Project Summaries: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/04PSNsummary.pdf.
The Department of Justice enforces the law and defends the interest of the United States, ensuring public safety against threats foreign and domestic; providing Federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; seeking just punishment for those guilty of unlawful pursuits; and ensuring fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans.
See web site for current program updates. Bureau of Justice Assistance: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/psn.html; Project Safe Neighborhoods: http://www.psn.gov/.
Uses and Use Restrictions
The Community Prosecution program focuses on problem solving, strategic planning, and working in partnership with the community to prevent crime and violence and improve public safety.
The Community Gun Violence Prosecution program allocates resources directly to chief prosecutors across the country to improve the long-term ability of prosecution agencies to more fully address the issue of firearm-related violent crime within their jurisdictions.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a new national strategy designed to remove gun wielding criminals from the streets and local neighborhoods.
In addition to hiring new state and local prosecutors, the funds will be available to support investigations, provide training, develop and promote community outreach efforts, and improve public safety by supporting other gun crime reduction strategies.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
A PSN Task Force has been established in each of the 94 U.S.
Attorney Districts.
Each task force selects a fiscal agent to apply for this program.
Eligible fiscal agents include states, units of local government, educational institutions, faith-based and other community organizations, and private nonprofit organizations.
Beneficiary Eligibility
State and local governments, public and private organizations, Indian Tribal government, prosecutor offices.
Credentials/Documentation
Eligible applicants must be certified by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The Project Safe Neighborhoods program is eligible for coverage under E.O.
12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in their respective states for more information on the process the state requires to be followed in applying for assistance.
Application Procedures
The standard application forms (SF-424) as furnished by the Federal agency in accordance with 28 CFR, Part 66 (Common Rule), must be used for this program. The application procedure and time lines will be contained in the program solicitation. Applications must be submitted on-line at the Office of Justice Programs, Grant Management System: https://grants.ojp.usdoj.gov/.
Award Procedures
The Project Safe Neighborhoods program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in their respective states for more information on the process the state requires to be followed in applying for assistance.
Deadlines
See the program solicitation or contact the Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, for application deadline. Telephone: 1 (866) 859-2687 or by e-mail: AskBJA@usdoj.gov . Applications or supplemental materials received by facsimile or postal mail will not be accepted.
Authorization
Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, as amended, Title I; 42 U.S.C. 50 et seq.; Crime Control Act of 1990, Public Law 101-647; Appropriations Act of 2001, Public Law 106-553; Appropriations Act of 2002, Public Law 107-77. Appropriations Act of 2003, 2004, 2006.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
120 days after receipt of applications.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
Contingent upon congressional funding.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Grants may be made for amounts up to 100 per cent of the costs of the programs or projects contained in the approved applications. Districts may use up to 10 percent of their award for costs associated with administering the funds.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Varies. 24 to 36 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Unless otherwise specified in the awards special conditions, financial reports are due quarterly and progress reports are due semi-annually.
In some cases, evaluation reports may be required.
Audits
Payments and transactions are subject to audits by the Government Accountability Office, Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General, State or local government auditors, and auditors from independent public accounting firms. Jurisdictions must follow their local policies and procedures, including maintenance of reliable and accurate accounting systems, record keeping, and systems of internal control. All organizations that expend financial assistance of $500,000 or more in any fiscal year must have a single audit for that year in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-133, as amended, unless the audit condition on the award says otherwise. These audits are due to the cognizant Federal agency not later than 9 months after the end of the grantee's fiscal year.
Records
Recipients of federal funds are expected to retain documentation supporting all program transactions for at least three years after the closure of audit reports related to such funding. If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit, or other action involving records has been started before the expiration of the three year period, the records must be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all related issues, or until the end of the regular three year period, whichever is later.
Financial Information
Account Identification
15-0401-0-1-754.
Obigations
FY 07 $21,000,000; FY 08 $20,000,000; and FY 09 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Prior awards have ranged from approximately $200,000 to $1,100,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Office of Justice Programs Financial Guide and Handbook 4500.2c, Policies and Procedure for the Administration of OJP Grants, are applicable.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
The Project Safe Neighborhoods program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372 "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in their respective states for more information on the process the state requires to be followed in applying for assistance.
Headquarters Office
Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Department of Justice, 810 Seventh Street, NW., Washington, DC 20531. Contact: Jonathan Faley or Dara Schulman. Telephone: (202) 616-6500 or 1-866-859-2687 or by email at AskBJA@usdoj.gov.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
For competitive grants, criteria for selecting proposals is contained within the individual program solicitations. For non-competitive grants, applications received by BJA are reviewed for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with all program requirements.
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