub. L. No. 119-21, Sec. 100055 (codified at 34 U.S.C. 61101)

Agency Funding Priorities

In order to advance public safety and help meet its mission, OJP priorities include:

(a) Directly supporting law enforcement operations (including immigration law enforcement operations);

(b) Combatting violent crime;

(c) Supporting services to American citizens;

(d) Protecting American children; and

(e) Supporting American victims of trafficking and sexual assault.

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

Unallowable Activities: The following are certain unallowable costs and certain activities that are out of the program scope and will not be funded.

1. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that, directly or indirectly, violates (or promotes or facilitates the violation of) federal immigration law (including 8 U.S.C. § 1373) or impedes or hinders the enforcement of federal immigration law—including by failing to comply with 8 U.S.C. § 1373, give access to DHS agents, or honor DHS requests and provide requested notice to DHS agents.

2. Out of program scope is any program or activity, at any tier that violates any applicable Federal civil rights or nondiscrimination law. This includes violations that (1) indirectly violate the law, including by promoting or facilitating violations; or (2) unlawfully favor individuals in any race or protected group, including on a majority or minority, or privileged or unprivileged, basis, within a given area, population, or sector.

3. As specified in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide, in Chapter 3.13 “Unallowable Costs” (“Legal Services for Aliens”), any obligations of funds, at any tier, under this award to provide (or to support the provision of) legal services to any removable alien or any alien otherwise unlawfully present in the United States shall be unallowable costs for purposes any award made under this notice, but the foregoing shall not be understood to apply: (1) to legal services to obtain protection orders for victims of crime; or (2) to immigration-related legal services that may be expressly authorized or required by any law, or any judicial ruling, governing or applicable to the award.

Goals and Objectives of This Funding Opportunity

Goal 1: Improve nationwide access to NIBIN through modernization of ballistic imaging technology at NIBIN sites, enhancing forensic ballistic capabilities for state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to investigate and solve gun crimes committed by illegal aliens, counter gang and criminal activity including drug and human trafficking operations.

• Objective 1: Replace end-of-life equipment at 194 existing NIBIN sites and deploy new NIBIN-compatible technology to ensure reliable, modern ballistic analysis capability nationwide.

• Objective 2: Increase ballistic evidence processing capacity, reduce backlogs, and improve gun crime case clearance rates through enhanced NIBIN technology and crime gun intelligence best practices.

For a description of how awards under this NOFO will contribute to achieving these goals and objectives, see the Performance Reports section below.

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

Expected Outcomes

OJP expects recipients to submit deliverables and performance reports, as described below. Read the Application Resource Guide for more information. OJP will measure success by reviewing a recipient’s submission of performance reports and data and the extent to which project implementation reflects progress toward the goals and objectives of this NOFO.

Deliverables

Recipients do not need to submit any deliverables other than the standard items in the Post-Award Requirements and Administration section.

Additionally, recipients will be expected to:

1. Legacy Equipment Disposition o Upon successful installation and operational testing of new NIBIN-compatible equipment, recipients may dispose of legacy NIBIN equipment according to their agency's standard procedures for surplus property disposition.

o Recipients are not required to return legacy equipment to ATF. Disposition methods may include recycling, salvage, or disposal in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

New equipment must be fully operational, and staff fully trained before legacy equipment is taken offline or disposed of to ensure continuous

NIBIN capability.

2. NIBIN Equipment and Services Acquisition

Secure ATF-approved, NIBIN-compatible ballistic imaging capability for a minimum five-year period through acquisition, lease, or subscription arrangement. The selected approach must:

o Provide continuous access to operational, NIBIN-compatible equipment o Include all necessary maintenance, software updates, and technical support o Ensure equipment meets current ATF NIBIN technical specifications o Cover the full five-year grant performance period o Support seamless data integration with the National NIBIN Network

Grant funds may be used for equipment purchase with warranty, multi-year service subscriptions, or equipment lease arrangements. Recipients must budget the full five-year cost and demonstrate in their application how they will sustain capability beyond the grant period.

3. ATF Coordination and CGI Best Practices

Execute the required ATF Memorandum of Understanding, join ATF’s National NIBIN Correlation and Training Center (NNCTC) if capacity exists and

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Bureau of Justice Assistance | 6 https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information-about-post-federal-award-reporting-requireme

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program implement crime gun intelligence best practices including timely evidence processing, investigative follow-up on NIBIN leads, and regional information sharing.

Performance Reports

OJP requires recipients to submit regular performance reports that communicate progress toward achieving Program Goals and Objectives. Read information on performance reporting. Award recipients will receive further guidance on post award reporting requirements.

4. APPLICATION CONTENTS AND FORMAT

Application Contents List

The table below lists the contents of your application. Refer to the DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist for application instructions.

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Application Item Submission Type

Step 1: Grants.gov

Application for Federal Assistance: SF-424 *Required* Online Form

Step 2: JustGrants

Standard Applicant Information *Required* Online Form

Proposal Abstract *Required* Text Box

Data Requested With Application

• Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)

Online Form

Proposal Narrative *Required* Attachment

Budget *Required* Online Form

Memorandum of Understanding *Required*

• Memorandum of Understanding with ATF (Appendix 2)

Attachment

Other Budget/Financial Attachments

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

• Consultant Rate (if applicable)

• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee

Compensation for Awards Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable)

Attachment https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information-about-post-federal-award-reporting-requireme https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

Additional Application Components Attachment

• Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable)

Standard Applicant Information

Review and edit as needed the information imported from the SF-424 submitted in Grants.gov. Add ZIP codes for areas affected by the project.

Proposal Abstract

In JustGrants, enter a proposal abstract (limited to 2,000 characters) summarizing the proposed project. As abstracts for funded projects are public, do not include any personally identifying information (e.g., staff names). The abstract should include the following information:

• The name of the applicant’s proposed project.

• The purpose of the proposed project (i.e., what the project will do and why it is necessary).

• Where the project will take place (i.e., the service area, if applicable).

• Who will be served by the project (i.e., who will be helped or have their needs addressed by the project).

• What activities will be carried out to complete the project.

• The subrecipient(s)/partner organizations or entities, if known.

• Deliverables and expected outcomes (i.e., what the project will achieve).

View an example of a proposal abstract.

Data Requested With Application

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including Applicant Disclosure of High-Risk Status)

Review information on this questionnaire.

Proposal Narrative

Format of the Proposal Narrative

Submit the narrative as an attachment in JustGrants. The document should:

• Be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point size font

• Have no less than 1-inch margins

• Have numbered pages

• Not exceed 20 pages.

Sections of the Proposal Narrative

The Proposal Narrative must include the three sections listed below.

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

1. Project Goals and Objectives: How will the proposed project address the need identified and address the purpose of the NOFO? Please include:

• Project goals (goals are broad, visionary statements on what you hope to accomplish) that describe how modernizing NIBIN capability will enhance your jurisdiction’s ability to investigate and solve gun crimes.

• Project objectives (objectives are specific outcomes you plan to achieve through project activities) that detail how you will o Improve ballistic evidence processing turnaround times o Increase gun crime case clearance rates o Implement or enhance CGI best practices

• How your project goals and objectives relate to the goals and objectives of the funding opportunity.

2. Project Design and Implementation: How will you implement project activities that meet the project goals and objectives? Please include:

• What activities you will conduct to achieve the proposed goals and objectives.

• Confirmation that you will replace your outdated equipment with new NIBIN-compatible technology for the five-year grant period,

• Your plan to maintain continuous NIBIN capability during the equipment transition period,

• Your approach for legacy equipment disposition once new equipment is operational,

• Confirmation that your department will join the NNCTC if capacity exists

• Your approach to implement and sustain CGI best practices. Your strategy to sustain NIBIN capability after the five-year grant-funded period ends.

3. Capabilities and Competencies: What administrative and technical capacity and expertise do you bring to successfully complete this project? Please include:

• Technical capacity: Your current forensic or investigative capabilities related to ballistic evidence and firearms investigations.

• Personnel: A summary of the qualifications and relevant experience of key personnel who will be responsible for:

o Project management and grant administration o Operating NIBIN equipment (existing or planned staff) o Conducting firearms investigations using ballistic intelligence

• Partnerships: Existing or planned partnerships with ATF, crime laboratories, prosecutors, or other law enforcement agencies that will support NIBIN implementation and CGI best practices.

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

Budget and Associated Documentation

Budget

Use the Budget Detail Worksheet (Web-Based Form) to submit the budget. Read information on budget preparation and JustGrants Application Submission Training.

• List each cost needed to implement the project under the appropriate cost category—specifically, the NIBIN compatible machine with a five-year warranty.

• Clearly name and describe each cost.

• Show the computation of each cost (e.g., cost per unit, number of units, and total cost).

• Enter narrative, as needed, to explain the cost calculations and connection to your project goals, objectives, and activities.

• Include only costs that are reasonable, allocable, and necessary to implement the project. They must be allowable under the funding statute and agency requirements.1

Budget Limits:

• Entities invited for one equipment system: Maximum budget of $300,000.

• Entities invited for multiple equipment systems: Maximum of $300,000 per system. Each system must be budgeted separately and may not exceed $300,000.

Budget/Financial Attachments

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable): If the budget includes indirect costs calculated using a current, federally approved indirect cost rate, upload your indirect cost rate agreement. Read information about indirect costs.

• Consultant Rate (if applicable): Read information on limits to consultant rates and whether you need to request approval to exceed those limits.

• Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation for Awards Over $250,000; Waiver (if applicable): Read information on this limitation and to determine whether you need to submit a waiver.

• Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable):

Applicants to this funding opportunity are not required to provide this disclosure.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Supporting Documents

Attach a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ATF. Refer to Appendix 2 for the specific MOU that is required with the ATF.

1 See 2 C.F.R. Part 200, Subpart E and the DOJ Grants Financial Guide. Read information on unallowable costs that apply to all funding opportunities.

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Bureau of Justice Assistance | 10 https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#budget-prep https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/training-application-submission https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#indirect-cost https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#consultant-rate-if-applicable https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#consultant-rate-if-applicable https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#limitation-use-award https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200#subpart-E https://www.ojp.gov/funding/financialguidedoj/overview https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#unallowable-uses-of-funds

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

MOUs should be submitted as one separate attachment to the application. Unsigned draft MOUs may be submitted with the application, but you should describe in a cover page to the attachment why they are unsigned.

Additional Application Components

Attach in JustGrants:

• Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable): Read information on whether you may need to submit a Tribal Authorizing Resolution.

Disclosures and Assurances

Read the disclosures and assurances and complete them in JustGrants:

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

• Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items (if applicable)

• DOJ Certified Standard Assurances

• Applicant Disclosure and Justification—DOJ High-Risk Grantees (if applicable)

5. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES

The DOJ Grant Application Submission Checklist provides instructions for how to submit you application by the deadlines. Executive Order (E.O.) 12372 (Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs) does not apply to this funding opportunity: read the Application Resource Guide for details. Read OJP’s policy for applicants to request late submission due to technical difficulties, severe weather, or natural or manmade disasters.

6. APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION

OJP will review applications to ensure the information presented is reasonable, understandable, measurable, achievable, and consistent with the goals of the funding opportunity. In addition, OJP reviews invited applications for consistency with the invitation letter and invited applicant guidance. See the Application Resource Guide for information on the application review process, including risk review, and the deciding official.

7. AWARD NOTICES

Read about the award notification process.

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Bureau of Justice Assistance | 11 https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#tribal-authorizing-resolution https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#disclosures-and-assurances https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/training/checklist-application-submission https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#guidance-for-specific-sf-424-fields https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#experiencing-unforeseen-technical-issues https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#programmatic-and-financial-review-criteria https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#programmatic-and-financial-review-criteria https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#federal-award-notices

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

8. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENTS & ADMINISTRATION

Read the Application Resource Guide for more information about: standard award terms and conditions, administrative and national policy requirements, and post-award reporting requirements.

9. QUESTIONS?

NOFO Contact Name: OJP Response Center

Phone: 800-851-3420 or 202-353-5556 (TTY for hearing-impaired callers only)

Email: OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov

Hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday

SAM.gov Help Desk Website: sam.gov/help

Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday (closed federal holidays)

Grants.gov Help Desk Phone: 800-518-4726

Email: support@grants.gov

Website: grants.gov/support

Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed federal holidays)

JustGrants Help Desk Phone: 833-872-5175

Email: JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov

Hours: 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. ET, Monday–Friday and 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays.

U.S. Department of Justice | Office of Justice Programs | Bureau of Justice Assistance | 12 https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#general-information mailto:OJP.ResponseCenter@usdoj.gov https://sam.gov/help mailto:support@grants.gov https://www.grants.gov/support mailto:JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

APPENDIX 1—INVITED TO APPLY

The following entities are invited to apply for the FY 2026 NIBIN Modernization Program. Entities invited to apply for more than one NIBIN equipment system have the number of systems indicated in parentheses next to their name. Entities without a number in parentheses are invited to apply for one equipment system.

Example: "Duvall County, FL Sheriff's Office – Jacksonville (2)" may submit one application requesting funding for two NIBIN equipment systems.

Invited Applicants

1. Acadiana, LA Criminalistics Laboratory

2. Alabama Department of Forensic Services Laboratory

3. Alameda County, CA Sheriff's Office Crime Laboratory

4. Albuquerque, NM Police Department Laboratory

5. Allegheny County, PA Office of the Medical Examiner Laboratory

6. Anchorage, AK Police Department

7. Arkansas State Crime Laboratory

8. Arlington, TX Police Department Laboratory

9. Atlanta, GA Police Department Laboratory

10. Aurora, IL Police Department

11. Austin, TX Police Department Laboratory

12. Baltimore County, MD Police Department Laboratory

13. Baltimore, MD HIDTA

14. Baltimore, MD Police Department Laboratory

15. Bergen County, NJ Sheriff's Office – Firearms Identification Unit

16. Berks County, PA District Attorney's Forensic Services Unit Laboratory

17. Birmingham, AL Police Department Firearms Identification Unit

18. Boston, MA Police Department Crime Laboratory

19. Broward County, FL Sheriff's Office Laboratory

20. Camden County, NJ Police Department

21. Canton/Stark County, OH Crime Laboratory

22. Colorado Bureau of Investigations – Denver, CO Forensic Science Laboratory

23. Colorado Bureau of Investigations – Grand Junction, CO Forensic Science Laboratory

24. Colorado Bureau of Investigations – Northern Colorado Regional Forensic Science Laboratory

25. Colorado Bureau of Investigations – Pueblo, CO Forensic Science Laboratory

26. Chandler, AZ Police Department

27. Charleston County, SC Sheriff's Office

28. Charleston, WV Police Department

29. Charlotte Mecklenburg, NC Police Department Crime Laboratory

30. Chatham County, GA Police Department

31. Chattanooga, TN Police Department

32. Chicago, IL Police Department – Forensic Services Division

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Invited Applicants

33. Cincinnati, OH Police Department (2)

34. Columbus, OH Police Department Crime Laboratory

35. Contra Costa County, CA Sheriff's Office Crime Laboratory

36. Corpus Christi, TX Police Department Crime Laboratory

37. Cumberland County, NC Sheriff's Office Laboratory

38. Cuyahoga County, OH Medical Examiner’s Office Laboratory

39. Dallas, TX Police Department Laboratory (2)

40. Delaware State Police

41. Denver, CO Police Department Laboratory (2)

42. Des Moines, IA Police Department

43. Detroit, MI Police Department

44. Duvall County, FL Sheriff's Office – Jacksonville (2)

45. El Paso Sheriff's Office, TX Police Department

46. Erie County, NY CPS Forensic Lab

47. Essex County, NJ Sheriff's Office

48. Fargo, ND Police Department

49. Fayetteville, NC Police Department

50. Fort Bend County, TX Sheriff's Office

51. Fort Worth, TX Police Department Laboratory

52. Fresno, CA Police Department

53. Georgia Bureau of Investigation Laboratory – Decatur

54. Glendale, AZ Police Department

55. Glendale, CA Police Department Laboratory

56. Greensboro, NC Police Department Laboratory

57. Hillsborough County, FL Sheriff's Office

58. Houston, TX Forensic Science Center Laboratory (2)

59. Institute of Forensic Sciences Harris County TX Laboratory

60. Illinois State Police – Chicago Forensic Laboratory

61. Illinois State Police – Joliet Forensic Laboratory

62. Illinois State Police – Metro East Forensic Laboratory

63. Indian River County, FL Crime Laboratory

64. Indiana SP – Fort Wayne Laboratory

65. Indiana SP – Headquarters Laboratory

66. Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory

67. Jackson, TN Police Department

68. Jefferson Parish, LA Sheriff's Office Crime Laboratory

69. Johnson County, KS Sheriff's Office Laboratory

70. Kansas City, MO Police Department – Regional Crime Laboratory

71. Kansas Bureau of Investigation – Topeka, KS Laboratory

72. Lake County, IN Crime Laboratory

73. Laredo, TX Police Department

74. Las Vegas, NV Metropolitan Police Department – Forensic Laboratory

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

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75. Long Beach, CA Police Department Laboratory

76. Los Angeles County, CA Sheriff's Office Laboratory

77. Los Angeles, CA Police Department – 77th District

78. Los Angeles, CA Police Department Laboratory (3)

79. Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory (2)

80. Louisville, KY Metro Police Department

81. Madison County, AL Sheriff's Office Laboratory

82. Madison, WI Police Department

83. Marion County, IN Forensic Services Agency Laboratory (2)

84. Maryland State Police – Berlin Forensic Laboratory

85. Maryland State Police – Pikesville Forensic Laboratory

86. Massachusetts State Police – Maynard Laboratory

87. Memphis, TN Police Department

88. Mesa, AZ Police Department Forensic Services Laboratory

89. Mesquite, TX Police Department

90. Miami Gardens, FL Police Department

91. Miami Valley, OH Reg Crime Laboratory

92. Miami-Dade, FL Police Department Laboratory (2)

93. Milwaukee, WI Police Department

94. Minneapolis, MN Police Department Laboratory

95. Mississippi DPS Biloxi Forensics Laboratory

96. Mississippi DPS Pearl Forensics Laboratory

97. Monroe County, NY Public Safety Laboratory

98. Montgomery County, TX Sheriff's Office Laboratory

99. Muscogee County, GA Police Department

100. Nashville, TN Metro Police Department Laboratory (2)

101. Nassau County, NY Police Department

102. New Jersey State Police – Hamilton (2)

103. New Mexico State Police

104. New Orleans, LA Police Department – New Orleans Police Department Crime Lab

105. New York City, NY Police Department Laboratory (4)

106. New York State Police – Crime Laboratory (3)

107. Newark, NJ Police Department Laboratory

North Carolina State Crime Laboratory – Raleigh (2) 108.

109. North Louisiana Crime Laboratory

110. Northern IL Police Crime Laboratory

111. Oakland County, MI Sheriff's Office Laboratory

112. Oakland, CA Police Department Laboratory

113. Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation – Richfield Laboratory

114. Oklahoma City, OK Police Department Laboratory

115. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation Forensic Laboratory

116. Omaha, NE Police Department

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

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117 . Onondaga County, NY Center for Forensic Science Laboratory

118 . Pennsylvania State Police – Bethlehem Regional Laboratory

119. Pennsylvania State Police – Greensburg Regional Laboratory

120 Pennsylvania State Police – Harrisburg Regional Laboratory .

121 . Palm Beach County, FL Sheriff's Office Laboratory (2)

122 . Peoria, IL Police Department

123 . Philadelphia, PA Police Department Headquarters Laboratory (2)

124 . Phoenix, AZ Police Department Crime Laboratory (3)

125 . Plano, TX Police Department Laboratory

126 . Puerto Rico Institute of Forensic Services Criminalistic Laboratory

127 . Rhode Island State Crime Laboratory

128 . Richmond, VA Police Department

129 . Rockford, IL Police Department

130 . Sacramento County, CA Sheriff's Office Laboratory

131 . Sacramento, CA Police Department

132 . Salem, OR Police Department

133 . Salinas, CA Police Department

134 . San Antonio, TX Police Department

135 . San Bernardino County, CA Sheriff's Office Laboratory

136 . San Bernardino, CA Police Department

137 . San Diego County, CA Sheriff's Office Laboratory

138 . San Diego, CA Police Department Crime Laboratory

139 . San Francisco, CA Police Department Crime Laboratory

140 . San Mateo County, CA Sheriff's Office Forensic Laboratory

141 . Santa Ana, CA Police Department Forensic Services

142. Santa Clara County, CA District Attorney’s Crime Laboratory 143 . Sheriff's South Bend, IN Police Department

144 . Sheriff's South Carolina LE Division Forensic Laboratory

145 . St. Louis County, MO Police Crime Laboratory

146 . St. Louis, MO Metropolitan Police Department Crime Laboratory

147 . St. Petersburg, FL Police Department

148 . State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety Laboratory

149 . Stockton, CA Police Department Laboratory

150 . Suffolk County, NY Crime Laboratory

151. Tennessee Bureau of Investigations – Nashville, TN Crime Laboratory

152 . Toledo, OH Police Department Laboratory

153 . Tucson, AZ Police Department Gun Crimes Unit Laboratory

154 . Tulsa, OK Police Department Laboratory

155 . Union County, NJ Police Department

156 US Virgin Islands Police Department – St. Croix .

157 . Utah Department of Public Safety – Salt Lake City

158 . Valdosta, GA Police Department Laboratory

DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

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159. Ventura County, CA Sheriff's Office Laboratory

160. Virginia Department of Forensic Services – Eastern Laboratory (2)

161. Virginia Department of Forensic Services – Northern Laboratory

162 . Virginia Department of Forensic Services – Richmond Laboratory (2)

163 . Virginia Department of Forensic Services – Roanoke Laboratory

164 . Washington State Patrol – Seattle Crime Laboratory

165. Washington State Patrol – Spokane Crime Laboratory

166 . Washington State Patrol – Tacoma Crime Laboratory 167 . Washoe County, NV Sheriff's Office Laboratory

168 . Westchester County, NY Police Department Laboratory

169 . Wilmington, DE Police Department

170 . Winston-Salem, NC Police Department

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

APPENDIX 2—ATF MOU TEMPLATE

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

Between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the

[Insert Jurisdiction Name]

Regarding the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into by the U.S. Department of

Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the

[Insert Jurisdiction Name], hereinafter collectively referred to as “the parties,” and the [Insert Jurisdiction Name], referred to as the “NIBIN Partner.” This MOU establishes and defines a partnership between the parties that will result in an ATF National

Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) system installation, operation, and administration for the collection, timely analysis, and dissemination of crime gun data to enhance the efforts of law enforcement to integrate resources to reduce firearms violence, identify shooters, and refer them for prosecution.

AUTHORITY

This MOU is established pursuant to the authority of the participants to engage in activities related to the investigation and suppression of violent crimes involving firearms. ATF’s authorities are set forth in Title 28, Code of Federal Regulations, sections 0.130-0.131, and include the power to investigate violations of the Gun Control

Act of 1968 (as amended), Title 18, United States Code, Chapter 44.

BACKGROUND

The ATF NIBIN Program uses sophisticated technology to compare images of ballistic evidence. It is part of an integrated investigative approach to reduce firearms violence and improve crime gun intelligence. Through aggressive targeting, investigation, and prosecution of shooters and their sources of crime guns, Federal, State, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies work in concert to combat firearms-related violence.

SCOPE

Participation in this program is expressly restricted to the sharing of ballistic imaging of firearms data associated with crimes recovered by any law enforcement agency in the

United States and international law enforcement partners who have entered into agreements with ATF to share ballistic data. ATF may work with our international law enforcement partners to search their networks in an effort to identify a crime gun in their database against a crime gun in ATF’s NIBIN network.

NIBIN systems are to be used to image ballistic evidence and test fires of firearms illegally possessed, used in a crime, or suspected by law enforcement officials of having been used in a crime. Ballistics information and/or evidence from firearms taken into law enforcement custody through a gun buy-back program, property damage crimes

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program involving firearms, found or abandoned firearms, and domestic disturbances are also permitted to be entered into the NIBIN system.

Any NIBIN unit will not be used to capture, share, or store ballistic images acquired at the point of manufacture, importation, or sale of a firearm, or images of law enforcement-issued firearms not associated with crimes. The NIBIN system does not store information related to firearms owners or registration.

APPLICABLE LAWS

The applicable statutes, regulations, directives, and procedures of the United States, DOJ, and ATF shall govern this MOU and all documents and actions pursuant to it. Nothing in this MOU will prevail over any Federal law, regulation, or other Federal rule recognized by ATF. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this agreement will be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity in excess of or beyond that which is authorized by the law of the NIBIN Partner’s jurisdiction. This MOU is not a funding document. All specific actions agreed to herein shall be subject to funding and administrative or legislative approvals.

MODIFICATIONS AND TERMINATIONS

This MOU shall supersede any previous MOU between the parties regarding NIBIN. This

MOU shall not affect independent relationships or obligations (non-NIBIN related) between the parties. If any provision of this MOU is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in force and unaffected to the fullest extent permitted by law and regulation.

Except as provided herein, this MOU may be modified or amended only by written mutual agreement of the parties. Either party may terminate this MOU by providing written notice to the other party. The termination shall be effective upon the thirtieth calendar day following provision of notice, unless an alternative date is agreed upon.

If either party terminates this MOU, ATF will retain its interest in the electronically stored information contained in the database. ATF agrees to provide to the NIBIN

Partner an electronic copy of the data collected by the NIBIN Partner, subject to Federal law and regulation.

LIABILITY

The NIBIN Partner hereby agrees to assume full and sole liability for any damage, injury, or harm of any sort caused by the operation and use of any NIBIN system or related to the use and interpretation of any information contained in, processed by, or extracted from any database subject to this agreement and the protocols and procedures of the

NIBIN Program, to the extent allowed by law.

The rights and obligations set out in this MOU run between the signatories. Nothing in this MOU is intended to create any substantive or procedural rights, privileges, or benefits enforceable in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter by any prospective or

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SYSTEM INSTALLATION

The NIBIN Partner hereby agrees and acknowledges that the deployed NIBIN system is the property of the partner site. Any and all costs associated with the deployed NIBIN system, to include costs to provide, install, and maintain the system, are the sole responsibility of the NIBIN Partner and not the responsibility of ATF. ATF does not have and will not have, at any time, any liability or financial obligation related to the deployed NIBIN system. The NIBIN system is for use by the NIBIN Partner and any other law enforcement agencies served by or in partnership with the NIBIN Partner.

Should the installation of the NIBIN system require physical construction at the site, the

NIBIN Partner will be responsible for such construction and any associated costs. If a system is to be moved to allow additional access outside of a laboratory, NIBIN Partner will ensure the appropriate protocols are put into place to ensure the integrity of crime gun evidence along with maximum use of the equipment.

SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

The NIBIN Partner will maintain all NIBIN systems acquired by the NIBIN Partner and repair or replace inoperable or outdated systems in an expeditious manner, at their own expense. At all times, the NIBIN Partner agrees not to make or cause to be made any repairs, alterations, movements, additions, improvements, or replacements to the NIBIN systems not expressly authorized in writing by ATF in advance and further agrees to exercise due care in every respect to prevent system movement, damage, destruction, or misuse.

DEPLOYED SYSTEM USAGE

Because the NIBIN Program focuses on the reduction of firearms-related violent crimes, the NIBIN Partner shall enter all eligible ballistic evidence recovered from crime scenes as soon as possible. In addition, the NIBIN Partner shall enter into NIBIN test-fire cartridge cases from eligible firearms taken into law enforcement custody in a timely manner. NIBIN Partners may not charge other law enforcement agencies for the entry of evidence into grant-funded or grant-maintained automated ballistics technology used in the NIBIN Program.

DEPLOYED SYSTEM REMOVAL

ATF retains the right to remove the NIBIN Partner from the NIBIN system upon: (1) receipt of written notification of the termination of the participation of the NIBIN Partner in the NIBIN Program; (2) the cancellation of this MOU by ATF; or (3) termination of the NIBIN Program by ATF.

If ATF intends to remove a NIBIN Partner from the NIBIN system, ATF will provide written notice.

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

SELF-PURCHASED SYSTEMS

All requirements involving network requirements, usage, Minimum Required Operating

Standards (MROS), movement of equipment, network requirements and security requirements apply to all agencies on the NIBIN network. These requirements ensure the integrity of the database and network security.

SYSTEM MOVEMENT

If the NIBIN Partner seeks to move its NIBIN system, it must submit a written request to

ATF. ATF’s decision regarding the proposed move will be provided to the NIBIN Partner in writing. Any movement of the NIBIN system will occur at the expense of the

NIBIN Partner and only after receipt of authorization by, and coordination with, Leads

Online. To realize maximum use of the equipment, it should be placed where trained personnel can expeditiously enter evidence. ATF will work with each partner to realize optimal placement of equipment to obtain actionable investigative leads.

Due to communication line installation/move requirements, NIBIN Partners must provide a minimum of 120 calendar days’ advance notice to ATF and the NIBIN system manufacturer before the intended move of a NIBIN system.

In the event of unauthorized movement, alteration, damage, or destruction of any NIBIN system caused by its employees, contractors, or any other person under its control, the

NIBIN Partner agrees to assume the cost of replacement or repairs of the equipment.

The NIBIN Partner agrees to report to ATF, within 5 calendar days, any incident involving the following: an unauthorized movement, alteration, damage, or destruction of

NIBIN systems, any unauthorized use of NIBIN systems or the unauthorized release of data related to the NIBIN Program.

COMMUNICATION LINES

ATF will provide and support primary communication lines necessary for connecting

NIBIN systems to the NIBIN network.

SECURITY

The NIBIN Partner will comply with all ATF, DOJ and/or other Federal security requirements related to the NIBIN program, network, and systems to ensure the integrity of the program. These requirements are set forth under NIBIN security policies. ATF will promptly notify the NIBIN Partner should these requirements change. All NIBIN sites will not knowingly allow a person to access the NIBIN network using another person’s user ID and password.

The NIBIN Partner agrees to conduct criminal background checks, including fingerprint checks, of all NIBIN users. Upon successful completion of these background checks, the

NIBIN Partner will notify ATF’s NIBIN Branch in writing.

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

SYSTEM USAGE AND MINIMUM REQUIRED OPERATING STANDARDS

To ensure the consistency, integrity, and success of NIBIN, ATF has enacted Minimum

Required Operating Standards (MROS). The MROS, listed below, are rooted in ATF’s “Four Critical Steps for a Successful NIBIN Program” – comprehensive collection, timeliness, investigative follow-up, and feedback. They identify the practices that best allow NIBIN to provide comprehensive and timely crime gun intelligence.

1. Enter all fired or test fired cartridge cases from serviced law enforcement agencies and/or departments through a NIBIN acquisition machine within 2 business days of receipt.

2. Enter accurately all required information during the acquisition process on the NIBIN acquisition machine.

3. Correlate and conduct a secondary review of any potential NIBIN leads through an approved NIBIN correlation machine within 2 business days.

4. Disseminate NIBIN leads within 24 hours.

5. Designate and maintain a NIBIN program administrator.

6. No policy shall inhibit or restrict NIBIN submissions by serviced law enforcement agencies and/or departments.

7. Operate with only qualified NIBIN users.

Please note that Standards 3 and 4 are not applicable to NIBIN sites using the NIBIN

National Correlation and Training Center for correlation reviews of ballistic images.

As a NIBIN partner, the [Insert XXXXX] is striving to meet the MROS by developing and implementing changes in their operations and working toward compliance. Each

NIBIN site must be in compliance with MROS or working towards compliance to the satisfaction of the Crime Gun Intelligence Governing Board.

AUDITS

ATF and the NIBIN Partner acknowledge their understanding that the operations described in this MOU are subject to audit by ATF, DOJ, the DOJ Office of the Inspector

General, the General Accountability Office, and other auditors designated by the U.S.

Government. Such audits may include reviews of all records, performance measurements, documents, reports, accounts, invoices, receipts, or other evidence of expenditures related to this MOU and the NIBIN Program.

Notwithstanding, ATF will conduct audits of all NIBIN Partners and their sites once every two years for the remainder of the MOU. The purpose of the audits is to review and verify compliance with the required MROS. Each site must be in full compliance with the MROS in order to maintain access to NIBIN.

Further, the NIBIN Partner agrees to allow auditors to conduct one or more in-person interview(s) of any and all personnel the auditors determine may have knowledge relevant to transactions performed or other matters involving this MOU and the NIBIN

Program.

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DOJ FY 2026 Invited to Apply – National Integrated Ballistic Information (NIBIN) Modernization Program

The NIBIN Partner hereby acknowledges its understanding that, for accounting purposes, that the principles and standards for determining costs shall be governed by the policies set forth in the Office of Management and Budget Circular A-87, revised (available via the OMB, the Superintendent of Documents at the U.S. Government Printing Office, or via the Internet at http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a087/a087-all.html.)

PERSONNEL AND TRAINING

Prior to the execution of this MOU and a NIBIN system installation, the NIBIN Partner must employ, or have access to, a technical person capable of performing forensic microscopic comparison of bullet and cartridge evidence.

The NIBIN Partner agrees to provide and maintain sufficient personnel to operate the

NIBIN system and agrees to allow use of the equipment by ATF personnel or our representatives to support the program at the host location. All personnel accessing

NIBIN must be a Qualified NIBIN User as required by the MROS. This MOU should not be construed to require the hiring of any new personnel, except at the discretion of the

NIBIN Partner. If the NIBIN Partner determines that additional personnel resources are required, all costs associated with this hiring will be borne by the NIBIN Partner. All users of the equipment must satisfy the same requirements as other NIBIN users and be properly trained, qualified and approved in advance by ATF.

Following basic entry training, ATF will verify trainee competency before authorizing network access. Individuals trained internally by a NIBIN Partner will not be certified as appropriately trained until they successfully pass a competency test administered by ATF.

The NIBIN Partner may provide access to the NIBIN system under its operational control to another law enforcement agency.