O-OVC-2021-96005-OVC FY21 PAWS-V1_SI-96005.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 Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program Assistance Listing Number # 16.582

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-OVC-2021-96005

Solicitation Release Date: April 30, 2021 11:30 AM

Version: 1

Grants.gov Deadline: June 15, 2021 11:59 PM

Application JustGrants Deadline: June 29, 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 shelter and transitional housing services for victims of domestic violence and their companion animals. This program furthers the Department’s mission by enhancing the field’s response to victims of crime.

This solicitation incorporates the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide by reference. The OJP Grant Application Resource Guide provides guidance to applicants for the preparation and submission to OJP of applications for funding. 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, For profit organizations other than small businesses, 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, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, State governments, Other

Other

States and territories1.

Units of local government2.

Indian tribes3.

Any other organization that has a documented history of effective work concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including—

4.

A domestic violence and sexual assault victim service provider;a.

Domestic violence and sexual assault coalition;b.

A community-based and culturally specific organization; andc.

Any other nonprofit, nongovernmental organizationd.

Any organization that works directly with pets, service animals, emotional support animals, or horses and collaborates with any organization referred to in 1–4 above, including—

5.

An animal shelter; anda.

An animal welfare organizationb.

For purposes of this solicitation, “state” means any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth

O-OVC-2021-96005

https://www.usdoj.gov/ https://www.ojp.gov/ http://www.ovc.gov/ https://www.ojp.gov/funding/Apply/Resources/Grant-App-Resource-Guide.htm 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, as of October 28, 2020, 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 allocated FY 2021 DOJ discretionary grant funding, as either a recipient or a subrecipient. For detailed information on this new certification requirement, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/SafePolicingEO.

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

OVC will consider applications under which two or more entities would carry out the federal award; however, only one entity may be the applicant. Any others must be proposed as subrecipients (subgrantees). The applicant must be the entity that would have primary responsibility for carrying out the award, including administering the funding and managing the entire program. For additional information on subawards, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

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 JustGrants Service Desk at JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov or 833–872–5175. The JustGrants Service Desk operates 5 a.m. – 9 p.m., ET Monday – Friday; and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., ET 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.

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.

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.

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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 Priority Areas 7

Federal Award Information 7 Awards, Amounts and Durations 7 Continuation Funding Intent 7 Availability of Funds 7 Types of Awards 8 Financial Management and System of Internal Controls 8 Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 8 Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 8 Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: Waiver 8 Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs 8 Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 8

Eligibility Information 8 Application and Submission Information 8

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) 8 Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) 9 Proposal Abstract 9 Proposal Narrative 9 Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline 10 Budget and Associated Documentation 10 Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) 10 Pre-Agreement Cost 10 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 11 Additional Application Components 11 Tribal Authorizing Resolution 11 Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 11 Documentation of Advancing DOJ Priorities (if applicable) 11 Documentation of High-Poverty Areas or Persistent-Poverty Counties (if applicable) 11 Disclosures and Assurances 11 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 11 DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 11 Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 11 DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements 12 Applicant Disclosure and Justification-DOJ High Risk Grantees (if applicable) 12 How to Apply 12 Submission Dates and Time 12

O-OVC-2021-96005

Application Review Information 12 Review Criteria 12 Review Process 12

Federal Award Administration Information 13 Federal Award Notices 13 Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 13 Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses 13 General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements 13

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 13 Other Information 13

Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 552a) 13 Provide Feedback to OJP 14 Performance Measures 14 Application Checklist 14

Program Description Overview The Department of Justice is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, supports crime victims, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community.

This program will provide funding for shelter and transitional housing and other assistance to victims of domestic violence and their companion animals, which under this program means pets, service animals, emotional support animals, and horses.

The term “domestic violence victim” means a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, as established in Public Law 115-334.

The following definitions, set out in 34 U.S.C. 20127(b)(9), apply to this solicitation:

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIM. The term “domestic violence victim” means a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL. The term ‘‘emotional support animal’’ means an animal that is covered by the exclusion specified in 24 C.F.R. section 5.303 (or a successor regulation), and that is not a service animal.

PET. The term ‘‘pet’’ means a domesticated animal, such as a dog, cat, bird, rodent, fish, turtle, or other animal that is kept for pleasure rather than for commercial purposes.

SERVICE ANIMAL. The term ‘‘service animal’’ has the meaning given the term in 28 C.F.R. section 36.104 (or a successor regulation).

OTHER TERMS. Except as otherwise provided, terms have the meaning given such terms in section 40002

(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)).

Statutory Authority 34 U.S.C. 20127 (Public Law 115-334 section 12502(b))

Specific Information The purpose of this program, per 34 U.S.C. 20127(b)(3), is to support projects that provide the following:

emergency and transitional shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence victims with companion animals, including modifications to existing structures to provide for housing of animals;operating expenses of newly developed or existing emergency and transitional companion animal shelters for companion animals, regardless of whether such shelter is co-located at a victim housing service provider or is elsewhere within the community. Minor modifications or renovations to existing structures are permissible under this program. Construction involving the breaking of new ground is not permissible under OVC’s authorizing statute.

A.

short-term shelter and housing assistance for domestic violence victims with companion animals, including expenses incurred for the temporary shelter, housing, boarding, or fostering of the companion animals of victims of domestic violence and other expenses that are incidental to securing the safety of such a companion animal during the sheltering, housing, or relocation of such victims.

B.

support services designed to enable persons who are fleeing a situation of domestic violence to locate and secure safe housing with the victim’s companion animal; safe accommodations for the victim’s companion animal; or provide the victim with companion animal-related services, such as transportation, care services, and other assistance.

C.

training for relevant stakeholders on the link between domestic violence and the abuse and neglect of companion animals; the needs of victims of domestic violence; best practices for providing support services to such victims; best practices for providing such victims with referrals to victims’ services; and the importance of confidentiality.

D.

Grantees will make the housing and supportive services described above available to a victim for a period of not more than 24 months, which may be extended an additional 6 months in the case of a victim who has made a good faith effort to acquire permanent housing for themselves and the victim’s companion animal during that 24-month period and has been unable to acquire permanent housing within that period. See 34 U.S.C. 20127(b)(5).

Under this program, grantees will be bound by the nondisclosure of confidential information requirements of section 40002 (b)(2) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b)(2)). Nothing in this solicitation shall be construed to require grantees to breach client confidentiality. See 34 U.S.C. 20127(b)(2)(C).

Nothing in this solicitation shall be construed to require domestic violence victims to participate in the criminal justice system to receive services. See 34 U.S.C. 20127(b)(2)(C).

An entity receiving funding must certify in its application that the entity, before engaging with any individual domestic violence victim, will disclose to the victim any mandatory duty of the entity to report instances of abuse and neglect (including instances of abuse and neglect of companion animals).

Activities Prohibited by 34 U.S.C. 20127(2)(B) Applicants shall not propose—

a. any activities that may compromise the safety of a domestic violence victim, including:

i. background checks of domestic violence victims; or

ii. clinical evaluations to determine the eligibility of such a victim for support services.

b. to require mandatory services for victims or that a victim obtain a protective order to receive proposed services.

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline Goal The goal of this program is to provide shelter and transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their companion animals.

Objectives Objectives are to:

Increase the number of shelter beds and transitional housing options to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence who need shelter or housing for them and their companion animals.

1.

Provide training on (1) the link between domestic violence and the abuse and neglect of companion animals;

(2) the needs of victims of domestic violence; (3) best practices for providing, or referring, support services to such victims; and (4) best practices in designing and delivering services that protect victims’ confidentiality.

2.

Deliverables Deliverables under this program include the following services for victims of domestic violence with companion animals:

Emergency, short-term, and transitional shelter and housing assistance.1.

Assistance with expenses incurred for the relocation or temporary shelter, housing, boarding, or fostering of the companion animals that are incidental to securing the safety of the companion animal.

2.

Support services designed to enable a victim who is fleeing a situation of domestic violence to locate and secure safe housing for the victim and the victim’s companion animal(s).

3.

Delivery of training for relevant stakeholders on the link between domestic violence and the abuse and neglect of animals; the needs of victims of domestic violence; best practices for providing support services to such victims; best practices for providing such victims with referrals to victim services; and the importance of confidentiality.

4.

Services provided will be measured quarterly by service-hour or units delivered, type of service, number of new and continuing victims served, and other key data points. Grantees will provide data to OVC on the number of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking with companion animals provided with grant-funded assistance; and the purpose, amount, type of, and duration of such assistance.

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 https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#evidence-based information, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide section entitled “Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities.”

Priority Areas

The Department of Justice is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights, increases access to justice, supports crime victims, protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community. In FY 2021, OJP will give priority consideration in award decisions to applications that demonstrate ways in which their projects will advance one or more of these areas.

To receive priority consideration for advancing one or more of the Department’s priorities, the applicant must provide a sufficient narrative explanation as an attachment, that specifies how the project will advance the promotion of civil rights, access to justice, support to crime victims, protecting the public from crime and evolving threats, or building trust between law enforcement and the community.

In addition, OJP will give priority consideration, if applicable, to applicants that demonstrate that the individuals who are intended to benefit from the requested grant reside in high-poverty areas or persistent-poverty counties.

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).

Priority consideration is one of many factors that OJP considers in making funding decisions and is not a guarantee of an award.

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

Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards $500,000.00

Period of Performance Start Date

10/1/21 12:00 AM

Period of Performance Duration (Months)

Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under Solicitation $2,500,000.00

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.

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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 This solicitation does not require a match.

Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for 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 for 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, and 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.

In Section F of the SF-424, please include the name and contact information of the individual who will complete application materials in JustGrants. JustGrants will use this information (email address) to assign the application to this user in JustGrants.

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.”)

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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.

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 15 pages. Pages should be numbered and submitted as an attachment. If the program 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. Description of the Issue OR Statement of the Problem if research is involved This section must:

Reflect the eligible entity’s understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

1.

Specify how the proposed project will address any identified gaps in available emergency or transitional shelter or housing services.

2.

b. Project Design and Implementation The application must provide a clear link between the proposed activities and the need identified in the “Statement of the Problem” section above.

This section must:

Clearly state the goals and objectives of this project. Goals and objectives must be in alignment with those stated on page 5 of this solicitation.

1.

Provide a description of the victim services that will be provided through the proposed project, such as emergency and transitional housing assistance; assistance with expenses incurred for the relocation or temporary shelter, housing, boarding, or fostering of the companion animals that are incidental to securing the safety of the animal(s); and support services designed to enable a victim who is fleeing a situation of domestic violence to locate and secure safe housing. Describe how and where the services will be provided.

2.

Describe planned training for relevant stakeholders on the link between domestic violence and the abuse and neglect of animals; the needs of victims of domestic violence; best practices for providing support services to such victims; best practices for providing such victims with referrals to victim services; and the importance of confidentiality.

3.

c. Capabilities and Competencies This section must:

Demonstrate the institutional experience and expertise of the applicant and any project partners to effectively implement the requirements of this solicitation.

1.

Identify the key individuals and organizations, if applicable, involved in the proposed project.2.

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

Demonstrate that the individuals who will staff the project are qualified to provide services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and can successfully implement the proposed project activities.

4.

Document plans and position descriptions for any staff to be hired.5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Demonstrate that the project design and staffing plan ensures that animals will be safely and adequately cared for.

6.

Describe the applicant’s administrative and financial capacity to manage federal grants.7.

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.

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 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 program’s 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.

In preparing its budget, the applicant is to review carefully the following information that details elements that the application is to address and/or include in the Budget Detail Worksheet (and its accompanying narrative information):

i. Required trainings (including associated travel, if necessary): Required trainings for OVC grantees include:

• The Regional Financial Management Training Seminar sponsored by OJP’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), unless the applicant has previously attended this seminar or plans to take the training online. Specific information about the dates and locations of upcoming OCFO events and information about the DOJ Grants Financial Management Online Training can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/training/training.htm. The Programmatic Point of Contact and Financial Point of Contact are required to complete this training.

ii. Required Grantee Meetings (including associated travel): Program grantees will attend a 2-day meeting in Washington, D.C., twice during the 36-month project period to share their findings, work with technical assistance providers, and network with grantee peers.

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

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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.

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 and an attachment in JustGrants. See the “Application Attachments” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information.

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.

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.

Documentation of Advancing DOJ Priorities (if applicable)

As is mentioned above, OJP will give priority consideration in award decisions to applications that specify how the project will advance one or more of the following DOJ priorities: the promotion of civil rights, access to justice, support to crime victims, protecting the public from crime and evolving threats, or building trust between law enforcement and the community. Applicants will submit the narrative by uploading the document as an attachment in JustGrants.

Documentation of High-Poverty Areas or Persistent-Poverty Counties (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.

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.

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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 June 15, 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 June 29, 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 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 program/issue to be addressed.

1.

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.

4.

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

5.

Other Review Criteria/Factors Other important considerations for OVC include geographic diversity, strategic priorities (specifically including, but not limited to, those mentioned above relating to priority areas), 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 basic minimum requirements, will be evaluated for technical merit by a peer review panel(s) in accordance with OJP peer review policy and procedures using the stated review criteria above.

OJP screens applications to ensure they meet the basic minimum requirements prior to conducting peer review. Although specific requirements may vary, the following are common requirements applicable to all solicitations for funding under OJP programs:

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The application must be submitted by an eligible type of applicant.

The application must request funding within programmatic funding constraints (if applicable).

The application must be responsive to the scope of the solicitation.

The application must include all items necessary to meet the basic minimum requirements.

Pursuant to the Part 200 Uniform Requirements, before award decisions are made, OJP also reviews information related to the degree of risk posed by the applicant. Among other things to help assess whether an applicant that has one or more prior federal awards has a satisfactory record with respect to performance, integrity, and business ethics, OJP checks whether the applicant is listed in SAM as excluded from receiving a federal award.

In addition, if OJP anticipates that an award will exceed $250,000 in federal funds, OJP also must review and consider any information about the applicant that appears in the non-public segment of the integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently, the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System, FAPIIS).

Important note on FAPIIS: An applicant, may review and comment on any information about itself that currently appears in FAPIIS and was entered by a federal awarding agency. OJP will consider any such comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in FAPIIS, in its assessment of the risk posed by the applicant.

Absent explicit statutory authorization or written delegation of authority to the contrary, all final award decisions will be made by the Assistant Attorney General, who may take into account peer review ratings, OVC recommendations, and other factors as indicated in this section.

Federal Award Administration Information Federal Award Notices See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on award notifications and instructions.

Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 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).

For additional information on these legal requirements, see the “Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements” section in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses An application in response to this solicitation may require inclusion of information related to information technology security. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on information technology security.

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements In addition to the deliverables described in the Program Description, any recipient of an award under this solicitation will be required to submit certain reports and data.

Required reports. Recipients typically must submit quarterly financial reports, semiannual progress reports, final financial and progress reports, and, if applicable, an annual audit report in accordance with the Part 200 Uniform Requirements or specific award conditions. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if reports are delinquent. (In appropriate cases, OJP may require additional reports.)

See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information on specific post-award reporting requirements, including performance measures data.

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) For OJP contact(s), see Contact Information.

For contact information for Grants.gov, see page Contact Information.

Other Information Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C. 552a) See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. §

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552 and 5 U.S.C. § 552a).

Provide Feedback to OJP See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on how to Provide Feedback to OJP.

Performance Measures Applicants should review the applicable performance measures at https://www.ovc.gov/grants/pdftxt/TVS-questionnaire.pdf. Award recipients under this solicitation will be required to complete the following sections, including any relevant shared measures:

• Section V. Collaborative Partnerships

• Section VI. Strategic Planning

• Section VII. Victim Services

Application Checklist

This application checklist has been created as an aid in developing an application.

What an Applicant Must Do:

Prior to Registering in Grants.gov:

Acquire a DUNS Number (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide)

Acquire or renew registration with SAM (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide)

To Register with Grants.gov:

Acquire AOR and Grants.gov username/password (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide)

Acquire AOR confirmation from the E-Biz POC (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide)

To Find Funding Opportunity:

Search for the Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov

Access Funding Opportunity and Application Package (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide)

Sign up for Grants.gov email notifications (optional) (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide)

Read Important Notice: Applying for Grants in Grants.gov

Read OJP policy and guidance on conference approval, planning, reporting available at ojp.gov/financialguide/DOJ/PostawardRequirements/chapter3.10a.htm (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide

Overview of Post-Award Legal Requirements:

Review the “Overview of…