O-OVC-2023-171671-OVC FY23 HTFELLOW-V4_SI-171671.pdf

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

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

OVC FY 2023 Human Trafficking Fellowship Program

Assistance Listing Number # 16.320

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-OVC-2023-171671

Solicitation Release Date: March 16, 2023 11:30 AM ET

Step 1: Application Grants.gov Deadline: May 23, 2023 11:59 PM ET

Step 2: Application JustGrants Deadline: May 30, 2023 8:59 PM ET

Overview

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) seeks applications for individuals interested in participating in the OVC Human Trafficking Fellowship Program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by improving the capacity of the victim services field to address the needs of crime victims.

This solicitation incorporates guidance provided in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide which provides additional information for applicants to prepare and submit applications to OJP 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. This solicitation expressly modifies the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide by not incorporating the “Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation” provisions in the “Application Attachments” section.

Solicitation Categories

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories.

Eligible Applicants:

Individuals

O-OVC-2023-171671

http://www.usdoj.gov http://www.ojp.gov http://www.ovc.ojp.gov/ http://www.ovc.ojp.gov/ https://www.ojp.gov/funding/Apply/Resources/Grant-App-Resource-Guide.htm https://www.ojp.gov/funding/Apply/Resources/Grant-App-Resource-Guide.htm

Organizations are not eligible to apply.

OVC may elect to fund applications submitted under this FY 2023 solicitation in future fiscal years, dependent on, among other considerations, the merit of the applications and the availability of appropriations.

Contact Information

For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact the OJP Response Center at 800-851-3420, 301-240-6310 (TTY for hearing-impaired callers only), or grants@ncjrs.gov. The OJP Response Center operates from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

eastern time (ET) Monday–Friday, and 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET on the solicitation close date.

Submission Information

Registration: Please see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for “How to Apply as an Individual.”

Submission: Applications must be submitted to DOJ electronically through a two-step process via Grants.gov and JustGrants.

Step 1: The applicant must submit by the Grants.gov deadline the required Application for Federal Assistance standard form (SF-424) and a Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) form when they register in Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/ web/grants/register.html. Submit the SF-424 and SF-LLL as early as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the Grants.gov deadline. If an applicant fails to submit in Grants.gov, they will be unable to apply in JustGrants.

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

Step 2: The applicant must submit the full application, including attachments, in JustGrants at JustGrants.usdoj.gov by the JustGrants application deadline.

For technical assistance with submitting the full application in JustGrants, contact the JustGrants Service Desk at 833-872-5175 or JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov. The JustGrants Service Desk operates 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday–Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sunday, and Federal holidays.

OJP encourages applicants to review the “How To Apply” section in the OJP Grant

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mailto:grants@ncjrs.gov https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#apply https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#apply https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html http://support@grants.gov https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#apply

Application Resource Guide and the JustGrants website for more information, resources, and training. Applicants should maintain all receipts and confirmations received from SAM.gov, Grants.gov, JustGrants systems.

Pre-Application Information Session

OVC will conduct pre-application webinars during which OVC staff will review all planned FY 2023 anti-trafficking solicitations, provide high-level information about solicitation requirements, and conduct a question-and-answer session with interested potential applicants. Participation is optional. When the webinars have been scheduled, the details and registration information will be available at https://ovc.ojp.gov/funding/funding-webinars. Preregistration is required for all participants. Register and follow the instructions at https://ovc.ojp.gov/funding/funding-webinars. To use the time most efficiently, OVC encourages participants to review the solicitation and submit any questions they may have in advance and no later than 2 days prior to the webinar.

Submit your questions to askovc@ncjrs.gov with the subject as “Questions for OVC Anti-Human Trafficking Solicitations Webinar.”

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https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#apply https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/news https://ovc.ojp.gov/funding/funding-webinars https://ovc.ojp.gov/funding/funding-webinars https://ovc.ojp.gov/funding/funding-webinars mailto:askovc@ncjrs.gov

Contents

Overview 1 Contact Information 2

Submission Information 2 Pre-Application Information Session 3

Program Description 7 Overview 7 Statutory Authority 7 Specific Information 7 Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables 12 Evidence-Based Programs or Practices 13 Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities

Federal Award Information 14 Awards, Amounts and Durations 14 Continuation Funding Intent 14 Availability of Funds 14 Type of Award 14 Financial Management and System of Internal Controls 14 Budget Information 15 Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 16 Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 16 Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation:

Waiver

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

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 16 Eligibility Information 16 Application and Submission Information 17

Content of Application Submission 17 Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) in Grants.gov

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information)

Proposal Abstract 17 Proposal Narrative 18 Goal, Objective and Deliverables 20 Budget and Associated Documentation 20

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Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) 20 Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 20 Consultant Rate 21 Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status)

Additional Application Components 21 Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 21 Timeline Form 21 Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 21 Disclosures and Assurances 21 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 22 DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 22 Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 22 DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements;

Law Enforcement and Community Policing

Applicant Disclosure and Justification - DOJ High Risk Grantees 22

How to Apply 22 Submission Dates and Time 23

Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues Preventing Submission of an Application

Application Review Information 25 Review Criteria 25 Review Process 26

Federal Award Administration Information 27 Federal Award Notices 27 Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 27 Information Technology Security Clauses 27 General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 27 Other Information 27

Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552 and 5 U.S.C.

552a)

Provide Feedback to OJP 28 Performance Measures 28 Application Checklist 29

Standard Solicitation Resources 31

Program Description

Overview

OJP is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and racial equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthens community safety and protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community.

To enhance capacity to identify, assist, and provide services to all victims of human trafficking, OVC leads the Nation in supporting victim-centered and trauma-informed programs, policies, and resources that promote justice, access, and empowerment. OVC strives to uphold the intent of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA), and its subsequent reauthorizations, to ensure that all trafficking victims—regardless of immigration status, gender, or form of trafficking—receive support in accessing the services they need.

The OVC Human Trafficking Fellow awarded under this program will work collaboratively with OVC and the anti-trafficking field in identifying and understanding human trafficking issues and evidence-informed practices. Individuals with a background in research and evaluation are encouraged to apply.

The award will be made as a cooperative agreement to cover the activities proposed for an award amount of up to $400,000 for up to a 3-year project. OVC may discontinue a project before the end of project period when necessary (e.g., unsatisfactory performance, mutual agreement). In the unlikely event that this were to occur, OVC would endeavor to inform the Fellow as far in advance as feasible and, (though not obligated to do so), end the project at the end of an annual budget period.

Statutory Authority

The statutory authority for this program is 22 U.S.C. 7105(b)(2).

Specific Information

The successful candidate must demonstrate the administrative and fiscal capacity to manage a federal agreement along with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully execute the proposed fellowship activities. Applicants may propose a full-time or part-time fellowship based in Washington, D.C., or conducted remotely. The selected Fellow will be expected to be onsite at OVC in Washington, D.C., for a minimum cumulative period of 5 days per 6 months throughout the proposed project period. The specific schedule will be negotiated with OVC upon award. If there are exigent circumstances that would prevent the Fellow from being onsite at OVC, OVC will work with the grantee to assess the unique circumstances and make accommodations as necessary.

OVC anticipates funding one fellow through this solicitation. The solicitation proposes three focus areas, and applicants should propose a project that responds to one of these areas. The OVC Human Trafficking Fellow will be expected to conduct a landscape analysis/literature review on their area of focus (making referrals to CrimeSolutions.gov, as appropriate, if they identify potentially effective programs); conduct qualitative interviews or site visits with grantees and key stakeholders; assess the availability of qualitative and quantitative data and collect this data; and author a report intended for external publication. The Fellow will also work on ad hoc research-to-practice and evidence-integration activities.

The awarded Fellow will focus on one of the three OVC-selected focus areas as described below:

Focus Area 1: Service Provision Program Model Analyses

As of January 2023, OVC manages almost 500 anti-trafficking awards: the majority of these awards support direct services for victims of human trafficking. OVC anti-trafficking grantees take many different approaches to the provision of services and referral of clients, which is often derived from the overall mission and client base of the grantee organization. For example, a housing services provider may approach service delivery differently depending on their background or area of focus. They may provide transitional housing for individuals who are homeless; emergency shelter for runaway and homeless youth; scattered site rapid rehousing for survivors of domestic violence; or recovery housing to individuals with substance use disorders. In the absence of evaluated and recommended service models specific to the anti-trafficking field, service providers have borrowed from other fields or created their own models. Some service providers use a harm reduction model, others use a voluntary services model, and still others serving youth may use a shared decision-making model. In some cases, organizations may not implement a specific model, or there may be a disconnect between the desired model and the day-to-day implementation.

Under this focus area the Fellow will identify the unique approaches to victim services used by OVC-funded anti-trafficking grantees and will detail those models that can be described as evidence-based or evidence-informed (see CrimeSolutions.gov for an understanding of OVC evidence standards). Fellowship applicants are encouraged to propose approaches to a landscape analysis and literature review, collecting information on the types of service models that OVC grantees employ, and an analysis of which models demonstrate the most promise in meeting the needs of trafficking victims.

The Fellow should be prepared to address the following questions to best inform this effort: What are current service provision models that are employed in the anti-trafficking field? What are their benefits and drawbacks? What models are used in related social services fields, and do they have potential utility for the trafficking field? What social work models are being used by grantee organizations? How do the models impact who is served, the types of services provided, service accessibility, and participant outcomes (if known)? What areas of tension exist between the model design and its implementation by frontline workers? Do the models used align with a theory of change or what the research tells us about effective treatment for trauma? Do the models have any limitations or unanticipated consequences?

Through independent research and in-depth virtual and in-person interviews, the Fellow will identify program models, describe their implementation, and produce an analysis of the implications of these models on OVC’s programs and policies. The Fellow will create a final technical report for OVC and a summary document that OVC may opt to disseminate publicly regarding these findings.

The Fellow will be expected to work closely with OVC Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) providers who are assisting OVC grantees in addressing these issues.

Focus Area 2: Analysis of Human Trafficking Diversion Courts for Minors

The TVPA defines a victim of “severe form of trafficking” as a person who has been subjected to “sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age.” For minors, this means no force, fraud, or coercion need be present for them to be identified as a victim of sex trafficking.

Across the country many jurisdictions are implementing human trafficking diversion courts for minors and youth. The approach varies greatly depending on the court models they are implementing, state laws, and local stakeholders and partnerships. Research shows that the justice involvement of minor victims of trafficking may be facilitated by well-meaning professionals and providers who view engagement with the criminal justice system as a means of getting victims away from their trafficker. However, a punitive approach to trafficked minors is not only an inappropriate response to their victimization, but research indicates that involvement in the juvenile justice system may lead to further criminal justice involvement. While there have been some evaluations of individual courts and of human trafficking/prostitution diversion courts focused on adults, little has been done to provide a nationwide overview on these youth-serving courts and their various practices.

Under this focus area, a Fellow will conduct a literature review to review what is currently known about human trafficking diversion courts for minors and a landscape analysis to identify the communities that have established these specialized courts/dockets. The Fellow will be expected to investigate their structure, practice, and partnerships, and conduct in-depth virtual and in-persons interviews. The Fellow will observe the courts’ implementation and collect quantitative and qualitative information on youth outcomes (as available).

The Fellow should be prepared to address the following questions to best inform this effort: What is/are the structures of the human trafficking diversion court programs identified? Is there a standard model, and if so, where did it originate? What are the eligibility criteria to participate? How are participants identified and referred? How are participating youth connected to services or treatment? Are sanctions imposed if requirements are not met? What is the scope of participation and the completion rate?

What happens if a participant does not complete the program? Are participant outcomes collected and what do they show? Do the court models align with a theory of change and/ or what the research tells us about effective treatment for trauma? Do the court diversion programs have limitations or unanticipated consequences?

The Fellow will create a technical report for OVC and a summary document targeted at a nonacademic audience regarding the use of these courts, the variabilities in models and implementation, their strengths and weaknesses, and their impact on young survivors of human trafficking. The Fellow will be expected to collaborate and coordinate with the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, OVC’s Enhancing Juvenile and Family Courts’ Responses to Juvenile Trafficking Victims training and technical assistance provider.

The Fellow will be expected to work closely with OVC TTA providers who are assisting OVC grantees in addressing these issues.

Focus Area 3: Forced Criminality Analyses

Traffickers often force victims to conduct illicit and criminal activity, such as drug production, distribution, and sales; theft; and more. The TVPA provides that “victims of severe forms of trafficking should not be inappropriately incarcerated, fined, or otherwise penalized solely for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked.”

Without awareness and recognition of this form of trafficking, however, victims may be unidentified, treated as perpetrators by the criminal justice system, and excluded from critical services due to crimes they were forced or compelled to commit. While there are robust national conversations in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, on how to appropriately respond to these victims and cases, information in the United States is fairly limited.

Under this program area, the Fellow will conduct a literature review and landscape analysis to better help OVC and the trafficking field understand the scope and nuances of forced criminality. The Fellow will conduct interviews with OVC anti-trafficking grantees to learn more about how (or if) they identify and assist such victims, as well as with stakeholders in other sectors, such as the juvenile justice system and the criminal justice system (e.g., community corrections, law enforcement, prosecutors, public defenders), and others who may interact with individuals forced to engage in criminal conduct.

The Fellow should be prepared to address the following questions to best inform this effort: How is forced criminality most often identified? Who most often identifies it? Are there existing screening tools/questions used to identify potential forced criminalization?

What typically occurs when forced criminalization is recognized by a service provider and/or a justice system professional? Are certain individuals/populations targeted for this form of trafficking and what types of forced crimes are most common? If forced criminality is identified, how do service providers and justice system professionals respond? What barriers may impede the provision of services and/or an appropriate justice system response? What are the missed opportunities for identification, and what are some potential approaches to training key stakeholders who may not be aware they are working with this population?

The Fellow will create a technical report for OVC and a summary document that OVC may opt to disseminate publicly regarding this form of trafficking, their findings, and implications for efforts to increase stakeholder awareness, safeguard victims from being inappropriately penalized for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked, and assist victims in accessing services and justice.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-exploitation-of-children-and-vulnerable-adults-county-lines/criminal-exploitation-of-children-and-vulnerable-adults-county-lines

The Fellow will be expected to work closely with OVC TTA providers that are assisting OVC grantees in addressing these issues.

Administrative Information

Schedule: The Fellow will be required to work on project activities and deliverables at a level of effort as proposed in the application throughout the project period, with a minimum level of effort not less than 33 percent of a Full Time Equivalent position (i.e., 2080 hours/year). Applicants submitting for a part-time fellowship should propose the schedule over the course of 36 months needed to accomplish the goals and deliverables proposed. It is anticipated that the Fellow will be onsite at OVC for some portion of their fellowship period. Applicants should include information about their availability to work onsite at OVC as part of their application. Upon award, OVC will work with the Fellow to determine a schedule for onsite/remote work for the duration of the grant period.

Timesheets: The Fellow will request scheduled drawdowns of grant funds based on the level of effort contributed toward the grant objectives (time spent working on grant deliverables). The grantee must maintain timesheets and other documentation that substantiates and supports the grantee’s level of effort for each drawdown period, and this documentation shall be available for inspection and review on request from OVC during the course of the grant.

Progress Reports: Progress reports will be used to ensure that the Fellow’s activities support the stated award purpose and that the deliverables are being met per the approved timeline. The fellow’s financial, administrative, and programmatic compliance—and overall performance—will be monitored by a grants manager within the OVC Human Trafficking Division, with ultimate oversight by an OVC Division Director or Deputy Director.

Equipment/supplies: When onsite, OJP will provide workspace and equipment, including telephone, computer, office supplies, and internet access.

Security clearance: Fellows must successfully complete an OJP security clearance before the fellowship may begin.

Relationship to OVC: Fellows are grantees and not federal employees, and therefore lack any inherent governmental authority. Fellows do not speak on behalf of the Federal Government, nor can they make decisions on behalf of the government. Fellows are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times while working on fellowship grant activities. When onsite, Fellows are expected to comply with the workplace requirements generally applicable to employees at the worksite.

Lobbying: Applicants may not be registered lobbyists at the time that the fellowship award is made or during the period of the fellowship.

Financial management training: Successful applicants must take the online financial management training for grantees to ensure understanding of the requirements associated with recordkeeping and reporting. Information about the DOJ Grants Financial

Management Online Training can be found at https://ojp.gov/training/training.htm.

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables

Goals

The OVC Human Trafficking Fellowship program’s goal is to assist the anti-trafficking field in identifying and understanding human trafficking issues and promising practices.

The Fellow will be expected to conduct a landscape analysis/literature review on their area of focus (making referrals to CrimeSolutions.gov, as appropriate, if they identify potentially effective programs); conduct qualitative interviews and/or site visits with grantees and key stakeholders; assess the availability of and collect quantitative data;

and author a report intended for external publication. The Fellow will also work on ad hoc research-to-practice and evidence integration activities.

Objectives

An applicant should address all the objectives listed below in the Goals, Objectives, Deliverables and Timeline web-based form.

Serve as a subject matter expert on the selected Fellowship focus area.

Identify research, practices, models, and trends relevant to the selected Fellowship focus area.

Develop written analyses/documents relevant to the selected Fellowship focus area.

At the request of OVC, participate in internal and external stakeholder meetings, forums, conferences, and international briefings to provide subject matter expertise and/or present information on OVC’s efforts to address the focus area issue.

Coordinate with and assist OVC-funded training and technical assistance providers and other related programs to support OVC grantees and stakeholders.

Travel to support the execution of fellowship activities and deliverables as proposed and/or required by OVC.

Deliverables

A landscape analysis/literature review on the topic identified under the selected fellowship focus area.

An outline of planned work, methodology, research analyses, and the elements to be included in a final technical report, for approval by the OVC Grants Manager.

Regular updates/reports for the OVC Grants Manager outlining the activities completed (frequency to be negotiated with OVC depending on level of effort proposed).

Training and technical assistance materials produced to share information on the selected fellowship focus area.

A detailed technical report including research methodology, findings, study https://ojp.gov/training/training.htm limitations, and implications.

A practitioner-friendly publication suitable for external, nonacademic audiences on the selected fellowship focus area.

The goals, objectives, and deliverables are directly related to the performance measures that show the completed work’s results as discussed in the “Application and Submission Information” section.

Limitation on Use of Funds (22 U.S.C. § 7110(g))

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

Restriction on programs -- 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.

1.

Restriction on organizations -- 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.

2.

Pursuant to the statute above, OVC requires grantees under this program to agree to the following award 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.

Information on Managing Human Trafficking Awards

For more information on implementation of OVC Human Trafficking awards, please consult the OVC Human Trafficking Program FAQs.

Evidence-Based Programs or Practices

OJP strongly encourages the use of data and evidence in policymaking and program development for 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 projects and activities funded under this solicitation. For additional information and applicable documentation to be included in

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Federal Award Information Solicitation Categories

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories.

Awards, Amounts and Durations

Anticipated Number of Awards

Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards $400,000

Period of Performance Start Date 10/1/23

Period of Performance Duration (Months)

Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under Solicitation $400,000

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 the award-funded work’s progress, when making continuation award decisions.

Availability of Funds

This solicitation, and awards 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.

Type of Award

OVC expects to make awards under this solicitation as cooperative agreements, which provide for OJP to have substantial involvement in carrying out award activities. See the “Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

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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. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

Budget Information

The following are the only allowable expenses under this solicitation:

Personnel (salary). Applicants should base requested salary on their education and experience level.

Fringe benefits, itemized separately from salary, may include life, health, and disability insurance; state workers’ compensation; retirement plan; FICA (the employer match of 7.65 percent of salary only); and a public transportation stipend that does not exceed $270 monthly, based on actual expenses. (This amount is based on the current maximum transit subsidy monthly benefit for federal employees and is subject to change.) Applicants must clearly identify which benefits they are requesting and the actual calculations. For example, if the individual is requesting health insurance, the applicant should indicate the amount paid monthly and multiply by 12 to get the annual expense.

Travel expenses will be directed and approved by OVC and will involve site visits, attendance at conferences and meetings, and participation in training and professional development training. Applicants should budget for 12 trips over the 3-year period. All trips should be budgeted at $1,500 each, with a notation that date, location, and nature of travel will be determined in consultation with OVC management after the award is made. The applicant should include in the Budget Narrative a notation that travel costs, such as per diem and lodging, will not exceed the federal guidelines.

Supplies may include expenses to cover professional reference materials and resources relating to the fellowship activities (not to exceed $500.)

Expenses associated with professional development and training relating to the OVC fellowship project. Fees for up to four trainings at up to $2,000 each should be included. Note: Final decisions on trainings will be made in consultation with the fellow’s grant manager. Applicants should identify the type of training that they believe would be most helpful to them in carrying out fellowship activities.

Contract expenses, to include contracted consultant fees, expenses such as translation or interpretation services, or other items. A contract is for the purpose of obtaining goods and services for the recipient’s own use and creates a procurement relationship between the recipient and the contractor. To learn more about contracts, please see OJP guidance on subawards and procurement contracts.

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The following expenses are not allowable under this solicitation:

Equipment, such as costs for laptops or other equipment that will be supplied by OJP.

Subawards.

Moving expenses.

International travel.

Indirect costs.

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 the 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 solicitation cover page.

For information on cost sharing or match requirements, see the “Federal Award Information” section.

All recipients and subrecipients (including any for-profit organization) must forgo any

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Application and Submission Information

Content of Application Submission

The following application elements must be included in the application to meet the basic minimum requirements to advance to peer review and receive consideration for funding:

Proposal Abstract Proposal Narrative Budget Web-Based Form (The web-based form includes the budget details and the budget narrative.)

Resume or Curriculum Vitae

If OJP determines that an application does not include these elements, it will neither proceed to peer review, nor receive further consideration.

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) in Grants.gov

The SF-424 must be submitted in Grants.gov. It 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 8F of the SF-424, please include the name and contact information of the individual who will complete the application 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 (E.O.) 12372. (In completing the SF-424, an applicant is to answer question 19 by selecting “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. The applicant will need to review the Standard Applicant Information in JustGrants and make edits as needed.

Within this section, the applicant will need to add ZIP codes for areas affected by the project; confirm their Authorized Representative; and verify and confirm the organization’s unique entity identifier, legal name, and address.

Proposal Abstract

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A Proposal Abstract (no more than 400 words) summarizing the proposed project—including its purpose, primary activities, expected outcomes, the geographic service area, intended beneficiaries, and subrecipients (if known) — must be completed in the JustGrants web-based form. This abstract should be in paragraph form without bullets or tables, written in the third person, and exclude personally identifiable information. Abstracts will be made publicly available on the OJP website if the project is awarded. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for an example of a proposal abstract.

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 font; have no less than 1-inch margins; and should not exceed 25 numbered pages. If the Proposal Narrative fails to comply with these length restrictions, OVC may consider such noncompliance in peer review and in final award decision.

The Proposal Narrative must include the following sections:

a. Statement of the Problem

Describe why this project and these proposed activities are necessary or address a need. Include supporting information to explain the significance/value.

b. Project Design and Implementation

This section must— specify the goals and objectives of this fellowship that will align with the stated goals and objectives of this solicitation.

outline the process to complete fellowship activities and deliverables described in this solicitation.

include a time-task plan that clearly identifies objectives, major activities, phases of work, and project deliverables. The time-task plan also must provide for the submission of quarterly financial status reports and semiannual progress reports required of all grant recipients. The time-task plan is not subject to the 25-page narrative limitation.

The fellow must plan to take the DOJ Grants Financial Management Training Seminar online or in person within 120 days of receipt of the award. Specific information about the dates and locations of upcoming OJP Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO) events and information about the DOJ Grants Financial Management Online Training can be found at https://www.ojp.gov/training-and-technical-assistance.

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c. Capabilities and Competencies

This section must— provide a clear description of professional expertise in the fellowship specialization subject matter areas, including but not limited to, experience conducting research and analysis; knowledge of human trafficking; victim-centered and trauma-informed approaches; and working with and in impacted communities.

document experience in developing written publications for broad audiences of stakeholders.

describe other relevant competencies. A resume or curriculum vitae must be included as a separate attachment.

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

This section must— state the applicant’s understanding of the performance data reporting requirements for this grant program and describe a plan for collecting all the performance measures data required by this solicitation.

outline a plan for conducting evaluation activities to determine if the project is meeting its goals and objectives.

Note: An applicant is not required to submit performance data with the application.

Rather, performance measure information is included as a notification that award recipients will be required to submit performance data as part of each award’s reporting requirements. Some measures are presented as examples, while others are the exact measures that every recipient will be expected to address.

OJP will require each award recipient to submit regular performance data that show the completed work’s results. The performance data directly relate to the goals, objectives, and deliverables identified in the “Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables” discussion.

Applicants can visit OJP’s performance measurement page at www.ojp.gov/performance for an overview of performance measurement activities at OJP.

A list of the performance measure questions for this program can be found at https:// ovc.ojp.gov/funding/performance-measures/ovc-fellowship-performance-measures.pdf.

OVC will require award recipients to submit performance measure data and performance reports in JustGrants. OVC will provide further guidance on the post-award submission process, if the applicant is selected for award.

The fellow will be required to submit a narrative within their semiannual performance

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the value of the product to OVC, grantees, and the field.

feedback received from OVC, grantees, and the field detailing the impact of the product.

any challenges faced during the past 6 months.

planned activities for the next 6 months.

Note on Project Evaluations

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

Goal, Objective and Deliverables

The applicant will submit the project’s goals, objectives, deliverables and timeline in the JustGrants web-based form. The applicant will also enter the projected fiscal year and quarter that each objective and deliverable will be completed. Please refer to the Application Submission Job Aid for step-by-step directions.

Goals. The applicant should describe the project’s intent to change, reduce, or eliminate the problem noted in the previous section and outline the project’s goals.

Program Objectives. The applicant should explain how the program will accomplish its goals. Objectives are specific, quantifiable statements of the project’s desired results.

They should be measurable and clearly linked to the goal and measurable.

Deliverables. Project deliverables refer to outputs—tangible or intangible—that are submitted within the scope of a project.

Budget and Associated Documentation

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form)

The applicant will complete the JustGrants web-based budget form. For additional information, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide and the Complete the Application in JustGrants – Budget training.

Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs)

See the section on Costs Requiring Prior Approval in the DOJ Grants Financial Guide Post Award Requirements for more information.

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Consultant Rate

See the DOJ Grants Financial Guide for information on the consultant rates which require prior approval from OJP.

Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status)

The applicant will download the questionnaire, complete it, and upload it as an attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for the link to the questionnaire and additional information.

Additional Application Components

The applicant will attach the additional requested documentation in JustGrants.

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes

Provide resume or curriculum vitae.

Timeline Form

Include a time-task plan that clearly identifies objectives, major activities, phases of work, and project deliverables. The time-task plan also must provide for the submission of quarterly financial status reports and semiannual progress reports required of all grant recipients. The time-task plan is not subject to the 25-page narrative limitation.

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. The applicant will upload documentation of its research and evaluation independence and integrity as an attachment in JustGrants. For additional information, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

Disclosures and Assurances

The applicant will address the following disclosures and assurances.

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Disclosure of Lobbying Activities

Complete and submit the SF-LLL in Grants.gov. Once the applicant submits in Grants.gov, this information will pre-pend into JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

DOJ Certified Standard Assurances

Review and accept the DOJ Certified Standard Assurances in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items

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; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; Law Enforcement and Community Policing

Review and accept the DOJ Certified Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; Law Enforcement and Community Policing. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

Applicant Disclosure and Justification - DOJ High Risk Grantees

If applicable, submit the DOJ High Risk Disclosure and Justification as an attachment in JustGrants. A DOJ High Risk Grantee is an award 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;

noncompliance with award terms and conditions on prior awards or is otherwise not responsible. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

How to Apply

How to Apply as an Individual: DOJ encourages individuals to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service.