Evaluation partner for reentry and justice program applications
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The Bureau of Justice Assistance does not require an outside evaluator. It does give priority consideration to reentry applicants who commit to working with one, and it invites a research and evaluation partner in its substance use programs. Our experience is extensive in recidivism and other prison-related support services.
Does the Bureau of Justice Assistance require an evaluator for reentry grants?
No, but it rewards one. The FY2026 Smart Reentry Demonstration Program lists a commitment to partner with a local evaluator among its priority considerations, and the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program invites a research and evaluation component. Evaluation content sits inside project design and implementation, 35 percent of the score. Plotline Evaluation serves as that local evaluator.
What the FY2026 announcements say
- Smart Reentry Demonstration Program (O-BJA-2026-172673): among its priority considerations is “a commitment to partner with a local evaluator” to identify and analyze data that will target the intended population, serve as a baseline, and “provide for an independent evaluation.” Awards up to $1,100,000, with cost sharing, for states, counties, cities and tribal governments.
- Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Site-Based Program (O-BJA-2026-172702): “Applicants have the option to propose a research and evaluation component” and should describe the research and evaluation partner.
- Neither makes an evaluator mandatory. Any application that proposes research or evaluation must include a Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement; an outside evaluator with no stake in the project makes that statement simple (OJP Application Resource Guide).
- In both, the evaluation content sits inside project design and implementation, which carries 35 percent of the score.
Facts on this page were checked against the official sources on October 31, 2026. Rules change; rely on the official announcement or regulation linked here, not on this summary.
Where we fit
A named local evaluator answers the priority consideration, and the data work begins before the first participant enrolls.
- The evaluation plan and logic model for your application, and the letter of commitment
- Baseline data and a clear definition of the target population, which the announcement asks for by name
- Interviews and focus groups with participants, staff, and community and corrections partners
- Quantitative analysis of recidivism and program outcomes, with comparison groups where the design allows
- Data management across agencies that do not share systems
- Expert data visualization and final reporting in multiple formats: full report, executive summary, slide deck, one-page brief or dashboard
Mixed methods is our default design: qualitative and quantitative data, collected together and reported as one story.
Timing
Both FY2026 announcements have closed (Grants.gov on September 24, 2026; JustGrants on October 1, 2026). As of October 31, 2026 neither has been posted for FY2027, so this page is for the next round. Justice Assistance announcements tend to give about six weeks; this year both posted in mid-August and closed September 24. Our free evaluation plan lets you prepare before the next one posts.
Questions people ask
Does the evaluator have to be independent?
Any application that proposes research or evaluation must include a Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement. An outside evaluator with no stake in the project makes that statement simple.
What does the local evaluator do before participants enroll?
Defines the target population and establishes baseline data, which the Smart Reentry announcement asks for by name, so the independent evaluation has something to measure against.
Planning a reentry or justice application?
Tell us the program and the agencies in your partnership. You will hear back within one business day.
Every inquiry is confidential. We never sell or share your information. Privacy policy.