🚨 FY2026 GRANT ALERT: PREPARE NOW
Update as of August 2025: The State of Texas has confirmed plans to launch the FY2026 Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant Program, with an expected application window between December 2025 and February 2026. While applications are not yet open, now is the time to prepare. Agencies that missed the 2025 window—closed on February 8, 2024—should review eligibility requirements, secure resolutions, and begin documentation to avoid delays once the portal opens. We’ll update this page the moment official dates and funding details are released by the Governor’s Office. 🔗 Stay ready. Bookmark this page or contact us for help sourcing NIJ-certified rifle-rated shields eligible for the grant.🔒 FY2025 GRANT CYCLE: CLOSED
The FY2025 Texas Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant Program officially closed on February 8, 2024. This round provided over $4 million in funding to agencies across Texas to equip peace officers with NIJ-certified rifle-rated ballistic shields.
If your agency missed this cycle, we recommend reviewing the eligibility requirements now and preparing documentation ahead of the FY2026 application window.
- Eligible agencies must employ peace officers.
- A governing body resolution is required to apply.
- Cybersecurity training, UCR compliance, and NIJ certification standards apply.
Need help sourcing compliant equipment? Contact our government sales team.
📌 FY2024 GRANT CYCLE: CLOSED
The FY2024 Texas Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant Program closed in early 2023. During this cycle, eligible Texas law enforcement agencies received critical funding to acquire NIJ-certified rifle-rated ballistic shields in response to increased threats and tactical demands.
This was one of the earliest cycles of targeted shield funding initiated after high-profile active shooter incidents statewide. The FY2024 program helped establish a model for subsequent cycles, including FY2025 and the upcoming FY2026 grants.
If your agency participated in this round and is looking to upgrade or expand shield inventory, browse our current lineup of compliant equipment or contact us to discuss follow-on procurement options.
On August 17, 2022, the State of Texas Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office – Criminal Justice Division, announced that it was accepting immediate applications for the Bullet-Resistant Shield Grant Program, FY2023. The Texas Rifle Shield Grant provides up to 50 million dollars in funding to eligible agencies specifically to purchase rifle-rated ballistic shields to respond to an active attacker scenario at schools. For a complete briefing on the funding of the Public Safety Office grant program, please visit the E-Grants Website.
Eligible Organizations:
The following types of organizations can submit the Texas Rifle Shield Grant application:
- Independent School Districts
- Institutes of Higher Education
- Units of Local Government
- the Texas Department of Public Safety
- Other Educational Institutions that operate law enforcement agencies employing peace officers under Article 2.12, Texas Code of Criminal Procedures
The current funding expectations are approximately 50 million dollars total for FY2023. A qualifying agency should submit the final funds requested and certifications to https://eGrants.gov.texas.gov.
Applications are due by September 19th, 2022, at 5 pm CST.
Requirements for participation in the Grant:
The official grant paperwork is available online and defines the requirements for a successful proposal. The following is for informational purposes only.
Funds from the grant may only be used to equip peace officers (as defined by Article 2.12, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure) directly employed by a law enforcement agency operated by the applicant.
Public Safety Office will prioritize the equipping of certain types of officers in the following order:
- Peace officers directly employed by school districts;
- Peace officers contracted by school districts; and
- Other peace officers may respond to school safety emergencies.
Eligible organizations applying for grant funds will ensure their law enforcement agency adopts a Critical Incidents In-Progress (Active Shooter) policy. Implementing, at a minimum, protocols for assessing an active threat or violent encounter and immediately responding to stop the killing, stop the dying, and provide rapid casualty evacuation.
Eligible Items under Texas Rifle Shield Grant
The Bullet-Resistant Grant Program stipulates the funds are to be used to stop a specific type of round. The bullet-resistant shields purchased must comply with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Level III, III+, or IV. This means that the shields your agency requests funding for must be capable of stopping rifle rounds consistent with the current NIJ certifications.
The application process also encourages applicants to consider the reasonable cost of their request. The applications are evaluated based on the number of frontline peace officers equipped with shields and the average cost per shield.
How to Buy:
Our Government sales team’s mission is to ensure that your agency complies with the Texas Rifle Shield Grant stipulations. In doing so, Rules of Engagement Tactical, LLC will provide you with the proper documentation and competitive pricing needed for a successful proposal. Additionally, our team consists of active and former peace officers who strive to ensure you receive the best possible value. As a result, your agency acquires the most number of shields possible. You put more capability to stop a threat into the hands of your officers and best utilize the public funds being awarded through the grant.
For quotes, e-mail [email protected].
Available Rifle Rated Shields:
To ensure your compliance with the Texas Rifle Shield Grant, we have created a list of our Rifle Rated Shields and some of their specifications. This list is not all-inclusive, and other options may be available.
