12jmhcpttasol.pdf

U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs' (OJP) Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) is pleased to announce that it is seeking applications for funding under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Training and Technical Assistance Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by increasing public safety through innovative cross-system collaboration for individuals with mental illness who come into contact with the criminal or juvenile justice systems.

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Training and Technical Assistance Program FY 2012 Competitive Grant Announcement

Eligibility Applicants are limited to for-profit (commercial) organizations, nonprofit organizations, faith-based and community organizations, and institutions of higher learning (including tribal institutions of higher education). For-profit organizations must agree to forgo any profit or management fee.

Deadline Applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application. (See “How to Apply,” page 10.) All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on February 2, 2012. (See “Deadlines: Registration and Application,” page 3.)

Contact Information For technical assistance with submitting the application, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800–518–4726 or via e-mail to support@grants.gov.

Note: The Grants.gov Support Hotline hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays.

For assistance with any other requirement of this solicitation, contact the BJA Justice Information Center at 1–877–927–5657 or 606–545–5035, via e-mail to JIC@telesishq.com, or via live web chat at www.justiceinformationcenter.us. The BJA Justice Information Center hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time on the solicitation close date.

Grants.gov number assigned to announcement: BJA-2012-3116

Release date: December 6, 2011 http://www.usdoj.gov/ http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/ http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp mailto:JIC@telesishq.com http://www.justiceinformationcenter.us/

BJA-2012-3116

OMB No. 1121-0329 Approval Expires 02/28/2013

CONTENTS

Overview 3

Deadline: Registration and Applications 3

Eligibility 3

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Training and Technical Assistance Program— Specific Information 3

Performance Measures 6

Notice of New Post-Award FFATA Reporting Requirement 9

How To Apply 10

What an Application Should Include 12

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) Program Narrative Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable)

Additional Attachments Other Standard Forms

Selection Criteria 14

Review Process 15

Additional Requirements 16

Provide Feedback to OJP on This Solicitation 17

Application Checklist 18

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration

CFDA #16.745

Overview

The Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Training and Technical Assistance Program supports the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP).1 This program is funded through the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2004 (MIOTCRA) (Public Law 108-414), which was reauthorized in 2008 (Public Law 110-416). BJA is seeking a training and technical assistance (TTA) provider to deliver TTA to grantees to assist with their efforts to plan, implement, or expand adult or juvenile justice and mental health collaboration programs.

Deadlines: Registration and Application

Applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application. OJP encourages applicants to register with Grants.gov several weeks before the application submission deadline.

The deadline to apply for funding under this announcement is 11:59 p.m. eastern time on February 2, 2012. See the “How to Apply” section on page 10 for more details. Please note that while the deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. eastern time on February 2, 2012, staff assistance through the BJA Justice Information Center is only available until 8:00 p.m. eastern time (see “Contact Information” on the title page for more information about BJA’s Justice Information Center).

Eligibility

Refer to the title page for eligibility under this program.

Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Training and Technical Assistance Program—Specific Information

The primary purpose of the JMHCP is to increase public safety by facilitating collaboration among the criminal justice, juvenile justice, and mental health and substance abuse treatment systems to increase access to mental health and other treatment services for those individuals with mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Jurisdictions (states, local governments, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations) are eligible to apply for planning, planning and implementation, or implementation and expansion funding through JMHCP. The primary goal of the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Training and

1Note: In FY 2011 BJA received 279 applications for funding under the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP), only 40 of which were awarded due to limited funding. In FY 2012, JMHCP faces further reductions to its appropriation. The peer review process in FY 2011 yielded a high number of qualified and competitive applications, many of which remain unfunded. The peer review process, while serving a valuable function in assisting BJA staff make funding decisions, is also costly and is funded with JMHCP program funds. By relying on the peer review results of FY 2011 and forgoing a new competitive application process including peer review in FY 2012, BJA is able to maximize the number of awards made to the field. Therefore, BJA will not be issuing a FY 2012 JMHCP solicitation and instead will recommend FY 2012 JMHCP awards from the long list of unfunded, qualified, and highly competitive FY 2011 applications.

Technical Assistance Program is to provide a comprehensive array of TTA services to assist JMHCP grant recipients.

BJA is seeking a TTA provider with extensive expertise in: 1) providing proactive, comprehensive, user-friendly TTA services; 2) developing uniform protocols for the assessment and delivery of TTA, as well as tracking, evaluation, and follow-up; 3) using TTA strategies that include developing tools and resources for grantees, such as distance learning, peer-to-peer consultations, onsite technical assistance, and ongoing technical assistance by phone and e-mail; and 4) planning and hosting grantee meetings.

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables

The TTA provider will:

• Serve as the primary TTA provider for JMHCP grantees. Develop uniform TTA request and response protocols. Provide proactive, culturally competent, comprehensive, user-friendly TTA via teleconferencing, peer-to-peer consultations, onsite assistance, web-based assistance, and follow-up TTA as required by phone and e-mail.

• Identify and maintain a list of TTA consultants whose expertise and experience best fit grantee needs such as experts in law enforcement response programs; pre-trial services;

mental health courts and diversion/alternative prosecution and sentencing programs;

corrections and jails; community-based supervision; transitional and reentry services; and special populations such as system-involved juveniles and females. With the approval of BJA, assign TTA consultants to assist grantees when appropriate and report on and monitor TTA assistance provided.

• Report on technical assistance provided, including a summary of the findings for the grantee and recommended next steps to improve program performance as well as follow up information regarding the grantee’s implementation of the recommendations provided.

• Develop and maintain a JMHCP TTA web site to include relevant resources and a mechanism for online technical assistance.

• Plan and implement a grantee orientation (TTA overview, grant management process and related tools, lessons learned, networking opportunity) for up to 100 participants to include two representatives from each grantee jurisdiction.

• Utilize the JMHCP Planning and Implementation Guide with grantees to address governance, design, data collection and evaluation, and sustainability, and assess progress in achieving the goals of their grant. The TTA provider will assist grantees with this guide and use the data to inform how TTA will be delivered. An example of the guide can be found at: www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/JMHCPPlanImpGuide.pdf.

• Plan for and host distance learning opportunities such as webinars and subject-specific conference calls for JMHCP grantees on topics such as grant management, strategic planning, collaboration, and sustainability.

• Develop and maintain a listserv of JMHCP grantees to distribute updates and other information and to facilitate ongoing communication.

• Assist grantees in collecting and reporting on JMHCP performance measures and identify and explain trends from the performance measure data submissions. If needed, prepare JMHCP-specific data collection practices. Assess grantee capacity for reporting during site visits and phone calls and make recommendations for improvement.

• Support national and federal partners on related projects and maintain a presence at national or state training events related to criminal justice and mental health programs.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/JMHCPPlanImpGuide.pdf

• Participate in GrantStat with BJA staff for JMHCP grantees. Through GrantStat, a process to examine the performance of grant programs by tracking and comparing grantee and program performance along selected key indicators, BJA management and staff examine the performance of the grant programs funded by BJA by tracking grantee and program performance along several key indicators. GrantStat calls for the collection and analysis of performance data and other relevant grant-level information that enables BJA as well as our TTA partners to be held accountable for the grantee’s and program’s performance as measured against the program’s goals and objectives. TTA providers will be required to participate (via phone or in-person) in regular meetings and report on information and key findings from their interaction with the grantees as the TTA provider.

Evidence-Based Programs or Practices

OJP considers programs and practices to be evidence-based when their effectiveness has been demonstrated by causal evidence (generally obtained through one or more outcome evaluations). Causal evidence documents a relationship between an activity or intervention (including technology) and its intended outcome, including measuring the direction and size of a change, and the extent to which a change may be attributed to the activity or intervention.

Causal evidence depends on the use of scientific methods to rule out, to the extent possible, alternative explanations for the documented change. The strength of causal evidence, based on the factors described above, will influence the degree to which OJP considers a program or practice to be evidence-based. OJP’s CrimeSolutions.gov web site is one resource that applicants may use to find information about evidence-based programs in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services.

Amount and Length of Award

BJA anticipates that it will award one cooperative agreement for up to $600,000 for a 12-month project period. The project start date should be on or after October 1, 2012.

All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law.

Budget Information

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation; Waiver With respect to any award of more than $250,000 made under this solicitation, federal funds may not be used to pay total cash compensation (salary plus bonuses) to any employee of the award recipient at a rate that exceeds 110 percent of the maximum annual salary payable to a member of the Federal Government’s Senior Executive Service (SES) at an agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year. (The 2011 salary table for SES employees is available at www.opm.gov/oca/11tables/indexSES.asp) Note: A recipient may compensate an employee at a higher rate, provided the amount in excess of this compensation limitation is paid with non-federal funds. (Any such additional compensation will not be considered matching funds where match requirements apply.)

The limitation on compensation rates allowable under an award may be waived on an individual basis at the discretion of the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) for OJP. An applicant that wishes to request a waiver must include a detailed justification in the budget narrative of its application. Unless the applicant submits a waiver request and justification with the application, http://www.opm.gov/oca/11tables/indexSES.asp the applicant should anticipate that OJP will request the applicant to adjust and resubmit its budget.

The justification should include: the particular qualifications and expertise of the individual, the uniqueness of the service being provided, the individual’s specific knowledge of the program or project being undertaken with award funds, and a statement explaining that the individual’s salary is commensurate with the regular and customary rate for an individual with his/her qualifications and expertise, and for the work that is to be done.

Minimization of Conference Costs No OJP funding can be used to purchase food and/or beverages for any meeting, conference, training, or other event. Exceptions to this restriction may be made only in cases where such sustenance is not otherwise available (i.e., extremely remote areas), or where a special presentation at a conference requires a plenary address where there is no other time for sustenance to be attained. Such an exception would require prior approval from OJP. This restriction does not apply to water provided at no cost, but does apply to any and all other refreshments, regardless of the size or nature of the meeting. Additionally, this restriction does not impact direct payment of per diem amounts to individuals in a travel status under your organization’s travel policy.

Updated Department of Justice and OJP guidance on conference planning, minimization of costs, and conference cost reporting will be forthcoming and will be accessible on the OJP website at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/funding.htm.

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) If an applicant proposes a program or activity that would deliver services or benefits to individuals, the costs of taking reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to those services or benefits by individuals with limited English proficiency may be allowable costs. Reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services or benefits may include interpretation or translation services where appropriate.

For additional information, see the "Civil Rights Compliance" section of the OJP "Other Requirements for OJP Applications" web page (www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm).

Match Requirement This solicitation does not require a match. However, if a successful application proposes a voluntary match amount, the match amount incorporated into the OJP-approved budget becomes mandatory and subject to audit.

Performance Measures

To assist in fulfilling the Department’s responsibilities under the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA), Public Law 103-62, and the GPRA Modernization Act of 2010, Public Law 111-352, applicants that receive funding under this solicitation must provide data that measure the results of their work done under this solicitation. Any award recipient will be required, post award, to provide the data requested in the “Data Grantee Provides” column so that OJP can calculate values for the “Performance Measures” column. Performance measures for this solicitation are as follows:

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/funding.htm http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm

Objectives Performance Measures Data Grantee Provides

Objective 1 Increase the knowledge of criminal justice practitioners through in-person training.

Percentage of trainees who successfully completed the training.

Percentage of trainees who rated the training as satisfactory or better.

Percentage of trainees who completed the training whose post-test indicated an improved score over their pre-test.

For the current reporting period:

Number of individuals who:

• Attended each training.

• Completed the training

• Completed an evaluation at the conclusion of the training.

• Completed an evaluation and rated the training as satisfactory or better.

• Completed a pre- and post-test.

• Completed the post-test with an improved score over their pre-test.

Objective 2 Increase the knowledge of criminal justice practitioners through web-based learning.

Percentage of trainees who successfully completed the training.

Percentage of trainees who rated the training as satisfactory or better.

Percentage of trainees who completed the training whose post-test indicated an improved score over their pre-test.

For the current reporting period:

Number of individuals who:

• Started the training.

• Completed the training

• Completed an evaluation at the conclusion of the training.

• Completed an evaluation and rated the training as satisfactory or better.

• Completed a pre- and post-test.

• Completed the post-test with an improved score over their pre-test.

Objective 3 Increase a criminal justice agency’s ability to solve problems and/or modify policies or practices.

Percentage of agencies that rated services as satisfactory or better.

Percentage of agencies that implemented one or more recommendations.

Percentage of peer visitors who reported that the visit to the other agency was useful in providing information on policies or practices.

For the current reporting period:

Number of onsite visits completed.

Number of requesting agencies who completed an evaluation of services.

Number of requesting agencies who rated services as satisfactory or better in terms of timeliness and quality following completion of an onsite visit.

Number of reports submitted to requesting agencies after onsite visits.

Number of follow-ups with requesting agencies completed six months after onsite visit.

Number of requesting agencies that were planning to implement at least some of the report recommendations six months after the onsite visit.

Number of peer to peer visits completed.

Number of reports completed by

Percentage of peer visitors that were planning to implement at least some policies or practices six months after they were observed at the visited site.

Percentage of agencies that rated the services provided as satisfactory or better.

peer visitors after completion of the visit.

Number of follow-ups with the requesting peer visitor completed six months after the peer-to-peer visit.

Number of peer visitors who reported that the visit to the other agency was useful in providing information on policies or practices.

Number of peer visitors that implemented one or more recommended policies or practices six months after they were observed at the visited site.

Number of other onsite services provided.

Number of reports submitted to requesting agencies following other onsite services.

Number of requesting agencies who completed an evaluation of other onsite services.

Number of requesting agencies that rated the services as satisfactory or better.

Objective 4 Increase information provided to BJA and the criminal justice community.

Percentage of advisory/focus groups evaluated as satisfactory or better.

Number of publications developed.

Number of publications disseminated.

Percentage of trainees who rated the training as satisfactory or better.

Number of web sites developed and maintained.

For the current reporting period:

Number of advisory/focus groups held.

Number of advisory/focus groups evaluated as satisfactory or better.

Number of documents produced as a result of advisory/focus groups.

Number of documents disseminated to the field as a result of advisory/focus groups.

Number of times the requesting agency evaluated the product of the advisory/focus group.

Number of trainings held.

Number of individuals trained.

Completed an evaluation at the conclusion of the conference.

Number of attendees that rated the training as satisfactory or better.

Number of web sites developed.

Number of visits to web sites.

Number of publications disseminated.

Number of requests for information responded to.

Number of web sites maintained.

Number of visits to web sites.

Number of publications disseminated

Number of requests for information responded to.

Submission of performance measures data is not required for the application. Instead, applicants should discuss in their application their proposed methods for collecting data for performance measures. Please refer to the section “What an Application Should Include” on page 12 for additional information.

Note on Project Evaluations Applicants that propose to use funds awarded through this solicitation to conduct project evaluations should be aware that certain project evaluations (such as systematic investigations designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge) may constitute “research” for purposes of applicable DOJ human subjects protection regulations. However, project evaluations that are intended only to generate internal improvements to a program or service, or are conducted only to meet OJP’s performance measure data reporting requirements likely do not constitute “research.” Applicants should provide sufficient information for OJP to determine whether the particular project they propose would either intentionally or unintentionally collect and/or use information in such a way that it meets the DOJ regulatory definition of research.

Research, for the purposes of human subjects protections for OJP-funded programs, is defined as, “a systematic investigation, including research development, testing, and evaluation, designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge” 28 C.F.R. § 46.102(d). For additional information on determining whether a proposed activity would constitute research, see the decision tree to assist applicants on the “Research and the Protection of Human Subjects” section of the OJP “Other Requirements for OJP Applications” web page (www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm). Applicants whose proposals may involve a research or statistical component also should review the “Confidentiality” section on that web page.

Notice of Post-Award FFATA Reporting Requirement

Applicants should anticipate that OJP will require all recipients (other than individuals) of awards of $25,000 or more under this solicitation, consistent with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (FFATA), to report award information on any first-tier subawards totaling $25,000 or more, and, in certain cases, to report information on the names and total compensation of the five most highly compensated executives of the recipient and first-tier subrecipients. Each applicant entity must ensure that it has the necessary processes and systems in place to comply with the reporting requirements should it receive funding. Reports regarding subawards will be made through the FFATA Subaward Reporting System (FSRS), found at www.fsrs.gov.

https://www.fsrs.gov/

Please note also that applicants should anticipate that no subaward of an award made under this solicitation may be made to a subrecipient (other than an individual) unless the potential subrecipient acquires and provides a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number.

How To Apply

Applications will be submitted through Grants.gov. Grants.gov is a “one-stop storefront” that provides a unified process for all customers of federal awards to find funding opportunities and apply for funding. Complete instructions on how to register and submit an application can be found at www.Grants.gov. If the applicant experiences technical difficulties at any point during this process, call the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800–518–4726 or 606–545–5035, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays. Registering with Grants.gov is a one-time process; however, processing delays may occur, and it can take up to several weeks for first-time registrants to receive confirmation and a user password. OJP highly recommends that applicants start the registration process as early as possible to prevent delays in submitting an application package by the specified application deadline.

All applicants are required to complete the following steps:

1. Acquire a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. In general, the Office of

Management and Budget requires that all applicants (other than individuals) for federal funds include a DUNS number in their applications for a new award or renewal of an existing award. A DUNS number is a unique nine-digit sequence recognized as the universal standard for identifying and keeping track of entities receiving federal funds. The identifier is used for tracking purposes and to validate address and point of contact information for federal assistance applicants, recipients, and subrecipients. The DUNS number will be used throughout the grant life cycle. Obtaining a DUNS number is a free, one-time activity. Obtain a DUNS number by calling Dun and Bradstreet at 866–705–5711 or by applying online at www.dnb.com. A DUNS number is usually received within 1-2 business days. .

2. Acquire or renew registration with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. OJP requires that all applicants (other than individuals) for federal financial assistance maintain current registrations in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database. An applicant must be registered in the CCR to successfully register in Grants.gov.

The CCR database is the repository for standard information about federal financial assistance applicants, recipients, and subrecipients. Organizations that have previously submitted applications via Grants.gov are already registered with CCR, as it is a requirement for Grants.gov registration. Please note, however, that applicants must update or renew their CCR registration annually to maintain an active status. Information about CCR registration procedures can be accessed at www.ccr.gov.

3. Acquire an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and a Grants.gov username and password. Complete the AOR profile on Grants.gov and create a username and password. The applicant organization’s DUNS Number must be used to complete this step. For more information about the registration process, go to www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.

4. Acquire confirmation for the AOR from the E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC).

The E-Biz POC at the applicant organization must log into Grants.gov to confirm the applicant organization’s AOR. Please note that there can be more than one AOR for the organization.

http://www.grants.gov/ http://www.dnb.com/ http://www.ccr.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp

5. Search for the funding opportunity on Grants.gov. Please use the following identifying information when searching for the funding opportunity on Grants.gov. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this solicitation is 16.745, titled “Criminal and Juvenile Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program,” and the funding opportunity number is BJA-2012-3116.

6. Complete the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities. All applicants must complete this information. An applicant that expends any funds for lobbying activities must provide the detailed information requested on the form, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities, (SF-LLL). An applicant that does not expend any funds for lobbying activities should enter “N/A” in the required highlighted fields.

7. Submit an application consistent with this solicitation by following the directions in

Grants.gov. Within 24–48 hours after submitting the electronic application, the applicant should receive an e-mail validation message from Grants.gov. The validation message will state whether the application has been received and validated, or rejected, with an explanation. Important: Applicants are urged to submit applications at least 72 hours prior to the due date of the application to allow time to receive the validation message and to correct any problems that may have caused a rejection notification.

Note: Grants.gov will forward the application to OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS). GMS does not accept executable file types as application attachments. The disallowed file types include, but are not limited to, the following extensions: “.com,” “.bat,” “.exe,” “.vbs,” “.cfg,” “.dat,” “.db,” “.dbf,” “.dll,” “.ini,” “.log,” “.ora,” “.sys,” and “.zip.”

Note: Duplicate Applications If an applicant submits multiple versions of an application, BJA will review the most recent version submitted.

Experiencing Unforeseen Grants.gov Technical Issues

If an applicant experiences unforeseen Grants.gov technical issues beyond the applicant’s control that prevent submission of its application by the deadline, the applicant must e-mail the BJA Justice Information Center (see page 1 for contact information) within 24 hours after the deadline and request approval to submit its application. The applicant must include in the e-mail: a description of the technical difficulties, a timeline of submission efforts, the complete grant application, the applicant DUNS number, and Grants.gov Help Desk tracking number(s) received. Note: Requests are not automatically approved by BJA. After the program office reviews all of the information submitted, and contacts the Grants.gov Help Desk to validate the technical issues reported, BJA will contact the applicant to either approve or deny the request to submit a late application. If the technical issues reported cannot be validated, the application will be rejected as untimely.

The following conditions are not valid reasons to permit late submissions: (1) failure to begin the registration process in sufficient time, (2) failure to follow Grants.gov instructions on how to register and apply as posted on its Web site, (3) failure to follow all of the instructions in the OJP solicitation, and (4) technical issues experienced with the applicant’s computer or information technology (IT) environment, including firewalls.

Notifications regarding known technical problems with Grants.gov, if any, are posted at the top of the OJP funding web page, www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/solicitations.htm.

What an Application Should Include

Applicants should anticipate that failure to submit an application that contains all of the specified elements may negatively affect the review of the application; and, should a decision be made to make an award, it may result in the inclusion of special conditions that preclude access to or use of award funds pending satisfaction of the conditions.

Moreover, applicants should anticipate that applications that are unresponsive to the scope of the solicitation, or that do not include application elements designated by BJA to be critical, will neither proceed to peer review nor receive further consideration. Under this solicitation, BJA has designated the following application elements as critical: Program Narrative, Budget Detail Worksheet, and Budget Narrative. The Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative may be combined in one document. However, if only one document is submitted, it must contain both narrative and detail information.

OJP strongly recommends use of appropriately descriptive file names (e.g., “Program Narrative,” “Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative,” “Timelines,” “Memoranda of Understanding,” “Resumes”) for all attachments. OJP recommends that resumes be included in a single file.

1. Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

The SF-424 is a standard form required for use as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications, applications, and related information. Grants.gov and GMS take information from the applicant’s profile to populate the fields on this form. When selecting "type of applicant," if the applicant is a for-profit entity, please select "For-Profit Organization" or "Small Business" (as applicable).

2. Program Narrative

The program narrative must respond to the solicitation and the Selection Criteria (1–5) in the order given. The program narrative must be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point font (Times New Roman is preferred) with 1-inch margins, and must not exceed 15 pages.

Please number pages “1 of 15,” “2 of 15,” etc.

If the program narrative fails to comply with these length-related restrictions, noncompliance may be considered in peer review and in final award decisions.

The following sections should be included as part of the program narrative:

a. Statement of the Problem

b. Project Design and Implementation

c. Capabilities and Competencies

d. Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s Performance Measures and Other Outcomes http://www.ojp.gov/funding/solicitations.htm

Submission of performance measures data is not required for the application.

Performance measures are included as an alert that successful applicants will be required to submit specific data to BJA as part of their reporting requirements. For the application, the applicant should indicate an understanding of these requirements and discuss how the applicant will gather the required data, should the applicant receive funding.

e. Plan for Measuring Program Success to Inform Plan for Sustainment

Further information is available under the Selection Criteria section, page 14.

3. Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative

a. Budget Detail Worksheet A sample Budget Detail Worksheet can be found at www.ojp.gov/funding/forms/budget_detail.pdf. If the budget is submitted in a different format, the budget categories listed in the sample budget worksheet should be included.

For questions pertaining to budget and examples of allowable and unallowable costs, please see the OJP Financial Guide at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/index.htm.

b. Budget Narrative

The Budget Narrative should thoroughly and clearly describe every category of expense listed in the Budget Detail Worksheet. Proposed budgets are expected to be complete;

reasonable and allowable; cost effective; and necessary for project activities. The narrative should be mathematically sound and correspond with the information and figures provided in the Budget Detail Worksheet. The narrative should explain how all costs were estimated and calculated and how they are relevant to the completion of the proposed project. The narrative may include tables for clarification purposes but need not be in a spreadsheet format.

4. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

Indirect costs are allowed only if the applicant has a federally approved indirect cost rate. (This requirement does not apply to units of local government.) A copy of the rate approval should be attached. If the applicant does not have an approved rate, one can be requested by contacting the applicant’s cognizant federal agency, which will review all documentation and approve a rate for the applicant organization or, if the applicant’s accounting system permits, costs may be allocated in the direct cost categories. If DOJ is the cognizant federal agency, obtain information needed to submit an indirect cost rate proposal at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/pdfs/indirect_costs.pdf.

5. Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable) If an application is being submitted by either (1) a tribe or tribal organization or (2) a third party proposing to provide direct services or assistance to residents on tribal lands, then a current authorizing resolution of the governing body of the tribal entity or other enactment of the tribal council or comparable governing body authorizing the inclusion of the tribe or tribal organization and its membership should be included with the application. In those instances when an organization or consortium of tribes proposes to apply for a grant on behalf of a tribe or multiple specific tribes, then the application should include a resolution (or comparable legal documentation, as may be applicable) from all tribes that will be included as a part of the services/assistance provided under the grant. A consortium of tribes for which existing consortium bylaws allow action without support from all tribes in the http://www.ojp.gov/funding/forms/budget_detail.pdf http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/index.htm http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/pdfs/indirect_costs.pdf consortium (i.e., without authorizing resolution or other enactment of each tribal governing body) may submit a copy of its consortium bylaws with the application in lieu of tribal resolutions (or comparable legal documentation).

6. Additional Attachments: Project Timeline and Memoranda of Understanding/Letters of

Support Attach a Project Timeline (with an estimated start date of October 1, 2012) with each project goal, related objective, activity, expected completion date, and responsible person or organization; and Memoranda of Understanding or Letters of Support from co-applicants and collaborative partners (signed copies should be scanned and submitted with the electronic submission of the application). Do not include materials not requested in this attachment; additional material will not be reviewed.

7. Other Standard Forms Additional forms that may be required in connection with an award are available on

OJP’s funding page at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms.htm. For successful applicants, receipt of funds may be contingent upon submission of all necessary forms. Note in particular the following forms:

a. Standard Assurances Applicants must read, certify, and submit this form in GMS prior to the receipt of any award funds.

b. Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements Applicants must read, certify and submit in GMS prior to the receipt of any award funds.

c. Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (required for any applicant other than an individual that is a non-governmental entity and that has not received any award from OJP within the past 3 years; this form must be downloaded, completed, and submitted).

Selection Criteria

The following six selection criteria will be used to evaluate each application, with the different weight given to each based on the percentage value listed after each individual criteria. For example, the first criteria, “Statement of the Problem,” is worth 15 percent of the entire score in the application review process.

1. Statement of the Problem (15 percent of 100) Provide a thorough understanding of the need for innovative cross-system collaborative programs for individuals with mental illnesses or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders who come into contact with the criminal or juvenile justice systems. Describe the challenges communities face in planning, implementing, or expanding a collaborative criminal justice mental health initiative and the need for TTA.

2. Program Design and Implementation (35 percent of 100)

Demonstrate a well thought-out plan for transferring knowledge and best practices. Describe the goals, objectives, and deliverables for providing TTA to JMHCP grantees. Identify http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms.htm http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms/std_assurances.pdf http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms/certifications.pdf http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms/certifications.pdf http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/forms/financial_capability.pdf strategies for designing and implementing the deliverables (see page 4); provide a timeline for completing the tasks; and identify the percentage of time to be dedicated by the individuals responsible for the tasks. Describe strategies for arranging the grantee orientation.

3. Capabilities/Competencies (30 percent of 100)

Describe the organization’s ability to provide proactive, comprehensive, user-friendly TTA by developing protocols for the assessment and delivery of technical assistance, as well as tracking, evaluation, and follow-up. Provide examples of the organization’s experience in using TTA strategies that include developing grantee tools and resources, using distance learning, peer-to-peer consultations, and onsite and offsite technical assistance. List the consultants with whom the organization plans to work to deliver TTA services. Describe the management structure and outline the organization’s ability to conduct the individual activities through the organization’s and staff’s experience, and recruit and partner with individuals and other organizations with the expertise to enhance the organization’s and staff’s experience in developing and providing TTA.

4. Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s Performance Measures and Other Outcomes (10 percent of 100) Describe the process for measuring project performance, including meeting timelines and deliverables, and obtaining input and feedback from customers and stakeholders. Identify who will collect the data, who is responsible for performance measurement, how the data will be stored, how any personally identifiable information (PII) will be protected, and how the information will be used to guide the program.

5. Plan for Measuring Program Success to Inform Plan for Sustainment (5 percent of 100)

Discuss how variables like stakeholder support and service coordination will be defined and measured. Describe how evaluation and collaborative partnerships will be leveraged to build long-term support and resources to sustain the project when the federal grant ends.

Describe the policies, statutes, and regulations that will need to be put in place to support and sustain service delivery.

6. Budget (5 percent of 100) Provide a proposed budget for the entire project period that is complete, reasonable and allowable, cost effective, and necessary for project activities. See the additional budget and budget narrative requirements on page 13.

Review Process

OJP is committed to ensuring a fair and open process for awarding grants. BJA reviews the application to make sure that the information presented is reasonable, understandable, measurable, and achievable, as well as consistent with the solicitation.

Peer reviewers will review the applications submitted under this solicitation that meet basic minimum requirements. BJA may use either internal peer reviewers, external peer reviewers, or a combination to review the applications under this solicitation. An external peer reviewer is an expert in the field of the subject matter of a given solicitation who is NOT a current U.S.

Department of Justice employee. An internal reviewer is a current U.S. Department of Justice employee who is well-versed or has expertise in the subject matter of this solicitation.

Applications that meet basic minimum requirements will be evaluated, scored, and rated by a peer review panel. Peer reviewers’ ratings and any resulting recommendations are advisory only. In addition to peer review ratings, considerations for award recommendations and decisions may include, but are not limited to, underserved populations, geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past performance, and available funding.

The Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), in consultation with BJA, conducts a financial review of applications for potential discretionary awards to evaluate the fiscal integrity and financial capability of applicants; examines proposed costs to determine if the Budget Detail Worksheet and Budget Narrative accurately explain project costs; and determines whether costs are reasonable, necessary, and allowable under applicable federal cost principles and agency regulations.

Absent explicit statutory authorization or written delegation of authority to the contrary, all final award decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General (AAG), who also may give consideration to factors including, but not limited to, underserved populations, geographic diversity, strategic priorities, past performance, and available funding when making awards.

Additional Requirements

Applicants selected for awards must agree to comply with additional legal requirements upon acceptance of an award. OJP strongly encourages applicants to review the information pertaining to these additional requirements prior to submitting an application. Additional information for each requirement can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/funding/other_requirements.htm.

• Civil Rights Compliance

• Faith-Based and Other Community Organizations

• Confidentiality

• Research and the Protection of Human Subjects

• Anti-Lobbying Act

• Financial and Government Audit Requirements

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

• DOJ Information Technology Standards (if applicable)

• Single Point of Contact Review

• Non-Supplanting of State or Local Funds

• Criminal Penalty for False Statements

• Compliance with Office of Justice Programs Financial Guide http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/about/ocr/statutes.htm http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/financialguide/index.htm

• Suspension or Termination of Funding

• Nonprofit Organizations

• For-profit Organizations

• Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)

• Rights in Intellectual Property

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) of 2006

• Awards in Excess of $5,000,000 – Federal Taxes Certification Requirement

• Active CCR Registration

Provide Feedback to OJP on This Solicitation

To assist OJP in improving its application and award processes, we encourage applicants to provide feedback on this solicitation, application submission process, and/or the application review/peer review process. Feedback can be provided to OJPSolicitationFeedback@usdoj.gov.

mailto:OJPSolicitationFeedback@usdoj.gov

Application Checklist FY 2012 Justice and Mental Health Collaboration

This application checklist has been created to assist in developing an application.

Eligibility Requirement:

_____ Applicant is a for-profit (commercial) organizations, nonprofit organizations, faith-based and community organizations, and institutions of higher learning.

_____ The federal amount requested is within the allowable limit(s) of: $600,000

What an Application Should Include:

_____ Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) (see page 12) _____ Program Narrative* (see page 12) _____ Budget Detail Worksheet* (see page 13) _____ Budget Narrative* (see page 13) _____ Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) (see page 13) _____ Tribal Authorizing Resolution (if applicable) (see page 13) _____ Project Timeline (see page 14) _____ Memorandum/Letters of Support (see page 14) _____ Other Standard Forms as applicable (see page 14), including:

_____ Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable)

*These elements are the basic minimum requirements (BMR) for applications. Applications that do not include these elements shall neither proceed to peer review nor receive further consideration by BJA.

Provide Feedback to OJP on This Solicitation