[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 93 (Friday, May 12, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 30621-30622]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-11898]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

National Institute of Corrections


Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement--``Transition From 
Prison to the Community''

AGENCY: National Institute of Correction--Department of Justice.

ACTION: Solicitation for a cooperative agreement

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SUMMARY: The Department of Justice (DOJ), National Institute of 
Corrections (NIC) announces the availability of funds in FY 2000 for a 
cooperative agreement to initiate the project ``Transition from Prison 
to the Community.'' NIC will make a multi-year award based on funding 
being available in the subsequent years to develop a coordinated 
approach to effectively transition offenders from prison to the 
community.
    A cooperative agreement is a form of assistance relationship where 
NIC is substantially involved during the performance of the award. An 
award is made to an organization who will, in concert with NIC, 
identify the method and approach in developing a transition program.

Background

    Return to prison is the sanction of choice by releasing authorities 
for offenders who violate the conditions of their release. It is 
estimated that approximately 35 to 40% of new admissions to state 
correctional facilities are the results of violations while under 
parole supervision. Many violations are generally technical in nature 
and a significant number are attributable to incomplete and/or 
inadequate release planning, imposition of unrealistic rules and 
ineffective case management. It is believed that through a systematic 
approach to planning, the transition from prison to the community can 
be managed more effectively, resulting in a greater opportunity for 
successful community reintegration as measured by a reduction in the 
reincarceration of released offenders under community supervision.
    It is essential to coordinate the activities of the three (3) 
principal entities involved in the custody, release and supervision of 
offenders. Those key organizations are the state correctional 
institutions, the states releasing authority and the community 
supervision agency. The proper identification of the released 
population participating in the transition process, must be established 
through clear articulated criteria. The use of a dynamic assessment 
tool(s) to assist in identifying the risks and needs of the targeted 
offender population will be required. The instrument should assist in 
the development of institutional programs, pre-release plans and 
community supervisions strategies, in-order to address the specific 
risk(s) and need(s) of the individual offender.

Purpose

    The purpose of this initiative is to establish through 
organizational policy and procedure a model approach for the 
transitioning of offenders from prison to the community. The model will 
bring together the prison administration, the releasing authority for 
the jurisdiction and the community supervision component for joint 
development of policies and procedures affecting the custody, release 
and supervision of offenders targeted for the transition initiative. 
The model should include an assessment tool(s) that is dynamic in 
nature to address programming and supervision requirements.
Objectives:
     To utilize the research and relevant literature regarding 
best practices in effective intervention and what works.
     To utilize an assessment tool that is dynamic in nature.
     To formalize a model of operating policies, across 
multiple agencies, for the transition process.
     To increase the effectiveness and efficiency for each 
organization involved in the transition process.
     To develop a monograph upon completion of the project, 
providing an overview of the process.

Application Requirement

     Applicants must prepare a proposal that describes their plan to 
meet the projects objectives which should include a schedule 
identifying benchmarks of significant tasks in chart form. Applicants 
must identify their key project staff and the relevant expertise of 
each.
    The proposal should address the following areas:
     Targeting population for release
     Assessment tools
     Relapse prevention and intervention strategies
     Range of alternative sanctions
     Individual intervention plans
     Case management method
     Community aftercare

    Authority: Public Law 93-415

Funds Available

    The award will be limited to a maximum of $250,000 (direct and 
indirect costs). Funds may only be used for the activities that are 
linked to the desired outcome of the project. No funds are transferred 
to state or local governments. This project will be a collaborative 
venture with the NIC Community Corrections Division.
    Deadline For Receipt of Applications: Applicant must be received by 
4 P.M. Eastern Time on June 30, 2000.

ADDRESSES AND FURTHER INFORMATION:  Request for the application kit 
should be directed to Judy Evens, Cooperative Agreement Control Office, 
National Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street, NW, Room 5007, 
Washington, D.C. 20534 or by calling (800) 995-6423, extension 159 or 
(202) 307-3106, extension 159. She can also be contacted by E-mail via 
bop.gov">jevens@bop.gov. All technical and or programmatic questions concerning 
this announcement should be directed to Cranston J. Mitchell at the 
above address or by calling (800) 995-6423, extension 153 or (202) 307-
3106, extension 153, or by E-mail via cjmitchell&bop.gov. Applicant 
forms may be also be obtained through the NIC web site: http://www.nicic.org (click on `` What's New''and ``Cooperative Agreements'').
    Mailed and express delivery applications should be sent to: 
National Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street, NW, Room 5007, 
Washington, D.C. 20534. Hand delivery should be marked 500 First Street 
NW. The front desk will cal Bobbi Tinsley(307-3106 and press 0) to come 
to the desk for pickup.
    Eligible Applicants: An eligible applicant is any State or general 
unit of local government, public or private agency, educational 
institution, organization, team or individual with the required skills 
to successfully meet the outcome objectives of the project.
    Review Considerations: Applications received under this 
announcement will be subjected to an NIC three to five member Peer 
Review Process.
    Number of Awards: One (1)
    NIC Application Number: 00C06. This number should appear as a 
reference line in the cover letter and also in box 11 of Standard Form 
424.

Executive Order 12372

     This program is subject to the provisions of Executive Order 
12372. Executive Order 12372 allows States the option of setting up a 
system for reviewing applications from within their States for 
assistance under certain

[[Page 30622]]

Federal programs. Applicants (other than Federally-recognized Indian 
tribal governments) should contact their State Single Point of Contact 
(SPOC), a list of which is included in the application Kit, along with 
further instructions on proposed projects serving more than one State.
    The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number is: 16.603

    Dated: May 5, 2000.
Morris L. Thigpen,
Director, National Institute of Corrections.
[FR Doc. 00-11898 Filed 5-11-00; 8:45 am]
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