[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 132 (Tuesday, July 10, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40634-40636]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16786]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

National Institute of Corrections


Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement: Pretrial Technical 
Assistance for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Local Criminal Justice 
Systems

AGENCY: National Institute of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice.

ACTION: Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement.

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SUMMARY: The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Community Services 
Division is soliciting proposals from organizations, groups, or 
individuals to enter into a cooperative agreement with NIC for up to 12 
months beginning in September 2012. Work under this cooperative 
agreement is part of a larger NIC initiative, Evidence-Based Decision 
Making (EBDM) in Local Criminal Justice Systems. Work under this 
cooperative agreement will be coordinated with recipients of other 
cooperative agreements providing services under Phase III of this 
initiative.
    Specifically, under this cooperative agreement, the awardee will 
provide technical assistance to seven Phase III sites that have already 
been identified. During Phase II of the EBDM planning, each of seven 
sites identified change strategies based on their individual system 
planning activities. These change strategies are critical to meeting 
their system's harm reduction goals.
    The technical assistance from this award will be targeted toward 
expanding the knowledge and use of legal and evidence-based pretrial 
risk assessment and release practices among criminal justice 
stakeholders.

DATES: Applications must be received by 4 p.m. (E.D.T.) on Friday, July 
20, 2012.

ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be sent to: Director, National 
Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street NW., Room 5002, Washington, 
DC 20534. Applicants are encouraged to use Federal Express, UPS, or 
similar service to ensure delivery by the due date.
    Hand delivered applications should be brought to 500 First Street 
NW., Washington, DC 20534. At the front desk, dial 7-3106, extension 0 
for pickup.
    Faxed applications will not be accepted. Electronic applications 
can be submitted via http://www.grants.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A copy of this announcement can be 
downloaded from the NIC Web site at www.nicic.gov/cooperativeagreements.
    All technical or programmatic questions concerning this 
announcement should be directed to Lori Eville, Correctional Program 
Specialist, National Institute of Corrections, at [email protected]. In 
addition to direct reply, all questions and answers will be posted on 
the NIC Web site at www.nicic.gov for public review (the names of those 
submitting questions will not be posted). The Web site will be updated 
regularly and postings will remain on the Web site until the closing 
date of this cooperative agreement solicitation. Only questions 
received by 12 p.m. (E.D.T.) on July 15, 2012 will be posted on the NIC 
Web site.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Overview: The overall goal of the EBDM 
Initiative is to establish and test the links (information tools and 
protocols) between local criminal justice decisions and the application 
of human and organizational change principles (evidence-based 
practices) in achieving measurable reductions in pretrial misconduct 
and post-conviction risk of reoffending. The unique focus of the 
initiative is the review of locally developed criminal justice 
strategies that guide practice within existing sentencing statutes and 
rules. The

[[Page 40635]]

initiative intends to (1) improve the quality of information that leads 
to making individual case decisions in local systems and (2) engage 
these systems as policymaking bodies to collectively improve the 
effectiveness and capacity of their decision making related to pretrial 
release/sentencing options. Local officials involved in the initiative 
include judges, prosecutors, public defenders, police, human service 
providers, county executives, and administrators of jail, probation, 
and pretrial services agencies.
    Local criminal justice decisions are defined broadly to include 
dispositions regarding arrest, cite and release or to custody; pretrial 
release or detention and setting of bail and pretrial release 
conditions; pretrial diversion; charging and plea bargaining; 
sentencing of adjudicated offenders regarding use of community and 
custody options; and responses to violations of conditions of pretrial 
release and community sentences.
    Background: In June 2008, the National Institute of Corrections 
(NIC) launched a multi-phased initiative and awarded a cooperative 
agreement to address evidence-based decision making in local criminal 
justice systems. The goal of Phase I of the initiative was to build a 
systemwide framework (from arrest through final disposition and 
discharge) that would result in more collaborative, evidence-based 
decision making and practices in local criminal justice systems. This 
effort was grounded in two decades of research on the factors that 
contribute to criminal reoffending and the methods a justice system can 
employ to interrupt the cycle of reoffense. Today, the initiative seeks 
to equip criminal justice policymakers in local communities with 
information, processes, and tools that will result in measurable 
reductions of pretrial misconduct and post-conviction reoffending.
    The principle product of Phase I of this initiative was the 
Evidence-Based Decision Making Framework in Local Criminal Justice 
Systems. The Framework identifies the key structural elements of a 
system informed by evidence-based practice. It defines a vision of 
safer communities. It puts forward the belief that risk and harm 
reduction are fundamental goals of the justice system and that these 
can be achieved without sacrificing offender accountability or other 
important justice system outcomes.
    The Framework both acknowledges the importance of the key premises 
and values underlying our criminal justice system and provides a set of 
principles to guide evidence-based decision making within that context; 
the principles themselves are evidence-based. The Framework also 
highlights the groundbreaking research that demonstrates pretrial 
misconduct and offender recidivism can be reduced. The Framework 
identifies the key stakeholders who must be actively engaged in a 
collaborative partnership if an evidence-based system of justice is to 
be achieved. It outlines some of the most difficult challenges agencies 
face as they seek to implement such an approach deliberately and 
systematically in their local communities. A copy of the Evidence-Based 
Decision Making Framework document can be downloaded online at http://nicic.gov/Library/024372.
    In August 2010, NIC launched Phase II (Planning and Engagement) of 
the Evidence-Based Decision Making in Local Criminal Justice Systems 
Initiative by selecting seven jurisdictions to serve as EBDM seed 
sites. Those sites are Mesa County, Colorado; Grant County, Indiana; 
Ramsey County, Minnesota; Yamhill County, Oregon; City of 
Charlottesville/County of Albemarle, Virginia; Eau Claire County, 
Wisconsin; Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
    The cooperative agreement awardees of Phase II provided extensive 
technical assistance to each of the seven seed sites for a period of 10 
months. The overarching purpose of the technical assistance was to (1) 
Develop a shared philosophy and vision for the local criminal justice 
system; (2) Determine the capacity to collect and analyze data, 
including the quality of the data, to support ongoing analysis of the 
effectiveness of current and future policies, practices, and services 
designed to achieve specific risk and harm reduction outcomes; and (3) 
Change in knowledge, skills, and abilities regarding research-based 
risk reduction strategies.
    Each site received technical assistance that was specific to the 
initiative and individualized to its system's needs. Monthly site 
visits from an assigned technical assistance site coordinator led the 
jurisdictions through the attainment of specific activities and goals. 
The Roadmap to Phase II outlines the major objectives that the 
technical assistance providers guided the seeds sites through. A copy 
of the roadmap is available online at http://static.nicic.gov/Public/roadmap_phase_ii_final_2.docx.
    The technical assistance was intended to lead to the following 
outcomes: Build a genuine, collaborative policy team; Build individual 
agencies that are collaborative and in a state of readiness for change; 
Understand current practice within each agency/across the system; 
Understand and have the capacity to implement evidence-based practices; 
Establish performance measurements/outcomes/system scorecard; Develop a 
system logic model; Engage/gain support of the community; and Develop a 
strategic action plan.
    All seven sites completed Phase II in October 2011. Each 
jurisdiction submitted an application for acceptance into Phase III of 
the initiative. Within their applications are a detailed strategic 
action plan and their system's logic model. The action plan and logic 
model are the foundation of implementation activities of the Phase III 
technical assistance.
    Scope of Work: The intent of this request for proposal is to expand 
the knowledge and use of legal and evidence-based pretrial risk 
assessment and release practice among criminal justice stakeholders in 
their local jurisdiction. The cooperative agreement awardee will design 
and deliver technical assistance to seven specific EBDM sites: Grant 
County, IN; Yamhill County, OR; Charlottesville, VA; and Ramsey County, 
MN; Mesa County, CO; Milwaukee County, WI; and Eau Claire County, WI.
    The technical assistance will be guided by each site's strategic 
action plan, logic model, and other specialized assistance required to 
reach the jurisdiction's identified outcomes. The applicant should 
demonstrate a strong background in working with criminal justice 
stakeholders in the topics of legal and evidence-based practices in 
pretrial release. The applicant will draw from existing research and 
legal principles related specifically to pretrial detention and 
release. The final training products may be used in future NIC 
trainings with similar audiences.
    Project Deliverables: (1) Develop a training curriculum and provide 
evidence-based pretrial release training and tools to each of the 
assigned EBDM technical assistance site coordinators. (2) Complete 
pretrial program assessment, including jail population analysis, if 
determined necessary at each site. (3) Develop training curriculum and 
provide training targeted to judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys 
who focus on the legal foundations of pretrial release and evidence-
based pretrial practices. (4) Provide training and strategic planning 
with criminal justice stakeholders to increase their use of non-
financial pretrial release based on actuarial pretrial risk assessment. 
Risk assessment should be based on factors known to increase the 
probability of selecting those pretrial defendants who

[[Page 40636]]

show the lowest risk of pretrial misconduct.
    Meetings: The cooperative agreement awardee will participate in an 
initial meeting with NIC staff for a project overview and preliminary 
planning meeting within 2 weeks of the award. The awardee will meet 
with NIC staff routinely to discuss the activities noted in the 
timeline during the course of the cooperative agreement. Meetings will 
be held no less than quarterly and may be conducted via webinar or in 
person as agreed upon by NIC and the awardee. Application Requirements: 
Applications should be concisely written, typed, double-spaced, no more 
than 30 pages, and reference the project by the ``NIC Opportunity 
Number'' and Title in this announcement. The package must include: A 
cover letter that identifies the audit agency responsible for the 
applicant's financial accounts as well as the audit period or fiscal 
year that the applicant operates under (e.g., July 1 through June 30); 
a program narrative in response to the statement of work, and a budget 
narrative explaining projected costs. The following forms must also be 
included: OMB Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance; 
OMB Standard Form 424A, Budget Information--Non-Construction Programs; 
OMB Standard Form 424B, Assurances--Non-Construction Programs (these 
forms are available at http://www.grants.gov) and DOJ/NIC Certification 
Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility 
Matters; and the Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (available at http://www.nicic.gov/Downloads/general/certif-frm.pdf.).
    Applications may be submitted in hard copy, or electronically via 
http://www.grants.gov. If submitted in hard copy, there needs to be an 
original and three copies of the full proposal (program and budget 
narratives, application forms and assurances). The original should have 
the applicant's signature in blue ink.
    Authority: Public Law 93-415.
    Funds Available: Up to $125,000 is available for this project, 
subject to available funding, but preference will be given to 
applicants who provide the most cost efficient solutions in 
accomplishing the scope of work. Determination will be made based on 
best value to the government, not necessarily the lowest bid. Funds may 
be used only for the activities that are directly related to the 
project.
    This project will be a collaborative venture with the NIC Community 
Services Division.
    Eligibility of Applicants: An eligible applicant is any public or 
private agency, educational institution, organization, individual, or 
team with expertise in the described areas.
    Required Expertise: Successful applicants must be able to 
demonstrate that they have the organizational capacity to carry out the 
deliverables of this project. Appropriate expertise may include 
extensive experience in correctional and criminal justice policy and 
practice, and a strong background in criminal justice systemwide change 
with expertise in the implementation of evidence-based practices in 
pretrial release without an over reliance on financial release 
conditions.
    Review Considerations: Applications received under this 
announcement will be subject to the NIC Review Process. The criteria 
for the evaluation of each application will be as follows:
    Program Narrative: (50%).
    Are all of the project tasks adequately discussed? Is there a clear 
statement of how each task will be accomplished, including the 
staffing, resources, and strategies to be employed? Are there any 
innovative approaches, techniques, or design aspects proposed that will 
enhance the project?
    Organizational Capabilities: (25%).
    Do the skills, knowledge, and expertise of the applicant(s) and the 
proposed project staff demonstrate a high level of competency to 
complete the tasks? Does the applicant have the necessary experience 
and organizational capacity to complete the goals of the project?
    Program Management/Administration: (25%).
    Does the applicant identify reasonable objectives, milestones, and 
measures to track progress? If there are consultants and/or 
partnerships proposed, is there a clear structure to ensure effective 
utilization and coordination? Is the proposed budget realistic, does it 
provide sufficient cost detail/narrative, and does it represent good 
value relative to the anticipated results?

    Note:  NIC will NOT award a cooperative agreement to an 
applicant who does not have a Dun and Bradstreet Database Universal 
Number (DUNS) and is not registered in the Central Contractor 
Registry (CCR).

    A DUNS number can be received at no cost by calling the dedicated 
toll-free DUNS number request line at 1-800-333-0505 (if you are a sole 
proprietor, dial 1-866-705-5711 and select option 1).
    Registration in the CCR can be done online at the CCR Web site at 
http://www.ccr.gov. A CCR Handbook and worksheet can also be reviewed 
at the Web site.
    Number of Awards: One.
    NIC Opportunity Number: 12CS10. This number should appear as a 
reference line in the cover letter, where indicated on Standard Form 
424, and outside of the envelope in which the application is sent.
    Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 16.603.
    Executive Order 12372: This program is subject to the provisions of 
Executive Order 12372. E.O. 12372 allows states the option of setting 
up a system for reviewing applications from within their states for 
assistance under certain federal programs. Applicants (other than 
federally recognized Indian tribal governments) should contact their 
state Single Point of Contact (SPOC), a list of which is available at 
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

Morris L. Thigpen,
Director, National Institute of Corrections.
[FR Doc. 2012-16786 Filed 7-9-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-36-P