PKG00265044-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 Sexual Assault Services Culturally

Specific Program

Solicitation Assistance Listing Number # 16.023

Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-OVW-2021-36005

Solicitation Release Date: January 15, 2021 5:00 PM

Version: 1

Grants.gov Deadline: March 01, 2021 11:59 PM

Application JustGrants Deadline: March 16, 2021 11:59 PM

Eligible Applicants:

Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Other

Other Eligible applicants are limited to: private nonprofit organizations for which the primary purpose of the organization as a whole is to provide culturally specific services to American Indians (including Alaska Natives, Eskimos, and Aleuts), Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, Blacks, or Hispanics in the United States or U.S. territories. For more information, see the Eligibility Information section of this solicitation.

O-OVW-2021-36005

Letter of Intent Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent to OVW.SASP.Cultural@usdoj.gov by March 1, 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 two optional web-based Pre-Application Information Sessions. 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.SASP.Cultural@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 1, 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

O-OVW-2021-36005

mailto:OVW.SASP.Cultural@usdoj.gov mailto:OVW.SASP.Cultural@usdoj.gov mailto:OVW.JustGrantsSupport@usdoj.gov.

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

Contents

Contact Information Program Description

Overview of OVW Statutory Authority About this OVW Program Program Scope Purpose 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 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 . 29 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 . 37

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. § 12511(c)

About this OVW Program This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 12511(c). The Sexual Assault Services Culturally Specific Program (SAS Culturally Specific Program) (CFDA# 16.023) supports nonprofit organizations that focus primarily on culturally specific communities and have experience in the area of sexual assault or who partner with an organization having such expertise. The goal of the SAS Culturally Specific Program is to establish, maintain, and expand sustainable, culturally appropriate services that address the unique needs and challenges of victims of sexual assault from culturally specific communities. 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 Solicitation Companion Guide, and the conditions of the award.

Purpose Areas Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12511(c), funds under this program must be used to support the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of culturally specific intervention and related

O-OVW-2021-36005

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 https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-applicants assistance for victims of sexual assault.

Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12511(b)(2)(C), such intervention and related assistance may include:

24-hour hotline services providing crisis intervention services and referral.1.

Accompaniment and advocacy through medical, criminal justice, and social support2.

systems, including medical facilities, police, and court proceedings.

Crisis intervention, short-term individual and group support services, and3.

comprehensive service coordination and supervision to assist sexual assault victims and family or household members.

Information and referral to assist the sexual assault victim and family or household4.

members.

Community-based, culturally specific services and support mechanisms, including5.

outreach activities for underserved communities.

Development and distribution of materials on issues related to the services described6.

above.

Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(7), “culturally specific services” means community-based services that include culturally relevant and linguistically specific services and resources to culturally specific communities.

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 focused on prevention efforts and public education (e.g., bystander2.

intervention, social norms campaigns, presentations on healthy relationships).

Criminal justice-related projects, including law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and3.

forensic interviews.

Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Examiner programs.4.

Sexual Assault Response Team coordination.5.

Providing training to allied professionals and the community (e.g., law enforcement,6.

child protection services, prosecution, or other community-based organizations).

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 three 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 $300,000.00

Period of Performance Start Date

O-OVW-2021-36005

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

10/1/21 12:00 AM

Period of Performance Duration (Months)

Anticipated Total Amount to be Awarded Under Solicitation $3,750,000.00

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 $280,000-$300,000. OVW estimates that it will make up to 12 awards for an estimated $3,750,000.

Awards under this program for FY 2021 will be made for up to $300,000 for the entire 36.

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 March 16, 2020.

Continuation: Applicants that have an existing or recently closed (after March 16, 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 or as a partner/subrecipient on an FY 2021 proposal. Likewise, an organization that is a partner/subrecipient on an FY 2019 or FY 2020 award is not eligible to apply as the lead applicant or as a partner/subrecipient 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 March 31, 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.

The provision of sexual assault victim services to non- intimate partner sexual assault3.

victims. Applications proposing projects to serve only victims of intimate partner sexual assault will be removed from further funding consideration.

Eligibility Information Eligible Applicants Eligible entities for the SAS Culturally Specific Program are private nonprofit organizations for which the primary purpose of the organization as a whole is to provide culturally specific services to one or more of the following racial and ethnic communities:

1) American Indians (including Alaska Natives, Eskimos, and Aleuts); 2) Asian Americans; 3) Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders; 4) Blacks; and 5) Hispanics. See 34 U.S.C. §§ 12511(c)(2), 12291(a)(6), and 42 U.S.C. § 300u-6(g)(1).

Note: If an organization has a culturally specific division (for example, a sexual assault organization with a division that focuses on Hispanic victims), the organization is not eligible because providing culturally specific services is not the primary purpose of the organization as a whole.

Additionally, the applicant must meet the following statutory requirements (34 U.S.C. § 12511(c)(2)):

Have documented organizational experience in the area of sexual assault intervention1.

or have entered into a formal partnership with an organization having such expertise.

Have expertise in the development of community-based, linguistically and culturally2.

specific outreach and intervention services relevant for the specific communities to which assistance would be provided or have the capacity to link to existing services in the community tailored to the needs of culturally specific populations.

Have an advisory board or steering committee and staffing which is reflective of the3.

culturally specific community. Note: To determine whether the applicant meets this requirement, OVW will consider whether the advisory board or steering committee and staff include members with knowledge or experience relevant to the community. If federal funds are used for filling any of these positions, recipients may consider a job applicant’s knowledge or experience relevant to the community, as well as language skills needed to work with a particular population; however, recipients may not consider a person’s race and/or ethnicity as a basis for hiring decisions.

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).

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.

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

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

In order to meet the statutory eligibility requirements in 34 U.S.C. § 12511(c)(2), all applicants must fall within one of the following partnership categories :

Category I – a) The applicant is a culturally specific organization AND b) the applicant1.

agency has a demonstrated history of providing sexual assault victim services, beyond intimate partner sexual assault, for a minimum of three years. No partnership is required.

Category II – a) The applicant is a culturally specific organization and will be partnering2.

with another culturally specific organization(s) that would otherwise be eligible to apply independently under the SAS Culturally Specific Program AND b) either the applicant or its partner(s) has a demonstrated history of providing sexual assault victim services, beyond intimate partner sexual assault, for a minimum of three years.

Category III – The applicant is a culturally specific organization with less than three3.

years of experience providing sexual assault victim services beyond intimate partner sexual assault. The applicant will be partnering with an organization with a demonstrated history of providing sexual assault victim services that is otherwise NOT eligible to apply independently under the SAS Culturally Specific Program. In such a case, partner compensation is limited to $30,000 for the three-year award period. The partner must use these funds to provide technical assistance on sexual assault and related victim services to the applicant.

Partnership Category

Applicant is a Culturally Specific Organization

Sexual Assault Victim Services Experience

Partner Organization

Category I Yes Minimum of 3 years. None required.

Category II Yes Minimum of 3 years

– held by either applicant or partner.

Another culturally specific organization. No cap on partner compensation.

Category III Yes Applicant has less than 3 years; partner has minimum of 3 years.

Non-culturally specific organization that provides sexual assault victim services.

Compensation capped at $30,000.

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 and OVW.SASP.Cultural@usdoj.gov.

Pre-Application Information Sessions OVW will conduct two optional web-based pre-application information sessions. During these sessions, OVW staff will review this program’s requirements, review the solicitation, and allow for a brief question and answer period. These sessions are tentatively scheduled for:

Tuesday, February 9, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. E.T.1.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. E.T.2.

Participation in a pre-application information session is optional and not a requirement to be eligible to apply.

To register, contact the SAS Culturally Specific Program at OVW.SASP.Cultural@usdoj.gov or at 202-307-6026. Registration must be received at least 1 day prior to the start of the session. Participants are not registered until they receive a confirmation email. Webinars will https://www.justice.gov/ovw/how-apply be captioned in English and Spanish. Interested applicants needing additional language assistance should contact this program at OVW.SASP.Cultural@usdoj.gov or at 202-307-6026 as soon as possible, but no later than February 2, 2021.

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.SASP.Cultural@usdoj.gov by March 1, 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) or Memorandum of Exemption (MOE).4.

Information to Complete the Application for Federal Assistance

(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-https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SPOC-4-13-20.pdf spaced) of the proposed project, including names of applicant and partners, project title, 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 be scored. The total point value for the Proposal Abstract is 5 points.

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 60 points. Applicants must upload the Proposal Narrative as an attachment in JustGrants.

Purpose of the Proposal (20 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 communities to be served, including the geographic location and the culturally2.

specific populations in the service area, and any available, relevant victimization rates.

The problem of sexual assault within the community described above (use local3.

statistics or narrative accounts whenever possible).

The current availability of sexual assault victim services in the community (from4.

mainstream organizations as well as other culturally specific organizations) and the proximity of those services to the applicant and culturally specific population.

The gaps in current services and how the culturally specific population is currently5.

underserved.

The barriers individuals from the identified culturally specific group who are victims of6.

sexual assault experience while attempting to seek and access services.

The need for the project. The need must directly relate to the culturally specific7.

population to be served.

How the culturally specific population would benefit from the project, including how the8.

project activities will address the identified gaps.

What Will Be Done (20 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.

How the applicant will measure its progress in achieving the proposal’s goal(s)/vision.2.

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 must3.

provide specific details.

The project’s goals and objectives, detailing the proposed activities to:4.

Meet the needs of the identified culturally specific population.a.

Provide direct intervention and related assistance for sexual assault victims andb.

their family or household members, including 24-hour hotline services; assistance and advocacy through medical, criminal justice, and social support systems; crisis intervention, short-term individual and group support services, and comprehensive service coordination and supervision; information and referral; and community-based, culturally specific services and support mechanisms, including outreach activities. Applicants must propose to provide these core services.

Applicants may propose to provide additional, comprehensive services that go beyond addressing the immediate needs of victims and their families and support long-term healing.

A tentative time line for the implementation of the proposed activities.5.

Whether the project will focus on a specific age range in the delivery of services to6.

sexual assault victims (e.g., child and youth victims of sexual assault, adult victims, or sexual assault across the lifespan).

The victims to be served (e.g., adults abused as children, child and youth victims,7.

adults sexually assaulted by those other than an intimate partner such as a stranger, neighbor, family member, coworker, community leader, or clergy/spiritual leader).

Current activities that address victim safety and recovery. 8.

A plan to address victim safety and recovery in the proposed project.9.

How the various services provided reflect and respond to the culturally specific10.

community served and the needs of victims from that community.

How the project will address the victimization rates identified in the Purpose of the11.

Proposal section.

How the proposed project will reach each culturally specific population identified in the12.

Purpose of the Proposal section.

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;

O-OVW-2021-36005

https://www.vawamei.org/tools-resource/resources-available/ https://www.vawamei.org/tools-resource/resources-available/ attach job descriptions of all key personnel.

Describe the mission and the range of services provided by the applicant.3.

Detail the overall experience and expertise of the applicant.4.

Detail how the applicant primarily focuses on the identified culturally specific community.5.

Detail the applicant’s expertise in developing community-based, linguistically and6.

culturally specific services for the identified community(ies) to be served. If the applicant does not have this expertise, provide in detail the applicant’s capacity to link to existing services in the community tailored to the needs of the identified culturally specific population.

Clearly state whether the applicant has the required expertise providing sexual assault7.

services along with a brief description of that expertise. If the applicant organization does not have this expertise, identify the partnering organization with the required expertise and describe that expertise. NOTE: additional details about the level and range of organizational sexual assault expertise will be required in the MOU and MOE section of this solicitation.

Describe how the organization’s advisory board or steering committee members and8.

staff are reflective of the identified culturally specific community through their knowledge or experience relevant to the community.

Detail the expertise of the advisory board or steering committee as it relates to9.

addressing sexual assault in the identified culturally specific community.

Detail the experience and expertise of key personnel who will be directly involved with10.

the project, including job responsibilities of any new hires. Information provided must directly address whether such experience/expertise includes providing sexual assault services and to what extent this experience extends beyond intimate partner sexual assault.

If applicable, detail the experience and expertise of key personnel of any project11.

partners. Information provided should directly address whether such experience/expertise includes providing sexual assault services and to what extent this experience extends beyond intimate partner sexual assault.

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

The grant award period is 36 months. Budgets must reflect 36 months of project activity.1.

Awards for FY 2021 will be made for up to $300,000. Proposed budgets should not2.

exceed this amount.

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 funds to attend OVW-sponsored TTA in the amount of $10,000 for applicants2.

located in the 48 contiguous states and $12,000 for applicants located in the territories, Hawaii, and Alaska. This amount is for the entire 36 months 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.

Include funds or describe other resources available to the applicant to ensure access for3.

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 in4.

the MOU. If a Category III partnership, the MOU partner compensation is limited to $30,000 for the three-year award period. These funds should be used to provide technical assistance on sexual assault and related victim services to the applicant. 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 to5.

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.

O-OVW-2021-36005

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

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.

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.

O-OVW-2021-36005

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/file/1030311/download https://www.justice.gov/ovw/file/1030311/download https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-applicants https://www.justice.gov/ovw/conference-planning https://www.justice.gov/ovw/conference-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.

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

O-OVW-2021-36005

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/file/1030311/download 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 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 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 potential personal or7.

organizational conflicts of interest related to the possible receipt of OVW award funds?

Applicants are required to disclose in writing any potential conflicts of interest to their awarding agency. See 2 C.F.R. § 200.112 and Chapter 3.20, Grant Fraud, Waste and Abuse, of the DOJ Financial Guide for additional information.

Is the individual primarily responsible for fiscal and administrative oversight of grant8.

awards familiar with the applicable grants management rules, principles, and regulations including the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 C.F.R. Part 200)? Provide a short list of the individual’s qualifications/experience. If the individual is not familiar with the applicable rules and regulations, the applicant must contact OVW’s Grants Financial Management Division at OVW.GFMD@usdoj.gov or 1-888-514-8556 immediately after the applicant is notified of its award to coordinate training.

Does the applicant have policies and procedures in place to manage subawards and9.

monitor activities of subrecipients as necessary to ensure that subawards are used for authorized purposes, in compliance with laws, regulations, and terms and conditions of the award, and that established subaward performance goals are achieved (2 C.F.R. §§ 200.331-200.333)? Provide a brief description of the organization’s policies and procedures on subrecipient management and monitoring.

Does the applicant currently require employees to maintain time distribution records that10.

accurately reflect the work performed on specific activities or cost objectives in order to support the distribution of employees’ salaries among federal awards or other activities (2 C.F.R. § 200.430)? Budget estimates do not qualify as support for charges to federal awards. Provide a brief description of the organization’s established timekeeping policies and procedures.

O-OVW-2021-36005

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/file/1030311/download mailto:OVW.GFMD@usdoj.gov

Is the applicant designated as high risk by a federal agency outside of DOJ? (“High11.

risk” includes any status under which a federal awarding agency provides additional oversight due to the applicant entity’s past performance, or other programmatic or financial concerns with the applicant entity.) If so, provide the names(s) of the federal awarding agency, the date(s) the agency notified the applicant entity of the high risk designation, contact information for the high risk point of contact at the federal agency, and the reason for the high risk status, as set out by the federal agency.

Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation An applicant that is a nonprofit organization may be required to make certain disclosures relating to the processes it uses to determine the compensation of its officers, directors, trustees, and key employees and must upload and attach a document with these disclosures to its application in JustGrants.

Under certain circumstances, a nonprofit organization that provides unreasonably high compensation to certain persons may subject both the organization’s managers and those who receive the compensation to additional federal taxes.