| Phone: | 800-638-8736 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.) |
| Fax-on-Demand: | 800-638-8736, select option 1 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) |
| Mail: | JJC, P.O. Box 6000, Rockville, MD 20849-6000 |
| E-mail: | [email protected] |
| Home Page: | http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org |
Copies of the RFP’s and Application Kits are available by the following:
| Mail: | Copies will be sent first class and will take approximately 3-5 days. |
| Fax-on-Demand: | Copies can be sent to your attention via fax immediately upon request (NOTE: There may be a short delay depending on the volume of requests). |
| Online: | Text can be downloaded from OJJDP’s home page, Grants and Funding section, immediately upon request. |
Updates on grants and funding opportunities, including award announcements, are also available. Call the Clearinghouse at 800-638-8736; select option 4 for agency news and option 3 for grants and funding information.
Applicants must demonstrate that they have experience in the design and implementation of the type of program or program activity for which they are applying and have the management and financial capability to effectively implement a project of the size and scope delineated in the program description. Each applicant must also demonstrate the capability to manage the program in order to be eligible for funding consideration.
NOTE: Eligibility differs from program to program. Please consult individual RFP’s for specific eligibility requirements.
The following section provides a brief description of the mandatory components, broken out by the three key sections (Forms, Project Specifications, and Appendix) of an application package. Unless otherwise noted in the specific RFP, the original and five copies of the application package must include and address each component. The package should also include a Table of Contents, and each page of the application package should be numbered.
Four forms comprise this section.
Standard Form 424
SF-424 is a cover sheet for the OJJDP funding application. A copy and sample, along with instructions to complete the 18 data fields, are included in appendix A. NOTE: No application will be accepted without a complete, signed, original SF-424. A frequently asked question is, What is the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number requested in item 10 of the SF-424? Each funding opportunity has a number that corresponds to a funding source and category -- the number is found in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). Appendix D provides further information and the corresponding CFDA number and title for each RFP. In addition, the number may also be referenced in the specific RFP.
Assurances, Certifications, and Disclosure
Three forms that address assurances, certifications, and disclosures must be read, signed, and included in the application package. Copies are available in appendix A. Sign originals in blue ink.
Project Abstract
The Project Abstract, limited to 150-200 words, highlights key points of the proposed project. The abstract should briefly present the goals of the project and how the applicant intends to accomplish them.
Budget Detail Worksheet/Budget Narrative
To understand how the grant award will be used by the applicant, OJJDP requires a Budget Detail Worksheet, accompanied by a Budget Narrative, in the application. The Budget Detail Worksheet must break down into more explicit terms the costs associated with the project. It must show how the applicant arrived at the total amount of the requested award.
The Budget Narrative should closely follow the content of the Budget Detail Worksheet. The narrative must provide justification for all proposed costs. Among other things, the narrative must explain how fringe benefits were calculated, how travel costs were estimated, why particular items of equipment or supplies must be purchased, and how indirect costs (if applicable) were calculated. The Budget Narrative should refer to the Program Narrative and justify the specific items listed (particularly supplies, travel, and equipment). Finally, the applicant must show that all costs in the application are reasonable.
A sample Budget Detail Worksheet with narrative incorporated is included to assist you in Appendix A. As noted on the sample, applicants can provide budget details and narrative using any format or form as long as all required elements are included. However, to ensure that the application package is complete and to assist with the screening and review process, applicants are strongly encouraged to use the provided form or the outlined format.
Program Narrative
The Program Narrative should address the RFP’s specific criteria and/or application requirements, illustrate how the proposed project identifies and will resolve problems in the community, and fully describe the expected design and implementation of the proposed program. Unless the specific RFP contains other program-specific criteria, the Program Narrative should address the following areas:
Problem(s) To Be Addressed. The problem(s) to be addressed by the project is clearly stated.
Goals and Objectives. The goals and objectives of the proposed project are clearly defined and the outcomes are measurable. A key element to goals, objectives, and outcomes is a timeline of key milestones, including project deliverables, which should be included in the appendix.
Project Design. A sound project design that contains program elements directly linked to the achievement of project objectives.
Management and Organizational Capability. The project management and overall organizational capability demonstrate the applicant’s capacity to successfully operate and support the project. Information key to management and organization is résumés of key personnel, which should be included in the appendix.
Budget. Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost effective for the proposed activities.
NOTE: Page limits and other format guidelines noted in the RFP must be followed.
OJJDP requires that funded programs contain plans for continuous self-assessment to keep program management informed of progress and results, and these plans should be noted in the Program Narrative. In addition, many funded projects will be considered for participation in independent evaluations initiated by OJJDP or other Office of Justice Programs (OJP) agencies. Project management will be expected to cooperate fully with designated evaluators.
Timeline of Major Milestones and Project Deliverables
Include a timeline that tracks when major milestones and project deliverables will be accomplished.
Résumés of Personnel
Provide résumés of key proposed staff.
NOTE: Applications that include proposed noncompetitive contracts for the provision of specific goods and services must include a sole-source justification for any procurement in excess of $100,000.
Applicants receiving other funds in support of the proposed activity (current, recent, or expected) must include in their application information on all sources of these funds (including funding from other Federal agencies); the anticipated total amount to be received; and a brief description of any other program(s) receiving such funds.
If the SPOC requires a copy of the application, the applicant should provide that copy and include the original as part of the application package submitted to OJJDP.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application package is received by 5 p.m. ET on the due date (unless otherwise noted in the RFP). Select a mail carrier or delivery service that will ensure receipt. Due dates are specified in each RFP.
All application packages should be mailed or delivered to the following address:
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
c/o Juvenile Justice Resource Center
2277 Research Boulevard, Mail Stop 2K
Rockville, MD 20850
301-519-5535 (phone number is required for some mail carriers)
Applicants must clearly write the name of the program being applied for in the lower left corner of the envelope.
OJJDP will notify applicants that their applications have been received. Subsequently, applicants will also be notified as to whether or not their project will be selected for funding. Applicants should provide a return address, telephone number, and fax number to assist with this notification process.
Selection criteria for each competitive program will determine applicants’ responsiveness to minimum program application requirements, organizational capability, and thoroughness and innovativeness in responding to strategic issues related to project implementation. Each competitive program announcement will indicate whether there are additional program-specific review criteria and/or changes in points assigned to criteria used in the peer reviews for that particular program.
Peer reviewers will use the categories outlined in the Program Narrative section under General Application Requirements to rate applications unless the RFP contains separate, program-specific selection criteria.
The Administrator may also give consideration to geographic distribution and regional balance when making awards. Peer reviewers’ recommendations are advisory only; the final award decision is made by the Administrator. OJJDP will negotiate specific terms of the awards with the selected applicants.
Before imposing sanctions, OJJDP will provide reasonable notice to the recipient of its intent to impose sanctions and will attempt informally to resolve the problem. Hearing and appeal procedures will follow those in Department of Justice regulations in 28 CFR Part 18.
Discretionary grants are governed by the provisions of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars applicable to financial assistance. The circulars, along with additional information and guidance, are contained in the Office of Justice Programs’ Financial Guide available from OJP. This Guide includes information on allowable costs, methods of payment, audit requirements, accounting systems, and financial records. The Guide will be provided upon request and will govern the administration of funds by all successful applicants.
No person in any State shall on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, subjected to discrimination under, or denied employment in connection with any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, pursuant to the following statutes and regulations: Section 809(c), Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1978, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 3789d; Section 292(b) of the JJDP Act and Department of Justice nondiscrimination regulations, 28 CFR Part 42, Subparts C, D, E, and G; Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Subtitle A, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990) and Department of Justice regulations on disability discrimination 28 CFR Part 35 and Part 39; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and the Age Discrimination Act of 1985.
In the event a Federal or State court or Federal or State administrative agency makes a finding of discrimination after a due process hearing on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age against a recipient of funds, the recipient will forward a copy of the finding to the Office for Civil Rights, OJP.
Commercial (for-profit) organizations shall have financial and compliance audits performed by qualified individuals who are independent from those who authorize the expenditure of Federal funds. This audit must be performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards. The audit threshold contained in OMB Circulars A 128 and A 133 apply.
Applicants are required to provide the period of their organization’s fiscal year and the name of their organization’s cognizant Federal agency in block 11 of the SF-424. The cognizant Federal agency is generally determined based on the preponderance of Federal dollars received by the applicant.