FY26 Collaborative Reform Organizational Assessment and Enhanced Training Invitational | O COPS 2026 172560

FY26 Collaborative Reform Organizational Assessment and Enhanced Training Invitational (COPS Office) - FAQs

What is the FY26 Collaborative Reform Organizational Assessment and Enhanced Training Invitational?

It is a U.S. Department of Justice COPS Office funding opportunity that supports law enforcement agencies in strengthening their organizations in ways that align with community policing. The opportunity is delivered through the Collaborative Reform Initiative (CRI) and emphasizes practical, measurable improvements within a relatively short timeframe.

What is the main purpose of this funding opportunity?

The overall purpose is to advance community policing practices and support broader public safety priorities by providing tools and guidance to help agencies assess how they operate, identify gaps, and implement changes that can be sustained after the project ends.

What types of activities does the Collaborative Reform Initiative (CRI) support under this opportunity?

Based on the description provided, CRI supports organizational assessments, hands-on technical assistance, and structured training designed to drive practical improvements and measurable outcomes.

What is the Enhanced Training component?

The Enhanced Training component is an online, cohort-based experience for law enforcement professionals nationwide. It runs over a compressed period (typically three to six months) and includes regularly scheduled virtual sessions combined with additional learning resources.

How long do the trainings typically run?

The trainings are designed to run over a compressed period, typically three to six months.

Is the training self-paced or scheduled?

It is organized around regularly scheduled virtual sessions, with a design that also emphasizes flexible scheduling to accommodate working professionals.

Is this training only presentations, or is there a project requirement?

Participants are expected to develop specific projects during the training and complete them as part of the course. The model emphasizes practical implementation and outcome measurement, so participants apply what they learn to real organizational or operational challenges and track progress during the training period.

What does "cohort-based" mean in this program?

Cohort learning means participants move through the training experience together, on a shared timeline, which is intended to support peer learning and consistent progress across the group.

What are the key design features of the Enhanced Training model?

Key design features described include cohort learning, flexible scheduling for working professionals, a blended learning approach (live virtual sessions plus additional learning resources), and continuous access to trainers and subject matter experts during the training period.

Will participants have access to trainers or subject matter experts outside of scheduled sessions?

Yes. A central element described is continuous access to trainers and subject matter experts throughout the training period to support real-time problem-solving and help participants stay on track with their projects.

What outcomes does the program emphasize?

The program is framed around maximizing concrete outcomes, encouraging meaningful participation, and improving the likelihood that changes made during the training will last after the formal sessions end. It also emphasizes outcome measurement and tracking progress during the training.

What type of grant is this (standard grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This is a discretionary grant offered as a cooperative agreement. A cooperative agreement typically indicates substantial involvement or collaboration with the COPS Office during the project period rather than a hands-off grant structure.

What is the funding activity category for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under the Law, Justice and Legal Services funding activity category.

What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?

The CFDA number provided is 16.710.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is described as broad by organizational type and includes nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), and other eligible entities as defined by the solicitation.

Are institutions of higher education eligible under the nonprofit category?

No. The description specifically excludes institutions of higher education from the nonprofit eligibility category referenced.

Is this opportunity open to the public?

No. It is invitational, meaning only organizations that have received a direct invitation from the COPS Office are allowed to apply.

What does "invitational" mean for applicants?

It means an organization must receive a direct invitation from the COPS Office in order to submit an application. Organizations that were not invited are not allowed to apply under this opportunity.

What is the opportunity number?

The opportunity number is O-COPS-2026-172560.

When was the opportunity posted?

The posting date is July 14, 2026.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is August 24, 2026.

How many awards are expected?

Funding is expected to support a single award.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $750,000.

What is the program trying to improve in law enforcement agencies?

It is intended to help agencies assess how they operate, identify organizational or operational gaps, and implement improvements aligned with community policing, with an emphasis on changes that are practical, measurable, and sustainable.

What kind of learning format should applicants expect for the Enhanced Training portion?

Applicants should expect a blended learning format that combines live virtual cohort sessions with additional resources, structured around a short training window (typically three to six months) and supported by ongoing access to trainers and subject matter experts.