O-OVC-2023-171843-OVC FY23 SAFE TA-V1_SI-171843.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 Invited to Apply - Expanding Access to Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations Technical Assistance

Assistance Listing Number # 16.053

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-OVC-2023-171843

Solicitation Release Date: July 25, 2023 10:30 PM ET

Application Grants.gov Deadline: July 28, 2023 11:59 PM ET

Application JustGrants Deadline: August 04, 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 one application for funding to establish regional Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training programs and provide Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) to applicants that will be funded under the OVC FY 2023 Expanding Access to Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program. This program furthers the DOJ’s mission by increasing access to and the quality of medical forensic examinations and post-sexual assault health care services for victims and survivors of sexual assault.

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.

Solicitation Categories

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories.

Eligible Applicants:

Other

Other

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Other – International Association of Forensic Nurses, Incorporated

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). For additional information on subawards, see the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

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: Before submitting an application, all applicants must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). You must renew and validate your registration every 12 months. If you do not renew your SAM registration, it will expire. An expired registration can delay or prevent application submission in Grants.gov and JustGrants. Registration and renewal can take up to 10 business days to complete.

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 an 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 then submit the full application, including attachments, in JustGrants at JustGrants.usdoj.gov by the JustGrants deadline. To be considered timely, the full application must be submitted in JustGrants 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

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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 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.

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Contents

Overview 1 Contact Information 2 Program Description 6

Overview 6 Specific Information 6 Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables 7 Evidence-Based Programs 8 Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities

Federal Award Information 9 General Guidance for Federal Award 9 Awards, Amounts and Durations 9 Type of Award 9 Financial Management and System Controls 9 Budget Information 9 Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement 9 Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 9 Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation:

Waiver

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

Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable) 10 Availability of Funds 10

Eliigibility Information 10 Application and Submission Information 10

Content of Application Submission 10 Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) in Grants.gov

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information)

Proposal Abstract 11 Proposal Narrative 11 Goal, Objective and Deliverables 14 Budget and Associated Documentation 14 Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (attachment) 14 Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) 14 Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 14

Employee Compensation Waiver 14 Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status)

Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation 15 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Other Supportive Documents

Additional Application Components 15 Curriculum Vitae or Resumes 15 Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement 15 Disclosure and Assurances 16 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 16 DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 16 Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items 16 DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; Law Enforcement and Community Policing

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

How to Apply 16 Submission Dates and Time 17

Application Review Information 19 Review Process 19

Federal Award Administration Information 20 Federal Award Notices 20 Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 20 Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses 20 General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 21 Other Information 21

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

552a)

Provide Feedback to OJP 21 Performance Measures 21 Application Checklist 22

Standard Solicitation Resources 25

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.

With this solicitation, OVC seeks to fund one Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Provider that will provide technical assistance to all awarded recipients under the OVC FY 2023 Expanding Access to Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program.

Additionally, the TTA Provider will establish regional Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) training programs.

Statutory Authority: Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. No. 117- 328, 136 Stat. 4459, 4536) (State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance heading, para.

10(d)).

Specific Information

The purpose of the SAFE TTA Program is to provide technical assistance to awarded recipients under the OVC FY 2023 SAFE Program that will establish or expand access to SANE and SAFE programs to (1) increase the number and availability of SANEs/SAFEs,

(2) expand access to SAFEs to communities that have been underserved or historically under-funded, and (3) improve the quality of post-sexual assault care using a hospital-based, community-based, campus-based, or corrections-based approach.

The SAFE TTA Program will also establish regional SANE training programs, which is identified as establishing a Center of Excellence model in Forensic Nursing qualified to prepare current and future SANEs/SAFEs to be professional-ready and meet the applicable state certifications and licensure requirements. OVC encourages TTA efforts to prioritize rural, tribal, underserved or historically under-funded communities, and urban areas without full-time SANE/SAFE coverage for this regional training program. TTA should also develop and promote the highest standards of care and best practices in forensic nursing.

The TTA Provider is expected to bring innovative and evidence-driven ideas and strategies to the project, and work in partnership with OVC and the awardees to accomplish the goals, objectives, and activities of the SAFE TTA program. The TTA Provider must have demonstrated expertise in successfully managing TTA programs that address SANE/SAFE programming, multidisciplinary collaboration, and trauma-informed approaches to working with victims to include the following— developing and delivering trainings.

supporting peer learning.

facilitating knowledge sharing and skill building.

creating or maintaining mechanisms to market, promote, and share TTA resources broadly with the field.

Subawards are permitted. The TTA Provider may propose a collaborative model of TTA that includes a consortium of experienced technical assistance entities with nationally recognized practitioners that possess expertise on various emerging issues that impact SANE/SAFE development, growth, and sustainability. Collaborations with organizations and subject matter experts that serve specific populations (i.e., victims from various cultural groups, victims with limited English proficiency and disabilities, male victims, older victims, etc.) are strongly encouraged. The TTA Provider should describe any proposed subrecipients’ experience or relevant area of expertise and detail the specific technical assistance they will provide.

Goals, Objectives, and Deliverables

Refer to the OJP Invitation Letter for information on the goals, objectives, and deliverables that OJP expects the applicant's proposed project to address. The OJP Invitation Letter also provides important information on associated performance measures and the data that will be required for those performance measures.

Goals

The goal of the SAFE TTA Program is to: 1) provide technical assistance that is proactive, action-driven, flexible, and ensures ongoing communication and collaboration with the awarded recipients, OVC, and other relevant federal agencies and partners, and

2) establish a SANE Regional Center of Excellence model, in collaboration with OVC, that can be replicated to other communities that promotes the highest standards of care and prepares current and future SANEs/SAFEs to be professional-ready and meet the applicable state certifications and licensure requirements.

Objectives

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

The overall objectives are to strengthen and expand the skills, expertise, and capacity of OVC FY 2023 SAFE grantees, their program staff and partners, and other stakeholders to increase SANE/SAFE coverage.

Objectives include—

Provide ongoing, customized TTA to the awarded recipients under the OVC FY 2023 Expanding Access to Sexual Assault Forensic Exams Program that will support them in successfully implementing their project strategy, based on the needs of the program and the community. TA can include supporting grantees’ efforts in the development/enhancement of training plans, sustainability plans, policies and procedures, multidisciplinary partnerships, SARTs, advocacy, outreach/marketing efforts, quality improvement, etc. TTA should integrate innovative models and ensure flexible options for training, learning, practice, and networking (e.g., convenings, workshops, cross-sector trainings and peer learning

1.

(both virtual and in person)).

1.

Establish up to four SANE Regional Centers of Excellence (CoE) that offer clinical preceptorship instruction by experienced Forensic Nurse Preceptors, guided by national training standards; encourage advanced education and supervised clinical practice for health care personnel conducting the exam; and certification for all examiners.

2.

Identify a centrally located, high-volume, hospital-based SANE program that has in-house experienced SANEs to serve as a pilot Hub CoE. The regional pilot sites (hospital- and community-based) should be selected to participate in the pilot project and implement/test the model created by the pilot Hub.

3.

Identify peer liaisons who are diverse peer experts to work regularly with SAFE awardees and COEs to provide peer-to-peer advisory support (remotely and onsite) and serve as a liaison between the site, OVC, and the TTA provider.

4.

Develop and disseminate TTA resources and training to help build the capacity of SANE/SAFE programs, including the regional CoEs. Trainings may be provided at relevant conferences, through webinars, or through other mechanisms.

5.

Cooridnate with other OVC-funded TTA provider grantees to leverage expertise, deliver joint training or resources, and avoid duplication of efforts through regular communication.

6.

Other activities, as required, to meet the stated goals and objectives.7.

Deliverables

Deliverables include—

Development of TTA plan for FY 2023 SAFE awarded recipients (Year 1).

Establishment of SANE regional training programs (CoEs).

Conduct site assessment visits (in person or virtual) to all newly funded SAFE awardees and COEs during the TTA award. Any additional in-person TTA visits as determined necessary to address site needs should be made in consultation with

OVC.

Plan and conduct regional meetings, workshops, or other educational sessions for SAFE awardees and COEs, under the direction of OVC, that focuses on implementation and sustainability issues.

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.

Evidence-Based Programs

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 programs and activities funded under

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Federal Award Information

General Guidance for Federal Award

Anticipated number of awards OVC expects to make:1 Anticipated maximum dollar amount for each award: $3,000,000 Period of performance start date: October 1, 2023 Period of performance duration: 36 months Anticipated Total amount to be awarded under solicitation: $3,000,000

Solicitation Categories

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories.

Awards, Amounts and Durations

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.

Financial Management and System 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

See below.

The applicant should identify within their budget which items, services, etc., will/would be covered by matching sources and explain what type of match will be provided.

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

This solicitation does not require a match.

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

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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.

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.

Eliigibility Information

For eligibility information, see the solicitation cover page.

For information on cost sharing or matching requirements, see the Federal Award Information section.

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

Application and Submission Information

Content of Application Submission

See the “Application Elements and Formatting Instructions” section of the OJP Grant

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Application Resource Guide for information on what happens to an application that does not contain all the specified elements or is nonresponsive to the scope of the solicitation.

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 12372. In completing the SF-424, an applicant is to answer question 19 by selecting the response that the “Program is not covered by E.O. 12372.”

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information)

The Standard Applicant Information section of the JustGrants application is pre-populated with the SF-424 data submitted in Grants.gov. 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 Organization Representative; and verify and confirm the organization’s unique entity identifier, legal name, and address.

Proposal Abstract

A Proposal Abstract (no more than 400 words) summarizing the proposed project—including its purpose, primary activities, expected outcomes, the 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 and USASpending.gov websites 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. Tables, charts, and graphs included in the proposal narrative can be created in a legible font not smaller than 9-point

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

a. Description of the Issue

Describe the need for, and challenges to providing, medical forensic exams, and advocacy to victims of sexual assault and include supporting information.

Describe why these project/proposed activities are necessary (why important and valuable to the target community) and address a need.

b. Project Design and Implementation

Describe the strategy to address the solicitation goals and objectives.

List the program activities and describe how they relate to the stated objectives. Activities are the specific actions to be undertaken to fulfill the program’s objectives and reach the program’s goal(s).

Provide a detailed description of the method(s) to be used to carry out each activity.

Provide a timetable indicating roughly when the activities or program milestones are to be accomplished.

Identify any potential challenges to the project’s success and describe how the applicant will mitigate those challenges.

c. Capabilities and Competencies

Describe the capabilities and competencies needed to accomplish the goals and objectives of the project.

Include a clear description of the applicant’s management structure.

Describe the proposed professional staff members’ unique qualifications that will enable them to fulfill their grant responsibilities.

Include information describing the roles and responsibilities of key personnel, including implementation of the major stages of the project. The project director must have both the substantive expertise and experience to perform crucial leadership functions and sufficient time to devote to the project to provide the needed guidance and supervision.

Describe the expertise of the organization (and any subrecipients) in providing TTA services.

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

Describe the process for measuring project performance.

Identify who will collect the data and who is responsible for performance measurements.

Describe how the information will be used to guide and evaluate the project’s impact.

Describe the process for accurately reporting data in OVC’s Performance Measurement Tool.

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

Rather, performance measure information is included as a notification that each award recipient 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.

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

A list of performance measure questions for this program can be found at https:// ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/media/document/tvs-performance-measures-questionnaire.pdf.

OVC will require award recipients to submit performance measure data in Performance Measurement Tool (PMT) and separately submit a semi-annual performance report in JustGrants. A list of resources and trainings can be found at https://ovc.ojp.gov/funding/ performance-measures/transforming-victim-services.

Award recipients under this solicitation will be required to complete the following sections, including any relevant shared measures.

I. Training

III. Technology Development

IV. Data Gathering

V. Collaborative Partnerships

VI. Strategic Planning

OVC will provide further guidance on the post-award submission process, at the time of award.

Note on Project Evaluations

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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

Applicants will submit the program's goals, objectives, deliverables and timelines in the JustGrants Web-based form. The projected fiscal year and quarter the objectives and deliverables will be completed is also entered into the form. Please refer to the Application Submission Job Aid for step-by-step directions.

Goals. The applicant should 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.

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

Budget and Associated Documentation

See below.

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (attachment)

The applicant will complete the budget worksheet attachment and submit it by uploading it as an attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

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).

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

If applicable, the applicant will upload their indirect cost rate agreement as an attachment in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

Employee Compensation Waiver

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See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on the Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation for Awards over $250,000; Waiver.

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 additional information and the link to the questionnaire.

Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation

This solicitation expressly modifies the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide by not incorporating its “Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation” provisions.

Applicants to this solicitation are not required to provide this disclosure.

Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Other Supportive Documents

Applicants should include for each named partner, a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Letter of Intent, or subcontract that confirms the partner’s agreement to support the project through commitments of staff time, space, services, or other project needs. For applications submitted from two or more entities, applicants are encouraged to develop and submit signed MOUs or signed Letters of Intent that provide a detailed description of how the agencies will work together to meet project requirements.

Each MOU or Letter of Intent should include the following: (1) names of the organizations involved in the agreement; (2) scope of the direct service(s) and other work to be performed under the agreement; (3) duration of the agreement. Subcontracts, MOUs, or Letters of Intent should be submitted as one separate attachment to the application.

Additional Application Components

The applicant will attach the requested documentation in JustGrants.

Curriculum Vitae or Resumes

Provide resumes of key personnel.

Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement

If an application proposes research (including research and development) and/or

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Disclosure and Assurances

The applicant will address the following disclosures and assurances.

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; and 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; and Law Enforcement and Community Policing in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

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

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

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Registration: Before submitting an application, all applicants must register with the System for Award Management (SAM). You must renew and validate your registration every 12 months. If you do not renew your SAM registration, it will expire. An expired registration can delay or prevent application submission in Grants.gov and JustGrants.

Registration and renewal can take up to 10 business days to complete.

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

Step 1: After registering with SAM, the applicant must submit the SF-424 and an SF- LLL in Grants.gov at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html by the Grants.gov deadline. 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.

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

Within 24 hours after receipt of confirmation emails from Grants.gov, the individual in Section 8F of the SF-424 will receive an email from DIAMD-NoReply@usdoj.gov with instructions on how to create a JustGrants account. Register the Entity Administrator and the Application Submitter with JustGrants as early as possible but no later than 48-72 hours before the JustGrants deadline. Once registered in JustGrants, the Application Submitter will receive an emailed link to complete the rest of the application in JustGrants. The Entity Administrator also will need to log into JustGrants to review and invite the applicant’s Authorized Representative(s) before an application can be submitted.

Submit the complete application package in JustGrants at least 24 – 48 hours prior to the JustGrants deadline. Some of the application components will be entered directly into JustGrants, and others will require uploading attached documents. Therefore, applicants will need to allow ample time before the JustGrants deadline to prepare each component.

Applicants may save their progress in the system and revise the application as needed prior to hitting the Submit button at the end of the application in JustGrants.

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

Submission Dates and Time

The SF-424 and the SF-LLL must be submitted in Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. eastern time on July 28, 2023.

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The full application must be submitted in JustGrants by 8:59 p.m. eastern time on August 4, 2023.

OJP urges applicants to submit their Grants.gov and JustGrants submissions prior to the due dates with sufficient time to correct any errors and resubmit by the submission deadlines if a rejection notification is received. To be considered timely, the full application must be submitted in JustGrants by the JustGrants application deadline.

Failure to begin the SAM.gov, Grants.gov, or JustGrants registration process in sufficient time (i.e., waiting until the date identified in this solicitation) is not an acceptable reason for late submission.

Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues Preventing Submission of an Application OJP will only consider a request to submit an application after the deadline when the applicant can document that a technical issue with a government system prevented application submission.

If an applicant misses a deadline due to unforeseen technical issues with SAM.gov, Grants.gov, or JustGrants, the applicant may request a waiver to submit an application after the deadline. However, the waiver request will not be considered unless it includes a tracking number generated when the applicant contacts the applicable service desks to report technical difficulties. Tracking numbers are generated automatically when an applicant emails the applicable service desks; and for this reason, applicants are encouraged to email the appropriate service desk, even if they also intend to call the service desk for phone support. Experiencing wait times for phone support does not relieve the applicant of the responsibility of getting a tracking number.

An applicant experiencing technical difficulties must contact the associated service desk indicated below to report the technical issue and receive a tracking number:

SAM.gov - contact the SAM Help Desk (Federal Service Desk), Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET at 866-606-8220.

Grants.gov - contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on federal holidays, at 800-518-4726, 606-545-5035, or support@grants.gov.

JustGrants - contact the JustGrants Service Desk at JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov or 833-872-5175, Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET and Saturday, Sunday, and Federal holidays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

If an applicant has technical issues with SAM.gov or Grants.gov, the applicant must contact the OJP Response Center at grants@ncjrs.gov within 24 hours of the Grants.gov deadline to request approval to submit after the deadline.

If an applicant has technical issues with JustGrants that prevent application submission

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Waiver requests sent to the OJP Response Center must -describe the technical difficulties experienced, include a timeline of the applicant's submission efforts (e.g., date and time the error occurred, date and time of actions taken to resolve the issue and resubmit; and date and time support representatives responded), include an attachment of the complete grant application and all the required documentation and materials, include the applicant's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and include any SAM.gov, Grants.gov, and JustGrants Service Desk tracking numbers documenting the technical issue.

OJP will review each waiver request and the required supporting documentation and notify the applicant whether the request for late submission has been approved or denied. An applicant who does not provide documentation of a technical issue or who does not submit a waiver request within the required time period will be denied.

For more details on the waiver process, OJP encourages applicants to review the “Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues” section in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

Application Review Information

Review Process

OJP reviews the application to make sure that the information presented is reasonable, understandable, measurable, achievable, and consistent with the solicitation. For invited applications, OJP reviews for consistency with the invitation letter and invited applicant guidance. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on the application review process.

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, at its option, may review and comment on any information about itself that currently appears in FAPIIS and was entered by a federal

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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 consider not only OVC recommendations, but also other factors as indicated in this section.

For purposes of this Guidance for Invited Applications, this “[final] award decisions” provision expressly modifies the “final award decisions” provision in the “Application Review Information” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide.

Federal Award Administration Information

Federal Award Notices

Generally, award notifications are made by the end of the current Federal fiscal year, September 30th. 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 the 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.

General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements

In addition to the deliverables described in the “Program Description” section, all award recipients under this solicitation will be required to submit certain reports and data.

Required reports. Award recipients typically must submit quarterly financial reports, semi-annual performance reports, final financial and performance 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 measure data.

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Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s)

For OJP contact(s), and contact information for Grants.gov and JustGrants, see the solicitation cover page.

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

Award recipients will be required to submit performance measure data in the Performance Measurement Tool quarterly, along with additional data performance measures designed for this program, and semiannual performance reports in JustGrants.

A list of resources and trainings can be found at https://ovc.ojp.gov/funding/performance-measures/transforming-victim-services.

Examples of performance measure questions for this program can be found at https://ovc.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh226/files/media/document/tvs-performancemeasures-questionnaire.pdf .

Award recipients under this solicitation will be required to complete the following sections, including any relevant shared measures.

I. Training

III. Technology Development

IV. Data Gathering

V. Collaborative Partnerships

VI. Strategic Planning

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Application Checklist OVC FY 2023 Invited to Apply - Expanding Access to Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations, Training and Technical Assistance Provider

This application checklist has been created as an aid in developing an application. For more information, reference the OJP Application Submission Steps in the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide and the DOJ Application Submission Checklist.

Pre-Application

Before Registering in Grants.gov:

Acquire or renew your Entity’s System Award Management (SAM) Registration Information (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide)

Register in Grants.gov:

Acquire an Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) and a Grants.gov username and password (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide)

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

Find the Funding Opportunity:

Search for the Funding Opportunity in Grants.gov using the opportunity number, Assistance Listing or keyword(s)

Access the Funding Opportunity and Application Package (see step 7 in the 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, and reporting available at https://www.ojp.gov/funding/financialguidedoj/iii-postaward-requirements#6g3y8 (see OJP Grant Application Resource Guide)

Review the Overview of Post-Award Legal Requirements:

Review…