The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is offering funding under the FY25 Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Training Curriculum for New Corrections Staff initiative to develop and deliver a standardized training curriculum focused on PREA compliance. The program aims to equip new correctional staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to prevent, detect, and respond to sexual abuse and harassment in confinement facilities. The curriculum is intended to be a flexible, scenario-based training tool that corrections agencies can tailor to their specific needs, ensuring compliance with PREA Standards 115.31/115.131/115.231/115.331.

The funding opportunity is open to public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and other eligible entities. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for this grant. The anticipated total funding available is $1,750,000, with a single award expected. The performance period will span 36 months, starting on October 1, 2025.

Applicants are expected to develop a comprehensive curriculum incorporating scenario-based training exercises, adult learning theories, and materials suitable for both in-person and virtual delivery. The curriculum will cover all four types of confinement facilities: prisons and jails, juvenile detention, community confinement, and lockups. Key objectives include conducting an initial scan of existing PREA training programs, piloting the developed curriculum across facility types, analyzing effectiveness, and finalizing the materials based on pilot feedback.

Applications must be submitted in a two-step process: first via Grants.gov by February 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET, and then via JustGrants by March 3, 2025, at 8:59 PM ET. Required components include the SF-424 form, a proposal narrative, a budget detail form, and supporting documents such as MOUs (if applicable), resumes, letters of support, and a project timeline. The proposal must address the problem, project goals, design, implementation, and organizational capabilities.

The application review process will consider the proposal’s alignment with program goals, project design, organizational capacity, and budget reasonableness. Award notifications are expected by September 30, 2025. Post-award requirements include quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, and compliance with all applicable federal regulations and reporting guidelines.