PKG00264527-instructions.pdf

OMB No. 1121-0329 Approval Expires 11/30/2020

U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics

State Justice Statistics Program of Statistical Analysis Centers, 2021

CFDA # 16.550

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-BJS-2021-38006

Solicitation Release Date: December 15, 2020 2:00 PM

Version: 2

Grants.gov Deadline: March 11, 2021 11:59 PM

Application JustGrants Deadline: March 18, 2021 11:59 PM

Overview The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) is seeking applications from state Statistical Analysis Centers (SACs) for funding under the 2021 State Justice Statistics (SJS) program. This program furthers the Department’s mission by supporting the collection, analysis, and dissemination of statistical information on crime and criminal justice at the state and local levels.

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

Solicitation Categories

This solicitation does not include Solicitation Categories.

Eligible Applicants:

Other

Other The following entities are eligible to apply:

O-BJS-2021-38006

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

Statistical Analysis Centers (SACs) established by state legislation or executive order.

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

For additional information on eligibility, see the Eligibility Information section.

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

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

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

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

For assistance with any other requirements of this solicitation, contact Stephanie Burroughs, SJS Program Manager, by telephone at 202-307-0765, or by email at askBJS@usdoj.gov.

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

Step 1: Applicants will submit an SF-424 and an SF-LLL in Grants.gov at https://www.grants.

gov/web/grants/register.html. To register in Grants.gov, applicants will need to obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) and System for Award Management (SAM) registration or renewal.

O-BJS-2021-38006

https://cops.usdoj.gov/SafePolicingEO https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support.html http://support@grants.gov.

mailto:JustGrants.Support@usdoj.gov mailto:askBJS@usdoj.gov https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/register.html

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

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

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

O-BJS-2021-38006

https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/ https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#apply

Contents

Program Description Overview Statutory Authority Specific Information Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline Evidence-Based Programs or Practices Information Regarding Potential Evaluation of Programs and Activities . . 11

Federal Award Information Awards, Amounts and Durations Continuation Funding Intent Availability of Funds Funding Instrument Type Type of Award Match Required Financial Management and System of Internal Controls Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement Pre-agreement Costs (also known as Pre-award Costs) Limitation on Use of Award Funds for Employee Compensation: Waiver . 13 Prior Approval, Planning, and Reporting of Conference/Meeting/Training Costs Costs Associated with Language Assistance (if applicable)

Eligibility Information Content of Application Submission

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) . 14 Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) Proposal Abstract Proposal Narrative Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline Budget and Associated Documentation Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (attachment)

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Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) Financial Management Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status) Additional Application Components Research and Evaluation Independence and Integrity Statement Human Subjects Protection Privacy Certificate Disclosures and Assurances Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items DOJ Certified Standard Assurances DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements . . 19 How to Apply Submission Dates and Time

Application Review Information Review Criteria Review Process

Federal Award Administration Information Federal Award Notices Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements Information Technology (IT) Security Clauses General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements .22

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) COPS Other Information

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

552a) Provide Feedback to OJP Performance Measures Application Checklist

2021 State Justice Statistics Program for Statistical Analysis Centers

Program Description Overview This solicitation describes the guidelines and requirements of the fiscal year (FY) 2021 State Justice Statistics (SJS) Program for Statistical Analysis Centers (SACs). The information produced by SACs and their involvement in criminal justice projects is important to federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies and community organizations as they develop programs and policies related to crime, illegal drugs, victim services, and the administration of justice.

Statutory Authority 34 U.S.C. §§ 10131-32

Specific Information Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. §§ 10132(13), BJS is authorized to “ provide for the development of justice information systems programs and assistance to the States, Indian tribes, and units of local government relating to collection, analysis, or dissemination of justice statistics.” For the purpose of this solicitation, the term “state” includes the District of Columbia and U.S.

territories.

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline Goals

The goal of the SJS program is to provide financial and technical assistance to state governments for the establishment and operation of SACs to collect, analyze, and disseminate justice statistics.

Objectives

The FY 2021 SJS program will continue to concentrate on building the core capacities of the state SACs and improving the sharing of state-level information nationally. The SJS program enhances the SACs’ capabilities to collect, analyze, and publish statistical data that support the states’ strategic criminal justice planning needs and BJS and national priorities. SACs are strongly encouraged to collaborate with their State Administering Agency (SAA) on developing FY 2021 SJS projects. Additionally, SACs are encouraged to explore possible collaborations with foundations, academic institutions, and other potential sources of support for building SAC capabilities.

Deliverables

BJS will provide funds for core capacity-building projects and special-emphasis capacity-building projects focused on specific capacities.

The SJS program areas are as follows:

I. Core Capacity-Building Projects

Projects in the following areas are priority capacity-building activities. Core capacity-building projects should focus on enhancing or building access to new sources of data and improving analytical capability to collect, analyze, and interpret data on criminal justice issues, rather than maintaining current efforts. For example, funds should not be requested to update annual or re-occurring reports unless it involves substantial revisions in methods or new sources of data.

A. Research using incident-based crime data that are compatible with NIBRS. Th e SAC may use SJS funds to conduct research and analysis of NIBRS-compatible incident-based data that will reflect the utility of these data for studying criminal justice issues. Topical areas of interest for BJS include hate crimes; crimes committed on tribal lands; human trafficking; drug-related arrests, especially those involving methamphetamine, opioid, cocaine, and marijuana possession, trafficking, and/or distribution; and the citizenship or legal status of arrestees. Additionally, SACs may wish to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on crime patterns.

Such analyses support the National Crime Statistics Exchange (NCS-X) initiative, a joint BJS and FBI undertaking to expand the number of law enforcement agencies submitting incident-based crime data to the NIBRS. Projects proposed under this area would include an assessment and review of the quality of the incident-based data used. Final reports must include a thorough discussion of data quality. Results of the analysis may help the state’s crime reporting program focus training/outreach activities to improve data quality. These analyses must also result in a report of publishable quality to be disseminated nationally.

One goal of the NCS-X initiative is to assess the quality and completeness of incident-based crime data reported by local law enforcement agencies to the NIBRS. To support this goal, BJS is particularly interested in analyses that will— examine how law enforcement agencies have recorded the relationship(s) between the victim(s) and the offender(s) for violent offenses reported to that state’s incident-based reporting (IBR) program and/or to NIBRS, to observe changes over time in the types of relationships identified, to determine if reporting practices differ across reporting units, and, where applicable, to assess the crosswalk from state IBR relationship categories to the federal NIBRS relationship categories.

analyze and evaluate state IBR and/or NIBRS data on property crimes, both personal and commercial, including an assessment over time and across reporting units of the quality and completeness of data elements that record property type and value, how fraud offenses are categorized, and clearance information. If the state IBR program has different reporting requirements for property crimes than the federal program, the analysis should include a comparison of the state and federal requirements.

examine the reporting of simple and aggravated assaults to the state IBR program and/or NIBRS to assess differences in how local law enforcement agencies have recorded assault over time and across reporting units, and to determine whether any correlation exists between clearance rates for assaults and changes in recording practices across the years, controlling for other contextualizing factors.

compare IBR practices across reporting units in the state over time to understand changes in the use of different incident-based data codes (e.g., different values for victim-offender relationship, use of bias-motivation data element) and the impact of changes to the IBR reporting requirements on data provided by local law enforcement agencies.

In addition, SJS funds under this priority area may also be used to examine the utility of linking incident-based crime reports to a state’s criminal history records to create analytical datasets and be conducted in partnership with the state’s criminal history record repository. Similarly, a necessary component of such a project must be an assessment and review of the quality of the criminal history record information used.

B. Collecting and analyzing data on criminal justice system processes. The SAC may use SJS funds to help the state develop and improve criminal justice statistical processes and make analytical tools available to agencies to better address public safety and administration of justice goals. For example, a SAC could use SJS funds for data collection that helps inform or otherwise plan for the justice programs involving reentry, victim services, courts and prosecutor processes, record sealing and expungement practices, and law enforcement initiatives.

C. Increasing access to statistical data. The SAC may use SJS funds for electronic infrastructure development, enhancements, and linkages, including developing or using new sources of data, building or enhancing a website, computer support, and preparing reports for dissemination via the internet. BJS encourages website enhancements that include downloadable datasets and spreadsheets, online analytical capabilities, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), graphical presentations, and animation to present and explain movement of trends. These enhancements should go beyond incrementally adding a new year’s worth of data to existing files and tables.

D. Other capacity-building projects identified by the SAC. The SAC may use SJS funds to support research examining another topic, provided that the project builds the SAC’s capacity to collect, analyze, and report on criminal justice statistics and share state-level information nationally. The application must be accompanied by persuasive documentation and justification that the subject is a top priority for the state’s governor or senior criminal justice policy officials and that use of federal funds is appropriate to support the work.

Any application for funding under the core capacity-building area must include a specific justification for each proposed project that fully explains exactly how the project will respond to capacity-building needs identified by the SAC. This should be a long-range plan that includes (1) an assessment of the SAC’s current data collection, analysis, and publication capabilities, including staff analytical capabilities; (2) a description of how the proposed project(s) will enhance those capabilities; and (3) a description of how the capacity built will be maintained after the conclusion of the SJS award. The strength of the justification and plan will be an important consideration for BJS in making a final award decision. The intent is for federal funds to build new or enhance current capacities, as opposed to maintaining current efforts. Up to $75,000 annually may be sought for core capacity-building projects. The time frame may range from 12 to 36 months based on the nature of the proposed project(s) and the quality of the supporting strategic plan. At the end of the project period, final deliverables must be submitted to BJS as part of the final progress report (including but not limited to any other final reports, evaluations, and website enhancements).

Applications may also include travel funds for up to two people to attend up to two SJS-focused conferences/workshops/meetings approved by BJS. Travel costs can be separate from the funding cap on core capacity-building or special-emphasis projects.

II. Special-Emphasis Capacity-Building Projects

A SAC may also apply for funding for special-emphasis projects that support areas of particular interest to BJS or national priorities in these specific areas:

A. Use of administrative or operational criminal justice data. SACs are encouraged to seek SJS funds to implement new or enhance existing interfaces or data exchange technologies that improve statistical access to data and systems maintained by other state or local entities, including local jails, departments of correction, parole and probation agencies, prosecutor offices and courts, law enforcement agencies, and victim service organizations.

For example, funds may be requested to establish the SAC’s technical capacity to conduct criminal history records-based research. Funds may also be requested to help establish data exchanges that would provide the SAC with data on— state court or prosecutor statistics, including criminal case initiations, pre-trial activities, bail, bond, plea bargains, dispositions, and sentences admissions, exits, and stock populations for jails, probation, and/or parole law enforcement and court statistics on the citizenship or legal status of those arrested, detained, prosecuted, and sentenced emergency room admissions data to support research on violent injuries, drug abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking, and other relevant issues.

Proposed projects may include (1) the establishment of the data exchange capacity, if one does not currently exist, and/or (2) the use of this capacity in the form of a targeted research project. The project must also include a systematic data quality assessment, which will be incorporated as a project deliverable. This assessment should follow a standardized approach, such as use of the data quality assessment tool developed by the Federal Committee on Statistical Methodology or a similar tool that considers all aspects of quality from a statistical perspective. (See “Data Quality Assessment Tool for Administrative Data” by a working group of the Federal Committee on Statistical Methodology, available at https://nces.ed.gov/FCSM/pdf/DataQualityAssessmentTool.pdf.

A letter of cooperation or support from the operational agency or agencies involved should be included with the application.

B. Analysis of state criminal history records. BJS encourages SACs to use the state’s criminal history records for statistical purposes. A SAC may also use SJS funds to support analyses of— patterns of criminal behavior, such as sex offending, stalking, or domestic violence arrests, prosecutions, and convictions for firearms-related offenses relationship between citizenship or legal status and patterns of criminal behavior prisoner or community corrections recidivism, including rates of rearrest, reconviction, and return to custody linkage of criminal history records to other data sources to explore factors that may affect patterns of offending or recidivism.

https://nces.ed.gov/FCSM/pdf/DataQualityAssessmentTool.pdf

BJS is particularly interested in analyses that will— evaluate the accuracy and completeness of the state’s criminal history records to identify statewide record-improvement strategies, in partnership with the state’s criminal history record repository or National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) administering agency. Areas explored may include the extent to which arrest information is followed by prosecutor or court disposition information, how probation or parole violations are reflected on records, how law enforcement practices around warrant arrests may affect data quality, how sealed and expunged records are handled, and how the use of free text or unstructured data fields may affect the use of records.

explore the feasibility of using the state’s criminal history records as a source of statewide arrest or booking statistics, in collaboration with the state’s criminal history record repository or NCHIP administering agency. Areas explored may include the uniformity of reporting practices by law enforcement, courts, and corrections agencies in a state; and the correlation between criminal history data and other sources of arrest, prosecution, and court case processing data.

explore the quality of court and sentencing data to examine felony case processing in partnership with the state’s court administrative office, sentencing commission, or similar agency. Areas explored may include the extent to which these records can support analysis of criminal case processing time, and analysis of charge or plea-bargaining.

examine recidivism patterns of convicted offenders using longer observation periods than the traditional 3- or 5-year studies (e.g., 8-, 10-, or 15-year follow-up periods). Areas examined may include the recidivism patterns for specific types of offenders and analyses that includes different covariates related to recidivism outcomes.

SAC grants that may support such analyses will be awarded with the condition that the documents (including basic study questions, methodology, sampling procedures, instrumentation (if any), and analysis plan) will be submitted to BJS for review and approval, if they are not included with the SAC application. Because BJS is very interested in uniformity across states in such analytical areas, collaboration between states or a multi-SAC approach is encouraged.

An application for funding under the special-emphasis project area must include an impact statement that provides additional justification for each proposed project regarding how each project will directly support or enhance BJS and national priorities. The strength of the impact statement will be an important consideration in making a final award decision on the SAC’s application. For example, the national impact statement should address areas such as how the project will support the sharing of state-level information nationally; enhance the state’s capability to collect, analyze, and interpret data on criminal justice issues relevant to the states and the nation; support or enhance specific BJS collections by, for example, increasing access to the new data sources, improving coverage, reducing respondent burden, and/or improving or implementing uniformity across states in analytical efforts; if and how the state will make maximum use of state-level data collected by BJS and/or other DOJ components to conduct analyses; and/or how the project findings will be used to influence state criminal justice policy and practice, including describing who is interested in the data and its intended uses, and how the resulting work will be shared with other state entities, other state SACs, and the general public. BJS encourages collaboration among the SACs (i.e., multi-SAC projects), particularly in projects that may leverage one SAC’s expertise in another SAC’s proposed project to help build capacity. At the end of the special-emphasis project period, final deliverables must be submitted to BJS as part of the final progress report (including final reports, evaluations, and website enhancements). Up to $150,000 annually may be sought for a special-emphasis project;

the timeframe may range from 12 to 36 months based on the nature of the proposed project(s) and quality of the supporting justification, although funding may not be available for the full duration of the project in FY 2021. Depending on the strength of the proposals and availability of funds, BJS anticipates making up to 15 awards for special-emphasis projects.

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

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

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

Federal Award Information Awards, Amounts and Durations Total Federal Awards

Maximum Dollar Amount for Awards $0.00

Period of Performance Start Date

8/1/21 12:00 AM

Period of Performance Duration (Months)

O-BJS-2021-38006

https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#evidence-based https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#evidence-based https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#potential-evaluation

Total Amount to be Awarded Under Solicitation $4,800,000.00

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

Under this solicitation, only one application by any particular applicant entity will be considered. An entity may, however, be proposed as a subrecipient (subgrantee) in more than one application.

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

Funding Instrument Type

CA

Type of Award Both

Match Required No

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

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#fm-internal-controls

This solicitation does not require a match.

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

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

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

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

Eligibility Information State SACs are the only entities eligible to apply for funds under the SJS program. Applicants must meet the requirements for a SAC as specified in these guidelines.

The applicant SAC must be authorized by state legislation or executive order. The SAC must be a nonpartisan professional organization that serves all branches of the criminal justice system, all levels of government in the state, and the general public. Objectivity, independence, and visibility are important considerations in determining the SAC’s placement in the state government. It is desirable that the SAC not be part of an agency that has line responsibilities in criminal justice programs. If the SAC is located in such an agency (e.g., state police, department of corrections, and administrative office of the courts), special provisions must be made to ensure the SAC’s broad mission, objectivity, independence, and visibility. These provisions must be documented in each application for funding. Examples of such provisions are letters of agreement from agencies that deal with other aspects of criminal justice in the state, or a SAC advisory board that includes policy-level officials of such agencies. The SAC must inform BJS of any substantive changes in these provisions, such as changes in the structure of the advisory board or revisions in the scope of letters of agreement.

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https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#pre-agreement-costs https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#limitation-use-award https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#prior-approval https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#costs-associated

Applications for SAC funding must contain an explanation of the placement of the SAC within the state organization structure, including the SAC’s relationship to the governor’s office, other relevant state agencies, and any other organizations included as recipients of funds in the application. A current list of SACs in each state is available at https://www.jrsa.org/sac/sac list.html.

The SAC must be staffed by professionals skilled in the application of statistical methods and techniques, including a SAC director whose background includes the education and experience appropriate to the position. SAC staff should be familiar with the factors, issues, and processes involved in crime and the criminal justice system. Each application must identify the SAC director and other key personnel and must provide summaries of their qualifications. Job descriptions must be provided for vacant positions. If the SAC directorship becomes vacant after an award is made, the recipient agency must notify BJS and submit the position description and required qualifications to be used in recruiting a replacement. When a replacement is designated, a resume of the individual’s qualifications must be submitted to BJS for approval.

Some or all of the work may be performed under the SAC’s overall direction by other persons or organizations, such as other state agencies, universities, nonprofit research firms, and private consultants. If work will be performed outside of the SAC, the application must include the qualifications of those performing the work. A SAC that wishes to apply for funds in cooperation with another organization but lacks the authority to transfer funds to the cooperating organization should contact its BJS state grant manager.

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

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

Proposal Abstract, Program Narrative, Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (web-based form), See the “Application Elements and Formatting Instructions” section of the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for information on what happens to an application that does not contain all the specified elements or that is nonresponsive to the scope of the solicitation.

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

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https://www.jrsa.org/sac/saclist.html https://www.jrsa.org/sac/saclist.html https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#application-elements https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#application-elements https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#complete-application

Application Resource Guide for additional information on completing the SF-424.

Intergovernmental Review: This solicitation (“funding opportunity”) is subject to Executive Order 12372. An applicant may find the names and addresses of State Single Points of Conta ct (SPOCs) at the following website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spoc_1_16_2020.pdf. If the applicant’s State appears on the SPOC list, the applicant must contact the State SPOC to find out about, and comply with, the State’s process under E.O. 12372. In completing the SF-424, an applicant whose State appears on the SPOC list is to make the appropriate selection in response to question 19, once the applicant has complied with its State E.O. 12372 process. (An applicant whose State does not appear on the SPOC list should answer question 19 by selecting the response that the:

“Program is subject to E.O. 12372, but has not been selected by the State for review.”)

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) The Standard Applicant Information section of the JustGrants application is pre-populated with the SF-424 data submitted in Grants.gov. Applicants will need to review the Standard Applicant Information in JustGrants and make edits as needed. Within this section, applicants will need to: add zip codes for areas affected by the project; confirm their Authorized Representative; and verify the organization's legal name and address.

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

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

The following sections should be included as part of the program narrative:

Statement of the Problem – Background and Identification of Needs. The narrativea.

should include an explanation of the SAC’s placement within the state organizational structure, a brief summary of the qualifications of the SAC director and other key personnel, a description of the roles and responsibilities of key organizational and/or functional components involved in project activities, and a list of key personnel responsible for managing and implementing the major elements of the program.

Project Design and Implementation. The program narrative should fully describe theb.

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https://www.ojp.gov/funding/apply/ojp-grant-application-resource-guide#complete-application https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/codification/executive-order/12372.html https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spoc_1_16_2020.pdf https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spoc_1_16_2020.pdf expected design and implementation of the proposed project(s). In developing the narrative, refer to the program design and focus areas described in the solicitation. This section must include a specific justification for each proposed project that explains exactly how the project will respond to capacity-building needs identified by the SAC.

This explanation should in effect be a long-range plan that includes (1) an assessment of the SAC’s current data collection, analysis, and publication capabilities; (2) a description of how the project(s) proposed will enhance those capabilities; and (3) a description of how the capacity built will be maintained after the conclusion of the SJS award. The strength of the justification and plan included will be a consideration for BJS in making a final award decision on the SAC’s application.

Impact Statement (for special-emphasis projects). The program narrative shouldc.

include an impact statement to describe specifically how each project will support or enhance BJS or national priorities. The narrative should include a timeline of activities indicating, for each proposed activity, the projected duration of the activity, expected completion date, and any products expected.

Capabilities and Competencies – Status of Prior SJS Projects. Applications shouldd.

include the status of each award the SAC received from FY 2017 through FY 2020. List by theme the project(s) and associated products that the SAC proposed to conduct/produce during the grant period. If any were significantly revised or replaced, briefly describe the revisions/replacements. For each project, indicate its status by the following categories: completed, in process, or revised/replaced. For each product, state if it has been published, presented at a public meeting, or otherwise recognized by whatever means.

Deliverables and Dissemination Plan. Applications should include the expectede.

deliverables resulting from the proposed project and include information on how the results will be disseminated with other state entities, other state SACs, and the general public.

Plan for Collecting the Data Required for This Solicitation’s Performancef.

Measures.

Applicants should demonstrate knowledge of the performance measures outlined in this solicitation. The applicant should also detail how performance measures will be collected, who will be responsible for reporting on performance measures and how the information will be used to guide and evaluate the impact of the project.

Note: applicants are not required to submit performance data with the application.

Performance measures information is included as an alert that successful applicants will be required to submit performance data as part of the reporting requirements under an award. Award recipients will be required to provide relevant data responsive to this solicitation’s performance measures as part of the semi-annual progress report submission.

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

Applicants can visit OJP’s performance measurement page at https://www.ojp.gov/perf ormance for an overview of performance measurement activities at OJP. Performance measures for this solicitation are listed in the Performance Measures Table near the end of this document.

Award recipients will be required to submit performance measure data and performance reports in JustGrants. Further guidance on the post-award submission process will be provided, if selected for award.

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

Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Timeline Applicants will submit the SJS program's goals, objectives, deliverables, and timelines in the JustGrants Web-based form. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

Budget and Associated Documentation

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (attachment) Applicants will attach a budget worksheet and budget narrative in JustGrants. See the OJP Grant Application Resource Guide for additional information.

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

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

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Additional Application Components The following required documents should be submitted online as a single file attachment or as separate attachments and must be completed for each project proposed in an application:

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

Human Subjects Protection BJS requires the funding recipient to submit proper documentation certifying that the research project meets the federal requirements for human subjects protections set forth in 28 CFR Part 46. Applicants should complete the Human Subjects Protection Certification of Compliance form, available at www.bjs.gov/content/hscr.cfm. Applicants should attach the completed certification form in JustGrants.

Privacy Certificate The Privacy Certificate is a funding recipient’s certification of compliance with federal regulations requiring confidentiality of information identifiable to a private person, which is collected, analyzed, or otherwise used in connection with an OJP-funded research or statistical activity. The funding recipient’s Privacy Certificate includes a description of its policies and procedures to be followed to protect identifiable information. Applicants must specify in the Privacy Certificate the specific controls used to safeguard directly identifiable information against unauthorized disclosure. All project staff, including information technology personnel, subcontractors, and/or consultants, with access to identifiable data collected in conjunction with the BJS-funded activities are required to sign a Privacy Certificate to affirm their understanding of, and agreement to comply with, the terms of access and privacy requirements. Award recipients are responsible for maintaining an updated list of individuals with access to identifiable information and for ensuring that new staff who gain access to such information during the project period sign a Privacy Certificate. A model certificate is located at https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/bjsmpc.pdf. Applicants should attach the completed Privacy Certificate in JustGrants.

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Applicants will complete the following disclosures and assurances.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The full application will be submitted in JustGrants on 11:59 p.m. eastern time, March 18, 2021.

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

Application Review Information Review Criteria In making decisions to award funds under this program, BJS will determine whether the application meets program requirements and whether the SAC is operating satisfactorily and conforms to all applicable federal and state requirements. The amount of the award will be based on the strength of the justification for what the applicant it is seeking to do and accomplish during the award period. Applications that meet basic minimum requirements will be evaluated using the following review criteria:

1. Capacity-Building Needs as Described in the Program Narrative

Extent to which the Program Narrative portion of the application addresses the specific objectives of the SJS program

Extent to which the capacity-building needs of the SAC justify the proposed project activities

2. Project Design and Implementation

Extent to which the proposed projects are explained and justified consistent with the guidance contained in this solicitation (i.e., long-range plan and/or impact assessment)

Extent to which the application clearly and concisely describes each task or activity so it logically connects to the proposed project and is associated with a product or deliverable to each task, such as a report or publication

Technical and methodological soundness of the proposed project(s)

Privacy and human subjects certification forms must be submitted for each proposed data collection or research activity

3. Capabilities and Competencies

Experience of applicant’s personnel in similar work

Organizational integrity, technical competence, and organizational placement of the applicant and other organizations proposed for funding

Past record of applicant’s performance with previous awards, including quality of work, completeness, and adherence to schedules

Evidence of collaboration or communication with the SAA in the development of the application

Evidence of collaboration or communication with other entities as appropriate for the project, including— the state’s central repository of criminal history records other SACs

JRSA

BJS or other OJP component.

Extent of multi-agency collaboration involved in the proposed project(s)

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

Applicants should indicate an understanding of these requirements (see Performa nce Measures) and discuss how the applicant will gather the required data, should the applicant receive funding.

5. Budget

Provide a proposed budget for the entire project period that is complete, cost effective, and allowable (e.g., reasonable, allocable, and necessary for project activities).