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Tribal Youth Program: Mental Health Initiative PurposeThe purpose of the Tribal Youth Program (TYP) Mental Health Initiative is to provide mental health services to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth in tribal communities. Contingent on Congressional appropriation, OJJDP anticipates that $10 million will be available for OJJDP to support and enhance tribal efforts to prevent and control delinquency and improve the juvenile justice system for AI/AN youth. Of the $10 million appropriated for TYP, OJJDP will use 10 percent of the appropriated funds to support program-related research, evaluation, and statistics; 2 percent to provide training and technical assistance to tribal programs; and $8 million for discretionary grants, $1 million of which will be available to fund discretionary programs to support the TYP Mental Health Initiative. Remaining funds will go to enhance other tribal efforts and program support. OJJDP is offering $1 million in discretionary funding for eligible tribes to provide substance abuse and mental health prevention and intervention services to AI/AN youth who are involved in, or at risk of becoming involved in, tribal and state juvenile justice systems. Statistics indicate that for AI/AN youth, the age of first involvement with alcohol is lower, the frequency of drinking and the amount of alcohol consumed are higher, and the negative consequences of drinking are more common and severe than for youth in the general population. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics' publication American Indians and Crime (Greenfeld and Smith, 1999), the number of arrests of AI/AN youth younger than 18 for alcohol-related violations is twice the national average. Thus, the TYP Mental Health Initiative was established to promote mental health and substance abuse (alcohol and drug abuse) services for AI/AN youth and to support juvenile delinquency prevention and intervention efforts by creating and implementing culturally sensitive mental health programs. Mental health funding will help tribes provide a range of youth support services and programs that address the mental health and related needs of AI/AN youth and their families in various community settings (e.g., schools, violence prevention education programs, healthcare treatment programs, and the juvenile justice system). The TYP Mental Health Initiative is part of the Mental Health and Community Safety Initiative for American Indian/Alaska Native Children, Youth, and Families, a federal initiative developed by the U.S. Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, Education, and the Interior. Since fiscal year (FY) 2000, this initiative has provided tribes with easy-to-access assistance to develop innovative strategies that address the mental health, behavior, substance abuse, and community safety needs of AI/AN youth and their families through a coordinated federal process. Interagency programs included in this federal effort have been selected based on their combined potential to comprehensively address mental health, juvenile justice, and related issues. As part of this initiative, tribes are encouraged to promote coordination and collaboration among the local programs that serve young people in their communities. To date, OJJDP has awarded grants that improve mental health services in AI/AN juvenile justice systems to 25 tribes. In FY 2004, OJJDP will award cooperative agreements to federally recognized tribes. Funding for the TYP Mental Health Initiative is provided to help tribes improve the quality of life in AI/AN communities by addressing the need for mental health services for AI/AN youth. Applications are invited from federally recognized tribes. Tribal partnerships also are encouraged to apply, when appropriate. If two or more federally recognized tribes are applying as a partnership, one tribe must be clearly identified as the "primary agency" for purposes of correspondence, awards, and management. When applying as a partnership, applicants must identify a total service population in the Project Abstract section of the application. Although tribes may contract for services with other organizations, only federally recognized tribal governments are eligible to receive a cooperative agreement award. Each tribe will be required to submit a tribal resolution before receiving final award notice. Note: To qualify as a federally recognized tribe, the applicant's tribe name must appear in the Federal Register (Vol. 68, No. 234; pp. 68179-68184). (See appendix C). Federally recognized tribes eligible to apply must not have an active grant to be eligible for funding. Restriction for Certain Tribes Applicants are advised that funds awarded through this program to the tribes listed below may not be used for courts or law enforcement officers for a tribe or village, pursuant to Pub. L. 108-199, sec. 112(a)(1). The following tribes are subject to the above restriction on use of funds: (1) tribes in which fewer than 25 Native members live in the village year round; and (2) tribes that are located within the boundaries of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, the Matanuska Susitna Borough, the Municipality of Anchorage, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, the City and Borough of Juneau, the Sitka Borough, and the Ketchikan Borough. Faith-Based and Community Organizations It is OJP policy that faith-based and community organizations that statutorily qualify as eligible applicants under OJP programs are invited and encouraged to apply for assistance awards. Faith-based and community organizations will be considered for an award on the same basis as any other eligible applicants and, if they receive assistance awards, will be treated on an equal basis with non-faith-based and community organization grantees in the administration of such awards. No eligible applicant or grantee will be discriminated against on the basis of its religious character or affiliation, religious name, or the religious composition of its board of directors or persons working in the organization. Tribal Resolution and Memorandum of Understanding Before receiving a cooperative agreement award, applicants will be required to submit a signed copy of the tribal resolution to OJJDP. The application will not be awarded if a signed tribal resolution is not submitted upon request. If applying as a partnership, the applicant will be required to submit a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that includes an outline of each partner's roles and responsibilities. Before an applicant receives a cooperative agreement award, the applicant will be required to submit a signed MOU. Failure to submit the document upon request will eliminate the applicant from consideration. To be eligible for funding, the applicant's tribal name must appear in the listing of federally recognized tribes published in the Federal Register (Vol. 68, No. 234; pp. 68179-68184). (See appendix C.) Program Categories Those applying for funding must identify at least one and no more than two of the following categories in their Project Abstract as the focus of their application.
In addition, applicants must identify how they plan to collect the data required to meet the performance measure requirement. Reporting Requirements Recipients of TYP Mental Health Initiative cooperative agreements will be required to submit quarterly Financial Status Reports and semiannual Categorical Progress Reports that describe program implementation. In addition, cooperative agreement recipients who spend $500,000 or more of federal funds during a fiscal year are required to submit a single organizationwide audit. Additional information on these reporting requirements will be provided to successful applicants in the award package. Grants Versus Cooperative Agreements Cooperative agreements are used when substantial collaboration is anticipated between OJJDP and the award recipient during performance of the proposed activities. Responsibility for general oversight and redirection of the project, if necessary, rests with OJJDP. OJJDP will review and approve all activities in the requirements under the various stages, as enumerated in the solicitation. This includes review and approval in a timely manner of all key personnel selections, consultants, assessments, plans, instruments, manuals, and documents developed or identified for use during the project, with suggestions for modifications. Responsibility for the coordination of topics addressed or services rendered will be shared by OJJDP and the recipient. Where appropriate, the recipient will act jointly with OJJDP to determine modifications to the program plan or budget and to design data collection instruments. In executing this responsibility, OJJDP requires that a program specialist meet periodically with the recipient (as determined by OJJDP) throughout the life of the project to discuss project activities, plans, problems, and solutions. Responsibility for the day-to-day conduct of the project rests with the recipient. This specifically includes operations, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Training and Technical Assistance Recipients of TYP Mental Health Initiative cooperative agreements will receive training and technical assistance (T/TA) to facilitate program planning, program enhancement, evaluation, and implementation. The current T/TA provider for TYP is the Native American Alliance Foundation, which is based in Albuquerque, NM. Further information on T/TA will be provided to grantees after awards have been made. OJP requires that applications be submitted through the online Grants Management System (GMS). Access to this online application system will streamline the processing of requests for funding. To learn how to begin the online application process, please see the Quick-Start Guide. A toll-free telephone number (888-549-9901) has been established to provide applicants with technical assistance as they work through the online application process. Application Peer Review/Selection Criteria Tribes are encouraged to design culturally based programs and incorporate traditional practices, when appropriate. The roles of children, parents, and elders in individual tribal communities should be considered in the program design. Applicants should describe proposed activities and explain them in the context of juvenile delinquency prevention, intervention, and system improvement activities. OJJDP encourages applicants to involve tribal youth in the planning and implementation of program activities. Because each tribe is unique, OJJDP recognizes that applications will vary based on the approach, needs, and regional perspective of each applicant. OJJDP is committed to ensuring a competitive and standardized process for awarding grants. Applications will be screened initially to determine whether the applicant meets all the eligibility requirements as noted above. Only applications submitted by eligible applicants and that meet all other requirements will be evaluated, scored, and rated by a peer review panel according to the selection criteria described under Application Requirements (see below). All applications that proceed to peer review will be rated on a 100-point scale. Point values for individual elements of the application are presented below with the description of each element. Note: Elements that are not given point values are still required. Peer reviewers' ratings and any resulting recommendations are advisory only. All final cooperative agreement award decisions will be made by the U.S. Department of Justice, which may also give consideration to regional balance when making awards. Detailed information about OJJDP's peer review process can be found in the Funding section of OJJDP's Web site (www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ojjdp). Applicants must submit the following information online through GMS:
Detailed instructions and descriptions of each of the required application elements are provided below. Applications that do not include all the required elements will not be considered for funding. Note: Files attached to applications submitted online in GMS must be in the following formats: Microsoft Word (.doc), PDF files (.pdf), or text documents (.txt). An Application Checklist has been provided for your convenience. Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System Beginning October 1, 2003, a Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number must be included in every application for a new award or renewal of an award. An application will not be considered complete until a valid DUNS number is provided by the applicant. Individuals who would personally receive a grant or cooperative agreement from the federal government are exempt from this requirement. Organizations should verify that they have a DUNS number or take the steps necessary to obtain one as soon as possible. Applicants can receive a DUNS number at no cost by calling the dedicated toll-free DUNS Number request line at 800-333-0505. Applicants must register for this solicitation by selecting "Tribal Youth Program: Mental Health Initiative" from the Funding Opportunities page in GMS. To register, applicants must select "Apply Now," read the warning message that appears, and select "Continue." The deadline for applicants to register on GMS is 8:00 p.m. ET, May 27, 2004. Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) Applicants must complete the Overview, Applicant Information, and Project Information sections of GMS. These sections provide the information needed to generate the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424), a standard form used by most federal agencies. Applicants are required to review and accept the Assurances and Certifications. Please verify that the name, address, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address of the authorizing official on these online forms are correct. Assurances The applicant must comply with Assurances in order to receive federal funds under this program. It is the responsibility of the recipient of the federal funds to fully understand and comply with these requirements. Failure to comply may result in the withholding of funds, termination of the award, or other sanctions. Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters; and the Drug-Free Workplace Requirement Applicants are required to review and check off the box on the certification form included in the online application process. This form commits the applicant to compliance with the certification requirements under 28 CFR Part 69, "New Restrictions on Lobbying," and 28 CFR Part 67, "A Government-Wide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Government-Wide Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace Grants." Applicants should be aware that the Anti-Lobbying Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1913, recently was amended to expand significantly the restriction on use of appropriated funding for lobbying. This expansion also makes the anti-lobbying restrictions enforceable via large civil penalties, with civil fines between $10,000 and $100,000 per each individual occurrence of lobbying activity. These restrictions are in addition to the anti-lobbying and lobbying disclosure restrictions imposed by 31 U.S.C. § 1352. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is currently in the process of amending the OMB cost circulars and the common rule (codified at 28 CFR part 69 for U.S. Department of Justice grantees) to reflect these modifications. However, in the interest of full disclosure, all applicants must understand that no federally appropriated funding made available under this cooperative agreement program may be used, either directly or indirectly, to support the enactment, repeal, modification or adoption of any law, regulation, or policy, at any level of government, without the express approval by OJP. Any violation of this prohibition is subject to a minimum $10,000 fine for each occurrence. This prohibition applies to all activity, even if currently allowed within the parameters of the existing OMB circulars. The authorizing official must review the Assurances and Certifications forms in their entirety. To accept the Assurances and Certifications in GMS, click on the Assurances and Certifications link and click the "Accept" button at the bottom of the screen. Budget Detail Worksheet (Attachment #1) (15 points) Applicants must provide a budget that (1) is complete, allowable, and cost effective in relation to the proposed activities; (2) shows the cost calculations demonstrating how the applicant arrived at the total amount requested; and (3) provides a brief supporting narrative to link costs with project activities. The budget must reflect the guidelines under Award Amount and Award Period.
Note: Total costs specified in the complete budget must match the amount provided in the Estimated Funding section of the Project Information screen in GMS. All funds listed in the budget will be subject to audit. A sample budget can be found in appendix A. As with the Program Narrative and Other Program Attachments, the Budget Detail Worksheet file must be submitted in an approved format (Microsoft Word document, PDF file, or text document). Budget Requirements All project expenditures must be reasonable and support the objectives of the TYP Mental Health Initiative. The grantee will be required to explain how funded activities address at least one and no more than two of the following categories: (1) provide mental health services for AI/AN youth at risk of delinquency, (2) provide mental health interventions for court-involved tribal youth, (3) improve tribal juvenile justice systems, and (4) provide alcohol and drug abuse counseling services.
Construction Costs Construction costs are prohibited under this cooperative agreement. However, construction costs incurred as an incidental and a necessary part of a program and limited to renovations, remodeling, maintenance, and repairs that do not constitute capital expenditures will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Such costs may not exceed 10 percent of the project's total costs. Match This funding opportunity does not have a match requirement. Program Narrative (Attachment #2) (Total: 85 points) The Program Narrative, which is limited to 25 double-spaced pages, is worth a total of 85 points in the peer reviewers' scoring. The program narrative must include a comprehensive proposal describing how the applicant plans to achieve the goals and objectives of the TYP Mental Health Initiative as outlined in this program announcement. Applications must include a one-page project abstract that provides the following information:
Problem(s) To Be Addressed (15 points) The applicant should discuss the types and the number of incidents of juvenile delinquency in the geographic area to be served by the proposed project. The discussion must include—
Goals and Objectives (20 points) The goal (i.e., the statement of what the applicant wishes to achieve) and objectives (i.e., the steps the applicant will take toward meeting the goal) of the proposed project must be clearly defined, and the outcomes (i.e., results) must be measurable. There are two kinds of objectives: performance objectives and outcome objectives. Both are necessary for a good program design. Both must be measurable and must have specific deadlines for completion. The following are brief definitions and examples of performance and outcome measures:
Applicants must include both performance and outcome objectives for their project. Project Design (30 points) This section of the program narrative should outline a project design that is sound and contains elements directly linked to the achievement of the project objectives. The activities must be explained in the context of mental health. Applicants should describe how they will identify the AI/AN youth to be served and treated. This section should describe in detail the "who," "what," "where," "when," and "how" of the project. The project design should also include a description of any current federal and/or nonprofit programs or services that will collaborate with the proposed TYP Mental Health Initiative project. Timeline. The application must include a timeline that indicates when specific tasks will be initiated and completed throughout the cooperative agreement period (October 1, 2004, to September 31, 2007). The applicant must refer to the timeline in the narrative, as appropriate, and include it in Attachment #3 of the application. (See sample timeline in appendix B.) Timelines must indicate the activities to be implemented and the milestones to be achieved and note who will be responsible for ensuring that they are completed. Evaluation. Applicants should include a detailed plan for evaluating the proposed project that demonstrates how both performance and outcome objectives will be measured. This plan must identify the source of the data to be used in measuring the achievement of the objectives. Responsibility for data collection and analysis should be clearly stated in the plan. Applicants who need technical assistance with any part of the program design will have the opportunity to request assistance after awards have been made. Note: The evaluation must collect data in support of the performance measure. OJJDP is in the process of developing a national TYP evaluation. Applicants selected for funding under the TYP Mental Health Initiative should be prepared to cooperate in the national evaluation. Technical assistance will be provided, if needed. Management and Organizational Capability (20 points) Project management and overall organizational capability demonstrate the applicant's ability to operate and support the project successfully. The application must describe the positions to be funded and the qualifications that will be required of those to be hired. Applicants must ensure that the tasks delineated in the project timeline (see "Project Design" above) are adequately staffed. Résumés and/or position descriptions must be included in Attachment #3 for individuals who will hold key positions. Applications must provide for fiscal control and accounting procedures that ensure the prudent use and proper disbursement and accounting of cooperative agreement funds. Tribal Resolution. A written statement must be provided to OJJDP that indicates whether a tribal resolution supporting the application has been passed. If a tribal resolution has not been passed, applicants must state when such approval will occur. Note: OJJDP will request a signed tribal resolution to be submitted before an applicant receives an award. Funds will not be awarded if a signed resolution is not submitted upon request. Nonsupplanting Requirement. A written statement must be provided to OJJDP confirming that federal funds will not be used to supplant state, local, or tribal funds. Federal funds must be used to supplement existing funds for program activities and not replace funds that have been appropriated for the same purpose. Potential supplanting will be the subject of the application review, preaward review, postaward monitoring, and audit. If there is a potential presence of supplanting, the applicant or grantee will be required to supply documentation demonstrating that the reduction in nonfederal resources occurred for reasons other than the receipt or expected receipt of federal funds. Applicants must demonstrate an organizational capacity and the existence of a management structure that will support the achievement of the proposed project's goal and objectives in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Applicants should include a description of any similar programs/services they have provided in the past. The Program Narrative (including all required sections) must be double-spaced using a standard 12-point font and 1-inch margins on all sides. Please limit the use of acronyms. If used, acronyms must be spelled out when first referenced. The Program Narrative must not exceed 25 pages (please number pages 1 of 25, 2 of 25, etc.). This 25-page limit includes any charts, tables, or figures. As with the Budget Detail Worksheet and Other Program Attachments, the Program Narrative file must be submitted in an approved format (Microsoft Word document, PDF file, or text document). Other Program Attachments (Attachment #3) Applicants must provide the following materials in a single file as an attachment to their GMS applications. As with the Budget Detail Worksheet and Program Narrative attachments, the Other Program Attachments file must be submitted in an approved format (Microsoft Word document, PDF file, or text document). The Other Program Attachments (Attachment #3) provide documents that supplement and support the Project Design and Management and Organizational Capability sections of the Program Narrative and attest that the application complies with the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ's) Coordination of Federal Efforts requirements. Please provide the following items in the order presented here and using the headings as indicated, starting each section on a new page. In other words, the Other Program Attachments will be one file with three sections, with each section beginning on a new page. The sections are:
Note: The résumés, timeline, and information regarding the coordination of federal efforts must be attached to your GMS application in one file. Administrative Requirements Performance Measurement The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), Pub. L. 103-62, requires that recipients of federal grant awards collect, analyze, and report data that measure the results of strategies implemented with federal funds. To ensure compliance with GPRA, grantees will be required to collect and report data that measure the results of the program implemented with this cooperative agreement. To assist in determining program performance, award recipients will be required to collect and report on the following performance data prior to project implementation, semiannually during the project period, and at the end of the project period:
Award recipients will be required to collect and report data in support of these measures. Recipients' assistance in obtaining this information will facilitate future program planning and will allow OJP to provide Congress with measurable program results of federally funded programs. Single Point of Contact Review Executive Order 12372 requires applicants from state and local units of government or other organizations providing services within a state to submit a copy of the application to the state Single Point of Contact (SPOC) if one exists and if this program has been selected for review by the state. A list of state SPOCs is available on the Office of Management and Budget Web site (www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html). Applicants must contact their state SPOCs to determine whether their programs have been selected for state review. The date that the application was sent to the SPOC or the reason such submission is not required should be entered in Block 3 of the Overview section of the GMS application. Coordination of Federal Efforts To encourage better coordination among federal agencies in addressing state and local needs, the U.S. Department of Justice requests that applicants provide information on the following: (1) active federal grant award(s) supporting this or related efforts, including awards from the U.S. Department of Justice; (2) any pending application(s) for federal funds for this or related efforts; and (3) plans for coordinating any funds described in items (1) or (2) with the funding sought by this application. For each federal award, applicants must include the program or project title, the federal grantor agency, the amount of the award, and a brief description of its purpose. "Related efforts" is defined for these purposes as one of the following:
Civil Rights Compliance All recipients of federal grant funds are required to comply with nondiscrimination requirements contained in various federal laws. In the event that a court or administrative agency makes a finding of discrimination on grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or age against a recipient of funds after a due process hearing, the recipient must agree to forward a copy of the finding to the Office of Civil Rights, Office of Justice Programs. All applicants should consult the Assurances required to be submitted with the application to understand the applicable legal and administrative requirements. National origin discrimination includes discrimination on the basis of limited English proficiency (LEP). To ensure compliance with Title VI and the Safe Streets Act, recipients are required to take reasonable steps to ensure that LEP persons have meaningful access to their programs. Meaningful access may entail providing language assistance services, including oral and written translation when necessary. The U.S. Department of Justice has issued guidance for grantees to assist them in complying with Title VI requirements. The guidance document can be accessed on the Internet at www.lep.gov, or by contacting OJP's Office for Civil Rights at 202-307-0690, or by writing to the following address: Office for Civil Rights Privacy Certificate Requirements Applicants should be aware of the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ's) requirements for privacy and confidentiality in research and statistical efforts. These requirements are stipulated by 42 U.S.C. § 3879g. DOJ has issued a specific regulation concerning the implementation of this statutory requirement in 28 CFR Part 22. In accordance with 28 CFR Part 22, applicants requesting funds for research or statistical activities must submit a Privacy Certificate with the application. The purpose of the Privacy Certificate is to ensure that the applicant has appropriate policies and procedures in place to protect the confidentiality of data identifiable to private persons. Specifically, the Privacy Certificate must be in compliance with the requirements of 28 CFR § 22.23. OJJDP has developed guidelines for preparing a Privacy Certificate in accordance with the confidentiality regulation. Copies of the Privacy Certificate Guidelines, a Privacy Certificate Face Sheet, and a Sample Attachment for a Privacy Certificate are available on the OJJDP Web site at ojjdp.ncjrs.org/funding/privacy.pdf. Applicants are further advised that any project that will involve the use of human research subjects must be reviewed by an institutional review board (IRB), in accordance with DOJ regulations at 28 CFR Part 46. IRB review is not required prior to submission of the application. However, if an award is made and the project involves research using human subjects, OJJDP will place a special condition on the award requiring that the project be approved by an appropriate IRB before federal funds can be disbursed. Applicants should include plans for IRB review, where applicable, in the project timeline submitted with the proposal. A copy of "Confidentiality of Identifiable Research and Statistical Information (28 CFR Part 22)" is available on the OJJDP Web site at ojjdp.ncjrs.org/funding/confidentiality.pdf. Financial Requirements Discretionary grants are governed by the provisions of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) circulars applicable to financial assistance and OJP's Financial Guide, which is available on OJP's Web site (www.ojp.usdoj.gov/oc). The Guide includes information on allowable costs, methods of payment, audit requirements, accounting systems, and financial records. This document will govern the administration of funds by all successful applicants. Government Audit Requirements Audits of state and local units of government, institutions of higher education, and other nonprofit institutions must comply with the organizational audit requirements of OMB circular A-133, which states that recipients who expend $500,000 or more of federal funds during their fiscal year are required to submit to their cognizant federal agency an organizationwide financial and compliance audit report within 9 months after the close of each fiscal year during the term of the award. Grantees must comply with the following OJP reporting requirements:
Suspension or Termination of Funding OJJDP may suspend funding in whole or in part, terminate funding, or impose other sanctions on a recipient for the following reasons:
Before imposing sanctions, OJJDP will provide reasonable notice to the recipient of its intent to impose sanctions and will attempt to resolve the problem informally. Hearing and appeal procedures will follow those in DOJ regulations in 28 CFR Part 18. Up to $225,000 will be available for the 3-year cooperative agreement period. This project will be funded for a 3-year project and budget period. All online applications must be completed by 8:00 p.m. ET, June 1, 2004. For further information, contact: Laura Ansera, Program Manager
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