Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout20241061.tiffRESOLUTION RE: APPROVE CERTIFICATION LETTERS IN SUPPORT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM ADVOCATE (SAVA) CENTER 2024 IMPROVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSE (ICJR) PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION AND AUTHORIZE CHAIR PRO-TEM TO SIGN WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, on the 30th day of April, 2024, the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) Center deemed it advisable to electronically submit a Federal Assistance Standard Form (SF -424) and Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Form (SF-LLL) for Post -Conviction Services and continuation of their Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Program, and WHEREAS, on the 2nd day of May, 2024, the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) Center desires to electronically submit the 2024 Improve Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program Grant Application, and WHEREAS, the Board has been presented with Certification Letters in Support of the 2024 Improve Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program Grant Application Submittal from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office, in partnership with the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) Center, to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women (OVW), commencing upon full execution of signatures, with further terms and conditions being as stated in said letters, and WHEREAS, after review, the Board deems it advisable to approve said letters, copies of which are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that the Certification Letters in Support of the 2024 Improve Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program Grant Application Submittal from the County of Weld, State of Colorado, by and through the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, on behalf of the 19th Judicial District Attorney's Office, in partnership with the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) Center, to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women (OVW), be, and hereby are, approved. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Board that the Chair Pro-Tem be, and hereby is, authorized to sign said letters. CC :DA (PAR), c(gg),BoCL(KF),gGT(cp/cv),SAvA(Ao) 2024-1061 oS/o 1/.24 DA0028 CERTIFICATION LETTERS IN SUPPORT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT VICTIM ADVOCATE (SAVA) CENTER 2024 IMPROVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSE (ICJR) PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION PAGE 2 The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 1st day of May, A.D., 2024. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WELD COUNTY, COLORADO ATTEST: daitiL Weld County Clerk to the Board BY Uuth Deputy Clerk to the Board VED County •�:rneyl g 174 Date of signature:5 EXCUSED KevioD. Ross, Chk064a erry L nB k, Pro-Tem Mike Freeman CUSED ott K. James r � on Saine 2024-1061 DA0028 OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PHONE: 970-400-4200 FAX: 970-336-7233 1150 O STREET P.O. BOX 758 GREELEY, CO 80632 May 1, 2024 Director Office on Violence Against Women 145 N Street, NE Suite 10 W.121 Washington, DC 20530 RE: Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program Certification of Eligibility Dear Director: As Chair Pro -Tern of the Weld County Board of Commissioners, I certify that: 1. The laws or official policies of the 19th Judicial District: a. encourage arrests of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking offenders based on probable cause that an offense has been committed; b. encourage arrests of offenders who violate the terms of a valid and outstanding protection order; 2. The laws, policies, or practices and the training programs of the 19th Judicial District discourage dual arrests of offender and victim. 3. The laws, policies, or practices of the 19th Judicial District prohibit issuance of mutual restraining orders of protection except in cases where both parties file a claim and the court makes detailed findings of fact indicating that both parties acted primarily as aggressors and that neither party acted primarily in self-defense. 4. The laws, policies, and practices of the 19th Judicial District do not require, in connection with the prosecution of any misdemeanor or felony domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking offense, or in connection with the filing, issuance, registration, modification, enforcement, dismissal, or service of a protection order, or a petition for a protection order, to protect a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, that the victim bear the costs associated with the filing of criminal charges against the offender, or the costs associated with the filing, issuance, registration, modification, enforcement, dismissal or service of a warrant, protection order, petition for a protection order, or witness subpoena, whether issued inside or outside the state, tribal, or local jurisdiction. 5. The laws, policies or practices of the 19th Judicial District ensure that: a. no law enforcement officer, prosecuting officer or other government official shall ask or require an adult, youth, or child victim of a sex offense as defined under federal, tribal, state, territorial, or local law to submit to a polygraph examination or other truth telling device as a condition for proceeding with the investigation of, trial of, or sentencing for such an offense; and b. the refusal of a victim to submit to an examination described in subparagraph (a) shall not prevent the investigation of, trial of, or sentencing for the offense. Sincerely, Perry L. Buck Pro-Tem, Weld County Board of Commissioners OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PHONE: 970-400-4200 FAX: 970-336-7233 1150 O STREET P.O. BOX 758 GREELEY, CO 80632 May 1, 2024 Director Office on Violence Against Women 145 N Street, NE Suite 10 W.121 Washington, DC 20530 RE: Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program Certification of Eligibility Prosecution Certification of Eligibility (COE #2 of 3) Dear Director: As Chair Pro-Tem of the Weld County Board of Commissioners, I certify that Weld County is currently and fully in compliance with 34 U.S.C. 10461(c)(1)(F) and that the laws, policies, and practices of the 19th Judicial District ensure that prosecutor's offices engage in planning, developing, and implementing: a. Training developed by experts in the field regarding victim -centered approaches in domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking cases. b. Policies that support a victim -centered approach, informed by such training. c. A protocol outlining alternative practices and procedures for material witness petitions and bench warrants, consistent with best practices, that shall be exhausted before employing material witness petitions and bench warrants to obtain victim -witness testimony in the investigation, prosecution, and trial of a crime related to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking of the victim in order to prevent further victimization and trauma to the victim. Sincerely, Perry L. Buck Pro-Tem, Weld County Board of Commissioners OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PHONE: 970-400-4200 FAX: 970-336-7233 1150 O STREET P.O. BOX 758 GREELEY, CO 80632 May 1, 2024 Director Office on Violence Against Women 145 N Street, NE Suite 10 W.121 Washington, DC 20530 RE: Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program Certification of Eligibility Minor Certification of Eligibility Dear Director: As Chair Pro-Tem of the Weld County Board of Commissioners, I certify that the laws, policies, and practices of the 19th Judicial District prohibit the prosecution of a minor under the age of 18 with respect to prostitution. Sincerely, Vaice% Perry L. Buck Pro-Tem, Weld County Board of Commissioners Purpose of the Proposal (20 points) The Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) Center is a rape crisis center in northern Colorado serving all those who have been impacted by sexual violence. Although SAVA does not focus on one specific marginalized group, we work to understand how the intersection of identities can impact a victim's experience and to honor those experiences through a trauma and client focused approach. The SAVA Center seeks to fulfill Purpose Area 18, to develop, implement, or enhance Sexual Assault Response Teams or similar coordinated community responses to sexual assault. SAVA also asks to be considered for Priority Area 3, as SAVA explicitly serves victims of sexual violence (including non -intimate partner sexual assault). SAVA and our committed partners hope to development and review sexual assault programming for victims of sexual violence including non -intimate partner sexual assault that are either incarcerated and/or are in post - conviction status. SAVA plans to build capacity and service enhancement for those individuals that are involved in the criminal justice system as incarcerated individuals that have encountered sexual violence per the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and for those that are facing post -conviction navigation in their cases. Both of these identified victim populations are underserved by both the criminal justice system and often community -based support services. The SAVA Center serves Larimer and Weld County which are located in the Northern part of Colorado covering 6,657 square miles. Larimer County is the smaller of the two counties but has a dense population of 370,771, as of July 1, 2023 with the largest and most populated city being Fort Collins. Weld County had a population of 359,442 as of July 1, 2023, with the most populated city being Greeley. The population contrast between Larimer and Weld County shows that both counties have a majority of white identifying citizens, Larimer (80.9%) and Weld (63.4%). Although both have a majority of white residents, Weld County does have a higher rate of diversity with 31% identifying as Hispanic, 2.1% Asian, 1.9% Black or African American, 1.7% American Indian or Alaskan Native, .2% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and 2.5% identifying 2 or more races. Larimer's diversity breakdown includes, 12.7% Hispanic, 2.5% Asian, 1.3% Black or African American, 1.2% American Indian or Native Alaskan, .1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander and 3% of those identifying 2 or more races. 19.2% of Weld County's population speak a language other than English in the home while only 8.7% of Larimer's population speak something other than English (U.S. Census). Weld County has a younger population overall with 13% of the population being over 65 and 31.9% being under 18 compared to the 17.5% of 65 and older residents in Larimer County and 22.4% under 18. Larimer County supports approximately 18,991 veterans while Weld County comprises 17,469 veterans. Larimer County also supports a highly educated population with 96.3% having at least a high school diploma and 50.9% have at least a bachelor's degree. 88.3% of Weld County's population have at least a high school diploma and 30.7% have completed at least a bachelor's degree (2020 Census). This grant proposal seeks to provide a glimpse of what incarcerated or justice involved victims encounter as they navigate how to access support services through PREA and to shine a light on the barriers and challenges victims face after their perpetrator is convicted or adjudicated and subsequently sentenced for a sexual offense. Victims in both of these situations are working within a system that can often cause more harm than good. According to the Qualitative Study of Sexual Assault Suvivors' Post -Assault Legal System Experiences, "Survivors who report to police and involve themselves in the criminal justice system are often met with negative social reactions such as blame, disbelief, or feeling stigmatized and regard this experience as negative or unhelpful, which is termed "secondary victimization." "Secondary victimization refers to insensitive, victim -blaming treatment, and negative victim experiences at various stages of the legal process that often result in greater feelings of trauma" (Lorenz, K., Kirkner,A., Ullman, S.2019). As an agency that has been serving victims of sexual violence for over 20 years, the SAVA team is no stranger to supporting victims that have been harmed by the legal process. Over the course of the last decade or more, the need for more specialized services within victim services has become apparent. Victims that are assaulted while incarcerated need an advocate that understands their unique circumstances and can navigate support and care within the confinement facility to ensure victims rights are being upheld. Similarly, there is a gap in advocacy services and victims' access to information and support after a conviction has occurred. Violence, especially sexual violence is one of the most serious public health issues in America today with consequences including serious physical injury, post -traumatic stress syndrome, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and other long-term health problems. The impact of sexual violence permeates into the community through loss of worker productivity, changes in family functionality, lowered academic achievement in youth and young adults, high incarceration rates, and stress on the criminal justice and welfare systems. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) reports that an estimated 734,630 people were raped (including threatened, attempted, or completed) in the U.S. in 2018, and these are only the incidents reported. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), in 2019, in Colorado, there were 105 sexual assault victimizations per 100,000 persons; the rate was 4 times higher for juveniles (264.5) than for adults (59.4). The Bureau of Justice Statistics June 2021 report titled, Sexual Victimizations Reported by Adult Correctional Authorities, said that "Correctional administrators reported 27,826 allegations of sexual victimization in 2018, a 14% increase from the 25,514 reported in 2015." This same report shared that of the allegations of sexual victimization about 45% were perpetrated by other inmates while 55% were perpetrated by correction staff and that, "among the 1,673 substantiated incidents, about 58% were perpetrated by other inmates and 42% by staff." There were also 9,861 allegations of sexual harassment reported by correctional administrators and 1,199 were substantiated. (Buehler E. 2021) There was also an increase in sexual victimization allegations in juvenile correctional facilities. In a report titled, "Sexual Victimizations Reported by Juvenile Justice Authorities," Juvenile Justice administrations reported that in 2018, there were 2,467 allegations of sexual victimization, an 89% increase from the 1,306 reported in 2013. From 2013-2016, state juvenile systems saw an increase in allegations of sexual victimization of 117% while local and private facilities saw an increase of 115%. For juveniles involved in the corrections system the trend continuous to be concerning with a 32% increase in allegations in state systems and of the 12,060 allegations youth made from 2013 to 2018, 52% were allegedly perpetrated by staff and only 321 were substantiated (Maruschak L., & Buehler E. 2021) The consequences of sexual violence can be both short and long term and victims are at an increased risk for developing depression, PTSD, substance use disorders and anxiety (Mental Health America). Violence committed against youth can have long lasting, negative effects on physical health, mental well-being, and lifetime opportunities. Reactions to sexual violence are different for each survivor and can range from emotional reactions such as shame, guilt, fear, sadness, lack of control, disbelief, and denial. Reactions can also be psychological and physical like having nightmares or flashbacks, dissociation, anxiety, and substance use or abuse (NSVRC 2018). While victims of sexual violence face a variety of responses to their trauma, those that are assaulted while incarcerated may face a continuous threat of further violence and abuse. Incarcerated victims may suffer from many of the same symptoms of sexual violence as all other survivors, but they also may be afraid of less supervised areas of a correctional facility, act out to access restricted housing units or to be transferred, refuse to shower, and may have increased medical issues, especially around sexually transmitted infections (Martyniuk H. 2013). As seen in the number of substantiated claims in the BJS report, "under -reporting is in part because complaints are either ignored or handled improperly and perpetrators almost never face criminal charges," (Martyniuk H. 2013). For women in prison, "the inherent imbalance of power between inmates and guards is compounded by the cross - gender imbalance of power between men and women. Male correctional officers are responsible for almost every aspect of the female inmate's life, and thus exert enormous power over that individual. One of the more frightening aspects of rape in prison is the inmate has no way of escaping her rapist. Anywhere she goes, the officer who raped her has access to her. This ever-present contact also serves to reinforce the fear of retaliation if the woman reports the rape," (Martyniuk H. 2013). Sexual violence goes largely unreported for a plethora of reasons, mostly to do with victims being believed or the shame that still lingers around sexual assault. According to the National Institute of Corrections, most victim service efforts both system and community based, focus on the pretrial and trial (U.S. Department of Justice, 2019). However, "offenders often spend more time in the criminal justice system post -conviction than preconviction," leaving victims to navigate, "the longest, most unfamiliar part of the criminal justice system with the least support and little preparation," (U.S. Department of Justice, Recommendations for Practice Post -Conviction Victims' Rights & Services, 2019). With victims having recognized rights within the criminal justice process surrounding information, notification, privacy, participation, protection and restitution, it is vital that they also are afforded the opportunity to understand and be supported in these complicated areas. Many victims report to their community based advocates that throughout their participation in the criminal justice process, they felt re -victimized. This re -victimization can occur when there is a, "lack of robust or clear laws, agency silos, lack of knowledge about enforceability of the rights, concern and confusion over permissibility of information sharing, uncertainty regarding how to weigh victims' and offenders' respective rights, and lack of sufficient funding for victim advocacy and legal services post -conviction," (et all, 2019). {See victim statement attached) To promote the healing and recovery of victims of sexual violence agencies, systems, and processes must be held to a standard of best practice and policy for serving survivors in the post -conviction process. What will be done (15 points) Short- and long-term outcomes include centering the voices of crime victims and survivors, developing tools, resources, training, and partnerships to continue PREA compliant services and to expand post -conviction victim services, 1) SAVA will track the opt -in rate for post -conviction and VRA notification services before this program is implemented and throughout the project to track the increase in participation. a) SAVA will see an increase of at least 25% within the first year of Post -Conviction services being offered to victims. If this increase occurs SAVA would expect to see an increase each year of the project. 2) Project partners (District Attorney's, Probation Victim Service Officers, Sexual Offender Treatment Providers) will refer victims to SAVA's PREA and Post -Conviction Advocates. a) All sex assault victims in Larimer and Weld County whose offender is sentenced or adjudicated will be referred to SAVA's Post -Conviction Advocates. b) The Post -Conviction Advocates will track referrals, services provided and the experience of the victims through surveys for both adult and youth cases for reporting. c) Partnering detention centers will continue to allow services to be provided by SAVA's PREA Specialist via in -person visits when necessary and through confidential phone communication. 3) In the event that an offender's treatment team does not have a victim representative or the victim does not have a therapist, the Post -Conviction Advocates will act as the victim representative on the treatment team per SOMB standards. a) The Post-Coviction Advocates will work with victims in order to help advocate for and communicate the victim's needs in post -conviction offender treatment, and to provide support to the victim throughout the post -conviction process. b) In the absence of a victim who wishes to participate in an offender's treatment, or in the case of an "unknown victim" (i.e. internet crimes, Child Sexual Exploitation Materials (CSEM) or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM) cases) the Post - Conviction Advocates will act as the victim representative on the offender's treatment team to help guide the treatment team to remain victim centered. 4) The PREA Specialist will continue partnerships with Larimer and Weld County to have access to inmates that are victims of sexual violence. a) The PREA Specialist will report the number of incarcerated clients they have met with, barriers these victims have encountered, and services provided both while incarcerated and after they are released if applicable. b) The PREA Specialist will provide annual training for community partner staff that work directly with incarcerated individuals. c) The PREA Specialist will stay up-to-date on PREA compliance standards, new policies/procedures that can impact incarcerated victims. and innovative strategies to serve this population through training and coordinated efforts with Larimer and Weld County as well as the State of Colorado Department of Justice. Individuals who are assaulted while incarcerated face intricate and unique barriers that may prevent them from accessing community based support services, as a result not only of being confined, but also due to a lack of knowledge of, access to, and trust with service providers. PREA standards dictate that when a person experiences assault within a PREA funded facility, they are required to have access to a confidential, community based advocate (National PREA Resource Center).This grant funding will allow the SAVA Center to continue to provide services to youth and adults who experience sexual violence during incarceration in both Larimer and Weld counties. https://www.prearesourcecenter.org/training-technical-assistance/prea-in- action/partnerships Victims are often underrepresented and lack knowledge and understanding of the post - conviction process. These gaps can lead to a lack of engagement in the post -conviction process, and can lead to re -traumatization when victims are contacted regarding critical stages or are contacted regarding the clarification and/or reunification process that occurs during offender treatment. The client letter that has been added as an attachment to this grant application exemplifies a survivor's experience of feeling unheard and re -victimized by the post - conviction process. For context, this letter was written by the survivor's therapist to the Larimer County Probation Department to delineate the client's negative experiences, and the survivor gave consent for the letter to be shared to help create change in the system for future survivors. In Larimer County, there are currently 293 adult sex offenders who have been sentenced to probation, and approximately 20 juvenile cases. For comparison, the Victim Services Division in the Larimer County Probation Department cites only 136 adult cases have opted in for post - conviction notification, and only 5 juvenile cases. It is important to note that the number of named victims in these cases may be higher than these numbers, as there may be multiple victims per case. This means that there are currently hundreds of survivors in Larimer County alone who do not currently have access to specialized, confidential, and trauma focused support to assist them in these processes as their offenders move through the post -conviction process. Although we were not able to gather these statistics from Weld County in time for the grant application, we estimate the numbers to be similar in nature. The Director of Victim Advocacy and Outreach with the SAVA Center is currently a Victim Representative and Vice Chair with the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB), and has been since October of 2020. The SOMB has mandated that all treatment teams working with an offender must have a victim representative as part of the team to be in compliance with treatment standards and to remain victim centered, which is a central tenet of sex offense specific treatment. There are issues with a lack of access across the state for treatment teams to identify victim representatives who are able and willing to serve on these teams. As an unfunded mandate, treatment providers from across Colorado have expressed ar inability to pay for victim representatives to be part of their treatment teams, and frequently express that there is not a victim service provider in their area they can identify to fulfill this role. This grant funding will allow SAVA to close the gap for sexual assault survivors in post - conviction support services, and will help ensure that juvenile and adult sex offense specific treatment providers have access to expert, high quality, free victim representatives to ensure t hey are remaining victim centered in their treatment approaches with offenders. Who will implement the proposal (15 points) The SAVA Center is the only agency explicitly serving all victims of sexual violence and their support system in Northern Colorado. SAVA staff provides support to victims of sexual violence as they develop a sense of agency and gain control of their circumstances. SAVA offers a 24/7 Bilingual rape crisis hotline, individual and group therapy, play therapy, Bilingual medical and legal advocacy, Foundations of Support workshops for secondary survivors, community outreach, and trainings for service providers Victim Service Coordinators (advocates) provide accompaniment to sexual assault medical examinations, reporting to law enforcement, and both criminal and civil court proceedings Victims can access assistance with Crime Victim Compensation and Victim's rights issues that may arise Victim Service Coordinators will also provide information and referrals as well as advocacy in working with community service providers to ensure victims' interests are represented SAVA can offer multiple types of therapy to victims 'including play therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma -Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) SAVA strives to reach our vision of ending sexual violence through cultural change by serving the community in a dualistic approach of early prevention education and direct services that impact survivors and their loved ones The SAVA Center is the only agency explicitly serving all victims of sexual violence, including those that are incarcerated, in Northern Colorado SAVA staff provides support to victims of sexual violence as they develop a sense of agency and gain control of their circumstances SAVA offers a 24/7 Bilingual rape crisis hotline, individual and group therapy, play therapy, Bilingual medical and legal advocacy, Foundations of Support workshops for secondary survivors, community outreach, and trainings for service providers Victim Service Coordinators (advocates) provide accompaniment to sexual assault medical examinations, reporting to law enforcement, and both criminal and civil court proceedings Victims can access assistance with Crime Victim Compensation and Victim's rights issues that may arise Victim Service Coordinators will also provide information and referrals as well as advocacy in working with community service providers to ensure victims' interests are represented SAVA can offer multiple types of therapy to victims including play therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma -Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) SAVA strives to reach our vision of ending sexual violence through cultural change by serving the community in a dualistic approach of early prevention education and direct services that impact survivors and their loved ones. Incarcerated victims of sexual violence deserve access to all SAVA services. Although interactions may look different due to the circumstances, SAVA is determined to find ways to support this population. It is recommended that post -conviction victim advocacy experts, working in collaboration with trauma experts, be supported by funders and agency/policy leaders in the design and delivery of trauma -informed training. The training should include: • An overview of all post -conviction processes and rights • Research regarding the effects of trauma • Information about how to provide trauma -informed responses, care, and communications The training should be required for all practitioners who interact with victims post -conviction, including those who are the bridge or hand-off from pre- to post -conviction. It is recommended that funders and agency/policy leaders identify a single agency within each jurisdiction with strong interagency support to take the lead in bringing together post -conviction stakeholders to develop a technology plan to enhance interagency information sharing and continuity of victim care. Technology that leverages, integrates, and factors existing systems; meets the operational and functional needs of agencies; and considers long-term sustainability should be a priority of such a plan. The effort should begin with detailed planning discussions with practitioners regarding the vision for the technology, securing ongoing financial support, determining the host agency, ensuring data security, and formalizing processes and policies for victims' informed consent. Jurisdictions should leverage work done in this area by other jurisdictions. Agency/policy leaders should adopt and funders should support that a life cycle case management approach be taken to victim services to ensure continuity of care for a victim from preconviction through post -conviction. The structure of such services can be that of a single human "navigator" or "liaison" who would leverage technology to help a victim understand and navigate each step post -conviction. Using a case management approach that leverages technology can help victims know who to contact with questions about the process, the offender, available services, and their rights. This approach would also ensure that a victim is aware of restitution collection efforts. Practitioners, policy makers, and victims' rights experts should collaborate to compare a jurisdiction's existing laws against the checklist contained in appendix E and the collection of laws contained in appendices F (participation), G (privacy), and H (protection) to Pennsylvania's Office of Victim Advocate, an established state victim advocate with a clearly defined position that includes statutorily representing the interests of victims on post -sentencing rights and services, streamlines services and elevates victims' rights. The National Crime Victim Law Institute has resources to help states analyze their rights. Of specific interest may be the Victims' Rights Enforcement Toolkit which has a section dedicated to post -conviction processes. POST -CONVICTION VICTIMS' RIGHTS: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE 11 identify any gaps or provisions that undermine victims' meaningful role in the system. The laws must include a clear right to restitution and procedures for restitution collection. From this review, a plan for amending the law (considering changes to constitution, statute, rule, and policy) should be crafted and advanced. Such a plan should include identification of funding to make the rights meaningful, including access to no -cost legal services to help victims with the assertion and enforcement of their rights. It is recommended that pre- and post -conviction victim service providers and agencies actively inform victims of the opportunity to access legal services to assist them with their rights and develop referral processes and systems for connecting victims to VRAs. It is further recommended that funders increase available funding for such legal services. Lorenz, K., Kirkner, A., & Ullman, S. E. (2019). A Qualitative Study Of Sexual Assault Survivors' Post -Assault Legal System Experiences. Journal of trauma & dissociation : the official journal of the International Society for the Study of Dissociation (ISSD), 20(3), 263-287. https://doi. orq/10.1080/15299732.2019.1592643 Hadar Dancig-Rosenberg and Noa Yosef, Crime Victimhood and Intersectionality, 47 Fordham Urb. L.J. 85 (2019). Available at: https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/ulyvol47/iss1/3 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response (ICJR) Program - Solicitation Assistance Listing Number: 16.590 Grants.gov Opportunity Number: O-OVW-2024-171991 Solicitation Release Date: February 21, 2024 Deadline to submit SF -424 and SF-LLL in Grants.gov: 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ED April 30, 2024 the SF -424 and SF-LLL must be submitted in Grants.gov. Deadline to submit full application in JustGrants: 8:59 PM ET on May 2, 2024 the full application must be submitted in JustGrants per the MIT calendar. Eligibility: Eligible applicants are limited to: States; Indian tribal governments (Federally recognized); State and local courts (including juvenile courts); units of local government; or State, tribal, or territorial domestic violence or sexual assault coalitions or victim service providers in the United States or U.S. territories. For more information, see the Eligibility Information section of this solicitation. Letter of Intent Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a non -binding Letter of Intent to OVW.ICJR@usdoi.gov by March 20, 2024. Applicants that do not submit a Letter of Intent can still apply. For more information, see the Application and Submission Information section of this solicitation. Pre -Application Information Session(s) OVW will conduct an optional web -based Pre -Application Information Session. During this session, OVW staff will review this program's requirements, review the solicitation, and allow for a brief question and answer period. For more information, see the Application and Submission Information section of this solicitation. Contact Information OMB Number -1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, email OVW at OVW.ICJR(aiusdoi.aov. Applicants also may call OVW at 202-307-6026. Registration Information: OVW encourages first time applicants to apply for funding. Organizations applying for the first time must complete registrations with multiple systems: i. System for Award Management (SAM) (https://sam.gov/content/entity-registration) ii. Grants.gov (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/applicant-registration) iii. JustGrants registration needs to be completed ONLY after successful submission of Step 1 of the application as described below. For more information, see the Prior to Application Submission section of this solicitation. Organizations that have applied for funding previously must ensure their accounts with SAM, Grants.gov, and JustGrants are active and up to date. Applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the registration process or ensure that all accounts are active and up to date by March 20, 2024. Submission Information: Applications must be submitted to OVW through a two-step process that begins in Grants.gov and is completed in JustGrants: Step 1: The applicant must submit by the Grants.gov deadline (11:59 PM ET on April 30, 2024) the required Application for Federal Assistance standard form (SF -424) and the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form (SF-LLL) in Grants.gov. To view the forms prior to completing them in Grants.gov, applicants can go to the Package tab under the funding opportunity that they're applying for and select Preview. The Preview then provides links to the forms. Step 2: The applicant must then submit the full application, including attachments, in JustGrants at https://iusticegrants.usdoi.gov/ by the JustGrants application deadline (8:59 PM ET on May 2, 2024. OVW encourages applicants to review the JustGrants website for more information, resources, and training. Note that the Grants.gov and JustGrants deadlines are typically only a few days apart. For more information about application submission, see the How to Apply section of this solicitation. Notification OVW anticipates notifying applicants of funding decisions by October 1, 2024. 2 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Contents Program Description 6 Overview of OVW 6 About this OVW Program 6 What's New About this OVW Program 6 Program Scope 7 Purpose Areas 7 ICJR Grant Program Statutorily Mandated Priorities 12 Activities that Compromise Victim Safety and Recovery or Undermine Offender Accountability 13 Out -of -Scope Activities 13 Limited Use of Funds 14 Activities Requiring Prior Approval 14 Federal Award Information 14 Availability of Funds 14 Types of Applications 15 Program Requirements 15 Eligibility Information 16 Eligible Applicants 16 Cost Sharing or Matching 17 Application and Submission Information 23 Address to Request Application Package 23 Pre -Application Information Session 23 Content and Form of Application Submission 24 Letter of Intent 24 Formatting and Technical Requirements 24 Application Contents 24 Standard Applicant Information (JustGrants 424 and General Agency Information) 25 Proposal Abstract 25 Data Requested with Application 26 Proposal Narrative 26 Budget and Associated Documentation 28 Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (attachment) 28 3 OMB Number -1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Funding Restrictions 30 Pre -Award Costs 31 Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 31 Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable) 31 Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable) 31 Memorandum of Understanding and Supporting Documents 32 Additional Application Components 34 Letter of Nonsupplanting 34 Proof of 501(c)(3) Status (Nonprofit Organizations Only) 34 Confidentiality Notice Form 34 Disclosures and Assurances 35 Disclosure of Lobbying Activities 35 DOJ Certified Standard Assurances 35 DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug -Free Workplace Requirements 35 Prior to Application Submission 35 How to Apply 36 Application Review Information 38 Review Criteria 38 Review and Selection Process 38 Federal Award Administration Information 40 Federal Award Notices 40 Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements 40 General Information about Post -Federal Award Reporting Requirements 41 Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) 41 Other Information 41 Public Reporting Burden - Paperwork Reduction Act Notice 41 Application Checklist 42 APPENDIX A 44 Budget Information and Sample Budget Narrative 44 Appendix B 57 Pre -Award Risk Assessment 57 Appendix C 60 4 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Applicant Questionnaire 60 Appendix D 63 Summary Data Sheet 63 5 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 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 that provide services to victims and hold offenders accountable. About this OVW Program This program is authorized by 34 U.S.C. §§ 10461 - 10465 and implemented through regulations at 28 C.F.R. Part 90, Subpart D. The Grants to Improve the Criminal Justice Response Program (ICJR Program) (Assistance Listing # 16.590) assists state, local, and tribal governments, and courts to improve the criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking as serious violations of criminal law, and to seek safety and autonomy for victims. 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. • Program -specific sections in OVW's most recent report to Congress on the effectiveness of VAWA grant programs. What's New About this OVW Program As a result of the passage of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA 2022), the following changes have been made to the ICJR Program: Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 10461(b)(5), applicants may now apply to support comprehensive legal services beyond providing legal assistance to obtain orders of protection. Such legal assistance may include assistance to an adult or youth victim (over the age of 11) of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking relating to, e.g., divorce, parental rights, child support, Tribal, territorial, immigration, employment, administrative agency, housing, campus, education, healthcare, privacy, contract, consumer, civil rights, protection or other injunctive proceedings, related enforcement proceedings, and other similar matters. See 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(24). Applicants that include legal services must limit direct legal services to no more than 30% of total project activities. Applicants must submit a Delivery of Legal Assistance Certification as discussed below. Applicants may apply to fulfill two new purpose areas: First, developing statewide databases on the location of sexual assault nurse examiners; and second, developing and implementing alternative methods of reducing crime in communities to supplant "punitive" programs or policies. See Purpose Areas # 25 and 26 in the list of purpose areas below. 6 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 • All applicants, except courts, must submit two additional certifications for eligibility, the Prosecution Certification and the Minor Certification. See 34 U.S.C. §§ 10461(c)(1)(F)- (G). Additional changes to the ICJR Program include: • Under Award Period and Amounts: (1) All applicants must apply for a uniform project period of 36 months for both new and continuation funding. (2) A project planning period is no longer required for new applicants. (3) Funding cap amounts have increased to reflect inflation and increased costs of living. (4) Both continuation and new projects will be considered equally and there will be no special consideration for previously unfunded projects as in previous recent years. See Award Period and Amounts. Under Program Requirements, OVW-sponsored Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) funding amounts required to implement the proposed project have increased to reflect inflation and increased transportation costs. Under OVW Priority Areas, applicants proposing to focus 40 percent or more of their grant -funded activities to address sexual assault (including stranger rape, acquaintance rape, alcohol or drug facilitated rape, and other non -intimate partner sexual assault) may apply for up to $200,000 in additional funding. Applicants who receive this additional funding may be eligible for noncompetitive supplemental funding at the end of the project period. 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. § 10461(b), the ICJR Program has 26 purpose areas listed below. Note: State, tribal, or territorial domestic violence or sexual assault coalitions and victim service providers, applying as lead applicants with a governmental partner, may seek funding to address only purpose areas 5, 10, and 17 as the majority of the statutory purpose areas include functions and/or activities that are inherently governmental. Funds under this program must be used for one or more of the following 26 purpose areas: 1. To implement offender accountability and homicide reduction programs and policies in police departments, including policies for protection order violations and enforcement of protection orders across State and tribal lines. 2. To develop policies, educational programs, protection order registries, data collection systems, and training in police departments to improve tracking of cases and classification of complaints involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Policies, educational programs, protection order registries, and training described in this paragraph shall incorporate confidentiality, and privacy protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 7 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 3. To centralize and coordinate police enforcement, prosecution, or judicial responsibility for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking cases in teams or units of police officers, prosecutors, parole and probation officers, or judges. 4. To coordinate computer tracking systems and provide the appropriate training and education about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking to ensure communication between police, prosecutors, parole and probation officers, and both criminal and family courts. 5. To strengthen legal advocacy and legal assistance programs and other victim services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including strengthening assistance to such victims in immigration matters. (Note: Applicants seeking to fulfill this purpose area must limit direct legal services to no more than 30% of project activities.) 6. To educate Federal, State, tribal, territorial, and local judges, courts, and court -based and court -related personnel in criminal and civil courts (including juvenile courts) about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and to improve judicial handling of such cases. 7. To provide technical assistance and computer and other equipment to police departments, prosecutors, courts, and tribal jurisdictions to facilitate the widespread enforcement of protection orders, including interstate enforcement, enforcement between States and tribal jurisdictions, and enforcement between tribal jurisdictions. 8. To develop or strengthen policies and training for police, prosecutors, and the judiciary in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of domestic violence dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking against individuals 50 years of age or over, Deaf individuals, and individuals with disabilities (as defined in section 12102(2) of Title 42). 9. To develop State, tribal, territorial, or local policies, procedures, and protocols for preventing dual arrests and prosecutions in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and to develop effective methods for identifying the pattern and history of abuse that indicates which party is the actual perpetrator of abuse. 10. To plan, develop and establish comprehensive victim service and support centers, such as family justice centers, designed to bring together victim advocates from victim service providers, staff from population specific organizations, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, probation officers, governmental victim assistants, forensic medical professionals, civil legal attorneys, chaplains, legal advocates, representatives from community -based organizations and other relevant public or private agencies or organizations into one centralized location, in order to improve safety, access to services, and confidentiality for victims and families. Although funds may be used to support the colocation of project partners under this paragraph, funds may not support construction or major renovation expenses or activities that fall outside of the scope of the other statutory purpose areas. 11. To develop and implement policies and training for police, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, and the judiciary in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of sexual assault, with an emphasis on recognizing the threat to the community for repeat crime perpetration by such individuals. 12. To develop, enhance, and maintain protection order registries. 13. To develop human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing programs for sexual assault perpetrators and notification and counseling protocols. 14. To develop and implement training programs for prosecutors and other prosecution - related personnel regarding best practices to ensure offender accountability, victim safety, and victim consultation in cases involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 8 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 15. To develop or strengthen policies, protocols, and training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking against immigrant victims, including the appropriate use of applications for nonimmigrant status under subparagraphs (T) and (U) of section 1101(a)(15) of Title 8. 16. To develop and promote State, local, or tribal legislation and policies that enhance best practices for responding to the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including the appropriate treatment of victims. 17. To develop, implement, or enhance sexual assault nurse examiner programs or sexual assault forensic examiner programs, including the hiring and training of such examiners. 18. To develop, implement, or enhance Sexual Assault Response Teams or similar coordinated community responses to sexual assault. 19. To develop and strengthen policies, protocols, and training for law enforcement officers and prosecutors regarding the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases and the appropriate treatment of victims, including victims among underserved populations (as defined in section 12291(a) of this title). 20. To provide human immunodeficiency virus testing programs, counseling, and prophylaxis for victims of sexual assault. 21. To identify and inventory backlogs of sexual assault evidence collection kits and to develop protocols for responding to and addressing such backlogs, including policies and protocols for notifying and involving victims. 22. To develop multidisciplinary high -risk teams focusing on reducing domestic violence and dating violence homicides by — (a) using evidence -based indicators to assess the risk of homicide and link high -risk victims to immediate crisis intervention services; (b) identifying and managing high -risk offenders; and (c) providing ongoing victim advocacy and referrals to comprehensive services including legal, housing, health care, and economic assistance. (Note: Given the intensive nature of implementing purpose area 22, the only purpose area that can be combined with this is purpose area 3.) 23. To develop, strengthen, and implement policies, protocols, and training for law enforcement regarding cases of missing or murdered Indians, as described in 25 U.S.C. §5704. (Note: Proposals under this purpose area must have the primary purpose of improving the criminal justice response to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking as serious violations of criminal law, and seeking safety and autonomy of victims, as required by 34 U.S.C. § 10461(a).) 24. To compile and annually report data to the Attorney General related to missing or murdered Indians, as described in 25 U.S.C, § 5705. (Note: Proposals under this purpose area must have the primary purpose of improving the criminal justice response to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking as serious violations of criminal law, and seeking safety and autonomy of victims, as required by 34 U.S.C. § 10461(a).) 25. To develop Statewide databases with information on where sexual assault nurse examiners are located. 26. To develop and implement alternative methods of reducing crime in communities, to supplant punitive programs or policies. For purposes of this paragraph, a punitive program or policy is a program or policy that — (a) imposes a penalty on a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, on the basis of a request by the victim for law enforcement or emergency assistance; or 9 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 (b) imposes a penalty on such a victim because of criminal activity at the property in which the victim resides. OVW Priority Areas In FY 2024, OVW has four programmatic priorities. The priorities identified below are applicable to this program. Applicants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to address at least one priority area. Applicants that state that they are addressing a priority area and meet the criteria for that priority area will be given special consideration: 1. Advance equity and tribal sovereignty as essential components of ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking by improving outreach, services, civil and criminal justice responses, prevention, and support for survivors from historically marginalized and underserved communities, particularly those facing disproportionate rates or impacts of violence and multiple barriers to services, justice, and safety. To receive special consideration for OVW Priority Area 1, applicants must provide training for law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and probation personnel, as well as statewide coalitions and victim service providers, on culturally specific and population specific responses to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Any proposed training should come from an organization or subject matter expert(s) (SME) that provides direct services to, or has expertise working with, historically marginalized and/or underserved communities, whether nationally or locally recognized, as one of their primary purposes. To merit special consideration, the applicant must clearly identify the expertise of the organization or SME(s) in the "Who Will Implement" section and explain how that expertise will support the project goals and activities in the "What Will Be Done" section of the solicitation. Applicants must also allocate funding in their budgets to compensate the organization or SME(s) for their expertise and level of work. If the training entity is a project partner, the applicant must include them as a partner in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Applicants that address this OVW priority area will not receive additional points; however, special consideration will be given during the application review process. 2. Increase access to justice for all survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, including through exploration of survivor -centered criminal justice system reform. To receive special consideration for OV\A/ Priority Area 2, applicants must propose to implement victim advocate and law enforcement co -responder model programming to respond to domestic violence, including the development of policy, protocol, and training to support the model. Applicants must limit their project activities to the implementation of a co -responder model in their community. Co -responder models vary in practice, but generally involve law enforcement and advocates and/or clinicians working together in response to calls for service involving a person experiencing a crisis. 3. Strengthen efforts to prevent and end sexual assault, including victim services and civil and criminal justice responses. 10 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 To receive special consideration for OVW Priority Area 3, applicants must allocate at least 40 percent of grant -funded activities to addressing sexual assault (including non -intimate partner sexual assault) and select one or more of the following purpose areas, found at 34 U.S.C. § 10461(b)(11), (13), (17)-(21), (25): (11) To develop and implement policies and training for police, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, and the judiciary in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of sexual assault. (13) To develop human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing programs for sexual assault perpetrators. (17) To develop, implement, or enhance sexual assault nurse examiner programs or sexual assault forensic examiner programs, including the hiring and training of such examiners. (18) To develop, implement, or enhance Sexual Assault Response Teams or similar coordinated community responses to sexual assault. (19) To develop and strengthen policies, protocols, and training for law enforcement officers and prosecutors regarding the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases and the appropriate treatment of victims. (20) To provide human immunodeficiency virus testing programs, counseling, and prophylaxis for victims of sexual assault (21) To identify and inventory backlogs of sexual assault evidence collection kits and to develop protocols for responding to and addressing such backlogs. (25) To develop Statewide databases with information on where sexual assault nurse examiners are located. Examples of key activities that meaningfully address the aforementioned ICJR sexual assault purpose areas (11, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 25) include, but are not limited to: • Hiring and training of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners; Creating a database with information to assist in locating Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners; Training investigators and prosecutors to appropriately interview adults and youth over age 11 who are victims of sexual assault, and understand how the neurobiology of trauma affects a victim's ability to recount events; Developing, reviewing and/or revising non -intimate partner sexual assault programming, policies, and procedures; Law enforcement and prosecutorial capacity building and training for non -intimate partner sexual assault, including sexual assaults that may accompany or be facilitated by online abuse, harassment and/or sexual exploitation; Victim advocacy service capacity building and/or service enhancement for non -intimate partner sexual assault (medical, law enforcement, and court accompaniment/advocacy; 24 -hour hotline services; crisis intervention; short-term individual and group support services; and comprehensive service coordination); and Meaningful inclusion of community -based, culturally specific services and support for survivors of sexual assault, to include outreach activities for underserved communities. OVW recognizes the need to place increased focus on sexual assault response to address the criminal justice response and the unique aspects of sexual assault trauma from which survivors must heal. 11 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Applicants proposing to implement 40 percent or more of their project activities to sexual assault response may apply for up to $200,000 in additional funding. If successful in receiving a FY 2024 award, such projects may be placed into a non- competitive pool at the end of the 36 -month award period upon invitation by OVW. These projects could receive up to 24 months of additional funding provided that there is documented compliance with the fiscal and programmatic management of the award, including whether the grantee has spent down the grant funds during the initial 36 -month period. Such potential grantees would be required to submit a new budget and narrative for the remaining 24 months of the project to be eligible for an award amount set at the normal appropriate and respective budgetary cap of that future year's solicitation. This OVW Priority Area correlates with the ICJR Program's statutorily mandated allocation for sexual assault, pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 10461(g), requiring OVW to allocate not less than 25 percent of appropriated ICJR Program funds "for projects that address sexual assault, including stranger rape, acquaintance rape, alcohol or drug facilitated rape, and rape within the context of an intimate partner relationship." Note: Applicants are not required to address OVW Priority Area 3 in their applications; however, all applicants must identify on their Summary Data Sheet the percentage of the proposed project that addresses sexual assault. ICJR Grant Program Statutorily Mandated Priorities Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 10462(b), the ICJR Program must prioritize applicants that: 1. Do not currently provide for centralized handling of cases involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking by police, prosecutors, and courts; 2. Demonstrate a commitment to strong enforcement of laws, and prosecution of cases, involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including the enforcement of protection orders from other states and jurisdictions (including tribal jurisdictions); 3. Have established cooperative agreements or can demonstrate effective ongoing collaborative arrangements with neighboring jurisdictions to facilitate the enforcement of protection orders from other States and jurisdictions (including tribal jurisdictions); 4. In applications describing plans to further the purposes stated in purpose areas 4 and 7 above, will use the grant to develop and install data collection and communication systems, including computerized systems, and training on how to use these systems effectively to link police, prosecutors, courts, and tribal jurisdictions for the purpose of identifying and tracking protection orders and violations of protection orders, in those jurisdictions where such systems do not exist or are not fully effective. Applicants proposing to address any of these statutory priority areas must identify the statutory priority area(s) addressed within the "Summary Data Sheet" section and discuss the identified priority area(s) within the Project Narrative. An applicant will be awarded one additional point during application review process if the project proposes to address one or more of these statutory priority areas. 12 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 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 avoid 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. OVW may support survivor -centered alternative pathways to justice and non -criminal approaches to accountability that fall within the statutory scope of this program and do not compromise victim safety. 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 funded under this program. See also the list of unallowable costs in the Funding Restrictions section of this solicitation. 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. 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. 2. Prevention activities. Grant funds may not be used for prevention activities. Grantees are only permitted to engage in outreach activities to inform potential victims about the availability of services. 3. Family violence. Grants funds may not be used to investigate, prosecute, and/or provide services in cases involving violence between a parent or guardian and child or violence between siblings. Grant funds also may not be used for caregiver abuse of elders and other vulnerable adults unless the caregiver is the victim's intimate partner. These limitations do not apply to grant funds directed toward addressing sexual violence. 4. Services related to Child Protection Systems / Dependency Proceedings. Grant funds may not be used to provide support or services related to a child protection system or child dependency process, unless the proceedings or processes relate to or arise out of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, of a child's parent or guardian. 5. Services for Victims Under Age 11. Grant funds may not be used to investigate, prosecute, and/or provide services in cases involving victims until the age of 11, unless: 1) the domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking was part of a pattern of conduct that began when the victim was under age 11 and continued after the victim reached the age of 11, and/or 2) services for the child under age 11 are ancillary to those available to the child's parent or guardian who is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. 6. Sex offender registry. Grant funds may not be used to create sex offender registries. 7. Missing or murdered Indigenous Persons. Grant funds may not be used for policies, protocols, training or data collection and reporting that do not further the purpose of improving the criminal justice response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking as serious violations of criminal law, and seeking safety and autonomy for victims. 13 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 8. Criminal representation. For projects providing legal assistance, grant funds may not be used for criminal representation of victims charged with crimes. However, grant funds may be used for postconviction relief proceedings in state, local, Tribal, or territorial court where the conviction of a victim is related to or arising from domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or sex trafficking victimization. 9. Tort cases. For projects providing legal assistance, representation in tort cases. However, grant funds may be used to provide assistance in obtaining restitution in a protection order or criminal case. 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 conduct an assessment 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, regardless of the survey's 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 Availability of Funds All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds as well as any modifications or additional requirements imposed by law. There is no guarantee that funds will be available in the future. Depending on availability of funding and an applicant's merit, OVW may elect to make awards for a future fiscal year if an application is not selected under this solicitation. Type of Award Awards will be made as grants. Award Period and Amounts The award period is 36 months. Budgets, including the total "estimated funding" on the SF -424, must reflect 36 months of project activity. OVW anticipates that the award period will start on October 1, 2024. This program typically makes awards in the range of $500,000 to $1,000,000. OVW estimates that it will make up to 35 awards for an estimated $23,000,000. Funding levels under this program for FY 2024 are: 14 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 $500,000 for projects that have a service area population up to 400,000 for the entire 36 months; • $750,000 for projects that have a service area population of 400,001 to 700,000; • $1,000,000 for projects that have a service area population above 700,000; and • $1,000,000 for statewide projects, regardless of population size. Budget Notes: • Budgets should cover a project period of 36 months starting October 1, 2024 and ending on September 30, 2027. Budget requests should not exceed the caps listed above, based upon service area population, unless the applicant is addressing OVW Priority #3. Applications that include legal services must limit direct legal services to no more than 30% of project activities. If the applicant proposes to implement OVW Priority #3 by allocating at least 40 percent of grant -funded activities to address sexual assault (including non -intimate partner sexual assault), such applicants may apply for up to an additional $200,000, in addition to the budget cap corresponding to their service area population. Activities should cover the 36 -month award period as discussed above. 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 before making an award or after an award is made but prior to access to funds. Types of Applications In FY 2024, OVW will accept applications for this program from the following: New: Applicants that have never received funding under this program or where previous funding under this program expired on or before April 30, 2023. Continuation: Applicants that have an existing or recently closed (after April 30, 2023) award under this program. Continuation funding is not guaranteed. Note: Current grantees with a substantial amount of unobligated funds remaining (50 percent or more of the previous award) as of March 31, 2024, without adequate justification, may not be considered for funding or may receive a reduced award amount if selected for funding in FY 2024. Program Requirements Applicants that receive funding under this program will be required to engage in the following activities: 1. Participation in OVW-sponsored training and technical assistance (TTA). 2. Collection of and reporting on performance indicators. Forms, instructions, training, and related tools for each OVW program are available on the VAWA Measuring Effectiveness Initiative webpaqe. 3. Participation in an assessment or evaluation, if OVW conducts one that requires grantee involvement. 4. Attendance at ICJR new grantee orientation. 5. Participation in training and technical assistance by culturally and/or population specific technical assistance providers to increase understanding and capacity to address survivors from historically marginalized and/or underserved communities. 15 OMB Number -1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 6. Participation in training and technical assistance to satisfy the Prosecution Certification required by VAWA 2022. Eligibility Information Eligible Applicants Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 10461(c), the following entities are eligible to apply for this program: 1. States The term "State" means each of the several States and the District of Colombia, and except as otherwise provided, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(37). 2. Tribal governments The term "tribal government" means (A) the governing body of an Indian tribe; or (B) a tribe, band, pueblo, nation, or other organized group or community of Indians, including any Alaska Native village or regional or village corporation (as defined in, or established pursuant to, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)), that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States to Indians because of their status as Indians. 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(43). 3. State and local courts (including juvenile courts) The term "courts" means any civil or criminal, tribal, and Alaska Native Village, Federal, State, local or territorial court having jurisdiction to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking, including immigration, family, juvenile, and dependency courts, and the judicial officers serving in those courts, including judges, magistrate judges, commissioners, justices of the peace, or any other person with decision making authority. 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(7). 4. Units of local government The term "unit of local government" means any city, county, township, town, borough, parish, village, or other general purpose political subdivision of a state. 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(47). Pursuant to 28 C.F.R. § 90.61(b), the following are not considered units of local government and are not eligible to apply as the lead applicant — police departments, pre-trial service agencies, district or city attorneys' offices, sheriffs' departments, probation and parole departments, and universities. These entities may assume responsibility for the development and implementation of the project but must have their state, tribal government, or unit of local government apply as the lead applicant. 5. State, tribal, or territorial domestic violence or sexual assault coalitions that partner with a State, Indian tribal government, or unit of local government The term "State domestic violence coalition" means a program determined by the Administration for Children and Families, under 42 U.S.C. §§ 10402, 10411. The term "State sexual assault coalition" means a program determined by the Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280b et seq.). 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(38)-(39). 6. Victim service providers that partner with a State, Indian tribal government, or unit of local government 16 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 A victim service provider is a nonprofit, nongovernmental or tribal organization or rape crisis center, including a State or tribal domestic violence and/or sexual assault coalition, that assists or advocates for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking victims, including a domestic violence shelter, faith -based organization or other organization, with a documented history of effective work concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. 34 U.S.C. § 12291(a)(50). Victim service providers must provide direct services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking as one of their primary purposes and have a demonstrated history of effective work in this field. Culturally specific organizations, Tribal organizations, and population -specific organizations serving underserved communities that meet the definition of "victim service provider" are eligible to apply. Faith -Based and Community Organizations Faith -Based and community organizations, including culturally specific organizations, tribal organizations, and population -specific organizations, that meet the eligibility requirements are eligible to receive awards under this solicitation (see Civil Rights Office I Partnerships with Faith -Based and Other Neighborhood Organizations I Office of Justice Programs (ojp.gov) 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)(15)(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. 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)(15)(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 2024 solicitation. 17 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Certifications must take the form of a letter, on letterhead, signed, and dated by the authorized representative. Failure to provide required certifications may disqualify an application from further consideration. At a minimum, an applicant that fails to include the required certification letters will be required to submit that certification letter prior to receiving an award. The signed certification letter must be uploaded/attached as a separate attachment under the Additional Application Components section in JustGrants. Certifications of Eligibility Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 10461(c), all applicants must provide Certifications of Eligibility (COEs) about the laws, policies, and/or practices of its jurisdiction in order to qualify for an ICJR award. These COEs must be signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the jurisdiction state, unit of local government, or tribal government partner. "Chief Executive Officer" means the highest official of a state, unit of local government, tribe, or court. Examples of Chief Executive Officers include: the governor for a state applicant, the mayor or county executive for a unit of local government, or tribal chairperson for a tribal government applicant. Other government officials, such as the District Attorney or Attorney General, are not considered the Chief Executive Officer. A victim service provider or state coalition cannot sign the COEs. With the exception of courts, all applicants must also provide two additional letters: 1) a Prosecution Certification, and 2) a Minor Certification. Each certification varies depending upon the type of applicant and whether their jurisdiction is in, or will come into, compliance with the requirements of the statute as follows. ➢ Applicants who area State, Indian Tribal Government, and Units of Local Government must complete all three (3) certifications: a Certification of Eligibility, a Prosecution Certification, and a Minor Certification: In the ICJR Certification of Eligibility, the above -mentioned applicants must: A. If the jurisdiction is currently and fully in compliance, i. certify that their laws or official policies: a. encourage arrests of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking offenders based on probable cause that an offense has been committed; and b. encourage arrest of offenders who violate the terms of a valid and outstanding protection order; ii. demonstrate that their laws, policies, or practices and their training programs discourage dual arrests of offender and victim; iii. certify that their laws, policies, or practices prohibit issuance of mutual restraining orders of protection except in cases where both parties file a claim and the court makes detailed findings of fact indicating that both parties acted primarily as aggressors and that neither party acted primarily in self-defense; iv. certify that their laws, policies, and practices do not require, in connection with the prosecution of any misdemeanor or felony domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking offense, or in connection with the filing, issuance, registration, modification, enforcement, dismissal, or service of a protection order, or a petition for a protection order, to protect a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault, 18 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 that the victim bear the costs associated with the filing of criminal charges against the offender, or the costs associated with the filing, issuance, registration, modification, enforcement, dismissal, or service of a warrant, protection order, petition for a protection order, or witness subpoena, whether issued inside or outside the State, tribal, or local jurisdiction; and v. certify that, their laws, policies, or practices will ensure that — a. no law enforcement officer, prosecuting officer or other government official shall ask or require an adult, youth, or child victim of a sex offense as defined under Federal, tribal, State, territorial, or local law to submit to a polygraph examination or other truth telling device as a condition for proceeding with the investigation of, trial of, or sentencing for such an offense; and b. the refusal of a victim to submit to an examination described in clause (i) shall not prevent the investigation of, trial of, or sentencing for the offense. B. For new applicants only, if the jurisdiction will come into compliance with all five (5) elements within the period ending on the date on which the next session of the State or Indian tribal legislature ends, the applicant should state that they will do so and enumerate each of the five (5) elements listed above. Sample ICJR Certification of Eligibility letters can be found on the OVW website. II. The Prosecution Certification requires the above -mentioned applicants to: (1) If the jurisdiction is currently and fully in compliance, i. certify that the laws, policies, and practices of the State or the jurisdiction in which the eligible grantee is located ensure that prosecutor's offices engage in planning, developing, and implementing — (1) training developed by experts in the field regarding victim -centered approaches in domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking cases; (2) policies that support a victim -centered approach, informed by such training; and (3) a protocol outlining alternative practices and procedures for material witness petitions and bench warrants, consistent with best practices, that shall be exhausted before employing material witness petitions and bench warrants to obtain victim -witness testimony in the investigation, prosecution, and trial of a crime related to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking of the victim in order to prevent further victimization and trauma to the victim; and (2) If the jurisdiction will come into compliance, not later than 3 years after the date on which an eligible grantee receives the first ICJR after the date of the enactment of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022, the above -mentioned applicants may certify their intent to complete the foregoing three parts, also found at 34 U.S.C. § 10461(c)(1)(F). Sample Prosecution Certification letters can be found on the OVW website. III. The Minor Certification requires the above -mentioned applicants to: A. If the jurisdiction is currently and fully in compliance, 19 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 i. certify that the laws, policies, and practices of the State or the jurisdiction in which the eligible grantee is located prohibits the prosecution of a minor under the age of 18 with respect to prostitution. B. If the jurisdiction will come into compliance with this element within the period ending on the date on which the next session of the State or Indian tribal legislature ends, the applicant should state that they will do so prospectively. Sample Minor Certification letters can be found on the OVW website. ➢ A State, tribal, or territorial domestic violence or sexual assault coalition or a victim service provider that partners with a State, Indian tribal government, or unit of local government must submit three (3) certifications: 1) the Certificate of Eligibility, listed above, to indicate either current or future compliance; 2) the Prosecution Certification, listed above, to indicate either current or future compliance; and 3) the Minor Certification, listed above, to indicate either current or future compliance. These COEs must be signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the jurisdiction state, unit of local government, or tribal government partner. A victim service provider or state coalition cannot sign the COEs. Detailed information for all three COE's may be found above under "States, Indian Tribal Governments, or Units of Local Government" and in the Sample Templates available on the OVW website. Sample letters for the ICJR Certification of Eligibility, Prosecution Certification, and Minor Certification can all be found on the OVW website. ➢ State or local courts (including juvenile courts) must submit one Courts Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to: 1) certify that their laws, policies, or practices prohibit issuance of mutual restraining orders of protection except in cases where both parties file a claim and the court makes detailed findings of fact indicating that both parties acted primarily as aggressors and that neither party acted primarily in self-defense; 2) certify that their laws, policies, and practices do not require, in connection with the prosecution of any misdemeanor or felony domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking offense, or in connection with the filing, issuance, registration, modification, enforcement, dismissal, or service of a protection order, or a petition for a protection order, to protect a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault, that the victim bear the costs associated with the filing of criminal charges against the offender, or the costs associated with the filing, issuance, registration, modification, enforcement, dismissal, or service of a warrant, protection order, petition for a protection order, or witness subpoena, whether issued inside or outside the State, tribal, or local jurisdiction; 3) certify that, their laws, policies, or practices will ensure that— (i) no law enforcement officer, prosecuting officer or other government official shall ask or require an adult, youth, or child victim of a sex offense as defined under Federal, tribal, State, territorial, or local law to submit to a polygraph examination or other truth 20 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 telling device as a condition for proceeding with the investigation of, trial of, or sentencing for such an offense; and (ii) the refusal of a victim to submit to an examination described in clause (i) shall not prevent the investigation of, trial of, or sentencing for the offense. Sample Court Certification of Eligibility letters can be found on the OVW website. Other Certifications: Applicants proposing projects under purpose area 5 (implementing legal services) must also submit a Delivery of Legal Assistance Certification. Delivery of Legal Assistance Certification: Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(12), to be eligible for an award, any recipient or subrecipient providing legal assistance with funds awarded under this program must certify in writing that: 1. any person providing legal assistance with funds through this program — (A)(i) is a licensed attorney or is working under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney; (ii) in immigration proceedings, is a Board of Immigration Appeals accredited representative; (iii) in Veterans' Administration claims, is an accredited representative; or (iv) is any person who functions as an attorney or lay advocate in Tribal court; and (B)(i) has demonstrated expertise in providing legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking in the targeted population; or (ii)(I) is partnered with an entity or person that has demonstrated expertise described in clause (i); and (II) has completed, or will complete, training in connection with domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault and related legal issues, including training on evidence -based risk factors for domestic and dating violence homicide; 2. any training program conducted in satisfaction of the requirement of paragraph (1) has been or will be developed with input from and in collaboration with a tribal, state, territorial, local, or culturally specific domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking victim service provider or coalition, as well as appropriate tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement officials; 3. any person or organization providing legal assistance with funds through this program has informed and will continue to inform state, local, or tribal domestic violence, dating violence, or sexual assault programs and coalitions, as well as appropriate state and local law enforcement officials of their work; and 4. the grantee's organizational policies do not require mediation or counseling involving offenders and victims physically together, in cases where sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or child sexual abuse is an issue. A sample Delivery of Legal Assistance Certification letter can be found on the OVW website. 21 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Applicants that are states or units of local government must also submit an HIV Certification: HIV Certification: Pursuant to 34 U.S.C. § 10461(d), states and units of local government that receive ICJR Program funding shall not be entitled to 5 percent of their total award unless the state or unit of local government: 1. certifies that it has a law, policy, or regulation that requires — a. the state or unit of local government at the request of a victim to administer to a defendant, against whom an information or indictment is presented for a crime in which by force or threat of force the perpetrator compels the victim to engage in sexual activity, testing for the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) not later than 48 hours after the date on which the information or indictment is presented and the defendant is in custody or has been served with the information or indictment; b. as soon as practicable notification to the victim, or parent and guardian of the victim, and the defendant of the testing results; and c. follow-up tests for HIV as may be medically appropriate, and that as soon as practicable after each such test the results be made available in accordance with subparagraph (b); or 2. gives the Attorney General assurances that its laws and regulations will be in compliance with requirements of paragraph (1) within the period ending on the date on which the next session of the state legislature ends. All state and local government applicants must submit either a certification that they are in compliance with the above requirement along with a copy of the relevant law, regulation, or policy, or an assurance attesting that the applicant will meet the requirement by the end of the next legislative session from the date of application. The certification or assurance must be in the form of a letter, on government letterhead, signed and dated by the authorized representative of the state or local government. A special condition withholding five percent of funds will be added to all awards to states and units of local governments that submit assurances or do not provide a compliant law, regulation, or policy with the certification. Pursuant to 28 C.F.R. § 90.64(b)(2), in the event that a unit of local government does not have authority to prosecute "crime[s] in which by force or threat of force the perpetrator compels the victim to engage in sexual activity[,]" the unit of local government may submit a letter from an appropriate legal authority in the jurisdiction certifying that the jurisdiction does not have authority to prosecute "crime[s] in which by force or threat of force the perpetrator compels the victim to engage in sexual activity" and that therefore the certification is not relevant to the unit of local government in question. The signed HIV Certification, HIV Assurance, or HIV Exemption letter must be uploaded as an additional attachment at the end of the application submission in JustGrants. A sample HIV certification letter can be found on the OVW website. 22 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Required Partnerships All applications to the ICJR Program must include formal partnerships as described below based on lead applicant type. Applicants that fail to include a mandatory partner will be removed from further consideration. All formal partnerships must be documented in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), or Letter(s) of Commitment (LOC) for court applicants only, at the time of application. State, Indian Tribal Government, Unit of Local Government and Court Applicants: Applicants that are states, units of local governments, tribal governments, or courts are required to enter into a formal partnership with: 1) one or more victim service provider(s) that have a documented history of serving victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking, and 2) other governmental organizations that are necessary for the implementation of the proposed project. A victim service provider must be involved in the development and implementation of the project. See Eligibility Information Section for the definition of "victim service provider." Note that this requirement can be satisfied by partnering with a culturally specific organization, tribal organization, or population specific organization that meets the definition of "victim service provider." State, Tribal, or territorial Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault Coalition or Victim Service Provider Applicants: Lead applicants that are victim service providers, including coalitions, are required to enter into a formal partnership with: 1) a state, Indian tribal government, or unit of local government appropriate to the service area, and 2) any specific governmental organizations that are necessary for the implementation of the proposed project. All partners must be involved in the development and implementation of the project. (See Eligibility Information section for more information on Victim Service Provider eligibility). See Supporting Documents for additional information on the MOU and/or LOC requirements. Limit on Number of Applications OVW will consider only one application per organization for the same service area (i.e., the geographic area to be served). 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 OVW at OVW.ICJRlE≥usdoi.gov or at 202-307-6026. Pre -Application Information Session OVW will conduct a live web -based pre -application information session. During this live session, OVW staff will review this program's requirements, review the solicitation, and allow for a brief 23 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 question and answer period. The live session is tentatively scheduled for March 14 at 2:00 - 4:00 pm EST. Participation in a pre -application information session is optional and not a requirement to be eligible to apply and recording will be available on the OVW website. To register for the live session, contact the ICJR Program at OVW.ICJRausdoi.4ov or at 202- 307-6026. Registration must be received at least one day prior to the start of the session. Participants are not registered until they receive a confirmation email. The webinar will be captioned in English and Spanish. Interested applicants needing additional language assistance should contact this program at OVW.ICJR(aiusdoi.4ov or at 202-307-6026 as soon as possible, but no later than March 13, 2024. Listening to this session is optional and not a requirement to be eligible to apply. The session is tentatively scheduled to be available within ten (10) business days of the pre -application session on the OVW website. Content and Form of Application Submission The information below (Letter of Intent through How to Apply) describes the full content and form of application submission. Letter of Intent Applicants intending to apply for FY 2024 funding under this program are strongly encouraged to submit a Letter of Intent stating that they are registered and current with SAM and with Grants.gov. The letter should be submitted to OVW at OVW.ICJRtE usdoi.4ov by March 20, 2024. This letter does not obligate the applicant to apply. See the OVW website for a sample Letter of Intent. Formatting and Technical Requirements Applications must follow the requirements below for all documents attached to the application, unless otherwise noted. Points may be deducted for applications that do not adhere to the following requirements: 1. Double-spaced (charts may be single-spaced) 2. 8'/z x 11 inch pages 3. One -inch margins 4. Arial font, type no smaller than 11 point, except for footnotes, which may be 9 point 5. Page numbers 6. No more than 20 pages for the Proposal Narrative 7. Documents in the following formats: Microsoft Word (.doc), PDF files (.pdf), or Text Documents (.txt) 8. Headings and sub -headings that correspond to the sections identified in this section of the solicitation Application Contents Applications must include the required documents and meet the program eligibility requirements. For a checklist, see the Application Checklist in the Other Information section of this solicitation. 24 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 OVW will not contact applicants for missing items on the list below. Applications that do not include all the following documents will not be considered for funding: 1. Proposal Narrative 2. Budget Detail Worksheet and Narrative 3. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and/or Letter(s) of Commitment (LOC) Application for Federal Assistance (SF -424) Applicants must complete the SF -424 in Grants.gov as part of Step 1 of the application submission process. The SF -424 is generated when the applicant begins the submission process in Grants.gov. For Type of Applicant (box 9), do not select "Other". The amount of federal funding requested in the "Estimated Funding" section of this form (box 18a) should match the amount of federal funding requested in the budget of the application. This program does not require a match; therefore, the value for the Applicant line (box 18b) should be zero. The individual who is listed as "Authorized Representative" (box 21) must have 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 comply with the state's process under E.O. 12372. In completing the SF -424, the applicant must make the appropriate selection in response to question 19 once it 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 as part of Step 1 of the application submission process. 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) This section in the JustGrants application is pre -populated with the SF -424 data submitted in Grants.gov. Applicants begin Step 2 of the application submission process by reviewing the Standard Applicant Information in JustGrants, making edits as needed, confirming the Authorized Representative, verifying the legal name and address, and entering the ZIP code(s) for the areas affected by the project. Proposal Abstract The Proposal Abstract must provide a short summary (no more than two pages double-spaced) of the proposed project, including names of applicant and partners, project title, 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. Do not summarize past accomplishments in this section. The Proposal Abstract, which is to be entered into a text box in JustGrants, will not be scored but is used throughout the review process. 25 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Data Requested with Application Applicants must complete three questionnaires in JustGrants: the Pre -Award Risk Assessment, the Applicant Questionnaire, and the FY 2024 ICJR Summary Data Sheet. These questionnaires are not scored. Applicants should click on the questionnaire name in JustGrants to access and complete each questionnaire. Although the questionnaires must be completed in JustGrants, the questions can be viewed in Appendices B, C, and D of this solicitation. Proposal Narrative The Proposal Narrative may not exceed 20 pages, double-spaced. Reviewers will not read beyond this page limit. The Proposal Narrative must include the 3 sections below. The total point value for the proposal narrative section is (80 points). Applicants must upload the Proposal Narrative as an attachment in JustGrants. Purpose of the Proposal (20 points) This section must: 1. Describe the communities in the service area, including but not limited to: traditionally underserved populations, such as communities of color, people with disabilities, people who are Deaf or hard of hearing, persons with limited English proficiency, older adults, and LGBTQ+ communities. 2. Describe the service area(s), including the geographic location, population size, and unique characteristics in the jurisdiction(s) or state. Include rates of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, non -intimate partner sexual assault, and stalking as applicable to the proposal. (Note: Applicants must upload a service area map with population size to their application in JustGrants. The map will not count towards the 20 - page limit.) 3. Describe the challenge or need faced by the community that the project would address. 4. Identify gaps in currently available services and explain how the proposed project will complement and not duplicate existing services. 5. Identify and describe current or prior efforts (OVW funded or not) to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking as well as the impact and/or effectiveness of those efforts. 6. Describe existing barriers to having a survivor -centered and/or trauma informed response through community and criminal justice project partners. What Will Be Done (45 points) The application must provide a clear link between the proposed activities and the need identified in the "Purpose of the Proposal" section above. Do not include any of the activities listed as unallowable costs in the Funding Restrictions section of this solicitation. This section must: 1. Identify the selected OVW purpose area(s). 2. Describe the goals and objectives for the proposed project and the specific, measurable outcomes to be achieved as a result. Include how the applicant proposes to address the OVW purpose area(s) specified above. 26 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 a. If the applicant includes culturally specific or population specific training within their goals and objectives, identify and describe the organization and/or subject matter expert(s) (SMEs) who would train, the proposed topic(s), who will be trained, and the desired outcome of such training. b. If the applicant proposes to include a co -responder model, describe how the project will be implemented. Include any necessary training and technical assistance needs, and the development of policies and procedures. c. If the applicant proposes to allocate 40 percent or more of their project activities to sexual assault response (including non -intimate partner sexual assault), identify and describe how such activities will be implemented. 3. Provide a detailed timeline for the proposed project that demonstrates how the activities will be accomplished within the 36 -month project period. 4. Explain how the project activities will address the challenge or need identified in the Purpose of the Proposal section above. 5. List deliverables or products, if any (e.g., a video, brochure, curriculum, training, website, or other electronic media), that will be created under this project, and describe how the products could assist other jurisdictions addressing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Describe how the project deliverables will respond to the goals and objectives in a trauma -informed and survivor -centered manner. 6. Describe how the proposed project will address the unique needs of the traditionally underserved populations identified in the Purpose of the Proposal section above. 7. Describe how each organization involved in the proposed project will improve accessibility for people with disabilities and people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. 8. Describe how each organization involved in the proposed project will improve accessibility for people with limited English proficiency. 9. Describe how the applicant will track project goals and objectives, how success will be measured, as well as why the applicant anticipates that the project will be successful. 10. Describe how survivors and other people with relevant lived experiences have helped formulate and/or will be involved in shaping and implementing the project. Involving people with lived experience is a way to ensure that an approach is informed by people who have direct experience with the issues the approach is trying to alleviate. An example of involving people with lived experience is asking survivors who have obtained protection orders to help develop a brochure explaining the steps for requesting a protection order. For more information about engaging people with lived experience, see this brief from the Department of Health and Human Services. Who Will Implement the Proposal (15 points) This section must: 1. Identify the key people and organizations, including project partners, involved in the proposed project. 2. Demonstrate that the people and organizations identified have the capacity to address the stated need and can successfully implement the proposed project activities. Job descriptions or resumes of all key personnel must be attached but will not count toward the page limit. (Note: If the applicant includes culturally specific or population specific training within their goals and objectives, identify and describe the expertise of the training organization and/or subject matter expert(s) (SME's) as it relates to the project goals and activities.). 3. Provide detailed information about the experience and expertise of the organizations and key personnel who will be directly involved with the proposed project. Identify project 27 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 partners, including any subcontractors, and include details on how the project partners will work together through the project activities to achieve success. 4. Demonstrate how the project partners will address the barriers discussed in the Purpose of the Proposal. Budget and Associated Documentation Applicants must submit a detailed budget and budget narrative and must upload the applicable associated documentation as described below, under each heading. OVW strongly encourages using a spreadsheet (e.g., Excel, Numbers, etc.) for the budget attachments. 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 (attachment) Applicants must upload in JustGrants a detailed budget and budget narrative 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 Budget Information and Sample Budget Narrative in Appendix A and the Creating a Budget webinar on the OVW website. Keep in mind that budgetary requirements vary among programs. Budgets should be reasonable and based on the resources needed to implement their projects in their specific geographic location. Award Period and Amounts The award period is 36 months. Budgets, including the total "estimated funding" on the SF -424, must reflect 36 months of project activity. OVW anticipates that the award period will start on October 1, 2024. This program typically makes awards in the range of $500,000 to $1,000,000. OVW estimates that it will make up to 35 awards for an estimated $23,000,000. Note: 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 before making an award or after an award is made but prior to access to funds. Funding levels under this program for FY 2024 are: $500,000 for projects that have a service area population up to 400,000 for the entire 36 months; $750,000 for projects that have a service area population of 400,001 to 700,000; $1,000,000 for projects that have a service area population above 700,000; and $1,000,000 for statewide projects, regardless of population size. Budget Notes: • Budgets should cover a project period of 36 months starting October 1, 2024 and ending on September 30, 2027. Budget requests should not exceed the caps listed above, based upon service area population, unless the applicant is addressing OVW Priority #3. 28 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Applications that include legal services must limit direct legal services to no more than 30% of project activities. If the applicant proposes to implement OVW Priority #3 by allocating at least 40 percent of grant -funded activities to address sexual assault (including non -intimate partner sexual assault), such applicants may apply for up to an additional $200,000, in addition to the budget cap corresponding to their service area population. Activities should cover the 36 -month award period as discussed above. The budget must: 1. Present a clear link between the specific project activities and the proposed budget items. The budget should not contain items that are not supported by the proposal narrative. a. If the applicant proposes to address OVW Priority #1, include training by a culturally specific or population specific organization and/or subject matter expert(s) (SMEs). 2. Fairly and reasonably compensate all project partners for their full level of effort, unless otherwise stated in the MOU, and/or LOC if a Court. For more information on compensating project partners, see the Budget Information and Sample Budget Narrative in Appendix A. 3. Include sufficient funds for each organization involved in the project to provide language access or describe other resources available to the applicant to ensure meaningful access for persons with limited English proficiency. Funding should be reflective of the demographics and service area detailed in the Purpose of the Proposal section. See Accessibility under the Federal Award Administration Information section of this solicitation for more information. 4. Include sufficient funds for each organization involved in the project to provide access for people with disabilities or who are Deaf/hard of hearing, or describe other resources available to the applicant to ensure meaningful access. Funding should be reflective of the demographics and service area detailed in the Purpose of the Proposal section. See Accessibility under the Federal Award Administration Information section of this solicitation for more information. 5. Include funds to attend OVW-sponsored TTA in the amount of $40,000 for applicants located in the 48 contiguous states and $45,000 for applicants located in the territories, Hawaii, and Alaska. This amount is for the entire 36 -month project period and NOT per year. Applicants also may budget expenses in excess of the required amount if they are aware of relevant non-OVW sponsored conferences or training for which they would like permission to use grant funds to support staff/project partner attendance. 6. Note: OVW-sponsored TTA amounts should include attendance at the required new grantee orientation and additional training that will satisfy the Prosecution Certification as described in the Required Certifications section. 7. Distinguish clearly between subawards and contracts in allocating any grant funds to 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; 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. §§ 200.317-200.327 & 200.329. The issuance and monitoring of subawards must meet the requirements of 2 29 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 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 Budget Information and Sample Budget Narrative in Appendix A and the Solicitation Companion Guide on the OVW website. OVW awards are governed by the provisions of 2 C.F.R. Part 200 and the DOJ Financial Guide, which include information on allowable costs, methods of payment, audit requirements, accounting systems, and financial records. For additional information on allowable and unallowable costs, see the Funding Restrictions section below and the Budget Information and Sample Budget Narrative in Appendix A. Funding Restrictions The following information is provided to help applicants 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: 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. Food and Beverage/Costs for Refreshments and Meals Recipients must receive prior approval before using grant funds to provide a working meal and/or refreshments at a meeting, conference, training, or other event. Food and beverages are generally considered personal expenses for which government funds should not be used. Exceptions may be made for working meals that are necessary to accomplish official business and enhance the cost effectiveness of the meeting or conference. Examples include, but are not limited to: 1. The location of the event is not in close proximity to food establishments, despite efforts to secure a location near reasonably priced and accessible commercial food establishments. 2. Failure to serve food will significantly lengthen the day or necessitate extending the meeting to achieve meeting outcomes. 3. A special presentation at a conference requires a plenary address where there is no other time for food to be obtained. 4. Other extenuating circumstances necessitate the provision of food. Justification for an exception listed above must be included in the applicant's budget narrative, including relevant details about the applicant's community, such as a rural or remote location. For additional information on restrictions on food and beverage expenditures, see OVW conference cost planning. 30 OMB Number -1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Conference Planning and Expenditure Limitations Applicants' budgets must be consistent with all requirements (including specific cost limits and prior approval and reporting requirements, where applicable) governing the use of federal funds for expenses related to conferences (which is defined to include meetings, retreats, seminars, symposiums, training, and other similar events), and costs of attendance at such events. Information on conference planning, minimization of costs, and conference reporting is available at OVW conference cost planning. Pre -Award Costs 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 that do not have a current negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost rate, except for those non-federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200 paragraph (d)(1)(B), may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). Organizations that wish to negotiate an indirect cost rate should contact OVW's Grants Financial Management Division at OVW.GFMD at7usdoi.gov or 1-888-514-8556 for more information. 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. Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable) 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. If so, the applicant 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. A rebuttable presumption of the reasonableness of a nonprofit organization's compensation arrangements, however, may be available if the nonprofit organization satisfies certain rules set out in Internal Revenue Service regulations with regard to its compensation decisions. Each applicant must state at the time of its application (in the Data Requested with Application section) whether the applicant is a nonprofit organization that uses the Internal Revenue Service's three -step safe -harbor procedure to establish a rebuttable presumption that its executives' compensation is reasonable. If the applicant states that it uses the safe - 31 OMB Number -1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 harbor procedure, then it must disclose, in an attachment to its application (to be titled "Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation"), the process it uses to determine the compensation of its officers, directors, trustees, and key employees (together, "covered persons"). See 34 U.S.C. § 12291(b)(15)(B)(iii). At a minimum, the disclosure must describe in pertinent detail: (1) the composition of the body that reviews and approves compensation arrangements for covered persons; (2) the methods and practices used by the applicant nonprofit organization to ensure that no individual with a conflict of interest participates as a member of the body that reviews and approves a compensation arrangement for a covered person; (3) the appropriate data as to comparability of compensation that is obtained in advance and relied upon by the body that reviews and approves compensation arrangements for covered persons; and (4) the written or electronic records that the applicant maintains as concurrent documentation of the decisions with respect to compensation of covered persons made by the body that reviews and approves such compensation arrangements, including records of deliberations and of the basis for decisions. For a sample Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation letter, see the OVW website. For purposes of the required disclosure, the following terms and phrases have the meanings set out by the Internal Revenue Service for use in connection with 26 C.F.R. § 53.4958-6: officers, directors, trustees, key employees, compensation, conflict of interest, appropriate data as to comparability, adequate documentation, and concurrent documentation. Following receipt of an appropriate request, OVW may be authorized or required by law to make information submitted to satisfy this requirement available for public inspection. Also, a recipient may be required to make a prompt supplemental disclosure after the award in certain circumstances (e.g., if the recipient changes in the way it determines compensation). Memorandum of Understanding and Supporting Documents Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and/or Letters of Commitment (LOC) For purposes of this solicitation, the MOU is a document containing the terms of the partnership and the allocation of roles and responsibilities between two or more parties, and it must be included as an attachment to the application in JustGrants. The LOC is a letter affirming the intent to commit the specified resources towards the project by one party and it must be included as an attachment to the application in JustGrants. The MOU and/or LOC is worth a total of 5 points. The MOU is not a substitute for a subaward agreement, which ensures that subrecipients adhere to the requirements of the award and 2 C.F.R. Part 200 (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.332). Partners receiving funds under the award generally are considered subrecipients because they are carrying out a portion of the federal award. The MOU must be a single document and must be signed and dated by the Authorized Representative of each proposed partner organization during the development of the application. OVW will accept electronic signatures. MOUs missing signatures may result in a point deduction or removal from consideration, particularly if the MOU is missing the signature of a required partner. If necessary, an MOU can include multiple signature pages so long as each page includes the names and titles of all signatories to the MOU. A sample MOU is available on the OVW website. 32 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 The MOU must clearly: 1. Identify the partners and provide a brief history of the collaborative relationship between those partners, including when and under what circumstances the collaborative relationship began and when each partner entered into the relationship. 2. Describe the roles and responsibilities each partner will assume to ensure the success of the proposed project. 3. Demonstrate how the proposed partnership can address the needs of the traditionally underserved population(s) identified in the Purpose of the Proposal section. 4. State that each project partner has reviewed the budget, is aware of the total amount being requested, and is being equitably compensated for their work under the grant or is agreeing to be partially compensated or receive no compensation from the grant. 5. Describe the resources each partner would contribute to the project, either through time, in -kind contributions, or grant funds (e.g., office space, project staff, and training). 6. Specify the extent of each partner's participation in developing the application, including the budget. 7. Demonstrate the commitment of each project partner to work together to achieve stated project goals. Identify the key personnel who will be responsible for developing and implementing project activities and describe how they will work together and with project partners. Letter(s) of Commitment (LOC) If a court is unable to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the court may submit a LOC in lieu of entering into an MOU as described below: 1. If the court is the lead applicant and unable to enter into an MOU, all project partners should submit LOCs and no MOU is required. 2. The court is a project partner and unable to sign an MOU, the lead applicant should still submit an MOU signed by the applicant and any other non -court partners and the court partner should submit an LOC. Note: LOCs submitted in lieu of an MOU under circumstances other than those defined above will not be accepted. The LOC must clearly: 1. Identify the partners and provide a brief history of the collaborative relationship between those partners, including when and under what circumstances the collaborative relationship began and when each partner entered into the relationship. 2. Describe the roles and responsibilities each partner will assume to ensure the success of the proposed project. 3. Demonstrate how the proposed partnership can address the needs of the traditionally underserved population(s) identified in the Purpose of the Proposal section. 4. State that each project partner has reviewed the budget, is aware of the total amount being requested, and is being equitably compensated for their work under the grant or is agreeing to be partially compensated or receive no compensation from the grant. 5. Describe the resources each partner would contribute to the project, either through time, in -kind contributions, or grant funds (e.g., office space, project staff, and training). 6. Specify the extent of each partner's participation in developing the application, including the budget. 33 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 7. Demonstrate the commitment of each project partner to work together to achieve stated project goals. Identify the key personnel who will be responsible for developing and implementing project activities and describe how they will work together and with project partners. Additional Application Components The following components will not be scored but must be included with the application. Failure to do so may result in the application being removed from consideration. Some components will be generated during the application submission process while others will be uploaded and attached to the application in JustGrants. Letter of Nonsupplanting Applicants must attach a letter to OVW's Director, signed by the Authorized Representative, certifying that federal funds will not be used to supplant non-federal funds should a grant award be made. A sample Letter of Nonsupplantinq is available on the OVW website. Proof of 501(c)(3) Status (Nonprofit Organizations Only) As noted under the Eligible Applicants section, an 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 the Code. All such applicants are required to attach a determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service recognizing their tax-exempt status. OV\A/ cannot make an award to any nonprofit organization that does not submit a 501(c)(3) determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service. Confidentiality Notice Form All applicants are required to acknowledge that they have received notice that grantees and subgrantees must comply with the confidentiality and privacy requirements of VAWA, as amended. Applicants must upload and attach, under Additional Attachments in JustGrants, the completed acknowledgement form available on the OVW website. This form must be signed by the Authorized Representative. Summary of Other Federal Funding Applicants must disclose whether they have any of the following: 1) an OVW grant or cooperative agreement that is open or that closed within 12 months of the date this solicitation closes; 2) a subaward under an OVW grant or cooperative agreement that is open or that closed within 12 months of the date this solicitation closes; 3) a pending OVW application as either the lead applicant/potential recipient or as a partner/potential subrecipient; 4) a federal award to do the same or similar work; or 5) a pending federal application to do the same or similar work. Applicants will provide this information by completing the Summary of Other Federal Funding form in the Disclosures and Assurances section of JustGrants during the application submission process. Certifications of Eligibility Applicants must upload in JustGrants under this heading the Certifications of Eligibility appropriate for their type of jurisdiction and compliance status as described above in the eligibility section. 34 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 HIV Certification State and local government applicants must upload the HIV certification, assurance, or letter of exemption as described above. Delivery of Legal Assistance If applicable, applicants must upload the legal assistance certification as described above. Disclosures and Assurances All applicants must review, complete, and submit all disclosures, assurances, and certifications as described below. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Applicants must complete and submit the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) form in Grants.gov before beginning the application process in JustGrants. DOJ Certified Standard Assurances Applicants must read and acknowledge the DOJ Certified Standard Assurances in JustGrants. DOJ Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug -Free Workplace Requirements Applicants must read and acknowledge these DOJ certifications in JustGrants. Prior to Application Submission Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM) Entities applying for the first time must register with the following systems: SAM.gov: Registration with SAM.gov includes receiving a UEI and takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks. Grants.gov: Registration with Grants.gov takes an average of 1 week. JustGrants: Registration with JustGrants needs to be completed ONLY after successful submission of Step 1 of the application as described below under How to Apply. Note: Registration time frames are estimates. Applicants experiencing registration challenges should refer to the OVW Policy for Applicants Experiencing Technical Difficulties During the Registration and Submission Processes section below for guidance on how to proceed. Entities that have previously applied for funding from DOJ must ensure their accounts with SAM, Grants.gov, and JustGrants are active and up to date. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that they are registered with SAM, Grants.gov, and JustGrants. OVW strongly encourages all applicants to begin the registration process or ensure that all accounts are active and up to date, by April 11, 2024. Failure to do so may result in missing the application deadline and therefore not being considered for funding. 35 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Applicants experiencing technical difficulties with SAM should go to https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd sp. Applicants experiencing technical difficulties with Grants.gov should contact support@grants.gov. Applicants experiencing technical difficulties with JustGrants should contact OVW.JustGrantsSupportffiusdoi.gov. How to Apply Submission Dates and Times All applications must be submitted electronically first in Grants.gov (SF -424 and SF-LLL) and then in JustGrants. Applicants must make every effort to submit their application in Grants.gov and JustGrants. Note: The Grants.Gov deadline is 11:59 pm ET on April 30, 2024 and the JustGrants application deadline is 8:59 pm ET on May 2, 2024. Applicants experiencing technical difficulties during the application submission process should refer to the OVW Policy for Applicants Experiencing Technical Difficulties During the Registration and Submission Processes below for guidance on how to proceed. OVW strongly encourages all applicants to begin the application submission process at least 48 hours prior to the Grants.gov application deadline. Failure to do so may result in missing the application deadline and therefore not being considered for funding. OVW will not accept applications after the JustGrants deadline, except for severe inclement weather or natural or man-made disaster. See the OVW Policy on Late Submission Request Due to Severe Inclement Weather or Natural or Man -Made Disaster below. Submission Information and Other Submission Requirements Applications must be submitted to OVW through a two-step process that begins in Grants.gov and is completed in JustGrants: Step 1: The applicant must submit by the Grants.gov deadline (provided above) the required Application for Federal Assistance standard form (SF -424) and the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities form (SF-LLL) in Grants.gov. To view the forms prior to completing them in Grants.gov, applicants can go to the Package tab under the funding opportunity that they're applying for and select Preview. The Preview then provides links to the forms. Step 2: The applicant must then submit the full application, including attachments, in JustGrants at https://justicegrants.usdoj.gov/ by the JustGrants application deadline (provided above). OVW encourages applicants to review the JustGrants website for more information, resources, and training. Tip: JustGrants functions better using a PC with Chrome or Edge web browser. OVW Policy for Applicants Experiencing Technical Difficulties During the Registration and Submission Processes Technical difficulties are issues that are beyond the applicant's control. OVW can confirm when each registration and/or submission action began. 36 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Technical difficulties with SAM or Grants.gov 1. Contact SAM or Grants.gov support as soon as the applicant is aware of a problem. 2. Maintain documentation of when the issue began and all communication with technical support. 3. Before the Grants.gov deadline, notify OVW, via email at OVW.ICJRffliusdoi.gov, stating the applicant is experiencing technical difficulties with SAM or Grants.gov. The applicant should provide regular updates to this program via email at OVW.ICJRa.usdoi.gov. 4. If the technical difficulty cannot be resolved before the Grants.gov deadline, the applicant must notify OVW via email at OVW.ICJR@usdoi.gov before the Grants.gov deadline. 5. Once the Grants.gov deadline passes an applicant will not be able to apply in JustGrants. Therefore, the applicant must email the complete application (SF-LLL, SF - 424, Proposal Narrative, Budget and Budget Narrative, MOU and/or LOC (for court applicants only) and all documentation confirming the technical difficulty to OVW at OVW.ICJR aiusdoi.gov by 8:59 p.m. E.T. on May 2, 2024. Technical difficulties while applying in JustGrants 1. Contact OVW JustGrants Support at OVW.JustGrantsSupportAusdoi.gov or 866-655- 4482 as soon as the applicant is aware of a problem. OVW JustGrants Support is a separate Help Desk from OJP and COPS and is dedicated to OVW applicants. 2. Maintain documentation of all communication with OVW JustGrants Support. 3. Actively work with OVW JustGrants Support to resolve the technical difficulty. 4. Contact OVW, via email at OVW.ICJR@usdoi.gov, prior to the JustGrants deadline (8:59 p.m. E.T. on May 2, 2024). If an applicant must submit their application via email due to a technical difficulty, they must do so by the JustGrants application deadline, but no earlier than 4 hours prior to the deadline. The email must include the following: • A detailed description of the technical difficulty. The contact information (name, telephone, and email) for the person making the request. • The applicant's UEI number. • JustGrants application numbers and User Support tracking numbers. • The complete application (SF-LLL, SF -424, Proposal Narrative, Budget and Budget Narrative, MOU and/or LOC (for court applicants only) It is not guaranteed that applications submitted via email will be considered for funding, even if the email is received before the JustGrants application deadline. OVW will decide and notify applicants of the decision within 30 days of the JustGrants application deadline. Applicants may be asked to coordinate with OVW to submit their application in Grants.gov and JustGrants later. OVW Policy on Late Submission Request Due to Severe Inclement Weather or Natural or Man - Made Disaster Cases of severe inclement weather or natural or man-made disaster are the only circumstances under which OVW may accept applications after 8:59 pm ET on May 2, 2024 — JustGrants deadline]. The information below provides the process applicants must follow in such a circumstance. 1. Contact this program at OVW.ICJR(aidoi.gov as soon as the applicant is aware of severe weather or a natural or man-made disaster that may impede the submission of an application by the deadline. The email should include a detailed description of the weather event or natural or man-made disaster. A detailed description includes when the 37 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 event occurred, or is likely to occur, the impacted area, and the specific impact on the applicant and/or partners' ability to submit the application by the deadline (e.g., without power for "x" days, office closed for "x" days). If the application is complete and ready for submission at the time the applicant notifies OVW, the application should be included with the email. 2. Applicants impacted by severe weather or a natural or man-made disaster occurring on or around the deadline must contact OVW within 48 hours after the deadline or as soon as communications are restored. Note: OVW may not be able to accommodate all requests resulting from severe inclement weather or a natural or man-made disaster. OVW will review the request for late submission and required documents and notify the applicant whether the request has been approved or denied within 30 days of the submitted request. Application Review Information Review Criteria Applications will be scored based on the degree to which the application responds to each section and addresses each element in the section. Furthermore, applications will be scored based upon the quality of the response, capacity of the applicant and any partners, and the level of detail provided. Each element must be addressed in the section in which it is requested. Points may be deducted if the applicant does not include the information in the appropriate section regardless if it is included elsewhere within the application. Each section will be reviewed as a separate document and will be scored as such. Specifically, for the ICJR Program, scoring will be as follows: 1. Proposal narrative: (80) points, of which: A. Purpose of the proposal: (20) points. B. What will be done: (45) points. C. Who will implement the proposal: (15) points. 2. Budget worksheet and budget narrative: (15) points. 3. MOU and/or LOC (for court applicants only): (5) points. Voluntary match or other cost sharing methods will not be considered in the evaluation of the application. Review and Selection Process Applications will be subject to a peer review and a programmatic review. Peer Review OVW will subject all eligible, complete, and timely applications to a peer review process that is based on the criteria outlined in this solicitation. OVW may use internal reviewers, external reviewers, or a combination of both. OVW peer reviewers may include victim advocates, judges, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, legal professionals, and others with expertise in areas such as tribal communities, colleges and universities, rural areas, urban areas, working with people with disabilities or older adults, and providing services to victims, including transitional housing and services provided by 38 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 culturally specific organizations and the faith community. While some peer reviewers are expert consultants on violence against women issues, the vast majority are current practitioners or recent retirees from the professions mentioned above. To ensure that applications are reviewed by people with on -the -ground experience responding to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, OVW does not use professional peer reviewers. Programmatic Review All applications that are considered for funding will be subject to a programmatic review. The programmatic review consists of assessing the application for compliance with the program's scope, activities that compromise victim safety, and, if applicable, past performance and priority area review. OVW reserves the right to give special consideration to applications fully addressing OVW priority areas and to deduct points from applications for the following reasons: 1. Activities that compromise victim safety and recovery and undermine offender accountability (deduct up to 10 points). 2. Out -of -scope and unallowable activities (deduct up to 25 points). 3. Past performance (deduct up to 25 points). 4. Formatting and Technical Requirements (deduct up to 5 points). An application that is substantially out -of -scope, proposes a substantial number of activities that are unallowable, or proposes activities that pose a significant threat to victim safety or a serious breach of confidentiality will not be considered for funding. An applicant with considerable past performance issues may receive a deduction in points as listed above or be removed from consideration regardless of the application's peer review score. Past Performance Review As a part of the programmatic review process described above, applicants with current or recently closed OVW awards under this program will be reviewed for past performance and risk based on the elements listed below. 1. Adherence to the grant program's statutory purposes and requirements. 2. Implementation of the project according to plan, without significant obstacles and/or challenges. 3. Implementation of the project within the original period of performance. 4. Drawdown of funds commensurate with the level of program activities completed. 5. Management of award such that applicant has had uninterrupted access to funds. 6. Attendance at/participation in all required OVW-sponsored training and technical assistance events. 7. Timely resolution of issues identified during programmatic monitoring. 8. Completion of close-out of prior awards within 120 days of the project end date. 9. Timely resolution of issues necessary to close out prior awards. 10. Timely resolution of issues identified during financial monitoring. 11. Timely response to OVW requests. 12. Development of deliverables that support the project goals and objectives and are of acceptable quality. 13. Implementation of the project as designed without unjustified modification. 14. Timely submission of federal financial reports (FFR). 15. Timely submission of performance reports. 16. Submission of complete and accurate performance reports. 17. Adherence to the terms and conditions of existing grant award(s) from OVW. 39 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 18. Justification for having 50% or more of ICJR grant funds remaining in their current award. Prior to making an award, OVW is required to review and consider any information about applicants included in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM. Applicants may review and comment on information about themselves that another federal awarding agency has previously entered. OVW will consider the applicant's comments as well as other information available in SAM in making its judgment about the risk posed by making an award to the applicant as described in 2 C.F.R. § 200.206. Absent explicit statutory authorization or written delegation of authority to the contrary, all final award decisions will be made by the OVW Director, who also may consider factors including, but not limited to, reaching underserved populations, geographic diversity, OVW priorities, past performance, and available funding when making awards. All award decisions are final and not subject to appeal. High -Risk Grantees Based on DOJ's assessment of each grantee with regard to current or previous funding, unresolved audit issues, delinquent programmatic and fiscal reporting, and prior performance, a grantee may be designated "high -risk." Awards to high -risk grantees may carry special conditions such as increased monitoring and/or prohibitions on drawing down funds until certain requirements are met. High -risk grantees with substantial or persistent performance or compliance issues, long-standing open audits, or open criminal investigations may not be considered for funding. Federal Award Administration Information Federal Award Notices Successful applicants will receive OVW award notifications electronically from JustGrants (not Grants.gov). Recipients will be required to log into JustGrants to review and accept the award. The Authorized Representative must acknowledge having read and understood all sections of the award instrument and submit the required declaration and certification to accept the award; these steps will be completed electronically in JustGrants. Administrative, National Policy, and Other Legal Requirements Information for All Federal Award Recipients Applicants selected for awards must agree to comply with additional legal, administrative, and national policy requirements. OVW strongly encourages applicants to review the information pertaining to these additional requirements prior to submitting an application. This information can be found in the section of the Solicitation Companion Guide entitled "Post -Award Requirements for All Federal Award Recipients." Terms and conditions for OVW awards are available on the OVW website. These terms are subject to change prior to the issuance of the awards. Violence Against Women Act Non -Discrimination Provision The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act prohibits OVW grantees from excluding, denying benefits to, or discriminating against any person on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in any program or activity funded in whole or in part by OVW. Recipients may provide sex -segregated 40 OMB Number -1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 or sex -specific programming if doing so is necessary for the essential operation of a program, so long as the recipient provides comparable services to those who cannot be provided with the sex -segregated or sex -specific programming. Additional information on the civil rights obligations of OVW funding recipients can be found in the Solicitation Companion Guide under "Civil Rights Compliance." Accessibility Recipients of OVW funds must comply with applicable federal civil rights laws, which, among other things, prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and national origin. Compliance with these laws includes taking reasonable steps to ensure that persons who are limited in their English proficiency have meaningful access to recipients' programs and activities. Recipients are also responsible for ensuring that their programs and activities are readily accessible to people with disabilities, including those with physical or cognitive disabilities, as well as people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. OVW encourages applicants to go beyond minimum compliance with these requirements and allot sufficient resources to ensure programs and activities are accessible. More information on these obligations is available in the Solicitation Companion Guide under "Civil Rights Compliance." General Information about Post -Federal Award Reporting Requirements OVW grantees are required to submit semi-annual performance reports and quarterly Federal Financial Reports (SF -425). Performance report forms will be provided to all award recipients. Forms will be submitted electronically. Future awards and fund drawdowns may be withheld if reports are delinquent. For more information on post award reporting requirements, including requirements for certain recipients to report information on civil, criminal, and administrative proceedings in SAM, see the Solicitation Companion Guide and the award condition on recipient integrity and performance matters available on the OVW website. Federal Awarding Agency Contact(s) For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact the following: • Programmatic questions, contact this program at 202-307-6026 or OVW.ICJRausdoi.gov and reference this solicitation. • Financial questions, contact 888-514-8556 or ovw.gfmd@usdoj.gov • Technical questions: o Grants.gov Applicant Support at 800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov o OVW JustGrants Support at 1-866-655-4482 or OVW.JustGrantsSupport(ac/usdoi.ciov Other Information Public Reporting Burden - Paperwork Reduction Act Notice Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OVW tries to create forms and instructions that are accurate, easily understood, and not unnecessarily burdensome. The estimated average time to complete and file this form is 30 hours. Comments regarding the accuracy of this estimate or suggestions for simplifying this form can be submitted to the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice, 145 N Street, NE, Washington, DC 20530. 41 OMB Number -1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Note: Any materials submitted as part of an application may be released pursuant to a request under the Freedom of Information Act. Application Checklist Applicants must submit a fully executed application to OVW, including all required supporting documentation. Prior to peer review, OVW will not contact applicants for missing items. If an applicant plans to submit an application under any other OVW grant program this fiscal year, it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that only documents pertinent to this solicitation are included with this application. OVW will not redirect documents that are inadvertently submitted with the wrong application (e.g., a Rural Program letter submitted with a Transitional Housing Program application will not be transferred to the Rural application). Application Document 1. Letter of Intent Date Completed 2. Application for Federal Assistance: SF -424 3. Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) 4. Proposal Abstract 5. Data Requested with Application: a) Pre -Award Risk Assessment b) Applicant Questionnaire c) Summary Data Sheet 6. Proposal Narrative: a) Purpose of the Proposal b) What Will Be Done c) Who Will Implement the Proposal 7. Budget Worksheet and Budget Narrative (attachment) 8. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) 9. Applicant Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable) 10. Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation (if applicable) 11. Memorandum of Understanding and/or Letter(s) of Commitment 12. Letter of Nonsupplanting 13. Proof of 501(c)(3) Status (Nonprofit Organizations Only) 14. Confidentiality Notice Form 15. Summary of Other Federal Funding 16. Certifications of Eligibility a) ICJR Certification b) Prosecution Certification c) Minor Certification 17. Service Area Map 18. Delivery of Legal Assistance Certification Letter (if applicable) 19. HIV Certification 42 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 43 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 APPENDIX A Budget Information and Sample Budget Narrative 44 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Budget Information and Sample Budget Narrative Budget Information Cost information for selected items is provided below to assist applicants in preparing their budgets. Additional information is available in the DOJ Financial Guide. Consultants/Contracts Compensation for services by an individual consultant must be reasonable and consistent with that paid for similar services in the marketplace. Applicants must consider the type of services provided and the individual's experience and expertise when deciding if a consultant's rate is reasonable. Applicants are strongly discouraged from requesting consultant rates over $650 per day. Please note that the rate does not need to be as high as $650 for all consultants. If a project is selected for funding with a budget allocating more than $650 per day to a consultant, the applicant must provide additional information to OVW for review and approval before consultant costs are incurred. Applicants must also include all costs associated with consultants or contractors in the "Procurement Contracts" category, including travel -related costs. Applicants should not reflect these costs in the Personnel or Travel categories. Applicants must follow the same established procurement policies with federal funds as with non-federal funds. All procurement transactions, including the awarding of consultant contracts, must be conducted in a manner that provides maximum open, free, and fair competition, and must follow 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317-200.327. All sole -source procurements (not awarded competitively) over $250,000 require prior approval from OVW. This applies to procurements of goods and services, but not to selection of subrecipients. MOU Partner/Subrecipient versus Contractor Determination Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) project partners are generally considered subrecipients for time spent working on program objectives. The following MOU project partner responsibilities are consistent with the characteristics in 2 C.F.R. § 200.331 that support their classification as subrecipients: they are using federal funds to carry out a program for a public purpose specified in the authorizing statute; • they are responsible for adherence to program requirements; • they are responsible for programmatic decision -making; • their performance is measured by meeting program objectives; and • in some cases, they may be responsible for determining who is eligible to receive assistance (services) under the grant award. In contrast, a contractor: • provides goods and services within normal business operations; • provides similar good and services to many different purchasers; • normally operates in a competitive environment; • provides goods and services that are ancillary to the operation of the program; and • provides goods or services to which programmatic requirements generally do not apply. For additional information on determining subrecipient or contractor designation, please refer to 2 C.F.R. 5 200.331, as well as the Solicitation Companion Guide, available at https://www.iustice.qov/ovw/resources-applicants. 45 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Compensation for Partners In developing budgets, applicants should compensate all project partners for their participation in project -related activities, including but not limited to compensation for time and travel expenses to participate in project development, training, and implementation. The budget must include compensation for all services rendered by project partners, including nonprofit, nongovernmental domestic violence and/or sexual assault services programs, and state and tribal domestic violence and/or sexual assault coalitions. Partners are generally considered subrecipients and are reimbursed for their actual costs incurred for the project rather than on a fee for service basis. If a partner is a state or local governmental agency and the partnership duties are performed within the course of the agency's "regular" scope of work, applicants do not need to compensate the partner if the partner: a) offers this arrangement; and b) an explanation of this arrangement is included in the application (typically in the MOU). Training and Technical Assistance/Travel The program solicitation specifies the amount of grant funds that must be budgeted for training and technical assistance. These funds must only be used for OVW-designated technical assistance, unless otherwise approved by OVW. These funds are to be used to support travel by all project partners, including nonprofit, nongovernmental service providers, to technical assistance events. This may include travel by individuals whose positions are not grant -funded if their roles and responsibilities are linked to the purpose of the project. If the technical assistance funds will be shared between the applicant and any project partners, the applicant's employees' travel costs must be listed in the "Travel" category in the budget, and partners' travel must be in the "Subawards" category. Label both costs as "OVW Technical Assistance" and ensure they total to the full required amount. Do not include registration fees, as OVW technical assistance is free for grantees. If applicants are aware of relevant non-OVW sponsored conferences or training for which they would like permission to use grant funds to attend, they can budget expenses over the required amount. Rent Rental costs are generally allowable under OVW programs. Applicants must list square footage and cost per square foot in the budget. The amount must be based on the space that will be allocated to implement the OVW project, not the costs of the entire rental facility. Rental costs are not allowable for property owned by the applicant or if the applicant has a financial interest in the property. In this case, only the costs of ownership, including maintenance costs, insurance, depreciation, utilities, etc., are allowable. The applicant must state in the budget narrative whether they own the space that will be rented. Refer to the following document for more information on how to appropriately allocate and break down the cost of rent in the budget: Cost Allocation Information, available at https://www.iustice.gov/ovw/resources-applicants. Audit Costs Costs for audits not required or performed in accordance with 2 C.F.R. Part 200 Subpart F — Audit Requirements are unallowable. If the applicant agency did not meet the applicable expenditure threshold (see 2 C.F.R. § 200.501) during the organization's fiscal year, they may not charge the cost of any audit performed to the grant. Indirect Costs 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 that do not 46 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 have a current negotiated (including provisional) indirect cost rate, except for those non -Federal entities described in Appendix VII to Part 200 paragraph (d)(1)(B), may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). Organizations that wish to negotiate an indirect cost rate should contact OVW's Grants Financial Management Division at OVW.GFMDCa,usdoi.aov or 1-888-514-8556 for more information. Applicants may also choose to waive indirect costs. Purchase and/or Lease of Vehicles The purchase and lease of vehicles are prohibited under most OVW grant programs. However, some programs allow for purchasing vehicles on a case -by -case basis. Refer to the program solicitation to determine whether vehicles can be purchased or leased. A lease/purchase analysis must be submitted with the application if requesting a vehicle. Non -Federal contributions Any non-federal contributions can be discussed in the Proposal Narrative or Memorandum of Understanding (if required). Applicants should not include supplemental contributions in the budget, budget narrative, or SF -424. If the applicant voluntarily decides to provide matching funds through the use of in -kind contributions and includes this information in the budget or budget narrative, the voluntary contributions will become a mandatory requirement under the grant award. Grantees that fail to provide these mandatory matching funds through cash or in -kind contributions during the award period may be required to meet their obligation by making a cash payment to OVW to close out the grant award. Cost Allocations Costs for shared items, those not used solely for the award, should be equitably distributed to the funding sources that receive a benefit from the items. For example, when budgeting for general office supplies, it is important to note that the full cost cannot be allocated to the project. Instead, an allocation method should be used to share the cost among all staff who use the supplies. Refer to the following document for information on allocating shared costs in the budget: Cost Allocation Information, available at https://www.iustice.gov/ovw/resources- applicants. Accessibility The program solicitation requires that the applicant include sufficient funds to provide language access or describe other resources available to the applicant to ensure meaningful access for persons with limited English proficiency, including by offering translation and interpretation services, and to provide access for people with disabilities or who are Deaf/hard of hearing. Determining how much to budget for accessibility requires that recipients analyze the following: • Available data about the local population to understand the language and accessibility needs in their service area; Historical data on screening and serving individuals who are LEP, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, or disabled; and Costs or documented estimates of language and other accessibility services and modifications in the service area. For resources and assistance in this process, visit https://www.iustice.gov/ati and https://www.lep.qov/. Recipients should make every effort to use these funds for their budgeted purpose of providing accessibility, and not reallocate them for other purposes later in the project. 47 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Sample Budget Narrative Purpose: The Sample Budget Narrative may be used to assist with preparing the budget and narrative. Applicants may use this form or the format of their choice (plain sheets, Excel document, the applicant's own form, or a variation of this form). However, all required information (including the budget narrative) must be provided. Any category of expense not applicable to the applicant's project may be deleted. Note: The following budget is an example intended to assist applicants in preparing their budgets. The sample expenses may not fit the purposes or activities of this particular grant program. A. Personnel — List each position by title and employee name, if available. Show the annual salary rate and the percentage of time devoted to the project. Compensation paid for employees engaged in grant activities must be consistent with that paid for similar work within the applicant organization. Name/Position Computation Cost Program Coordinator $65,000 x 50% x 3 years $97,500 Bilingual Shelter Manager $70,000 x 100% x 3 years $210,000 Administrative Assistant $45,000 x 10% x 3 years $13,500 Sample narrative: The Program Coordinator will dedicate 50% of their time to the project by coordinating and organizing regular council meetings between all partner organizations, ensuring compliance with program requirements, and serving as the central point of contact for all project activities. Name/Position Computation Cost Program Coordinator Employer's FICA $97,500 x 7.65% $ 7,459 Health Insurance $4,800/year x 50% x 3 years $ 7,200 Worker's Compensation $97,500 x 1.00% $ 975 Unemployment Compensation $97,500 x 0.50% $ 488 Bilingual Shelter Manager Employer's FICA $210,000 x 7.65% $16,065 Health Insurance $4,800/year x 100% x 3 years $14,400 Worker's Compensation $210,000 x 1.00% $ 2,100 Unemployment Compensation $210,000 x 0.50% $ 1,050 Administrative Assistant Employer's FICA $ 13,500 x 7.65% $ 1,033 48 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Name/Position Computation Cost Health Insurance $4,800/year x 10% x 3 years $ 1,440 Worker's Compensation $ 13,500 x 1.00% $ 135 Unemployment Compensation $ 13,500 x 0.50% $ 68 The Bilingual Shelter Manager will dedicate 100% of their time to the project by providing direct client assistance, coordinating services and case management for clients, and managing the temporary shelter activities. The Administrative Assistant for the project will spend 10% of their time on the project, providing administrative and clerical support for activities directly related to this project. TOTAL PERSONNEL: 32•X) B. Fringe Benefits — Fringe benefits must be based on actual known costs or an established formula. Fringe benefits are for the personnel listed in budget category (A) and only for the percentage of time devoted to the project. Fringe benefits on overtime hours are limited to FICA, Worker's Compensation, and Unemployment Compensation. Sample Narrative: We request fringe benefits for the Program Coordinator, Bilingual Shelter Manager, and Administrative Assistant. Each employee's share of Health Insurance cost is prorated based on their projected time on the project. TOTAL FRINGE BENEFITS: $ 52,413 C. Travel — Project staff travel expenses should be itemized by purpose (e.g., training, field interviews, advisory group meeting, etc.) and include the basis of computation (e.g., six people to 3 -day training at $X airfare, $X lodging, $X per diem). For training projects, travel and meals for trainees should be listed separately. Show the number of trainees and unit costs involved. Identify the location of travel, if known. Indicate source of travel policies applied, either the applicant's policy or Federal Travel Regulations. Purpose of Travel Location Item Computation OVW-Mandated Training TBD TBD TBD and Technical Assistance Cost $12,000 Local Program Mileage XYZ 150 miles/month x $0.655/mile $ 3,537 County x 36 months Sample narrative: According to the requirements in the solicitation for this program, $12,000 out of the total $20,000 in OVW mandated technical assistance and training funds has been allocated to cover the travel cost for staff. The remaining amount of $8,000 has been allocated for partner travel and can be found in Section G of this form. The exact locations of the trainings are currently unknown. However, travel estimates have been made using our formal written travel policy. 49 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 It is expected that the Program Coordinator will use a privately owned vehicle for local program mileage when traveling between the program shelter, main office, and all partner organizations. The rate for mileage reimbursement is calculated based on the current GSA Mileage Reimbursement Rate of $0.655/mile and is estimated to be around 150 miles per month for a period of 36 months. TOTAL TRAVEL: 15 537 D. Equipment — List tangible personal property with a useful life of more than one year that needs to be purchased to support the project. It is important to follow the applicant's own capitalization policy for equipment classification. For high -cost items and information technology systems, applicants should perform an analysis (and attach it to the application) that compares the cost of purchasing versus leasing equipment items, to determine the most economical approach. Rented or leased equipment items should be listed in the "Procurement Contracts" category. Describe in the narrative how the equipment is necessary for the success of the project. Item Computation Cost (2) Video Cameras $1,500/camera x 2 cameras $ 3,000 Sample narrative: The portable video cameras and tripod package will be used during the interviews of alleged offenders, as well as to record witness testimony in preparation for trial in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Our capitalization threshold is $1,000, so these items are classified as Equipment. TOTAL EQUIPMENT: $ 3,000 E. Supplies — List items by type (office supplies, postage, training materials, copying paper, and other expendable items such as books, thumb drives, and flash drives) and show the basis for computation. Generally, supplies include any expendable or consumable materials that are used during the project period that are not equipment. Supply Items Computation Cost Office Supplies (paper, printer, toner, pens, $250/month x 53% x 36 months $4,770 etc.) Postage $ 100/month x 53% x 36 months $1,908 Program Supplies $ 50/month x 36 months $1,800 75 Client Assistance Kits $ 25/kit x 75 kits $1,875 Sample narrative: Office supplies and postage are needed for the general operation of the program and are shared amongst all office staff. The FTE allocation rate for shared costs incurred by all staff in this budget is 53% (based on total FTEs in the office is 3FTEs, and total FTEs in this budget is 1.6FTEs, so 1.6 / 3 = 0.53, or 53%). Monthly costs for Office Supplies at $250/month and Postage at $100/month are estimated based on historical data. Charges to the grant will be based on the actual supplies purchased and actual percentage of staff time worked on the project (not budgeted amounts). 50 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Program Supplies are estimated at a cost of $50/month, based on historical data. The program supplies will be used for direct program activities such as art supplies and educational handouts/brochures for healing circles and group meetings for survivors. The Client Assistance Kits will be provided to clients who receive services for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. These kits will contain toiletries and other personal hygiene products. We estimate the need for 75 kits, and the cost is based on similar kits provided by other programs. TOTAL SUPPLIES: $10,353 F. Construction — As a rule, construction costs are not allowable. In some cases, minor repairs or renovations may be allowable. Consult with OVW before budgeting funds in this category. Purpose Description of Work Cost TOTAL CONSTRUCTION: G. Subawards (subgrants): Describe project activities for which subrecipients/MOU partners will receive compensation under the award, including services for clients. Include any compensation for partner/subrecipient travel in this section as well. Subrecipient Name Computation Cost XYZ Survivor Services Organization Advocate $40,000 per year x .25 FTE x $30,000 3 years Advocate Benefits x 28% of FTE salary $ 8,400 OVW-Mandated Training and Location and cost TBD $ 4,000 Technical Assistance Subtotal XYZ Survivor Services Organization Subaward $42,400 Sample narrative: The MOU partner XYZ Survivor Services Organization will offer advocacy services, such as safety planning and court accompaniment services. To cover the cost of travel for their staff, $4,000 of the required $20,000 in OVW mandated technical assistance and training funds has been allocated, in line with the budget requirements set forth in the solicitation. However, the training session locations are currently unknown. Travel estimates are based on the subrecipient's formal written travel policy. 123 Housing Partner Permanent housing advocate $40,000 per year x .10 FTE x 3 years Permanent housing advocate Benefits x 28% of FTE salary Rent subsidies $150/month x 36 months x 15 clients/families OVW-Mandated Training and Location and cost TBD Technical Assistance 51 $12,000 $ 3,360 $81,000 $ 4,000 OMB Number -1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Subtotal 123 Housing Provider Subaward $100,360 Sample narrative: The MOU partner, 123 Housing Provider, will provide rent subsidies for clients and their dependents, permanent housing placement services, and advocacy. The rent subsidy rates are based on our experience with available community housing. Out of the required $20,000 for OVW mandated technical assistance and training funds, $4,000 has been allocated to cover the cost of travel for partner staff. Travel estimates are based on the subrecipient's formal written travel policy and training locations are currently unknown. TOTAL SUBAWARDS: $142,760 H: Procurement Contracts — Applicants should follow their documented procurement procedures that comply with the procurement standards in the Uniform Guidance at 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317-200.327 or the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Consultant Fees: For each consultant enter the name, if known, service to be provided, hourly or daily fee (8 -hour day), and estimated time on the project. The actual rate for each consultant should be evaluated on a case -by -case basis, consistent with fair market value, and equal to the individual's experience, education, and compensation they receive for providing similar services in the marketplace. Consultant fees over $650 per day (for an 8 -hour day) or $81.25 per hour require additional justification and prior approval from OVW. Name of Consultant Service Provided Computation Consultant/Trainer Sexual Assault Training $575/day x 3 days Cost $ 1,725 Sample narrative: A Consultant/Trainer will provide a three-day on -site training (at 8 hours per day) on sexual assault and related issues to law enforcement, prosecution, court personnel, and medical and social services personnel. The training will focus on addressing cultural needs of clients who experience sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Subtotal Consultant Fees: $ 1,725 Consultant Travel: List all expenses to be paid from the grant to the individual consultant in addition to their fees (i.e., travel, meals, lodging etc.). Purpose of Travel Location Item Computation Cost Delivery of Sexual Town of Airfare $500 (avg.) x 1 person x 1 trip $ 500 Assault Training XYZ Lodging $ 75 (avg.)/night x 2 nights $ 150 Per diem $ 45 (avg.)/day x 3 days $ 135 Subtotal Consultant Travel: $ 785 Sample narrative: Funds are allocated to pay for the Consultant/Trainer to travel to provide sexual assault training. Subtotal Consultants: 11,m 52 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Contracts: Provide a clear description of the product or services that will be acquired through the contract, along with an estimated cost. All procurement transactions must be conducted in a manner that ensures full and open competition and adheres to the standards in 2 C.F.R. §§ 200.317-200.327. A separate justification must be provided for sole source (non-competitive) contracts in excess of $250,000. Item Therapist Cell Phone Service Copier and Printer Lease Telephonic Interpretation In -person Interpreter — Spanish In -person Interpreter — non -Spanish Translation — Spanish Translation — non -Spanish Sign Language Interpretation CART Services Computation $85/hr. x 10 hrs./month x 36 months $75/month x 36 months $262/month x 53% x 36 months $3.95/min. x 300 min. x 3 years $100/hour x 20 hours x 3 years $125/hour x 10 hours x 3 years $25/page x 20 pages x 3 years $25/page x 14 pages x 3 years $95/hour x 20 hours x 3 years $65/hour x 8 hours x 3 years Subtotal Contracts: Cost $30,600 $ 2,700 $ 5,000 $3,555 $6,000 $3,750 $1,500 $1,050 $5,700 $1,560 61 415 Sample narrative: The Therapist will be compensated at a rate of $85/hour, consistent with the therapist's normal rate for providing this service in the marketplace. This contracted position will provide individual counseling sessions to clients on an as -needed basis and facilitate the group healing sessions once per week for 2 hours. A total of 10 hours of service per month is estimated. The Bilingual Shelter Manager will need a cell phone to ensure 24 hours/day communication to provide emergency services and transportation to clients. This position is funded 100% through the application, therefore 100% of this cost is budgeted. Equipment to be rented and/or leased includes the copier and printer. The copier and printer costs are estimated based on historical costs and allocated using an FTE allocation method (see allocation breakdown in Supplies Category). The most common language in the local service area is Spanish, followed by Mandarin Chinese and Tagalog. Spanish language interpreters in applicant's area charge approximately $100 per hour, and Mandarin and Tagalog interpreters charge approximately $125 per hour. We estimate the number of hours of interpretation based on previous years plus an anticipated 10% increase during the project period. (We also employ a Spanish -English bilingual Shelter Manager, who assists with Spanish language interpretation.) Translations in our service area cost approximately $25 per page. We plan to have the following documents translated into Spanish during the project period: intake form (3 pages), 53 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 confidentiality policy (1 page), house rules (2 pages), non-discrimination notice and complaint forms (3 pages), pamphlet on domestic violence (5 pages), pamphlet on sexual assault (5 pages), Power and Control Wheel (1 page). We plan to have the following documents translated into Mandarin and Tagalog: intake form (3 pages X 2), confidentiality policy (1 page X 2), non- discrimination notice and complaint forms (3 pages X 2). Qualified sign language interpreters charge approximately $95 per hour, and we anticipate using interpreters approximately 20 hours per year, based on past use and allowing for a 5% increase in usage over past years. We will host 1 day -long training session each year and anticipate providing Communication Access Realtime Translation services at each session. TOTAL PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS: 63 925 I. Other Costs — List items (e.g., rent, reproduction, telephone, janitorial or security services, and investigative or confidential funds) by each type of cost and the basis of the computation. For example, provide the square footage and the cost per square foot for rent, and provide a monthly rental cost and how many months to rent. Item Computation Cost Bus Vouchers $15/client x 10/month x 36 months $ 5,400 Crisis Hotline $ 75/month x 36 months $ 2,700 Rent $1.50/sq. foot x 1,000 sq. feet x 36 months $54,000 Utilities $200/month x 36 months $ 7,200 Housing Assistance $500/family x 12 families/year x 3 years $18,000 Sample narrative: Bus Vouchers are estimated at a cost of $15 per client to attend therapy or group healing sessions and we project distributing 10 per month on an as -needed basis. Vouchers are kept in a locked safe, inventoried by the Program Coordinator, and require a signature for distribution by the Shelter Manager. Clients in remote areas often lack access to long-distance service providers, and contacting the program office can be a long-distance call for many of them. The project will maintain an 800 hotline for clients, which will be staffed daily by volunteers. The cost budgeted is for the fee associate with the use of the 800 number. The Client Services Program rents a safe house located within the community. The house is used to provide temporary housing to clients who experience domestic violence and their minor children. The rent is consistent with the fair market rate for similar properties in the local community. This is a direct cost to the program and is used solely for the purpose of this program, therefore the cost is not allocated. The cost of utilities (i.e., gas, electric, and water service) for the Client Services Program safe house averages $200/month. The services are necessary to ensure that the house is suitable 54 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 for occupancy. This is a direct cost to the program and is used solely for the purpose of this program, therefore the cost is not allocated. Funds have been budgeted to provide monthly housing assistance to at least one client who experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Each client and dependents will receive up to $500 to assist with rent and utility payments. Housing assistance will not be used to pay for delinquent or past due utility or rental costs. Funds for Language Line Solutions (LLS) for telephonic interpreting at a rate of $3.95 per minute are budgeted. In recent years, we have used LLS between 225 and 275 minutes per year, and we anticipate a 10% increase in usage based on recent trends. TOTAL OTHER COSTS: 87 300 J. Indirect Costs — Indirect costs are allowed if the applicant has a federally approved indirect cost rate. A copy of the rate approval (a fully executed, negotiated agreement) must be submitted with the application. If the applicant does not have an approved rate, they may request one from their cognizant federal agency or choose to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) in accordance with 2 C.F.R. 200.414(f). If the applicant's accounting system allows for it, costs may be allocated in the direct cost categories. Description Computation Cost 32% of Direct Salaries (Excluding Fringe Benefits) $321,000 x 32% $102,720 TOTAL INDIRECT COSTS: 102 720 Sample narrative: The Indirect Cost Rate Agreement was approved by the Department of Health and Human Services, the applicant's cognizant federal agency on January 1, 2023. (A copy of the fully executed, negotiated agreement that covers the current period is attached). Budget Summary — Upon completion of the budget worksheet, transfer the totals for each category to the spaces below. Compute the total direct costs and the total project costs. Indicate the amount of federal funds requested and the amount of non-federal funds that will support the project. Budget Category A. Personnel B. Fringe Benefits C. Travel D. Equipment E. Supplies F. Construction 55 Amount $ 321,000 $ 52,413 $ 15,537 $ 3,000 $ 10,353 $ 0 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 G. Subawards. H. Procurement Contracts I. Other Costs Total Direct Costs J. Indirect Costs TOTAL PROJECT COSTS Federal Share Requested Non -Federal (Match) Amount 56 $ 142,760 $ 63,925 $ 87,300 $ 694,113 $ 102,720 796 833 $ 796,833 $ 0 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Appendix B Pre -Award Risk Assessment 57 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Pre -Award Risk Assessment Each applicant must respond to each question. Do not submit responses from a prior fiscal year without updating them to be responsive to all questions listed in the questionnaire. 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. 1. Will all funds awarded under this program be maintained in a manner that they will be accounted for separately and distinctly from other sources of revenue/funding? Provide a brief description of the applicant's policies and procedures that ensure funds will be tracked appropriately. 2. Does the applicant have written accounting policies and procedures? How often are 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. 3. Is the applicant's financial management system able to track actual expenditures and 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. 4. Does the applicant have procedures in place for minimizing the time between transfer of 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. 5. Does the applicant have effective internal controls in place to ensure that federal funds 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. 6. Does the applicant have a documented records retention policy? If so, briefly describe 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. 7. Does the applicant or any of its employees have any potential personal or 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. 8. Is the individual primarily responsible for fiscal and administrative oversight of grant 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 58 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Division at OVW.GFMD@usdoj.gov or 1-888-514-8556 immediately after the applicant is notified of its award to coordinate training. 9. Does the applicant have policies and procedures in place to manage subawards and 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. 10. Does the applicant currently require employees to maintain time distribution records that 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. 11. Is the applicant designated as high risk by a federal agency outside of DOJ? (High 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. 59 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Appendix C Applicant Questionnaire 60 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Applicant Questionnaire Note: Applicants must complete this questionnaire in JustGrants. The questions listed below are for reference only. The Applicant Questionnaire is required for every applicant for OVW funding and therefore includes questions that may not be obviously relevant or specifically focused on a particular grant program. Applicants should provide the most accurate answers and may respond "Yes" to more than one question or "No" to all questions. These questions help OVW understand the organizations that are applying for funding, but the answers do not influence funding decisions. 1. Is the applicant a sexual assault victim service provider, defined as a victim service provider for which the primary purpose of the organization is to provide intervention and related assistance to victims of sexual assault without regard to their age (see 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(50) & 12511(b))? 2. Is the applicant a federally recognized tribe (see 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(22))? 3. Is the applicant a tribal organization as defined by 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(45)? Note: 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(45) defines a tribal organization in three ways: • the governing body of an Indian tribe; • any legally established organization of Indians which is controlled, sanctioned, or chartered by such governing body of a tribe or tribes to be served, or which is democratically elected by the adult members of the Indian community to be served by such organization and which includes the maximum participation of Indians in all phases of its activities; or any tribal nonprofit organization (defined by 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(44) as a victim services provider that has as its primary purpose to assist Native victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and that has staff and leadership with a demonstrated history of assisting American Indian or Alaska Native victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking). 4. Does the applicant primarily focus on a rural area or community as defined by 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(32)? Note: Applicants can enter their address or zip code into the following tool to determine if their area or community is rural: https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/rural-health. 5. Is the applicant a faith -based organization? 6. Is the applicant a culturally -specific organization, defined as a private nonprofit/tribal organization 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 (see 34 U.S.C. 20421(c) and 12291(a)(8)-(9); 42 U.S.C. 300u -6(g))? 61 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 If yes, are the services of the applicant entity primarily directed toward serving: Hispanics or Latinos Black or African Americans American Indians Alaska Natives Asian Americans Native Hawaiians Other Pacific Islanders 7. Is the applicant a population specific organization, defined by 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(26) as a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that primarily serves members of a specific underserved population and has demonstrated experience and expertise providing targeted services to members of the specific underserved population? Underserved population (defined by 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(46)) means a population who faces barriers in accessing and using victim services, including populations underserved because of geographic location, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, underserved racial and ethnic populations, and populations underserved because of special needs (such as language barriers, disabilities, immigration status, or age). If yes, is the applicant entity designed primarily to serve a population underserved because of: Rural location Sexual orientation/gender identity Religion Race Ethnicity Language barriers Disabilities Immigration status Age 62 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 Appendix D Summary Data Sheet 1. Provide the following information for the grant point -of -contact. This person must be an employee of the applicant. o Name o Title o Address o Telephone number o Email address 2. Is the applicant (the organization whose unique entity identifier is being used for the application) serving as a fiscal agent? A fiscal agent is an entity that does not participate in implementation of the project and passes all funds through to subrecipients, conducting minimal administrative activities. Note: The fiscal agent must be an eligible applicant for the program. o If yes, list all subrecipients. o Note: The applicant acknowledges that it will be responsible for all applicable statutory, fiscal, and programmatic requirements, including those of 2 C.F.R. Part 200, as well as all project deliverables. 3. Has the applicant expended $750,000 or more in federal funds in the applicant's past fiscal year? o If yes, specify the end date of the applicant's fiscal year. 4. Is the applicant a nonprofit 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? o If yes, the applicant must upload proof of 501(c)(3) status in the Additional Application Components section of JustGrants. 5. Is the applicant a 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? 6. Is the applicant a nonprofit organization that uses the Internal Revenue Service's three -step safe -harbor procedure to establish a rebuttable presumption that its executives' compensation is reasonable? For additional information about the safe -harbor procedure, see Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation in the Budget and Associated Documentation section of this solicitation. o If yes, the applicant must upload the required Disclosure of Process Related to Executive Compensation in the Budget and Associated Documentation section of JustGrants. 7. Identify the percentage of grant activities, should the application be funded, that will address each of the following issues (the total percentages should not exceed 100) o Domestic Violence o Dating Violence o Sexual Assault o Stalking 63 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 8. Does the applicant propose to address the OVW Priority Area: Advance equity and tribal sovereignty as essential components of ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking by improving outreach, services, civil and criminal justice responses, prevention, and support for survivors from historically marginalized and underserved communities, particularly those facing disproportionate rates or impacts of violence and multiple barriers to services, justice, and safety? 9. Does the applicant propose to address the OVW Priority Area: Increase access to justice for all survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, including through exploration of survivor -centered criminal justice system reform? 10. Does the applicant propose to address the OVW Priority Area: Strengthen effort to prevent and end sexual assault, including victim services and civil and criminal justice responses? 11. Is the applicant an Indian Tribal Government? o If yes, identify the victim service provider partner. 12. Is the applicant a State? o If yes, identify the victim service provider partner. 13. Is the applicant a unit of local government? o If yes, identify the victim service provider partner. 14. Is the applicant a state or local court (including juvenile courts)? o If yes, identify the victim service provider partner. 15. Is the applicant a victim service provider that will partner with a state, Indian tribal government, or unit of local government? o If yes, identify the state, Indian tribal government, or unit of local government partner. 16. Is the applicant a state, tribal, or territorial domestic violence or sexual assault coalition that will partner with a state, Indian tribal government or unit of local government? o If yes, identify the state, Indian tribal government, or unit of local government partner. 17. All applicants are required to address at least one Purpose Area. The Applicant Type will determine which Purpose Area an applicant can address. See Purpose Area in the Program Description section of this solicitation for additional information. Applicants must identify which Purpose Area the application will address. Check all that apply. 17A. Purpose area #1 To implement offender accountability and homicide reduction programs and policies in police departments, including policies for protection order violations and enforcement of protection orders across State and tribal lines. 17B. Purpose area #2 To develop policies, educational programs, protection order registries, data collection systems, and training in police departments to improve tracking of cases and classification of complaints involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Policies, educational programs, protection order registries, 64 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 and training described in this paragraph shall incorporate confidentiality, and privacy protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 17C. Purpose area #3 To centralize and coordinate police enforcement, prosecution, or judicial responsibility for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking cases in teams or units of police officers, prosecutors, parole and probation officers, or judges. 17D. Purpose area #4 To coordinate computer tracking systems and provide the appropriate training and education about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking to ensure communication between police, prosecutors, parole and probation officers, and both criminal and family courts. 17E. Purpose area #5 (victim service providers may implement) To strengthen legal advocacy and legal assistance programs and other victim services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including strengthening assistance to such victims in immigration matters. 17F. Purpose area #6 To educate federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local judges, courts, and court -based and court -related personnel in criminal and civil courts (including juvenile courts) about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and to improve judicial handling of such cases. 17G. Purpose area #7 To provide technical assistance and computer and other equipment to police departments, prosecutors, courts, and tribal jurisdictions to facilitate the widespread enforcement of protection orders, including interstate enforcement, enforcement between states and tribal jurisdictions, and enforcement between tribal jurisdictions. 17H. Purpose area #8 To develop or strengthen policies and training for police, prosecutors, and the judiciary in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking against individuals 50 years of age or older, Deaf individuals, and individuals with disabilities (as defined in section 12102(2) of title 42). 171. Purpose area #9 To develop state, tribal, territorial, or local policies, procedures, and protocols for preventing dual arrests and prosecution in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and to develop effective methods for identifying the pattern and history of abuse that indicates which party is the actual perpetrator of abuse. 17J. Purpose area #10 (victim service providers may apply) To plan, develop and establish comprehensive victim service and support centers, such as family justice centers, designed to bring together victim advocates from victim service providers, staff from population specific organizations, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, probation officers, governmental victim assistants, forensic medical professionals, civil legal attorneys, chaplains, legal advocates, representatives from community -based organizations and other relevant public or private agencies or organizations into one centralized location, in order to improve safety, access to services, and confidentiality for victims and families. Although funds may be used to support the colocation of project partners under this paragraph, funds may not support construction or major renovation expenses or activities that fall outside of the scope of the other statutory purpose areas. 17K. Purpose area #11 To develop and implement policies and training for police, prosecutors, probation and parole officers, and the judiciary in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of sexual assault, with an emphasis on recognizing the threat to the community for repeat crime perpetration by such individuals. 17L. Purpose area #12 To develop, enhance, and maintain protection order registries. 17M. Purpose area #13 To develop human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing programs for sexual assault perpetrators and notification and counseling protocols. 65 OMB Number -1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 17N. Purpose area #14 To develop and implement training programs for prosecutors and other prosecution -related personnel regarding best practices to ensure offender accountability, victim safety, and victim consultation in cases involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 17O. Purpose area #15 To develop or strengthen policies, protocols, and training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking against immigrant victims, including the appropriate use of applications for nonimmigrant status under subparagraphs (T) and (U) of section 1101(a)(15) of title 8. 17P. Purpose area #16 To develop and promote state, local, or tribal legislation and policies that enhance best practices for responding to the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including the appropriate treatment of victims. 17Q. Purpose area #17 (victim service provider may apply) To develop, implement, or enhance sexual assault nurse examiner programs or sexual assault forensic examiner programs, including the hiring and training of such examiners. 17R. Purpose area #18 To develop, implement, or enhance Sexual Assault Response Teams or similar coordinated community responses to sexual assault. 17S. Purpose area #19 To develop and strengthen policies, protocols, and training for law enforcement officers and prosecutors regarding the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases and the appropriate treatment of victims, including victims among underserved populations (as defined in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. §12291(a)). 17T. Purpose area #20 To provide human immunodeficiency virus testing programs, counseling, and prophylaxis for victims of sexual assault. 17U. Purpose area #21 To identify and inventory backlogs of sexual assault evidence collection kits and to develop protocols for responding to and addressing such backlogs, including policies and protocols for notifying and involving victims. 17V. Purpose area #22 To develop multidisciplinary high -risk teams focusing on reducing domestic violence and dating violence homicides by: a) using evidence -based indicators to assess the risk of homicide and link high -risk victims to immediate crisis intervention services; b) identifying and managing high -risk offenders; and c) providing ongoing victim advocacy and referrals to comprehensive services including legal, housing, health care, and economic assistance. 17W. Purpose area #23 To develop, strengthen, and implement policies, protocols, and training for law enforcement regarding cases of missing or murdered Indians, as described in section 5704 of title 25. 17X. Purpose area #24 To compile and annually report data to the Attorney General related to missing or murdered Indians, as described in section 5705 of title 25. 17Y. Purpose area #25 To develop Statewide databases with information on where sexual assault nurse examiners are located. 17Z. Purpose area #26 To develop and implement alternative methods of reducing crime in communities, to supplant punitive programs or policies. For purposes of this paragraph, a punitive program or policy is a program or policy that —(a) imposes a penalty on a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, on the basis of a request by the victim for law enforcement or emergency assistance; or (b) imposes a penalty on such a victim because of criminal activity at the property in which the victim resides. 18. Will the applicant address ICJR Statutory Priority Area #1 for applicants who do not currently provide for centralized handling of cases involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking by police, prosecutors, and courts? 66 OMB Number - 1122-0020 Expiration Date: 03/31/2025 19. Will the applicant address ICJR Statutory Priority Area #2 for applicants who demonstrate a commitment to strong enforcement of laws, and prosecution or cases, involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including the enforcement of protection orders from other states and jurisdictions, including tribal jurisdictions? 20. Will the applicant address ICJR Statutory Priority Area #3 for applicants who have established cooperative agreements or can demonstrate effective ongoing collaborative arrangements with neighboring jurisdictions to facilitate the enforcement of protection orders from other states and jurisdictions, including tribal jurisdictions? 21. Will the applicant address ICJR Statutory Priority Area #4 for applicants who intend to utilize grant funds to develop and install data collection and communication systems, including computerized systems, and training on how to use these systems effectively to link police, prosecutors, courts, and tribal jurisdictions for the purpose of identifying and tracking protection orders and violations of protection orders, in those jurisdictions where such systems do not exist or are not fully effective? 22. Identify the project's service area. 23. Identify the project's population size. The population size must be from the most current, appropriate government data source. 24. State the start and end date of the applicant's next state or tribal legislative session. 67 Houstan Aragon To: Cc: Subject: Esther Gesick; amanda@savacenter.org Karla Ford; Michael Rourke; Bruce Barker; CTB RE: SAVA Center Grant Inquiry From: Amanda Olivier <amanda@savacenter.org> Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 8:24 AM To: Karla Ford <kford@weld.gov> Subject: SAVA Center Grant Inquiry Good morning, Karla, My name is Amanda Olivier, I am the Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate (SAVA) Center. I am reaching out to see if the Commissioner Chair would be willing to look at the attached documents for a grant I am writing in partnership the Weld County DA's office. These documents need to signed by the jurisdiction Chief Executive Officer. I have attached all three documents along with the grant solicitation. The grant is to create post - conviction services for victims which is an area that SAVA and community partners as identified as a gap in victim services. This grant will also continue our Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) program that was started in 2021. We partner with Weld County Corrections and Platte Valley youth facility and have seen great success with the partnerships. I know this is an odd request and am happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your time, I greatly appreciate it. Amanda Olivier Executive Director Directora Ejecutiva (She/Her/Hers) Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center amanda@savacenter.org (970) 775-2962 Click here to learn more! 4812 South College Avenue I Fort Collins, CO 80525 I (970) 472-4204 I Fax (970) 674-7023 921 38th Avenue Court I Greeley, CO 80634 I (970) 506-4059 1570 West 1" Street I Loveland, CO 80537 I (970) 775-2962 24 -Hour Rape Crisis Hotline (970) 472-4200 I Toll -free 1-877-352-7273 Linea de Crisis las 24 Horas (970) 472-4200 I Sin Costo 1-877-352-7273 Confidentiality Notice This e-mail transmission and any documents accompanying it may contain confidential information belonging to the sender, and which may, in part or whole, be protected by state statutes. This information is intended solely for the use of the individual or agency it is being sent to. If you are not the intended recipients, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of action upon contents of this information is prohibited. If you receive this transmission in error, please notify me immediately by telephone to arrange the return of the documents transmitted. Thank you for your cooperation. 2 Hello