2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Request for Proposal (2024)

Download the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Request for Proposal

OCJS AND JAG

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and develops technology, training, and products for criminal justice professionals and communities. Governor Mike DeWine has designated OCJS to administer the FY 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program.

Proposed to streamline justice funding and grant administration, the JAG Program allows states, tribes, and local governments to support a broad range of activities to prevent and control crime based on their own local needs and conditions. JAG blends the previous Byrne Formula and Local Law Enforcement Block Grant programs so that agencies can prioritize their funding needs and choose where to place justice funds.

In 2024, OCJS implemented its strategic plan. The action items included identifying priority areas for funding and encouraging projects to use evidence-based practices in their funded programs. The “Goals, Priorities and Requirements” section of this document outlines these priorities, and references evidence-based practices for OCJS funding areas. Please read this section carefully as there were changes to the Goals, Priorities and Requirements. Fiscal year 2024 applicants must continue to follow these most recent guidelines.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Application. For technical assistance on any part of the JAG application, call OCJS at 614.466.7782 and ask to speak to your Grants Coordinator. You can find your OCJS Regional Contact here: Grants Administration Contact | Office of Criminal Justice Services (ohio.gov).

Review. OCJS staff and external criminal justice professionals competitively review JAG proposals using an established process discussed in the “Proposal Narrative” section below. Reviewers assure that project budget costs are allowable and directly relate to the program. OCJS conducts internal compliance reviews of funded projects, assessing the timeliness and thoroughness of their financial and programmatic reporting. The OCJS Executive Director makes final funding recommendations, and the Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety approves them.

Peer Grant Reviewer. OCJS encourages applicants to participate in the peer review process. Participating as a peer grant reviewer is an important role and provides an excellent opportunity for participants to strengthen grant writing skills, gain knowledge, and share programmatic best practices occurring throughout the field. OCJS confirms reviewers based on the number of applications received, availability of reviewers, and other aspects related to coordinating review teams. OCJS compensates reviewers. If interested in participating as a grant reviewer, please email lamielcarek@dps.ohio.gov or mehinkle@dps.ohio.gov using the subject line “2024 Peer Review” by July 19, 2024.

AWARD NOTIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS

OCJS will notify projects, instructing them that they are required to complete all forms and pre-award conditions electronically through the Online Grants Management System. Prior to funding, the grantee will receive orientation information regarding funding conditions and grant management strategies. Forms and assurances included with pre-award conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Equal Employment Opportunity Certification Form
• Civil Rights and EEOP Questions Part 1 Form
• Standard Assurances Form (including conflicts of interest)
• Special Conditions Form
• Fidelity/Surety Bond (Note: only applicable for non-profit applicants)
• Proof of Tax-Exempt Status (Note: only applicable for non-profit applicants)
• Registration in the System for Award Management (www.sam.gov)
• Certification of background checks for those who work with minors
• Confidentiality and Privacy Protections Form (see Note*)
• Most recent external audit or annual financial review

*Note: OCJS subgrantees are prohibited from disclosing personally identifying information collected in connection with services requested, utilized, or denied through the grantee and their subgrantee’s programs, to any third party or third-party database without informed, written, reasonably time-limited consent of the person, unless compelled by statutory or court mandate. Where there is a mandate to release information, grantees and subgrantees must make reasonable attempts to provide notice to victims affected by the disclosure of information. They must also take necessary steps to protect the privacy and safety of the persons affected by the release of the information. Regarding unemancipated minors or persons with disabilities lacking capacity to consent, a parent or guardian may consent to the disclosure; however, an abuser of a minor, person with disabilities, or the minor’s other parent is prohibited from giving consent to the disclosure. If a minor or a person with a legally appointed guardian is permitted by law to receive services without the parent’s or guardian’s consent, the minor or person with a guardian may release information without additional consent.

The Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) is the state administering agency for the Family violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) grant program and the STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant program. OCJS requires all recipients of funding from our office, regardless of the source, to comply with the Confidentiality and Privacy Provisions. OCJS subgrantees will be required to document their compliance. This is a safeguard OCJS is following to ensure the safety of adult, youth, and child victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and their families to protect the confidentiality and privacy of persons receiving services.

Average Award Amount. In 2024, the average award (i.e., first-year award of OCJS dollars - not including match) across all funded projects was $34,727.89 (ranging from $3,784.94 - $140,340.03).

LENGTH OF FUNDING

All awards will be for 12 months of funding, operating from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS

All JAG applicants must have an organization, or subrecipient, that will serve as the fiduciary agent and assume overall responsibility for the grant. Eligible JAG subrecipients include:

1. A unit of local government that has legislative autonomy, jurisdiction, and authority to act in certain circ*mstances. Units of government include a city, county, township, or village. If two or more jointly apply, they must designate one body to take the lead role and identify that agency's fiscal officer, or
2. State agencies, state-supported universities, or
3. Statewide and local nonprofit or faith-based associations, or
4. Law enforcement agencies applying under this solicitation must be in compliance with crime statistics reporting, using either the Ohio Incident-Based Reporting System (OIBRS) or the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Collection Application (NCA), per Ohio Revised Code Section 5502.62(C)(6).

NOTE: Projects implemented by courts, law enforcement agencies, and mental health boards may not act as their own subrecipients. Pass-through agencies will also need to be involved in programming.

APPLICANT TRAINING

A voluntary Bidders Training webinar for the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and 2024 STOP Violence Against Women Act Funding programs will take place June 26, 2024, from 10 am to 11:30 am. The training will provide information helpful for both the application preparation and review process. Please register for the webinar to complete your registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3392930593316252507

PROGRAM PURPOSE

Applicants can use JAG funds for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice for any one of the following Program Purpose Areas:

• Law Enforcement Programs
• Crime Prevention Programs
• Adult and Juvenile Corrections, Community Corrections and Reentry Programs
• Courts, Specialty Dockets, Defense, and Prosecution Programs
• Victim Services Programs
• Cross-agency and Cross-system Collaboration, Training and Research Programs
• Planning Grants

Applicants are responsible for submitting their proposal under the correct program category.

EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAMS AND PRACTICES

OCJS prioritizes funding evidence-based programs and practices. The Bureau of Justice Assistance, which oversees the federal Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, has placed strong emphasis on improving the quantity and quality of programs and practices that are effective in the criminal justice system. They have defined ‘evidence-based’ as those programs and practices with causal evidence of effectiveness, generally obtained through one or more outcome evaluations. The strength of causal evidence will influence the degree to which they consider a program or practice to be evidence-based.

For projects that intend to implement a program or practice, the project description should clearly explain:

• the program or practice being implemented,
• whether the program is considered evidence-based,
• the research documenting the effectiveness of the program or practice, and
• local data (if available) to demonstrate the need for the project and its effectiveness after it is implemented.

Applicants will find information on evidence-based criminal justice programs and data sources on the following sites:

• OCJS maintains a list of some of the more effective and/or common practices known to prevent or reduce crime and other harms that can lead to crime: List of Evidence-Based Practices for JAG
• The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) maintains a registry of evidence-based practices and programs called CrimeSolutions.
• The OCJS website also provides a listing of other registries of evidence-based programs and practices from across the criminal justice continuum.
• OCJS provides access to Ohio crime data, dashboards, and reports.

Applicants who propose programs or practices that are not evidence-based must clearly explain why they expect that the program or practice will be effective, and how they will evaluate it.

Ohio Consortium of Crime Science (OCCS). OCJS has made available a pool of academic researchers who are willing to provide technical assistance at no cost to applicants who seek assistance in the planning, implementation, and/or evaluation of their proposed project. These researchers are part of the Ohio Consortium of Crime Science (OCCS). Interested applicants should complete all components of their proposal, note in the Project Description whether they are considering requesting assistance from the OCCS, and describe the type of assistance they would like to have. If OCJS funds your grant application, we will connect you with a researcher with expertise in your field once your project meets all pre-award conditions. Applicants will find information on the OCCS and the types of assistance they can offer at the following link: Ohio Consortium of Crime Science | Office of Criminal Justice Services.

STEP DOWN AND MATCH

Each grant year, all applicants must submit a complete application for the new grant cycle. If the project is a continuation of a previous project, please select “Continuation” on the Title Page and provide the grant number. If the project is new, please select “New” on the Title Page and give the project a new, unique Title. Failure to designate the project as “New” or “Continuation” properly may jeopardize your funding. Please note that the amount of OCJS funding for the step-down projects is contingent upon the amount of funding OCJS will receive under FY2024. Projects may be subject to a reduction in OCJS funds. The A01 Multi-Jurisdictional Task Forces are not subject to step down funding. For all other projects, step-down funding follows these guidelines: an eligible project may apply for 75% of its total operating cost for the first two years. The local match requirement is 25%. For the third year of funding, the project can only request 50% of its total project operating cost and must then provide 50% match. For the fourth year of funding, the project can only request 25% of the project and must provide 75% match.

The following is an example of the four-year step-down cycle:

Once a project has completed the four-year step-down cycle, the project will no longer be funded unless there are extenuating circ*mstances of which OCJS is made aware and has approved additional funding for in advance. Parties interested in additional JAG funding can submit an application that proposes an expansion or enhancement of the previous project, a new focus of the previous project, or a new project altogether. These projects can serve a different target population, operate in a new service area, or offer new or enhanced programming.

Note: If the primary purpose of the grant is to fund technology improvements, it should be directly tied to a program model that can and will be implemented throughout the step-down process. Programs that request technology improvements should anticipate continuing the programmatic elements of the approved program without:

1. changing the technology request or
2. applying for unrelated, additional funds throughout step-down. Programs that request funds for new, unrelated programming or technology will need to reapply as a Year 1 program.

Funding for these projects is competitive and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For step down related questions, contact Linda Mielcarek at lamielcarek@dps.ohio.gov or 614.644.7733 or Markie Hinkle at mehinkle@dps.ohio.gov or 614.644.2183.

Cash Match

Acceptable forms of Cash Match include:

• State or local budget items or appropriations identified as binding commitments of project match,
• Funds contributed from private sources, like corporate or private donations,
• Funds from the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. 5305, et. seq.,
• Funds from the Appalachian Regional Development Act,
• Project income.

In-Kind Match

Acceptable forms of In-Kind Match include:

• Donations of expendable equipment, supplies, workshop, or classroom materials and workspace,
• Monetary value of donated time contributed by volunteers such as professional, technical, skilled, or unskilled personnel if services are an integral and necessary part of the project.

Match Waivers

Applicants can request to have their match portion waived if they can demonstrate that economic conditions have significantly undermined their ability to provide match. Interested applicants must upload a match waiver request as an attachment to their application. NOTE: Applicants can upload the waiver in the Collaboration Board section of the application forms in the Online Grants Management System.

FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS

All subrecipients are bound by the Standard Federal Subgrant Conditions | Office of Criminal Justice Services (ohio.gov). Project directors are required to attend a mandatory online orientation. Please note: the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant is a reimbursem*nt grant. Projects will submit Quarterly Subgrant Reports through the online grants management system to request reimbursem*nt for grant expenses. Reimbursem*nts are contingent on meeting the requirements of the grant including but not limited to performance reporting requirements as described in the Pre-Award Conditions.

1. Fiscal Requirements
   • OCJS is committed to ensuring grant payments to Subawardees in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible. To enhance existing accounts receivable procedures, OCJS will begin requiring all Subawardees receiving State of Ohio payments via paper check, to enroll in Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) by January 1, 2024. For organizations with multiple physical address codes, specific EFT locations (accounts) may be connected to each address code. Instructions for EFT enrollmentare available on the OCJS website https://ocjs.ohio.gov/grants-funding-monitoring/grants-monitoring-fiscal-compliance/compliance-tools/electronic-funds- transfer-instructions.
   • External Audit or Financial Report. Applicants are required to upload a copy of the organization’s most recent external audit or most recent financial report to the Collaboration Board Upload section of the application. This allows OCJS to ensure requirements are met for 2 C.F.R. § 200.331(f). Single Audit Act Amendment of 1996, and the OMB Circular A-133. The external audit or most recent financial report should be dated within the past 24 months.
   • General Ledger. Applicants are required to confirm the ongoing active use of a general ledger defined as a complete record of all the financial transactions over the life of your organization. The general ledger holds all the information needed to prepare financial statements and includes assets, liabilities, equity (net asset), revenue and expenses.
   • All costs associated listed in the grant budget must be necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient performance and administration of the grant; be consistent with policies, regulations, and procedures that apply uniformly to both Federal and state awards; and be allocable to the grant. A list of unallowable costs can be accessed at Unallowable Costs | Office of Criminal Justice Services (ohio.gov).
   • Specific cost limits exist for certain allowable costs including:
     • Lodging and meal per diem rates, which cannot exceed the rates set by the federal Government Services Administration (GSA). The rates can be found at GSA Per Diem Rates.
     • Mileage rates, which cannot exceed the rates set by Ohio Budget Management (OBM). These rates can be found at OBM Travel Rule.
     • Laptops, which cannot exceed $1250.
     • Cell phones, which cannot exceed $600.
   • Each application receives a Pre-Risk Assessment to determine risks associated with financial integrity. If an applicant is determined to be moderate, high, or priority high risk, specific conditions of awards may be required as part of the award process.
     • An applicant may be deemed unqualified due to poor performance history or lack of demonstrated honesty or ethics.
2. Equal Employment Opportunity. The Subgrantee shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or Vietnam-era status as well as gender identity, provided the subgrantee receives Violence Against Women Act funding. The Subgrantee will ensure applicants are hired and employees are treated fairly during employment without regard to their race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or Vietnam-era status as well as gender identity, provided the subgranteereceives Violence Against Women Act funding. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: employment; upgrading; demotion or transfer; recruitment or recruitment advertising; layoff or termination; rate of pay or other forms of compensation, and selection for training including apprenticeship.

   The Subgrantee agrees to post in conspicuous places available to employees and applicants for employment, notice setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause. The Subgrantee will, in all solicitations or advertisem*nts for employees placed by or on behalf of the Subgrantee, State that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or Vietnam-era veteran status as well as gender identity, provided the subgrantee receives Violence Against Women Act funding. The Subgrantee shall incorporate the foregoing requirement in all its contracts for any of the work prescribed herein (other than subgrants for standard commercial supplies or raw materials) and will require all of its Subgrantees for any part of such work to incorporate such requirements in all subgrants for such work.

Applicants are encouraged to review the OJP guidance on conference approval, planning, and reporting that is available on the OJP web site at Office of Justice Programs: Financial Guide. The guidance generally prohibits using funding to provide food and beverages at conferences. The guidance also sets upper limits on many conference costs, including facility space, audio/visual services, logistical planning services, programmatic planning services, and food and beverages (in the rare cases where food and beverage costs are permitted at all). Prior review and approval of conference costs can take time (see the guidance for specific deadlines), and applicants should consider this when submitting proposals. Applicants should also understand that conference cost limits may change and that they should regularly check the guidance for updates before incurring such costs.

Refer to the OCJS Financial Budget Definition Reference Guide for additional information on budget related terms.

Costs associated with language assistance (if applicable): If an applicant proposes a program or activity that would deliver services or benefits to individuals, the costs of taking reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to those services or benefits for individuals with limited English proficiency may be allowable. Reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to services or benefits may include interpretation or translation services where appropriate. For additional information, see the "Civil Rights Compliance" section of the OJP "Other Requirements for OJP Applications" web page at Office of Justice Programs: Civil Rights Overview.

Pre-Risk Assessment

Each application receives a Pre-Risk Assessment to determine risks associated with financial integrity. If an applicant is determined to be moderate, high, or priority high risk, specific conditions of awards may be required as part of the award process.

• An applicant may be deemed unqualified due to poor performance history of lack of demonstrated honesty or ethics.

POST AWARD REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

All JAG subgrantees are required to submit quarterly performance measurement reports to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) using their BJA Performance Measurement Tools (PMT) website. The due dates are April 15, July 15, October 15, and January 15. The Bureau of Justice Assistance considers late reports overdue. Late projects may be subject to freezing of funds.

PROPOSAL COMPONENTS CHECKLIST

Use the following checklist as a general guide for submitting proposals to OCJS. Read the entire JAG RFP before completing and submitting proposals.

• Title Page
• Problem Statement/Target Population
• Project Description
• Sustainability/Accomplishments/Obstacles
• Project Objectives
• Timeline/Activities
• Organization Capacity
• Collaboration Board
• Executive Summary
• Budget

FORMAT AND SUBMISSION

Applicants must submit proposals online through the Online Grants Management System, by 5 p.m. EST on July 31, 2024. Please visit https://ocjsgrants.dps.ohio.gov/s/. PLEASE NOTE: ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST BE MADE IN THE NEW GRANTS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. THE INTELLIGRANTS SYSTEM WILL NOT BE OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS. When an application is successfully submitted, the banner at the top of the screen will turn green, and you will receive a confirmation email.

OCJS will not review late applications or consider them for funding. Failure to follow the specified application requirements will also disqualify applications from review and consideration for funding.

IMPORTANT: Applications must be complete and submitted through the OCJS Grants Management System to be considered for funding. When an application is successfully submitted, the banner at the top of the screen will turn green, and you will receive a confirmation email.

For technical assistance on any part of the JAG application, call OCJS at 614.466.7782 and ask to speak to your Grants Coordinator. You can find your OCJS Regional Contact here: Grants Administration Contact | Office of Criminal Justice Services (ohio.gov).

Regional Planning Units. For applicants submitting proposals for a local project in Cuyahoga, Franklin or Lucas counties, OCJS will forward your Regional Planning Unit a copy of your application who, in turn, will review and prioritize it.

NOTE: OCJS Subject Matter Experts review A01 and A03 projects as well as statewide projects located in these counties.

EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) GOALS, PRIORITIES AND REQUIREMENTS

Listed below are the JAG Program Areas (A-G) and their goals. Applicants must apply under one of these program areas.

A. Law Enforcement Programs

1. Multi-Jurisdictional Task Forces (A01)
   • The goal of the Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force is to reduce the impact of drug and firearm traffickers, gangs, pharmaceutical diversion, terrorism, and other organized criminal activity on the health and safety of Ohioans through multi-jurisdictional collaboration.

     For more information about Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force programs, see the “Task Force Guidelines” section near the end of this document.

     Allowable Task Force activities include:

     • Enforcement and interdiction
     • Deflection and community outreach
       
2. Law Enforcement Programming (A02)
   • The goal of this program area is to provide public safety measures that meet the needs of local communities through innovative criminal justice programs and develop enforcement and training programs that prioritize the needs of victims, suspects, or offenders. Agencies are strongly encouraged to submit applications for projects that incorporate evidence-based practices. For agencies seeking funding to support meaningful change regarding recruitment and retention within their agencies, leadership should analyze how and whether their current and future employees, as well as related policies and procedures, meet the needs of the communities they serve. More information about best practices and approaches around recruitment, hiring and retention can be found here.

     Allowable activities include:

     • Recruitment and Hiring Initiatives (this does not include academy costs)
     • Adult and juvenile crime prevention and reduction programs
     • Law enforcement deflection and pre-arrest diversion
     • Law enforcement training
     • Law enforcement community outreach
     • Officer wellness
     • Election Security
       
   • Applicants will find a list of some of the more effective and/or common practices known to prevent or reduce crime and other harms that can lead to crime here. For more information about evidence-based law enforcement crime prevention and reduction programs and practices, view the following resources:
     • Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy: Evidence-Based Policing Playbook
     • Proactive Policing: Effects on Crime and Communities (National Academies)
     • National Institute of Justice: CrimeSolutions.gov
     • National Policing Institute
       
3. Law Enforcement Equipment (A03)
   • The goal of this program area is to procure equipment, computer technology, and other materials directly related to law enforcement functions. Please note: OCJS does not consider traffic enforcement equipment a priority funding area at this time and related requests will not be granted. Allowable costs include equipment needed to implement OIBRS. Funded OIBRS projects will be required to report OIBRS data within a specified time after completion of the subgrant, and the records management system vendor must be an Ohio certified OIBRS vendor.

     Requirements for the A01, A02 and A03 Program Areas

     • The A03 Program Area is only available to law enforcement agencies. Proposed Activities must supplement, not replace, local enforcement activities.
     • Law enforcement agencies applying under this solicitation must be in compliance with crime statistics reporting, using either the Ohio Incident-Based Reporting System or the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program’s National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) Collection Application (NCA), per Ohio Revised Code Section 5502.62(C)(6).
       
   • If your agency is eligible to receive FY 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant funds directly from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Assistance, you will not be eligible to apply for the JAG A03 category through OCJS [Ohio LOCAL JAG ALLOCATIONS (ojp.gov)].

B. Crime Prevention Programs (B01)

The goal of the Crime Prevention Programs grant area is to prevent and reduce crime from occurring, by supporting practices that work with individuals prior to their commitment of crimes or that improve the environment within which crime develops or occurs (e.g., families, schools, communities). Projects that provide services to offenders or alleged offenders following arrest or filing charges in court are not prevention for the purposes of this program. Such projects should apply for funding under another JAG program area (e.g., Corrections, Courts, etc.). Projects that use evidence-based models receive funding priority.

Allowable activities include:

• Recruiting and hiring
• Community violence intervention programming (non-LE)
• Crisis response (non-LE)
• Juvenile-focused prevention programming
• Adult and youth drug and mental health crime prevention programming
• Other prevention programming
• Community outreach
• Training for prevention professionals
• Technology improvement

OCJS maintains a list of some of the more effective and/or common practices known to prevent or reduce crime and other harms that can lead to crime - List of Evidence-Based Practices for JAG. Applicants will find additional effective, evidence-based crime prevention models at the following registries:

• National Institute of Justice: CrimeSolutions.gov
• Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP): Benefit-Cost Results
• Institute of Medicine: Preventing Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders among Young People
• Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development
• Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy: Evidence-Based Policing

Unallowable project requests: crime deterrent hardware, D.A.R.E.

C. Adult and Juvenile Corrections, Community Corrections and Reentry Programs (C01)

The goal of this program area is to increase community-based alternatives to incarceration and detention for non-violent offenders in Ohio. Treatment programs must address offender’s criminogenic needs and improve offender assessments. Programs may be in residential and/or non-residential settings. OCJS prioritizes evidence-based projects that implement and adhere to the Principles of Effective Intervention, including prioritizing high-risk offenders, assessing offenders’ needs, designing responsivity into programming, developing behavioral management plans, delivering services using cognitive-based strategies, motivating and shaping offender behavior, engaging the community, and identifying outcomes and measuring progress.

Reentry Coalitions bring together and educate local communities and stakeholders on reentry-related issues and needs. The mission of these coalitions is to promote successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals, reduce recidivism and increase public safety. Funding can be used to support the goals of reentry coalitions related to housing, employment, financial management, substance abuse, education and transportation.

Allowable activities include:

• Recruiting and hiring
• Offender mental health and substance use assessment and treatment
• Crisis response programming
• Training for corrections professionals
• Technology improvement

OCJS maintains a list of some of the more effective and/or common practices known to prevent or reduce crime and other harms that can lead to crime –List of Evidence-Based Practices for JAG. For more information about evidence-based corrections and reentry programs, visit:

• National Institute of Justice: CrimeSolutions.gov
• National Institute of Corrections: Principles of Effective Intervention with Offenders
• Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP): Benefit-Cost Results
• Council of State Governments: What Works in Reentry?

**Unallowable project requests: Scared Straight

D. Courts, Specialized Dockets, Defense and Prosecution (D01)

The goal of the courts, defense and prosecution category is to support cost-effective programs that contribute to the reduction of crime, enhance public safety, and promote the fair and equitable treatment of victims and defendants/offenders. Projects should support programs that assist in the timely clearing of cases, help to decrease the dockets, and focus on tailoring services to ensure accountability on the part of the offender while also ensuring offenders return to the community with the appropriate services and supervision to help lower recidivism. OCJS prioritizes projects in the following categories that are evidence-based or that incorporate evidence-based practices.

Allowable activities include:

• Recruiting and hiring
• Specialized dockets
• Prosecution and specialized prosecution
• Assisted Outpatient Treatment
• Diversion programming
• Training for court professionals
• Technology improvement

Requirements for the D01 Program Area

• Specialized docket projects must coordinate with the Ohio Supreme Court Specialized Dockets Section, and meet their required certification standards. Priority will be given to specialized docket programs that:
  • Are in “Initial Review” or otherwise certified with the Ohio Supreme Court Specialized Dockets Section at the time of application submission.
  • Demonstrate collaborative efforts between the courts (i.e., judge, prosecution, defense, and probation/parole, etc.) and community groups/resources (i.e., treatment and programming providers).
  • Utilize assessment tools and measures to determine risk and need of the Target Population (e.g., medium to high risk).
  • Demonstrate community control, transitional control, and post-release control programs that implement and adhere to the principles of effective intervention.
• Pretrial diversion projects must demonstrate in the Project Description any evidence-based practices appropriate for the intended Target Population. All projects must adhere to Ohio Revised Code 2935.36 Pre-Trial Diversion Programs. OCJS prioritizes diversion programs that:
  • Demonstrate collaborative efforts between the courts (i.e., probation/parole, prosecution, defense, etc.) and community groups/resources
  • Utilize assessment tools and measures to determine program eligibility, risk, and needs of the Target Population (e.g., low to medium risk, first time court appearance, non-violent offense, etc.)
  • Demonstrate community control, transitional control, and post-release control programs that implement and adhere to the principles of effective intervention.
• Projects seeking to increase the number of cleared cases or decrease court dockets must clearly demonstrate within the Project Description effective, evidence-based practices for the Target Population and the type of court.

**Unallowable project requests: court security projects.

OCJS maintains a list of some of the more effective and/or common practices known to prevent or reduce crime and other harms that can lead to crime: List of Evidence-Based Practices for JAG. For more information about exemplary courts, specialized dockets, defense, and prosecution, visit:

• National Institute of Justice: CrimeSolutions.gov
• Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP): Benefit-Cost Results
• Domestic Violence Evidence Project
• National Institute of Corrections: Principles of Effective Intervention with Offenders

E. Victim Services (E01)

The goal of the victim services programs is to provide individual victims of crime with services to help them overcome the trauma of victimization, participate in all critical stages of the criminal justice process, and to help assist them in returning to full active lives.

Allowable activities include:

• Recruiting and hiring
• Direct victim services
• Community outreach
• Training for victim services professionals
• Staff wellness
• Technology improvements

Requirements for the E01 Victim Services Program Area

• Applicants must articulate how they will prohibit program activities that compromise victim safety and recovery in their Project Description, including:
  • Policies and procedures that exclude victims from receiving safe shelter, advocacy services, counseling, and other assistance based on their actual or perceived age, immigration status, race, religion, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, mental health condition, physical health condition, criminal record, work in the sex industry, or age and/or gender of their children;
  • Prohibit requiring mediation or counseling for couples as a systemic response to domestic violence, human trafficking or sexual assault, or in situations in which child sexual abuse is alleged;
  • Prohibit requiring victims to report sexual assault, stalking or domestic violence or human trafficking crimes to law enforcement or forcing victims to participate in criminal proceedings;
  • Prohibit supporting policies or engaging in practices that impose restrictive and/or mandatory conditions to be met by the victim in order to receive services (e.g., attending counseling seeking an order of protection);
  • Prohibit sharing confidential victim information with outside organizations and/or individuals without the documented consent of the victim; and
  • Prohibit procedures that would penalize or impose sanctions on victims of domestic violence or sexual assault for failure to testify against the abuser and/or the perpetrator
• Applicants must describe how any training for project staff is provided by a state or national entity that provides role specific training, as well as training around model provided. If the agency itself provides the training, the applicant needs to describe how it has been or will be developed with input from and in collaboration with a tribal, state, territorial, or local domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking victim service provider or coalition, as well as appropriate tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement official.
  • Include a confirmation that any professional facilitating behavioral health services and legal services to individuals has a current license/certification in good standing with the Board or State Agency statutorily responsible foroversight. Discuss how successful completion of the project is realistic given the key staff implementing the project.
  • In cases where positions have not been filled, the applicant should clearly describe a reasonable approach and criteria to hire experienced and qualified staff.
• Ohio Revised Code Section 2907.10 “Preliminary polygraph test of sex offense victim” requires the following:
  • (A) (1) “A peace officer, prosecutor, or other public official shall not ask or require a victim of an alleged sex offense to submit to a polygraph examination as a condition for proceeding with the investigation of the alleged sex offense.”
  • (A) (2) “The refusal of the victim of an alleged sex offense to submit to a polygraph examination shall not prevent the investigation of the alleged sex offense, the filing of criminal charges with respect to the alleged sex offense, or the prosecution of the alleged perpetrator of the alleged sex offense.”

Applicants will find a list of some of the more effective and/or common practices known to prevent or reduce crime and other harms that can lead to crime here. For more information about victim service models, visit:

• National Institute of Justice: CrimeSolutions.gov
• Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP): Benefit-Cost Results
• Domestic Violence Evidence Project

F. Cross-agency and Cross-System Collaboration and Training Programs, and Research (F01)

The goal of Cross-agency and Cross-System Collaboration and Training projects is to improve criminal justice systems by promoting collaboration and/or training across systems - in particular law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and correction agencies. OCJS prioritizes projects that are evidence-based or that incorporate evidence-based practices and that have one or more of the following goals:

• Cross-systems training and collaboration (F01)
• Data and information sharing initiatives (F02)
• Research and evaluation (F03)

The goal of Research projects is to generate evidence critical to the development of sound criminal justice policy. Research projects should advance knowledge and understanding of emerging crime and justice issues in Ohio using scientific methodologies.

While all research programs will receive funding consideration, OCJS prioritizes projects in the following categories:

1. Place Network Investigation (PNI) projects within cities, villages or townships – suggested topics include: 1) Evaluating the process of building the elements of a place network investigation project, in particular the PNI Board, 2) Identifying challenges to implementing PNI projects, 3) Evaluating the impact of a place network investigation project on disrupting criminal networks and reducing violent crime rates in identified locations.
2. Police-Community Relations – suggested topics include: 1) Resident perspectives of law enforcement practices in high crime hotspots, 2) Parent and/or educator perspectives of law enforcement practices within schools, 3) A program evaluation that examines a project designed to improve police-community relations.
3. Ohio Collaborative Certification – suggested topics include: 1) An evaluation of the process of certifying law enforcement agencies in one or more standards, 2) Identifying barriers/challenges to certifying law enforcement agencies in one or more standards, 3) Identifying best practices in certifying law enforcement agencies.
4. Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Partnerships to divert individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorder from the criminal justice system – Suggested topics include: 1) Evaluating the capacity of projects to address substance use and/or mental health disorders as well as criminogenic needs, 2) Evaluating the capacity of the local behavioral health system to meet identified individuals’ needs and/or identifying local gaps, 3) Identifying barriers to implementing best practices in communities with sufficient behavioral healthresources, 4) Evaluating the value of adding certified peer support mentors to projects.
5. Human Trafficking – suggested topics include: 1) Labor trafficking screening and identification – examine human trafficking screening tools and their validity in identifying labor trafficking victimization, with recommendations on how to improve screening, 2) Labor trafficking systems response - evaluation of the similarities and differences in system response and service needs when working with survivors of labor trafficking compared to survivors of sex trafficking.
6. Sexual Assault Kit Testing – suggested topics include: 1) Identifying sexual assault kit collection funding/payment processes and how costs compare with reimbursem*nts, 2) Evaluating the capacity (e.g., processes, training, etc.) of emergency department staff to collect sexual assault kits, 3) Identifying best law enforcement practices for sexual assault and strangulation (e.g., documentation, evidence collection, medical treatment/assessment etc.).
7. Re-entry for adults or juveniles– suggested topics include: 1) A process evaluation of reentry practices in one or more jurisdictions (e.g., what they look like and how well they meet individuals’ material and psychological needs), 2) Identifying/navigating barriers to re-entry for individuals with sex offender registration restrictions, 3) Evaluating the value of adding peer mentors to re-entry projects.

G. Planning Grants (G01)

Applicants may submit proposals for an amount of funding designated toward start up and planning activities for new projects, prior to participation in step-down funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG). The planning grant period is an opportunity that may be used toward activities that historically impact the success of programs throughout stepdown funding. Under this funding, select grantees are eligible for up to $20,000 toward capacity building and program development activities including, but not limited to:

• Costs associated with recruiting, hiring, and training Program Coordinators, or other frontline staff for the proposed project;
• Costs associated with community needs assessments used, in part, to determine needs of specific groups within the identified target population;
• Curriculum development as applied to the target population. Note: Applicants should identify a general curriculum (evidence-based or best practice) or model in their proposed application; and
• Assessment development to ensure that individuals are being appropriately and consistently referred to program services throughout the program period. Examples include risk assessments and performance assessments.

Once the startup funding period is complete, programs who would like to continue to receive funding through JAG will be required to reapply for funding as a first-year program. The requirements to receive JAG funding after the startup period include:

• Apply for and meet the requirements of the 2024 JAG Request for Proposals. Applications are subject to the same review process as all other JAG applications for the given year;
• Successfully complete fiscal monitoring conducted by OCJS’s Fiscal Monitoring section ;
• Successfully complete programmatic monitoring conducted by OCJS Policy and Research section;
• Participate in OCJS’s Grant Writing Training if the program manager or other staff have not done so within the last three years; and
• Complete a detailed program implementation plan once startup funding is no longer available utilizing the model provided to your agency through your grant’s pre-award conditions.

Planning grantees are highly encouraged to work with the Ohio Consortium of Crime Science (OCCS) to develop project activities and materials, and develop an implementation plan for stepdown funding during the planning grant period. Funding to work with OCCS is separate from the proposal request and is at no cost to grantees if projects are awarded. Work with OCCS should be considered when planning and within the applicant’s project proposal.

Applications submitted under the planning category are required to meet the same components outlined in the “Proposal Components Checklist” on page 10 and the Proposal Narrative explanation starting on page 23.

EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) PROPOSAL NARRATIVE

Problem Statement

Applicants should clearly describe the crime or justice problem that needs addressed and its impact on the community. Grant reviewers evaluate applications on how effectively they:

• clearly describe the nature and scope of the problem. The development of the nature and scope of the problem should be data driven. The applicant will need to provide relevant national, state, and local data/statistics, as well as agency statistics, to document the existence of the problem. Applicants can find relevant state and local data online on the
• discuss the short and long-term consequences of the problem on the community if not addressed, and how the problem will impact the community if OCJS does not fund the proposed project.
• clearly identify the project’s Target Population. The applicant must clearly describe the identified Target Population and explain its connection to the problem that needs addressed. Applicants must provide relevant demographic information that describes the Target Population, such as race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, and geography.
• identify other resources in the community that are currently available to address the problem and/or explain why existing resources are not sufficient to address the problem. If no resources exist, applicant should discuss the gaps in services and explain how the proposed project will help alleviate those gaps.

Project Description

Applicants should describe a plan of action that the proposed project will implement to address the problems identified in the Problem Statement. Grant reviewers will evaluate applications on how well they:

• describe the proposed activities and approach (i.e., model or practice) the project will take given the nature of the problems the applicant identified. The approach should seem logical given the characteristics and needs of the identified Target Population.
• document evidence that the model or practice chosen is appropriate for the outcomes the program wants to achieve with the Target Population, and clearly justifies why the applicant selected the particular program model for implementation. Applicants should provide a detailed discussion on their plan to implement a model that is evidence-based or incorporates evidence-based practices of their field.
• clearly demonstrate how they will ensure fidelity to the evidence-based model. Projects that implement evidence-based practices with fidelity ensure that their core services, components, and procedures are consistent with the evidence-based model they utilize. Applicants must provide adequate discussion of the resources that are required to implement their project, and the resources should be reasonable given the scope and detail of their identified approach.
• address specific criteria described under the requested funding category from pages 11 through 19.

SUSTAINABILITY/ACCOMPLISHMENTS/OBSTACLES

Applicants should describe a plan of action that the proposed project will implement in order to sustain the program activities discussed in the Project Description. Applicants should also describe previous accomplishments and obstacles they experienced when carrying out similar activities that were discussed in the Project Description. The application will be evaluated as to how effectively it:

• Explains the steps that will be taken to ensure long-term program sustainability (i.e., the ability for the program to maintain its services over time). The applicant must demonstrate a commitment to the program by describing a plan for maintaining programmatic activities after OCJS funding ends. If the current proposal requests funding for an organization that has participated in a stepdown cycle, significant information about long-term sustainability needs to be provided.
• Describes any previous program accomplishments and how these accomplishments influence program activities. If the current proposal is requesting funds for a continuation of programming activities, these accomplishments should be related to programming that was completed under previous funding.
• Describes any previous or ongoing programmatic obstacles or challenges and how they were addressed. If the current proposal is requesting funds for a continuation of programming activities, these obstacles should be related to programming that was completed under previous funding.

Project Objectives

Project Objectives measure changes that result from implementing the proposed project with the Target Population during the grant year. Applicants should describe these anticipated changes (or outcomes). Achieved Project Objectives should reflect measurable changes for the Target Population due to the services offered by the program during the grant year. There are two types of Project Objectives:

1. Process objectives describe the “processes” (Activities) that a program will implement during the grant year.
2. Outcome objectives describe the measured changes that will result from implementing the proposed project during the grant year.

Applicants must provide at least two objectives: one process objective and one outcome objective. Each objective should include a performance indicator that identifies how change will be measured and with what instruments and/or tools. If available, applicants should list baseline data for each performance indicator. Finally, applicants should describe the data collection methods they will use.

Applicants should use the sample Performance Objectives listed on the OCJS website (OCJS Grants Performance Objectives) to help them select at least two objectives that correspond to the applicant’s program area. (NOTE: Due to the specialized nature of the E01 Program Area, there are no standardized objectives, so please develop two objectives pertinent to the proposed initiative.)

Grant reviewers evaluate applications on how effectively they:

• clearly identify Project Objectives
• clearly identify performance indicators
• clearly identify any baseline data that exists
• clearly describe how performance data will be collected

Timeline and Activities

Applicants should describe how the programmatic and grant administrative activities as well as the related outcomes and objectives will be reasonably achieved in the given project period. Grant reviewers evaluate applications based on how effectively they:

• present a comprehensive, thorough Timeline that is well defined and comprehensively specifies what will be done, who (individuals and organizations) will do it, and when it will be accomplished. Include activities such as anticipated Collaboration Board meetings, OCJS grant reporting deadlines and any other activities specific to the project. Include program implementation activities as well as grant administration activities. The Timeline should be reasonable given the nature of the problem, the Target Population, and the approach/response discussed in earlier sections of the application.
• If applicable, list any other deliverables that the project will create and/or use throughout the project.

Organization Capacity

Applicants should provide a comprehensive discussion of the history and accomplishments of the organization and staff responsible for implementing the project to illustrate their capacity to implement the project. Identify any key staff that will be involved in the project, including the project director and other individuals who will be responsible for administering the grant and implementing the program. Grant reviewers will evaluate applications in terms of how effectively they:

• clearly identify the mission of the agency that will serve as the subrecipient and/or implementing agency. The application should clearly demonstrate the capacity of the subrecipient and implementing agency to administer grants of similar size and scope as the project submitted for funding. The applicant should demonstrate that they have adequate resources (i.e., personnel/staff, infrastructure to support an additional program, computers, software, etc.) to implement the project as proposed.
• clearly identify the key staff, including any volunteers that will be participating in the proposed project, including their qualifications, experience, and education.
• discuss how successful completion of the project is realistic given the key staff implementing the project. Project applications that have position vacancies should clearly describe a reasonable approach and criteria to hire experienced and qualified staff.

Applicants should also describe organizational, staff capacity, and developmental efforts surrounding issues of cultural competency. Grant reviewers will evaluate how well applicants:

• describe how they incorporated cultural competency, outreach, and services into project planning and how the racial/ethnic make-up of the board, staff, volunteers and clients
• explain the staff recruitment process and describe staff retention techniques.
• describe outreach and programming offered.

Collaboration Boards

Collaboration Boards are essential to the funding process. The leadership, oversight and direction they provide help projects achieve their goals and objectives through a shared community vision. Collaboration Boards should be comprised of agency representatives as well as relevant stakeholders from the community, including but not limited to representatives from: child and family services, community organizations, schools, hospitals, mental health and/or substance abuse agencies, local law enforcement, court systems, including victim advocates, probation officers, the prosecutor’s office, etc. The Collaboration Board is not an agency’s Board of Trustees or Advisory Board. The Collaboration Board must conduct meetings at least quarterly, prepare meeting agendas, and keep minutes of discussion items. These meetings must include an overview of program activities during the quarter, updates on progress towards project objectives, discussions about successes and challenges encountered during the quarter, and expectations for program activities during the next quarter. Applicants should describe the collaborative effort between the applicant and other organizations. OCJS expects projects to adhere to all of these requirements. Failure to hold quarterly Collaboration Board meetings or keep meeting minutes may result in the freezing of funds.

Grant reviewers will evaluate the application in terms of how effectively they:

• identify the organizations that will participate in the Collaboration Board that will be responsible for overseeing the project. Describe their roles and demonstrate their commitment to the project. The applicant may use an existing community board or group to provide oversight to the project and act in the capacity of the Collaboration Board. Signed commitment letters will be required from all representatives on the Collaboration Board
• describe the extent and nature of the collaborative effort and how the role and function of each organization supports the overall goal of the project. Applicants should clearly link partner agencies with their roles and functions within the collaborative group.
• provide details describing the management of the collaborative group. The applicant should list the anticipated dates of quarterly meetings, how the applicant will notify board members of upcoming meetings, and the process for distributing and maintaining records of minutes of meetings. If the applicant uses an existing community board or group to serve as the Collaboration Board, describe how the group will provide specific oversight for this project.
• describe how the collaborative group will work together to achieve project goals and objectives.

Applications must include commitment letters from all collaboration board members. Letters must be submitted on the collaboration board member’s letterhead, include the board member’s position within the agency and their signature, and detail the member’s role and commitment as a partner within the proposed project. All applicants are required to upload collaboration board letters into the Online Grants Management System in the “Collaboration Board” section of the online application. Applications without collaboration letters are incomplete and considered ineligible for funding.

Collaboration letters are not required for the A03 Law Enforcement – Equipment Only category if applying for single agency use equipment.

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary serves as a concise and accurate description of the proposed project and should not introduce new information. The information provided should serve as a summarized version of the overall application narrative.

Purpose Statement

The purpose statement should be clear and concise. It describes what the applicant is going to do, the population that is going to be served, how it will be accomplished and why it is important. Information provided within the purpose statement is reported to the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) reporting system in response to FFATA legislation.

Problem Statement and Project Description

The applicant must provide a condensed version of the problem statement and project description and ensure activities, dates, data/statistics align with previously presented statement narratives.

Participating Agencies/Collaboration

The applicant must provide a detailed collaboration board list.

Budget

Describe any costs associated with implementing the program. Grant reviewers will evaluate the budget in terms of how effectively it:

• presents a clear and detailed budget with a narrative that explains and justifies the budget information.
• justifies the costs of the proposed program and that the costs are considered reasonable and cost-effective in view of the types and range of Activities to be conducted, the number of participants to be served, and the expected results and benefits.
• clearly states how the applicant will use match funds and the source of match funds.
• External Audit or Financial Report - upload a copy of your organization’s most recent external audit or most recent financial report to the Collaboration Board section of the application. This allows OCJS to ensure requirements are met for 2 C.F.R. § 200.331(f). Single Audit Act Amendment of 1996, and the OMB Circular A-133.

Applicants should include all staff salaries that they will seek reimbursem*nt for in the Personnel cost category. It is important to include any changes that may occur over the course of the fundingperiod including raises or cost of living increases. Fringe benefits may include: Fringe Benefits Summary | Office of Criminal Justice Services (ohio.gov)

• PERS (government agencies)
• FICA (private agencies)
• Unemployment Compensation
• Defined retirement benefit plan (private agencies)
• Medicare
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Long term and short-term disability insurance
• Employee assistance programs
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, compensatory, holiday, and personal) accrued and used during the award period.

Applicants will find unallowable costs for the JAG program and other grant programs here.

Multi-Jurisdictional Law Enforcement Task Force Guidelines for 2024 Justice Assistance Grant Application

Please read these guidelines prior to completing the grant application. If you have any questions, contact Linda Mielcarek at 614.644.7733 (lamielcarek@dps.ohio.gov) or Markie Hinkle at 614.644.2183 (mehinkle@dps.ohio.gov)

OCJS categorizes multi-jurisdictional law enforcement task force applications based upon the following funding maximums. There will be four categories in all, each with a defined maximum level of funding. Funding maximums do not guarantee funding or funding at that level. Funding may also reflect the overall JAG funding level.

• Category 1: Population served greater than 500,000; funding maximum: $150,000.
• Category 2: Population served 250,000-499,999 and counties served five or less; funding maximum: $105,000.
• Category 3: Population served 150,000-249,999 and counties served four or less; funding maximum: $75,000.
• Category 4: Population served less than 150,000 and counties served two or less; funding maximum: $60,000.
  
• Population Served Estimate. Each task force project must include in their application’s Problem Statement a “Population Served Estimate” based upon the 2020 census data found on the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Strategic Research website.
• Counties Served. Each task force must also indicate a numerical “Counties Served” designation in their application’s Problem Statement. The “Counties Served” number includes all counties being served by the task force with the participation of that county’s sheriff on the Collaboration Board. When a task force exclusively serves a municipality without the participation of the sheriff of the jurisdiction, the population estimate shall include only the population for that municipality. When two task forces have overlapping, or concurrent jurisdictions, the two task forces will split the population estimate for that jurisdiction equally.

Note: If a task force does not match into a specific category based on population served and counties served then it should apply in the higher funded category. For example, if the population served is 125,000 and counties served is four then the task force can apply based on Category 3 because counties served is four or less, not two or less.