2026 Request for Applications (RFA) for

STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program

Kathy Hochul, Governor

Rossana Rosado, Commissioner

Key Dates and Notices

RFA Release Date Wednesday, June 3 ,2026 Application Due Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST

Estimated Total Program Funding $7,850,000 Anticipated Number of Awards Approximately 120

Deadline for Final Submission of Questions Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Response to Questions Posted on or about Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Notification of Award(s) on or about Thursday, October 1, 2026 Anticipated Contract Start Date January 1, 2027

* Funding provided by the Federal Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

STOP (Services, Training, Officers, and Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program

Request For Application (RFA) Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION

II. PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS – GUIDELINES – VENDOR SELECTION

III. FUNDING, APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY AND CONTRACT TERM

IV. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

V. EVALUATION AND SELECTION OF APPLICATIONS

VI. REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS QUESTIONS

VII. NOTIFICATION OF AWARDS

VIII. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

IX. ADMINISTRATION OF CONTRACTS

X. APPLICATION SUBMISSION AND REQUIREMENTS

XI. APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Appendices

Statewide Financial System (SFS) Registration

SFS Prequalification Requirement Culturally Specific Community-based Organizations Standardized Work Plan for Function Areas.

Attachments required in SFS – Please note these are a Tier 1 requirement. See Page 19.

Sexual Harassment Prevention Certification – All applicants are required to upload a completed Sexual Harassment Prevention Certification form to their SFS bid event application.

The PDF download is available on our website. Please note: SFS is unable to upload fillable PDF forms. After completing the form, please print to PDF before uploading.

Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Applicants) – A letter from the President or CEO or designee of the hospital in which they are providing services stating that the hospital is aware and supportive of the program.

https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ofpa/pdfdocs/sexual_harassment_prevention_policy_training_cert.pdf

I. INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL INFORMATION

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) seeks applications to fund Services Training Officers and Prosecutors (S.T.O.P.) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. Approximately $7.85 million is expected to be available for awards.

DCJS enhances public safety by providing resources and services that inform decision making and improve the quality of the criminal justice system. DCJS is a multi-function criminal justice support agency with a variety of responsibilities, including collection and analysis of statewide crime data;

operation of the DNA databank and criminal fingerprint files; administration of federal and state criminal justice funds; and the identification and funding of programs that reduce crime, recidivism, and victimization.

DCJS is committed to funding programs that improve New York’s public safety and the effectiveness of New York's justice system. Applications will be rated and selected for funding consistent with the best interest of the state. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate in their response to this solicitation how their application supports New York’s commitment to public safety.

The goal for STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Formula Grants Program is to support communities in their efforts to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies, to combat violent crimes against women, and to develop and strengthen services to victims of crime and survivors.

Applicants are expected to have a thorough understanding of the enabling Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) statute and related legislation, including the ‘Violence Against Women reauthorization Act of 2022, before applying under this RFA. In addition to the program eligibility requirements stated in the Act, the Department of Justice has issued guidelines to implement the STOP funds. Please refer to the STOP Frequently Asked Questions.

DCJS recognizes that effective evidence-based strategies available to the criminal justice system to combat sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking crimes continue to evolve.

Some of the most successful efforts have been developed by local communities. For example, National Institute of Justice (NIJ) studies have found that Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs and multidisciplinary Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART):

• Enhance the quality of health care for women who have been sexually assaulted.

• Improve the quality of forensic evidence.

• Increase law enforcement's ability to collect information, file charges and refer to prosecution.

• Increased prosecution rates over time.

While innovative responses are important, DCJS encourages applications for projects and programs that:

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/page/file/1008816/dl?inline=

• Retain core services for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking with specific support for rape crisis centers and domestic violence programs.

• Increase support for sexual assault, including victim services, law enforcement response and prosecution.

• Increase support for underserved populations, particularly communities of color and support for immigrant populations, in a culturally responsive manner, with a special emphasis on African American, Tribal, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, (LGBTQIA+) communities.

• Provide culturally specific services and training to underserved communities based on factors such as race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

• Provide both basic and advanced training to tribal law enforcement and tribal courts regarding services for victims in tribal communities.

• Increase, or enhance and build upon, the use of promising innovation or evidence-building practices, where available such as Coordinated Community Response (CCR), and DCJS’ Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE) initiative, and other collaborative efforts.

Local communities should seek to carry out all strategies by forging lasting partnerships between victim/survivor advocacy organizations and the criminal justice system, and by looking beyond traditional resources. This involves developing new and expanded partnerships with community-based organizations to respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking crimes. Partnerships are encouraged with organizations that specialize in advocacy on behalf of unserved and underserved populations.

Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate in their response to this solicitation how their application supports New York’s commitment to provide a holistic response to criminal justice issues, especially those involving the provision of vital services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. Applicants may wish to refer to the New York State Gender-Based Violence Dashboard to avail of a resource that may support their application. Applicants are also encouraged to consider providing services consistent with the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence’s Three Pillars that are deemed essential to use as a lens when responding to gender-based violence:

• Survivor-Centered.

• Trauma-Informed.

• Culturally Responsive.

https://opdv.ny.gov/initiatives https://opdv.ny.gov/initiatives https://opdv.ny.gov/opdvs-three-pillars

Please Note:

1. Applications must be received by the submission deadline online via the Statewide Financial System (SFS). Applicants who are not registered to access SFS will need to obtain user access to respond to this Solicitation.

• Please see Appendix: Statewide Financial System (SFS) Registration.

2. Questions regarding this RFA must be emailed to dcjsfunding@dcjs.ny.gov. Responses to the questions will be posted on the DCJS website on or about the date indicated on the Key Dates and Notices table above. If the applicant has any general questions such as, “Did DCJS receive my e-mail?” please call (518) 457-9787. Please note that DCJS cannot answer substantive questions concerning this solicitation in any manner other than the e-mail method. This is to ensure equity in the application process and that all applicants have access to the same information. For any technical questions or assistance regarding SFS please contact the SFS Help Desk at (518) 457-7717 or (855) 233-8363 (toll free) or helpdesk@sfs.ny.gov

3. Applicants will be advised of award decisions via a letter of notification, which will be emailed to the address provided by applicants in SFS. Where applicable, applicants not receiving an award will receive notification via email to the contact email provided in SFS. A debriefing is available to any entity that applied in response to this solicitation who is not successful in receiving an award (See Section: Notification of Awards). Unless otherwise modified by DCJS, the anticipated contract period for this grant opportunity will be for 12 months, with a tentative start date of January 1, 2027.

4. Prequalification – To be considered for an award, not-for-profit (NFP) applicants must be Prequalified prior to the RFA submission deadline. Please see Appendix: SFS Prequalification Requirement

5. Unless otherwise modified by DCJS, the contract period for this grant opportunity will be one

(1) year from January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027, subject to available funding. Please note that it is DCJS’ intention to provide the successful grantee with an award, each calendar year, for a period of 5 years. Each year will have its own separate and distinct contract.

6. New York State has a website that may be a helpful resource to not-for-profits offering information and assistance to new nonprofits, nonprofits yet to be registered, and nonprofits with active state contracts.

7. There will be no match requirement imposed on applicants receiving STOP awards through each contract term resulting from this solicitation.

8. Applicants must meet a federal requirement related to determinations of suitability to interact with participating minors. Pursuant to federal special conditions, DCJS is required to ensure that a determination of suitability is completed, in advance, for any covered individual(s) who https://esupplier.sfs.ny.gov/psc/fscm/SUPPLIER/ERP/c/NUI_FRAMEWORK.PT_LANDINGPAGE.GBL?& https://esupplier.sfs.ny.gov/psc/fscm/SUPPLIER/ERP/c/NUI_FRAMEWORK.PT_LANDINGPAGE.GBL?& mailto:dcjsfunding@dcjs.ny.gov http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ofpa/index.htm mailto:helpdesk@sfs.ny.gov https://www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-state-nonprofit-unit may interact with participating minors. If any individual in a program is funded either fully or partially with federal awards, and may interact with minors, a determination of suitability must be conducted and documented. DCJS considers a “covered individual who may interact with participating minors,” one whose job it is to do so, or one whose job could reasonably expect to have even incidental interaction with participating minors. The details of this requirement are posted on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) website:

• Determination of Suitability Award Condition

As an applicant of grant funding originating from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), all applicants will need to have internal policies and/or protocols used to determine the suitability of individuals to interact with participating minors, to be determined an eligible applicant.

II. PROCUREMENT REQUIREMENTS – GUIDELINES – VENDOR SELECTION

Procurement Guidelines:

Please ensure that the proper procurement guidelines are followed when procuring vendors. It is necessary to ensure that all documentation about how a vendor(s) has been procured and justification for reasonableness of cost is maintained and can be provided to DCJS staff upon request. Please see retention requirements in the Records section. Failure to comply with procurement guidelines may result in disallowance of costs, voucher rejections, and/or termination of contract(s).

Please note, any and all vendors/subcontractors must have all the necessary licenses, approvals, and certifications currently required by the laws of any applicable local, state, or Federal government to perform the services or work, as applicable.

Not For Profits:

If the Grantee is eligible to purchase an item or service from a government contract (such as a New York State Office of General Services (OGS) contract) or is able to purchase such item or service elsewhere at a lower than or equal price, they do not need to follow the below procurement guidelines, but instead, if purchasing off an OGS contract, grantees must follow the OGS How-to- Use-Guidelines linked below.

Please see the following Helpful Resources information.

Purchases up to $5,000 https://www.justice.gov/ovw/award-condition-determination-suitability-required-advance-certain-individuals-who-may-interact

• Grantee may purchase any single piece of equipment, single service or multiples of each, that cost up to $5,000 at their discretion.

Purchases between $5,000-$50,000

• Grantee must first obtain at least 3 written quotes on the vendor's stationery prior to the purchase. Please note that emailed quotes or quotes received electronically are sufficient as long as it is clear from which vendor it originated and includes sufficient detail.

• For purchases over $25,000 DCJS recommends, but does not require, that quotes be solicited via an advertisement or soliciting a large group of appropriate vendors/contractors to demonstrate appropriate market rate.

• Grantee must maintain a record of the quotes obtained.

Purchases over $50,000

• Grantee must utilize a competitive bidding process.

Competitive Bidding Procurement Process (must include):

• Open and fair solicitation of the opportunity to provide services.

• Information provided equally to all interested parties.

• Solicitation lists reasonable deadlines for interested applicants.

• A methodology for evaluating bids must be consistently applied to all applicants.

• A justification for which bid was selected must be recorded to justify the selection.

• Maintenance of a record of the competitive procurement process for audit purposes.

Any grantee who proposes to purchase from a vendor without competitive bidding, above the $50,000 threshold, or who believes they have a justification for not following the processes detailed above for purchases under $50,000, must obtain the prior written approval of DCJS in the form of an approved Single/Sole Source Authorization Form.

https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ofpa/pdfdocs/Sole%20or%20Single%20Source%20Exemption%20Request%20Form_.pdf

• The circumstances leading to the selection of the vendor/contractor, including the alternatives considered and the rationale for selecting the specific vendor/contractor, must be included in the single/sole request. It must also include the method for determining the reasonableness of cost.

• Proof of reasonableness of cost must be documented. An example of this would be to obtain price quotes from other vendors or contracts from the selected vendor within the past two years.

• Ensure selected vendor(s) are qualified (licensed and/or certified where applicable) consistent with New York State contractual requirements.

• Please note that the burden for justification falls on the grantee and approval is not guaranteed.

III. FUNDING, APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY AND CONTRACT TERM

A. Funding and Award Guidelines

DCJS expects that approximately $7.85 million will be made available per year to support approximately 120 projects.

DCJS expects to make approximately 120 local awards using the funding specified on the face sheet of this solicitation.

Thanks to the DCJS partnership with, and the efforts of, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, there will be no match requirement imposed on applicants receiving STOP awards through this solicitation. Please see Section V(9) of this solicitation for more information.

All STOP agreements, awards, and contracts are subject to the availability of funds. Funding is not guaranteed. Modifications or additional requirements may be imposed during the award and/or contract period.

Non-Supplanting

All funding must support program-related expenses incurred during the contract period.

Funding under this program must supplement, not supplant, non-grant funds that would otherwise be available for expenditure on the programs proposed.

Funding Caps

To maximize support of local programs, maximum annual award amounts (or “funding caps”) will be imposed by program type as follows:

• $130,000 – Statewide Initiatives and Programs.

• $75,000 – All other projects, regardless of jurisdiction. DCJS reserves the right to adjust final award amounts and the budgets of successful applicants as detailed in Section IV.

Evaluation and Selection of Applications.

• Exempt - Statewide Prevention Efforts are federally mandated set-asides, and as such, applications for this program type are excluded from the funding caps for awards under this RFA.

Allocation Categories

STOP Formula awards will be distributed according to the following mandatory federal allocation categories. VAWA/Victim Services staff at DCJS will assign allocation categories to applications during the review process, ranking applications from highest to lowest score within each category:

• 30% Victim Services – Statutorily defined in VAWA as “…services provided to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including telephonic or web-based hotlines, legal advocacy, economic advocacy, emergency and transitional shelter, accompaniment and advocacy through medical, civil or criminal justice, immigration, and social support systems, crisis intervention, short-term individual and group support services, information, and referrals, culturally specific services, population specific services, and other related supportive services.”

• 25% Law enforcement.

• 25% Prosecution.

• 15% Discretionary.

• 5% State and Local Courts – DCJS will meet this federal allocation requirement separate from this RFA.

Funding Priorities and Set-Asides

DCJS has established the following ranking of priorities for STOP Formula allocations. Where there are established set-asides or award allocation thresholds it is outlined directly after this list. DCJS’ goal is to meet each established set asides, before proceeding to the next priority category in the order listed below.

1. Native American Set-aside.

2. Culturally-Specific Community-Based Set-aside.

3. Sexual Assault Services Set-aside.

4. Prevention Set-aside.

5. Statewide Initiatives.

6. Victim Service Providers.

7. Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Programs. Only DOH-Certified SAFE programs may apply

8. Government Entities.

Native American Set-aside

New York State is setting aside up to five (5) awards of up to $75,000 each for qualified applications submitted by Native American Tribes and Organizations on Reservations.

Allocation categories will be determined by DCJS based on the nature of each program application. Note: Funds not distributed under this set-aside will be eligible for awards to other qualified applicants regardless of affiliation with Native American Tribes and Organizations on Reservations.

Culturally Specific Community Based Organizations Set-aside

Under VAWA, 10% of the Victim Services allocation category must fund Culturally Specific Community Based Organizations. See Appendix: Culturally Specific Community-based Organizations for more information. DCJS is setting aside up to ten (10) awards of up to $75,000 each for qualified applications. Funds not distributed under this set-aside will be eligible for awards to other qualified applicants under the Victim Services allocation category.

Sexual Assault Set-aside

Additionally, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 mandated that states must set-aside 20% of the total STOP funds for programs or projects in 2 or more of the mandatory allocation categories (victim services, courts, law enforcement, and prosecution) that meaningfully address sexual assault, including stranger rape, acquaintance rape, alcohol or drug-facilitated rape, and rape within the context of an intimate partner relationship. Note:

The 20% set-aside for sexual assault is calculated from the total amount granted to the state;

however, it is not a distinct allocation.

Prevention Set-aside

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 also allows states to award up to 5% of their total STOP award for prevention initiatives under the Discretionary allocation category. New York State is electing to establish this set-aside as a coordinated statewide initiative.

B. Applicant Eligibility Requirements

Category 1 – Victim Service Providers

a. Domestic violence service providers – These organizations must be licensed and/or approved by NYS Office of Children and Family Services.

b. Rape crisis programs – These organizations must be certified by the NYS Department of Health.

Category 2 – Native American Tribes and Organizations on Reservations

Native American tribes and organizations on reservations are defined as any tribe, band, nation, or other organized group or community, which is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States or New York State to Native Americans because of their status as Native Americans. A reservation is defined as a tract of land set-aside for use of, and occupancy by, Native Americans. This category may include tribal governments, tribal service organizations and tribal coalitions. Designation of particular funding allocations under this category will depend on the activities and services detailed in the application.

Category 3 – Government Entities

Criminal justice agencies – This includes local police departments, sheriff’s offices, prosecutor’s offices, county corrections departments, and county probation departments in New York State. Examples of eligible services include, but are not limited to:

a. Prosecutor-based victim services such as victim-witness programs, victim notification programs, and assisting with victim impact statements for court.

b. Corrections-based services such as victim notification, restitution, advocacy.

c. Police-based programs such as victim crisis units, victim advocates, victim registration and notification, and cellular phone or alarm services for domestic violence victims.

d. Probation activities and measures, such as special investigation and supervision https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/domestic-violence/providers.php https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/sexual_violence/rscvpp_providers.htm https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/sexual_violence/rscvpp_providers.htm caseloads, or implementation of specialized policies, procedures, and training.

Category 4 – Other Programs and Services

a. Not-for-profit service providers – This includes not-for-profit associations, institutes, coalitions, and other such organizations with a demonstrated history of delivering advocacy, services, training, or technical assistance regarding sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and/or stalking that:

• Promote safety, confidentiality, self-determination and economic independence of victims/survivors; and/or

• Improve criminal justice/legal system and institutional responses and practices that hold persons who did harm, or justice involved individuals accountable

b. Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Staffing Programs – Only entities providing certified sexual assault forensic examiners to New York State Department of Health (DOH) SAFE-designated hospitals may apply. Such applicants must submit a letter from the President or CEO of the hospital in which they are providing services stating that the hospital is aware and supportive of the program.

c. Hospitals and emergency medical facilities – Only DOH SAFE-Designated Hospitals may apply. Eligible services include crisis counseling, support groups, and/or other types of victim services. Note: DCJS may only award STOP funds to a medical facility for the purpose of performing sexual assault medical forensic exam on sexual assault victims if

(1) the examination meets the standards established by the state; and (2) appropriate crisis counseling and/or other type of community-based victim services are offered to the victim in conjunction with the examination.

d. SAFE Training Programs – Only DOH-certified SAFE training programs may apply.

Category 5 – State Coalitions

a. New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault

b. New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

C. Contract Term

DCJS is providing single-year grant award agreements, unless otherwise modified by DCJS, for a term of one (1) year, effective January 1, 2027, to December 31, 2027. Applications should include a budget for the 12-month period of the agreement. The budget submitted must be for a one-year period.

Please note:

• Successful applicants for this solicitation may be eligible for future STOP awards via a closed-competitive solicitation process subject to the availability of funds.

Funding is not guaranteed. Modifications or additional requirements may be imposed during the award and/or contract period.

• It is DCJS’ intention to provide the successful grantee with an award, each calendar year, for a period of 5 years. Each year will have a separate and distinct contract. Please note that award amounts may vary each year based on available federal funding.

IV. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Please note the below purpose areas and priorities may change year-to-year over the 5-year cycle of awards based on federal guidance. Any changes will be communicated to all successful applicants.

A. STOP Program Purpose Areas

The federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and its amendments have defined STOP program purpose areas for grantees. All awarded programs must address one or more of the following federal statutory purpose areas in their application:

1. Training law enforcement officers, judges, other court personnel, and prosecutors to more effectively identify and respond to violent crimes against women, including the crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, including the use of nonimmigrant status under subparagraphs (T) and (U) of section 1101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. §1101(a)(15).

2. Developing, training, or expanding units of law enforcement officers, judges, other court personnel and prosecutors specifically targeting violent crimes against women including the crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

3. Developing and implementing more effective police, court, and prosecution policies, protocols, orders, and services specifically devoted to preventing, identifying, and responding to violent crimes against women including the crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, as well as the appropriate treatment of victims ; including implementation of the grant conditions in section 40002(b) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b)).

4. Developing, installing, or expanding data collection and communication systems, including computerized systems, linking police, prosecutors, and courts or for the purpose of identifying, classifying, and tracking arrests, protection orders, violations https://www.justice.gov/ovw/media/1400476/dl?inline of protection orders, prosecutions, and convictions for violent crimes against women, including the crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

5. Developing, enlarging, or strengthening victim services and legal assistance programs, including sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence programs, developing or improving delivery of victim services to underserved populations, providing specialized domestic violence court advocates in courts where a significant number of protection orders are granted, and increasing reporting and reducing attrition rates for cases involving violent crimes against women, including crimes of sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and domestic violence.

6. Developing, enlarging, or strengthening programs addressing the needs and circumstances of Indian tribes in dealing with violent crimes against women, including the crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

7. Supporting formal and informal statewide, multidisciplinary efforts, to the extent not supported by State funds, to coordinate the response of state law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, victim services agencies, and other state agencies and departments, to violent crimes against women, including the crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

8. Training of sexual assault forensic medical personnel examiners in the collection and preservation of evidence, analysis, prevention, and providing expert testimony and treatment of trauma related to sexual assault.

9. Developing, enlarging, or strengthening programs to assist law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and others to address the needs and circumstances of individuals 50 years of age and over, individuals with disabilities, and Deaf individuals who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of such violence or assault and targeting outreach and support, counseling, legal assistance and other victim services to such individuals.

10. Providing assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in immigration matters.

11. Maintaining core victim services and criminal justice initiatives, while supporting complementary new initiatives and emergency services for victims and their families.

12. Developing and promoting state, local, or tribal legislation and policies that enhance best practices for responding to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

13. Developing, implementing, or enhancing Sexual Assault Response Teams, or other similar coordinated community responses to sexual assault.

14. Developing and strengthening policies, protocols, best practices, and training for law enforcement agencies and prosecutors relating to the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases and the appropriate treatment of victims.

15. Developing, enlarging or strengthening programs addressing sexual assault against men, women, and youth in correctional or detention settings.

16. Identifying and conducting inventories of backlogs of sexual assault evidence collection kits and developing protocols and policies for responding to and addressing such backlogs, including protocols and policies for notifying and involving victims.

17. Developing, enlarging, or strengthening programs and projects to provide services and responses to male and female victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, whose ability to access traditional services and responses is affected by their sexual orientation or gender identity, as defined in as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 249(c).

18. Developing, enhancing, or strengthening prevention and educational programming to address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or female genital mutilation or cutting with not more than 5 percent of the amount allocated to a state to be used for this purpose. Note: Only category 5 (State Coalitions) applicants may address this purpose area.

19. Developing, enhancing, or strengthening programs and projects to improve evidence collection methods for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including through funding for technology that better detects bruising and injuries across skin tones and related training.

20. Developing, enlarging, or strengthening culturally specific victim services programs to provide culturally specific victim services and responses to female genital mutilation or cutting.

21. Providing victim advocates in state or local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, and courts to provide supportive services and advocacy to Indian victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

22. Paying any fees charged by any governmental authority for furnishing a victim or the child of a victim with any of the following documents:

A. A birth certificate or passport of the individual as required by law.

B. An identification card issued to the individual by a state or Tribe, that shows that the individual is a resident of the state or a member of the Tribe.

B. New York State Priorities

New York State is committed to supporting programs that meet the needs of all victims of crime and survivors, especially underserved populations. According to the Violence Against Women Act (34 U.S.C. § 12291, “underserved populations” are defined as follows:

• “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, populations underserved because of special needs (such as language barriers, disabilities, alienage status, or age), and any other population determined to be underserved by the Attorney General or by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, as appropriate.”

All applicants are required to include underserved populations in all service provision, training, outreach, collaboration and system improvement activities.

C. Potential Initiatives and Activities

The following non-exhaustive list provides examples of the types of programs and projects which may be supported with STOP funds:

• Programs that meet the needs of Underserved Populations.

• Victim Service Programs

• Medical and Forensic care – Only DOH SAFE-Designated Hospitals may apply.

• Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Training. Only DOH-Certified SAFE Training programs may apply.

• Coordinated Community Response Initiatives for Multi-Disciplinary Teams.

o Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART).

o Domestic Abuse Response Teams (DART).

o Domestic Violence High Risk Team (DVHRT).

• System Training for Reponses to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence Dating Violence, and Stalking.

• Services and Response Protocols for Victims of Human Sex Trafficking.

• Victim Advocate Co-Location Programs.

o Probation.

o Law Enforcement.

o Prosecutors.

o Courts.

• Specialized Caseload/Unit and Training.

o Probation.

o Law Enforcement.

o Prosecutors.

D. Unallowable Costs and Out-of-Scope Activities

The activities listed below are out of the program scope and will not be funded pursuant to OVW Fiscal Year 2025 STOP Formula Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (pg. 12). This list is subject to change during the RFA term. Any out-of-scope activities cannot be included in an application, or subsequent contract should an application receive an award.

1. Research projects. Funds under this program may not be used to conduct research, defined by 28 C.F.R. § 46.102(d) as a systematic investigation designed to develop or contribute to generalizable knowledge. However, assessments conducted for internal improvement purposes only may be allowable. For information on distinguishing between research and assessments, see the Application Companion Guide .

2. Promoting or facilitating the violation of federal immigration law.

3. Inculcating or promoting gender ideology as defined in Executive Order 14168, Defending

Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.

4. Promoting or facilitating discriminatory programs or ideology, including illegal DEI and

“diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility” programs that do not advance the policy of equal dignity and respect, as described in Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity. This prohibition is not intended to interfere with any of OVW’s statutory obligations, such as funding for HBCUs, culturally specific services, and disability programs.

5. Activities that frame domestic violence or sexual assault as systemic social justice issues rather than criminal offenses (e.g. prioritizing criminal justice reform or social justice theories over victim safety and offender accountability).

https://www.justice.gov/ovw/fy-2025-application-companion-guide https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-02090.pdf https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/31/2025-02097/ending-illegal-discrimination-and-restoring-merit-based-opportunity

6. Generic community engagement or economic development without a clear link to violence prevention, victim safety, or offender accountability.

7. Programs that discourage collaboration with law enforcement or oppose or limit the role of police, prosecutors, or immigration enforcement in addressing violence against women.

8. Awareness campaigns or media that do not lead to tangible improvements in prevention, victim safety, or offender accountability.

9. Initiatives that prioritize illegal aliens over U.S. citizens and legal residents in receiving victim services and support.

10. Excessive funding for consulting fees, training, administrative costs, or other expenses not related to measurable violence prevention, victim support, and offender accountability.

11. Any activity or program that unlawfully violates an Executive Order.

12. Activities addressing human trafficking unrelated to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

13. Activities addressing Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) unrelated to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Other Unallowable Costs

Grant funds under this program may not be used for the following:

1. Lobbying, except with explicit statutory authorization.

2. Fundraising.

3. Purchase of real property.

4. Physical modifications to buildings, including minor renovations (such as painting or carpeting).

5. Construction.

V. EVALUATION AND SELECTION OF APPLICATIONS

Tier I Evaluation – Threshold Pass/Fail

The Tier I Evaluation assesses whether applications satisfy minimum “pass/fail” criteria for funding. All applications will be initially screened by DCJS, or other reviewers assigned by DCJS to determine their completeness using the following criteria:

• Application was received by the published deadline.

• Applicant is eligible as defined by this solicitation.

• Applicant is an eligible, Prequalified entity in the New York Statewide Financial

System, at the time of application submission. Information on Prequalifying can be found in the Appendix: SFS Prequalification Requirement.

o This Prequalification requirement applies only to not-for-profit applicants.

• Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace Attestation o State Finance Law §139-m(1)(a) "By submission of this bid, each bidder and each person signing on behalf of any bidder certifies, and in the case of a joint bid each party thereto certifies as to its own organization, under penalty of perjury, that the bidder has and has implemented a written policy addressing gender-based violence and the workplace and has provided such policy to all of its employees, directors and board members. Such policy shall, at a minimum, meet the requirements of subdivision 11 of section five hundred seventy-five of the executive law."

• To pass Tier I, the submitted application shall include:

o Answers to all questions as presented in this RFA. Questions must be answered in SFS.

o Budget detail and justification provided in SFS itemizing and justifying operating expenses in support of the program.

o The following attachments and documents:

Sexual Harassment Prevention Certification – All applicants are required to upload a completed Sexual Harassment Prevention Certification form to their SFS bid event application. The PDF download is available on our website. Please note: SFS is unable to upload fillable PDF forms. After completing the form, please print to PDF before uploading.

Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE Applicants) – A letter from the

President, or CEO or designee of the hospital in which they are providing services stating that the hospital is aware and supportive of the program.

https://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/ofpa/pdfdocs/sexual_harassment_prevention_policy_training_cert.pdf

Tier I Evaluation criteria will receive pass/fail ratings. Any application that does not meet each of these conditions may be subject to disqualification from further review. DCJS may, at their discretion, request additional information from an applicant as deemed necessary.

If sufficient funding is available to fund all eligible applicants that pass Tier I evaluation, DCJS reserves the right to forego further evaluation and provide eligible applicants with awards contingent upon successful negotiation of budget items during contract development.

Tier II Evaluation – Evaluation and Scoring

DCJS or other reviewers assigned by DCJS will evaluate applications that successfully pass the Tier I Evaluation. If further evaluation is deemed necessary or appropriate, a standard rating tool will be used to score responses to questions provided in the application (see Questions section for additional information). The maximum application score based upon responses to the questions will be 100 points. Each response will be scored, and all scores will be totaled resulting in an overall score. The final score will be determined by averaging the reviewers’ overall scores for each application. DCJS reserves the right to apply a minimum application score of 70 points to be eligible for funding. Each application will be evaluated by a team of two separate reviewers. The final score will be determined by averaging Team Reviewers’ overall scores for each application. DCJS may, at its discretion, request additional information from an applicant as deemed necessary. An applicant’s final score shall be the average of the two evaluators, unless the initial two scores are considered “disparate,” which shall be defined as a point difference of fifteen or more points in total score. When the two initial scores are considered “disparate”, a third evaluator will be assigned. When a third evaluator is assigned due to disparate scores, the two closest scores in numeric value will be added and averaged to obtain the final average score. If the additional reviewer’s score is equal to the average of the two original scores, the additional reviewer’s score will become the final score. In the event of a tie score where both applicants cannot be selected, preference will be given to the application with the higher average score for:

• Question #3 Identification of Needs; then

• Question #7 Collaboration sub-scores; and then

• Question #5 Experience and Organizational Capacity.

Tier III Evaluation

The Tier III Evaluation will be conducted by designated DCJS executive staff. During the Tier III Evaluation, applicants shall be selected for funding and award amounts shall be determined by federally mandated allocation categories, state funding priorities, and set-asides as described in Section III. A. Funding of this RFA. Additional consideration will include some or all of the following: Tier II Evaluation scoring and comments, strategic priorities, available funding, and best overall value to New York State.

Final award decisions will be made by DCJS in accordance with the best interests of the State.

Nothing herein requires DCJS to approve funding for any applicant.

The DCJS Commissioner, or their designee, will make final decisions regarding approval and individual award amounts based on the quality of each submission, the recommendations of the reviewers, specific criteria set forth in this solicitation and, where applicable, geographic balance and comparative crime and/or risk level.

VI. REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS QUESTIONS

Applicants must respond to the questions below, as instructed, within SFS.

Responses to the following questions will be scored as indicated and are the basis for Tier II Evaluation funding recommendations. Note: The aggregate scoring value assigned to all questions equals a maximum possible score of 100 points. All questions, including sub-sections and those which have no point value, must be answered.

Please note the character limits in SFS before composing answers to these questions. Please note:

SFS is unable to upload fillable PDF forms. After completing the form, please print to PDF before uploading.

1. Question #1 – Indicate the percent of the focus for the funded project: (0 points)

Please provide your best estimate as it relates to the below activity categories. This should directly reflect the programmatic nature of your application and the associated funding requested. This must total 100%.

• Sexual Assault ____%

• Domestic Violence ____%

• Dating Violence ____%

• Stalking ____%

• Total Project ____%

2. Question #2 – Please refer to the STOP Program Purpose Area(s) information earlier in this RFA and indicate by number which purpose area(s) your organization is planning to address. (0 points)

3. Question #3 – Problem Statement and Identified Needs - (30 points)

• Identify gaps in service using evidence-based data and provide examples of current problems that illustrate the need for services.

• Explain how this grant funding would enable your organization to provide new services or to continue and/or enhance existing services. Applicants must clearly demonstrate that without the requested funding, items outlined in the proposed budget could not otherwise be supported or obtained.

• Describe how funds will be used to increase the applicant's ability to enhance the safety and healing of victims/survivors or hold persons who caused harm or justice involved individuals accountable for the crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

• Describe how underserved populations are identified and included in all service provision plans.

4. Question #4 – Project Summary – Briefly describe the funded project. (10 points)

Please refer to the Standard Work Plans and Reporting Information for Function Area(s) in responding to the following bullets.

• Describe how this project will address the gap in services and/or need for services described in the problem statement.

• Describe the services and activities to be undertaken with grant dollars, where they will take place and who will be served.

• Describe how services and activities will be implemented over the course of the contract.

• Describe the evaluation process that will be used to measure effectiveness of the program.

5. Question #5 – Experience and Organizational Capacity – (25 points)

• Describe your organization's record of providing direct services to victims and survivors of crime, or holding persons who did harm or justice involved individuals, accountable for crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

• Identify the population(s) served and explain the scope of services provided.

• Explain your organization/agency’s qualifications, expertise and experience in providing the proposed services and activities.

6. Question #6 – Work Plan -- (0 points)

Work plans are comprised of the project goals, objectives, tasks, and performance measures. All work plans will be standardized as follows:

• Standard Goal: To utilize federal fiscal year (FFY) 2026 Services-Training-Officers- Prosecutors (STOP) Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funds to support communities in efforts to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women.

• Please review Standard Work Plans for Function Area(s) in the Appendices and identify from the following list which Function Area(s) your proposed program will provide. The applicable work plan(s) will be included in contracts during contract development if applicant is selected for an award. DO NOT ENTER THE WORKPLAN AS PART OF

YOUR APPLICATION IN SFS. IF AWARDED THE WORKPLAN WILL BE ENTERED

DURING THE CONTRACT PROCESS.

• Enter the function area(s) the Applicant proposes to address.

a. Training

b. Education

c. Coordinated Community Response

d. Policies and Legislation

e. Products

f. Data Collection and Communications Systems

g. Specialized Units

h. System Improvement

i. Victim Services

j. Legal Services

k. Law Enforcement

l. Prosecution

m. Probation

7. Question #7 – Collaboration – (15 points)

Collaboration among victim service providers, law enforcement and prosecutors is essential to ensure the maximization of service delivery and achievement of STOP program goal.

• Describe how your organization will promote collaboration and coordination with other community organizations that will support public and private efforts to assist victims and/or hold persons who did harm, or justice involved individuals accountable as required by STOP.

• Please describe any current collaborative efforts to address these crimes.

8. Question #8 -- Culturally Specific Community Based Organizations – (0 points)

Programs that wish to be considered for funding under this category must answer the following Culturally Specific Community-based Organization questions in SFS as part of their application.

• Is this application being submitted by a Culturally Specific Community-based Organization as defined in Appendix: Culturally Specific Community-based Organization of the RFA? Yes or No

• If yes, please submit responses that address the following:

o Targeted service population size and description.

o Briefly describe expertise in delivering services tailored to unique needs of targeted service population.

o Describe how specialized culturally specific program services will…