The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Fiscal Year 2025 Advancing Data in Corrections Initiative seeks to enhance state correctional agencies' ability to utilize data for informed decision-making. This initiative aims to address systemic challenges in corrections data management by providing embedded data analysts in up to ten state correctional agencies for one year, delivering national-scale training and technical assistance (TTA), and creating resources for corrections analysts across the country. These efforts are intended to improve the quality and accessibility of data, optimize policy and operational decision-making, and ultimately enhance efficiency and outcomes in corrections systems.

The program builds on previous efforts, such as the Resident Corrections Analysts (RCA) and Virtual Academy for Corrections Analysts (VACA) programs, consolidating them into a single framework. It includes placing trained analysts within selected state corrections agencies to address staffing shortages and skill gaps, developing virtual training courses tailored to corrections data analysts, and expanding online resources such as data repositories, analysis tools, and peer-to-peer forums. Analysts embedded in agencies will focus on developing reports, dashboards, and other tools to streamline data-driven decision-making and promote operational improvements.

Eligible applicants include public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, and for-profit organizations, including small businesses. Applications may involve subrecipients, but only one entity can serve as the primary applicant. No cost-sharing or match requirement is mandated for this opportunity. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in data analysis, training design, staff placement, and TTA delivery tailored to the needs of corrections agencies.

The anticipated total funding is $4,000,000, with a single award expected. The project period is 36 months, beginning October 1, 2025. Applicants must submit an initial application via Grants.gov by March 12, 2025, followed by a full application in JustGrants by March 19, 2025. Required application components include a proposal narrative, budget detail form, financial management questionnaire, and supporting documents such as work samples, resumes of key personnel, and letters of support.

Evaluation criteria for applications will consider the significance of the problem addressed, the clarity and feasibility of the project design, the capacity and experience of the applicant, and the strength of the plan for collecting and analyzing performance data. Embedded analysts are expected to contribute meaningfully to their host agencies' ability to analyze and leverage data, while national-level training and resources will strengthen data analysis capacity across the corrections field.

Performance measures include tracking the effectiveness of embedded analysts, assessing the reach and impact of training resources, and documenting improvements in agency policies or operations resulting from data-informed decision-making. Deliverables include regular progress reports, virtual training courses, online repositories, and a final report summarizing project outcomes. The successful applicant will be expected to coordinate closely with BJA, comply with reporting requirements, and ensure all deliverables are Section 508 compliant.

For further information and application submission details, applicants are encouraged to consult the JustGrants training resources and the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide. Technical assistance is available through the OJP Response Center and JustGrants Service Desk.