Q&A for OFOP001459_Justice Systems_Armenia.pdf

Questions and Answers for Advancing Criminal Justice System Reforms in Armenia

OFOP0001459

Question 1:

In relation to Goal #2, Objective 3, in how many penitentiary institutions does INL envision the project will establish electronic communication platforms?

INL Response:

Electronic communication platforms will be established at the two penitentiary facilities.

Question 2:

In relation to Goal #3, Objective 2, will the project focus only on the judges’ use of probation officers’ written advisory opinions to make decisions on early conditional release of prisoners, or is the judges’ use of those reports in determining sentences also an issue that INL seeks to address?

INL Response:

Both probation officers and judges should improve their skills in preparing and reviewing the written advisory opinions.

Question 3:

In relation to Goal #4, Objective 3, does INL envision the “train the trainer” program as part of a specific thematic training (e.g., pre-trial measures of restriction, early conditional release, human rights standards, anti-corruption, etc.) or would it be a more general training on adult pedagogy that can then be applied by the trainees to any topic?

INL Response:

Within the scope of Objective 3 of the Goal #4, the selected and vetted number of judges, prosecutors, and investigators will take “train the trainer” course focused on early conditional release and human rights standards.

Question 4:

Appendix C (Budget and Budget Narrative) states under Consultant Fees and Contracts, that "fees and honorarium should not exceed $720/day per person, effective January 1, 2023." Given that the current Senior Executive Service (SES) rate for 2024 issued by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management is $784.62/day, would INL consider raising the rate to this level?

INL Response:

Yes, this rate is authorized. Per the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) salary table No. 2024-ES, the new salary cap for federal agencies is now $204,000, which equates to a maximum daily rate of $784.62.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/24Tables/exec/html/ES.aspx

Question 5:

Does INL anticipate that successful applicants will include all 4 goals and 13 objectives listed in the NOFO, or are applicants able to submit a proposal focused on a subset of the listed Goals/Objectives (i.e.

a single goal)?

INL Response:

All goals, objectives and activities listed under the NOFO should be addressed by the proposals.

Question 6:

With regard to Goal 1, Objective 1, is INL’s expectation that a program deliverable will be that National Assembly both passes and enacts legislation to establish a victim and witness protection system within the timeframe of the proposed program? Or is the applicant expected to propose a project in support of that longer term goal?

INL Response:

The applicant should propose the action plan on creating and implementing processes and procedures for handling victims and witnesses in the Armenian criminal justice system and fully support Armenian stakeholders in drafting and passing the relevant legislation. (see more details in NOFO)

Question 7:

What kind of electronic communication platform does INL envision under Goal 2 Objective 3? Access to laptops/email? Access to telephone or conference calls? Provision of computers to the penitentiary?

INL Response:

INL has previously established electronic communication platform between the Office of the Public Defender and Armavir penitentiary institution. The applicant will establish the similar platform at the two more penitentiary facilities.

Question 8:

Can INL confirm that the Cover Page, Table of Contents and Executive Summary are all included in the 12 page limit for the Proposal Narrative?

INL Response:

Yes, those are included.

Question 9:

May applicants use a smaller font than Calibri 12 point for tables, charts and graphs included in the Proposal Narrative (for example 10 point)?

INL Response:

No, please follow point number 3. Document Formatting on page 16 in the NOFO.