[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 68 (Friday, April 8, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-8298]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: April 8, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Office for Victims of Crime

 

Comprehensive Program Announcement for Fiscal Year 1994

AGENCY: Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office for 
Victims of Crime.

ACTION: Public announcement of the discretionary program plan for 
Fiscal Year 1994 and availability of discretionary funds.

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SUMMARY: The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) publishes this notice 
to: (1) Announce its discretionary program plan for FY 1994, and (2) to 
announce the availability of new and continuation discretionary funds 
for training and technical assistance and direct services to victims of 
crime. Application information is provided in sections III-VIII. 
Discretionary grants are awarded by OVC to advance its advocacy role on 
behalf of crime victims and improve services to crime victims.

DATES: Program Announcement is effective April 7, 1994.

ADDRESS: Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, 633 
Indiana Avenue, NW., room 1352, Washington, DC 20531.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Wells, Administrative Officer, 
(202) 307-5988, or the OVC staff members identified in relation to 
identified programs.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Program Announcement is outlined as 
follows:

I. Introduction
II. Description of Continuation Programs
III. Description of New, Competitive Programs
IV. Solicitations for FY 95
V. Eligibility Requirements
VI. Application Requirements
VII. Procedures for Selection
VIII. Submission Requirements
IX. Civil Rights Compliance

I. Introduction

    Justice is not merely the meting out of punishment but the making 
whole those who have been harmed. The care and concern for victims is a 
critical factor in our Federal Government's determination to provide 
fairness to all our citizens. The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is 
the Federal agency devoted to the needs of crime victims and to making 
sure that the rest of the criminal justice system recognizes victims' 
distress and victims' rights.
    OVC is a component of the Office of Justice Programs within the 
U.S. Department of Justice. The Office serves as the Federal focal 
point for improving the treatment of crime victims and ensuring that 
their rights and interests are met. In addition to its role as a 
national victims' advocate, OVC is responsible for administering two 
formula grant programs authorized by the Victims of Crime Act, as 
amended (the state victim assistance and compensation grant programs), 
supporting national scope training and technical assistance activities 
via discretionary grants, and providing training and technical 
assistance for Federal and state law enforcement personnel involved in 
investigations, prosecutions, corrections and the provision of direct 
services to victims of crime. See 42 U.S.C. 10601-10605.
    OVC plays a crucial role in the Justice Department's comprehensive 
plan to build safe neighborhoods. The Justice Department knows all too 
well that law enforcement alone can not create safe and secure 
communities. Consequently, the Justice Department is determined to 
develop partnerships with other Federal agencies, state and local 
governments and community based agencies to build an ethic of non-
violence on all fronts. OVC is working intimately with OJP programs to 
insure that attention to victims is well integrated into the anti-
violence initiative. Attention to victims helps to build these 
resilient communities both by assuaging the pain suffered by the 
victims, and in many instances stirring the conscience of the 
perpetrator so they are dissuaded from harming again.
    OVC will use its discretionary funds in the most cost-effective and 
creative way possible.1 This year OVC has developed a program plan 
that explicitly recognizes the need for partnerships: PARTNERSHIPS 
WITHIN THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT, PARTNERSHIPS WITH OTHER FEDERAL 
AGENCIES, PARTNERSHIPS WITH STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, and 
PARTNERSHIPS WITH NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS.2 For example, OVC will 
co-monitor grants with other OJP bureaus and offices, include joint-
funded projects within the Department, and provide bonus points to 
applicants whose proposals complement Department of Justice and other 
Federal initiatives, including the Pulling American Cities Together 
(PACT) project, Operation Weed and Seed, Comprehensive Cities Program, 
etc.
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    \1\Discretionary dollars are limited to two purposes--training 
and direct services to Federal crime victims. These dollars cannot 
be used to support demonstration projects, research, evaluations or 
prevention.
    \2\The Office for Victims of Crime will award $126,143,000 in 
Crime Victims Fund dollars to support the two formula grant programs 
authorized by the Victims of Crime Act--crime victim compensation 
and crime victim assistance. VOCA crime victims compensation dollars 
supplement state dollars to provide financial assistance to innocent 
crime victims for out-of-pocket expenses resulting from a violent 
crime. VOCA eligible expenses include medical expenses including 
mental health counseling and care, funeral expenses, and lost wages. 
VOCA crime victim assistance dollars are awarded to states to 
support state and local direct services programs such as rape crisis 
centers, domestic violence shelters, child abuse treatment programs, 
survivor of homicide victims programs, drunk driving crash victims 
programs, etc. VOCA victim assistance funds support direct services 
such as crisis intervention, shelter, criminal justice advocacy, 
hotline services, etc.
    OVC will also commit $240,000 in FY 1994 discretionary dollars 
to support the National Victims Resource Center, an information 
clearinghouse for crime victims, victim advocates and service 
providers, criminal justice professionals, and allied professionals 
interested in crime victims issues.
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    Fiscal Year 1994 grants will be awarded to improve assistance 
rendered by the Federal, State, local and tribal criminal justice 
systems and allied professionals. This includes victim assistance 
programs in Indian country. Upon selection of the successful 
applications, OVC intends to fund the programs described herein up to 
the amounts noted. Additional funding may become available and applied 
to these or other programs. OVC will fund 14 new and 8 continuation 
programs which include 63 individual projects.
    Discretionary grants for new programs are generally awarded through 
a competitive process. The programs are open to a broad range of 
organizations. Awards will be made to organizations and agencies that 
offer the greatest potential for achieving the objectives outlined in 
the description of each program. Selections will be made on the basis 
of the information contained in the applications received. All 
applications will be reviewed and rated by a peer panel of experts in 
the program areas. The panel will make recommendations for funding to 
the Director of OVC. The panel will assign numerical values by rating 
competing applicants based on the point distribution identified in the 
Selection Criteria section of each program description. As indicated 
above, additional points will be given to applicants whose site 
selections and project proposals complement other Federal funding 
initiatives and whose project proposals build upon previously developed 
materials as a cost-saving measure and enhancement to existing training 
materials. Letters will be sent to all applicants notifying them that 
their proposal has been selected or not selected. OVC will negotiate 
specific terms of the awards with the selected applicants.
    For continuation programs, the awards are limited to specific 
applicants who have previously received at least one year of funding 
and the program is a multi-year effort. Most of these grantees were 
selected initially through a competitive process. Continuation awards 
will be negotiated directly with current grantees to continue program 
activities or with the designated organizations that are uniquely 
qualified to provide specific services.
    Continuation funding consideration for an additional project period 
for previously funded discretionary grant programs will be based upon 
several factors, including:
     The extent to which the project responds to the applicable 
requirements of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA);
     Responsiveness to OVC, OJP and Department of Justice FY 
1994 program priorities;
     Compliance with performance requirements of prior grant 
years;
     Compliance with fiscal and regulatory requirements;
     Compliance with any special conditions of award; and
     Availability of funds.

II. Description of Continuation Programs

    OVC has not outlined the statement of purpose, goals, objectives, 
and strategy in this program announcement for continuation funding. 
This information will be outlined in the application kits, grant award 
documents, and reimbursable agreements for the programs which follow:

Assistance to Victims of Federal Crime in Indian Country

$775,545
    OVC will fund continuation grants for 19 states (Arizona, Colorado, 
Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, 
New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, 
Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming) and 46 tribal subgrantee victim 
assistance programs which were first funded in cycles from FY 1989 to 
93. The program objective is to provide continued support to Native 
American communities in remote sections of Indian country where crime 
victim assistance services have previously been unavailable or scarce. 
Program services include crisis intervention and counseling to provide 
emotional support to victims following a violent crime; emergency, 
short-term child care or temporary shelter for family violence victims; 
help in participating in Federal criminal justice proceedings; and 
payment for forensic medical examinations for sexual assault victims. 
Funds may also be used for salaries for victim service providers. No 
applications will be solicited.

Emergency Assistance for Victims of Federal Crimes

$100,000
    OVC will support services for victims of Federal crime when 
assistance that is essential to a victim's recovery cannot be obtained 
from any other source as authorized by VOCA (42 U.S.C. 10603 
(c)(1)(B)). These funds may be accessed by Federal victim-witness 
coordinators only to support direct services such as emergency shelter, 
crisis intervention, and counseling. Through the continuation of this 
program, funds will be made available for victim-witness coordinators 
in U.S. Attorneys' and FBI offices to assist victims of Federal crime. 
Funds are made available through Reimbursable Agreements (RA) within 
the Department; thus, no applications will be solicited.

Training and Technical Assistance for Victim-Witness Coordinators and 
Prosecutors in U.S. Attorneys' Offices

$193,000
    To continue efforts to improve the response of the Federal criminal 
justice system to the needs and rights of crime victims, OVC will enter 
into a Reimbursable Agreement (RA) with the Executive Office for United 
States Attorneys. This OVC initiative will support training and 
technical assistance programs for Federal victim-witness coordinators 
and prosecutors as authorized by VOCA (42 U.S.C. 10603 (c)(1)(B)). 
Funding activities will specifically support: (1) Reimbursement for 
travel and per diem expenses for attendance at OVC approved or 
sponsored training sessions and conferences on victim and witness 
assistance ($137,000); (2) reimbursement to Federal Districts for the 
provision of specialized district-specific training involving victims' 
rights legislation, and compliance with the Attorney General Guidelines 
for Victim and Witness Assistance, the Victim and Witness Protection 
Act, the Victims' Rights and Restitution Act, and/or the Victims of 
Child Abuse Act, ($50,000); and (3) reimbursement for participation in 
the White Collar Crime Victim's Technical Assistance Group which will 
be convened to discuss and develop an informational pamphlet for 
Federal victims of white collar crime and fraud ($8,000). As these 
activities will be implemented through an (RA) within the Department of 
Justice, no applications will be solicited.

Training and Technical Assistance for Federal Law Enforcement Officers

$176,500
    The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) provides that Crime Victims Fund 
dollars may be used to provide victim assistance training that improves 
the Federal criminal justice system response to crime victims (42 
U.S.C. 10603 (c)(1)(B)). To promote the rendering of victim services by 
Federal law enforcement officers, OVC will enter into Reimbursable and 
Interagency Agreements with the following Federal agencies: The Federal 
Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Treasury's Federal Law 
Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), and the Department of Interior 
(DOI). The FBI agreement ($75,000) will provide funds to support the 
expansion of victim assistance programs within the FBI. The FLETC 
agreement ($50,000) will support basic and advanced training for 
Federal law enforcement officers at FLETC, a training conference for 
Federal criminal justice personnel on bias crime, regional train-the-
trainer activities, and Federal agency specific training sessions. The 
Interagency Agreement with DOI ($3,500) will support the publication of 
150,000 victim and witness informational brochures, printed in both 
English and Spanish, for distribution to crime victims by the 6,000 
commissioned law enforcement personnel in DOI bureaus.
    This program will also provide travel funds ($48,000) to sponsor 
the attendance of Federal law enforcement personnel at OVC approved 
training sessions, i.e. Indian Nations: Justice for Victims of Crime 
Conference, training provided by the National Center for Prosecution of 
Child Abuse, and the Dallas, Texas, Crimes Against Children Conference. 
Because these activities will be supported through Interagency 
Agreements and travel funding, no applications will be solicited.

Reproduction of Federal Victim Assistance Information Materials

$81,000
    The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) authorizes the use of Crime Victims 
Fund dollars to prepare and disseminate informational materials that 
describe services and rights due victims and to assist victims to 
participate in the Federal criminal justice system (42 U.S.C. 10603 
(c)(1)(B)). In the past, OVC has supported the development of video 
tapes, informational materials, and brochures that assist victims of 
Federal crime as well as Federal law enforcement officers. These 
materials explain victim needs, rights and services essential for 
effective victim participation in the Federal criminal justice system. 
In FY 1994, OVC will continue to reproduce, develop, and disseminate 
such informational materials, i.e., brochures that explain crime victim 
compensation benefits; videos that assist child victims in 
understanding their role as witnesses; brochures for Federal law 
enforcement officers that explain services available to Federal crime 
victims; special materials for victims of white collar crime, robbery, 
and domestic violence; and handbooks for Federal Victim Witness 
Coordinators that detail services available at state and local levels. 
No applications will be solicited as materials will be reproduced 
within the Department of Justice or as the result of Interagency 
Agreements.

Crime Victims and Corrections: Agenda for the 90's (Phase IV--Regional 
Military Correctional Institutions)

$20,000
    Continued funding will be provided to support activities to improve 
services for Federal victims of crime during the post-sentencing phases 
of criminal cases prosecuted in military courts. Military correctional 
facilities are a part of the Federal correctional system. Funding will 
broaden the scope of a current grant with the National Victim Center 
(NVC) to provide training to regional military correctional 
institutions. During the current grant (Phase III), NVC provided 
training at the United States Disciplinary Barracks (USDB) at Fort 
Leavenworth, Kansas. Funds will be used to provide training at regional 
military correctional institutions. Because this will support the 
expansion of an existing grant, applications will not be solicited in 
FY 94.

The Spiritual Dimension in Victim Services

$40,000
    This training and technical assistance project will be implemented 
by the current OVC grant recipient, the Spiritual Dimension in Victim 
Services. Victims commonly seek assistance services from clergy in the 
wake of crime. These professionals are often not trained on how to 
effectively respond. Thus, the continuing goal of this project is to 
provide clergy with appropriate skills training on how best to address 
the needs of crime victims. This supplement will be used specifically 
to extend the current project into the Denver, Colorado metropolitan 
area, a designated Weed and Seed site, and also to provide hospital and 
police chaplains with victim services training, including guidance on 
death notification. No additional applications will be solicited in FY 
1994.

Civil Legal Remedies Against Perpetrators

$20,000
    This training and technical assistance program will be implemented 
by the current OVC recipient, the National Victim Center (NVC). The 
training curriculum, presented at regional training conferences, 
apprises non-lawyer victim service providers on how to best assist 
crime victims in understanding their legal rights and remedies against 
perpetrators, and in determining how and when to attain qualified legal 
assistance in appropriate cases. Civil judgements can help crime 
victims cover expensive, long-term costs that are oftentimes incurred 
in the aftermath of crime. Additional project funding is awarded in 
recognition of continued field demand for the training and NVC's 
successful efforts in raising alternative funding to support this 
successful project. Fiscal Year 1994 funding will be used to update the 
training materials and to efficiently present these project products 
during at least two additional training events.

Children's Justice Act Discretionary Grant Program for Native Americans

$869,119
    The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) (42 U.S.C. 10601(g)(1)) authorizes 
the award of grants for the purpose of assisting Indian tribes in 
developing, establishing, and operating programs designed to improve 
the handling, investigation, and prosecution of child abuse cases, 
particularly child sexual abuse cases. This funding supports the 
continuation of three successful projects awarded under the CJA program 
in FY 1993 and up to eight new projects in FY 1994.

III. Description of New, Competitive Programs

Trainers Bureau

$75,000
    Purpose: The purpose of this program is to improve services to 
crime victims by providing training and technical assistance to victim 
assistance programs and other agencies that deal with crime victims.
    Background: The field of victim services has grown in recent years 
in response to expanding needs of crime victims for supportive services 
in the wake of their victimization. In some cases, existing victim 
assistance agencies have had to expand to serve increasing numbers of 
victims who need their services. In other cases, new agencies have been 
created to meet newly emerging needs, such as the needs of victims of 
campus crime and stalking. In addition, a number of agencies that have 
not traditionally provided services to crime victims (for example, 
corrections agencies) are now expected, and sometimes legally mandated, 
to serve victims.
    With the growth of the victim service field has come an increasing 
demand for technical assistance and staff training. Agencies are 
stretching their limited resources to be able to make additional 
services available. Often, few resources are left to ensure that the 
services offered are appropriate and effective in meeting clients' 
needs, and that the organization is operating efficiently.
    In past years, OVC has sponsored regional and state training 
conferences to address the needs of service providers for training in 
basic job skills. New mechanisms are needed, however, if OVC is to 
flexibly respond to the emerging needs of an increasingly sophisticated 
and complex field.
    The Trainers Bureau is being developed as one such mechanism. This 
evolving program resource is being officially initiated with this 
program announcement.
    Goals and objectives: (A) To stimulate the development of 
professional expertise in the field of victim services by:
    1. Identifying consultants that can serve as a resource for OVC and 
the field;
    2. Providing assistance in developing model programs, policies and 
practices; and
    (B) To provide effective, high quality training and short-term 
technical assistance by:
    1. Encouraging agencies to articulate specific, limited training 
and technical assistance needs;
    2. Designing training and technical assistance support individually 
tailored to meet agency needs;
    3. Identifying qualified consultants to deliver the training and 
technical assistance; and
    4. Promoting administrative support for the skills and/or 
technology being transferred.
    (C) To create a mechanism for delivering cost-effective training 
and technical assistance by:
    1. Targeting resources to meet specific, high priority needs; and
    2. Using all discretionary funds to pay direct costs of 
consultants.
    Program strategy: This training initiative creates a mechanism for 
supporting cost-effective training and technical assistance to victim 
assistance programs and other agencies that deal with crime victims. 
OVC will serve as a broker for expert consulting services in response 
to requests for assistance from eligible agencies.
    Through the Trainers Bureau OVC will respond to requests for 
training and technical assistance by providing consultants who are 
experts in the field of victim services. This will include skilled 
trainers capable of conducting high quality workshops on a wide range 
of victim-related topics at conferences, seminars, and other types of 
training events. It will also include professionals capable of 
providing appropriate, effective on-site technical assistance to 
address significant operational problems or needs commonly experienced 
by agencies. The experts will have agreed to make their services 
available, upon request of OVC, whenever possible within the 
constraints of their professional and personal schedules.
    Eligible agencies can request assistance by submitting the 
following information:
     A description of the problem to be addressed and an 
explanation of why it cannot be addressed with existing resources;
     A suggested plan or specific action to address the 
problem;
     An estimate of the number of hours/days of assistance 
needed;
     The name of an agency contact person;
     The signature of the executive officer of the agency.
    Applications for assistance should be sent to: Trainers Bureau, 
Office for Victims of Crime, 633 Indiana Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 
20531.
    Applications will be reviewed within 30 days of their receipt. Once 
an application has been approved, the request will be matched for 
assistance with appropriate available consultants. The recipient agency 
may select one or more consultants or request the services of another 
individual or individuals who will be approved by OVC as qualified to 
provide the assistance. The designated consultant(s) will draw up a 
training/technical assistance plan that responds directly to the 
identified needs of the agency; all parties (i.e., OVC, the recipient 
agency and the consultant) must agree to the plan.
    Within 30 days after the training or technical assistance has been 
provided, the recipient agency will submit to OVC an evaluation of the 
trainer/consultant. The evaluation will assess the extent to which the 
planned assistance was executed, as well as the effectiveness of the 
consultant(s) and the intervention.
    Eligibility requirements: Agencies eligible for training and 
technical assistance through the Trainers Bureau include state and 
local victim service agencies, state and national victims coalitions, 
criminal justice system agencies, U.S. Attorneys Offices, Native 
American subgrantees, and other agencies that regularly assist crime 
victims.
    Applications will be reviewed and selected based upon the following 
criteria:
     Clarity of the request, including the description of the 
problem;
     Potential impact of the assistance;
     Commitment of resources from other sources to support the 
training and technical assistance request; and
     Need for Federal support to provide the assistance.
    Special consideration will be given to requests where the 
assistance would have statewide or regional impact, or build inter-
agency or multi-disciplinary capacity to deliver services.
    Over the course of the award period, OVC anticipates receiving 
requests from a variety of types of agencies providing services that 
address a range of crimes (e.g., homicide, sexual assault, domestic 
violence) and categories of victims (e.g., children, women, the 
elderly).
    Award period: Funds will be available to address requests 
throughout the duration of Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995.
    Award amount: No money will be directly awarded to successful 
applicants. OVC will pay consultants a daily rate of up to $200 per day 
and reimburse them for travel expenses in accordance with Federal 
guidelines throughout Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995. Approved on-site 
assistance will be short-term, generally between one and three days in 
duration. A maximum of $2,500 will be allocated to each training or 
technical assistance event.
    Due date: Applications will be accepted for consideration 
throughout the award period.
    Contact: For further information, either as an agency wishing to 
apply for assistance or a party interested in serving as a consultant, 
contact Susan Laurence, Special Projects Division, OVC, (202) 514-6444.

Immediate Response to Emerging Problems

$100,000
    Purpose: The purpose of this program is to improve services to 
victims of violent crime in communities that have experienced crimes 
resulting in multiple victimizations.
    Background: Violence in America is becoming more frequent, leaving 
thousands of traumatized crime victims in its wake. Although 
communities understand the devastation caused by violent crime and 
usually are able to respond effectively to individual victims, 
incidents resulting in multiple victimization often tax existing 
service delivery systems beyond their capabilities. Crimes such as mass 
murders, serial rapes, terrorist bombings, and street violence create 
situations that require increased technical assistance and staff 
training to respond effectively to the large number of crime victims.
    The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) of 1984, as amended (42 U.S.C. 
10601, et seq.), provides funding from the Crime Victims Fund for 
programs that provide training and technical assistance to Federal 
criminal justice agencies, states, units of local government, and other 
public and private organizations in activities related to crime 
victims. VOCA also requires the coordination of victim services 
provided by the Federal government with victim services offered by 
public agencies and nonprofit organizations.
    OVC supports many grant programs and Federal Interagency Agreements 
to fulfill these requirements. One program, the ``Emergency Assistance 
for Victims of Federal Crime,'' supports direct services for victims of 
Federal crime when essential services cannot be obtained from any other 
source. This program is available to offices of U.S. Attorneys. The 
Immediate Response to Emerging Problems Program is modeled after the 
Emergency Assistance for Victims of Federal Crime Program, but will 
allow OVC the flexibility to respond to requests for training or 
technical assistance from communities and Federal, state, and local 
agencies that have unique multiple-victim needs. This jointly funded 
OVC/BJA program will provide a victim assistance rapid response 
mechanism previously unavailable to communities.
    Goals:
     To improve services to multiple victims of violent crime 
by providing training and short-term technical assistance to 
communities that have experienced an incident or incidents resulting in 
large numbers of crime victims;
     To respond to the specific needs of agencies and 
communities in crisis situations in a timely manner; and
     To increase the coordination among Federal, state, and 
local agencies to provide effective victim assistance services; and
     To maximize available resources and reduce duplication of 
efforts.
    Objectives:
     To provide specific, limited training and technical 
assistance based on the articulated needs of a community requiring 
immediate assistance to provide services to multiple victims of a 
violent crime;
     To encourage agencies or communities to articulate 
specific, limited training and technical assistance needs;
     To individually tailor training and technical assistance 
to the requestor's needs; and
     To identify qualified individuals to deliver the training 
and technical assistance in a timely manner.
    Program strategy: This initiative creates a mechanism for offering 
technical assistance to communities suffering from the results of 
violent crime and multiple-victim cases. OVC and BJA will arrange 
technical assistance services in response to requests for assistance 
from eligible agencies.
    This program will accept requests from victim service agencies, 
Federal, state, and local criminal justice system agencies, U.S. 
Attorneys Offices, Native American tribes, and other agencies that 
regularly deal with crime victims. Requests for assistance will be 
submitted on agency letterhead and signed by the executive director/
officer of the agency. The letter will include the following 
information:
     A clear statement of the facts surrounding the current 
situation;
     A description of how the request for assistance is 
supported by major community agencies, including a list of the local, 
state, and Federal agencies involved and a description of their support 
for the request;
     A description of the ``victimization'' issues, numbers of 
victims, and the impact of the crime on the victims and the community;
     Applicants may also attach copies of newspaper articles or 
other documentation to provide background information;
     An explanation of why the community cannot address the 
situation with existing resources;
     A description of the specific technical assistance 
requested, the expected recipients of the technical assistance, and the 
desired outcome;
     If known, a description of the knowledge or skills 
required by the consultants providing the technical assistance;
     An estimate of the anticipated timeframe for the provision 
of the technical assistance;
     A description of the final product(s) sought from those 
providing technical assistance upon the completion of the delivery of 
such services (e.g., written report, verbal report, workshops, written 
assessment); and
     The name and phone number of the agency contact person who 
will be responsible for answering additional questions and coordinating 
with OVC, should the request be approved.
    Requests should be sent to: Immediate Response for Emerging 
Problems, Office for Victims of Crime, 633 Indiana Avenue, NW, 
Washington, DC 20531.
    Requests may also be transmitted by facsimile to OVC at (202) 514-
6383.
    OVC will review the requests within 48 hours (2 working days) of 
receipt. The OVC Director will approve or disapprove requests. If 
applicable, requests will be coordinated with other Office of Justice 
Program (OJP) bureaus. After the request has been approved or 
disapproved, OVC will contact the requesting agency by telephone and 
then follow-up with a written reply.
    If a request is approved, names of appropriate individuals 
consultants will be selected, as appropriate. Consultants have agreed 
to make their services available, upon request of OVC or another OJP 
Bureau, whenever possible within the constraints of their professional 
and personal schedules. Requesting agency may request the services of 
particular individuals who can be approved by OVC as qualified to 
provide the assistance.
    Because this program requires timely responses to requests for 
assistance for victim issues and problems relating to recent acts of 
violence, OVC envisions a flexible program format. Communities will be 
able to request site-specific training and technical assistance 
including, but are not limited to, crisis intervention, victim 
assistance staff augmentation, death notifications, critical incident 
stress debriefings, and community coordination.
    Within 30 days after the technical assistance has been provided, 
the recipient agency will submit to OVC a brief assessment of the 
assistance provided. The assessment will describe the extent to which 
the training or technical assistance helped to address the community's 
need, as well as the effectiveness of the consultant(s) and the 
intervention.
    Eligibility requirements: Requests will be accepted from victim 
service agencies, Federal, state, and local criminal justice system 
agencies, U.S. Attorneys Offices, Native American tribes, and other 
agencies that regularly deal with cases involving multiple crime 
victims.
    Selection criteria: Requests will be reviewed and selected based 
upon the following criteria:
     Clarity of the request, including the description of the 
problem and need for the assistance;
     Potential impact of the assistance;
     Need for Federal support to provide the assistance; and
     Ability for OVC to respond.
    Award period: Funds will be available to address requests submitted 
throughout Fiscal Years 1994-1995, or until such date as the limited 
funds ($100,000) are depleted.
    Award amount: No money will be awarded directly to successful 
applicants. OVC and BJA will absorb all costs in accordance with 
Federal guidelines. Approved on-site assistance will be short-term, 
generally between one and three days in duration. No funding limitation 
has been established for this program, although it is anticipated that 
the funding of requests for assistance will not exceed $10,000. OVC and 
BJA have designated only $100,000 for this program and large awards 
could exhaust available resources to the detriment of other communities 
seeking assistance.
    Due date: Applications will be accepted for consideration, 
beginning 60 days after publication of this notice, and throughout FY 
94-95.
    Contact: For further information, contact Sue Shriner, Federal 
Crime Victims Division, or David Osborne at (202) 514-6444.

Anti-Stalking Initiative

$18,000
    OVC will partially support a regional seminar series for states on 
implementing anti-stalking codes and the provision of services to 
stalking victims to include the preparation and filing of restraining 
orders. The overall project will assist policy makers in assessing the 
strengths and weaknesses of existing state laws as well as in reviewing 
alternative approaches to achieving enforcement objectives. OVC's 
contribution will allow for a subject-matter expansion to include civil 
protection orders and other victim-related issues so as to encourage 
national and state victim advocate participation and provide technical 
assistance on the effective implementation of protective orders. 
Because this initiative complements an existing Bureau of Justice 
Assistance grant awarded to the National Criminal Justice Association, 
this project is not open to competition.

Resource Packages for Children Required To Testify in Federal Court

$70,000
    Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop and print four 
camera-ready products for inclusion in a child victim assistance 
resource package. The package will be distributed to Federal criminal 
justice personnel in their effort to assist child victims and witnesses 
of Federal crime.
    The child victim assistance resource package will include: (1) A 
camera-ready Instructors' Guide on effective approaches when working 
with children within the Federal court process; (2) two separate 
camera-ready ``Going-To-Court Answer and Activity Books'' for child 
victims/witnesses--one for Native American children who are required to 
testify in either Federal or Tribal court and one specific to the 
Federal court process; and (3) camera-ready brochures for parents/
guardians that outline the child's role in Federal court, child 
victims' and witnesses' rights, answers to typical questions asked by 
child victims/witnesses, and a description of the Federal criminal 
justice process. The products will be disseminated to Federal victim-
witness coordinators from the 94 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and will be 
made available for use by other Federal jurisdictions and service 
providers as well. Applications will be solicited.
    Background: Children who report or witness abuse not only suffer 
emotional ramifications of the abuse, but are often called on to 
participate in an adversarial and adult-oriented criminal justice 
system. Children are routinely exposed to confusing information, adult-
oriented courtroom procedures, and unfamiliar language. Without careful 
coordination and attention to their needs, children can easily be 
victimized by the criminal justice system.
    Congress recognized the need to accommodate the needs and abilities 
of child witnesses when it enacted the Crime Control Act of 1990, 
Public Law 101-647, which includes the Victims of Child Abuse Act of 
1990. This legislation places responsibility on Federal investigators, 
prosecutors and victim-witness coordinators to develop procedures and 
services that allow children to participate as witnesses in the Federal 
criminal justice system. Federal victim-witness coordinators are 
responsible for the Federal victim/witness program and for implementing 
the new provisions of the law for victims of Federal crime. 
Fortunately, coordinators can provide in-office and/or in-court 
preparation material and orientation activities that may help to 
alleviate the potential trauma experienced by children who are required 
to testify in court. This program is authorized under 42 U.S.C. 10603 
(c)(1)(B).
    Goals:
     Improve the response of Federal criminal justice personnel 
to the rights and needs of children required to testify in Federal 
court;
     Develop four separate booklets for inclusion in one child 
victim assistance resource package intended for distribution to Federal 
victim-witness coordinators; and
     Help alleviate the potential trauma experienced by 
children required to testify in Federal court.
    Objectives:
     To produce a child victim assistance resource package and 
material that can be utilized by Federal victim-witness coordinators;
     To design and print camera-ready Instructors' Guides (to 
be included in the resource packages) on effective approaches when 
working with children within the Federal court process and effective 
methods on how to tailor victim assistance services to meet the 
district-specific needs of child victims and their families. The 
Instructor's Guide should include state-of-the-art information for 
victim-witness coordinators on setting up a courtroom-orientation 
class, creating their own district-specific court-orientation material 
(word games, puzzles, and other material that can be personalized to 
the district, etc.), and how-to primers for working with special needs 
victims, i.e., physically and developmentally disabled, hearing/sight 
impaired, etc.);
     To design and print camera-ready ``Going-To-Court Answer 
and Activity Books'' for child victims/witnesses (to be included in the 
resource packages). The first book should be designed for Native 
American children who are required to testify in either Federal or 
Tribal court and should closely parallel the characters and information 
provided in the Department of Justice (DOJ) video entitled, ``B. J. 
Learns About Federal and Tribal Court.'' The second book should be 
specific to the Federal court process and closely parallel the 
characters and information provided in the DOJ video entitled, ``Inside 
Federal Court;''
     To design and print camera-ready brochures for parents/ 
guardians (to be included in the resource packages) that outline the 
child's role in Federal court, child victims' and witnesses' rights, 
answer typical questions asked by child victims/witnesses, and describe 
the Federal criminal justice process;
     To produce child victim assistance resource packages that 
contain the printed resource material; and
     To develop a plan to disseminate the developed products to 
Federal victim-witness coordinators nationwide.
    Program strategy: This solicitation invites applications for a 
grantee to develop resource packages composed of printed material that 
will enhance the ability of Federal victim-witness coordinators to 
assist child victim/witnesses. The overall objective is to combine the 
expertise of an organization that is well experienced in assisting 
child victims and witnesses with the expertise within DOJ to produce 
information and products each Federal District can use to improve the 
response to children who are required to testify in Federal court. 
Accordingly, the grantee must review two existing DOJ videos for child 
witnesses and work closely with the OVC program specialist throughout 
the grant period as the products are developed (the ``Instructors 
Guide'' to implementing child victim-witness services; the two ``Going 
-to-Court'' answer and activity books; and the brochure for parents/
guardians). Project activities will need to be carefully coordinated 
within the Department of Justice prior to final approval of project 
products.
    The grant activities and products include:
     A review of existing material, including DOJ material and 
videos, that help orient child victim/witnesses to the Federal criminal 
justice system;
      An identification of child victim/witness needs (by 
developmental/age level and by special needs), and the development and 
printing of camera-ready Instructors' Guides for victim-witness 
coordinators that references these victim needs and details how victim-
witness coordinators may help child victim/witnesses prepare for court;
     The development and printing of camera-ready ``Going-To-
Court Answer and Activity Books'' for child victims/witnesses who are 
required to testify in Federal court;
     The development and printing of camera-ready brochures for 
parents/guardians that explain their child's role and what they as 
parents can do to support and assist the child. The brochures will also 
outline the phases of the criminal justice process and the various 
child victims' and witnesses' rights associated with each step or phase 
of the criminal justice process;
     The development of the package that will contain the 
printed products;
    Eligibility criteria: In order to be eligible for funding, each 
applicant must demonstrate experience in the following areas:
     Experience in developing model material for use by 
criminal justice personnel;
     Experience in/knowledge of child development issues;
     Demonstrated knowledge in assessing the needs and 
abilities of child victims/witnesses; and
     Demonstrated knowledge in researching and developing 
appropriate strategies for preparing children to testify in court.
    Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated 
based on the extent to which they meet the following criteria:
     The goals and objectives of the proposed project are 
clearly defined (10 points)
     Clarity and appropriateness of program implementation plan 
and time-task plan (25 points).
     Cost effectiveness of the proposed budget and investment 
of applicant's own research capability (25 points).
     Qualifications of the Program Staff (30 points)
     Organizational capability (10 points)
    Award period: This award will provide support for the development 
and distribution of child victim assistance resource material over a 12 
month period.
    Award amount: Up to $70,000 has been allocated to support one 
cooperative agreement.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published announcement.
    Contact: For further information, or to obtain a copies of ``B. J. 
Learns About Federal and Tribal Court,'' and ``Inside Federal Court,'' 
contact Laura Federline, Federal Crime Victims Division, OVC, (202) 
514-6444.

Victim Assistance Training for Military Victim Assistance Providers

$100,000
    Purpose: The purpose of this program is to improve direct services 
to victims of crime on military installations by providing training to 
military criminal justice personnel and service providers.
    Background: The Victims of Crime Act of 1984, as amended (42 U.S.C. 
10601 et seq.), earmarked a portion of the Crime Victims Fund to 
provide direct services to victims of Federal crime, train Federal 
criminal justice personnel in responding to victims of Federal crime, 
and support the preparation of informational material regarding 
services to victims of Federal crime. The Victims Rights and 
Restitution Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 10606, 10607) strengthens this 
mandate by establishing a Federal Victims Bill of Rights and enhancing 
government responsibility and authority to ensure that Federal crime 
victims are treated with compassion, dignity, and respect.
    OVC is responsible for training Federal criminal justice personnel 
in the delivery of services to victims of Federal crimes (42 U.S.C. 
10603 (d)(3)(A)). For programmatic purposes, crimes that occur on 
military installations are considered to be within Federal 
jurisdiction.
    OVC routinely coordinates victim and witness assistance programs 
and training activities with all Federal agencies that have law 
enforcement functions. The Department of Defense (DOD), like the 
Department of Justice (DOJ), is a multi-faceted agency with 
investigative, prosecutorial, and correctional responsibilities. 
Because of these similarities, it is mutually beneficial to both DOD 
and DOJ to share resources and expertise.
    In the past year, OVC has coordinated various training and 
technical assistance efforts with DOD. Examples include: a Memorandum 
of Understanding with the DOD Office of Family Policy, Support, and 
Services to share resources to improve the Federal response to child 
abuse and neglect; a training session for the Air Force's Office of 
Special Investigations on sexual assault and rape; a training for 
Federal prosecutors, including military prosecutors, on handling child 
abuse and exploitation cases; and a joint DOJ-DOD Symposium on Victim 
and Witness Assistance. This project will continue these cooperative 
efforts between DOJ and DOD.
    Goals:
     To provide victim assistance training to military criminal 
justice personnel and direct service providers in the areas of program 
development, program management, and direct services to victims of 
Federal crime;
     To combine the expertise and resources of the grantee, 
OVC, and the Department of Defense to provide comprehensive skills 
training on crime victims' issues;
     To disseminate effective strategies for improving services 
to crime victims; and
     To increase the coordination among military communities, 
state and local victim assistance agencies, and Federal criminal 
justice personnel to provide effective victim assistance services.
    Objectives:
     To develop and implement a cost-effective strategy for 
providing training to military service providers, utilizing existing 
victim assistance training curricula i.e., developed previously by the 
applicant, in the public domain, or which the applicant has permission 
to use;
     To identify military specific topical areas for the 
training agenda (using an Advisory Board of military representatives 
identified by OVC);
     To develop three identical cost-effective training 
conferences (Eastern, Western, and Midwest sections of the United 
States) for approximately three days each for 200 personnel at each 
location;
     To identify potential trainers;
     Conduct training;
     To evaluate the training; and
     To develop conference reports assessing the results of the 
training conferences and making recommendations for future activities 
with military service providers.
    Program strategy: This solicitation invites applications for a 
grantee to provide comprehensive victim assistance training to military 
criminal justice personnel and direct service providers, based on a 
previously developed curriculum.
    The grantee will work with OVC staff and a Project Advisory 
Committee of representatives from the various military services to 
expand the core curriculum to meet the unique needs of military 
communities. Training conferences supported by this grant will address 
the provision of direct services to crime victims, including unique 
aspects of jurisdictional issues, and the development of victim 
assistance programs that include various Federal, state, and local 
resources for crime victims.
    Because the training will employ existing curriculum materials, OVC 
envisions that a major portion of the proposed budget will be allotted 
for conference trainers. Selected trainers should include 
representatives from the military services. A limited portion of the 
budget will be allotted for the reproduction of the training manual/
materials or reproduction of supplemental materials as well as for 
conference logistics, grantee staff time, and travel.
    The applicant should attach copies of the existing victim 
assistance training materials that the applicant proposes to use as the 
core curriculum for the military conferences. The applicant may also 
suggest and describe supplemental materials for the training 
conferences.
    Eligibility requirements: Applications will be accepted from public 
and non-profit organizations which have:
     Experience in the management and development of large 
victim assistance training conferences;
     Knowledge of the issues associated with the criminal 
justice system's handling of crime victims; and
     Organizational experience and financial capability to 
administer this training initiative.
    Selection criteria: In determining which applicant to fund, OVC 
will consider the following:
     Experience in developing and delivering victim assistance 
training. (20 points)
     Project design that constitutes an effective approach to 
meet the goals and objectives of this program. (20 points)
     Clarity and appropriateness of the program implementation 
plan & time-task plan. (20 points)
     Budget: Cost effectiveness of the proposed training--i.e. 
appropriateness of costs in relation to the proposed strategy. (20 
points)
     Qualifications of staff identified to implement the 
program. (20 points)
    Award period: The award will provide support over a 12 month 
period.
    Award amount: OVC will make up to $100,000 available for this 
program initiative.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Sue Shriner, Federal Crime 
Victims Division, OVC, (202) 514-6444.

State Crime Compensation Program Training Initiative

$63,000
    Purpose: The purpose of this training and technical assistance 
project is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of services 
received by state and Federal crime victims from state crime 
compensation programs.
    Background: The training component of this initiative--a national 
compensation conference--will address the on-going need for training 
and technical assistance for State victim compensation programs 
including the need for outreach to victims of Federal crimes. This 
national training conference will focus on enhancing program management 
and evaluation techniques with the goal of improving services to crime 
victims.
    The second component of this initiative will support the 
development of model crime victim compensation program standards to 
better assess program performance and services to crime victims. 
Currently, no such standards exist. The standards that are developed 
through this initiative will assist State compensation programs in 
evaluating and improving their performance against a set of model 
victim compensation program standards.
    Goals:
      To provide for a national training and technical 
assistance conference for staff and administrators of State crime 
compensation programs;
     To convene a National Training Conference for State 
compensation program staff and administrators.
     To encourage the development and implementation of model 
State compensation program standards; and
    Objectives:
     To conduct a needs assessment, or survey, of State 
compensation programs which identifies particular topics for inclusion 
in a national training conference.
     To establish a Project Planning Committee for the 
development of model program standards. Members of the committee shall 
include, but shall not be limited to, compensation program 
administrators and staff; Victim Witness Coordinators; representatives 
from the victim services field, such as rape crisis centers and 
domestic violence shelters; and prosecutor-based victim witness 
programs.
     To develop program performance standards which address the 
following critical elements:
    1. Maintenance of fiscal stability;
    2. Expeditious and efficient claims processing;
    3. Efficient decision-making process; and
    4. Effective outreach and sensitive communication.
     To conduct workshops on the implementation of the program 
standards at regional and national training conferences for State crime 
victim compensation administrators and staff.
     To draft, at the completion of the project, a report which 
delineates the model program standards.
    Program strategy: This solicitation invites applications for the 
development and support of a national training conference, and the 
development of comprehensive program standards.
    In connection with the training conference, the grant funds may be 
used to support the salary of the conference coordinator and a part-
time administrative assistant; development and reproduction of training 
materials including brochures and letters; the use of audio visual/
equipment; a survey of states regarding training needs; costs to use 
training presenters and facilitator which may include state 
compensation administrators, staff, and Federal victim-witness 
coordinators; travel expenses for the project coordinator and assistant 
only; conference administrative costs including the site, telephones, 
rent, postage, photocopying, supplies, etc.
    Prior to the conference, the grantee will survey state compensation 
programs regarding specific training needs; identify and develop a 
training curriculum and conference agenda; select conference presenters 
and a facilitator; and will develop a conference resource handbook and 
evaluation questionnaire.
    Project funds will be allocated for the development of 
comprehensive model program standards. The grantee will establish an 
Advisory Committee consisting of various representatives from the 
victim services field, including at least one person employed in a 
victim assistance agency such as a sexual assault center or domestic 
violence shelter. The Advisory Committee will survey state compensation 
programs on the development of program performance standards. A draft 
of proposed program standards will be distributed to State program 
administrators, the National Organization for Victim Assistance, and 
the National Victim Center for comment. A discussion section will be 
incorporated in the preamble to the final report which will address any 
comments received from the draft. Once developed, these standards can 
be used as an assessment tool, to improve services, expand programs, 
and justify the need for increased resources.
    Eligibility requirements: Applicants will be accepted from any 
State agency and/or public nonprofit agency. However, applicants must 
adequately substantiate the following:
     Understanding of the purpose and operation of state 
compensation programs;
     Understanding of VOCA program requirements for state 
compensation programs;
     Understanding of diversity of state compensation programs 
based on administrative structure and staffing;
     Experience in developing standards;
     Experience in organizing and implementing conferences; and
     Understanding of government cost principles.
    Selection criteria: In determining which applicant to fund, OVC 
will consider the following:
     Letters of commitment from two-thirds of the state 
compensation programs to participate in grant related activities. (30 
points)
     Past experience in organizing national conferences. (25 
points)
     Commitment of resources to support conference. (15 points)
     Knowledge of and experience in addressing needs of state 
compensation programs. (30 points)
    Award period: The award period will provide support over an 24 
month period. Thus, funding for this project will not be available 
until October 1, 1994.
    Award amount: OVC will make a total of $63,000 available for this 
program initiative, as follows: $45,000 for a national state 
compensation program training conference; and $18,000 for developing 
model program standards.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Cheryl Grosso, Acting 
State Compensation and Assistance Director, OVC, (202) 307-5948.

State/Regional Conference Training Initiative

$200,000
    Purpose: The purpose of this program is to provide Federal support 
for state and regional victim assistance training conferences.
    Background: OVC is continuing, on a competitive basis, the mini-
grant conference training initiative that was launched in 1993. Grants 
of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to selected applicants for the 
purpose of conducting statewide training conferences as well as 
launching a multi-state/regional training initiative. A maximum of 
$30,000 will be awarded to selected applicants to support regional 
training conferences.
    This program provides a cost-efficient method for rendering Federal 
support to training events conducted on a state or regional level that 
includes participation by victim advocates and service providers at the 
Federal, state and local levels. OVC will use it as a vehicle for 
disseminating information on model programs, policies and practices, 
many of which have been developed through OVC sponsored training and 
technical assistance projects. States/regions will have access to 
Federal training and technical assistance dollars to address locally 
identified training needs. The initiative is also responsive in that it 
supports existing professional networks of victim assistance providers 
and advocates; at least half of the states have networks and/or 
coalitions that annually convene a training event for professionals who 
assist crime victims. Simultaneously, in state/regions where the 
network or coalition may be unable to convene an annual event, it 
sparks interest and offers resources for other organizations to conduct 
local training events. Training offered locally conserves vital 
resources by limiting the amount of funds and staff time spent on 
travel, and it also offers an important networking value.
    Crime victims often require effective referrals and assistance as 
they move among the various agencies of the criminal justice system and 
allied professions: from filing a complaint with law enforcement to 
undergoing direct examination, as a witness, by a prosecutor; from 
filing an application with the state to obtain compensation to 
addressing subrogation issues subsequent to recovering on a civil 
judgement. These conferences will bring multi-disciplinary 
professionals together representing Federal, state, local and tribal 
agencies and provide training on how each profession might better work 
with the others to address the critical needs of crime victims.
    Goals and objectives:
    (A) To offer cost efficient victim assistance training and 
technical assistance to professionals at regional, Federal, state and 
local levels by:
    1. Financially supporting professional victim assistance networks 
organized for the purpose of offering training at state or regional 
victim assistance conferences;
    2. Making experienced, high quality trainers available locally;
    3. Offering OVC staff expertise on training issues and effective 
trainers, and materials developed through OVC-sponsored national scope 
training and technical assistance projects available to local service 
providers; and
    4. Supporting training that focuses on strengthening practical job 
skills.
    (B) To provide training support that is responsive to locally 
identified needs:
    1. Allowing victim serving agencies to determine the appropriate 
scope, either statewide or regional, for the training event;
    2. Encouraging representatives of local agencies to tailor the 
conference to address what they have assessed as important local needs;
    3. Supporting a conference that selects skilled trainers from the 
local area and from other parts of the country to present important 
topics; and
    4. Providing minimal budget requirements so that local conference 
cost concerns can be accommodated.
    (C) To promote coordination and collaboration among the various 
professions interacting with crime victims by:
    1. Encouraging victim advocates across disciplines to be actively 
involved in planning the conference;
    2. Encouraging the inclusion of training that features multi-
disciplinary approaches to dealing with crime victims;
    3. Stimulating interaction among professionals and volunteers from 
the many different disciplines that deal with crime victims by bringing 
them together as conference participants; and
    4. Promoting training topics that target the unique needs of a 
range of crime victims who are served in Federal, state, local and 
tribal criminal justice systems.
    (D) To promote coordination and collaboration across jurisdictions 
by:
    1. Encouraging victim advocates from Federal, state, local and 
tribal criminal justice systems to plan a training conference that 
addresses the unique needs of victims in each criminal justice system; 
and
    2. Providing information on the needs of victims that participate 
in the Federal criminal justice system so that local service providers 
are able to respond to those needs.
    Program strategy: States and groups of contiguous states are 
invited to apply for funds under this program to support state or 
regional victim assistance training conferences. Conferences are to be 
multi-disciplinary in scope, incorporating training for personnel from 
victim service, criminal justice, medical and mental health agencies 
and other allied professions. Training should include both basic skills 
building workshops and more advanced seminars for experienced service 
providers. Applicants are encouraged to design conferences that include 
a wide range of victim-related topics and address specific, locally 
identified needs. A portion of workshop time must be devoted to Federal 
crime victim issues that are priorities for participating Federal 
agencies (bank robbery, bias-related crimes, white collar crime, crimes 
occurring on Federal enclaves such as military or Indian reservations).
    Grantee agencies are required to identify a conference planning 
committee to carry out the task of planning the conference. The 
committee is to include representatives from the variety of 
professional disciplines that deal with crime victims and from 
different geographic areas of the state or region to be served. It is 
recommended that the committee include representatives from state 
agencies that administer victim assistance and compensation (VOCA) 
programs; state and local criminal justice agencies; when applicable, 
victim assistance coordinators from military and Indian reservations; 
and private non-profit organizations such as state coalitions on sexual 
assault, domestic violence and child abuse, as well as local chapters 
of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Parents of Murdered Children. In 
addition, all selected applicants will be required to involve their 
respective Federal victim-witness coordinators in the planning process.
    OVC has developed a broad menu of training topics on subjects 
considered by the Office to be significant to the field of victim 
services. Many of these topics are related to prior OVC funded training 
and technical assistance projects and Federal Crime victim issues. 
Grantees will be expected to include in their conference agenda a 
number of workshops from the OVC list. At least 30 percent of the fund 
award must be used to cover cost of workshops selected from the OVC 
menu; these funds will cover consultant fees of up to $200 per day and 
travel expenses for trainers, and the cost of training materials and 
audio-visual equipment. The remainder of the grant funds may be used to 
cover other conference-related costs allowable under Federal 
guidelines, such as facility expenses, printing and mailing costs, etc.
OVC does not expect applicant agencies to include in their grant 
applications a detailed conference agenda, listing specific workshop 
topics or proposed presenters. Rather, the conference planning 
committee will be responsible for developing the agenda in 
collaboration with OVC program managers. In preparing proposed budgets 
for the conference, however, it is important to allocate the 
appropriate amount of funds to cover OVC approved workshops.
    For more information about OVC's menu of training topics and to 
discuss cost-related details, all interested applicants are encouraged 
to contact the OVC contact person.
    Eligibility requirements: Eligible applicants include state 
agencies and qualified private organizations with sufficient capability 
to manage a statewide or a regional victim assistance training 
conference. To be eligible for funding, the applicant must also be 
designated, in writing, by the Victim Compensation and Victim 
Assistance (VOCA) Administrators of the applicant state(s) as the 
appropriate organization to sponsor the conference. Letters of 
designation must be included in the application. Agencies responsible 
for administering the State Victim Assistance and State Victim 
Compensation (VOCA) programs are also eligible applicants.
    Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated 
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria. 
In general, all applications received will be reviewed in terms of 
their responsiveness to the minimum program application requirements 
and the program goals and objectives. Applications will be evaluated by 
a peer review panel according to the OVC competition and Peer Review 
Guidelines. The selection criteria and their point values are as 
follows:
     The training needs of the applicant are clearly stated and 
thoughtfully identified. Applications should reflect a responsiveness 
to the specific needs of each state and federal district and the 
constituencies within the state or region, taking into consideration 
types of crime, gaps in services and knowledge, lack of coordination 
among service providers and legislative mandates. (15 points)
     The goals and objectives of the proposed project are 
clearly defined. (15 points)
     The project design is sound and the management structure 
is adequate to the successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 
points) This criterion includes:
    1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of 
the time task plan. (15 points)
    2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement 
the program. (10 points)
     Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level 
sufficient to support the project successfully. (25 points)
     Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable and cost 
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (10 points)
     Funding preference will be given to applications received 
from applicants who have not previously benefitted from grant project 
support. (10 points)
    Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a 
12 month period.
    Award amount: OVC will make awards in amounts up to $10,000 to 
selected applicants for the state grants. Awards in amounts up to 
$30,000 will be made to applicants submitting proposals for regional 
victim assistance training conferences.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published Announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Cheryl Gross, Acting 
Director, State Compensation and Assistance Division at (202) 307-5947.

Training and Technical Assistance for Native American Children's 
Justice Act Grantees

$100,000
    Purpose: The purpose of this program is to provide comprehensive, 
skills-building training and technical assistance to Indian tribes and 
organizations that have received a grant from the Children's Justice 
Act Grant Program for Native Americans (CJA).
    Background: The CJA program is designed to develop model projects 
in Native American communities for the purpose of improving the 
investigation, prosecution and handling of cases of child abuse, 
especially child sexual abuse, in a manner that increases support for 
and reduces trauma to child victims. Due to the uniqueness of each 
tribe and variations in size, location, availability of resources and 
services, legal structures and law enforcement jurisdictions, OVC 
believes training and technical support is critical to allowing these 
programs to achieve their stated goals and objectives.
    Child sexual abuse cases on Indian reservations may be handled a 
myriad of different ways. The cases may be investigated by state 
police, tribal police, BIA criminal investigators, the FBI or others. 
Cases may be prosecuted in Federal, state, tribal, or a combination of 
these courts. Formal protocols may or may not exist between agencies. 
In instances where they exist, they may be fragmented rather than 
incorporate a multi-disciplined approach for handling child sexual 
abuse. OVC seeks to ensure that all tribal programs funded by the CJA 
initiative are provided the training and technical assistance necessary 
to implement the projects successfully.
    This grant will provide the necessary training and/or technical 
assistance for the tribes to develop a multidisciplinary approach to 
investigating, prosecuting, treating and advocating for child sexual 
abuse victims. Training efforts will focus on a multi-disciplinary 
approach that minimizes the trauma suffered by the child victim and 
maximizes the opportunity to provide assistance and services needed to 
support the child's recovery. Coordination of all tribal, Federal and 
state agencies involved in child abuse cases as well as strategies for 
accomplishing systemic change so that the improvements become part of 
an institutionalized tribal response should also be addressed in the 
training and technical assistance.
    Goal:
     To assist CJA grantees to meet the goals of their grants 
and to improve the handling of child victim cases through the provision 
of culturally relevant training and technical assistance services. It 
is anticipated that eight different grantees will require these 
services.
    Objectives: 
     To identify and assess CJA grantees' needs for training 
and technical assistance (OVC anticipates that there will be eight 
active CJA programs in Native American communities that will need 
training and technical assistance);
     To develop a training plan and curriculum for each grantee 
based upon the assessment; the curriculum will be composed of the 
agenda and training materials to be used on site;
     To provide on-site training and technical assistance, 
including telephone technical assistance, to the grantees that enables 
them to successfully implement changes to improve the handling of child 
abuse cases;
     To assist the grantees develop protocols, manuals, 
curriculum and other victim related materials that can be adapted by 
different tribes;
     To identify and collect exemplary program materials such 
as protocols, training agendas, and brochures describing available 
services, tribal codes, etc., and make the materials available to CJA 
grantees as examples of workable implementation materials;
     To design, develop, and disseminate Indian-specific 
resource materials to the grantees, and;
     To work with OVC staff to develop skills-building 
workshops for the OVC/NCCAN training seminar for CJA grantees in 
November of 1994.
    Program strategy: The recipient of this grant will be expected to 
establish communication with each of OVC's current CJA grantees, review 
their grant applications, develop a needs assessment form, and complete 
a needs assessment survey that identifies the grantees' training and 
technical assistance needs. The recipient will then be expected to 
categorize, establish priorities and develop a comprehensive training 
and technical assistance strategy and/or delivery plan. The plan would 
be based upon information collected during the assessment phase of the 
project and should include such information as: The types of technical 
assistance to be provided, the steps necessary to adapt suitable 
resources to the grantee's needs, the location for providing the 
assistance, the consultants that will be used as presenters, 
anticipated attendance at the training, the reason such training/
technical assistance was selected, the cost of such training, the 
method to be used to assess the effectiveness of such training, the 
period during which the training/technical assistance is to be 
provided, and a plan for responding to follow-up training and technical 
assistance requests. Additionally, the grantee will work with OVC staff 
to develop several workshops to be included in the OVC/NCCAN training 
seminar for CJA grantees.
    The training and technical assistance delivery plan is subject to 
review and approval by OVC. Upon OVC's final approval of the plan, the 
recipient will provide a 2-day on-site, individualized training session 
at each tribe or a regional training session for several tribes if 
regional training would accomplish the same objectives.
    OVC recognizes that the requests for training and technical 
assistance may exceed the availability of resources. Therefore, it is 
critical that the recipient develop a delivery plan that maximizes 
available resources. The recipient of this grant can assume that the 
CJA grantees have the necessary funds for travel, lodging and per diem 
expenses for one regional training session, if regional training is 
selected. Project costs will cover up to 16 visits per year to 
reservation sites (2 trips to 8 projects), the development and printing 
of materials needed to implement the training, travel and per diem for 
staff and consultants, and consultant's fees.
    Eligible applicants: Public or private, non-profit agencies or 
organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate 
knowledge of the subject matter and have expertise and experience in 
providing training and technical assistance on multidisciplinary 
responses to child sexual abuse. During the selection process, 
preference will be given to organizations which have staff members who 
are experienced in working with Native American organizations and who 
have expertise in handling child sexual abuse cases and related issues.
    Selection criteria: 
     The goals and objectives of the proposed project are 
clearly defined. (15 points)
     The project design is sound and contains program elements 
directly linked to the achievement of project objectives. This 
criterion includes:
    (1) Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of 
the time task plan. (15 points)
    (2) The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement 
the program. (10 points)
     In-depth knowledge of the multidisciplinary approach to 
child sexual abuse investigation, prosecution, and treatment as well as 
an understanding of the jurisdictional issues involved in law 
enforcement and criminal prosecution of child sexual abuse cases in 
Indian country is demonstrated at a level sufficient to support the 
project successfully. (20 points)
     Experience in organizing and implementing conferences and 
experience in the ability to adapt suitable victims related materials 
and resources to the cultural diversity of Indian tribes is clearly 
delineated. (20 points)
     A detailed budget which demonstrates the cost-
effectiveness of the project including the use of available resources, 
and which indicates the time commitment of the key staff of the 
project. Budgeted costs must be reasonable, allowable and cost 
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (20 points)
    Award period: This recipient will be eligible for funding for 24 
months.
    Award amount: This is planned as a 24 month effort. OVC will make 
$100,000 available for the first 12 months of this program initiative. 
Continuation funding of $100,000 will be available for an additional 12 
months if the grantee demonstrates success in the first 12 month award 
period.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Cathy Sanders, Federal 
Crime Victims Division, (202) 514-6445.

National-Scope Training on Implementation of Victim Services Within 
Community Policing

$250,000
    Purpose: Within the context of community policing, to promote an 
effective response to the needs of crime victims by law enforcement 
officers.
    Background: Law enforcement contact with the victim should not 
cease upon apprehension of an offender, particularly within a community 
policing jurisdiction where officers may very well know the victim and 
will likely come into contact with him or her after case closure. Thus, 
victim services is key to effective community policing. Indeed, victim 
satisfaction with law enforcement's response is a good evaluation 
measure of the success of a community policing approach.
    Both OVC and Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) funding will be 
used to fund the awarded project.
    Goals: 
     OVC will complement on-going and new Office of Justice 
Programs community policing projects through this training and 
technical assistance project.
     This project is designed to institutionalize victim 
services as an essential component of community policing approaches.
    Objectives: 
     Within the context of community policing, to identify 
services necessary for an effective law enforcement response to crime 
victims.
     To present the identified services within the context of a 
community policing protocol, offering agencies implementation guidance.
     To effectively present and disseminate all project 
products through training within at least four community policing 
jurisdictions.
    Project strategy: All project products will be developed under the 
guidance and subject to the approval of a multi-disciplinary project 
steering committee. Membership will be subject to OVC and BJA approval 
and will include a broad representation from law enforcement 
organizations.
    The principal project product is a victim services protocol for 
community policing law enforcement officers. This ``how to'' protocol 
will identify critical victim services as well as alternate strategies 
for addressing the needs of various types of crime victims including 
sexual assault victims, survivors of homicide victims, domestic 
violence victims, etc. Annotations will be developed to guide agency 
implementation and will address agency variances such as considerations 
unique to rural and urban law enforcement agencies. The protocol will 
include, as well, strategies for providing community residents and 
victims with protection from harassment and intimidation, strategies 
for offering long-term support to victimized community members and 
suggested ways for generating trust between victimized residents and 
law enforcement officers. The protocol will be based on the results of 
a literature assessment as well as input from model community policing 
agencies which offer victim services.
    Additional products will be derived from the protocol, including a 
corresponding video-tape which would be suitable for roll call 
presentation, pilot training presentations of the protocol, development 
and presentation(s) of a train-the-trainers' curriculum and development 
of prototype law enforcement information materials for crime victims, 
such as a pocket card identifying local referrals and victim rights. At 
a minimum, the grantee will conduct a pilot training of officers within 
four community policing jurisdictions on protocol elements, and based 
on the results, will refine the protocol and training products, if 
necessary. The protocol will be printed in the form of a ``How To'' 
resource manual for community policing law enforcement agencies. 
Project funding will be used to disseminate broadly all products 
including to new and existing Weed and Seed sites, jurisdictions 
participating in the PACT and Comprehensive Cities projects. The number 
of training curriculum presentations conducted and the number of 
protocol manuals printed and disseminated will be as permitted under 
the budget.
    The selected grantee will also be asked to incorporate substantive 
elements of OVC hate crime and elder abuse training curricula into the 
project products. The selected grantee will also undertake all 
necessary efforts to institutionalize basic protocol elements into 
basic and in-service law enforcement training.
    Upon the conclusion of the project, the grantee will draft a report 
summarizing the project protocol, capable of nationwide distribution in 
the form of an OVC Bulletin. All products will be subject to OVC and 
BJA approval.
    Eligibility requirements: To be eligible for funding, the applicant 
must have a capacity to train, nationwide, and must have experience in 
training law enforcement officers.
    Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated 
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria.
     The problem to be addressed by the project is clearly 
stated. (5 points)
     The goals and objectives of the proposed project are 
clearly defined. (10 points)
     The project design or strategy is sound and contains 
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project 
objectives. (20 points)
     The project management structure is adequate to the 
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This 
criterion includes:
    1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of 
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project 
products. (15 points)
    2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement 
the program. (10 points)
     Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level 
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and 
history with providing law enforcement training, particularly within 
the context of victim services and community policing, will be taken 
into account during the selection process. (25 points)
     Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
    Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a 
24 month period. Thus, funding for this project will not be available 
until October 1, 1994.
    Award amount: OVC will make up to $250,000 available for this 
project.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published Announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Duane Ragan, Special 
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.

Victim Assistance Academy

$125,000
    Purpose: The purpose of this project is to make high quality 
intensive training available to OVC staff and victim service providers 
who are committed to serving crime victims and the victim services 
profession.
    Background: This project will provide victim assistance 
professionals with intensive skills training over a two week period. 
The Academy training presentation will be conducted in Washington, DC 
during the Summer of 1995. OVC anticipates that this project will be an 
initial step toward establishing a regular training event on an annual 
basis. The annualized event may serve as a precursor for the eventual 
establishment of a victim assistance academy or institute in 
Washington, DC.
    Goals:
     Subject to OVC approval, to develop and present a one-
week, 40 hour long intensive, skills training for the victim assistance 
providers.
     To recruit and involve qualified trainers to present the 
training topics.
     To invite and facilitate the attendance of a select group 
of 30 victim assistance advocates, as well as OVC staff, to participate 
in the training academy; grant funds will be used to cover travel and 
per diem costs of participants and trainers.
     To develop and make available all necessary training 
materials, including trainee evaluation survey.
     To develop and broadly disseminate the substance of the 
training.
    Objectives:
     To develop a training topic list, which will serve as a 
rudimentary agenda, as well as specific learning objectives for the OVC 
Director's approval.
     To identify, recommend and upon OVC approval, to retain 
qualified trainers to address the learning objectives.
     Upon OVC approval, to prepare a fair and equitable method 
for soliciting and selecting victim assistance trainees.
     To handle all logistics related to conducting the 
training.
     To produce a video capturing the highlights of the 
training event.
     To evaluate participant satisfaction with the training and 
to present recommendations for similar future events.
    Program strategy: The selected grantee will work closely with OVC 
to establish a training agenda and will take appropriate measures to 
recruit qualified trainers. A fair and equitable process for selecting 
trainees will also be developed and implemented by the selected 
applicant. OVC will approve all selection requirements, selected 
trainee candidates--professionals demonstrating a commitment to making 
a long-term contribution to the victims movement and trainers. Among 
other things, project funds will be used to recruit trainers; cover 
travel and per diem costs of selected trainees as well as materials 
compilation. OVC will work with the selected grantee to locate adequate 
Federal facilities to conduct the training. The project products will 
include a one week training event for victim assistance professionals, 
and OVC staff, and training materials as well as a video tape of 
training highlights and intended for broad dissemination.
    Eligibility requirements: The selected applicant must have 
experience in developing an appropriate victims assistance training 
agenda, the administrative capacity to implement the project, as well 
as a willingness to work in close collaboration with OVC to implement 
this project.
    Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated 
based on the extent to which they meet the specified weighted criteria.
     The goals and objectives of the proposed project are 
clearly defined. (10 points)
     The project design or strategy is sound and contains 
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project 
objectives. (20 points)
     The project management structure is adequate to the 
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This 
criterion includes:
    1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of 
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project 
products (15 points).
    2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement 
the program. (10 points)
     Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level 
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and 
history with providing victim assistance will be taken into account 
during the selection process. (25 points)
     Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (20 points)
    Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a 
18 month period. Thus, funding for this project will not be available 
until October 1, 1994.
    Award amount: OVC will make up to $125,000 available for this 
project.
    Contact: For further information contact Bob Hubbard, OVC at (202) 
307-5950.

Multi-Purpose Educational Curriculum for Young Victims

$175,000
    Purpose: To develop curricula and training materials for victim 
advocates, school personnel and youth groups to (1) teach adolescents 
to outreach and provide peer support for young victims of crime and (2) 
to identify effective ways of resolving interpersonal conflict without 
violence.
    Background: While statistics reveal a reduction in overall rates of 
violent crime during the past few years, victimization among youth has 
skyrocketed. This project will assist victim service providers in 
conducting outreach to youth and in identifying the range of choices 
available when conflict arises. Youth confide in and seek support from 
peers; they look for assistance from friends who care but often do not 
know how best to respond to critical needs that emerge as a result of 
victimization. The absence of coping skills oftentimes results in 
inappropriate responses to violence, such as retaliation, truancy, 
suicide, etc.
    The need for victim assistance and youth service organizations to 
develop approaches to heighten victimization awareness and provide 
guidance regarding effective conflict resolution cannot be underscored. 
This can be accomplished through curricula and training materials that 
allows victims of crime to share the physical and emotional impact of 
their victimization and to channel their desire for retribution in non-
violent ways. This project has multiple benefits: crime victims gain a 
therapeutic benefit in sharing with others who might be spared similar 
suffering; youth learn about the consequences of crime in their lives--
how it affects family and friends and how they might best respond to 
such crises; youth are provided with a forum to explore, possibly, 
their own victimization and to empathize with others who have been 
victimized; they are apprised of local service providers and the types 
of supportive services that they offer; and youth are exposed, as well, 
to the victim assistance profession and may be inspired to volunteer 
with local providers. Once apprised of the personal and often long-term 
injuries sustained by crime victims, and alternative means for 
resolving conflicts, potential offenders may also very well become 
dissuaded from committing crime.
    Goals:
     To develop training curricula and materials for victim 
service providers, youth groups and school personnel on ways to provide 
outreach and assistance to victimized youth.
     To train victim services providers on ways to strengthen 
the support network for victimized youth.
     To train professionals who interact with young people to 
implement conflict-resolution training.
    Objectives:
     The development and/or integration of an existing multi-
purpose curriculum on conflict-resolution and victimization to: (a) 
Instruct youth on appropriate responses to victimization and the 
availability of local resources and referrals, (b) discourage youth 
from victimizing others, and (c) to encourage youth cooperation with 
law enforcement.
     To conduct pilot training presentations and refine project 
products.
     To provide victim assistance providers with technical 
assistance strategies to guide on-going relations with schools and 
youth groups.
     To educate youth on the devastating impact of crime on 
victims, their families, friends and the community.
    Program strategy: This project will produce an assessment and 
consolidation of existing literature on victimization and conflict 
resolution curricula; a stand alone curricula, replete with 
implementation annotations for a variety of settings, capable of 
presentation by victim service providers, educational professionals, 
and youth groups urban and suburban settings; the development of 
training tools to assist in the presentations; pilot presentations of 
the curriculum within a cooperating high-crime school district and, at 
least one youth service organization (e.g., Boys and Girls Clubs of 
America, Scouts, etc.). Youth service professionals, law enforcement 
and juvenile criminal justice professionals will also be involved in 
presentations of the curriculum and in guiding discussion among youth. 
The recipient will widely disseminate project products and will also 
draft a monograph summarizing the essence of project for publication by 
OVC as a bulletin.
    The target audience will consist of junior high and high school 
students as well as youth participating in activities sponsored by 
private youth services agencies (focusing on youth at risk of becoming 
victims of crime).
    A Project Advisory Committee consisting of professionals 
experienced in this subject area and with these audiences will be 
convened to guide the project and approve all products. Appointment of 
Project Advisory Committee members will be subject to OVC approval.
    Eligibility requirements: Qualified recipients must, at a minimum, 
demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the impact of crime and victim 
services, conflict-resolution techniques as well as appropriate 
teaching methods. Applicants should also be able to demonstrate a 
familiarity with previously developed curricula on this subject and an 
expertise in developing curricula for public school settings.
    Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated 
based on the extent to which they address the following weighted 
criteria.
     Statement of the problem to be addressed by the project. 
(5 points)
     The goals and objectives of the proposed project are 
clearly defined. (10 points)
     The project design or strategy is sound and contains 
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project 
objectives. Adequacy of the project management structure and 
feasibility of the time task plan, particularly in relation to 
identified project products. (35 points)
     The project management structure is adequate to the 
successful implementation of the project. The qualifications of staff 
identified to manage and implement the program. (10 points)
     Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level 
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and 
history with providing victim assistance and a background in conflict 
resolution will be taken into account during the selection process. (25 
points)
     Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
    Award period: The award will provide support over an 18 month 
period. Thus, funding for this project will not be available until 
October 1, 1994.
    Award amount: OVC will make up to $175,000 available for this 
project.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published Announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Susan Laurence, Special 
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 307-5950.

Support for Grieving and Bereaved Children

$75,000
    Purpose: The goal of this project to assist victim service 
providers in effectively responding to the needs of children who are 
grieving as a result of violence.
    Background: Victim assistance providers are often called upon to 
support survivors of homicide victims and others who grieve as a result 
of violent crime. Grieving children have special needs that victim 
assistance providers are not always prepared to address. It is critical 
that children receive support and assistance throughout the grieving 
process. This project will help by providing victim assistance 
providers with appropriate guidance and technical assistance, in the 
form of age appropriate videotapes and literature.
    Goals:
     To assist victim assistance providers in effectively 
responding to the special needs of children grieving as a result of 
crime.
    Objectives:
     To produce age appropriate videotapes for presentation by 
victim assistance providers for children trying to effectively cope 
with grief issues.
     To develop a guidebook and two hour training curriculum 
for victim service providers, assisting them in using the project 
products and in guiding discussions about grief and violent crime 
issues.
     To broadly disseminate the products through a mailing, 
presentations of a training curriculum and a monograph reflecting 
brief, substantive guidance for victim assistance professionals.
    Program strategy: Project products will entail the development of a 
``How To'' guidebook and two-hour training curriculum for victim 
service providers as well as a videotape series for use by victim 
service providers (including school counsellors, youth program 
personnel, etc.) when responding to grieving children who have survived 
or witnessed homicide or other violent crimes, such as domestic and 
spousal abuse.
    The guidebook will address topics such as a description of the 
grieving process in children; appropriate death notification for 
children; building effective school and community support services for 
grieving children; sensitive interviewing techniques for child 
witnesses of violence; and appropriate expectations of grieving 
children by teachers and other adult supervisors. The book will offer 
age specific guidance and will assist the user in discussing issues 
after a videotape viewing. Victim service providers will be able to 
make effective use of the guidebook even if they do not have the 
benefit of project training.
    Three short (20 to 25 minute) videotapes will be developed for 4-6, 
7-11, and 12-16 year old children, respectively. Each will help 
``predict and prepare'' child viewer audiences for the range of 
emotions that they may experience as part of the grieving process. All 
tapes will be focussed on grief issues experienced as a result of 
violent crime.
    Finally, the grant recipient will produce a training curriculum 
designed to enable OVC speakers (and other trainers) to impart to 
teachers, school administrators, social workers, victim service 
providers, and others, reliable and practical information on how to 
effectively assist grieving children and how to best use the other 
project products.
    All grant products will be subject to OVC approval and designed to 
respond to the needs of children from diverse cultural and ethnic 
backgrounds.
    Eligibility requirements: Qualified applicants should possess 
expertise in assisting child survivors of homicide and other violent 
crimes.
    Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated 
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria.
     Statement of the problem to be addressed by the project. 
(5 points)
     The goals and objectives of the proposed project are 
clearly defined. (10 points)
     The project design or strategy is sound and contains 
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project 
objectives. (20 points)
     The project management structure is adequate to the 
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This 
criterion includes:
    1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of 
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project 
products (15 points).
    2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement 
the program. (10 points)
     Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level 
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and 
history with providing victim assistance to children will be taken into 
account during the selection process. (25 points)
     Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
    Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a 
12 month period.
    Award amount: OVC will make up to $75,000 available for this 
project.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published Announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Duane Ragan, Special 
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.

Training and Technical Assistance on Media Issues Impacting Crime 
Victims

$50,000
    Purpose: To promote an effective and sensitive media response to 
crime victim concerns and needs.
    Background: Both crime victims and their survivors are at risk of 
secondary victimization through exposure to media questions that 
intrude on the victim's private grief, jarring photographic images of 
injured or slain victims, as well as public disclosure by the media of 
their identities (particularly in sensitive cases, such as sexual 
assaults). The goal of this project is to train victim service 
providers, at the state and local level, on effective strategies for 
encouraging sensitive and dignified media reporting and visual 
depictions involving victims and survivors of homicide, sexual assault, 
and other violent crimes, and ways to minimize victim suffering 
commonly experienced as a result of insensitive press coverage of the 
crime.
    Goal:
     To train victim assistance providers on ways to encourage 
effective and sensitive media coverage and treatment of crime victims.
    Objectives: 
     To develop a resource guide, for use by victim service 
providers, on strategies for sensitizing the media to victim needs, 
concerns and rights.
     To test pilot the substance of the resource guide at a 
presentation on victim issues before members of the media and based 
thereon, to refine the project products.
     To develop a monograph, capable of being re-printed in the 
form of an OVC Bulletin, that provides the reader with a condensed 
version of the substance of the resource guide.
    Program strategy: The project's goal will be achieved through the 
development and, to the extent allowed under the budget, the printing 
of a resource guide for victim service providers. This product will 
include strategies for achieving an effective professional relationship 
with the media--one that serves to protect crime victims and addresses 
their concerns. The guide will also contain a presentation curriculum 
for formally sensitizing members of the media about victim issues. The 
curriculum section of the resource guide will be pilot tested at a 
professional gathering of media professionals and then refined. 
Substantively, the developed product will assist victim service 
providers in educating state and local media professional groups about 
victim issues, i.e, the trauma of victimization; victim privacy; 
confidentiality of victim identities in sexual assault and abuse cases; 
and approaches to investigating and reporting news stories that 
minimize the risk of additional trauma to crime victims. Finally, the 
substance of the resource guide will also be redrafted in a condensed 
version--a monograph capable of being reprinted as an OVC Bulletin.
    Eligibility requirements: Qualified applicants possess expertise in 
victim issues, as well as contacts within the print and broadcast 
media.
    Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated 
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria.
     Statement of the problem to be addressed by the project. 
(5 points)
     The goals and objectives of the proposed project are 
clearly defined. (10 points)
     The project design or strategy is sound and contains 
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project 
objectives. (20 points)
     The project management structure is adequate to the 
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This 
criterion includes:
    1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of 
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project 
products (15 points).
    2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement 
the program. (10 points)
     Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level 
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and 
history in providing victim assistance and in establishing effective 
relations with the media will be taken into account during the 
selection process. (25 points)
     Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
    Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a 
12 month period.
    Award amount: OVC will make up to $50,000 available for this 
project.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Melanie Smith, Special 
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.

Training Mental Health Providers to Assist Crime Victims

$60,000
    Purpose: To promote an effective response to crime victim needs by 
mental health professionals and to bridge a professional gap between 
mental health professionals and victim service providers.
    Background: Victims of crime often seek out support and counselling 
from mental health professionals in the aftermath of crime. Emotional 
and psychological trauma suffered as a result of crime is unique. 
Mental health professionals are not always trained to provide an 
effective response. Thus, this project is intended to enhance treatment 
by making such professionals aware of crime victimization issues.
    This training and technical assistance project is also intended to 
bridge a gap between the victim assistance and mental health 
counselling professions. There is an overlap between the two 
professions in that counselling is offered to crime victims by members 
of both. This project will identify the goals of each profession and 
will suggest strategies, to be implemented at the state and local 
level, for enhancing the professional relationship between mental 
health professionals and victim service providers.
    Goal:
     To enhance the provision of appropriate mental health 
services to crime victims and to facilitate effective referrals by 
victim assistance providers to mental health practitioners.
    Objectives:
     To develop a training manual and training curriculum for 
mental health service providers and victim service providers on mental 
health issues uniquely experienced by crime victims.
     To develop strategies on creating an effective 
relationship among both the victim assistance and mental health 
profession--one that serves crime victims well.
     To present the developed curriculum at a professional 
gathering of mental health professionals, i.e. a conference workshop 
conducted by the American Psychological Association.
     Within the context of service crime victims' needs, to 
make mental health professionals and victim assistance providers 
familiar with each other's professional objectives.
     To assist victim assistance professionals in identifying 
specific behaviors or circumstances that might merit victim referral to 
a mental health practitioner.
     To develop a monograph, capable of being re-printed in the 
form of an OVC Bulletin, that provides the reader with a condensed 
version of the substance of the manual.
    Program strategy: The grant recipient will convene a one or two-day 
working group of mental health and victim assistance professionals to 
outline the content of the grant products. The developed training 
manual will cover basic topics such as the trauma of victimization; 
identifying and assessing signs of crisis and post-traumatic stress 
disorder that arise from crime victimization; and developing treatment 
plans for specific kinds of victimization, (e.g., domestic violence, 
sexual assault, sexual abuse, homicide survivors, etc.). It will also 
identify both written and institutional sources of more in-depth, 
current information for practitioners treating crime victims. The 
companion, training curriculum will serve as a training guide for 
participants in OVC's Trainers Bureau, as well as other instructors, 
who wish to provide training on crime victims' mental health needs. The 
grant recipient will present the training products at one or a series 
of conferences involving members of national psychological 
organizations, as well as victim service providers. To the extent 
allowed under the budget, copies of the project manual will be printed. 
Finally, a condensed version of the manual, capable of being 
distributed in the form of an OVC Bulletin, will be drafted.
    Victims of Federal as well as state and local crime will be 
assisted through the project products.
    Eligibility requirements: Qualified applicants must possess 
expertise in mental health treatment for victims in a clinical setting 
and must demonstrate a commitment to present the developed curriculum 
and materials at a national conference attended by mental health 
practitioners. Review criteria will include the applicant's plan to 
select and consolidate existing, relevant information on victims' 
mental health issues into a concise and practical training manual; and 
its proposed plan to present the training products to as wide a 
national audience as possible.
    Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated 
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria.
     Statement of the problem to be addressed by the project. 
(5 points)
     The goals and objectives of the proposed project are 
clearly defined. (10 points)
     The project design or strategy is sound and contains 
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project 
objectives. (20 points)
     The project management structure is adequate to the 
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This 
criterion includes:
    1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of 
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project 
products. (15 points)
    2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement 
the program. (10 points)
     Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level 
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and 
history in providing victim assistance and contacts with mental health 
organizations capable of disseminating project products throughout the 
country. (25 points)
     Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
    Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a 
12 month period.
    Award amount: OVC will make up to $60,000 available for this 
project.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published Announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Duane Ragan, Special 
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.

Field-Initiated, Topic-Specific Training and Technical Assistance

$100,000
    Purpose: The purpose of this program is to provide funding support 
for up to two projects at $50,000 each that will improve the quality of 
services to crime victims. The awarded funding will be used to support 
the development of training materials and the provision of training on 
a variety of specific topics relating to crime victims and of concern 
to victim service providers, law enforcement, mental health 
practitioners, the clergy, and others who play a critical role in 
responding to victims.
    Background: Violent crime and the knowledge that any person, 
without provocation or warning can become a victim of crime, has 
increased the need for competent personnel to assist crime victims in 
the aftermath of a crime. A fundamental component to providing high-
quality services to crime victims is trained, competent direct service 
providers.
    To expand the cadre of skilled professionals and volunteers 
providing high quality services, each year OVC funds training for 
direct service providers. With this program, OVC is again soliciting 
proposals for developing and conducting training and technical 
assistance. However, the focus of this program is the provision of 
training on specific topics relating to crime victims. OVC expects that 
such a training format will serve as an opportunity to address timely, 
relevant issues relating to crime victims and appropriate for 
concentrated examination, discussion, and instruction. Examples of 
specific topics may include, but are not limited to, how to provide 
effective services for survivors of homicide victims, victims of gang 
violence, elderly abuse victims, adults molested as children, drunk 
driving crash victims, spouse abuse, child abuse, etc. Previous years 
topic-specific solicitations have yielded grant awards for training and 
technical assistance in the areas of drug-related crimes, bias crimes, 
and elder abuse.
    There are many new and innovative approaches to assisting victims 
in the aftermath of a crime. OVC is soliciting applications which will 
improve the quality of victim services. Targeted personnel to be 
trained include, but are not limited to, victim service providers, 
mental health practitioners, judges, prosecutors, clergy, law 
enforcement, etc. Since the amount of money available for such training 
is limited and the on-going need for training is extensive, preference 
will be given to proposals which utilize or build upon existing 
training curriculums focused on the specific topic or audience.
    Goal:
     To develop and offer topic-specific training to direct 
victims service providers, mental health practitioners, judges, 
prosecutors, clergy and others so that services to victims of crime 
will be improved.
    Objectives:
     To assess existing research and training programs on the 
topic.
     To develop a training curriculum.
     To develop a training and technical assistance package for 
presentation.
     To provide training and technical assistance.
    Program strategy: Specific products will be produced at each stage 
of each funded project.

Stage I--Assessment

    As part of the assessment, the selected applicant's first quarterly 
report will describe efforts to ensure that the topical materials to be 
presented are up-to-date, comprehensive, and adequate in scope.

Stage II--Curriculum Development

    As a result of work undertaken during the training curriculum 
development stage, a training curriculum will be developed based on 
material collected and reviewed during stage one.

Stage III--Development of Training and Technical Assistance Package

    The training and technical assistance package for presentation will 
include, at a minimum:
     Identification of training and technical assistance 
personnel.
     The development of a training agenda.
     The development of a draft and final training manual. 
Comprehensive training manuals that detail the project's design and 
operation must be developed to encourage and facilitate replication of 
the training event.
     The development of a report summarizing the project, 
capable of nationwide distribution in the form of an OVC Bulletin.

Stage IV--Provision of Training and Technical Assistance

    Finally, during the training and technical assistance provision 
stage, the applicant will be expected to explain the methods and 
approaches to be employed to implement this stage. Products to be 
completed will include, at a minimum:
     A training event(s);
     An evaluation of the training; and
     A final report.
    Eligibility requirements: Applications are invited from public and 
private agencies and organizations having an in depth knowledge and 
expertise in the subject of their application. Applicants must 
demonstrate that they have ample expertise and/or prior experience in 
the design and conduct of a project of a nature similar to that for 
which they are applying.
    Selection criteria: In determining which applications to fund, OVC 
will consider the following:
    A. The topic to be addressed by the project is clearly stated. 
Applicants should include a background section demonstrating a clear 
understanding of the state-of-the-art regarding the topic and a 
statement justifying the need of victim service providers and other 
professionals for the proposed training. (15 points)
    B. Goals and objectives of the proposed project are clearly 
defined. (10 points)
    C. The project design is sound and contains program elements 
directly linked to the achievement of project objectives. (20 points)
    D. The project management structure is adequate to the successful 
conduct of the project. This criterion includes: adequacy and 
appropriateness of the project management structure and the feasibility 
of the time task-plan; and, the qualifications of staff identified to 
manage the project, and develop and deliver training in the proposed 
topical area to be addressed by the grant project, including the 
clarity and appropriateness of position descriptions, required 
qualifications and selection criteria relative to the specific 
functions set out in the implementation plan. (20 points)
    E. Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level sufficient 
to successfully support the project. This criterion includes the extent 
and quality of organizational experience in the development, delivery, 
and coordination of programs of a similar nature. (15 points)
    F. Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable and cost-effective for 
the activities to be undertaken. This criterion includes completeness 
and appropriateness of the proposed costs in relation to the proposed 
strategy and tasks to be accomplished. The use of materials already 
proven to be effective and their contribution to cost containment will 
be considered. (20 points)
    Award period: The award period will provide support over a 12 month 
period.
    Amount of award: OVC will make up to $100,000 available for this 
program effort. Grants up to $50,000 each will be awarded for 
individual projects.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Jo Morrow, Special 
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.

IV. Solicitations for FY 1995

Children's Justice Act Discretionary Grant Program for Native Americans

$698,771
    The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) authorizes the award of grants for 
the purpose of assisting Indian tribes in developing, establishing, and 
operating programs designed to improve the handling, investigation, and 
prosecution of child abuse cases, particularly child sexual abuse cases 
(42 U.S.C. 10601 (g)(1)). This funding will support the continuation of 
successful projects awarded under the CJA program in FY 1994. Only the 
current, active CJA grantees need apply. These funds will be awarded 
early in FY 1995. Current grantees may contact Cathy Sanders, Federal 
Crime Victims Division, (202) 514-6445.

Investigation and Handling of Child Sexual Abuse Cases

$30,000
    The goal of this project is to provide support for specialized 
training for Federal criminal justice professionals at the National 
Symposium on Child Sexual Abuse. The grant will be awarded in early FY 
1995 and the training will be offered in the Spring of 1995 at the 
Eleventh National Symposium. A Federal Training Day preceding the 
symposium and a separate Federal training curriculum to address issues 
uniquely experienced by Federal criminal justice professionals will be 
supported with this funding (42 U.S.C. 10603(c)(1)(B)). Funds will 
cover registration fees for the Federal criminal justice personnel 
selected to attend the training symposium. Teams of Federal 
prosecutors, DOJ Victim-Witness Coordinators, criminal investigators, 
and other members of Federal District multidisciplinary teams will 
attend. The training will promote a comprehensive multi-disciplinary 
approach among these professionals.
    This program will be implemented by the National Children's 
Advocacy Center of Huntsville, Alabama, the sponsor of the National 
Symposium on Child Sexual Abuse. No other applications will be 
solicited in FY 94.

Twelve Years Later Symposium

$20,000
    OVC will use $20,000 in training and technical assistance dollars 
to host a symposium to present findings and offer technical assistance 
to victim service providers on the implementation of the 68 
recommendations found in the President's Task Force on Victims of 
Crime. OVC plans to contract for the services of experts in the field 
to author articles assessing the implementation of victims rights and 
services and forwarding recommendations to further improve the plight 
of crime victims. Potential article authors include medical 
professionals, judges, psychologists, law enforcement officers, and 
other representatives from the many professions who interface with 
victims of crime. The consultant/authors' article would reflect their 
perceptions based on extensive expertise in the victims' field. OVC 
will review their work and arrange for a formal release of the 
publication via a symposium hosted by the Attorney General. This 
project would serve to stimulate the effective provision of victim 
services throughout the country. This project will be managed in-house, 
therefore, no applications are being solicited.
    For further information regarding participation as either an author 
of an article for the report or attendance at the symposium, please 
contact: Melanie Smith, Special Projects Division, (202) 514-6444.

Resources for National Crime Victims' Rights Week 1995

$20,000
    Purpose: The purpose of this project is to draw national attention 
to National Crime Victims Rights Week, 1995, through the development 
and dissemination of materials in the form of a kit and in the 
development of appropriate public relations strategies.
    Background: Compared to prior years, OVC is allocating additional 
OVC resources for the purpose of assisting in the publication of a 
National Crime Victims Rights Week kit. OVC hopes that funding and a 
competitive award process will generate innovative ideas for 
commemorating this important annual event. National Crime Victims 
Rights Week heightens public awareness on the plight of innocent 
victims of crime. We hope that the kit produced under this project will 
effectively assist victim service providers in igniting public advocacy 
efforts for victim rights. The product will be subject to OVC approval 
and will be distributed to at least 5,000 organizations, including OVC 
victim assistance subgrantees, state victim compensation programs and 
others throughout the United States.
    Goal:
     This project is proposed to solicit creative, innovative 
ideas for commemorating National Crime Victims' Rights Week, 1995 and 
heightening public awareness of victim issues nationwide.
    Objectives:
     To address the goal of this project through the 
development and dissemination of a Crime Victims Rights Week kit.
     To disseminate the project product nationwide and in a 
timely manner.
    Program strategy: Though appropriations will be solicited and 
received in 1994, an award will not be made until early Fiscal Year 
1995. Project applications should include ideas for effectively and 
creatively conducting outreach to the public in all areas of the 
country. Project applications may also include strategies for obtaining 
public service announcement scripts; suggestions for observance of the 
Week at the state, local and Federal levels; detailed suggested 
logistics for carrying out an observance on a community-wide basis; 
ideas on the development of a commemorative poster; implementation of a 
product distribution plan, etc. Drafts will be accepted in a form of 
the applicant's choosing: a concept paper; an annotated table of 
contents; outline for the resource book; art work or sketches to be 
included in the guidebook, and/or cover design; or a rough draft of the 
contents to show writing ability, style and format.
    Eligibility requirements: Knowledge of victim issues and previous 
work in generating public awareness with respect to National Crime 
Victims Rights Week.
    Selection criteria: All applicants will be evaluated and rated 
based on the extent to which they meet the following weighted criteria. 
In general, all applications received will be reviewed in terms of 
their responsiveness to the minimum program application requirements as 
well as the stated program goals and objectives. Applications will be 
evaluated by a peer review panel according to the OVC Competition and 
Peer Review Guidance. The selection criteria and their point values are 
as follows:
     Statement of the problem to be addressed by the project. 
(5 points)
     The goals and objectives of the proposed project are 
clearly defined. (10 points)
     The project design or strategy is sound and contains 
program elements directly linked to the achievement of project 
objectives. (20 points)
     The project management structure is adequate to the 
successful implementation of the project. (Total 25 points). This 
criterion includes:
    1. Adequacy of the project management structure and feasibility of 
the time task plan, particularly in relation to identified project 
products (15 points).
    2. The qualifications of staff identified to manage and implement 
the program. (10 points)
     Organizational capability is demonstrated at a level 
sufficient to support the project successfully. Previous experience and 
history in providing victim assistance and in commemorating National 
Crime Victims Rights week through the publication of materials will be 
taken into account during the selection process. (25 points)
     Budgeted costs are reasonable, allowable, and cost-
effective for the activities to be undertaken. (15 points)
    Award period: The award will provide support over no longer than a 
12 month period.
    Award amount: OVC will make up to $20,000 available for this 
project.
    Due date: Applications must be received no later than 60 days from 
the date of this published Announcement.
    Contact: For further information contact Jo Morrow, Special 
Projects Division, OVC at (202) 514-6444.

Solicitation of Concept Papers for FY 1995

    OVC is soliciting concept papers (5-10 pages) for innovative 
training and technical assistance programs that may be considered for 
funding in FY 1995. The purpose of this effort is to identify 
innovative ideas to improve the response to the nation's crime victims 
through the provision of training and technical assistance. Often, 
successful victim assistance approaches are fashioned to address a 
unique need in a particular community. OVC is seeking input from the 
victim assistance field by soliciting innovative ideas that describe 
new ways of meeting the needs of crime victims.
    Concept papers may focus on the needs of a specific group of crime 
victims, such as victims of workplace violence, may focus on improving 
the quality of services, or may focus on a new concept or design for 
providing services (e.g., child advocacy centers). Such concept papers 
will permit OVC to identify program areas of primary interest to the 
field, to determine program funding priorities, to identify emerging 
issues, and to explore innovative ideas that address crime victims 
needs.
    Concept papers will be reviewed as part of OVC's FY 1995 program 
planning process. The papers should support the development of training 
materials and the delivery of training on specific topics relating to 
crime victims. Topics discussed in the concept papers also should 
address the needs of victim service providers, law enforcement, mental 
health practitioners, the clergy, or others who play a critical role in 
responding to victims of crime.
    A brief program narrative should be included to describe the need 
for any project described in a concept paper, the process by which the 
project would be undertaken, the method of determining the effects and 
quality of the project, and the possible products arising from the 
project.
    The submission of a concept paper does not in any way constitute a 
commitment by OVC to award a grant to support any program proposed in 
the concept paper.
    Concept papers should be submitted to David Osborne, OVC, (202) 
307-5947 for consideration. The concept papers will be reviewed in 
conjunction with Administration priorities, OVC legislative mandates, 
and staff input during the development of OVC's FY 1995 discretionary 
program planning priorities. Invitations to submit applications for 
funding on a competitive basis will be announced in OVC's FY 1995 
program plan. A specific invitation by OVC to submit a grant 
application as a result of the concept paper review process will not in 
any way constitute a commitment by OVC to award a grant to support that 
proposed project.

IV. Eligibility Requirement

    In addition to special eligibility requirements listed within the 
individual program descriptions above, the following will apply. 
Applications are invited from public and private agencies and 
organizations. Applications will be accepted from for-profit agencies 
as long as they agree to waive any profit and accept only actual 
allowable costs. Applicants must demonstrate that they have ample 
expertise and/or prior experience in the design and conduct of projects 
of a nature similar to that for which they are applying.
    Applicants must also demonstrate that they have the management 
capability, fiscal integrity, and financial responsibility, including 
but not limited to an acceptable accounting system and internal 
controls, and compliance with grant fiscal requirements. Applicants who 
fail to demonstrate that they have the capability to manage the program 
will be ineligible for funding consideration.

V. Application Requirements

    All applicants must submit a completed Application for Federal 
Assistance (Standard Form 424), including a program narrative. All 
applications must include the information outlined in this section of 
the solicitation (Section V, Application Requirements) in Part IV, 
Program Narrative of the application (SF-424). The program narrative of 
the application should not exceed 35 double-spaced pages in length.
    In accordance with Executive Order No. 12549, 28 CFR 67.510, 
applications must also provide Certifications Regarding Lobbying, 
Debarment, Suspension, and other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free 
Workplace Requirements (OJP Form 4061/6), which will be supplied with 
the application package, and must be submitted with the application.
    Applications that include non-competitive contracts for the 
provision of specific services must include a sole source justification 
for any procurement in excess of $25,000.
    The following information must be included in the application (SF-
424) Part IV Program Narrative:
    A. Organizational Capability. Applicants must demonstrate that they 
are eligible to compete for this grant on the basis of the eligibility 
criteria established in Section IV of this solicitation. Applicants 
must concisely describe their organizational experience with respect to 
the eligibility criteria specified in each program description listed 
above. Applicants must demonstrate how their organizational experience 
and capabilities will enable them to achieve the goals and objectives 
of this initiative. Applicants are invited to append examples of prior 
work products of a similar nature to their application.
    Applicants must demonstrate that their organization has or can 
establish fiscal controls and accounting procedures which assure that 
Federal funds available under this agreement are disbursed and 
accounted for properly. Applicants who have not previously received 
Federal funds will be asked to submit a copy of the Office of Justice 
Programs Accounting System and Financial Capability Questionnaire (OJP 
Form 7120/1). Copies of the form will be provided in the application 
kit and must be prepared and submitted along with the application. 
Other applicants may be requested to submit this form. The CPA 
certification (Section H) is required only of those applicants who have 
not previously received Federal funding.
    B. Program Goals and Objectives. A brief statement of the 
applicant's understanding of the goals and objectives of the program 
should be included. The application should also include a problem 
statement and a discussion of the potential contribution of this 
program to the field.
    C. Program Strategy. Applicants should describe the proposed 
approach for achieving the goals and objectives of each program. A 
detailed discussion of how the activities and products of each program 
would be accomplished should be included.
    D. Program Implementation Plan. Applicants should prepare a plan 
that outlines the major activities involved in implementing the 
program, describe how they will allocate available resources to 
implement the project, and also describe how the program will be 
managed.
    The plan must also include an organizational chart depicting the 
roles and describing the responsibilities of key organizational and 
functional components and a list of key personnel responsible for 
managing and implementing the major stages of the project. Applicants 
must present detailed position descriptions, qualifications, and 
selection criteria for each position. This documentation and individual 
resumes may be submitted as appendices to the applications.
    E. Time-Task Plan. Applicants must develop a time-task plan for the 
duration of the project periods, clearly identifying major milestones 
and products. This must include designation of organizational 
responsibility and a schedule for the completion of the activities and 
products. Applicants should also indicate the anticipated cost schedule 
per month for the entire project period.
    F. Products. Applicants must concisely describe the interim and 
final products of each stage of the program.
    G. Program Budget. Budgets must be accompanied by a detailed 
justification for all costs, including the basis for computation of 
these costs. Applications containing contract(s) must include detailed 
budgets for each organization's expenses.
    H. Evaluation. Each grant recipient will be required to submit 
formal findings from an assessment or evaluation, within 60 days of the 
completion of each year's activities and within 90 days of project 
completion. Each application must provide a plan for assessing or 
evaluating the project.

VI. Procedures for Selection

    All applications will be evaluated and rated based on the extent to 
which they meet the established weighed criteria. In general, all 
applications received will be reviewed in terms of their responsiveness 
to the minimum program application requirements set forth in Section 
IV. Applications will be evaluated by a peer review panel according to 
the OVC Competition and Peer Review Guidance.
    Applications submitted in response to the competitive announcements 
will be evaluated by a peer review panel. The results of the peer 
review will be a relative aggregate ranking of applications in the form 
of ``Summary of Ratings.'' These will ordinarily be based on numerical 
values assigned by individual peer reviewers. Peer review 
recommendations, in conjunction with the results of internal review and 
any necessary supplementary reviews, will assist OVC in considering 
competing applications and in selection of the application for funding. 
The final award decision will be made by the OVC Director.

VII. Submission Requirements

    All applicants responding to this solicitation are subject to the 
following requirements:
    1. Upon request to OVC, the necessary forms for application will be 
provided, along with Department of Justice certification information.
    2. Applicants must submit the original signal application (Standard 
Form 424) and two copies to OVC. Applicants should also include 
Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment; Suspension and other 
Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Form 
4061/6), in order to meet the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace 
Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-690, title V, subtitle D) and the Disclosure 
of Lobbying Activities Form (SF LLL) in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 1352.
    3. All applications must be received by mail or hand delivered to 
OVC by 5 p.m. E.S.T. by the established deadline. Those applications 
sent by mail should be addressed to: Office for Victims of Crime, U.S. 
Department of Justice, 633 Indiana Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20531. 
Hand delivered applications must be taken to OVC, 633 Indiana Avenue, 
NW., room 1352, Washington, DC between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
except Saturdays, Sundays or Federal holidays.
    OVC will notify applicants in writing of the receipt of their 
application. Subsequently, applicants will be notified by letters as to 
the decision made regarding whether or not their submission will be 
recommended for funding. Applications will be reviewed as Peer Review 
Panels can be convened. Every effort will be made to review 
applications in a timely manner.

VIII. Civil Rights Compliance

    A. All recipients of OVC assistance, including and contractors, 
must comply with the non-discrimination requirements of the Victims of 
Crime Act of 1984, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 10604 (e); title VI of the 
Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 2000d, et seq.; section 
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; subtitle A, title II 
of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA of 1990), 42 U.S.C. 12101, 
et seq.; title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, 20 
U.S.C. 1681-1683; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 
U.S.C. 6101, et seq.; Department of Justice non-Discrimination 
Regulations, 28 CFR part 42, subparts C, D, E, and G; and Department of 
Justice regulations on disability discrimination, 28 CFR part 35 and 
part 39.
    B. In the event a Federal or State court or Federal or State 
administrative agency makes a finding of discrimination after a due 
process hearing on the grounds of race, color, religion, national 
origin, sex, or disability against a recipient of funds, the recipient 
will forward a copy of the finding to the Office for Civil Rights, 
Office of Justice Programs.
Carolyn A. Hightower,
Acting Director, Office for Victims of Crime.
[FR Doc. 94-8298 Filed 4-7-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-18-P