BJA FY25 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the BJA FY25 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative?

The BJA FY25 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). It supports jurisdictions that want to reduce recidivism by using performance-based and outcomes-based contracting for reentry programming.

What does "Pay for Success" mean in this grant opportunity?

In this NOFO, "Pay for Success" refers to structuring reentry programming contracts so that payments are tied to measurable results rather than a traditional fee-for-service approach. The goal is to pay for verified outcomes (performance) instead of paying primarily for activities or service units delivered.

What problem is this initiative trying to address?

The initiative is intended to help communities reduce repeat involvement with the justice system by shifting how reentry services are funded and managed. It emphasizes accountability to real-world outcomes for people leaving incarceration, with an overall aim of improving long-term reentry success and reducing recidivism.

Who is the target population for supported programs?

The focus is on people leaving incarceration and their reentry outcomes after release. Proposed projects should center on reentry supports and interventions that reduce the likelihood of reoffending and improve post-release stability.

What types of projects can applicants propose under this NOFO?

Based on the description provided, applicants may propose projects that implement new reentry services, expand existing reentry efforts, or convert currently directly funded programs into Pay for Success-style agreements. The key requirement is that the work focuses on reentry for people leaving incarceration and is designed around measurable, trackable outcomes tied to recidivism reduction and long-term success.

Can existing programs be adapted for Pay for Success, or does it have to be brand new?

Existing efforts can be supported. The opportunity explicitly notes that jurisdictions may expand existing efforts or convert current directly funded programs into Pay for Success style agreements, as long as the reentry focus and outcomes-based structure are central to the project.

What outcomes are emphasized in the solicitation?

The solicitation emphasizes reducing recidivism and repeat involvement with the justice system. It also points toward broader long-term reentry outcomes and stability after release, especially outcomes that can be clearly defined, tracked, and verified over time.

Does this funding opportunity support housing-related reentry work?

Yes. The opportunity highlights housing as a key reentry need and signals that proposals can include strategies to address housing instability among people returning from incarceration. This can include building or strengthening partnerships that connect returning individuals to stable housing and coordinated supports.

What kinds of housing activities are implied as relevant in this NOFO?

The NOFO indicates that housing-related strategies may include connecting returning individuals to stable housing, transitional supports, and coordinated services that reduce the likelihood of reoffending. The emphasis is on approaches that support long-term reentry stability and can be evaluated through measurable outcomes.

Why does the NOFO emphasize measurable results and evaluation?

Outcomes-based contracting depends on being able to define success metrics and verify performance over time. The solicitation is oriented toward interventions that can be tracked and evaluated, with outcome verification and performance management treated as core elements of program design.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this NOFO?

The Funding Opportunity Number is O-BJA-2025-172500.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with Assistance Listing number 16.812, which aligns with Second Chance Act-related programming.

What is the funding activity category?

The funding activity category is Law, Justice and Legal Services.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and public housing authorities or Indian housing authorities. The listing also notes eligibility for "others" and specifically references other units of local government, reinforcing that local public-sector entities are intended participants.

Are tribal governments eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized Native American tribal governments are listed as eligible applicants.

Are public housing authorities eligible to apply?

Yes. Public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities are listed as eligible applicants.

Is this a formula grant or a competitive discretionary opportunity?

This is described as a discretionary grant opportunity from BJA, which indicates a competitive process rather than a formula allocation.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $12,500,000.

How many awards does BJA expect to make?

The posting lists "ExpectedAwards:" but does not provide a number. Applicants should plan for a competitive process without a stated target for the number of awards.

When was the notice created?

The notice was created on March 19, 2026.

What is the application closing date?

The original application closing date is April 27, 2026.

What is the central goal of the funded work?

The central goal is to help jurisdictions build reentry systems that are accountable to results. The NOFO emphasizes structuring contracts around measurable impacts like reduced recidivism and improved stability after release, rather than focusing only on short-term outputs.

What makes a proposal a good fit based on the description provided?

A strong fit would be a proposal that (1) focuses on people leaving incarceration, (2) is designed to reduce recidivism and repeat justice involvement, (3) uses performance-based or outcomes-based contracting rather than fee-for-service, and (4) includes clear success metrics with a plan for tracking and verifying results over time. Proposals may also incorporate housing stability strategies as a key reentry support area.