CFPs: Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative Program 2025 (United States)

The program supports innovative tools that allow for multi-participant engagement and can be integrated into training focused on improving law enforcement responses to individuals in crisis.

Objectives

• Develop and implement a VR scenario-based training curriculum designed to improve officers’ de-escalation skills and enhance their ability to respond to individuals in crisis.
• Enhance agency-wide strategy for the integration of the new immersive VR scenario-based training.
• Foster community participation in the planning and implementation of a VR scenario-based training program.

Funding Information

• Estimated Total Program Funding: $5,500,000
• Award Ceiling: $800,000

Deliverables

• Award recipients will be expected to develop and submit the deliverables listed below in the course of implementing their proposed project:
  • Law enforcement agencies must partner with a university-based researcher or team of researchers to assist in the development of the training and review of the implementation progress and outcomes; this collaboration should result in a written evaluation suitable for publication

Eligibility Criteria

• The types of entities that are eligible to apply for this funding opportunity are listed below:
  • Government Entities:
    • State governments
    • County governments
    • City or township governments
    • Special district governments
    • Native American Tribal governments (federally recognized)
  • Native American Tribal governments (other than federally recognized)
  • Educational Organizations
    • Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
    • Private institutions of higher education

Evaluation Criteria

• Applications that meet the basic minimum requirements will be evaluated for technical merit by peer reviewers based on how the proposed project/program addresses the following criteria:
  • Statement of the Problem/Description of the Issue (10%): What critical issue or problem the applicant is proposing to address with this project.
  • Project Goals and Objectives (15%): How the proposed project will address the identified need and the purpose of the funding opportunity.
  • Project Design and Implementation (30%): The strength of how the applicant will implement activities, including the soundness of the project design and how the activities align to the stated goals and objectives.
  • Capabilities and Competencies (25%): The applicant’s administrative and technical capacity to successfully complete this project.
  • Budget (20%): Completeness and cost effectiveness.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.