15prearesourcecentersol.pdf

OMB No. 1121-0329

U.S. Department of Justice Approval Expires 07/31/2016

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 seeking applications for the ongoing operation of the National Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Resource Center (PRC). This program furthers DOJ’s mission by providing training and technical assistance to support state, local, and tribal jurisdictions in achieving compliance with National PREA Standards, and in instituting zero tolerance cultures in confinement agencies and facilities related to sexual abuse and sexual harassment.

PREA Program: National PREA Resource Center FY 2015 Competitive Grant Announcement

Eligibility Applicants are limited to non-profit organizations that guide correctional/criminal justice programs and policy initiatives with a national focus and impact. BJA strongly encourages applications that include two or more organizations; however, one eligible entity must be the applicant and the others must be proposed as subrecipients. The applicant must be the entity with primary responsibility for administering the funding and managing the entire program. Only one application per lead applicant will be considered; however, subrecipients may be part of multiple proposals.

For additional eligibility information, see Section C. Eligibility Information.

Deadline Applicants must register with Grants.gov prior to submitting an application. All applications are due to be submitted and in receipt of a successful validation message in Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on June 30, 2015.

All applicants are encouraged to read this Important Notice: Applying for Grants in

Grants.gov.

For additional information, see How to Apply in Section D. Application and Submission Information.

Contact Information For technical assistance with submitting an application, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800-518-4726 or 606-545-5035, or via e-mail to support@grants.gov. The Grants.gov Support Hotline hours of operation are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except federal holidays.

Applicants that experience unforeseen Grants.gov technical issues beyond their control that prevent them from submitting their application by the deadline must e-mail the BJA contact identified below within 24 hours after the application deadline and request approval to http://www.justice.gov/ http://www.ojp.gov/ https://www.bja.gov/ https://www.bja.gov/ http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp http://ojp.gov/funding/Apply/Grants-govInfo.htm http://ojp.gov/funding/Apply/Grants-govInfo.htm mailto:support@grants.gov http://www.grants.gov/applicants/apply_for_grants.jsp

BJA-2015-4265

submit their application. Additional information on reporting technical issues is found under “Experiencing Unforeseen Grants.gov Technical Issues” in the How to Apply section.

For assistance with any other requirement of this solicitation, contact the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) Response Center: toll-free at 1-800-851-3420; via TTY at 301-240-6310 (hearing impaired only); email responsecenter@ncjrs.gov; fax to 301-240-5830;

or web chat at https://webcontact.ncjrs.gov/ncjchat/chat.jsp. The NCJRS Response Center hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. eastern time on the solicitation close date.

Grants.gov number assigned to this announcement: BJA-2015-4265

Release date: May 5, 2015 mailto:responsecenter@ncjrs.gov https://webcontact.ncjrs.gov/ncjchat/chat.jsp

Contents A. Program Description

Overview

Program-Specific Information

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables

Evidence-Based Programs or Practices

B. Federal Award Information

Type of Award

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls

Budget Information

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement

Pre-Agreement Cost Approvals

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation; Waiver

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable)

C. Eligibility Information

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement

Limit on Number of Application Submissions

D. Application and Submission Information

What an Application Should Include

How to Apply

E. Application Review Information

Selection Criteria

Review Process

F. Federal Award Administration Information

Federal Award Notices

Administrative, National Policy, and other Legal Requirements

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements

G. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

H. Other Information

Provide Feedback to OJP

Application Checklist

PREA Program: National PREA Resource Center

CFDA #16.735

A. Program Description

Overview In FY 2013, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) released the 2011-2012 findings from the most recent surveys of jail and prison inmates about incidences of sexual victimization.1 Based on this information, 4.0 percent of state and federal prison inmates, and 3.2 percent of jail inmates within the United States, reported experiencing one or more incidents of sexual victimization by another inmate or facility staff in the previous 12 months or since admission to the facility.2 In juvenile facilities, the numbers are even more troubling. An estimated 9.5 percent of adjudicated youth in state juvenile facilities and state contract facilities (representing 1,720 youth nationwide) reported experiencing one or more incidents of sexual victimization by another youth or staff in the previous 12 months or since admission, if less than 12 months.3

On June 20, 2012, DOJ published the Notice of Final Rule creating national standards as required by the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). The standards apply to adult prisons and jails, juvenile confinement facilities, police lockups, and community confinement facilities. The standards, which took effect on August 20, 2012, seek to prevent sexual abuse and to reduce the harm that it causes. The standards are grouped into 11 categories: prevention planning;

responsive planning; training and education; screening for risk of sexual victimization and abusiveness; reporting; official response following an inmate report; investigations; discipline;

medical and mental care; data collection and review; and audits.

Compliance with the overall PREA standards requires compliance with the audit standards (i.e., § 115.93, §115.193, §115.293, §115.393, and §§115.401-405). Under the audit standards, one-third of each facility type operated by an agency, or by a private organization on behalf of the agency, must be audited within each year of a 3-year audit cycle. The first audit cycle began on August 20, 2013.

In FY 2010, BJA established, via a competitively awarded cooperative agreement, the National PREA Resource Center (PRC) to support PREA implementation efforts nationwide as outlined in the Notice of Final Rule. The PRC reflects a unique collaborative partnership among a wide array of national, state, and local stakeholder organizations that represent adult prisons, jails, and lockups; juvenile corrections; community corrections; tribal confinement facilities; and inmate, youth, and victim advocacy groups. For more information about the PRC, go to www.prearesourcecenter.org.

The overarching, ongoing charge of the PRC is to work with BJA and DOJ to ensure that the progress made toward the implementation of the PREA standards continues, and that the commitment to the elimination of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in confinement settings

1 See BJS, Sexual Victimization in Prisons and Jails Reported by Inmates, 2011–12 (May 2013).

2 See id., page 6.

3 See BJS, Sexual Victimization in Juvenile Facilities Reported by Youth, 2008–09 (January 2010), pages 1, 4. This total includes the cross-sectional number covered in BJS surveys plus the number of estimated victims released in the 12 months prior to the survey. It includes adjudicated/committed youth only. For methodology, see Initial

Regulatory Impact Analysis (IRIA), page 9, available at www.ojp.gov/programs/pdfs/prea_nprm_iria.pdf.

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-06-20/pdf/2012-12427.pdf http://www.prearesourcecenter.org/ http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=4654 http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=2113 http://www.ojp.gov/programs/pdfs/prea_nprm_iria.pdf.

increases and becomes institutionalized in state, local, and tribal jurisdictions across the nation.

Key priorities for the PRC going forward include:

Providing technical assistance and resources to previously underserved agencies and jurisdictions to ensure that the promise of sexual safety is real in all confinement settings;

Promoting correctional culture changes in agencies and facilities where PREA standards implementation activities are taking place; and

Assessing and improving the quality of the PREA audit function.

The PRC is currently fully funded through September 2016. Therefore, it is anticipated that operations and funding available under the 2-year (24-month) cooperative agreement being competed with this solicitation will not begin until June 1, 2016. This will guarantee continuity of operations for the PRC between the current funding and the funding being made available through this solicitation.

This program is authorized under the Prison Rape Elimination Act, 42 USC 15601, et seq., the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Pub. L. 113-235, 128 Stat 2130, 2194.

Program-Specific Information The successful applicant will articulate how the work and accomplishments of the PRC to date will be leveraged and expanded to ensure that:

Implementation of the PREA standards continues nationwide; and

The commitment to the elimination of sexual abuse and sexual harassment in confinement settings increases and becomes institutionalized in state, local, and tribal jurisdictions.

Applicants must successfully communicate a comprehensive, collaborative approach that achieves the objectives and results in the specific deliverables described below.

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables This program’s objectives and deliverables are explained in the context of the key components of the PREA implementation strategy that has been implemented to date by BJA and DOJ, in collaboration with the PRC. These components include:

Creating and enhancing the PREA audit process;

Providing training and technical assistance related to PREA implementation;

Building a comprehensive communication and outreach strategy to support PREA implementation; and

Supporting the work of DOJ’s PREA Working Group.

Creating and Enhancing the PREA Audit Process

Background on the PREA Audit Process

Since the initial PREA audit cycle commenced on August 20, 2013, BJA, in collaboration with the PRC, has spent significant time, effort, and resources creating and implementing a comprehensive, historic, and unprecedented PREA audit process. Key milestones achieved by BJA and the PRC, which reflect the Department’s audit-related responsibilities as outlined in the

PREA standards (see §§ 115.401–.405), include:

Developing an extensive auditor training curriculum and written exam;

Identifying expert faculty members to deliver presentations and facilitate small groups focused on auditing scenarios and building interviewing skills;

Delivering multiple week-long (40-hour) auditor trainings for many hundreds of auditor candidates;

Finalizing four comprehensive audit instruments that reflect the four facility types included in the PREA standards;

Processing and evaluating more than 1,000 auditor applications;

Coordinating the certification and posting process for more than 500 DOJ-certified PREA auditors (for a list of DOJ-certified PREA auditors, see:

www.prearesourcecenter.org/audit/list-of-certified-auditors);

Initiating an ongoing support and education program for DOJ-certified PREA auditors; and

Implementing a multi-tiered quality improvement process focused on PREA audits.

Objectives and Deliverables for the PREA Audit Process

This program’s five objectives and deliverables related to the PREA audit process are as follows:

Objective 1: To build upon the foundation established by BJA and the PRC to provide PREA auditor candidates with high quality training and support that enables them to become certified by DOJ, and to conduct objective, transparent, comprehensive, consistent, and reliable audits.

Objective 1 Deliverables: BJA and the PRC have conducted multiple in-person trainings for PREA auditor candidates. Each training is 40 hours in length and includes a mix of didactic presentations on the meaning of the PREA standards, as well as facilitated, small group sessions that focus on PREA standards compliance scenarios and the development of interviewing skills that can be used to enhance the effectiveness of the onsite portion of PREA audits.

BJA anticipates conducting four more 40-hour trainings for PREA auditor candidates during this 2-year (24 month) program. Applicants should propose two trainings per year for 50 participants each. Applicants are strongly encouraged to describe how online technologies will be leveraged to facilitate the teaching of some or all of the PREA standards prior to the four trainings so that the 40-hour in-person events can focus on case studies and the application of the PREA standards to compliance scenarios, and the development of interviewing and other skills necessary to conduct the on-site portion of confinement facility audits effectively. Applicants should also articulate specific training goals for the four events and describe in detail an agenda that will achieve these goals. Note that for current auditor trainings, trainees pay their own, travel and per diem expenses.

In addition to a comprehensive plan to support the delivery of four successful trainings for PREA auditor candidates, other key deliverables associated with objective 1 include:

A process to recruit successful PREA auditor candidates who possess the skills and capacity necessary to conduct high quality audits of confinement facilities (for more information about the current application process for PREA auditors, see:

www.prearesourcecenter.org/audit/auditor-qualifications-and-application);

http://www.prearesourcecenter.org/audit/list-of-certified-auditors http://www.prearesourcecenter.org/audit/auditor-qualifications-and-application

A method to review the applications of PREA auditor candidates comprehensively and to make recommendations to BJA regarding the candidates who should be accepted into the trainings; and

A strategy to test training participants’ knowledge of the PREA standards and auditing skills at the conclusion of each in-person 40-hour training.

Objective 2: To carry out an ongoing PREA audit quality improvement effort that results in enhancements to the objectivity, transparency, comprehensiveness, consistency, and reliability of audits. This effort will focus on:

Collecting and sharing information about past, planned, ongoing, and completed PREA audits;

Identifying trends in agencies’ and facilities’ efforts and ability to comply with the standards;

Helping to guide PREA-related training and technical assistance provided by the PRC to the field, and to BJA’s PREA Demonstration Program grantees;

Ensuring certified auditors meet or exceed expectations as defined in the PREA Auditor Training, and in the forthcoming PREA Auditor Handbook, a PRC deliverable;

Promoting the accuracy of PREA audit results;

Enhancing the credibility of and confidence in the PREA audit process on the part of the field and DOJ-certified PREA auditors; and

Improving inter-rater reliability among DOJ-certified PREA auditors in their conduct of audits.

Objective 2 Deliverables: The PRC, in collaboration with BJA, is currently collecting and analyzing information about past, planned, ongoing, and completed PREA audits. DOJ-certified PREA auditors are required to submit reporting forms to the PRC regarding their audit activity, as well as their interim and final reports. To date, there have been approximately 700 audits reported to the PRC (either completed or in some stage of process), and audit activity is occurring in the vast majority of states.

BJA and the PRC have identified both strengths and challenges in the PREA audit reports that have been collected, and have begun proactive outreach to auditors whose reports do not meet a minimum threshold of quality. The primary quality-related challenges focus on whether auditors:

Addressed each provision in each standard;

Included sufficient discussion of all relevant evidence relied upon to determine each audit finding;

Provided ample discussion of their method(s) of assessment for corrective action(s) taken;

Articulated their audit methodology clearly in their narrative; and

Reviewed their report to ensure fidelity to the language of the standards.

In addition, BJA and the PRC are implementing a probationary status for DOJ-certified PREA auditors beginning with the March 2015 Auditor Training. Certified auditors on probationary status are required to submit their interim and final reports associated with their first two audits to the PRC. In consultation with BJA, the PRC will provide feedback on the structure of the reports, and evaluate auditors’ future reports for improvements based on the feedback provided.

The specific deliverables associated with objective 2 include implementing and supporting processes and protocols related to carrying out the following activities, in collaboration with BJA:

Analyzing reporting information submitted to the PRC by PREA auditors (it is anticipated that 700–1,000 reporting forms will be submitted each year);

Reviewing the reports submitted by auditors with probationary status and providing feedback to them;

Examining reports (700–1,000 per year are anticipated) submitted by auditors who are not on probationary status, providing ongoing education to them as needed (see below for more information about ongoing auditor education), and referring auditors to BJA who consistently submit reports that do not meet a minimum threshold of quality, or who engage in audit activity that may be unethical, illegal, or reflective of a conflict of interest as defined in the PREA standards, the PREA FAQs (see www.prearesourcecenter.org/faq), and by DOJ in the forthcoming PREA Auditor Handbook;

Assessing the audit documentation provided to the Department as required in § 115.401(j);

and

Implementing a formal audit peer review process designed to examine the findings of both randomly selected audit reports and reports that are suspected of not meeting a minimum threshold of quality.

Objective 3: To provide relevant continuing education opportunities for DOJ-certified PREA auditors that enhance their skills and knowledge, and support the overall audit quality improvement process.

Objective 3 Deliverables: BJA recognizes that the 40-hour in-person auditor training may not be sufficient to equip all participants to conduct high quality PREA audits. Therefore, the PRC, in partnership with BJA, has implemented a number of supplements to the 40-hour training, including:

The PREA Auditor Field Training Program (FTP), which offers direct field auditing experience in a supervised and supported environment to DOJ-certified auditors who feel they could benefit from practicing and applying the information they learned during the auditor training in an actual audit (for more information, see:

www.prearesourcecenter.org/audit/auditor-field-training-program);

Webinars for certified auditors on issues and questions they identify in the auditor trainings and in their auditing work (for more information, see www.prearesourcecenter.org/training-and-technical-assistance/archived-webinars); and

An auditor helpline to assist DOJ-certified auditors with questions or concerns that arise through their audit activities.

While the deliverables to support achievement of objective 3 may include the continuation or expansion of the three supplements to the 40-hour training listed above, applicants are strongly encouraged to identify and propose additional methods and strategies to ensure that DOJ-certified PREA auditors possess the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct high quality audits.

Objective 4: To manage the certification, recertification, and decertification of PREA auditors (see § 115.402(b)). For more information about the requirements associated with becoming a DOJ-certified PREA auditor, see: www.prearesourcecenter.org/audit/auditor-qualifications-and-application.

http://www.prearesourcecenter.org/faq http://www.prearesourcecenter.org/audit/auditor-field-training-program http://www.prearesourcecenter.org/training-and-technical-assistance/archived-webinars http://www.prearesourcecenter.org/training-and-technical-assistance/archived-webinars

Objective 4 Deliverables: The PRC, in consultation with BJA, grades the examinations that are administered after the in-person 40-hour training and refers auditor candidates to BJA for consideration for certification. Because certification lasts for three years, applicants, in addition to describing how they will grade examinations and refer candidates to BJA for certification, are strongly encouraged to propose how they will support the process related to auditor recertification and decertification. Specifically, applicants should identify key issues and considerations that may guide BJA’s recertification and decertification decisions, and how information about these key issues and considerations will be collected and provided to BJA.

Objective 5: To oversee and manage the Online PREA Audit Instrument.

Deliverables associated with objective 5: The PREA standards do not contemplate the need for an online version of the four audit instruments that are referenced above. (For more information about the instruments, see www.prearesourcecenter.org/node/1754.) However, given the significant complexities and burdens associated with collecting, organizing, and securely retaining documents and information related to PREA audits, the PRC, in collaboration with BJA, initiated development of an online version of the audit instruments. The online tool will allow audit documents to be completed electronically, and reference materials to be uploaded and stored securely and digitally, versus auditors keeping hard copies of all materials used in making compliance determinations.

The development process associated with the online tool has been extensive because of the significant data security requirements imposed under the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA). Applicants should explain and describe the activities necessary to oversee and manage the FISMA-compliant Online PREA Audit Instrument.

Providing Training and Technical Assistance Related to PREA Implementation

Background on PREA Training and Technical Assistance (TTA)

The successful implementation of the PREA standards requires a robust TTA process on topics and issues that reflect major questions and needs articulated by the field. For more information regarding the PRC’s current TTA strategy, which includes targeted TTA, field-Initiated TTA, support to the jurisdictions in receipt of PREA Demonstration Grant awards from BJA, and “PREA in Action,” see: www.prearesourcecenter.org/training-and-technical-assistance.

Objectives and Deliverables for PREA TTA

This program’s objective and deliverables related to the provision of TTA are articulated below.

Objective 1: Expand upon and enhance the existing TTA strategy referenced above, and new methods to deliver TTA as efficiently and effectively as possible. In addition, the applicant must identify a cadre of TTA partners that represent the different stakeholder groups that have a role or a stake in the successful implementation of the PREA standards, and describe how the perspectives and expertise of these partners will be leveraged to ensure successful delivery of

TTA.

http://www.prearesourcecenter.org/node/1754 http://www.prearesourcecenter.org/training-and-technical-assistance

Objective 1 Deliverables:

TTA for Grantees: Serve as the primary TTA provider for PREA Demonstration 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. For more information about these grantees, see:

www.bja.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?Program_ID=76.

Targeted TTA: In addition to serving as the primary TTA provider for PREA Demonstration grantees, applicants should describe methods for providing global TTA opportunities to assist the corrections field in implementing the PREA standards and developing “zero tolerance” cultures for sexual abuse in correctional facilities, such as topical resources, webinars, policy briefs, instructional videos, and case studies highlighting promising programs and strategies across the country for implementing PREA.

Field-Initiated TTA: BJA anticipates the continued delivery of field-initiated PREA-related TTA so that the individual needs of agencies and facilities nationwide are addressed.

Applicants should define a comprehensive, strategic process for responding to field-initiated requests for TTA in cost-effective ways that maximize technology to deliver offsite assistance and limit on-site support to requests that may result in significant policy or practice changes that can be replicated at the jurisdiction or agency level across the country.

TTA Partners: Identify and maintain a list of TTA partners whose expertise and experience align with the field’s PREA implementation needs, such as experts in corrections and jails, law enforcement, community corrections, research, and victim services. Assign TTA partners to assist grantee- and field-initiated requests when appropriate and report on and monitor TTA assistance provided.

TTA Reporting: In addition to the performance measurement requirements listed on page 19 of this solicitation, the PRC shall produce an annual report that describes the TTA delivered to both grantees and the broader corrections field, such as: summary information on TA delivered to grantees and its outcomes; resources; trainings; webinars; and curriculum development.

PRC Web Site: Develop and maintain a PRC web site to include relevant resources and a mechanism for online technical assistance.

Grantee Orientation: Plan and implement a grantee orientation that may cover a range of topics, such as a TTA overview, grant management process and related tools, performance measurement, and lessons learned, while also serving as a networking opportunity for grantees. The orientation should include up to three representatives from all FY 2016 PREA Demonstration grantees. For planning purposes, assume a 2-day orientation session to be held in Washington, DC.

Grantee Communications: Develop and maintain a listserv of PREA Demonstration grantees to distribute updates and other information and to facilitate ongoing communication.

Grantee Performance Measures: Assist grantees in collecting and reporting on PREA-related performance measures and identify and explain trends from the performance measure data submissions. If needed, prepare PREA-specific data collection practices.

Assess grantee capacity for reporting during site visits and phone calls and make recommendations for improvement.

GrantStat Support: Participate in GrantStat with BJA staff for PREA Demonstration grantees. GrantStat allows BJA management and staff to examine the performance of grant programs by tracking and comparing grantee and program performance along selected key http://www.bja.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?Program_ID=76 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.

Focus Areas for PREA TTA

The two focus areas described below have been identified by BJA as priorities for enhanced TTA provision in support of PREA implementation. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate these focus areas into the TTA deliverables listed above, as well as propose new strategies for addressing these priority focus areas.

Focus Area 1: The provision of TTA to previously underserved agencies and facilities, particularly local jails, local juvenile facilities, community confinement facilities, and police lockups, in addition to delivering TTA to adult prisons and jails, juvenile facilities operated by state agencies, and BJA’s PREA Demonstration Grantees. To date, adult prisons and jails, and juvenile facilities operated by state agencies, have been the primary requestors and recipients of PREA- related TTA delivered by the PRC. BJA is very committed to continuing to provide TTA to these critical constituencies, but is looking to identify an applicant who possesses the expertise and credibility necessary to reach the entities across the nation that have responsibilities under PREA, but that have not regularly pursued assistance through the PRC.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to offer reasons why local jails, local juvenile facilities, community confinement facilities, and police lockups have not demonstrated a high level of interest in or knowledge about the PREA standards, and to propose specific, cost-effective methods to address these reasons and reach these underserved agencies that have not leveraged the PRC’s existing TTA activities and resources. More broadly, applicants should also identify the ongoing challenges and issues faced by the field overall related to PREA standards implementation, and propose cost-effective ways to address these challenges and issues on a national level through TTA.

Focus Area 2: The provision of advanced TTA, in the form of educational initiatives, agencywide strategic planning efforts, and other strategies that should be proposed by applicants, that increases the commitment of agency leaders to the PREA standards, and that supports culture change efforts in agencies that are working on standards implementation. Two critical components of the successful and sustained implementation of the PREA standards are strong agency leadership and a transformation in the cultures of confinement agencies and facilities so that they reflect “zero tolerance” cultures for sexual abuse and sexual harassment. Therefore, BJA is looking to identify an applicant that possesses significant experience and demonstrated success working with criminal and juvenile justice agency and facility leaders to:

Promote enhancements in policies and practices related to overall safety—and to sexual safety in particular—in confinement; and

Change cultures in agencies and facilities over time to promote zero tolerance for sexual abuse or sexual harassment.

Applicants should explain their experiences carrying out leadership development and culture change work, and describe the specific approaches and methods they will use to achieve this objective, including how they will leverage and build upon the TTA resources and successes to date of the PRC.

Building a Comprehensive Communication and Outreach Strategy to Support PREA Implementation

Background on Communication and Outreach Related to PREA

A continuing high priority related to PREA implementation for BJA is to communicate proactively with key constituent groups and national organizations that are impacted by, or have a stake in, PREA implementation. Such outreach promotes an increased understanding of the PREA standards, and provides members of these constituent groups and national organizations with meaningful opportunities to ask questions and seek guidance about their PREA-related efforts.

In addition, BJA is very committed to providing criminal and juvenile justice policymakers, practitioners, and others nationwide with accurate, timely information about the PREA standards, including PREA event announcements, available resources, and interpretative guidance issued by the PREA Working Group (PWG) (see below for more information about the PWG). Ongoing communication with and outreach to the field is accomplished by the PRC, in part, through monthly e-blasts and periodic special notifications when essential information needs to reach the field before the next scheduled blast. In addition, the PRC web site (www.prearesourcecenter.org) is a focal point for all of the information and resources provided to the field by the PRC, with new material added on an almost daily basis.

Objectives and Deliverables for Communication and Outreach

The objectives and deliverables related to communication and outreach are as follows.

Objective 1: To continue to communicate with and educate key constituent groups and national organizations about their responsibilities under PREA and the importance of compliance with the PREA standards.

Objective 1 Deliverables: Applicants are strongly encouraged to identify the key constituent groups and national organizations that should be the targets of this program’s communication and outreach efforts, and propose ways to reach each one of these entities cost-effectively. In addition, applicants should explain how the questions and feedback from these groups and organizations will be used to inform the ongoing TTA efforts of the PRC.

Objective 2: To continue, and build upon and expand as needed, the PRC’s existing methods of ongoing communication with and outreach to the field.

Objective 2 Deliverables: Applicants should be familiar with the existing communication methods of the PRC, and propose changes and/or additions that will be most effective in conveying critical information nationally about PREA and the work of the PRC. Applicants are strongly encouraged to explain how technology will be leveraged to enhance communication in cost-effective ways. In addition, they may propose changes to the PRC web site to enhance functionality, and make the information on the site more accessible to the diverse community of users.

http://www.prearesourcecenter.org/

Supporting the Work of DOJ’s PREA Working Group (PWG)

Background on the PWG

The PWG is a long-standing entity composed of representatives from numerous DOJ components. Its mission has evolved over time from completing the PREA standards to providing interpretative guidance to the field on issues of first impression related to the PREA standards. This work is accomplished at twice-monthly meetings. Chaired and directed by the PREA Management Office at BJA, the group’s members include leaders from the following DOJ components:

Office of the Deputy Attorney General

Office of OJP’s Assistant Attorney General

Access to Justice

Bureau of Prisons

Civil Rights Division

National Institute of Corrections (NIC)

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)

U.S. Marshals Service

Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA)

Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)

Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)

OJP’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

OJP’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC)

Objective and Deliverables Related to the Work of the PWG

This program’s objective and deliverables associated with supporting the work of the PWG are as follows.

Objective 1: To provide background and contextual information to the PWG about questions of first impression related to the PREA standards that are submitted by the field.

Objective 1 Deliverables: The PRC is ideally positioned to provide background and contextual information related to questions of first impression that are submitted by the field because of the constant communication that the PRC has with the field related to PREA. Twice per month, at least three days prior to each PWG meeting, the PRC will provide BJA with a memo which explains new questions of first impression that have been collected from the field. Each memo must identify the relevant standard(s) and provide sufficient detail to enable the PWG members to understand the dimensions of the issue(s) to be addressed and the specific question(s) to be answered. Successful development of these memos for the PWG requires significant knowledge of and experience with the PREA standards, and with the operation of the types of confinement facilities covered by the standards.

Collaboration with Other Federal Agencies As emphasized above, BJA, BJS, OJJDP, OVC, OVW, NIC, and other partners collaborate to ensure that adult and juvenile PREA efforts are supported, and that victim services are incorporated into comprehensive responses.

Evidence-Based Programs or Practices OJP strongly emphasizes the use of data and evidence in policy making and program development in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. OJP is committed to:

Improving the quantity and quality of evidence OJP generates

Integrating evidence into program, practice, and policy decisions within OJP and the field

Improving the translation of evidence into practice

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. The OJP 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.

B. Federal Award Information

Amount and Length of Awards BJA anticipates it will make one award of up to $6,000,000 for a 24-month project period under this program. The award will be made prior to September 30, 2015, but as noted above, it is anticipated the award start date will be June 1, 2016, because the PRC is currently funded through the end September 30, 2016. This timing will ensure a smooth transition and continuity of operations for the PRC between the funding which expires on September 30, 2016, and the funding that is available through this solicitation.

BJA may, in certain cases, provide supplemental funding in future years to the award under this solicitation. Important considerations in decisions regarding supplemental funding include, among other factors, the availability of funding, strategic priorities, assessment of the quality of the management of the award (for example, timeliness and quality of progress reports), and assessment of the progress of the work funded under the award.

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

Type of Award4 BJA expects that it will make the award from this solicitation in the form of a cooperative agreement, which is a particular type of grant used if BJA expects to have ongoing substantial involvement in award activities. Substantial involvement includes direct oversight and involvement with the grantee organization in implementation of the grant, but does not involve day-to-day project management. See Administrative, National Policy, and other Legal

4 See generally 31 U.S.C. §§ 6301-6305 (defines and describes various forms of federal assistance relationships, including grants and cooperative agreements (a type of grant)).

http://www.crimesolutions.gov/

Requirements, under Section F. Federal Award Administration Information, for details regarding the federal involvement anticipated under an award from this solicitation.

In support of the program goals, objectives, and deliverables described above, BJA’s oversight role will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Reviewing and approving work plans, including changes to these plans, and key decisions related to program operations;

Reviewing and approving project-generated documents, materials, and other deliverables;

Providing guidance in planning meetings and participating in training events and conferences;

Reviewing and approving any proposed solicitations prior to release or publication; and

Reviewing and approving any proposed subawards or subcontracts.

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls If selected for funding, the award recipient must:

(a) Establish and maintain effective internal control over the federal award that provides reasonable assurance that the non-federal entity is managing the federal award in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal award. These internal controls should be in compliance with guidance in “Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government” issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the “Internal Control Integrated Framework”, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

(b) Comply with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the federal awards.

(c) Evaluate and monitor the non-federal entity's compliance with statute, regulations and the terms and conditions of federal awards.

(d) Take prompt action when instances of noncompliance are identified including noncompliance identified in audit findings.

(e) Take reasonable measures to safeguard protected personally identifiable information and other information the federal awarding agency or pass-through entity designates as sensitive or the non-federal entity considers sensitive consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws regarding privacy and obligations of confidentiality.

In order to better understand administrative requirements and cost principles, award applicants are encouraged to enroll, at no charge, in the Department of Justice Grants Financial Management Online Training available here.

Budget Information

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

Pre-Agreement Cost Approvals OJP does not typically approve pre-agreement costs; an applicant must request and obtain the prior written approval of OJP for all such costs. If approved, pre-agreement costs could be paid http://gfm.webfirst.com/ from grant funds consistent with a grantee’s approved budget, and under applicable cost standards. However, all such costs prior to award and prior to approval of the costs are incurred at the sole risk of an applicant. Generally, no applicant should incur project costs before submitting an application requesting federal funding for those costs. Should there be extenuating circumstances that appear to be appropriate for OJP’s consideration as pre-agreement costs, the applicant should notify the point of contact listed on the title page of this announcement for details on the requirements for submitting a written request for approval. See the section on Costs Requiring Prior Approval in the Financial Guide for more 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, recipients may not use federal funds to pay total cash compensation (salary plus cash 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.5 The 2015 salary table for SES employees is available at the Office of Personnel Management web site. Note: A recipient may compensate an employee at a greater 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 Assistant Attorney General for OJP may exercise discretion to waive, on an individual basis, the limitation on compensation rates allowable under an award. An applicant requesting a waiver should include a detailed justification in the budget narrative of the application. Unless the applicant submits a waiver request and justification with the application, the applicant should anticipate that OJP will request the applicant to adjust and resubmit the budget.

The justification should include the particular qualifications and expertise of the individual, the uniqueness of the service the individual will provide, 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 to be done.

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs OJP strongly encourages applicants that propose to use award funds for any conference-, meeting-, or training-related activity to review carefully – before submitting an application – the OJP policy and guidance on conference approval, planning, and reporting available at www.ojp.gov/financialguide/PostawardRequirements/chapter15page1.htm. OJP policy and guidance (1) encourage minimization of conference, meeting, and training costs; (2) require prior written approval (which may affect project timelines) of most such costs for cooperative agreement recipients and of some such costs for grant recipients; and (3) set cost limits, including a general prohibition of all food and beverage costs.

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 for individuals with limited English proficiency may be allowable. Reasonable steps

5 This limitation on use of award funds does not apply to the non-profit organizations specifically named at Appendix VIII to 2 C.F.R. part 200.

http://ojp.gov/financialguide/index.htm http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/15Tables/exec/html/ES.aspx http://www.ojp.gov/financialguide/PostawardRequirements/chapter15page1.htm 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 under “Solicitation Requirements” in the OJP Funding Resource Center.

C. Eligibility Information

For additional eligibility information, see Title page.

Cost Sharing or Match Requirement For additional information on cost sharing and match requirement, see Section B. Federal Award Information.

Limit on Number of Application Submissions If an applicant submits multiple versions of the same application, BJA will review only the most recent system-validated version submitted. For more information on system-validated versions, see How to Apply.

D. Application and Submission Information

What an Application Should Include Applicants should anticipate that if they fail to submit an application that contains all of the specified elements, it may negatively affect the review of their application; and, should a decision be made to make an award, it may result in the inclusion of special conditions that preclude the recipient from accessing or using award funds pending satisfaction of the conditions.

Moreover, applicants should anticipate that applications that are determined to be nonresponsive to the scope of the solicitation, or that do not include the application elements that BJA has designated 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, Budget Narrative, Resumes, Work Samples or Bibliography, and Time/Task Plan. Applicants may combine the Budget Narrative and the Budget Detail Worksheet in one document. However, if an applicant submits only one budget document, it must contain both narrative and detail information. Please review the “Note on File Names and File Types” under How to Apply to be sure applications are submitted in permitted formats.

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

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

The SF-424 is a required standard form used as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications, applications, and related information. Grants.gov and OJP’s Grants Management System (GMS) take information from the applicant’s profile to populate the http://ojp.gov/funding/index.htm fields on this form. When selecting "type of applicant," if the applicant is a for-profit entity, select "For-Profit Organization" or "Small Business" (as applicable). The applicant should include the full amount requested for the entire 24-month project period on the SF-424

Intergovernmental Review: This funding opportunity (program) is not subject to Executive Order 12372.