PKG00265028-instructions.pdf

OMB No. 1122-0020 Approval Expires 1/31/2022

U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women

OVW Fiscal Year 2021 Grants for Outreach and Services to

Underserved Populations

Solicitation Assistance Listing Number # 16.889

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-OVW-2021-37002

Solicitation Release Date: January 15, 2021 3:00 PM

Version: 1

Grants.gov Deadline: March 23, 2021 11:59 PM

Application JustGrants Deadline: April 01, 2021 11:59 PM

Eligible Applicants:

Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Other

Other Eligible applicants are limited to: population specific organizations or victim service providers that are (1) Deaf programs (2) Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) organizations, (3) Religious minority organizations, and (4) Disability programs as further defined in the solicitation. For more information, see the Eligibility Information section of this solicitation.

Letter of Intent

O-OVW-2021-37002

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent to ovw.underserved@usdoj.gov by March 16, 2021. Interested applicants who do not submit a Letter of Intent are still eligible to apply. For more information, see the Application and Submission Information section of this solicitation.

Pre-Application Information Sessions OVW will conduct an optional web-based Pre-Application Information Session. For more information, see the Application and Submission Information section of this solicitation.

Contact Information For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, email OVW at ovw.underserved@usdoj.gov. Alternatively, interested parties may call OVW at 202-307-6026.

Submission Information Registration: To submit an application, all applicants must obtain a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number and register online with the System for Award Management (SAM) and with Grants.gov. To ensure sufficient time to complete the registration process, applicants must obtain a DUNS number and register online with SAM and with Grants.gov immediately, but no later than March 16, 2021.

Submission: Applications for this program will be submitted through a NEW two-step process: (1) submission of the SF-424 and SF-LLL in Grants.gov and (2) submission of the full application including attachments in the Justice Grants System (JustGrants). Submit the SF-424 and SF-LLL as early as possible, but not later than 24-48 hours before the Grants.gov deadline. For technical assistance with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. For technical assistance with JustGrants, contact OVW JustGrants Support at 1-866-655-4482 or OVW.JustGrantsSupport@usdoj.gov.

For more information about registration and submission, see the Application and Submission Information section of this solicitation.

Notification OVW anticipates notifying applicants of funding decisions by October 1, 2021.

O-OVW-2021-37002

mailto:ovw.underserved@usdoj.gov mailto:ovw.underserved@usdoj.gov

Contents

Contact Information Program Description

Overview of OVW Statutory Authority About this OVW Program Program Scope Purpose Areas OVW Priority Areas Activities that Compromise Victim Safety and Recovery or Undermine Offender Accountability Out-of-Scope Activities Activities Requiring Prior Approval

Federal Award Information Awards, Amounts and Durations Availability of Funds Types of Awards Award Period and Amounts Types of Applications Mandatory Program Requirements

Eligibility Information Eligible Applicants Ineligible Entities and Disqualifying Factors Cost Sharing or Matching Other Program Eligibility Requirements

Application and Submission Information Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) . 15 Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) Proposal Abstract Proposal Narrative Budget and Associated Documentation

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) Pre-Agreement Cost Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) Financial Management Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status) Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation Data Requested with Application Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Other Supportive Documents Additional Application Components Letters of Nonsupplanting Proof of 501(c)(3) Status (Nonprofit Organization Only) Confidentiality Notice Form Disclosures and Assurances Disclosure of Lobbying Activities DOJ Certified Standard Assurances Applicant Disclosure of Duplication in Cost Items DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements . 27 How to Apply Submission Dates and Time

Application Review Information Review Criteria Review and Selection Process Anticipated Announcement and Federal Award Dates

Federal Award Administration Information Federal Award Notices Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements General Information about Post-Federal Award Reporting Requirements . 35

Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) Other Information

Public Reporting Burden- Paper Work Reduction Act Notice Application Checklist

Program Description Overview of OVW OVW is a component of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Created in 1995, OVW administers grant programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and subsequent legislation and provides national leadership on issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. OVW grants support coordinated community responses to hold offenders accountable and serve victims.

Statutory Authority 34 U.S.C. § 20123

About this OVW Program This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 20123 to develop and implement outreach strategies targeted at, and provide victim services to, adult or youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking in underserved populations. Survivors from underserved populations face challenges in accessing comprehensive and effective victim services that are accessible, culturally relevant, and responsive. As a result, survivors from underserved communities often do not receive appropriate services. The Underserved Program supports projects that address these gaps. Funds may be used to: develop or enhance population specific victim services; develop or enhance outreach strategies to reach underserved survivors; build the capacity of population specific organizations to serve survivors of these crimes; build the capacity of victim service providers to provide victim services that are population specific; train and educate community partners and the criminal justice system on the needs of survivors from underserved populations; and develop culturally and linguistically appropriate materials for underserved survivors. For additional information about this program and related performance measures, including how awards contribute to the achievement of program goals and objectives, see:

OVW grant program information: OVW Grants and Programs webpage Program performance measures under the Measuring Effectiveness Initiative: VAWA Measuring Effectiveness Initiative webpage Examples of successful projects in OVW's most recent report to Congress on the effectiveness of VAWA grant programs: 2018 Biennial Report

Program Scope Activities supported by this program are determined by statute, federal regulations, and OVW policies. If an applicant receives an award, the funded project is bound by this solicitation, the DOJ Financial Guide, including updates to the financial guide after an award is made, the

O-OVW-2021-37002

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/grant-programs https://www.vawamei.org/grant-programs/ https://www.vawamei.org/grant-programs/ https://www.justice.gov/ovw/page/file/1292636/download https://www.justice.gov/ovw/page/file/1298396/download

Solicitation Companion Guide, and the conditions of the award.

Purpose Areas Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 20123(d), funds under this program must be used for the purpose of providing or enhancing population specific outreach and services to adult and youth victims in one or more underserved populations, including:

Working with federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments, agencies, and1.

organizations to develop or enhance population specific services.

Strengthening the capacity of underserved populations to provide population specific2.

services.

Strengthening the capacity of traditional victim service providers to provide population3.

specific services.

Strengthening the effectiveness of criminal and civil justice interventions by providing4.

training for law enforcement, prosecutors, judges and other court personnel on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking in underserved populations.

Working in cooperation with an underserved population to develop and implement5.

outreach, education, prevention, and intervention strategies that highlight available resources and the specific issues faced by victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking from underserved populations.

Note: The term “population specific services” means victim-centered services that address the safety, health, economic, legal, housing, workplace, immigration, confidentiality, or other needs of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and that are designed primarily for and are targeted to a specific underserved population. 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(22).

Note: The term “underserved populations” means populations who face barriers in accessing and using victim services, and includes populations underserved because of geographic location, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, underserved racial and ethnic populations, and populations underserved because of special needs (such as language barriers, disabilities, alienage status, or age). 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(39).

OVW Priority Areas In FY 2021, OVW is interested in supporting programs that empower victims to become survivors by focusing on long-term safety and sustainable economic independence.

Organizations are encouraged to develop their capacity beyond core services, basic programming, and emergency response. Applications proposing victim services that go beyond crisis intervention to advance the long-term safety, stability, and self-sufficiency of victims such as education assistance, vocational training, employment services, financial counseling, etc. in their projects may be given special consideration. Applications can meet this priority area by proposing to develop new services or implement current ones, which can be provided by either themselves or a formal project partner.

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-applicants

Activities that Compromise Victim Safety and Recovery or Undermine Offender Accountability OVW does not fund activities that jeopardize victim safety, deter or prevent physical or emotional healing for victims, or allow offenders to escape responsibility for their actions.

Applications that propose any such activities may receive a deduction in points during the review process or may be eliminated from consideration. Information on activities that compromise victim safety and recovery or undermine offender accountability may be found in the Solicitation Companion Guide.

Out-of-Scope Activities The activities listed below are out of the program scope and will not be supported by this program’s funding. See also the list of unallowable costs in the Funding Restrictions section of this solicitation.

Research projects. Funds under this program may not be used to conduct research,1.

defined in 28 C.F.R. § 46.102 as a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. Surveys and focus groups, depending on their design and purpose, may constitute research and therefore be out-of-scope. Prohibited research does not include assessments conducted for internal improvement purposes only (see Limited Use of Funds below). For information on distinguishing between research and assessments, see the Solicitation Companion Guide.

Activities and services for children under the age of 11, except when in connection to2.

providing victim services for the parent (e.g., children of victims residing in a shelter with their abused parents). By statute, the Underserved Program is for youth and adult victims. 34 U.S.C. § 20123(a)(1). Youth means a person who is 11 to 24 years old.

34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(45).

Legal services or legal representation, except for the limited context of protection order3.

proceedings or limited immigration matters that may impact and affect the victim's ability to maintain safety.

Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiner programs.4.

Population specific services unrelated and/or not responsive to the experience of5.

domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking survivors.

Training, outreach, education, prevention, and public awareness not directly linked to6.

the specific issues faced by victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking from the targeted underserved population or how to better serve them.

Nationally or regionally focused projects. Service areas should correspond to the7.

communities accessing victim services provided by the organizations involved. Grant funds should be used to support local, community-specific strategies only, and the applicant and its project partners must be based in the project’s service area.

Hosting or presenting at national or regional conferences. Grant funds should be used8.

for activities that benefit the targeted community and service area only.

O-OVW-2021-37002

Applications that propose activities deemed to be substantially out-of-scope may receive a deduction in points during the review process or may be eliminated from consideration.

Limited Use of Funds Grantees may use up to one percent of grant award funds to assess their work for internal improvement purposes only, such as by convening a listening session to identify service gaps in the community or surveying training participants about the quality of training content and delivery. Applicants considering such assessments must refer to the OVW research decision tree in the Solicitation Companion Guide to ensure that the activity does not qualify as human subjects research. The Solicitation Companion Guide also provides additional information on federal requirements related to research, assessments, and surveys.

Activities Requiring Prior Approval Recipients must receive prior approval before using grant funds to support surveys, whether conducted as part of a program or needs assessment, or for any other purpose. Prior approval is necessary to determine whether the activity is within the scope of the award and meets the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act (see the Solicitation Companion Guide for more information).

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

Anticipated Maximum Dollar Amount of Awards $450,000.00

Period of Performance Start Date

10/1/21 12:00 AM

Period of Performance Duration (Months)

Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under Solicitation $4,500,000.00

O-OVW-2021-37002

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-applicants

Availability of Funds All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and any modifications or additional requirements that may be imposed by law. There is no guarantee that funds will be available in the future. OVW may elect to make awards in a future fiscal year for applications submitted under this solicitation but not selected for FY 2021 funding, depending on the merits of the applications and the availability of funding.

Types of Awards Awards will be made as grants.

Award Period and Amounts The award period is 36 months. Budgets must reflect 36 months of project activity, and the total “estimated funding” on the SF-424 must reflect 36 months. OVW anticipates that the award period will start on October 1, 2021.

This program typically makes awards in the range of $400,000 - $450,000. OVW estimates that it will make up to 10 awards for an estimated $4,500,000.

Awards under this program for FY 2021 will be made for up to $450,000 for the entire 36 months.

OVW has the discretion to make awards for greater or lesser amounts than requested and to negotiate the scope of work and budget with applicants prior to making an award.

Types of Applications In FY 2021, OVW will accept applications for this program from the following:

New: Applicants that have never received funding under this program or whose previous funding under this program expired on or before April 1, 2020.

Continuation: Applicants that have an existing or recently closed (after April 1, 2020) award under this program. Continuation funding is not guaranteed.

Recipients of an FY 2019 or FY 2020 award under this program are NOT eligible to apply as the lead applicant on an FY 2021 proposal.

Note: Current grantees with a substantial amount of unobligated funds remaining (50 percent or more of the previous award) as of April 1, 2021 without adequate justification may not be considered for funding or may receive a reduced award amount if selected for funding in FY 2021.

Mandatory Program Requirements Applicants that receive funding under this program will be required to engage in the following activities:

OVW-sponsored training and technical assistance (TTA).1.

OVW may conduct a program assessment or evaluation necessitating grantee2.

involvement. Therefore, recipients may be expected to dedicate some OVW-funded time and resources to participating in an assessment or evaluation.

Eligibility Information Eligible Applicants Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 20123(b), the following entities are eligible to apply for this program:

Population Specific Organizations. These are nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations1.

that primarily serve members of a specific underserved population and have demonstrated experience and expertise providing targeted services to members of that specific underserved population. 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(21).

Victim Service Providers. These are nonprofit, nongovernmental or tribal organizations2.

or rape crisis centers, including state or tribal domestic violence and/or sexual assault coalitions, that assist or advocate for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking victims, including domestic violence shelters, faith-based organizations or other organizations, with a documented history of effective work concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(43). Victim service providers must provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking as one of their primary purposes and have a demonstrated history of effective work in this field.

Sub-Type In addition to identifying as a population specific organization or victim service provider, applicants must also be one of the sub-types listed below in order to apply for this program:

Deaf programs. These are programs that are run by and for Deaf individuals. The1.

program may be a stand-alone Deaf domestic violence and/or sexual violence victim service provider, a general Deaf services nonprofit, nongovernmental organization, or a Deaf domestic violence and/or sexual violence program administratively housed in a hearing victim service provider.

LGBT organizations. These are organizations for which the primary purpose of the2.

organization as a whole is to serve LGBT individuals.

Religious minority organizations. These are organizations for which the primary3.

purpose of the organization as a whole is to serve members of a religious minority who face barriers accessing and using victim services.

Disability programs. These are disability service providers or victim service providers4.

that have received two continuation awards under the OVW Training and Services to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities Grant Program (Disability Grant Program).

Note: By statute, 34 U.S.C. § 20123(b), OVW may award Underserved Program grants to population specific organizations and victim service providers offering population specific services to “populations underserved because of geographic location, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, underserved racial and ethnic populations, [and] populations underserved because of special needs (such as language barriers, disabilities, alienage status, or age)[.]” Id. at § 12291(a)(39). In FY 2021, as in past years, OVW is limiting eligibility to a subset of underserved populations. The solicitation focuses on applicants serving four populations that are not otherwise eligible for consideration under other OVW programs that address specific underserved populations. This is intended to focus grant funds where they are most needed and to reduce the possibility of grant duplication.

Applicants must demonstrate they meet the definition for one of the applicant types and one of the sub-applicant types as outlined in the Eligible Applicant section. Stating that an organization is one of these types (“population specific organization,” “victim service provider,” “Deaf program,” “religious minority organization,” “LGBT organization,” “disability program”) will not suffice. Applicants must demonstrate how they qualify as one of the four applicant types. Failure to do so will result in removal of the application from consideration. This must be demonstrated in the Who Will Implement section of this solicitation.

Faith-Based and Community Organizations Faith Based and community organizations that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this solicitation (see “Faith-Based Organizations” on the OVW website for more information).

501(c)(3) Status Any entity that is eligible for this program based on its status as a nonprofit organization must be an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code. See 34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(16)(B)(i).

Executive Order 13929 Safe Policing for Safe Communities 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, either as a recipient or a subrecipient. 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. For detailed information on this new certification https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-applicants#Resources requirement, see Safe Policing to access the Standards for Certification on Safe Policing for Safe Communities, Implementation Fact Sheet, and List of Designated Independent Credentialing Bodies.

Ineligible Entities and Disqualifying Factors Applications submitted by ineligible entities or that do not meet all program eligibility requirements will not be considered for funding. In addition, an application deemed deficient in one or more of the following categories may not be considered for funding: 1. activities that compromise victim safety, 2. out-of-scope activities, 3. unallowable costs, 4. pre-award risk assessment, 5. completeness of application contents, and 6. timeliness. Failure to comply fully with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements (see Application and Submission section for more information on these requirements) will result in removal from consideration. An applicant with past performance issues, long-standing open audits, or an open criminal investigation also may not be considered for funding.

Note: Any nonprofit organization that holds money in offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding paying the tax described in section 511(a) of the Internal Revenue Code is not eligible for a grant from this program. See 34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(16)(B)(ii).

Cost Sharing or Matching This program has no matching or cost-sharing requirement.

Other Program Eligibility Requirements In addition to meeting the eligible entity requirements outlined above, applicants for this program must also meet the requirements below. All certification and other eligibility related documents must be current and developed in accordance with the FY 2021 solicitation.

Required Partnerships All applicants must have at least one formal project partner as described below.

Applications must document the applicant or the project partner organization has at least three years of demonstrated experience and expertise in providing direct services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This must be documented in the Who Will Implement Section.

Applicants must demonstrate the required partnership in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) submitted with the application. For a more detailed description of the MOU requirement, see the MOU section of this solicitation.

Category 1: If the applicant is a Deaf program, LGBT organization, or religious minority organization; and has at least three (3) years of demonstrated experience and expertise in providing population specific services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual https://cops.usdoj.gov/SafePolicingEO assault, and stalking in the targeted underserved community, they must have a partnership with at least one organization of any type.

Category 2: If the applicant is a Deaf program, LGBT organization, or religious minority organization; and has less than three (3) years of demonstrated experience and expertise in providing population specific services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the targeted underserved community, they must partner with a victim service provider.

Category 3: If the applicant is a disability program, the partnership must be comprised of, at a minimum, the following: (a) at least one victim services provider; and (b) at least one nonprofit, nongovernmental organization or tribal organization serving individuals with disabilities and/or Deaf individuals.

Limit on Number of Applications OVW will consider only one application per organization for the same service area. In addition, if an applicant submits multiple versions of the same application, OVW will review only the most recent system-validated version submitted before the deadline.

Application and Submission Information Address to Request Application Package The complete application package (this solicitation, including links to required forms) is available on Grants.gov and on the OVW website. Applicants wishing to request a paper copy of these materials should contact 202-307-6026 or ovw.underserved@usdoj.gov.

Pre-Application Information Session(s) OVW will conduct an optional web-based pre-application information session. During this session, OVW staff will review this program’s requirements, review the solicitation, and allow for a brief question and answer period. The session is tentatively scheduled for February 8, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. E.T.

Participation in a pre-application information session is optional and not a requirement to be eligible to apply. A recording of the webinar will be available on the OVW website.

To register, contact the Underserved Program at ovw.underserved@usdoj.gov or at 202-307-6026. Registration must be received at least three days prior to the start of the session. Participants are not registered until they receive a confirmation email. The webinar will be captioned in English and Spanish. Interested applicants needing additional language assistance should contact this program at ovw.underserved@usdoj.gov or at 202-307-6026 as soon as possible, but no later than February 1, 2021.

O-OVW-2021-37002

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/how-apply https://www.justice.gov/ovw/how-apply

Content and Form of Application Submission The information below (“ Letter of Intent” through “ Submission Dates and Times”) describes the full content and form of application submission.

Letter of Intent Applicants intending to apply for FY 2021 funding under this program are strongly encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent. The letter should state that the applicant is registered and current with SAM and with Grants.gov. The letter should be submitted to OVW at ovw.underserved@usdoj.gov by March 16, 2021. This letter will not obligate the applicant to submit an application. See the OVW website for a sample Letter of Intent.

Formatting and Technical Requirements Applications must follow the requirements below for all documents, unless otherwise noted.

Points may be deducted for applications that do not adhere to the following requirements:

Double-spaced (Data Requested with Application, Pre-Award Risk Assessment, and1.

charts may be single-spaced).

8½ x 11 inch pages.2.

One-inch margins.3.

Type no smaller than 12 point, Times New Roman (TNR) or Arial font, except for4.

footnotes, which may be in 10-point font.

Page numbers.5.

No more than 20 pages for the Proposal Narrative.6.

Word documents in the following formats: Microsoft Word (.doc), PDF files (.pdf), or7.

Text Documents (.txt).

Headings and sub-headings that correspond to the sections identified in this section of8.

the solicitation.

Application Contents Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. For a complete checklist of the application contents, see the Application Checklist in the Other Information section of this solicitation.

OVW will not contact applicants for missing items on the list below. Applications that do not include all of the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding:

Proposal Narrative.1.

Budget Detail Worksheet and Narrative.2.

Data Requested with Application.3.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).4.

(SF-424)

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) Applicants must complete the SF-424 in Grants.gov. The SF-424 is generated when the applicant begins the submission process. For “Type of Applicant,” do not select “Other.”

The amount of federal funding requested in the “Estimated Funding” section of this form must match the amount of federal funding requested in the budget section of the application package. This program does not require a match; therefore, the values for the Applicant line should be zero. The individual who is listed as “ Authorized Representative” must be an individual who has the authority to apply for and accept grant awards on behalf of the organization or jurisdiction.

Intergovernmental Review (SF-424 Question 19): This solicitation ("funding opportunity") is subject to Executive Order (E.O.) 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.

Applicants must check the Office of Management and Budget’s website for the names and addresses of state Single Points of Contact (SPOC) under Intergovernmental Review. 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, such an applicant 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 following response:

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

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) All applicants must complete and submit the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) form in Grants.gov. Applicants that expend any funds for lobbying activities must provide the information requested on the SF-LLL. Applicants that do not expend any funds for lobbying activities should enter “N/A” in the required highlighted fields.

Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) Applicants must complete this web-based form in JustGrants, which is pre-populated with the SF-424 data submitted in Grants.gov. Applicants are required to review the Standard Applicant Information and make edits as needed, confirm the Authorized Representative, verify the legal name and address, and enter the ZIP code(s) for the areas affected by the project.

Proposal Abstract The Proposal Abstract must provide a short summary (no more than two pages double-spaced) of the proposed project, including names of applicant and partners, project title, https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf purpose of the project (including goal and intended outcome), primary activities for which funds are requested, who will benefit (including geographic area to be served), products and deliverables, and how the applicant will measure progress in completing project goals and objectives. Applicants must not summarize past accomplishments in this section. The Proposal Abstract, which is to be entered into a text box in JustGrants, will not be scored but is used throughout the review process.

Proposal Narrative The Proposal Narrative may not exceed 20 pages, double-spaced, and reviewers will not read beyond this page limit. The Proposal Narrative must include the following three sections. The total point value for the proposal narrative section is 65 points. Applicants must upload the Proposal Narrative as an attachment in JustGrants.

Purpose of the Proposal (10 points)

This section must describe:

The challenge or need faced by the community and how the goal/vision for the proposal1.

will meet that need.

The community to be served, including the geographic location of the service area (e.g.,2.

City of Houston, TX, Cooke County, IL, etc.), the targeted underserved population, and relevant demographics.

The gaps in services that exist (in the proposed service area) for survivors for the3.

targeted undeserved community.

How the proposed project will complement, and not duplicate, existing services.4.

What Will Be Done (35 points)

The application must provide a clear link between the proposed activities and the need identified in the “Purpose of the Proposal” section above. The application must not include any of the activities listed as unallowable costs in the Funding Restrictions section of this solicitation.

This section must describe:

The approach to addressing the challenge or need identified in the Purpose of the1.

Proposal section above, and how that approach will meet the needs of the relevant underserved population.

Project goals, objectives, and activities. Be specific about the types of activities and2.

what they entail, including all key tasks.

Any products or materials that will be developed (if applicable), e.g., flyers, brochures,3.

videos, outreach materials, training curriculum, etc.

How the applicant plans to address any victim safety concerns that could arise from the4.

use of technology, such as confidentiality, safety planning, and informed consent.

If the applicant is not a domestic violence or sexual assault victim service provider or5.

does not have at least three years of documented history providing domestic or sexual violence specific victim services, how it will coordinate with their local domestic violence or sexual assault victim service provider project partner to guarantee services are available and the applicant will connect survivors to them.

How the applicant will measure its progress in achieving the proposal’s goal(s)/vision.6.

Identify targeted outcome(s) and describe any tool(s) the applicant will use to track those outcomes and report them to OVW. Tools may include OVW performance progress reports and logic model templates (both available at VAWA Measuring Effectiveness Initiative).

How the applicant will move to project sustainability; continuation applicants must7.

provide specific details.

How the proposed project will reach each population identified in the Purpose of the8.

Proposal section.

How the proposed project will be accessible to individuals with disabilities, individuals9.

who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and persons with limited English proficiency.

Who Will Implement the Proposal (20 points)

This section must:

Identify the key individuals and organizations, including project partners, involved in the1.

proposed project.

Demonstrate that the individuals and organizations identified have the capacity to2.

address the stated need and can successfully implement the proposed project activities;

attach job descriptions of all key personnel. This includes describing the experience of all key grant-funded positions, not just the directors of each organization. Indicate if proposing to hire new positions.

Demonstrate the applicant meets the definition of an eligible sub-applicant type (Deaf3.

program, LGBT organization, religious minority organization, or disability program) by, at minimum, describing the history, staff, mission and types of services provided by the organization, including how the applicant primarily focuses on the identified underserved population.

Demonstrate the applicant or MOU partner has the required three years of experience4.

and expertise in providing direct victim services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking by at minimum, describing:

The types of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking victim services currently provided by the organization.

The number of years they have been providing these victim services.

The number of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking were served over the last three years.

How providing these services fit in with the rest of the work of the organization.

O-OVW-2021-37002

https://www.vawamei.org/tools-resource/resources-available/ https://www.vawamei.org/tools-resource/resources-available/

In addition:

5. Applications that include direct services must demonstrate how the individuals who will provide those services have/will have the necessary experience and expertise for working with survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

6. Applications that include delivering training or developing materials must demonstrate how the individuals delivering that training or developing those materials have/will have an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking and the targeted underserved community.

Budget and Associated Documentation Applicants must complete the web-based form in JustGrants for the budget worksheet and budget narrative. Applicants also must upload the applicable associated documentation as described below under each heading. The budget worksheet and budget narrative are worth a total of 15 points and will be reviewed separately from the proposal narrative. The associated documentation will not be scored, but failure to include it may result in removal from consideration or a delay in access to funding.

Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (Web-based Form) Complete the budget worksheet and narrative form for all applicable cost categories. The budget narrative must describe each line item requested in the budget and explain all costs included in the budget, including how the costs of goods and services are determined and how they will fulfill the objectives of the project. See the sample budget and the Creating a Budget webinar available on the OVW website at OVW website. Keep in mind that budgetary requirements vary among programs. Applicants must submit reasonable budgets based on the resources needed to implement their projects in their specific geographic location.

Award Period and Amount Applicants should carefully consider the resources needed to implement the project and present a realistic budget that accurately reflects the costs involved for a 36-month budget and not exceed $450,000.

The budget must:

Display a clear link between the specific project activities and the proposed budget1.

items. The budget should not contain items that are not supported by the proposal narrative.

Include position descriptions of personnel that correspond to the activities and scope of2.

work described throughout the rest of the application (project narrative and MOU).

Include funds to attend OVW-sponsored TTA in the amount of $15,000 for applicants3.

located in the 48 contiguous states and $20,000 for applicants located in the territories, Hawaii, and Alaska. This amount is for the entire 36-month period and NOT per year.

Applicants also may budget expenses in excess of the required amount if they are aware of relevant non-OVW sponsored conferences or training for which they would like permission to use grant funds to support staff/project partner attendance.

For applicants that serve more than victims of domestic violence, dating violence,4.

sexual assault and stalking in the targeted underserved population should not include operational costs for services that cannot be prorated, i.e. hotlines.

Include funds or describe other resources available to the applicant to ensure access for5.

individuals with disabilities, Deaf/hard of hearing individuals, and persons with limited English proficiency. See Accessibility under Federal Award Administration Information for more information.

Compensate all project partners for their full level of effort, unless otherwise stated in6.

the MOU. For more information on compensating project partners, see the sample Budget Detail Worksheet on the OVW website.

Distinguish clearly between subawards and contracts in allocating any grant funds to7.

other entities. Pursuant to 2 C.F.R. § 200.331, a subaward is for the purpose of carrying out a portion of the federal award, such as compensating an MOU partner, and a contract is for the purpose of obtaining goods and services for the grantee’s own use.

The substance of the relationship is more important than the form of the agreement in determining whether the recipient of the pass-through funds is a subrecipient or a contractor. The awarding and monitoring of contracts must follow the recipient’s documented procurement procedures, including full and open competition, pursuant to the procurement standards and monitoring requirements in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317-200.329. The issuance and monitoring of subawards must meet the requirements of 2 C.F.R. § 200.332, which includes oversight of subrecipient/partner spending and monitoring performance measures and outcomes attributable to grant funds. For more information, see the sample Budget Detail Worksheet and the Solicitation Companion Guide on the OVW website.

OVW awards are governed by the provisions of 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and the DOJ Financial Guide, which include information on allowable costs, methods of payment, audit requirements, accounting systems, and financial records. For additional information on allowable and unallowable costs, see the Funding Restrictions section below and the sample budget on the OVW website.

Funding Restrictions The following information is provided to allow applicants to develop an application and budget consistent with program requirements.

Unallowable Costs The costs associated with the activities listed below are unallowable and must not be included in applicants’ budgets.

Lobbying.1.

Fundraising.2.

Purchase of real property.3.

Physical modifications to buildings, including minor renovations (such as painting or4.

O-OVW-2021-37002

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-applicants https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-applicants https://www.justice.gov/ovw/file/1030311/download https://www.justice.gov/ovw/file/1030311/download carpeting).

Construction.5.

Food and Beverage/Costs for Refreshments and Meals Generally, food and beverage costs are not allowable. Recipients must receive prior approval to use grant funds to provide a working meal and/or refreshments at a meeting, conference, training, or other event; OVW may provide such approval if one of the following applies:

The location of the event is not in close proximity to food establishments, despite efforts1.

to secure a location near reasonably priced and accessible commercial food establishments.

Not serving food will significantly lengthen the day or necessitate extending the meeting2.

to achieve meeting outcomes.

A special presentation at a conference requires a plenary address where there is no3.

other time for food to be obtained.

Other extenuating circumstances necessitate the provision of food.4.

Justification for an exception listed above must be included in the applicant’s budget narrative. For additional information on restrictions on food and beverage expenditures, see OVW conference cost planning.

Conference Planning and Expenditure Limitations Applicants’ budgets must be consistent with all requirements (including specific cost limits and prior approval and reporting requirements, where applicable) governing the use of federal funds for expenses related to conferences (which is defined to include meetings, retreats, seminars, symposiums, training, and other similar events), and costs of attendance at such events. Information on conference planning, minimization of costs, and conference reporting is available at OVW conference cost planning.

Pre-Agreement Cost OVW generally does not allow pre-award costs. Costs incurred prior to the start date of the award may not be charged to the project unless the recipient receives prior approval from OVW. See the DOJ Financial Guide for more information on pre-award costs.

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) Applicants that intend to charge indirect costs through the use of a negotiated indirect cost rate must have a current, signed, federally-approved indirect cost rate agreement and must upload and attach a copy of the agreement to their application in JustGrants. Applicants (other than state, local, and tribal governments) that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional), rate may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs, which may be used indefinitely. State, local, and tribal governments that have never negotiated an indirect cost rate with the federal government and receive less than $35 million in direct federal funding per year also may choose to use the 10% de minimis rate.

O-OVW-2021-37002

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/conference-planning https://www.justice.gov/ovw/conference-planning

Organizations that wish to negotiate an indirect cost rate should contact OVW’s Grants Financial Management Division at OVW.GFMD@usdoj.gov or 1-888-514-8556 for more information.

Financial Management Questionnaire (including applicant disclosure of high-risk status) Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable) All nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that apply for funding from OVW and have not previously (or within the last three years) received funding from OVW must complete an Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire and attach it to their application in JustGrants. In addition, applicants may be required to submit their current year’s audit report at a later time.

Pre-Award Risk Assessment Each applicant must respond to the questions below in a document uploaded and attached to its application in JustGrants. Do not submit responses from a prior fiscal year without updating them to be responsive to all questions listed below. This information will be used for a mandatory pre-award risk assessment. Failure to provide this information or to respond to questions from OVW regarding this information in a timely manner could result in the application being removed from consideration or a delay in access to funds. Provide complete responses that address all questions included for each numbered item. This document should be no more than four pages and may be single or double-spaced.

Will all funds awarded under this program be maintained in a manner that they will be1.

accounted for separately and distinctly from other sources of revenue/funding? Provide a brief description of the applicant’s policies and procedures that ensure funds will be tracked appropriately.

Does the applicant have written accounting policies and procedures? How often are2.

these policies and procedures updated? Provide a brief list of the topics covered in the applicant’s policies and procedures. OVW may request a copy for review during the application/award process or as part of the grant monitoring process.

Is the applicant’s financial management system able to track actual expenditures and3.

outlays with budgeted amounts for each grant or subgrant? Provide a brief summary of the organization’s process for tracking expenditures, including tracking budgeted versus actual amounts.

Does the applicant have procedures in place for minimizing the time between transfer of4.

funds from the United States Treasury and disbursement for project activities? Provide a short summary of the applicant’s policy for requesting payments for grant awards.

Does the applicant have effective internal controls in place to ensure that federal funds5.

are used solely for authorized purposes? Provide a brief description of the applicant’s internal controls that will provide reasonable assurance that the award funds will be managed properly.

Does the applicant have a documented records retention policy? If so, briefly describe6.

the policy and confirm that the policy complies with federal regulations. Information on

O-OVW-2021-37002

mailto:OVW.GFMD@usdoj.gov mailto:OVW.GFMD@usdoj.gov mailto:OVW.GFMD@usdoj.gov https://www.justice.gov/ovw/file/866126/download https://www.justice.gov/ovw/file/866126/download https://www.justice.gov/ovw/file/866126/download

Record Retention and Access can be found at 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.334-200.338.

Does the applicant or any of its employees have any…