O-OVC-2021-63003-OVC FY21 HTHOUSING-V5_SI-63003.pdf

OMB No. 1121-0329 Approval Expires 12/31/2023

U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Office for Victims of Crime

OVC FY 2021 Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking Assistance Listing Number # 16.320

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-OVC-2021-63003

Solicitation Release Date: January 14, 2021 11:00 AM

Version: 5

Grants.gov Deadline: April 16, 2021 11:59 PM

Application JustGrants Deadline: April 30, 2021 11:59 PM

Overview The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is seeking applications to support housing assistance for victims of all forms of human trafficking throughout the United States. This program furthers the Department’s mission by enhancing the field’s response to victims of human trafficking.

This solicitation incorporates the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide by reference. The OJP Grant Application Resource Guide provides guidance to applicants on how to prepare and submit applications for funding to OJP. If this solicitation expressly modifies any provision in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide, the applicant is to follow the guidelines in this solicitation as to that provision.

Solicitation Categories

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories.

Eligible Applicants:

City or township governments, County governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, State governments

For purposes of this solicitation, “state” means any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

To advance Executive Order 13929 Safe Policing for Safe Communities, the Attorney General determined that all state, local, and university or college law enforcement agencies must be certified by an approved independent credentialing body or have started the certification process to be eligible for FY 2021 DOJ discretionary grant funding. To become certified, the law enforcement agency must meet two mandatory conditions: (1) the agency’s use of force policies adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws; and (2) the agency’s use of force policies prohibit chokeholds except in situations where use of deadly force is allowed by law. The certification requirement also applies to law enforcement agencies receiving DOJ discretionary grant funding through a subaward. For detailed information on this new certification requirement, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/SafePolicingEO to access the Standards for Certification on Safe Policing for Safe Communities, Implementation Fact Sheet, and List of Designated Independent Credentialing Bodies.

All recipients and subrecipients (including any for-profit organization) must forgo any profit or management fee.

Nonprofit organizations that hold money in offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding paying the tax described in 26 U.S.C. § 511(a) are not eligible to apply.

OVC may make more than one award to a single organization if proposed projects are in distinct geographic areas. OVC will consider applications under which two or more entities would carry out the federal award; however, only one entity

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OVC may elect to fund applications submitted under this FY 2021 solicitation in future fiscal years, dependent on, among other considerations, the merit of the applications and on the availability of appropriations.

Contact Information For technical assistance with submitting the SF-424 and SF- LLL in Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 800-518-4726, 606-545-5035, at Grants.gov customer support webpage, or email at support@grants.gov. The Grants.gov Support Hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on federal holidays.

For technical assistance with submitting the full application in DOJ’s Justice Grants System (JustGrants), contact the JustGrants Service Desk at JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov or at 833-872-5175. The JustGrants Service Desk operates 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST Monday - Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and federal holidays.

An applicant that experiences unforeseen Grants.gov or JustGrants technical issues beyond its control that prevent it from submitting its application by the deadline must email the contact identified below within 24 hours after the application deadline to request approval to submit its application after the deadline.

For assistance with any other requirements of this solicitation, contact the Response Center by telephone at 800–851–3420 or TTY: 301–240–6310 (hearing impaired only) or by email at grants@ncjrs.gov. Response Center hours of operation are 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., ET, on the solicitation closing date.

Pre-Application Webinar

OVC will conduct one pre-application webinar during which OVC staff will review the solicitation requirements and conduct a question and answer session with interested potential applicants. Participation is optional. When the webinar has been scheduled, the details and registration information will be available at https://ovc.ojp.gov/funding/funding-webinars.

Post-Award Legal Requirements Notice If selected for funding, in addition to implementing the funded project consistent with the OJP-approved application, the recipient must comply with all award conditions, and all applicable requirements of federal statutes and regulations (including applicable requirements referred to in the assurances and certifications executed in connection with award acceptance). OJP strongly encourages prospective applicants to review information on post-award legal requirements and common OJP award conditions prior to submitting an application.

Submission Information In FY 2021, applications will be submitted to DOJ in a NEW two-step process.

Step 1: Applicants will submit an SF-424 and an SF-LLL in Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html. To register in Grants.gov, applicants will need to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) and System for Award Management (SAM) registration or renewal.

Step 2: Applicants will submit the full application including attachments in JustGrants at JustGrants.usdoj.gov.

To be considered timely, the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by the JustGrants application deadline.

OJP encourages applicants to review, the “How to Apply" section in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

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Contents

Contact Information 2 Program Description 5

Overview 5 Statutory Authority 5 Specific Information 5 Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 6 Evidence-Based Programs or Practices 6 Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities 6 OJP Priority Areas 6 Unallowable Costs 7 Limitation on Use of Funds (22 USC 7110(g)) 7 Coordinating With Law Enforcement 8 Letters of Support From Law Enforcement and/or Prosecutorial Agencies 8

Federal Award Information 8 Awards, Amounts and Durations 8 Continuation Funding Intent 8 Availability of Funds 8 Types of Awards 8 Financial Management and System of Internal Controls 9 Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 9 Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 9 Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: Waiver 9 Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs 9 Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 9

Eligibility Information 9 Application and Submission Information 9

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) 9 Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) 9 Proposal Abstract 10 Proposal Narrative 10 Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 11 Budget and Associated Documentation 11 Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) 11 Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 11 Financial Management Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status) 11 Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation 12 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Other Supportive Documents 12 Additional Application Components 12 Tribal Authorizing Resolution 12 Documentation of Anticipated Benefit to Qualified Opportunity Zones (if applicable) 12 Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 12 Position Descriptions and Resumes 12 Documentation of Rural Challenges (if applicable) 12 Documentation of Enhanced Public Safety in Qualified Opportunity Zones (if applicable) 12 Disclosures and Assurances 13 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 13 DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 13

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Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 13 DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements 13 Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High Risk Grantees (if applicable) 13 How to Apply 13 Submission Dates and Time 13

Application Review Information 13 Review Criteria 13 Review Process 14

Federal Award Administration Information 14 Federal Award Notices 14 Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 14 Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses 15 General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements 15

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 15 Other Information 15

Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 552a) 15 Provide Feedback to OJP 15 Performance Measures 15 Application Checklist 15

Program Description Overview This program will provide funding for housing opportunities to victims of human trafficking, as defined by 22 U.S.C. 7102.

Statutory Authority 22 U.S.C. § 7105(b)(2)

Specific Information Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. § 7105(b)(2), OVC supports programs that provide 6 to 24 months of transitional housing with support services to victims of human trafficking who are in need of housing as a result of human trafficking.

Under this program, transitional housing refers to both transitional housing assistance and short-term housing assistance, which are defined as follows.

Transitional housing assistance is temporary housing offered for at least 6 months and no more than 24 months that helps victims transition into permanent housing. Transitional housing is not an extended shelter stay.

Short-term housing assistance is rental assistance and/or other financial assistance (e.g., security deposits, utility assistance, relocation costs, etc.) offered for at least 6 months and no more than 24 months that helps victims transition into permanent housing. Short-term housing assistance is not emergency shelter, rental assistance offered for less than 6 months, or financial assistance for victims not provided with housing.

Projects under this program must be for one or more of the following purposes:

Transitional housing, including funding for the operating expenses of a newly developed or existing transitional housing program.

1.

Short-term housing assistance, including rental or utilities payment assistance and assistance with related expenses, such as payment of security deposits and other costs incidental to relocation to transitional housing.

2.

In addition to providing transitional housing, projects must also include support services designed to enable victims of human trafficking and any dependents to— locate and secure permanent housing;1.

secure employment, including obtaining employment counseling, occupational training, job retention counseling, and counseling concerning re-entry into the workforce; and

2.

integrate into a community by providing victims and dependents with services, such as transportation, counseling, childcare services, case management, and other assistance. Participation in the support services shall be voluntary.

3.

Projects cannot condition receipt of housing assistance upon participation in any or all of the support services offered.

Limited Use of Funds

The following activities can be supported only in limited circumstances:

Legal Services – Use of grant funds for legal services is limited to providing legal services to victims in the housing program and must terminate when they obtain permanent housing. Legal services are limited to those that are necessary to enable a housing program participant to locate and secure housing and to integrate into a community, including legal services regarding housing, protection orders, and limited immigration matters that affect a victim’s ability to obtain housing. Funds may not be used for comprehensive, long-term legal assistance, such as divorce or child custody.

1.

Purchase and/or Lease of Vehicles – Requests to use grant funds for the purchase and/or lease of a vehicle by the grant applicant or a project partner will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If an applicant is requesting funds for a vehicle, a lease/purchase analysis must be submitted with the application and the costs must be included in the budget and budget narrative. Grant funds may not be used for the purchase of and/or down payment on a vehicle for private ownership by a victim in a transitional housing program.

2.

Services for Children – Housing and supportive services may be provided to human trafficking victims of any age under this program. Grant funds may be used to provide direct services to victims' dependent children where such services are an ancillary part of providing housing and supportive services to the child's parent (or legal guardian) who is a victim of human trafficking.

3.

1.

2.

3.

Mandatory Program Requirements

Applicants that receive funding under this program will be required to:

Submit the policies, procedures, and rules governing the provision of housing and related support services for review and approval (post-award as required by OVC).

1.

Ensure their policies and procedures follow applicable federal and state laws protecting the civil rights of program participants and staff (post-award), including through accessing OJP training and resources on civil rights requirements.

2.

Offer support services to trafficking victims receiving housing and their dependents.3.

Offer followup support services for trafficking victims who secure permanent housing. Followup services are limited to advocacy, support groups, case management, and minimal financial assistance (e.g., security deposit or first month’s rent for permanent housing).

4.

Ensure that any staff, partner staff, or service providers working with trafficking victims are trained to work with such victims, including by accessing OVC-supported training and technical assistance.

5.

Ensure the project coordinator or program director and one other key staff member attends an in-person or remote OVC grantee orientation and have relevant staff participate in OVC-sponsored training and technical assistance.

6.

Agree to provide housing to clients without requiring participation in support services.7.

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline Goals

The goal of this program is to provide safe, stable housing and appropriate services to victims of human trafficking.

Objectives

Objectives include:

Provision of housing interventions to victims of human trafficking and related support services;1.

Collaboration with and training for local partners (e.g., housing and service providers, community and faith-based organizations) to ensure trafficking victims are properly identified and referred for appropriate housing and services;

2.

Assistance or referrals to other essential services for victims of human trafficking;3.

Improvement of outcomes for victims of human trafficking by providing support services; and4.

Data collection and participation in evaluation activities to determine if the program is meeting stated goals and objectives.

5.

Deliverables

The deliverables to be provided are services, measured quarterly by service-hour or units delivered, type of service, number of new and continuing victims served, and other key data points.

The Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables are directly related to the performance measures that demonstrate the results of the work completed, as discussed under Application and Submission Information.

Evidence-Based Programs or Practices OJP strongly emphasizes the use of data and evidence in policymaking and program development in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. For additional information and resources on evidence-based programs or practices, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities OJP may conduct or support an evaluation of the programs and activities funded under this solicitation. For additional information, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide section entitled “Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities.”

OJP Priority Areas In FY 2021 and in addition to executing any program-specific prioritization that may be applicable, OJP will give priority consideration to applications as follows:

Applications that address specific challenges that rural communities face.

Applications that demonstrate that the individuals who are intended to benefit from the requested grant reside in high-poverty areas or persistent-poverty counties.

Applications that offer enhancements to public safety in economically distressed communities (Qualified Opportunity Zones).

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To receive priority consideration under the rural priority, applicants must describe what makes the geographic service area rural (using U.S. Census or other appropriate government data; for assistance, applicants may wish to refer to https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/geography/guidance/geo-areas/urban-rural.html), how isolated the area is from needed services, and how they will address specific challenges in rural communities.

To receive priority consideration under the poverty priority, the applicant must provide information to demonstrate that the individuals who are intended to benefit from the requested grant reside in high-poverty areas or persistent poverty counties. For purposes of this priority consideration, the term ‘‘high-poverty area’’ means any census tract with a poverty rate of at least 20 percent as measured by the 2013–2017 5-year data series available from the American Community Survey of the Census Bureau (applicants may search by census tract at https://www.census.gov/acs/www/data/data-tables-and-tools/narrative-profiles/2017/) and the term ‘‘persistent poverty counties’’ means any county that has had 20 percent or more of its population living in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses and the most recent Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (applicants may search by county at https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/census-poverty.html and at https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/saipe.html).

To receive priority consideration under the Qualified Opportunity Zones priority, applicants must include information that specifies how the project will enhance public safety in the specified QOZs. For resources on QOZs, and for a current list of designated QOZs, see the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s resource webpage, accessible at https://www.cdfifund.gov/pages/opportunity-zones.aspx

OJP policy priority consideration will consist of receiving additional points in the application scoring process. Receipt of priority consideration does not guarantee that an application will be funded; nor will the failure to receive priority consideration necessarily mean that an application will not be funded.

Unallowable Costs

The following activities cannot be supported with grant funds:

1. Holding Beds

Grantees may not “hold beds” in a housing facility by charging their cost to the grant and keeping them empty until a victim needs the bed when other victims need access to the beds, as this would be considered an unallowable contingency payment (see C.F.R. 200.433 (c)).

2. Stipends/Incentives to Participate in Services

Neither cash nor non-cash stipends or incentives may be paid to victims to encourage their participation in services.

Nominal cash or non-cash stipends (e.g., taxi or ride-share vouchers, public transportation tickets or tokens; money to pay for childcare or gift cards for meals that are necessary when participants receive services) are allowable.

3. Primary Prevention Activities

Per 22 U.S.C. § 7105(b)(2), the purpose of this funding is to support victim service programs: therefore, applicants should not propose primary prevention activities under this program.

Limitation on Use of Funds (22 USC 7110(g))

The following statutory language applies to all awards under this solicitation:

Restriction on programs1.

No funds made available to carry out this chapter, or any amendment made by this chapter, may be used to promote, support, or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to preclude assistance designed to promote the purposes of this Act by ameliorating the suffering of, or health risks to, victims while they are being trafficked or after they are out of the situation that resulted from such victims being trafficked.

Restriction on organizations1.

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No funds made available to carry out this chapter, or any amendment made by this chapter, may be used to implement any program that targets victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons described in section 7102(9)

(A) of this title through any organization that has not stated in either a grant application, a grant agreement, or both, that it does not promote, support, or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution. The preceding sentence shall not apply to organizations that provide services to individuals solely after they are no longer engaged in activities that resulted from such victims being trafficked.

Pursuant to the statute above, OVC requires grantees under this program to agree to the following grant condition:

Recipient certifies that it does not promote, support, or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution, nor will it use grant funds or program match funds to promote, support, or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution.

Coordinating With Law Enforcement

OVC strongly encourages all grantees to assist clients in complying with reasonable requests from local, state, federal, or tribal government agencies with the authority to investigate or prosecute trafficking acts. OVC is committed to the elimination of all forms of trafficking in persons, which requires the prosecution of traffickers as a key part of a multifaceted strategy. Victim-centered investigations and prosecutions of traffickers reduce harm and increase safety for our communities while supporting the healing of victims. Notwithstanding, the victim’s willingness to collaborate with law enforcement will not be used as a condition of access to any shelter or restorative services funded under this award.

Letters of Support From Law Enforcement and/or Prosecutorial Agencies

Applicants must provide at least one letter of support from a local, state, tribal, and/or federal law enforcement agency and/or a local, state, tribal, and/or federal prosecutor’s office(s). Note that law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices providing letters of support may do so for multiple applicants.

Federal Award Information Awards, Amounts and Durations Anticipated Number of Awards

Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards $600,000.00

Period of Performance Start Date

10/1/21 12:00 AM

Period of Performance Duration (Months)

Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under Solicitation $15,000,000.00

Continuation Funding Intent OVC may, in certain cases, provide additional funding in future years to awards made under this solicitation, through continuation awards. OJP will consider, among other factors, OJP’s strategic priorities, a recipient’s overall management of the award, and progress of award funded work, when making continuation award decisions.

Availability of Funds This solicitation, and awards (if any are made) under this solicitation, are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and to any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by the agency or by law. In addition, nothing in this solicitation is intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Types of Awards OVC expects to make awards under this solicitation as grants. See the “Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal

Requirements” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for a brief discussion of important statutes, regulations, and award conditions that apply to many (or in some cases, all) OJP grants (and cooperative agreements).

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Award recipients and subrecipients (including recipients or subrecipients that are pass-through entities) must, as described in the Part 200 Uniform Requirements as set out at 2 C.F.R. 200.303, comply with standards for financial and program management. The “Part 200 Uniform Requirements” means the DOJ regulation at 2 C.F.R. Part 2800, which adopts (with certain modifications) the provisions of 2 C.F.R. Part 200. See OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement Pursuant to 22 U.S.C. § 7105(b)(2), awards made under this solicitation require a 25% cash or in-kind match. See OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information on this match requirement.

Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide information on Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs).

Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: Waiver See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide information on Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation; Waiver.

Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs.

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on Costs Associated with Language Assistance.

Eligibility Information For eligibility information, see the title page.

Application and Submission Information The following application elements MUST be included in the application submission for an application to meet the basic minimum requirements (BMR) to advance to peer review and receive consideration for funding:

Proposal Abstract Proposal Narrative Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (web-based form)

See the “Application Elements and Formatting Instructions” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on what happens to an application that does not contain all the specified elements or that is nonresponsive to the scope of the solicitation.

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) The SF-424 will be submitted in Grants.gov. The SF-424 is a required standard form used as a cover sheet for submission of pre-applications, applications, and related information. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information on completing the SF-424.

Intergovernmental Review: This solicitation (“funding opportunity”) is not subject to Executive Order 12372. (In completing the SF-424, an applicant is to answer question 19 by selecting the response that the “Program is not covered by E.O. 12372.”)

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) The Standard Applicant Information section of the JustGrants application is pre-populated with the SF-424 data submitted in Grants.gov. Applicants will need to review the Standard Applicant Information in JustGrants and make edits as needed.

Within this section, applicants will need to: add zip codes for areas affected by the project; confirm their Authorized Representative; and verify the organization's legal name and address.

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Proposal Abstract A proposal abstract (no more than 400 words) summarizing the proposed project including primary activities, products and deliverables, the service area, and who will benefit from the proposed project, will be completed in the JustGrants Web-based form.

Proposal Narrative The proposal narrative should be submitted as an attachment in JustGrants. The attached document should be double-spaced, using a standard 12-point Times New Roman font; have no less than 1-inch margins; and should not exceed 25 pages. Pages should be numbered and submitted as an attachment. If the proposal narrative fails to comply with these length restrictions, OVC may negatively consider such noncompliance in peer review and in final award decisions.

The following sections must be included as part of the proposal narrative:

a. Statement of the problem

This section must:

1. Describe the communities to be served, including the geographic location. populations in the service area, and any groups that are vulnerable to human trafficking. Note: Data should come from multiple sources and extend beyond national hotline data.

2. Describe the problem to be addressed.

3. Describe current services and gaps.

4. Describe how the funding will alleviate the problem.

5. Describe the housing model and/or rent structure to be implemented.

b. Project Design and Implementation

1. Describe in detail specific activities necessary for accomplishing each goal and objective of the proposed project. Include a timeline that identifies a timeframe for all the tasks and activities to be completed.

2. Describe the transitional housing that will be provided, including, but not limited to:

a. the type of transitional housing (e.g., transitional housing assistance or short-term housing assistance, location);

b. how it will be provided (program-owned, program-rented, landlord/tenant relationship, etc.);

c. method for determining client eligibility (e.g., screening, eligibility requirements, etc.);

d. housing rules and regulations;

e. housing safety planning and client confidentiality protocols; and

f. fee schedule (if applicable).

3. Describe support services, including, but not limited to:

a. what will be offered, including a plan for provision of case management;

b. who will provide these services;

c. where services will be provided;

d. how victims’ confidentiality will be addressed; and

e. how victims will access these services.

4. Describe the plan for followup services, including, but not limited to:

a. what will be offered; and

b. timeframe for followup services

5. Describe how the applicant plans to address victim safety and autonomy in the project.

c. Capabilities and Competencies

This section must:

1. Identify the key individuals and organizations involved in the proposed project;

2. Demonstrate that the individuals and organizations identified have the capacity to address the stated need, including the expertise necessary to provide services to human trafficking victims, and can successfully implement the proposed project activities;

3. Describe specific roles and responsibilities of all project partners and key staff;

4. Demonstrate the capacity and expertise of the lead applicant and all project partners to serve victims of human trafficking;

5. Clearly describe who will implement activities as described in the Project Design and Implementation section (e.g., which organization and staff will conduct intake, find housing, work with participants, provide services, etc.);

and

6. Describe their experience managing federal grants that support direct services to crime victims and document their administrative and financial capacity to manage federal grants. If the applicant has other grants for providing services to victims of human trafficking or housing to victims of related crimes, the applicant must describe the scope of each of these grants and describe how activities and data collection on these projects will be tracked separately to avoid duplication.

d. Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s Performance Measures

This section must include the following information:

A plan for collecting all of the performance measures data required by this solicitation.1.

A description of the qualifications of the key staff who will be responsible for collecting data and reporting performance measures in JustGrants.

2.

OJP will require each successful applicant to submit regular performance data that demonstrate the results of the work carried out under the award. The performance data directly relate to the goals, objectives, and deliverables identified under “Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables” in the Program Description.

Award recipients will be required to submit performance measure data and performance reports in JustGrants. Examples of the performance measures questionnaire can be found at https://ovc.ojp.gov/funding/performance-measures-overview.

Further guidance on the post-award submission process will be provided, if selected for award.

Note: Applicants are not required to submit performance data with the application. Rather, performance measures information is included as an alert that successful applicants will be required to submit performance data as part of the reporting requirements under an award.

Note on Project Evaluations

An applicant that proposes to use award funds through this solicitation to conduct project evaluations must follow the guidance under “Note on Project Evaluations” in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline Applicants will submit the Housing Assistance Grants for Victims of Human Trafficking goals, objectives, deliverables, and timelines in the JustGrants Web-based form. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

Budget and Associated Documentation Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) Applicants will complete the JustGrants web-based budget form. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

The narrative information included as part of the Budget Worksheet should:

Display a clear link between the specific project activities and the proposed budget items and not contain items that are not supported by the proposal narrative.

1.

Include a statement describing whether housing units are applicant-owned.2.

Include as program income any fees charged to housing program participants (victims) if housing units are applicant-owned.

3.

Distinguish clearly between subawards and contracts in allocating any grant funds to other entities. Pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.330, a subaward is for the purpose of carrying out a portion of the federal award, such as compensating a partner with which the grantee has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and a contract is for the purpose of obtaining goods and services for the grantee’s own use.

4.

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) Applicants will submit their indirect cost rate agreement by uploading the agreement as an attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

Financial Management Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status) Applicants will download the questionnaire in JustGrants and submit by uploading the completed questionnaire as an attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

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Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation If applicable, applicants will submit a description of the process used to determine compensation by uploading the document as an attachment in JustGrants. See the “Application Attachments” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information.

Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Other Supportive Documents Service Partner MOUs, Letters of Intent, and Subcontracts/Subgrants For services to be provided by project partners, the applicant must name the project partner that will provide the specific service in the proposal narrative and include, as an attachment to the application, a subcontract/subgrant, Letter of Intent, or MOU describing the commitment from that organization to perform a specific service, and a description of the fee for the service or cost to the grant for each service. If services are to be provided as in-kind match, pro bono, or at no cost to the grant, this must be clearly stated in the MOU, Letter of Intent, or subcontract/subgrant. MOUs, Letters of Intent, and subcontracts/subgrants must include the following: (1) names of the organizations involved in the agreement; (2) scope of the direct specialized service(s) and other work to be performed under the agreement; (3) duration of the agreement; (4) estimated cost per victim or cost of actual services provided describing whether it is a fee-for-service, in-kind match, or no cost; (5) whether or not there is a cap on the total amount of the agreement; and (6) whether or not there is a maximum number of victims that may be served under the agreement. If any of the required direct services above are to be provided pro bono or accessed through other government- subsidized or otherwise funded programs, applicants must describe how services will be provided to victims without the use of grant funds. MOUs and Letters of Intent should be submitted as one separate attachment to the application.

Additional Application Components Applicants will attach the additional requested documentation in JustGrants.

Tribal Authorizing Resolution If applicable, applicants will submit the Tribal Authorizing Resolution by uploading the resolution as an attachment in JustGrants. An application in response to this solicitation may require inclusion of information related to a tribal authorizing resolution as an attachment. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on tribal authorizing resolutions.

Documentation of Anticipated Benefit to Qualified Opportunity Zones (if applicable) As mentioned above, OJP will give priority consideration in award decisions to applications that demonstrate that the individuals who will benefit from the requested grant reside in high-poverty areas or persistent-poverty counties as defined above. Each applicant proposing to receive consideration under the High-Poverty Areas or Persistent Poverty Counties priority must provide a sufficient narrative explanation to identify each specific High-Poverty Area (by census tract number (s)) and/or each specific Persistent-Poverty County where individuals are intended to benefit from the requested grant and how the requested grant will address specific challenges in each such identified area and/or county. Applicants will submit the narrative by uploading the document as an attachment in JustGrants.

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement If an application proposes research (including research and development) and/or evaluation, the applicant must demonstrate research/evaluation independence and integrity, including appropriate safeguards, before it may receive award funds. Applicants will submit a description of their research and evaluation independence and integrity by uploading the document as an attachment in JustGrants. For additional information regarding demonstrating research/evaluation independence and integrity, including appropriate safeguards, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

Position Descriptions and Resumes

Position descriptions and resumes for key positions should be tailored to the applicant to demonstrate qualifications of staff involved in the project.

Documentation of Rural Challenges (if applicable)

As is mentioned above, OJP will give priority consideration in award decisions to applications that address specific challenges that rural communities face. Each applicant proposing to receive priority consideration under the rural priority must provide a sufficient narrative to include what makes the geographic service area rural (using U.S. Census or other appropriate government data), how isolated the area is from needed services, and how it will address specific challenges in rural communities. Applicants will submit the narrative by uploading the document as an attachment in JustGrants.

Documentation of Enhanced Public Safety in Qualified Opportunity Zones (if applicable)

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As is mentioned above, OJP will give priority consideration in award decisions to designated Qualified Opportunity Zones.

Each applicant proposing to receive priority consideration under the under the Qualified Opportunity Zones priority must provide a sufficient narrative explanation in order for OJP to identify clearly the public safety benefit the applicant anticipates that its project will have on a specified QOZ(s). The narrative and the list of affected QOZs (by census tract number) must be included as an attachment that is clearly labeled as addressing QOZs. The applicant may also include tables, charts, graphs, or other relevant illustrations that may be useful in comprehending the manner in which the proposed project is anticipated to benefit a QOZ(s). Applicants will submit the narrative by uploading the document as an attachment in JustGrants.

Disclosures and Assurances Applicants will complete the following disclosures and assurances.

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants will complete and submit the SF-LLL in Grants.gov. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

DOJ Certified Standard Assurances See the DOJ Certified Standard Assurances in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items Applicants will complete the JustGrants web-based Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items form. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements Applicants will review and accept the DOJ Certified Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements. See OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

Applicant Disclosure and Justification – DOJ High Risk Grantees (if applicable)

If applicable, applicants will submit as an attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information. A DOJ High Risk Grantee is a recipient that has received a DOJ High Risk designation based on a documented history of unsatisfactory performance, financial instability, management system or other internal control deficiencies, or noncompliance with award terms and conditions on prior awards, or that is otherwise not responsible.

How to Apply Applicants will submit an SF-424 and an SF-LLL in Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html.

Applicants will submit the full application including attachments in JustGrants at JustGrants.usdoj.gov.

For additional information, see the “How to Apply” section in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

Submission Dates and Time The SF-424 and the SF-LLL will be submitted in Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m., eastern time (ET) on April 16, 2021. OJP urges applicants to submit applications at least 72 hours prior to the application due date to allow time for the applicant to receive validation messages or rejection notifications from Grants.gov and to correct in a timely fashion any problems that may have caused a rejection notification.

The full application will be submitted in JustGrants on April 30, 2021 by 11:59 p.m., eastern time (ET).

To be considered timely, the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by the JustGrants application deadline.

Application Review Information Review Criteria

a. Scored Review Criteria

Applications that meet basic minimum requirements will be evaluated by peer reviewers. Applications will be evaluated on how the proposed project/program addresses the following criteria:

Statement of the Problem/Description of the Issue (20%) - evaluate the applicant’s understanding of the

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Project Design and Implementation (45%) - evaluate the adequacy of the proposal, including the goals, objectives, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.

2.

Capabilities and Competencies (20%) - evaluate administrative and technical capacity of the applicant to successfully accomplish the goals and objectives.

3.

Plan for Collecting the Data Required for this Solicitation’s Performance Measures (5%) - evaluate the applicant’s understanding of the performance data reporting requirements and the plan for collecting the required data.

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Budget (10%) - evaluate for completeness, cost effectiveness, and allowability (e.g., reasonable, allocable, and necessary for project activities).

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b. Additional Review Criteria

Other important considerations for OVC include geographic diversity, strategic priorities (specifically including, but not limited to, those mentioned above relating to addressing specific challenges that rural communities face, high-poverty areas or persistent-poverty counties, demonstrable potential enhancement to public safety in one or more federally designated Qualified Opportunity Zones), available funding, past performance, and the extent to which the Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) accurately explain project costs that are reasonable, necessary, and otherwise allowable under federal law and applicable federal cost principles.

Review Process Applications submitted under this solicitation that meet…