Title: FY 1999 Discretionary Grant Application Kit
                                                    March 5, 1999Dear Colleague:     I am pleased to present the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) DiscretionaryProgram Application Kit for Fiscal Year 1999.  The OVC Application Kit complementsthis year's Office of Justice Programs (OJP) Program Plan, which incorporates theprogram announcements of all of the OJP bureaus and funding offices, including OVC. Where the OJP Program Plan groups its announcements by theme rather than byfunding source, the Application Kit advertises only those solicitations issued by OVC.     This year's OVC Application Kit offers two opportunities for organizations in thefields of health and mental health to identify and promote promising practices thatenhance services for crime victims.  It also invites proposals to establish Statewidevictim assistance academies for victim service providers, victim advocates, and criminaljustice personnel.  Solicitations are requested from organizations to assist indeveloping strategies for individual and organizational standards of practice for theenhancement of services to crime victims.  The Kit further advertises projects designedfor Indian Country, including Native American victim assistance programs, a video onpost traumatic stress following sexual assault, a demonstration Tribal victim-witnessprogram, an analysis of victims' rights among Tribal governments, and two training andtechnical assistance projects for OVC's Native American grantees.  Finally, OVCsolicits applications to develop user friendly resource materials for use during NationalCrime Victims' Rights Week in the year 2000.     I hope the following solicitations will bring creative, collaborative proposals fromthe many dedicated individuals and organizations whose work touches the lives ofcrime victims.  I also encourage you to explore the numerous funding opportunitiesavailable through the other bureaus and offices of OJP.  For additional information, Iinvite you to review the OJP Fiscal Year 1999 Program Plan, which you will find at theOJP World Wide Web homepage at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.Kathryn M. Turman Acting Director                 Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)        Competitive Discretionary Grant Programs for 1999    Directions for Requesting Information and Application KitsEach of the programs described in Section I, Program Announcement, is assigned toan OVC Program Manager who has carefully researched and developed thesolicitation.  For specific questions about a particular program, please contact theappropriate Program Manager whose name and telephone number are listed at the endof the solicitation. For general information, please call Diane Wells at 202-616-1860 orYvonne Jones at 202-616-3566.If you or your organization plan to publicize this kit or any of the programs described injournals, periodicals, or newsletters, on the Internet, or in any other form, contact theProgram Manager responsible for that program and verify the information you plan tomake public.  Incorrect and misleading information published about the goals of OVC'sdiscretionary programs in prior years has resulted in grant applications that areunresponsive to the solicitation and cannot be considered.  We wish to avoid this wasteof applicants' resources.  To request additional application kits or forms, call the OVC Resource Center at 1-800-627-6872, the  OVC Reply Line at 202-616-1926 or TTY 202-514-7863, or write toOffice for Victims of Crime, 810 Seventh Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20531-0001.The Application Kit is also available on the World Wide Web from OVC's homepage athttp://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/.Contents     Introduction to OVC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Competitive Discretionary Grants for FY 1999 . . . . . . . . . .1Application Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Due Date and Application Submission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Eligibility Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2                                                                 Section I: Program Announcement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3               Action Partnerships with Professional and Membership Organizations3               Victim-Oriented Practices in the Healthcare Community . . .7     National Crime Victims' Rights Week Kit . . . . . . . . .  9     State Victim Assistance Academies   . . . . . . . . . . . 11     Victims' Services Professional Development  . . . . . . . 17     Victim Assistance in Indian Country Discretionary Grant Program19     Training and Technical Assistance for Victim Assistance in Indian Country25     Demonstration Victim/Witness Program in Indian Country. . 27               Issues Report on Victims' Rights in Indian Country. . . . 29     Post Rape Stress Video for Indian Country . . . . . . . . 31               Training and Technical Assistance for Children's Justice Act Partnerships for                   Indian Communities Grantees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Section II: Application Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36               Instructions for Application Narrative. . . . . . . . . . 36     Procedures for Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39     Selection Criteria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39     Quality of Previous Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40               Administrative and Financial Requirements . . . . . . . . 40     Assurances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41          Certification Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension, and Other     Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements . 41     Civil Rights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41          List of Federal Efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42     Reporting Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42          Publications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43     Grantee Responsibilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .  44     Timeliness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45          Suspension or Termination of Funding. . . . . . . . . . . 45Forms Appendix               Application for Federal Assistance (SF 424) Form                Instructions for Completion of the Application for Federal Assistance               (SF 424)               Sample SF 424 Form               Budget Detail Worksheet FormContents, continued_____________________________________________________________________               Sample Budget Detail Worksheet Form               Assurances Form               Certification Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension, and Other                   Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements               Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying     Single Audit Act Information     Civil Rights Information          Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (Only fill out this form     if you are a new grantee who has not received Federal funds in the past.)     Application ChecklistIntroduction to OVCThe Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) was created by the Victims of Crime Act of 1984(VOCA) to improve our nation's response to crime victims.  OVC is one of five bureauswithin the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and works closely with these othercomponents the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the Bureau of Justice Statistics, theNational institute of Justice, and the Office of Juvenile Justice and DelinquencyPrevention to support programs that benefit crime victims.   OVC administers formula grant programs that support a network of victim assistanceand compensation services; manages discretionary grants for training, technicalassistance, and demonstration programs to benefit crime victims; and creates directservice programs for victims of Federal crimes. All of these programs are funded by the Crime Victims Fund, which comes from thefines, penalty assessments, and bond forfeitures of Federal criminal offenders notfrom tax dollars.  Deposits in the Fund for FY99 total over $324 million dollars.  Of thisamount, about 90 percent is distributed directly to the States in formula grants to helpfund critical victim assistance and compensation programs.  Approximately $9.4 millionis available this year in discretionary funds to support diverse training and technicalassistance efforts, services for Federal crime victims, and demonstration programs.  Inaddition, under the Children's Justice and Assistance Act, $1.5 million is allocated forprograms to improve the handling of child abuse cases in Indian Country.Recently, OVC supported the development of a comprehensive plan that identifiespublic policy issues affecting crime victims and recommends initiatives to improve rightsand services for crime victims.  This document, New Directions from the Field: Rightsand Services for the 21st Century, recommends what the nation should strive to achievefor victims as we enter the 21st century. OVC used these recommendations to develop the strategy for its FY 99 Discretionary Grant Program Plan.      Competitive Discretionary Grants for FY 99 This kit describes all of OVC's competitive discretionary grant programs for FY99 and  contains the application materials and directions to apply for these grants. This kit doesnot include descriptions of continuation projects and nongrant activities.  A summarydescription of all of OVC's discretionary activities for FY99 is included in the Office ofJustice Programs (OJP) Fiscal Year 1999 Program Plans (OJP Program Plan). OJP's Program Plan includes plans for OVC, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, theBureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, and the Office of JuvenileJustice and Delinquency Prevention.  Information on crime victim initiatives is includedin Chapter 7 of OJP's Program Plan. The OJP Program Plan contains short descriptionsof new and continuing projects and initiatives; it does not contain application materialsfor OJP competitive grant programs.  Order the OJP combined program plan bycontacting the National Criminal Justice Reference Service at 1-800-421-6770 or byvisiting the OJP homepage at www.ojp.usdoj.gov under What's New.Application ProcessThis application kit provides the necessary information and guidance for preparing andsubmitting an application for an OVC discretionary program award.  Section I of theapplication kit contains solicitations for competitive programs.  Section II presentsgeneral application requirements and includes the required application forms.  Toreceive additional application kits, please call the OVC Reply Line at 202-616-1926 orwrite to the Office for Victims of Crime, 810 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20531-0001. The Application Kit may also be downloaded from the OVC homepage on theWorld Wide Web at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/.Due Dates and Application SubmissionApplications for competitive programs must be postmarked or receipted by privatecarrier no later than Friday May 14, 1999.  Hand-delivered applications must bereceived by 5:00 p.m. on May 14, 1999.Mailed applications should be sent to the Office for Victims of Crime, 810 7th Street NW,Washington, DC 20531-0001.  For applications sent by Federal Express, use the zipcode 20001.  Federal Express uses a different zip code.   The point of contact for hand-delivered applications is Mr. Howard McClam in Room 3204 (Mailroom), 810 7th StreetNW, Washington, DC 202-307-5881.  OVC will not grant extensions of the due dateor accept faxed submissions.Eligibility RequirementsApplications are invited from public agencies, including colleges and universities ornonprofit organizations. Applicants must demonstrate that they have the expertise andprior experience to successfully complete the project for which they are applying. Someof the program announcements in this kit list additional eligibility requirements specificto the goals of the particular program. For example, applicants for the Victim Assistancein Indian Country Discretionary Grant Program solicitation must be Indian Tribes, Tribalorganizations, or organizations that provide direct services to victims of crime on Indianreservations that are under Federal jurisdiction.Applicants who have questions about grant application requirements or who needassistance in completing the forms may contact Diane Wells, Administrative Officer, at202-616-1860.  For further information about specific grants, applicants may contact theOVC project manager identified at the end of the program description.Section I: Program AnnouncementAction Partnerships with Professional and Membership Organizations  Award Amount.  $300,000 total.  Awards range from $50,000 to $75,000 per grant, with$150,000 designated for mental health-related projects, and $150,000 for healthcare-related projects.  Award Period.  12 -24 months (applicant's discretion).Goal.  The goal of the grant is to improve services to crime victims from healthcare andmental health professionals.Purpose. The purpose of the grant is to develop or improve the capacity of members ofnational scope healthcare and mental health professional and membershiporganizations to respond to the needs of crime victims.  This purpose is in keeping withrecommendations in OVC's  action plan for the victim assistance field, New Directionsfrom the Field: Victims' Rights and Services for the 21st Century, that addressincorporation of crime victimization issues in the training and protocols of mental healthand medical professionals.Background.  In past years, OVC funded a series of innovative, national-scope projectswith professional and membership organizations.  These projects focused on developingand improving the capacity of their members to respond effectively to the needs of crimevictims through activities that provided information and training to their members oncrime victims' rights and needs.  Healthcare and mental health practitioners frequentlyinteract with crime victims, although they may not have been formally trained in the bestways of doing so.  Chapter 7, Health Care Community, and Chapter 8, Mental HealthCommunity, in New Directions include several recommendations regarding the need fortraining of healthcare and mental health providers and decision-makers.  New Directions can be viewed on the OVC website at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/.  Program Strategy.  Healthcare and mental health practitioners need to be sensitizedand educated on the dynamics of victimization and its impact on  victims, their families,and the community.  Training and education on victimization should begin duringpractitioners' initial education in professional schools, followed with continuingeducation and information throughout their professional careers.  To address this need,OVC invites proposals to develop quality, State-of-the art training or training materials atthe professional or continuing education level, or to develop professional guidelines forprotocols and procedures that improve healthcare and mental health responses to crimevictims.  This solicitation targets organizations representing healthcare, healthcareadministration, public health, managed care, and mental health professionals whoprovide or direct life-line services to crime victims.  Examples of activities that OVC mayfund under this grant proposal include, but are not limited to, the following:          Development of tracks of training or intensive, individualized seminars at national     conferences sponsored by organizations that provide training, continuing     education, or certification to their members.  Objectives of this training are to     increase members' understanding of the impact of crime victimization and related     issues and to develop or enhance their members' ability to serve victims     effectively.  Follow-up support and consultation that reinforces the objectives of     the training should be an integral activity of any training initiative.            Development and strategic dissemination of products or materials, such as     videotapes; interactive CD-ROM software; newsletters; special editions of     periodicals devoted to victimization issues; handbooks; policy, procedure, and     protocol manuals; and training curricula that provide members of an organization     a better understanding of crime victimization issues and improve their ability to     respond to crime victims.Applicants should ensure that their proposed products or activities do not duplicateexisting resources. This does not preclude applicants from adapting or expandingavailable resources to meet the specific needs of the targeted professional group fortraining and information on crime victimization.  Applicants who request funding tosupport regularly occurring or previously scheduled conferences must clearlydemonstrate that requested funding will not supplant existing funding, and will result innew training activities and/or materials that focus on crime victimization issues.  All interim and final products are subject to OVC review and approval.  As part of thereview process, OVC may ask other agencies within the Department of Justice to reviewand provide substantive feedback on all products produced as a result of this project. All products may also be subject to an external peer review process.  With some exceptions (such as mailing costs for periodical subscriptions), OVC willassume responsibility for the duplication and dissemination of products and materials,such as brochures, videotapes, or training curricula.  If a videotape is produced, thegrantee will provide OVC with a master copy of the videotape as well as all videofootage taken during the development of the video.  The grantee will provide OVC acopy of any written materials in hard copy and on disk in WordPerfect format.  Materialsmust be in final draft form and may be further edited and formatted by OVC. Eligibility Requirements.  Applicants must represent a nonprofit, national-scopemembership, professional, or affiliation group and must demonstrate the financial andorganizational capability to manage this project.  Local and State chapters of a national-scope group are eligible to apply if the proposed project activities and/or materials arerelevant to chapters across the nation, can be readily replicated by other chapters, anda strategy for disseminating information on the project to other chapters is included inthe proposal.    Applicants should review the eligibility requirements described inSection II of this application kit.  In addition to these requirements, applicants mustconvincingly document the following in their proposal:          Expert understanding of crime victimization issues coupled with a strong     commitment to serving victims of crime          Understanding of the professional and/or continuing education process for the     targeted professional group; or understanding of the development and integration     of protocols or guidelines in the targeted professional field           The expertise and standing to develop products or activities with professional     credibility that will be accepted and readily integrated into the initial or continuing     education requirements or professional standards of the targeted mental health     or healthcare practitionersApplication.  Applicants must follow the guidance provided in Section II, Instructions forApplication Narrative.  Applicants are reminded that VOCA funding cannot be used tosupport research, prevention, or offender-oriented services or activities.Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999Contact Person. Joye Whatley, 202-305-1715 and 202-514-7863 (TTY only).  E-mail:WhatleyJ@ojp.usdoj.gov.Victim-Oriented Practices in the Healthcare Community Award Amount. $75,000.Award Period. 18-24 months (applicant's discretion).                                        Goal.  The goal of this project is to improve services to underserved crime victims inhealthcare settings.Purpose.  The purpose of this project is to develop resource materials for thehealthcare community to promote the replication of inclusive, effective responses tounderserved crime victims.Background.   Responding effectively to victims of crime requires the dedicated effortsof many professionals, including those in the healthcare community.  Crime victimssuffer psychological trauma, and all too frequently, long term health consequences as aresult of their victimization. The provision of sensitive, effective care in clinical settingsis a critically important response to victims in the aftermath of crime.  Yet, many victims -- low-income, minorities, those in rural areas or inner cities, those with disabilities -- donot receive needed medical and other support services to help them begin and continuethe process of physical and emotional healing.  Program Strategy. This project will fund the development of a report that: (1)  describesproblems and barriers in identifying and caring for underserved crime victims in a varietyof healthcare settings; and,  (2) details inclusive, victim-oriented practices developed byhealthcare organizations and professionals in response to these victims' needs.  Funding will also support a companion videotape that illustrates some of the victim-oriented practices described in the report.  By using a variety of settings and responsesto emphasize the important role of healthcare organizations and professionals inrecognizing and caring for these underserved victims, this  report and videotape shouldappeal to a broad spectrum of the healthcare field.  Underserved victims may be categorized by the type of crime (for example, drunkdriving, sexual assault, child abuse victims, etc.) as well as the demographiccharacteristics. (For example, status as non-English speaking residents, persons withdisabilities, senior citizens, members of racial or ethnic minorities, or residents of rural,remote, or urban areas, etc.).  To underscore the national scope of this project and itsappeal to a broad array of healthcare practitioners, the grantee should address severalgroups of  underserved victims and describe a variety of  healthcare responsesdesigned to assist them.  Healthcare responses are not limited to strictly clinicalapplications, but could include, for example,  innovative, victim-oriented practicesimplemented  by healthcare administrators in the insurance or managed care sectors.  Project tasks include the following:          Conducting a national-scope search for inclusive, victim-oriented practices in the     healthcare field that focus on underserved crime victims          Developing a report, to be published as an OVC Bulletin,  that outlines the     obstacles to identifying and caring for underserved crime victims in the     healthcare arena and describes innovative, inclusive  practices and strategies     developed by healthcare organizations and professionals  to ensure that these     victims are identified and have access to healthcare and other needed services          Producing a 15-20 minute videotape that outlines the issues and vividly illustrates     representative examples of the responses described in the report           Generating a strong dissemination plan that identifies an effective means for     distributing the developed products, as well as a list of appropriate recipients;       this dissemination plan should extend beyond a generalized sharing of     information, targeting organizations and institutions that act as change agents     within the healthcare community          Evaluating the effectiveness of the produced materials in heightening the     understanding and awareness of healthcare professionals toward underserved     victims' needs and issues                                                        All interim and final products are subject to OVC review and approval.  As part of thereview process, OVC may ask other agencies within the Department of Justice to reviewand provide substantive feedback on all products produced as a result of this project. All products may also be subject to an external peer review process.  OVC will assume responsibility for duplication and dissemination of the report and thevideotape; therefore, only expenses associated with dissemination of information on theproject (such as conference or workshop presentations) should be included in thebudget.  Expenses related to the duplication of a small number of videotapes forretention and use by the grantee as part of the dissemination plan will also be allowed.The grantee will furnish OVC with (1)   a master copy of the videotape as well as allvideo footage taken during the development of the video, and  (2) a well-written report(in hard copy and on disk in WordPerfect format) that will be edited and formatted byOVC for publication as an OVC Bulletin.  Applicants are advised to review examples ofprevious OVC Bulletins on the OVC Website at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/.Eligibility Requirements.  Potential applicants should  review the eligibilityrequirements described in Section II of this application kit.  In addition to theserequirements, applicants' proposals must convincingly document the following:          A knowledge of the complexities and make-up of the U.S. healthcare field that will     ensure the production of products with professional credibility and the     development of a strategically oriented, effective dissemination plan          A strong understanding of crime victim issues          Expertise in professional quality videotape production (or in contracting for     videotape production) Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999Contact Person.  Joye Whatley, 202/305-1715, 202/514-7863 (TTY only).  E-mail:WhatleyJ@ojp.usdoj.gov.National Crime Victims' Rights Week Kit (Cooperative Agreement)Award Amount.  $100,000.Award Period. 12 months.      Goal.  The goal of this project is to heighten and support public awareness of crimevictim issues nationwide.Purpose.  The purpose of this project is to produce ready-made, adaptable resourcematerials such as posters, model speeches, press releases, a public serviceannouncement, and commemorative activities for use during National Crime Victims'Rights Week 2000.Background.  Each April since 1982, National Crime Victims' Rights Week has beenformally designated and commemorated at the Federal level.  The Federal observancecoincides with rallies, vigils, and public education campaigns staged in communitiesacross the nation.  The widespread observance of the event presents a uniqueopportunity to articulate a consistent and unified message about the plight of ournation's crime victims and to draw attention to the work of advocates and activistsseeking to restore balance to the administration of criminal justice.Program Strategy:  This solicitation invites applications for one grantee toconceptualize, develop, and produce a user-friendly National Crime Victims' RightsWeek Kit for use by victim service providers, advocates, elected leaders, and thegeneral public.  Project tasks and deliverables will include the following:          Regular meetings with OVC project staff to review and discuss kit components     and draft materials, including a videotaped public service announcement          An outline of the proposed kit's components and a description of its unifying     theme or themes          A plan for incorporating materials from national victim advocacy organizations          Drafts of written, graphic, and audio-visual materials, including posters, cover art,     and videotapes          A plan for developing and printing 10,000 copies of the kit, 500 posters, and     10,000 videocassette case covers          A camera-ready, graphics-quality resource kit on disk and hard copy, ready for     mailing by mid-January 2000          A videotaped public service announcement advertising National Crime Victims'     Rights Week          A plan for reproducing 10,000 copies of the videotaped public service     announcement          A survey designed to measure user-satisfaction and a plan for soliciting feedbackAll interim and final products are subject to OVC review and approval.  As part of thereview process, OVC may ask other agencies within the Department of Justice to reviewand provide substantive feedback on all products produced as a result of this project. All products may also be subject to an external peer review process.OVC will assume responsibility for dissemination of all products, including the kit, theposters, and the videotape; therefore, do not include costs associated with the mailingof these items in the project budget.Eligibility Requirements.  Eligible applicants must demonstrate the following:organizational and financial capability to complete this project successfully in theallotted 12-month period; basic knowledge of victim issues; and, previous publicrelations experience.Application.  Applicants must follow the guidance provided in Section II, Instructions forApplication Narrative.Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999Contact Person.  Bill Brantley, 202-616-3574.  E-mail: Brantley@ojp.usdoj.gov.State Victim Assistance Academies (Cooperative Agreements)Award Amount. $140,000 for four planning grants at $35,000 each.  Based upongrantee performance and the availability of future funds, continuation funding will beavailable for two subsequent years.  Second year funding is projected at $100,000 eachand third year funding at $60,000 each.  A financial and/or in-kind match for 25% ofeach year's grant will be required.  In addition to funding, OVC will ensure that technicalassistance is from OVC's National Victim Assistance Academy project staff and facultyis made available to grantees to assist in this multi-year effort.Award Period. 12 months with the potential for an additional 24 months. Goal. The goal of this grant program is to assist States in developing effectivestrategies for establishing State Victim Assistance Academies (SVAA).Purpose. The purpose of this grant is to support State efforts to provide comprehensive,academically-based, fundamental education for victim assistance providers, victimadvocates, criminal justice personnel, and allied professionals who routinely interactwith victims of crime.Background. The victim assistance movement has grown significantly in the last 15years.  Victim assistance programs have become part of the nation's criminal, Tribal,military, and juvenile justice infrastructure.  Victim service providers, victim advocates,and allied professionals with a wide variety of practical experience, training, andeducation are now working in many settings from District Attorneys' offices tocorrectional institutions to battered women's shelters and rape crisis centers.  A growingawareness among practitioners of the complex needs of crime victims has resulted in ademand for more coordinated, multidisciplinary responses.  The establishment ofSVAAs would provide a comprehensive, basic-level victim assistance curriculum to victim service providers and allied professionals which would greatly enhance theirprofessional efforts.Recognizing the need for a high quality curriculum, OVC funded the development of thefirst National Victim Assistance Academy (NVAA) in 1995. The Academy is coordinatedby the Victims' Assistance Legal Organization (VALOR).  The 1999 Academy sitesinclude the following:  California State University, Fresno; the Medical University ofSouth Carolina, Charleston; University of New Haven, CT; American University,Washington DC; Washburn University, Topeka,  KS; and most recently, Sam HoustonState University, TX.  When NVAA was launched, one of OVC's long-range goals was toencourage a victim assistance course of study in colleges and universities across thecountry.  In FY 98, Michigan State University submitted a concept paper to OVC to establish aSVAA.  With OVC funding, supplemented with university and State VOCA funding,Michigan held the first OVC-sponsored State academy in August 1998.  Facultymembers from the NVAA provided technical assistance and resource material, andMichigan adapted part of the the NVAA curriculum to meet the needs of advocates andpractitioners in Michigan.  The university, in partnership with the Michigan victimassistance community, intends to continue to sponsor an academy annually.This solicitation is intended to encourage similar initiatives in other States with theultimate goal of establishing a nationwide network of State academies capable ofmeeting the foundation  level educational needs of a broad range of victim assistanceproviders and allied professionals.    Program Strategy.  This solicitation will support four States in phase one of theestablishment of a State academy.  The overall 3-year project has several corecomponents which are listed below:          Formation of a diverse planning/steering committee of victim assistance, criminal     justice, and social service professionals to plan the development of the SVAA     (year 1)           University/community planning and implementation of the SVAA with a     combination of Federal, State, and local funding (year 1)           State specific curriculum design (year 1 and 2)           Academy presentation and project evaluation (year 2)           Presentation of a second academy with decreased Federal funding and     increased State and local funding (year 3)           State academy staff availability for technical assistance and mentoring to other     State academy grantees through funding provided by OVC's Training and     Technical Assistance Center (TTAC)(Year 3)          Independent State funding and continued availability of State academy staff for     technical assistance and mentorship to other interested State academy grantees     (year 4 and beyond)In addition to funding, OVC will support the four grantees by providing access to thefollowing throughout the course of the grant:          Opportunity to attend the NVAA, where special training will be provided on ways     to conduct academies          The NVAA curriculum, technical assistance, and logistical materials          NVAA's Train the Teacher course for faculty or State staff who will serve as     instructors at State academies          Informational material available through OVC's Resource Center          Specialized teaching faculty for the academy provided through OVC's TTACSince FY 99 funding is intended to support year 1 planning activities, this solicitation willfocus on describing year one tasks and product requirements.1.  Planning/Steering CommitteeA major task during phase one is to establish a diverse planning/steering committee toplan and manage the project.  As the response to victimization increasingly requirespartnerships among multiple providers, the composition of a planning/steeringcommittee should mirror these partnerships.  At a minimum,  commitments of support forestablishing a State academy will be needed from the State VOCA Victim Compensationand Assistance Administrators, an accredited college/university, the State AttorneyGeneral's office (where applicable) and key Statewide victim advocacy coalitions andgroups.  Coordination with the U.S. Attorney's office is recommended.  This broad-based, diverse support is critical to ensure the success of the project in year 1 andbeyond, and will be one of the criteria for continued OVC funding.2.  State Training AssessmentSome States have recognized the diversity of the victim assistance workforce and haveestablished minimum training requirements for their victim assistance providers, whileothers have already sponsored educational programs.  The steering committee shouldoversee an assessment of existing State-sponsored educational initiatives and victimassistance training resources, determinating how existing training initiatives andresources will combine with or complement the SVAA.3.  Partnership with AcademiaEstablishing a partnership with the academic community is essential and involvesseveral components, including the provision of academic credit through an accreditedcollege or university; the establishment of a college/university as the host site; and,  the use of expert faculty to develop State-specific curricula and to  oversee theAcademy.  A college/university should also be able to provide in-resident faculty; low-cost dormitory housing and dining facilities; large and small classroom space toaccommodate both plenary and smaller breakout groups; and, a computer laboratorywith Internet access and sufficient computers to allow students to effectively participatein a "hands-on" demonstration of the use of technology to enhance service capabilities.4.  Curriculum DesignThe NVAA curriculum is a 45-hour course with a text of over 600 pages.  Updatedannually, the text has been reviewed by the California State University and MedicalUniversity of South Carolina faculties and approved for academic credit through theircriminology and psychology departments respectively.  The text covers 36 subject areasand serves as the basis for the course curriculum.  Each chapter contains an abstract,learning objectives, and a self examination.  Chapters also include relevant research,current statistical overviews, and summaries of relevant Federal and State legislation. The text also covers the historical background of each topic, including its evolution andcurrent societal status.  The course format includes lectures and discussions,experiential exercises, working group assignments, interactive on-line computerexperience, and self-examinations for each issue area.  The NVAA considers interactiveexercises that help students apply this knowledge are considered essential. TheMichigan State Academy also used interactive learning techniques.The goal of this grant is to provide a comprehensive, basic-level knowledge base tovictim assistance providers, victim advocates, and criminal justice personnel.  OVC expects the NVAA syllabus will provide the core of the State academy's curriculum, witheach State adding State information, elective courses, and interactive exercises asdeemed necessary.As the NVAA curriculum has been carefully developed and tested through multiplepresentations, OVC will not fund the development of new and separate educationalcurricula.  However, States receiving funding under this solicitation are encouraged touse a small portion of the planning grant and year 2 funding to develop State-specificsupplements and interactive exercises.5.  Student SelectionIn year 1 of the grant, the steering committee should begin to formulate the studentselection criteria, including a method for screening students, and finalize the process inyear 2.  The Michigan Academy encouraged attendance by community "teams" ofproviders to help promote a coordinated community response to crime victimization.  Atthe NVAA, a selection committee chooses students after reviewing students'applications and two letters of recommendation.  In their selection criteria, grantees areencouraged to emphasize student diversity based on geographic location,demographics, and professional agency affiliation.6.  Staffing IssuesThe steering committee should also address staffing issues, including the type andnumber of staff needed to plan, organize, and manage the State academy.  In additionto choosing staff to direct the project and to provide administrative support, thecommittee should address the selection of teaching faculty and determine whichcourses will be taught by college/university faculty and which can be presented by localagency and advocacy group representatives.  OVC encourages a blend of practitionersand academicians.  Finally, the committee must identify a method for helping teachingfaculty develop presentations with an interactive format.  The NVAA Training ofTeachers course, which incorporates State-of-the-art adult learning principles into auniversal training format, will be available as a resource in this effort.7.  Financial PlanAnother first year activity must include the development of a viable financial plan forcontinued match of OVC Federal funds in years 2 and 3, and for continuation of theSVAA in years 4 and beyond.  Although VOCA funds cannot be used as a match for thisgrant, OVC has issued guidance to State VOCA administrators authorizing them tomake available a percentage of their one percent training dollars and five percent oftheir administrative funds to supplement OVC funding for the development andimplementation of State academies.8.  Product RequirementsAt the end of the first year, OVC will require each grantee to create a guide describingthe year 1 planning phase.  The guides must be submitted to OVC; they will be used toprovide technical assistance to other States interested in establishing State academies. The guide should, at a minimum, describe: 1) the process of selecting and organizingthe steering committee; 2) the process of obtaining support from State victim assistanceproviders, victim advocates, and criminal justice personnel; 3) the strategies forovercoming the inevitable challenges of establishing a State academy; 4) the process ofobtaining financial support; 5) the scope and findings of the training assessment andwhat effects it had for the planning process; and, 6) the process for developing theState-specific materials to supplement the NVAA core curriculum.Eligibility Requirements.  Only one application per State will be considered.  Eligibleapplicants must demonstrate (in writing) the following:          Commitment from the State VOCA Victim Assistance and Compensation program     offices in which they agree to help develop the academy, including the provision     of financial support after completion of the three-year Federal grant          Commitment from an accredited college/university to host and promote the State     academy;  provide academic credit; provide room and board for students; provide     classrooms and a computer lab; and, with assistance from the steering     committee, oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the project           Commitment by applicant to meet with OVC, NVAA, and other SVAA grantees at     the beginning of the grant period to share planning strategies and clarify     implementation issues          Commitment by applicant to meet with other SVAA grantees and OVC at the end     of first year funding to share planning processes, lessons learned, future goals,     future technical assistance support needed, and second year implementation     strategiesApplication.  Applicants must follow the guidance provided in Section II, Instructions forApplication Narrative.Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999Contact Person. Marilyn Keel, 202-616-3575.  E-mail: KeelM@ojp.usdoj.gov.Victims' Services Professional DevelopmentAward Amount.  $150,000. Award Period.  12 -18 months.Goal.  To provide a "think tank" forum in which the field of victim services can developpractice standards (both organizational and individual) and a framework forimplementation of consistent, quality services to crime victims.Purpose.   To convene a broad consortium of national and state leaders from the victimservices field who will  develop strategies for establishing individual and organizationalpractice standards for the enhancement of the quality of services available to crimevictims.  Background.  The field of victim services has matured considerably over the lastdecade. Through its national scope training and technical assistance efforts, the Officefor Victims of Crime (OVC) has kept pace with this forward progression of the victims'movement by  supporting a variety of initiatives designed to gain understanding of theneeds of crime victims and of those diverse individuals and organizations who servethem.  On December 9, 1996,  OVC held a focus group to identify ways OVC and the victimservices field might proceed to professionalize services offered to victims of crime.Participants' views varied widely on the best ways to professionalize the field.  However,the focus group did urge OVC to maintain a central role in furthering the national goal ofprofessionalizing the field and to support the development of practice standards forvictim service providers.  In addition, OVC has obtained extensive feedback from thefield on a myriad of other important issues through the creation of a voices from the fielddocument titled, "New Directions from the Field: Victims' Rights and Services for the 21stCentury."   The contributors to this document recommended that a national commissionbe established to develop certification and accreditation standards for those working inthe victim advocacy and assistance field.  (Chapter 6, "New Directions for the VictimAssistance Community") Victim service providers frequently face difficult legal and ethical issues in their day-to-day work. To assist,  many states are taking steps to establish minimum trainingrequirements and/or certify victim advocates. Several universities have developeddepartments, programs, curricula, and courses  on victimology or victims' rights andservices.  The rapid development of ideas, services, and programs has fragmented thefield into a proliferation of different approaches and goals for assisting victims.  OVCseeks to facilitate the development of a strategy that will:           Combine this patchwork of practice and education           Infuse it with the diverse voices of experience from across the nation           Identify the common ground and goals that will move the field forward through      cooperative, collaborative approaches to achieve a standard quality of service to     crime victimsProgram Strategy.  This solicitation invites applicants to develop an effective method toconvene the leadership organizations of the victims' field and to facilitate exploration ofservice standards and training and collaborative practices.  In addition, OVC expects a thoughtful plan that addresses methods for obtaining input from the diverse field ofvictim service providers (both paid and volunteer).  The applicant should address thefollowing tasks:          Identify and compile a compendium of existing practice standards, certification     programs,  and education programs for training victim service providers          Identify, in partnership with OVC, national and state leadership organizations and     individuals in the victim services field with experience in establishing standards     and/or programs that support training development          Convene and facilitate a "think tank" forum to examine the issues of practice and     program standards and certification          Convene subcommittees to explore and report on key issues affecting     professional development in the field          Conduct geographically dispersed "town hall" meetings to gather practice-based     input from diverse victim service providers, organizational representatives, state     coalition leaders, local advocacy groups, etc.Products/Deliverables.   At a minimum,  the final products will include the following:          A compendium of existing standards and education programs for training victim     service providers          A standard for practice that defines both minimal skill levels for victim service     providers and organizational standards          A practical Strategies for Action Kit that includes a self-assessment tool,     highlights of promising practices, preferred standards, and educational     requirements and resourcesEligibility Requirements.   Eligible applicants must demonstrate documentedexperience with strategic planning, consensus building, group facilitation, and anunderstanding of the implications and processes involved in the development ofstandards and training for national and professional organizations.   Applicants mustdemonstrate a general knowledge of victimization issues and the organizationalcapability to convene a diverse group, manage the group process, accurately record theproceedings, and develop a lucid, precise plan for future action. Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999.Contact Person.  Olga Trujillo, 202-616-3585VICTIM ASSISTANCE IN INDIAN COUNTRY (VAIC) DISCRETIONARYGRANT PROGRAM               Award Amount.  $40,000 $60,000 range for the first year, with continuation funding fora second and third year, contingent upon the grantee's performance, the success of theproject, and the availability of Federal funds.  Tribes may apply for funding above the$40,000 $60,000 range; however, they must document this need.  For example, theyshould use statistics showing the number and types of victims served, the number ofstaff needed, and number and types of cases handled.  Data must concretely show thatthe additional amount is needed to provide direct services to victims of crime.OVC has allocated $1,000,028 for this initiative in FY 1999 and anticipates funding upto 20 grants.  Funding support may be provided for up to three years.  For each of thethree eligible funding years, the Tribal program will be reviewed for its development andsuccess.  If the program is meeting its objectives, it may remain eligible for up to threeyears of funding.An in-kind match is required each year.  The purpose of the in-kind match is to obtainTribal commitment to the program to ensure its continuation after the OVC funding ends. The in-kind match must be in the form of staff time, facilities (office space and utilities),time, or agency partnerships.  Volunteer time may be used as in-kind match.Award Period.  12 months, with potential continuation grants for 24 additional months.Goal.  To improve the quality of direct services for victims of crime in Indian Country.Purpose.  To provide seed funding to establish reservation-based victim assistanceprograms in remote areas of Indian Country where there are limited or no services forvictims of crime.Background.  OVC initiated the VAIC Discretionary Grant Program in 1988 to establishreservation-based victim assistance programs in Indian Country.  Based on discussionswith Tribal leaders, OVC in 1996 investigated new ways to carry out the government-to-government relationship between the Federal government and Indian Tribes.  In FY1997, OVC initiated a new strategy to provide direct victim assistance funding to IndianTribes and Tribal organizations, while encouraging States to heighten their efforts tosupport additional Tribal programs with State VOCA victim assistance grant funds.To ensure continuity of funding and facilitate a smooth transition to this new directfunding strategy, OVC continued to support 31 VAIC grant recipients in FY 1997 at theFY 1996 funding level.  In FY 1997, OVC increased the amount dedicated to the VAICprogram to one million dollars, an increase of $260,000 over FY 1997 funding.  Theincreased funding was used to implement a VAIC competitive grant program, and sixnew programs were funded.  Based on working group recommendations and dialogueswith the field, the VAIC grant program will become a totally competitive program, withawards based on documented needs.New and existing programs may apply for this award.  Existing programs are expected todemonstrate an increase in services and activities.Program Strategy.  This solicitation invites applicants to conceptualize, develop, andimplement a VAIC program designed to improve the ability of the Tribe to provide directservices to victims of crime in Indian Country.  This Tribal program will conform with theVictims of Crime Act (VOCA) victim assistance guidelines and VAIC programrequirements.  Some of the services that may be provided under the program follow:          Services that immediately respond to the emotional and physical needs     (excluding medical care) of crime victims such as intervention; accompaniment to     hospitals for medical examinations; hotline counseling; emergency food, clothing,     transportation, and shelter; emergency legal assistance; and other emergency     services that are intended to restore the victim's sense of dignity and self-esteem          Counseling, group treatment, and therapy          Advocacy on behalf of crime victims including accompaniment to criminal justice     offices and court, transportation to court, child care to enable a victim to attend     court, restitution advocacy, and assistance with victim impact Statements          Services that offer an immediate measure of safety to crime victims such as     boarding up broken windows and replacing or repairing locks          Forensic examinations for sexual assault victims (only to the extent that other     funding sources are not available)          Costs that are necessary and essential to providing direct services such as pro-     rated costs of rent, telephone service, transportation costs for victims, and local     travel expenses for direct service providers          Costs directly related to providing direct services through staff including salaries     and fringe benefits          Providing opportunities for crime victims to meet with perpetrators          Providing training for law enforcement personnelThe following services, activities, and costs are not generally considered direct crimevictim services but may be considered for limited coverage under the program: skillstraining for staff; equipment and furniture; contracts for professional services; operatingcosts such as supplies, printing, postage, brochures that describe available services,books, and other victim-related materials; supervision of direct service providers such asvolunteer coordinators; repair and/or replacement of essential items; and presentations made in schools, community centers, or other public forums designed to identify crimevictims and provide or refer them to needed services.The program seeks to fund those Tribal programs that show the capacity to coordinatewith other agencies that serve crime victims.  Coordination with the following agencieswill be a key factor in ranking grantee proposals: U.S. Attorneys' offices; Federal Bureauof Investigation field offices; State VOCA administrators; Bureau of Indian Affairs LawEnforcement Services; the Indian Health Service; and other appropriate agencies. Tribal programs that demonstrate community outreach and establish strong workingrelationships with outside and inter-Tribal agencies will receive consideration abovethose that do not.As soon as a grant award is made, the Tribe must be ready to hire the program staff asdescribed in the original grant proposal.  The hiring of program staff should beimplemented within the first two months, if not sooner, of the grant award.  Prolongeddelays in hiring (six or more months) is disfavored and may affect the program'sopportunity for second and third year funding.  Applicants are therefore encouraged todiscuss the proposed VAIC program with their Tribal Chairperson, Tribal Council, andother Tribal agencies prior to submission of the application to solicit their support andapproval of the plan.                                        A Tribal Resolution must be included with the application that approves commitmentsand activities for the first year of the grant.  For the second and third years, the activitiesor implementation plans should be outlined in sufficient detail to provide a sense thatthe proposed program will continue to develop and be a permanent Tribal/Federalpartnership that continues past the Federal funding period.  Applicants should alsoconsider that, from time to time, program staff may be asked to participate in OVC-sponsored conferences and training sessions to describe demonstration practices,provide program materials and handouts, serve as trainers, or participate in discussiongroups and serve on panels.Eligibility Requirements.  Eligible applicants are Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations,and non-profit organizations that provide direct services to victims of crime in areas ofIndian Country that are under Federal criminal jurisdiction.Applications must be signed by the chief executive officer of the Tribe or organization. In those cases where the Tribal Council serves as the governing body, the applicationmust be signed by the Chairman of the Council or other recognized leader of that group. Application Narrative.  Each applicant must submit a narrative of not more than ten(10) pages that addresses the areas listed below. These areas will form the basis for theselection criteria.1.  Describe the need for the program by indicating the following:  (40 points).          What types of victims do you presently serve and/or what are the types of victims     you would like to serve?          What services does your Tribe currently provide to victims of crime, including     secondary victims?          How will the Tribe improve its ability to provide direct services to crime victims        with this grant award?          What victims' needs will you be able to meet with this grant that you have not     previously been able to address?          What statistics can you cite to demonstrate that there is an unmet need for     victims services?          Does your application describe only VOCA/VAIC eligible activities? 2.  Program Implementation.  (40 points)          Did you enclose a time/task line in the proposal, making it is clear what you plan     to do and when you plan to do it?          What system will you establish to record statistical information about victims and     victim services that OVC needs for our Report to Congress?          What strengths does your program staff have that would enable them to serve as     mentors to other Tribal programs?            How will you inform your community and outside agencies about your program?     Will you use brochures, news articles, personal contacts, etc.?3.  Program Organization.  (10 points).          What staff positions will be hired to carry out the VAIC grant activities?          What are the title(s) of these staff position(s)?          How long will it take to hire this staff?          How will you train your staff?          How will you coordinate your activities with victim witness coordinators/victim           service providers at the U.S. Attorney's office, FBI field office, and State VOCA         administrator's office?          Describe how you plan to involve local law enforcement with your program     (training, brochures, or other means).          Describe your volunteer program, who will coordinate the program, and the     training that will be given to volunteers.          Did a professional grants writer prepare this proposal or did a person who will     work in the program prepare this proposal?          How will you get Tribal support to continue this program once OVC funding ends?     Have your discussed the required Tribal Resolution with your Chairperson and     Council?4.  Program Budget.  (10 points)See the Budget Detail Worksheet in the forms appendix to the application kit.  You mustenter budgeted items and their costs on this form.  Applicants must justify the cost ofindividual items such as personnel, travel, etc. and show how they were computed. Applications containing contracts must include detailed budgets for each organization'sexpenses.  Funds cannot be used for construction costs.Applicants must include the following in the budget:     (1)  A 2-day planning conference to be held in Washington, DC, shortly after the     grant is awarded.  Budget a total of $2,000 for travel for two staff persons to     attend     one program staff person and one financial staff person.          (2)       The Seventh Indian Nations Conference to be held in Tulsa, OK,  September          1999.  Budget $1,000 for the program staff person to attend.          (3)       Computer equipment and training.  Budget an appropriate amount.          (4)       Monthly fees for an Internet service provider for access to the OVC Web page          and to have E-mail capability to communicate with OVC staff and other grantees.           Budget an appropriate amount.This program requires documentation of 10 percent in-kind matching funds. (Cash is not required).  No indirect costs are allowed in the VAIC program budget.Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999Contact Person.  Cynthia Darling, 202-616-3571.  E-Mail: Cynthia@ojp.usdoj.gov.Training and Technical Assistance for Victim Assistance in IndianCountry (VAIC) GranteesAward Amount. $100,000.Award Period. 12 months, with potential continuation funding for 24 additional months.Goal. The goal of this project is to ensure the successful establishment andimplementation of victim assistance programs in Indian Country.Purpose. The purpose of the VAIC Grant Program is to create permanent, accessible,and responsive victim assistance services on Indian Tribal lands governed by Federalcriminal jurisdiction. This project will provide comprehensive, skills-building training andtechnical assistance to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations that have receivedfunding under the VAIC Discretionary Grant Program.Background. OVC initiated the VAIC Discretionary Grant Program in 1988 to establish"on-reservation" victim assistance programs in Indian Country.  Beginning in FY 1997,victim assistance services were funded directly from OVC rather than through theStates.  In FY 1998, a total of $740,000 went to support programs previously fundedthrough the States, and $260,000 was allocated for new programs through a competitivegrants review process. In FY 1999, all applicants must participate in a competitivegrants review process.  Approximately 40 VAIC programs will exist in FY 1999.Training and technical assistance has been available to VAIC grantees since theinception of the program through individual site visits and regional training events.  TheOVC grants monitor and the selected training and technical assistance organization willcollaborate to determine program needs.Program Strategy. The tasks, products, and requirements of VAIC training andtechnical assistance provisions for year 1 of the training grant are listed below:          Provide one regional training event for VAIC programs per calendar quarter          Incorporate VAIC's Mentor Program into the training, using at least four mentors     per year in training events so that skilled VAIC program staff may train other     VAIC programs having specific needs          Conduct individual training events at the following three sites, which OVC has      determined to have special needs: Zuni, Northern Cheyenne, and Oglala Sioux          Coordinate all regional training events with U.S. Attorneys' Offices, Victims of     Crime Act (VOCA) State administrators, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the     Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Indian Health Service          Conduct one individual training event per quarter at sites determined by the OVC     grants monitor and the training and technical assistance organization to need     specific assistance          Provide a written report on all training eventsEligibility Requirements.  Eligible applicants are public or private, nonprofit agenciesand organizations.  Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter,including the VOCA Guidelines and VAIC program requirements. Applicants must alsohave expertise and experience in providing training and technical assistance, preferablyto Tribes and Tribal organizations.  During the selection process, preference will begiven to organizations that are experienced in working with Native Americanorganizations and with victims of crime.Application.  Applicants must follow the guidance provided in Section II, Instructions forApplication Narrative.Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999Contact Person.  Cynthia Darling, 202-616-3571.  E-mail: Cynthia@ojp.usdoj.gov.Demonstration Victim/Witness Assistance Program in Indian CountryAward Amount.  $50,000 for the first year, with continuation funding for a second andthird year, contingent upon the grantee's performance, the success of the project, andthe availability of Federal funds.Award Period.  12 months, with potential continuation grants for 24 additional months.Goal. The goal of this project is to improve the quality of direct services for victims ofcrime in Indian Country.Purpose.  The purpose of this project is to enhance an existing Tribal victim assistanceprogram into a demonstration victim/witness program site.  The project do the following:            Provide for additional staff to administer services to victims            Develop a survey designed to select 4-6 Tribes in need of training and technical      assistance on victims' issues            Develop a plan designed to advertise services for on-site training and technical      assistance to Tribes            Develop products designed to provide training and technical assistance,      including  specific information and materials on victims services such as policies      and brochures that can be provided            Serve as a guide to other Tribes, defining the range of services that can and      should be provided to victims and witnesses of crime in Indian Country            Serve as a demonstration site for Tribes and other victim assistance programs      that may wish to copy some or all of the best practices and innovative victim      service strategies            Provide information and materials to other Tribes for establishing similar victim      services programs            Provide on-site mentoring, training and technical assistance to other Tribes upon       requestProgram Strategy.  Applicants may consider requesting additional staff and travelfunds that would enable them to provide the following:            A victim counselor/advocate experienced in crisis counseling who could offer an       immediate crisis response to victims and provide appropriate referrals for      services            A victim/witness case service specialist who to notifies victims and witnesses of      all proceedings, makes victim/witness appearance arrangements, and      coordinates victim impact statements            Conduct up to six site visits during the grant periodEligibility Requirements.  Eligible applicants are Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations,and non-profit organizations that provide direct services to victims of crime on Indianreservations that are under Federal criminal jurisdiction.  Applications must be signed bythe leader or chief executive officer of the Tribe or the organization.  In those caseswhere the Tribal Council serves as the governing body, the application must be signedby the Chairman of the Council or other recognized leader of that group.Application. Applicants must follow the guidance provided in Section II, Instructions forApplication Narrative.Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999Contact Person.  Cynthia Darling, 202-616-3571.  E-mail: Cynthia@ojp.usdoj.gov.Issues Report on Victims' Rights in Indian CountryAward Amount.   $100,000.Award Period. 18 months.Goal. The goal of this project is to document promising approaches to ensuring victims'rights in Indian country.Purpose. The purpose of this project is to develop an issues report that providesrecommendations to assist leaders at the Tribal, State, and Federal levels to expandand enforce rights for victims of crime in Indian Country.Background.  Among the difficulties in ensuring victims' rights in Indian country areoutdated Tribal laws, policies, and court procedures; inadequate and unstable fundingfor victim assistance services; a lack of cross-discipline training opportunities for Tribaland Federal judges and other judicial personnel, U.S. Attorneys' staff, law enforcementofficials, social service providers, and other Federal employees on Indian specificissues. In addition, there is a need for intensive technical assistance and specializedtraining in victim advocacy and assistance issues. There is an absence of Indianrepresentation in all areas of victim services, not just those areas identified asspecifically dealing with Indian Country.  The issues report proposed by this solicitationwill provide information to assist leaders at the Tribal, State, and Federal levels expandand enforce rights for victims of crime in Indian communities.Program Strategy.  OVC began funding reservation-based victim assistance programsin 1988. This solicitation invites applicants to survey at least 25 Tribes to determine howmuch progress has been made toward establishing rights for crime victims in IndianCountry, what rights and services have been established by various Tribes, and whatbarriers, beyond inadequate resources and funding, exist to enforcing victims' rights.  Inaddition to the problems Stated above, the applicant should examine case trackingsystems for child abuse victims, updated and improved investigative techniques,automated notification and tracking systems used by victim advocates, the effect ofTribal politics on implementing and enforcing victims' rights, and the effects ofdisclosure or privacy restrictions on victims' rights to be informed or notified of the statusof cases.The analysis should focus on the Tribe's law and order code to determine whether itincludes Children's Bills of Rights, allows for victim impact Statements, or recognizesany other victims' rights, particularly rights that are accorded other Federal crimevictims.  In addition, the analysis should  take into consideration geographicallydispersed Tribes, urban Tribes, rural Tribes, and Tribes from Public Law 280 States.The products will include a report that contains recommendations, survey guides,completed surveys, model codes, protocols, promising practices, and a disseminationplan.  The targeted audience for the report will be leaders of Tribes and Tribalorganizations.      Eligibility Requirements.  Eligible applicants are American Indian and Alaskan Nativesorganizations; private, nonprofit agencies; educational institutions; and victimassistance agencies with expertise in Indian country victims' issues.Application.  Applicants must follow the guidance provided in Section II, Instructions forApplication Narrative.Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999Contact Person.  Cathy Sanders, 202-616-3578.  E-mail: Cathy@ojp.usdoj.gov.Post Rape Stress Video for Indian CountryAward Amount.   $75,000.Award Period.   12 months.Goal.  To minimize victim anxiety during forensic medical exams and reduce acute andlong-term post-rape distress for rape and sexual assault victims in Indian country.Purpose.   To develop a hospital-based video and instruction guide that describesforensic medical exam procedures to Indian victims of rape and sexual assault.  Background:   Recent studies have shown elevated rates of Post Traumatic StressDisorder (PTSD) in victims of rape and sexual assault.  Almost all reporting rape victims,including child and adolescent victims of sexual assault, meet the criteria for PTSD inthe first few weeks after the rape incident; approximately half persist in a chronic courseof symptoms for at least three months or more.  Rape and sexual assault have alsobeen associated with increased rates of  anxiety disorders, weakened mental health, adisproportionate incidence of revictimization, and other risk factors.  Taking steps to reduce acute post-rape anxiety might prevent long-term negative mental healthoutcomes.  Many rape victims who report the crime to police are seen within hours afterthe assault for necessary forensic medical exams.  Such contacts provide an opportunityto deliver acute post-rape intervention to target initial distress and anxiety.  In fact, thiscontact may be the only opportunity to intervene with many child and adolescent victimsin Indian Country.Program Strategy.   A video and instructional guide will be developed specifically forAmerican Indian and Alaskan Native adolescent victims.  Applicants are invited toconceptualize and develop a 15-minute video that could be shown to Indian sexualassault victims prior to forensic medical examinations.  The video should provideinformation about, and a description of, exam procedures, using actors to depict victimsundergoing each procedure.  The video should be designed to make forensic examsless difficult and mental health outcomes less traumatic.  In addition, the video willprovide the victim information about recovery and coping skills, methods of recognizingand terminating inappropriate avoidance behavior, and strategies to improve moodwhile controlling anxiety levels.Eligibility.   American Indian/Alaskan Native organizations, educational and healthinstitutions, and nonprofit video production companies.  The applicant must demonstratea familiarity with or the capability to coordinate with experts in post-rape stress issues,American Indian victims, and health providers.  The applicant must possess videoproduction capabilities.Application.  Applicants must follow the guidance provided in Section II, Instructions forApplication Narrative.Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999Contact Person.   Cathy Sanders, 202/616-3578.  E-mail: Cathy@ojp.usdoj.gov.Training and Technical Assistance for Children's Justice Act (CJA)Partnerships for Indian Communities GranteesAward Amount.  $100,000.Award Period.  12 months with potential funding for 24 additional months based uponperformance.Goal.  The goal of this project is to assist CJA grantees in meeting the objectives of theirgrant programs and in improving the handling of child victim cases through the provisionof culturally relevant training and technical assistance services.Purpose.  To provide culturally relevant skills-building training and technical assistanceto American Indian and Alaskan Natives grantees who have received funding throughthe CJA Discretionary Grant Program.  It is anticipated that up to 20 different granteesmay require these training services.Background:   The CJA program is designed to develop demonstration projects inIndian communities for the purpose of improving the investigation, prosecution, andhandling of child abuse cases, especially cases of child sexual abuse, in a manner thatincreases support for and reduces trauma to child victims.OVC seeks to ensure that all Tribal programs funded by the CJA initiative are providedthe training and technical assistance necessary to implement their projects successfully. Due to the uniqueness of each Tribe and the variations in size, location, availability ofresources and services, legal structure, and law enforcement jurisdiction, OVC believestraining and technical support is vital for these programs to achieve their Stated goalsand objectives.  Child abuse cases on Indian reservations may be investigated by Statepolice, Tribal police, Bureau of Indian Affairs criminal investigators, the Federal Bureauof Investigation, or others.  Cases may be prosecuted in Federal, State, and/or Tribalcourts.  Formal protocols may or may not exist between agencies.  In instances wherethey do exist, they may be fragmented or fail to incorporate a multidisciplinary approachfor responding to child abuse, particularly child sexual abuse.This grant will provide the necessary training and/or technical assistance for the Tribesto develop a multidisciplinary approach to investigating, prosecuting, treating, andadvocating for victims of child abuse and child sexual abuse.  The training will focus onstrategies that minimize the trauma suffered by child victims and maximize theopportunity to provide assistance and services needed to support the child's recovery. Coordination of all entities at the Tribal, Federal, and State levels involved in childabuse cases will be addressed, as well as multidisciplinary approaches foraccomplishing systemic change.  The improvements are expected to become anongoing part of the Tribal response.Program Strategy.  The recipient of this grant is expected to establish communicationswith each CJA grantee, review its grant application, and identify its training andtechnical assistance needs.  The recipient is then expected to develop a comprehensivetraining and technical assistance strategy and/or delivery plan, including a trainingcurriculum.  The delivery plan should include items such as the types of technicalassistance to be provided, the location for providing the assistance, the consultants whowill present, anticipated attendance at the training, the reason the training/technicalassistance was selected, the estimated cost of the training, the method to be used toassess the effectiveness of the training, the time period during which thetraining/technical assistance is to be provided, and a plan for responding to requests forfollow-up training and technical assistance.  OVC encourages maximum use of Internetcommunications capabilities.OVC will approve the training and technical assistance delivery plan.  Following OVC'sapproval, the recipient will conduct regional training sessions for several Tribes orprovide on-site, individualized training for a given Tribe.  If regional training events areselected, one regional training event must be conducted per quarter.  OVC recognizesthat the requests for training and technical assistance may exceed the availability ofresources; therefore, it is very important that the recipient develop and prioritize adelivery plan that maximizes available resources.The recipient can assume that the CJA grantees have funds for travel, lodging, and perdiem expenses for one regional training session.  Project costs should cover thedevelopment and printing of materials needed to implement the training, and covertravel and per diem expenses for staff and consultants, as well as consultant fees.In addition, the recipient will work with OVC staff to develop and present workshops atthe annual training conference for State CJA grantees sponsored by the  NationalCenter on Child Abuse and Neglect, the Indian Nations Conference, and other OVC-sponsored conferences.Specifically, the recipient will perform the following tasks:            Assess and identify the grantee's needs for training and technical assistance            Develop a training strategy and curriculum for each grantee and/or regional      training session within 90 days of the award            Provide on-site training and technical assistance and telephonic technical      assistance to enable grantees them to improve the handling of victims of crime            Assist grantees in developing protocols, manuals, curricula, and other victim      related materials that will aid them in improving the investigation, prosecution,      and treatment of child abuse cases, particularly child sexual abuse cases            Identify and collect exemplary program materials such as protocols, training      agendas, and brochures that describe available services, Tribal codes, etc., and      making the materials available to CJA grantees as examples of effective      implementation materials            Design, develop, and disseminate Indian-specific resource materials to the      grantees            Provide a written after action report within within 30 days of each training eventEligibility Requirements.  Eligible applicants are public or private nonprofit agenciesand organizations and educational institutions.  Applicants must demonstrate knowledgeof and experience in providing high quality training and technical assistance to IndianTribes.  Preference will be given to organizations who are experienced in working withAmerican Indians, and who have experience in working with victims of crime and relatedvictims issues.Application. Applicants must follow the guidance provided in Section II, Instructions forApplication Narrative.Application Due Date.  Friday, May 14, 1999Contact Person.  Cathy Sanders, 202/616-3578.  E-mail:  Cathy@ojp.usdoj.gov.Section II: Application KitInstructions for Application NarrativeProgram AbstractEach application must include a program abstract that highlights the purposes, goals,methods, and anticipated benefits of the proposed project. The abstract should notexceed one double-spaced page.Program Narrative Each application must contain a program narrative that justifies and describes theprogram to be implemented.   The program narrative may not exceed 30 double-spacedpages on 8«- by 11-inch paper.  (Note: Victim Assistance in Indian CountryDiscretionary grant applicants have a 10 page narrative restriction). Single-spaced orone and one-half spaced narratives will not be accepted.  Margins must be no less than1 inch and the font no smaller than 12 point type.  Applications that do not conformwith these requirements will not be forwarded for competitive review.  The 30-page(or 10-page limit) narrative limit does not include the forms, the abstract, andappendices.  The position descriptions and qualifications, as well as individual resumes,may be submitted as appendices to the application.  Numerous and lengthy appendicesand attachments not directly related to the project are strongly discouraged.  OVC isunable to copy videotapes and lengthy publications that are sent as examples of thegrant applicant's work.  Consequently, peer reviewers will not receive these attachmentsas part of the review process.The program narrative must include the following:1.    Program GoalsApplicants should use the goals Stated in the specific solicitation as the basis for asuccinct and clear Statement of their proposed program's projected value to the victims'field.  For example, if the solicitation States as its goal, "To increase and enhanceservices provided by prosecutors to crime victims," then the applicant should brieflyexplain how their particular proposal will achieve that goal.2.    Program Strategy and Implementation PlanThe program strategy must include sufficient detail so that the reader can understandwhat will be accomplished, how it will be accomplished, and who will accomplish it.  Theapplicant must describe the following:            The project's intended services and/or products, such as training and technical      assistance, training curricula, promising practices compendia, symposia, and      videotapes            The strategy and tasks for developing the services and products            How the project will be coordinated with other organizations, including victim      services, criminal and juvenile justice systems, and any joint or cooperative      efforts             Any unusual features of the project, such as design, technological innovations,      reductions in cost or time, an extraordinary community, or volunteer or private      sector involvement            Procedures for testing the service or product or obtaining feedback about their      worth to the field            The dissemination plan for the product or servicesAll proposed tasks should be presented in a way that allows a reviewer to see thelogical progression of tasks and relate the tasks directly to the accomplishment of theproject goal(s).  Projected activities should be realistic and reflect the project's allocatedtime, staff, and funding.  A clear picture of the contents or components of the product ortraining is important, as is a detailed plan for packaging and disseminating the productto user groups.  In the past, reviewers have given higher scores to applications thatdescribe how they will introduce the products to the field and encourage their use thanto applications without this information.  Detailed procedures for pilot testing andrefining the products have also resulted in higher scores. Applicants must show they paln cost effective and efficient use of grant resources,demonstrating that all grant-related expenses are necessary to project completion. Tasks and activities described in the narrative should parallel the budget and all theidentified costs should accurately reflect the tasks, staff time, supplies, and (ifapplicable) travel necessary to accomplish the grant-related work. 3.    Organizational Capability, Program Management, and Staffing PlanApplicants must demonstrate how their resources, capabilities, and experience willenable them to achieve the goals and accomplish the tasks of the program for whichthey are applying.  Applications should include a clear description of the applicant'smanagement structure and previous experience with similar or related efforts. Applicants should include a description of the proposed professional staff members'unique qualifications that will enable them to fulfill their grant responsibilities.Applicants should describe how the program will be managed, including anorganizational chart describing the roles and responsibilities of key organizational andfunctional components and personnel .  Applicants must also include a list of personnelresponsible for managing and implementing the major stages of the project includingdetailed position descriptions, qualifications, and selection criteria for each position.The proposed project director must have both the substantive expertise and experienceto perform crucial leadership functions and sufficient time to devote to the project toprovide the needed guidance and supervision. In addition to these items, the appliantmay add as attachments or appendices, resumes or other information that qualify theproject staff to work on the project. 4.    Time-Task PlanApplicants must develop a time-task plan that clearly identifies major activities andproducts for the duration of the project period.  This plan must include the designation oforganizational responsibility and a schedule for the completion of the activities and thesubmission of finished products.  In preparing the time-task plan, Gantt chart, orschedule, applicants should make certain that all project activities, includingreproduction of project products and their initial dissemination, will occur within theproposed project period.  Applicants should consider the OVC requirement to submitfinal drafts of all publications, including videos, 120 days prior to the end of grantperiods.   The plan must also provide for the submission of written progress reports.  Allrecipients are required to submit semiannual progress reports. 5.    Program Budget      The applicant will enter budgeted items and their costs on a budget detail worksheetwith a thorough justification for all costs, including the basis for computing the costs.The budget must be complete, reasonable, and directly related to the activitiesproposed in the application. The Budget Detail Worksheet is located in the formsappendix to the application kit.   Applicants must justify the cost of individual items suchas personnel, travel, etc. and show how they were computed. A budget narrative thatjustifies all costs must also be included.  Applications containing contracts mustinclude detailed budgets for each organization's expenses.  Applicants should plan toattend an OVC discretionary grantee meeting and, with the exception of local grantees,budget this at an annual cost of $1,000.  OVC's VOCA funds cannot be used to coverconstruction costs, prevention activities, or costs relating to offender rehabilitation orcounseling. 6.    Assessment Each application must provide a plan for assessing the project's effectiveness.  Theassessment should include, at a minimum, the units of service provided; the number ofindividuals trained; how training affected program development and implementation;cost per unit of training; the number of agencies that were provided technicalassistance; the number and type of products disseminated; the target audience; usersatisfaction; cost-effectiveness of the program, service, or product; and the benefit tothe field.  Information about how well the program, service, or product worked,unanticipated benefits that resulted, and the program's ability to be replicated by othersare elements that should be included in the plan for assessing the program.  Fortechnical assistance projects, applicants should develop a mechanism for gatheringfeedback from both the users and providers of the technical assistance.  The OVCproject manager is available to offer guidance to grantees on performance measuresonce an award has been made.Applicants should include plans to capture both outcome data and information on long-term change as a result of the proposed project.  Applicants should identify challengingbut achievable outcomes in their proposals and describe how they plan to assessperformance in attaining the identified outcomes.  The applicant should identify staffmembers responsible for completing the assessment.  Assessment information may besubmitted as part of the semiannual progress report, but must be submitted as part ofthe final report that is due within 120 days of project completion. OVC submits this information annually, in accordance with the GovernmentPerformance and Results Act (GPRA).  OVC summarizes the individual results andoutcomes of all discretionary grant programs, indicating whether the programs aresuccessful. These findings help provide justification for continuing OVC's discretionarygrant program. Procedures for SelectionOVC staff review applications for completeness and basic responsiveness to theindividual solicitation.  Responsive applications will be forwarded to peer review panelsof individuals with expertise in the respective topic areas. The peer review panelists willscore each application using specific selection criteria.  The peer review panel will then,as a group, generate an average score and rank for each application and makerecommendations for awards to the Director of OVC and the Assistant Attorney Generalfor Justice Programs.  Final selection will be based upon the scoring system and otherconsiderations like previous performance on Federal grants. The Assistant AttorneyGeneral for Justice programs has the ultimate authority to select applications forfunding.  Applications for each program described in Section I (except for the Victim Assistance inIndian Country Discretionary Grant Program, which designates other selection criteriaand point values) will be evaluated and rated based on the extent to which they meetthe selection criteria listed below.      Selection Criteria      1.    Project Strategy/Design  (40 points). This criterion addresses how well the      project design supports the purpose and goals of the grant program.  The      applicant's strategy or design must include a description of project phases, tasks,      activities, and clear descriptions of interim deliverables and final products.  It      must include a time-task plan that clearly identifies major activities and products.       2.    Implementation Plan and Budget  (20 points).  This criterion measures how well      the program will be managed.  Reviewers will examine the identified project      tasks, milestones, and the assignment of staff resources within the framework of      the proposed time/task line.  The applicant must demonstrate that there is      sufficient staff and time to accomplish the proposed tasks in a cost-effective      manner.  The applicant must explain how budget items are computed and why they are vital to the project, clearly relating the items to identified tasks described in the narrative.  For example, if the applicant has planned an extensive survey, the budget should reflect the staff time necessary to identify the sample, make follow- up calls, and conduct other activities to collect information.  If an applicant proposes distributing a large number of training manuals, the budget should allocate sufficient funds for printing and postage.  Applicants should not include items that are not fully necessary to the project, such as a computer for developing a small, printed product (for example, brochures).      3.    Organizational Capability  (30 points).  Points will be awarded based on the      applicant's Stated capability to undertake and complete a national-scope,      Federally funded project, including evidence that the applicant possesses the      requisite staff and expertise.  Organizational capability will be assessed on the      basis of 1) the applicant's described management structure, previous experience      with similar or related efforts, and financial capability (15 points),  and 2) the      applicant's project management plan and documentation of the professional staff      members' unique qualifications to perform their assigned tasks (15 points).        Applicants must clearly establish that their experience and resources enable      them to achieve the goals and objectives of the grant for which they are applying.       4.    A Plan for Measuring Progress and Outcome  (10 points).  This criterion      assigns points to the applicant's plan for determining how the proposed project      will accomplish its purpose.  All applications must contain a plan for evaluating      the accomplishment of project objectives.  Applicants should describe the criteria      and units of measurement used to assess the project's effectiveness such as      number of individuals trained, positive changes that trainees have made as a      result of the training, any new capacity or improved response to victims resulting      from the training, the number and type of agencies that received technical      assistance, the number and type of products disseminated, user satisfaction data,      and the cost-effectiveness of the project.  Requests for materials and for repeat      training may also be indicators of success.  For training or technical assistance      projects, applicants should develop a mechanism for gathering feedback from the      consumers and providers. For example, both the opinions of those who receive      the training (trainees) and the opinions of those who use the product to provide      training or information to others (trainers) must be considered in evaluating or      assessing the success of the product.  Applicants must describe how the                                                   evaluation data will be gathered and analyzed.     Quality of Previous PerformancePrior to making final selections for funding specific applicants, the Director of OVC andthe Assistant Attorney General for Justice Programs will consider information about theperformance of applicants on previous grants awarded by OVC, OJP,  or other Federalagencies.  Emphasis will be placed on the delivery of complete, responsive productsthat produced tangible benefits.  Applicants who have failed to meet grant deadlines, didnot comply with OJP financial requirements, or did not adjust to difficulties by settingrevised time/task lines will not be favorably considered for funding. Administrative and Financial RequirementsThe use of discretionary grant funds is governed by the provisions of the Office ofManagement and Budget (OMB) circular A-110.  Additional information and guidanceare contained in the Office of Justice Programs' Financial Guide, which includesinformation on allowable costs, methods of payment, audit requirements, accountingsystems, and financial records.  Copies of the Guide are available from the Departmentof Justice Response Center at 1-800-421-6770. AssurancesEach application must include the OJP Assurances Form (OJP Form 4000/3). The form assures compliance with the requirements for receiving Federal funds.  It is theresponsibility of the recipient of the Federal funds to fully understand and comply withthese requirements.  Failure to comply may result in withholding funds, termination ofthe award, or other sanctions.Certification Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension, and OtherResponsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace RequirementsThe applicant is required to complete, sign, and include in the application a copy of theCertification Regarding Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension, and Other ResponsibilityMatters; and Drug Free Workplace Requirements Form.  By signing this certification, theapplicant agrees to comply with the following requirements:Lobbying.  The applicant and its subgrantees, contractors, and subcontractors will notuse Federal funds for lobbying and will disclose all lobbying activities. Indian Tribes orTribal organization applicants may delete the Disclosure of Lobbying Activities Formfrom their applications.  Indian Tribes are exempt from certifying that they will notuse Federal funds for lobbying. All other applicants must submit this form .Debarment.  OJP requires that the applicant and principals have not been debarred orsuspended from Federal benefits and/or no such proceedings have been initiatedagainst them; they have not been convicted of, indicted for, or criminally or civillycharged by a government entity for fraud, violation of antitrust statutes, embezzlement,theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false Statements, orreceiving stolen property; and have not had a public transaction terminated for cause ordefault.Drug-Free Workplace. The applicant will or will continue to provide a drug-freeworkplace.Signing these forms commits the applicant to compliance with the certificationrequirements under 28 CFR Part 69, New Restrictions on Lobbying, and 28 CFR Part67, Government-Wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-Wide Requirements for Drug Free Workplace (Grants).  The certification will be treatedas a material representation of the fact upon which reliance will be placed by the U.S.Department of Justice in making awards.Civil RightsAll recipients of Federal grant funds must comply with the nondiscriminationrequirements set forth in various Federal laws.  All applicants should consult the assurances to understand the applicable legal and administrative requirements.  If, aftera due process hearing, any court or administrative agency makes a finding ofdiscrimination on grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, orage against a recipient of funds, the recipient must agree to forward a copy of thefinding to the OJP Office of Civil Rights.If the applicant is applying for a grant of $500,000 or more, U.S. Department of Justiceregulations (28 CFR 42.301 et seq.) require that an Equal Employment Opportunity Planbe included with the application submission if it is not already on file.List of Federal EffortsPlease provide information in your application on (a) active Federal grant awards (fromthe Department of Justice or other Federal agency) already supporting this or relatedefforts; (b) information on any pending application(s) for Federal money for this orrelated efforts; and (c) how these would be coordinated with the funding sought by thisapplication.  For each, please include the program/project title; the Federal grantoragency; the Federal award amount; and a very brief description of its purpose. Thisinformation is requested to encourage better coordination among Federal agencies inaddressing State and local needs.  "Related efforts" is defined for these purposes as follows:            The same purpose (that is, the proposed award would supplement, expand,      complement, or continue activities funded with other Federal grants)            Another phase or component of the same program/project (for example, to      implement a planning effort funded by other Federal monies or to provide a      substance abuse treatment or education component within a criminal justice      project)            Providing services of some kind (e.g., technical assistance, research, evaluation)      to the program/project described in your application.Your list of Federal efforts should  be included as an attachment to the grant application.Reporting RequirementsSemiannual Progress Report or Categorical Assistance Progress Report, OJPForm 4587/1.  OVC Program Managers should be kept up-to-date on project activities. Written progress reports should inform the Program Manager of tasks that have beencompleted and whether significant delays or departures from the original work plan areexpected.  Recipients are required to submit semiannual progress reports.  Theprogress reports describe activities during the reporting period and the status of theproject or accomplishment of objectives as set forth in the approved award documentsand/or in the subsequently approved project time line.  Progress reports must besubmitted within 30 days after the end of the reporting periods, which are June 30 andDecember 31 for the life of the award.  OVC may opt, by special condition to the award,to combine the first report into the subsequent reporting period.  For example, if thebegin date on the award is June 1, OVC may opt to receive the first report 30 days afterthe December 31 reporting period.  An original and two copies of the progress reportmust be sent to the Office of the Comptroller, Control Desk, Rm 5303, 810 7th StreetNW, Washington, DC 20531-0001.A final report that provides a summary of progress toward achieving the goals of thegrant, major project activities, significant results, and any products developed  is due120 days after the end date of the grant.  Report forms will be provided to the recipientby the Office of the Comptroller in the initial award package.   OVC uses the dataprovided in these semiannual progress reports to meet the GPRA requirements forinformation on individual program results and outcomes.  The GPRA report is reviewedand used to determine OVC's effectiveness.  OVC's VAIC (Victim Assistance in Indian Country Discretionary Grant Program) requiresan additional report, the VAIC Performance Report.   This report is due 31 days afterthe end of the calendar year, January 31, 2000. The report includes statistical andnarrative information on the VAIC Program.  These report forms will be included in thegrant award package. This information is included in OVC's Report to Congress. TheVAIC Performance Report should be sent to Cynthia Darling, OVC, 810 7th Street NW,Washington, DC 20531.   Financial Status Reports.  Financial status reports (SF 269A) are due quarterly on the45th day following the end of each calendar quarter.  A report must be submitted every quarter that the award is active.  The final report is due 120 days after the end date ofthe award.  The Office of the Comptroller will provide a copy of this form in the initialaward package.Fund draw-downs and future awards may be withheld if progress and financial statusreports are delinquent.  An original and two copies of all reports must be sent to theOffice of the Comptroller, Control Desk, Rm 5303, 810 7th Street NW, Washington,DC 20531-0001.Single Audit Report.  Recipients that expend $300,000 or more of Federal funds duringthe fiscal year are required to submit an organization-wide financial and complianceaudit report.  The audit must be performed in accordance with the U.S. GeneralAccounting Office Government Auditing Standards. The audit report is currently due tothe Federal Audit Clearinghouse, Bureau of Census not later than 13 months after theend of the recipient's fiscal year.  For fiscal years beginning on or after July 1, 1998, theaudit report will be due 9 months after the end of the recipient's fiscal year.Publications OVC has developed an OVC Publications Guide that provides guidance to grantees ondeveloping products that are to be published through OVC's discretionary grantprogram.  The Guide is available on the World Wide Web from OVC's homepage atwww.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/ or by contacting Bill Brantley at 202-616-3574.  Applicantsshould note that final drafts of all publications developed under grant fundingmust be  submitted to OVC 120 days prior to the end of their grant period.  Thisallows OVC to conduct an internal review, an external peer review of the draft, and areview by other Department of Justice components.  In the event that grantees fail toprovide final drafts within this time period, OVC will issue no-cost extensions to the grantperiod; no additional funds will be made available to the grantee in the event thatsubstantive changes to the publication are required by the grantee.  Final publicationswill be printed by OVC.   Only a small printing budget will be approved for grantees whodevelop materials that must be "pilot tested" prior to the completion of the grant.Applicants should build the 120-day publication review period deadline into their granttime/task lines.  In cases where grantees perform the dissemination of their findings through a variety ofmedia such as professional journals, books, and conferences, the grantee should sendcopies of such publicationsto the Program Manager as they become available, even ifthey appear well after a project expires.  OVC imposes no restriction on the publicationand dissemination of these products  other than the following mandatoryacknowledgment and disclaimer on the product:                This project publication was supported by grant number _____________        from the Office for Victims of Crime. Points of view are those of the        author(s) and do not necessarily represent the position of the U.S.        Department of Justice.Grantee ResponsibilitiesAward recipients and Project Directors assume certain responsibilities as part of theirparticipation in government-sponsored grant programs.  OVC's monitoring activities areintended to help grantees meet these responsibilities. They are based on goodcommunication and open dialogue conducted amicably with mutual respect. Some elements of this dialogue follow:          Frequent, open communication with OVC in the early stages of the grant as the     project design develops and becomes operational          Timely communication with OVC regarding developments that might affect the     project's compliance with schedules, activities, and products set forth in the proposal           Communication with other OVC grantees conducting related training and technical     assistance or demonstration projects.  The applicant should anticipate either a post-     award meeting with the OVC program monitor or an OVC meeting of discretionary     grantees; nonlocal applicants should be budget for meeting costs of $1,000 for each     year of the grant          Readily comply with OVC requests for brief descriptions of the project and its     activities whenever such information is needed to meet OVC's reporting requirements     to Congress.  OVC will provide as much advance notification of these requests as     possible, but will expect a timely response from grantees to these requests.  OVC will     accept requested information through electronic media          Provide OVC  information about presentations based on the work of the project at     conferences, meetings, and elsewhere          Provide OVC prepublication copies of articles and and notice of interviews that are     based on the project, appearing in print or other media, either during or after the life     of the grant            Meet OVC ytsaff and present up-to-date report on the activities of the project.  If this     is anticipated, include relevant travel costs in the budgetTimeliness Grantees are expected to complete award products within the time frames agreed uponby OVC and the grantee.  OVC recognizes there are legitimate reasons for projectextensions.  OVC does not, however, it a legitimate reason for delay if the granteeassumes additional projects that impinge upon previous time commitments. If a delay isanticipated, the grantee must contact the assigned OVC program specialist to negotiatea new due date; the grantee must submit a revised time/task line for the extendedproject.  Projects with unreasonable delays may be terminated administratively.  In thissituation, any remaining funds are withdrawn from the grantee.  Future applications from the Project Director or the recipient institution are subject to strict scrutiny and may bedenied based on past failure to meet minimum standards. Suspension or Termination of FundingThe Office of Justice Programs may suspend funding in whole or in part, terminatefunding, or impose another sanction on a grantee for the following reasons:                Failure to comply substantially with the requirements or statutory objectives of the        Victims of Crime Act of 1984 as amended, applicable OVC program guidelines, or        other provisions of Federal law                Failure to make satisfactory progress toward the goals or strategies set forth in        the cooperative agreement or grant application                Failure to adhere to grant agreement requirements, standard conditions, or        special conditions                Proposing or implementing substantial plan changes to the extent that, if        originally submitted, the application would not have been selected for funding                Failure to submit reports                Filing a false certification in the application or other report or document                Other good cause shownBefore imposing sanctions, the Office of Justice Programs will provide reasonablenotice to the grantee of its intent to impose sanctions and will attempt to resolve theproblem informally.  Hearing and appeal procedures will follow those described inDepartment of Justice regulations in 28 CFR part 18.                          Forms AppendixApplication for Federal Assistance (SF 424 Form)Instructions for Completion of the Application for FederalAssistance (SF 424)Sample SF 424 FormBudget Detail Worksheet FormSample Budget Detail Worksheet FormAssurances FormCertification Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension,and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free WorkplaceRequirementsDisclosure Form to Report LobbyingSingle Audit Act Information (This is only required for recipients whoexpend $300,000 or more of Federal funds during the fiscal year)Civil Rights InformationAccounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire(Complete this form if you are a new non-profit organization who has notreceived Office of Justice Programs funds in the past.)Application Checklist             Instructions for Completion of the Application for FederalAssistance (SF 424)The Application for Federal Assistance is a standard form used by mostFederal agencies for application for Federal assistance.  It contains 18different items, all of which must be completed in order for your application tobe reviewed.  The Office for Victims of Crime cannot accept the applicationwithout a completed and signed SF 424.                Item 1          Type of Submission:  OVC discretionary grant funds cannot be used for                 construction or building purposes.  Check the "Non-Construction" box in                the application section.             Item 2     Date Submitted:  Indicate the date you sent the application to OVC.  The           "Application Identifier" is the number assigned by your jurisdiction, if any,           to track applications.  If your jurisdiction does not assign an identifier           number, leave this space blank.             Item 3     Date Received by State: Leave blank.  OVC applicants are exempted           from the requirement to submit applications to a State Single Point of           Contact.           Item 4     Date Received by Federal Agency:  This item will be completed by OJP.             Item 5     Applicant Information:  The "Legal Name" is the unit of government or           the parent organization.  For example, the primary or parent organization           of a law enforcement agency is the name of the city or township.  Thus, the           city or township should be entered into the Legal Name box and the name           of the law enforcement or other agency should be entered into the           Organizational Unit box.  One person should be designated as the contact           for the proposed project, and that person's telephone number should also           be included.  It is not unusual for the name of the contact person to differ           from the authorized representative of your agency in item 18 below.             Item 6     Employer Identification Number:  Each employer receives an employer           identification number from the Internal Revenue Service.  Generally, this           number can be easily obtained from your agency's accountant or           comptroller.           Item 7     Type of Applicant:  Enter the appropriate letter in the space.  If the           applicant is representing a consortium of agencies, specify by checking           Block N and entering "consortium."           Item 8     Type of Application:  Check "new."            Item 9     Name of Federal Agency:  Type in "Office for Victims of Crime."                Item 10         Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:  For OVC                discretionary grants, the number is 16.582, and the title is Crime Victim                Assistance/Discretionary Grants.  The number for the Children's Justice                Act Discretionary Grant Program for Native Americans is 16.583.                Item 11         Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project:  Type in: (1)  the title of the                program as it appears in the solicitation or announcement, and (2) the                name of your cognizant Federal agency.  The cognizant Federal agency is                generally the Federal agency from which the applicant agency receives                the most Federal dollars.                Item 12         Areas Affected by Project:  Identify the geographic area(s) encompassed                by the project.  Indicate "Statewide" or "National," if applicable.                Item 13         Proposed Project Dates:  Fill in the begin and end dates of the project.                These dates may be adjusted by the OVC when the award is made. Most                 projects under this solicitation will begin on October 1, 1999.                Item 14         Congressional Districts:  Fill in the number of the congressional district                in which the project will be located as well as the congressional district(s)                the project will serve.  Indicate "Statewide" or "National," if applicable.                Item 15         Estimated Funding: On line "a," type in the amount of Federal funds                requested, not to exceed the dollar amount allocated in the program                announcement.  Indicate any other resources that will be available to the                project and the source of those funds on lines "b through f," as                appropriate.                Item 16         State Executive Order 12372: OVC applicants are exempted from the                requirement to submit applications to a State Single Point of Contact.                 Please mark the appropriate box in item 16.  The answer is,  No, program                is not covered by E.O. 12372.                Item 17         Delinquent Federal Debt:  This question applies to the applicant                organization.  Categories of debt include delinquent audit disallowances,                loans, and taxes.                Item 18         Authorized Representative:  Type the name of the person legally                authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of your agency.  The signature                on the original application must be signed in blue ink and/or stamped as                "original" to help distinguish the original from the photocopies.   Budget Detail Worksheet FormSample Budget Detail Worksheet FormAssurances Form here      Application ChecklistUse this checklist to ensure that your application is complete.  Failure to include any of the following itemsmay result in disqualification.  All forms, assurances, and lists of contacts are provided in the pages thatfollow.        Complete and sign the Standard Form (SF) 424, Application for Federal Assistance.      See item 10 on the SF 424. The catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is 16.582 for the   Victims of Crime Discretionary Grant Program and 16.583 for the Children's Justice Act Partnerships   for Indian Communities Program.        Complete the Budget Detail Work Sheet (including any necessary narrative).      Sign the Assurances.      Attach the Civil Rights Information sheets.      Complete and sign the Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension, and Other   Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements.      Include the list of Federal efforts if applicable.      Include the program abstract.      Check to see that the program narrative addresses the items requested in "Instructions for Application   Narrative."       If you have not received Federal funds in the past, fill out the OJP Form 7120, Accounting System   and Financial Capability Questionnaire.      Print the application on 8 « inch x 11 inch paper on one side of the paper.      Limit the program narrative section to 30 double-spaced pages in no less than 12-point type.  The 30   page limit does not include the abstract, forms, and appendices.      Include position descriptions, staff qualifications, and individual resumes as appendices or   attachments to the program narrative.      Submit the completed grant application with original signatures and two additional copies.  Please   do not bind, coil bind, or staple the applications.      Submit all applications (to arrive) by the deadline date.       Mail or hand-deliver the application package to:     Office for Victims of Crime Mail Room                                                         810 7th Street, NW.                                                         Room 8201                                                         Washington, D.C.  20531 0001      Or, Federal Express application package to:                                                              Office for Victims of Crime Mail Room                                                              810 7th Street, NW.                                                              Room 8201                                                         Washington, D.C.  20001  Note: Federal Express uses a different zip code.