National Drug Court Training and Technical Assistance Program:
Drug Court Technical Assistance Initiative, FY 2004

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated by a peer review panel according to the criteria outlined below.

1. Project Design and Strategy (50 points)
   Applicants must detail a project design that is innovative, viable, and within their ability to carry out. Applicants must delineate quantitative and qualitative measures by which progress in meeting project objectives will be assessed. Applications must indicate how project objectives and work requirements will be achieved and must describe a cohesive and well-thought-out plan for transferring knowledge about drug courts and best practices for drug courts in the related initiative to the field. The project design and strategy section of the program narrative must illustrate what the applicants will do and how they intend to do it. It should include:

   • A description of how the objectives will be achieved (15 points).

   • A description of how the deliverables will be implemented (15 points).

   • A description of how the proposed quantitative and qualitative measures indicate progress in meeting the objectives (10 points).

   • A description of the technical assistance protocols and triage process that will be used (10 points).

2. Work Plan (10 points)
   The work plan must address the goals, objectives, and deliverables described in the category and include the tasks to be accomplished, timeline for completing the tasks, and percentage of time that will be dedicated by the individuals responsible for the tasks.

3. Management and Organizational Capability (35 points)
   This statement must describe the management structure, staffing, and experience working with state agencies and local entities. The statement must demonstrate the applicant's ability to implement and complete the project successfully, efficiently, and cost effectively. Collaborative commitments with other organizations must clearly and specifically outline the parties' respective project responsibilities, costs, allotted number of hours, and manner in which ongoing communication and collaboration will be managed. The applicant must document its ability to implement the project, address all eligibility requirements, and succinctly describe its organizational experience with respect to program objectives and proposed activities. The applicant must demonstrate a willingness to work with the other technical assistance providers receiving awards. The applicant must provide résumés for all key personnel, as well as job descriptions outlining roles and responsibilities for key positions that are currently vacant.

4. Budget (5 points)
   Applicants must provide a budget that is complete, allowable, and cost effective in relation to the proposed activities. Applicants should budget for three 2-day meetings of the NDCTTAP consortium for the 18-month grant period.