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OMB Number: 1122-0020

Expiration Date: 8/31/2015

1 

U.S. Department of Justice

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) 

OVW Fiscal Year 2014 

Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies 

and

Enforcement of Protection Orders

Program

Solicitation 

Solicitation Release Date

This solicitation was released on, or about January 7, 2013. 

 

Eligibility

Applicants are limited to states, units of local government, Indian tribal governments and state, local, tribal 

and territorial courts. In general, OVW will only be accepting applications from applicants that have an open 

Arrest award and/or an Arrest award that closed within the past 12 months. OVW will also accept 

applications from new applicants for sexual assault projects only. Grant recipients that received funding in 

Fiscal Year 2013 are NOT eligible to apply for Fiscal Year 2014 awards. 

(See “Eligibility,” page 7) 

Deadlines 

Application: All applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (E.T.) on February 19, 2014. 

(See “Deadlines: Application,” page 5) 

Registration: To ensure all applicants have ample time to complete the registration process, applicants must

obtain a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) Number, register online with the System for Award 

Management (SAM) and with Grants.gov immediately, but no later than January 29, 2014.

(See “Deadlines: Registration,” page 6) 
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OMB Number: 1122-0020

Expiration Date: 8/31/2015

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Letter of Registration: Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of registration to 

OVW.Arrest@usdoj.gov by January 29, 2014. This will ensure that applicants are well-positioned to 

successfully submit an application by the deadline. This letter will not obligate potential applicants to submit 

an application. Interested applicants that do not submit a Letter of Registration are still eligible to apply.

(See “Deadlines: Letter of Registration,” page 6) 

Pre-Application Conference Calls: OVW will conduct Pre-Application Conference Calls for anyone 

interested in submitting an application for the Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of 

Protection Orders Program. Participation in these calls is optional. Interested applicants that do not 

participate are still eligible to apply. 

(See “Pre-Application Conference Calls” page 7) 

Contact Information

For assistance with the requirements of this solicitation, contact OVW at (202) 307-6026. 

In Fiscal Year 2014, OVW applications will be submitted through Grants.gov. For technical assistance 

with Grants.gov, contact the Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 1-800-518-4726. 

Grants.gov Number assigned to announcement OVW-2014-3691

It is anticipated that all applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by September 

30, 2014.
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CONTENTS

Overview p. 5 

About the OVW Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection 

Orders Program p. 5 

Deadlines p. 5 

• Application p. 5 

• Registration p. 6 

• Letter of Registration p. 6 

Pre-Application Conference Calls p. 7 

Eligibility p. 7 

• Eligible Entities p. 7 

• Nonprofit Organization Requirements p. 8 

• Program Eligibility Requirements p. 8 

• Types of Applicants p. 10

o Continuation

o New p. 10 

Award Information p. 10

• Availability of Funds p. 10

• Award Period p. 11 

• Award Amounts p. 11

Program Scope p. 11

 

• Purpose Areas p. 11

• Mandatory Program Requirements p. 13

• OVW Priority Areas p. 16

• Activities that Compromise Victim Safety and Recovery p. 16 

• Out-of-Scope Activities p. 17

• Unallowable Activities p. 18

How to Apply p. 18

• Application Registration Requirements p. 19

• Applicants without Internet Access p. 21

• OVW Policy on Duplicate Applications p. 21

• Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues p. 21

• OVW Policy on Late Submission p. 22

• Extraordinary Natural or Manmade Disasters p. 22

Application Contents p. 22
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• Formatting and Technical Requirements p. 22

• Application Requirements p. 23

• Summary Data Sheet p. 23

• Project Narrative p. 24

• Proposal Abstract p. 26

• Budget Detail Worksheet and Narrative p. 26

• Memorandum of Understanding p. 29

Additional Required Information p. 29

• Confidentiality Notice Form p. 29

• Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) p. 29

• Standard Assurances and Certifications p. 30

• Letter of Non-supplanting p. 30

• Financial Accounting Practices p. 30

• Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable) p. 30

• Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable) p. 31

• Single Point of Contact Review p. 31

Selection Criteria p. 31

• Peer Review p. 31

• Programmatic Review p. 31

• Compliance with OVW Financial Requirements p. 32

• High Risk Grantees p. 32

Post-Award Requirements p. 33

• Violence Against Women Act Non-Discrimination Provision p. 33 

• Reporting Requirements p. 33

• Information for all Federal Award Grantees p. 33

Public Reporting Burden p. 34

 

Application Checklist p. 35

Appendix A: p. 36

• Budget Guidance p. 37

• Sample Budget Detail Worksheet p. 39

Appendix B: Sample Letter of Registration p. 46 

Appendix C: Disclosures Related to Executive Compensation p. 48 

Appendix D: p. 50

 

• Quick Tips to Certification of Eligibility Letter p. 51 

• Sample Certification Letters p. 52

 
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OVW Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and 

Enforcement of Protection Orders Program

(CFDA 16.590 ) 

Overview

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is a component of the United States Department 

of Justice (DOJ). Created in 1995, OVW implements the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 

and subsequent legislation and provides national leadership on issues of sexual assault, 

domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Since its inception, OVW has supported a 

multifaceted approach to responding to these crimes through implementation of grant programs 

authorized by VAWA. By forging state, local and tribal partnerships among police, prosecutors, 

judges, victim advocates, health care providers, faith leaders and others, OVW grants help

provide victims with the protection and services they need to pursue safe and healthy lives, while

improving communities’ capacity to hold offenders accountable for their crimes. 

About the OVW Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and 

Enforcement of Protection Orders Program

The Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program (Arrest 

Program) recognizes that sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking are 

crimes that require the criminal justice system to hold offenders accountable for their actions 

through investigation, arrest, and prosecution of violent offenders, and through close judicial 

scrutiny and management of offender behavior.

 

This discretionary grant program is designed to encourage state, local, and tribal governments; 

and state, local (including juvenile), and tribal courts to treat sexual assault, domestic violence, 

dating violence, and stalking as serious violations of criminal law requiring the coordinated 

involvement of the entire criminal justice system and community-based victim service

organizations. The Arrest Program challenges the community to work collaboratively to identify 

problems, and share ideas that will result in new responses to ensure victim safety and offender 

accountability. 

For additional information on the Arrest Program, including what past Arrest Program grantees 

have accomplished with their grant funds and to view the Arrest Program performance 

measures, see http://muskie.usm.maine.edu/vawamei/cdsarrestmain.htm. 

Deadlines 

Application 

All applications will be submitted electronically. The deadline for submitting applications in 

response to this solicitation is 11:59 p.m. E.T. on February 19, 2014. Applications submitted 

after 11:59 p.m. E.T. on February 19, 2014 will not be considered for funding. Applicants 

experiencing difficulties submitting an application should refer to the Experiencing Unforeseen 

Technical Issues section on page 21 of this solicitation. 
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Failure to begin the registration or application submission process in sufficient time is

not an acceptable reason for a late application submission. It is important that applicants 

do not wait until the day of the application deadline to begin the application submission 

process. To ensure a successful application submission, OVW strongly encourages 

applicants to submit their applications at least 48, but no less than 24, hours before the 

deadline. After application submission, Authorized Organization Representatives (AOR) 

should closely monitor their email for any notification from Grants.gov about a possible 

failed submission. The AOR will receive a minimum of two emails from Grants.gov. One 

will confirm receipt of the application package. The other will either notify the AOR that 

the application was successfully submitted, or it will notify the AOR that there was an 

error with the application submission. 

Note: For applicants without Internet access, who cannot submit an application electronically, 

please contact the Arrest Program by phone at the OVW main line (202) 307-6026 and request 

to speak with a member of the Arrest Unit, no later than February 5, 2014 to request permission 

to submit an application by alternative means.

Registration

Applicants must follow the registration process outlined below. There is no fee associated 

with the registration process. Additionally, the registration process cannot be expedited. 

OVW strongly discourages applicants from paying a third party to register on their behalf in an 

attempt to expedite the registration process. To ensure all applicants have ample time to 

complete the registration process, applicants must obtain a Data Universal Number System 

(DUNS) Number, register online with the System for Award Management (SAM) and with 

Grants.gov immediately, but no later than January 29, 2014.

Applicants for federal grants and cooperative agreements are required to have a Data Universal 

Number System (DUNS) Number to submit an application. A DUNS Number is a unique ninecharacter identification number provided by the commercial company Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). 

Once you have completed the D&B registration, your DUNS Number should be available the 

next business day. 

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, the System for Award Management (SAM) replaced the Central 

Contractor Registration (CCR) as the government-wide registry for vendors doing business with 

the federal government. All applicants must register with SAM and renew their registration 

annually. The SAM centralizes information about grant recipients and also provides a central 

location for grant recipients to change organizational information. Grants.gov uses SAM to 

establish roles and IDs for electronic grant applicants.

Applicants must be registered and current with the SAM registration and with Grants.gov prior 

to submitting an application. Applicants should begin the process immediately to meet the 

Grants.gov registration deadline, especially if this is the first time using these systems. It is 

strongly recommended that applicants begin the registration process no later than January 29, 

2014 in order to ensure that the registration process is completed and any difficulties are 

resolved well in advance of the application deadline. For more information on the process of 

registering with SAM and Grants.gov, please see the How To Apply section on page 18.

Letter of Registration Applicants intending to apply for FY 2014 funding under this program, are strongly encouraged 

to submit a letter of registration. The letter should state that the applying organization is 

registered and current with the SAM and with Grants.gov. The letter should be submitted to
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OVW at OVW.Arrest@usdoj.gov by January 29, 2014. This will ensure that the applicant is 

well-positioned to successfully submit a proposal by the application deadline. This letter will not 

obligate the applicant to submit an application. See Appendix B for a sample Letter of 

Registration.

Pre-Application Conference Calls

OVW will conduct a total of two Pre-Application Conference Calls. During these calls, OVW staff 

will review the Arrest Program grant requirements, review the solicitation, and allow for a brief 

question and answer session. Participation in these calls is optional.

The conference calls are scheduled for: 

• January 21, 2014; 1-3 p.m. E.T.

• January 30, 2014; 1-3 p.m. E.T.

Anyone who is interested in submitting an application to the Arrest Program may register to 

participate in the calls. The total number of participants for each call is limited to 75 individuals.

To register, please e-mail or call Kim Shamberger at OVW.Arrest@usdoj.gov or (202) 514-

7998. Registration must be received at least two hours prior to the start of the call.

Eligibility

 

It is very important that applicants review this information carefully. Applications that are 

submitted by ineligible entities or that do not meet all program eligibility requirements will not be 

considered for funding. 

Eligible Entities 

Eligible entities for this program are:

• States;

• Units of local government;

• Indian tribal governments; and

• State, local, tribal, and territorial courts (including juvenile courts). 

States

A state is any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 

Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. 

Unit of Local Government

A unit of local government is any city, county, township, town, borough, parish, village, or other 

general-purpose political subdivision of a state. Sheriff’s departments, police departments, 

district or city attorney’s offices are not units of local governments for the purposes of the Arrest 

Program. 

Indian Tribal Government

Indian tribal government is defined as a tribe, band, pueblo, nation, or other organized group or 

community of Indians, including any Alaska Native Village or regional or village corporation (as 

defined in, or established pursuant to, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1601 
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et seq.)), that is recognized as eligible for the special programs and services provided by the 

United States to Indians because of their status as Indians.

Non-eligible entities generally include, but are not limited to:

 

• Police departments; 

• Pre-trial service agencies; 

• District or city attorneys’ offices; 

• Sheriffs’ departments;

• Probation and parole departments; and

• Universities.

 

The above non-eligible entities are typically not units of local government for the purposes of the 

Arrest Program unless they meet the definition of “unit of local government” set forth in 42 

U.S.C. § 13925. Applications from typically “non-eligible” entities that want to assert “unit of 

local government” status under 42 U.S.C. § 13925 must include in their application proof of such 

status. If these agencies or organizations do not meet the definition of “unit of local 

government” they are not eligible to apply directly for funding, but may assume a partner 

role and responsibility for the development and implementation of the project. They must 

apply through a state; a state, local, territorial or tribal court; an Indian tribal government; 

or a unit of local government. 

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 amended the Arrest Program’s 

eligibility to include state, tribal, or territorial domestic violence or sexual assault coalitions and 

victim service providers that apply in partnership with states, tribes, or units of local 

governments. 

In FY 2014, however, OVW will not be accepting applications from nonprofit organizations. The 

office anticipates that it will implement this new eligibility category in FY 2015. 

Nonprofit Organization Requirements

Any entity that is meeting the partnership requirement for the Arrest Program based on its status 

as a nonprofit organization must be an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the 

Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of that Code. 

See 42 U.S.C. § 13925(b)(16)(B). Any nonprofit organization that holds money in offshore 

accounts for the purpose of avoiding paying the tax described in section 511(a) of the Internal 

Revenue Code is not eligible for a grant from the Arrest Program.

Program Eligibility Requirements

In addition to meeting the eligible entity requirements outlined above, applications for the Arrest 

Program must also meet the requirement(s) below. All certification and other eligibility related 

documents must be current and developed in accordance with the FY 2014 solicitation. By 

statute, 42 U.S.C. § 3796hh-1(a)(1), all applications must include a certification by the chief 

executive officer of the state, Indian tribal government or local government entity that conditions 

listed below are met or will be met by the end of the period ending on the date on which the next 

session of the state or Indian tribal legislature ends. Note: applicants should pay close 

attention to the below certifications, as they have changed. 

 

According to 42 U.S.C. § 3796hh(c), to be eligible to receive funding through the Arrest Program 

state, unit of local government, tribal and court applicants must submit one of the following

Certifications of Eligibility.
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State, Unit of Local Government and Tribal Applicants Must:

(1) certify that their laws or official policies– 

(A) encourage or mandate arrests of domestic violence offenders based on

probable cause that an offense has been committed; and 

(B) encourage or mandate arrest of domestic violence offenders who violate the

terms of a valid and outstanding protection order;

(2) demonstrate that their laws, policies, or practices and their training programs

discourage dual arrests of offender and victim;

(3) certify that their laws, policies, or practices prohibit issuance of mutual restraining 

orders of protection except in cases where both parties file a claim and the court makes 

detailed findings of fact indicating that both parties acted primarily as aggressors and 

that neither party acted primarily in self-defense;

(4) certify that their laws, policies, and practices do not require, in connection with the

prosecution of any misdemeanor or felony sexual assault, domestic violence, dating 

violence, or stalking offense, or in connection with the filing, issuance, registration, 

modification, enforcement, dismissal, or service of a protection order, or a petition for a 

protection order, to protect a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence,

or stalking, that the victim bear the costs associated with the filing of criminal charges 

against the offender, or the costs associated with the filing, issuance, registration, 

modification, enforcement, dismissal or service of a warrant, protection order, petition for 

a protection order, or witness subpoena, whether issued inside or outside the state, 

tribal, or local jurisdiction; and

(5) certify that their laws, policies or practices ensure that— 

(A) no law enforcement officer, prosecuting officer or other government official shall 

ask or require an adult, youth, or child victim of a sex offense as defined under 

federal, tribal, state, territorial, or local law to submit to a polygraph examination 

or other truth telling device as a condition for proceeding with the investigation of, trial 

of, or sentencing for such an offense; and 

(B) the refusal of a victim to submit to an examination described in subparagraph 

(A) shall not prevent the investigation of, trial of, or sentencing for the offense. 

Court Applicants Must:

1) certify that their laws, policies, or practices prohibit issuance of mutual restraining orders 

of protection except in cases where both parties file a claim and the court makes 

detailed findings of fact indicating that both parties acted primarily as aggressors and 

that neither party acted primarily in self-defense; and

2) the laws, policies, and practices applicable to the court do not require, in connection with 

the prosecution of any misdemeanor or felony domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 

assault, or stalking offense, or in connection with the filing, issuance, registration, 

modification, enforcement, dismissal, or service of a protection order, or a petition for a 

protection order, to protect a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, 

or stalking, that the victim bear the costs associated with the filing of criminal charges 

against the offender, or the costs associated with the filing, issuance, registration, 
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modification, enforcement, dismissal or service of a warrant, protection order, petition for 

a protection order, or witness subpoena, whether issued inside or outside the state, 

tribal, or local jurisdiction;

3) the laws, policies or practices applicable to the court ensure that:

(A) no law enforcement officer, prosecuting officer or other government official shall 

ask or require an adult, youth, or child victim of a sex offense as defined under 

federal, tribal, state, territorial, or local law to submit to a polygraph examination 

or other truth telling device as a condition for proceeding with the investigation of, trial of, 

or sentencing for such an offense; and 

(B) the refusal of a victim to submit to an examination described in subparagraph (A) 

 shall not prevent the investigation of, trial of, or sentencing for the offense.

All applicants, continuation and new, must submit a certification of eligibility letter at the 

time of application submission. Those applicants that do not meet all of the eligibility 

requirements at the time of application will not be considered for funding. 

 

Submission of state, tribal, territorial and/or local statutes, laws and policies in lieu of a 

letter with proper certifications signed by the chief executive officer will not satisfy these 

statutory requirements. Applicants can refer to pages 52 and 53 of the Arrest Solicitation 

for samples of the Certification of Eligibility Letter for courts and state, tribal and units of 

local governments. Please note that applicants may not be contacted by OVW to correct 

certification letters. 

 

Types of Applicants 

In FY 2014, OVW will accept applications for the Arrest Program from the following:

New: applicants that have never received funding under the Arrest Program AND apply to 

address sexual assault only. Applicants that were past recipients of Arrest Program funding, 

and their Arrest award has been closed for more than 12 months, must apply as a new applicant 

and address only sexual assault. 

Continuation: applicants with an open Arrest Program award and/or an Arrest Program award 

that has expired within the past 12 months. Entities that are no longer eligible due to the 

change in definition of unit of local government such as any parish sheriff’s office, can 

apply through their unit of local government. Note: continuation funding is not guaranteed.

Grant recipients that received new or supplemental funding for 36 months in FY 2013 are NOT 

eligible to apply.

Award Information

Applicants that receive an award are bound by statute, federal regulations, the provisions of this 

solicitation, the OVW Financial Guide, any updates to the Financial Guide, and any conditions of 

the recipient’s award.

Availability of Funds

All awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds and any modifications or 

additional requirements that may be imposed by law. There is no guarantee that funds will be 
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available in the future. Therefore, OVW encourages applicants to develop a plan to sustain 

project activities if federal funding through the Arrest Program becomes no longer available. 

Award Period

The grant award period is 36 months. Budgets must reflect 36 months of project activity, and the 

total “estimated funding” (block 15) on the SF-424 must reflect 36 months.

Award Amounts

Applicants should carefully consider the resources needed to successfully implement the 

proposed project and present a realistic budget that accurately reflects project costs. Awards 

under the Arrest Program for FY 2014 will be made for up to $900,000. 

OVW has the discretion to award grants for greater or lesser amounts than requested and to 

negotiate the scope of work and budget with applicants prior to award of a grant. 

Funding levels under the Arrest Program for FY 2014 are as follows: 

Service Area Population 

Up to 500,000 $300,000 

Budget Cap 

500,001 to 900,000 $650,000 

Over 900,000 $900,000

Program Scope

Activities supported by the Arrest Program are determined by statute, federal regulations, and 

OVW policies. If an applicant receives an award, the funded project is bound by the provisions 

of this solicitation, the OVW Financial Guide, any updates to the Financial Guide, and the 

conditions of the recipient’s award. 

Purpose Areas

In FY 2014, funds under the Arrest Program may be used for the following purposes:

• Implement pro-arrest programs and policies in police departments, including policies for 

protection order violations and enforcement of protection orders across state and tribal 

lines;

 

• Develop policies, educational programs, protection order registries, data collection 

systems, and training in police departments to improve tracking of cases and 

classification of complaints involving sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, 

and stalking. Policies, educational programs, protection order registries, and training 

described in this purpose area shall incorporate confidentiality, and privacy protections 

for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking;

 

• Centralize and coordinate police enforcement, prosecution, or judicial responsibility for 

sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking cases in teams or units 

of police officers, prosecutors, parole and probation officers, or judges;

• Coordinate computer tracking systems and provide the appropriate training about sexual 

assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking to ensure communication 
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between police, prosecutors, parole and probation officers, and both criminal and family 

courts; 

• Strengthen legal advocacy service programs and other victim services for victims of 

sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, including strengthening 

assistance to such victims in immigration matters; 

• Educate federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local judges, courts, and court-based and 

court-related personnel in criminal and civil courts (including juvenile courts) about 

sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking and improve judicial 

handling of such cases; 

• Provide technical assistance and computer and other equipment to police departments, 

prosecutors, courts, and tribal jurisdictions to facilitate the widespread enforcement of 

protection orders, including interstate enforcement, enforcement between states and 

tribal jurisdictions, and enforcement between tribal jurisdictions; 

• Develop or strengthen policies and training for police, prosecutors, and the judiciary in 

recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of sexual assault, domestic 

violence, dating violence, and stalking against older individuals and individuals with 

disabilities; 

• Develop state, tribal, territorial, or local policies, procedures, and protocols for preventing 

dual arrests and prosecutions in cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating 

violence, and stalking, and develop effective methods for identifying the pattern and

history of abuse that indicates which party is the actual perpetrator of abuse;

• Plan, develop and establish comprehensive victim service and support centers, such as 

family justice centers, designed to bring together victim advocates from victim service 

providers, staff from population specific organizations, law enforcement officers, 

prosecutors, probation officers, governmental victim assistants, forensic medical 

professionals, civil legal attorneys, chaplains, legal advocates, representatives from 

community-based organizations and other relevant public or private agencies or 

organizations into one centralized location, in order to improve safety, access to 

services, and confidentiality for victims and families;

 

• Develop and implement policies and training for police, prosecutors, probation, and 

parole officers, and the judiciary in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances 

of sexual assault, with an emphasis on recognizing the threat to the community for 

repeat crime perpetration by such individuals; 

• Develop, enhance and maintain protection order registries; and 

• Develop human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing programs for sexual assault 

perpetrators and notification and counseling protocols.

In addition to the above statutory purpose areas, listed below are nine new statutory purpose 

areas that have been added to the Arrest Program per VAWA 2013.1

 

1

 Continuation applicants may propose projects that include the new purpose areas.

 
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• Develop and implement training programs for prosecutors and other prosecutionrelated personnel regarding best practices to ensure offender accountability, victim 

safety, and victim consultation in cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, 

dating violence, and stalking;

• Develop or strengthen policies, protocols, and training for law enforcement, prosecutors, 

and the judiciary in recognizing, investigating, and prosecuting instances of sexual 

assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking against immigrant victims, 

including the appropriate use of applications for nonimmigrant status under 

subparagraphs (T) and (U) of section 1101 (a)(15) of title 8;

• Develop and promote state, local, or tribal legislation and policies that enhance best 

practices for responding to the crimes of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating 

violence, and stalking, including the appropriate treatment of victims;

• Develop, implement, or enhance sexual assault nurse examiner programs or sexual 

assault forensic examiner programs, including the hiring and training of such examiners;

• Develop, implement, or enhance Sexual Assault Response Teams or similar coordinated 

community responses to sexual assault;

• Develop and strengthen policies, protocols, and training for law enforcement officers and 

prosecutors regarding the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases and the 

appropriate treatment of victims;

 

• Provide human immunodeficiency virus testing programs, counseling, and prophylaxis 

for victims of sexual assault;

• Identify and inventory backlogs of sexual assault evidence collection kits and develop 

protocols for responding to and addressing such backlogs, including policies and 

protocols for notifying and involving victims; and

• Develop multidisciplinary high-risk teams focusing on reducing domestic violence 

and dating violence homicides by— 

(A) using evidence-based indicators to assess the risk of homicide and link high-risk 

victims to immediate crisis intervention services; 

 (B) identifying and managing high-risk offenders; and

 (C) providing ongoing victim advocacy and referrals to comprehensive services 

including legal, housing, health care, and economic assistance.

Mandatory Program Requirements 

An applicant that fails to include these required elements in its application will not be considered 

for funding. 
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Mandatory Partnerships

All applicants are required to enter into a formal collaboration with one or more victim service 

provider2 serving victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking. 

A victim service provider must be involved in the development and implementation of the 

project. 

Victim service providers should meet all of the following criteria:

• Provide services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or 

stalking as one of their primary purposes and have a demonstrated history of effective 

work in this field;

• Address a demonstrated need in their communities by providing services that promote 

the dignity and self-sufficiency of victims, improve their access to resources, and create 

options for victims seeking safety from perpetrator violence; and

• Do not engage in or promote activities that compromise victim safety.

In developing an application for the Arrest Program, applicants are encouraged to consider

some important distinctions among the following:

• Victim assistants who work for government agencies (e.g., the police department or the 

district or city attorney’s office);

• Victim advocates who represent nonprofit, nongovernmental sexual assault, domestic 

violence, dating violence, or stalking programs (e.g., shelters, rape crisis centers3

• Legal representatives (e.g., students from law school clinics, paralegals, attorneys 

working for legal service agencies or independent attorneys).

, 

advocacy groups or coalitions); and

There is an important role for all victim advocates to play in the creation of a coordinated 

community response. However, victim service providers must be involved in the development 

and implementation of the project. This does not preclude applicants from requesting support 

from governmental victim service providers, but the budget and budget narrative must 

distinguish between these roles and should include compensation for the contributions of 

nonprofit, nongovernmental victim service providers. 

Applicants must also partner with underserved population specific organizations,4

 

if needed for 

the implementation of the project. 

2 A “victim service provider” means a nonprofit, nongovernmental or tribal organization or rape crisis center, including 

a state or tribal coalition, that assists or advocates for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking 

victims, including domestic violence shelters, faith-based organizations, and other organizations, with a documented 

history of effective work concerning domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. 

3 A “rape crisis center” means a nonprofit, nongovernmental or tribal organization, or governmental entity in a state 

other than a territory that provides intervention and related assistance, as specified in 42 U.S.C. 14043g(b)(2)(C), to 

victims of sexual assault without regard to their age. In the case of a governmental entity, the entity may not be part 

of the criminal justice system (such as a law enforcement agency) and must be able to offer a comparable level of 

confidentiality as a nonprofit entity that provides similar victim services.

4 An “underserved population specific organization” means a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that primarily 

serves members of a specific underserved population and has demonstrated experience and expertise providing 

targeted services to members of that specific underserved population.
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Please note, that victim service providers and underserved population specific organizations 

must meet the nonprofit organization requirements described on page 8.

Additional Program Requirements

HIV Certification

In addition to the certification of eligibility requirements mentioned on page 8, under 42 U.S.C. 

§ 3796hh(d), all states and units of local government that receive Arrest Program funding shall 

not be entitled to 5 percent of their total Arrest Program award unless the state or unit of local 

government:

 

(1) certifies that it has a law, policy, or regulation that requires: 

 (A) The state or unit of local government at the request of a victim to administer 

to a defendant, against whom an information or indictment is presented for a 

crime in which by force or threat of force the perpetrator compels the victim to 

engage in sexual activity, testing for the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) not later 

than 48 hours after the date on which the information or indictment is presented

and the defendant is in custody or has been served with the information or 

indictment; 

(B) as soon as practicable notification to the victim, or parent and guardian of the 

victim, and defendant of the testing results; and 

 

 (C) follow-up tests for HIV as may be medically appropriate, and that as soon as 

practicable after each such test the results be made available in accordance with 

subparagraph (B); or 

(2) gives the Attorney General assurances that its laws and regulations will be in

compliance with requirements of paragraph (1) by the period ending on the date 

on which the next session of the state legislature ends. 

 

A Special Condition will be added to all awards to states and units of local governments that are 

funded in Fiscal Year 2014 to ensure compliance with the HIV testing certification listed above. 

It is not necessary to submit the HIV Certification Letter at this time. Those applicants selected 

for awards will be required to submit an acceptable HIV Certification letter along with the 

jurisdictional and/or state statute for review at a later date. The special condition will prohibit the 

drawdown of 5 percent of the award until an acceptable HIV Certification Letter and statute has 

been reviewed and approved by the OVW Attorney. 

Please note that the submission of a Certification of Eligibility Letter does not constitute 

compliance with the HIV special condition requirement.

Statutory Priority 

By statute, 42 U.S.C. §3796hh-1(b), when making Arrest Program awards priority should be 

given to applicants that:

• Do not currently provide for centralized handling of cases involving sexual assault, 

domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking by police, prosecutors, and courts;
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• Demonstrate a commitment to strong enforcement of laws, and prosecution of cases, 

involving sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking including the 

enforcement of protection orders from other states and jurisdictions, including tribal 

jurisdictions;

• Have established cooperative agreements or can demonstrate effective ongoing 

collaborative arrangements with neighboring jurisdictions to facilitate the enforcement of 

protection orders from other states and jurisdictions, including tribal jurisdictions; and 

• Intend to utilize grant funds to develop and install data collection and communication 

systems, including computerized systems, and training on how to use these systems 

effectively to link police, prosecutors, courts and tribal jurisdictions for the purpose of 

identifying and tracking protection orders and violations of protection orders, in those 

jurisdictions where such systems do not exist or are not fully effective.

 

OVW Priority Areas 

OVW encourages applications that propose activities in the following areas: 

• Increased support for sexual assault, including services, law enforcement response and 

prosecution. For FY 2014, the Arrest Program will accept applications from new 

applicants for sexual assault projects only; 

• Increased support for underserved populations, particularly communities of color, in a 

culturally appropriate manner, with a special emphasis on African-American, tribal, and 

LGBT communities, as well as individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals;5 and

• Enhanced collaboration between civilian and military agencies as part of an improved 

coordinated community response to domestic violence cases involving military 

personnel.

Activities that Compromise Victim Safety and Recovery 

The following activities have been found to jeopardize victim safety, deter or prevent physical or 

emotional healing for victims, or allow offenders to escape responsibility for their actions: 

• Procedures or policies that exclude victims from receiving safe shelter, advocacy 

services, counseling, and other assistance based on their actual or perceived age, 

immigration status, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health 

condition, physical health condition, criminal record, work in the sex industry, or the age 

and/or gender of their children;

6

• Procedures or policies that compromise the confidentiality of information and privacy of 

persons receiving OVW-funded services; 

• Automatic pre-trial diversion programs; 

• Mediation or counseling for couples as a systemic response to domestic violence; 

 

5 Applicants addressing an underserved population must partner with an appropriate population specific organization. 

6 If an award is made, the recipient will also be subject to statutory prohibitions on discrimination. For further 

information on these civil rights requirements, see the section on "VAWA Non-Discrimination Provision" under "PostAward Requirements" on page 33. 
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• Operating domestic violence batterer intervention programs that are not court-ordered or 

court-monitored; 

• Utilizing anger management classes instead of court-ordered batterer intervention 

programs; 

• Requiring victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking to file 

for a protection order or file criminal charges against their abusers as a condition of 

receiving services; 

• Referring victims to child protection services solely for failure to protect their minor child 

from witnessing domestic violence; and 

• Procedures that would penalize victims of violence for failing to testify against their 

abusers or impose other sanctions on victims. Rather, procedures that provide victims 

with the opportunity to make an informed choice about whether to testify are 

encouraged. 

Applications that propose activities that compromise victim safety and recovery may receive a 

deduction in points during the review process or may be eliminated from further consideration 

entirely.

Out-of-Scope Activities

OVW has determined the activities listed below to be out of the program scope. Applications 

that propose out-of-scope activities may receive a point deduction during the review process. 

Applications that are determined to be substantially outside the scope of the Arrest Program will 

not be considered for funding. The following activities are out of scope and will not be supported 

by Arrest Program grant funding:

• Research projects (This does not include program assessments conducted only for 

internal improvement purposes. See section on Research and Protection of Human 

Subjects in the FY 2014 Solicitation Companion Guide at

http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/grantees.html#s1; 

• Direct legal representation. Grant funds may not be used to provide legal representation 

in civil and criminal matters, such as family law cases, divorce, custody, visitation and 

child support, housing cases, consumer law cases, etc. However, grant funds may be 

used to provide legal representation to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, 

dating violence, and stalking only in the limited context of protection order proceedings;

• Prevention activities. Grant funds may not be used for prevention activities, e.g., 

outreach to elementary and secondary schools, implementation of educational programs 

regarding domestic and dating violence intervention, and public/community awareness 

campaigns. Grantees are only permitted to engage in outreach activities to inform 

potential victims about the availability of services; 

• Family violence services. Grant funds may not be used to address child abuse, other 

family violence issues such as violence perpetrated by a child against a parent, or 

violence perpetrated by a sibling against another sibling; 

• Services for children. Grant funds may not be used to provide direct services to children, 

including children who are witnesses or victims of violence, except where such services 

are an ancillary part of providing services to the child’s parent who is a victim of sexual 

assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking (such as providing child care 

services while the victim receives services). In addition, funds may not be used to 

investigate or prosecute child abuse or child sexual abuse cases; and

• Sex offender registry. Grant funds may not be used to create sex offender registries. 
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Unallowable Activities 

The following is a list of activities that are unallowable and cannot be supported by Arrest 

Program grant funding. Applications that propose unallowable activities may receive a point 

deduction during the review process. Applications that include substantial unallowable activities 

will not be considered for funding.

• Lobbying (except with explicit statutory authorization) 

• Fundraising

• Purchase of real property

• Construction

• Physical modifications to buildings, including minor renovations (such as painting or 

carpeting)

• Uniforms, weapons, automobiles, and security systems that require permanent 

installation

 

How to Apply 

This section describes how an application should be submitted. Applicants should anticipate 

that failure to meet all registration and submission deadlines will result in their application being 

removed from consideration. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application 

is submitted by the deadline. 

Applicants must follow the registration process outlined below. There is no fee associated 

with the registration process. Additionally, the registration process cannot be expedited. 

OVW strongly discourages applicants from paying a third party to register on their behalf, or as 

an attempt to expedite the registration process. To ensure all applicants have ample time to 

complete the registration process, applicants must obtain a Data Universal Number System 

(DUNS) Number, register online with the System for Award Management (SAM) and with 

Grants.gov immediately, but no later than January 29, 2014.

Applicants must be registered and current with the SAM registration and with Grants.gov prior to 

submitting an application. It is strongly recommended that applicants begin the registration 

process immediately, but no later than January 29, 2014 in order to ensure that the registration 

process is completed and any difficulties are resolved well in advance of the application 

deadline. It is important that applicants do not wait until the day of the application 

deadline to begin the application submission process. To ensure a successful 

application submission, OVW strongly encourages applicants to submit their 

applications at least 48, but no less than 24, hours before the deadline. After application 

submission, AORs should closely monitor their emails for any notification from 

Grants.gov about a possible failed submission. The AOR will receive a minimum of two 

emails from Grants.gov. One will confirm receipt of the application package. The other 

will either notify the AOR that the application was successfully submitted, or it will notify 

the AOR that there was an error with the application submission.

Please note that the Grants.gov notification process is automatic. OVW does not send 

out these notifications, nor does OVW receive a copy of these notifications. It is the 

responsibility of the applicant to notify OVW of any problems with the application 

submission process. Please see “Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues” on page 21

for information on the steps applicants must follow if corrective action must be taken. 
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Application Registration Requirements

It is very important that all applicants read this section carefully. Applicants that do not complete 

all the steps in registering and submitting their application by the due date will not be considered 

for funding. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their applications are complete at the time of 

submission. OVW will not contact applicants for missing items.

Each applicant must obtain a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, be registered 

in the System for Award Management (SAM) and submit their application online via either 

Grants.gov or the Grants Management System (GMS) according to the instructions. Applicants 

are encouraged to submit their applications 48, but no less than 24, hours before the deadline to 

allow sufficient time to address technical problems. Applicants should ensure that the DUNS 

number for the application is for an organization that is eligible to apply for the grant program. 

Also, only the organization that is registered in SAM may use that DUNS number and 

Grants.gov registration to submit an application. 

 

System for Award Management (SAM) 

Applicants for all federal grants are required to register with the System for Award Management 

(SAM). If the applying organization already has an Employer Identification Number (EIN), the

SAM registration will take up to two weeks to process. If the applying organization does not 

have an EIN, then the applicant should allow two to five weeks for obtaining the 

information from IRS when requesting the EIN via phone, fax, mail or Internet. Follow the 

steps listed below to register in the SAM:

Step 1: Obtain a DUNS number at the following website http://www.dnb.com/us/ or call (866) 

705-5711. 

Step 2: Access the SAM online registration through the SAM home page at 

https://www.sam.gov/ and follow the online instructions for new SAM users.

Step 3: Complete and submit the online registration. If the applying organization already has the 

necessary information on hand, the online registration takes approximately 30 minutes to 

complete, depending upon the size and complexity of the business or organization. Once the

SAM registration becomes active, the applicant will be able to return to Grants.gov and 

complete the registration. Please note that organizations must update or renew their SAM 

registration at least once a year to maintain an active status. (Applicants formerly used 

the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database).

Grants.Gov 

After applicants obtain their DUNS number and register with SAM, they can begin the 

Grants.Gov registration process. In order to apply for a grant, the applying organization must 

complete the Grants.gov registration process prior to beginning an application for a federal 

grant. Complete instructions can be found at www.grants.gov. The registration process can 

take between three and five business days or as long as four weeks if all steps are not 

completed in a timely manner. Please note that Grants.gov is not the Office of Justice 

Programs’ (OJP) Grants Management System (GMS) through which OVW discretionary 

program applicants have submitted applications in previous years. If applicants experience 

difficulties at any point during this process, they may call the Grants.gov Customer Support 

Hotline at 1-800-518-4726. 

Note: Grants.gov limits the use of specific characters in names of attachment files. Valid 

file names may only include the following characters: A-Z, a-z, 0-9, and space. The 
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applicant should ensure that only allowable characters are included. Grants.gov will not 

accept an application if it includes file names that use disallowable characters. OVW 

strongly suggests using simple titles for all documents, such as “FY 2014 OVW Project 

Narrative.” Please note that file names are limited to 50 characters. GMS does not accept 

executable file types as application attachments. These disallowed file types include, but are 

not limited to, the following extensions: “.com,” “.bat,” “.exe,” “.vbs,” “.cfg,” “.dat,” “.db,” “.dbf,” 

“.dll,” “.ini,” “.log,” “.ora,” “.sys,” and “.zip.” Please visit the Grants.gov website to review the most 

up-to-date guidelines about the use of specific characters. 

 

The E-Business Point of Contact (E-Biz POC) within the applicant’s organization must register 

the organization with Grants.gov. The E-Biz POC oversees the organization's Grants.gov 

transactions and assigns the AOR. The AOR submits the application to Grants.gov and must 

register with Grants.gov as well. In some cases the E-Biz POC is also the AOR for an 

organization. 

• Step 1: Go to Grants.gov. Mouse over the “APPLICANTS” drop down and click the

“Organization Registration Link”.

• Step 2: Register with SAM

• Step 3: Username & Password

• Step 4: AOR Authorization

• Step 5: TRACK AOR STATUS

The application process can move forward once the organization successfully registers 

with Grants.gov. 

Downloading a Grant Application Package

An applicant may download the application package to complete it offline and route it through 

the applying organization for review before final submission. 

Applicants must use the correct version of Adobe software in order to download the grant 

application. To verify if the Adobe software version is compatible with Grants.gov, visit the 

following link: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/support/technical-support/software/adobereader-compatibility.html. 

Instructions on how to open and use the forms in the package are on the application package 

cover sheet. Agency-specific instructions are available for download when the application 

package is downloaded. The instructions identify the required information for a complete 

application.

Completing the Grant Application Package

The applicant must manually save changes to the grant application. Grants.gov does NOT 

automatically save changes. The package cannot be submitted until all required fields have 

been completed. 
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Submitting the Completed Grant Application Package

Log on to Grants.gov. After the application is fully completed, errors are corrected, and the 

application is saved, click the “Save & Submit” button on the cover page. The application 

package will be automatically uploaded to Grants.gov. 

Reminder: To ensure a successful application submission, OVW strongly encourages 

applicants to submit their applications at least 48, but no less than 24, hours before the 

deadline. AORs should closely monitor their email for any notification from Grants.gov about a 

possible failed submission. The AOR will receive a minimum of two emails from Grants.gov. 

A confirmation screen will appear once the submission is complete. A Grants.gov tracking 

number will be provided at the bottom of this screen, as well as the official date and time of the 

submission. Applicants must record the tracking number if technical support is needed. The 

Grants.gov Help Desk can be reached at 1-800-518-4726, Monday through Friday, from 7:00 

a.m. to 9:00 p.m. E.T. 

Applicants without Internet Access 

Applicants without Internet access, who cannot submit an application electronically, must

contact the Arrest Program by phone at the OVW main line (202) 307-6026 and request to 

speak with a member of the Arrest unit, or by email at OVW.Arrest@usdoj.gov, no later than 

February 5, 2014 to request permission to submit an application by alternative means.

OVW Policy on Duplicate Applications

If an applicant submits multiple versions of an application, OVW will review the most recent 

version submitted. 

Experiencing Unforeseen Technical Issues

As previously stated, applicants should begin the registration process immediately, but no less 

than January 29, 2014. Furthermore, the applicant should begin the application submission 

process 48, but no less than 24, hours prior to the application deadline. This will allow for 

sufficient time for the applicant to contact the appropriate individuals and take corrective action, 

as outlined in this solicitation, should unforeseen technical issues arise. If technical difficulties 

are experienced at any point during the application process, the applicant must contact 

Grants.gov Customer Support Hotline at 1-800-518-4726, or support@grants.gov, 24 hours a 

day, 7 days a week, except closed for federal holidays. 

If an applicant experiences unforeseen technical issues that prevent them from submitting an

application by the deadline, they must take the following actions:

• contact the Arrest Unit by phone at the OVW mainline (202) 307-6026 and request to 

speak with a member from the Arrest unit, or by email at OVW.Arrest@usdoj.gov prior to 

the application deadline stating that they are experiencing unforeseen technical issues; 

and

• contact the technical support number above prior to deadline. 

Within 24 hours after the deadline, the applicant must again contact the Arrest Program by 

phone at the OVW mainline (202) 307-6026 and request to speak with a member from the 

Arrest unit, or by email at OVW.Arrest@usdoj.gov to request approval to submit the application. 

At that time, the applicant will be required to email the complete grant application and DUNS 

number, and provide a Grants.gov Help Desk tracking number(s). After OVW reviews all of the 

information submitted and verifies the technical issues with the Helpdesk, OVW will contact the
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applicant to either approve or deny the request to submit a late application. If the technical 

issues cannot be verified, the application will be rejected as late. 

To ensure a fair competition for limited discretionary funds, the following conditions are not valid 

reasons to permit late submissions: (1) failure to begin the registration process in sufficient time; 

(2) failure to register or update information on the SAM website; (3) failure to follow GMS or 

Grants.gov instructions as posted on its website; and (4) failure to follow all of the instructions in 

the OVW solicitation.

OVW Policy on Late Submissions

OVW offers several options for applicants to provide advance notice to OVW if receipt of their 

application will be delayed due to a temporary lack of Internet access, other technical difficulties, 

or geographic isolation. If applicants do not provide advance notice to OVW about an issue that 

may cause a delay in the submission of the application, then the application will not be 

considered for funding. If applicants follow the steps outlined above, late submission may be 

considered. Extension of deadlines is not guaranteed.

Extraordinary Natural or Manmade Disasters

In cases of extraordinary natural or manmade disasters, such as extreme weather emergencies 

or terrorist acts, applicants may request to submit applications up to seven calendar days late

by sending an e-mail to the contact listed in the solicitation. The message should specify the 

nature of the disaster and how it affected the applicant’s ability to submit an application on time.

Application Contents

This section describes what is included in a complete application package. Applicants should 

anticipate that failure to submit an application that contains all of the specified elements will 

negatively affect the review of the application and may result in the application not being 

considered for funding. Should a decision be made to make an award, it may result in the 

inclusion of special conditions that preclude access to or use of award funds pending 

satisfaction of the conditions. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that a complete 

application is submitted by the deadline. OVW will not contact applicants for missing items. 

Do not submit documents in addition to those specified in this solicitation. Please note 

that any materials submitted as part of an application may be released pursuant to a 

request under the Freedom of Information Act.

Formatting and Technical Requirements Applications must follow the requirements below. Points may be deducted for applications that 

do not adhere to the following requirements:

• Double spaced (Project Abstract, Summary Data Sheet and charts may be single space) 

• 81⁄2 x 11 inch paper

• One-inch margins

• Type no smaller than 12 point, Times New Roman font

• Page numbers

• No more than 20 pages for the Project Narrative

• Word processing documents must be in the following formats: Microsoft Word (.doc), 

PDF files (.pdf), or Text Documents (.txt). 

• Headings and sub-headings that correspond to the sections identified in the Application 

Contents section of this solicitation. 
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Application Requirements 

Applications must include the following required documents and demonstrate that the program 

eligibility requirements have been met. Applications that do not address all of the following 

components will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding:

1. Project Narrative

2. Budget Detail Worksheet and Narrative

3. Memorandum of Understanding 

4. Certification of Eligibility 

In addition to the application being scored on the documents listed above, the Summary Data 

Sheet will also be scored.

Summary Data Sheet (5 Points Total)

The Summary Data Sheet should be one to four pages in length and may be single or double 

spaced. The Summary Data Sheet does not count toward the 20 page limit for the Project 

Narrative. Please provide the following information:

• Name, title, address, phone number, and e-mail address for the Authorized Organization 

Representative (AOR) of the applicant agency (see page 30 for the definition of the 

AOR). 

• Name, title, address, phone number, and e-mail address for the grant point-of-contact, 

who must be an employee of the applicant agency. 

• Statement as to whether the agency applying has expended $500,000 in federal funds in 

the organization’s past fiscal year. Please specify the end date of the applicant’s fiscal 

year. 

• A list of other federal grant programs from which the applicant organization currently 

receives funding or for which it has applied for funding in FY 2014 to do similar work.

• Statement as to whether the applicant is a nonprofit organization that holds money in 

offshore accounts for the purpose of avoiding paying the tax described in section 511(a) 

of the Internal Revenue Code. 

• The agency and type of agency (i.e., unit of local government, state, territorial or tribal 

government, state, tribal, territorial or local court) applying for funding.

• The nonprofit, non-governmental victim services program collaborating on this project

and whether such program is recognized as a nonprofit organization under section 

501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code. 

• Any population specific organizations collaborating on this project and whether such 

organizations are recognized as nonprofit organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the 

internal revenue code.

• Whether this project is a local, tribal, multi-jurisdiction (involving 10 or more counties), 

statewide, regional (multiple states), tribal consortium, or court project.

• The regional area(s) (city, town, tribal area, county, parish) where this project will be 

implemented. 

• The start and end date of the applicant’s next state or tribal legislative session.

• The Arrest Program Statutory Purpose Area(s) the applicant will address. Applicants 

must address at least one Statutory Purpose Area.

• The Statutory Priority and/or OVW Priority Area(s) the applicant will address. Applicants 

are not required to address a statutory or OVW priority area.

• The percentage of grant activities, should the application be funded, that will address 

each of the following issues:
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o Sexual assault; 

o Domestic violence;

o Dating/teen dating violence; and/or

o Stalking; 

• Summary of Current and Recent OVW Projects (if applicable)

o If the applicant has a current grant award or cooperative agreement under any OVW 

program, or received an award that has been closed within the last 12 months from 

the date this solicitation closes, the information below must be included. 

• Identify all grants by OVW program, award number, and project period.

• Specify the total funding amount for each grant (initial and supplemental 

amounts, if applicable).

• Specify the total funds remaining in each grant as of the date of application.

• Provide the total funds remaining in each budget category (Personnel, Fringe, 

Travel, Equipment, Supplies, Construction, Contractual, and Other) for each 

grant. 

• Provide justification for remaining funds. 

• Estimate the amount of grant funds that will be remaining at the end of the 

current project period.

• List the number and titles of all full-time and/or part-time positions funded by 

the award.

Continuation applicants that have a substantial amount of remaining funds at the time of 

application submission without adequate justification may not be considered for funding in FY 

2014. 

Project Narrative (55 Points Total) 

The Project Narrative may not exceed 20 pages in length, double-spaced. The Project Narrative 

comprises the following four sections: 

Purpose of Application (10 points)

This section must include: 

• The service area in which the project will be implemented;

• The target population of the proposed project;

• Detailed description of the problem to be addressed;

• Current services offered in the service area as it relates to the target population;

• Current gaps and barriers to providing services to the target population;

• Description of how the proposed project complements the state’s STOP Violence 

Against Women Implementation Plan (this is not required for applications from tribal 

governments); 

• List of other grant funding opportunities the applicant has applied for and a detailed 

description of how this proposed application will complement potential funding 

opportunities and not duplicate efforts; 

• The impact of current or prior efforts to prevent and reduce sexual assault, domestic 

violence, dating violence, and/or stalking in the service area;

• Detailed description of the need or continued need for the project; and

• A description of the community to be served, including diverse, traditionally underserved 

populations of victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking 

and how the proposed project will address their needs.
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What Will Be Done (35 points) 

This section must include the information below. In doing so, the applicant must provide a clear 

link between the proposed activities and the need identified in the “Purpose of Application” 

section.

• Describe the goals and objectives of the proposed project;

• Describe the specific tasks and activities necessary to accomplish the goals and 

objectives;

• Describe the expected outcomes of the proposed project;

• Provide a detailed timeline for the proposed project that demonstrates how the activities 

will be accomplished within the 36 month grant cycle;

• Describe how funding will address the identified needs in the service area. The applicant 

should detail how additional funding will enhance any existing projects if applicable;

• List of tangible products (e.g., a video, a brochure, a curriculum) if any, that will be 

created under this project, and a description of how they could be used to assist other 

jurisdictions to address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. 

Product development is not required; and

• Describe how the applicant is currently addressing victim safety and autonomy. The 

applicant should state what enhancements, if any, will be made through the proposed 

project.

In addition, if applicants are proposing to use any technology (including, but not limited to, 

security systems, GPS, hotlines, and databases) they should explain how they plan to address 

any victim safety concerns that may arise from the use of the technology, such as 

confidentiality, safety planning, and informed consent. Security systems that require permanent 

installation are unallowable under the Arrest Program. 

Who Will Implement the Project (10 points) 

This section must include the information below. In doing so, the applicant must justify who will 

be involved in the project and demonstrate that they have the capacity to address the stated 

need and that they can successfully implement the stated project activities.

• List the organizations and key personnel involved with the proposed project;

• Provide detailed information about the experience and expertise of the organization and 

key personnel who will be directly involved with the proposed project. Position 

description and resumes should be included with the application;

• Clearly demonstrate that the partnerships required by the solicitation have been met 

(see Mandatory Partnership Requirement on page 14); 

• The agency(ies) or office(s) responsible for implementing the project; and

• Describe the roles and responsibilities of each organization and key personnel.

All applicants are required to enter into a formal collaboration with one or more nonprofit, 

nongovernmental organization serving victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating 

violence, and/or stalking (see “victim service providers” page 14). This may include faith-based 

or community organizations. Nonprofit, nongovernmental sexual assault, domestic violence, 

dating violence, or stalking victim service organizations must be involved in the development 

and implementation of the project.
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Proposal Abstract

The Proposal Abstract should provide a short and accurate summary (no more than 1 page, 

double-spaced) of the proposed project, including who will be involved with the proposed 

project, what will be done as primary activities, what products will be produced, the service area 

where the proposed project will take place and who will be impacted by the proposed project. 

Applicants should not summarize past accomplishments in this section. Additionally, applicants 

should limit their proposal abstract to no more than one page. 

Budget Detail Worksheet and Narrative (20 Points) 

All applicants are required to submit a detailed budget and supporting budget narrative. 

Budgetary requirements vary slightly among programs, and applicants must read the solicitation 

closely to determine the requirements of the budget and budget narrative for each OVW 

program. 

Award Period and Amount

Service Area Population Budget Cap Project Period

Up to 500,000 $300,000 36 months

501,000 to 900,000 $650,000 36 months

Over 900,000 $900,000 36 months

 

Budget Requirements 

Applicants must submit reasonable budgets based on the resources needed to implement their 

projects in their specific geographic location. The budget should display a clear link between the 

specific project activities and the proposed budget items. Specifically, the budget should not 

contain any items that are not detailed in the project narrative. The budget narrative must 

support all costs included in the budget and explain how the costs of goods and services are 

determined and how they will fulfill the overall objective of the project. 

While OVW discretionary grant programs do not require matching funds, applicants are 

encouraged to maximize the impact of federal dollars by contributing to the costs of their 

projects. Supplemental contributions may be cash, in-kind services, or a combination of both. 

Any non-federal contributions can be discussed in the project narrative or Memorandum of 

Understanding (if required). Applicants should not include supplemental contributions in the 

budget, budget narrative, or SF-424. 

In some circumstances, the budget and budget narrative will be reviewed separately from the 

proposed project narrative. Therefore, it is very important that the budget narrative be as 

comprehensive as possible and describe in a narrative format each line item requested in the 

budget.

A Sample Budget Detail Worksheet is available in Appendix A. When preparing the Budget 

Detail Worksheet and Narrative, please use the Sample Budget Detail Worksheet as a guide 

and be sure to include all necessary budget categories as outlined in the Worksheet. The

budget must adhere to the OVW Financial Grants Management Guide, which can be found at 

http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/ovw-fgmg.pdf. 

The budget detail worksheet must:

• Include salary and fringe costs in the “Personnel” category for staff only if they work 

directly for the eligible applicant; for project partners, include salary and fringe benefits in 

the “Consultants/Contracts” category; and 

• Appropriately compensate all project partners. 
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Grantees under the Arrest Program may not issue a Solicitation/Request for Proposals 

redistributing these funds after receiving an award.

Federal Financial Guidelines 

Federal grants are governed by the provisions of the OMB circulars applicable to financial 

assistance and the OVW Financial Grants Management Guide, which can be found at 

http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/ovw-fgmg.pdf. The Financial Grants Management Guide 

includes information on allowable costs, methods of payment, audit requirements, accounting 

systems, and financial records. This document outlines the successful administration of grant 

funds. 

Any recipient of an award will be responsible for monitoring sub-grants/contracts, including 

MOU partner activities, under the grant in accordance with all applicable statutes, regulations, 

OMB circulars and guidelines, and the OVW Financial Grants Management Guide. Primary 

recipients will be responsible for oversight of sub-grantee/partner spending and monitoring 

specific performance measures and outcomes attributable to the use of OVW funds. 

Food and Beverage/Costs for Refreshments and Meals 

Generally food and beverage costs are not allowable, and under no circumstances may OVW 

funding be used to supply food and/or beverages during refreshment breaks. OVW may 

approve the use of OVW funds to provide food and/or beverages for a meal at a meeting, 

conference, training, or other event, if one of the following applies: 

• The location of the event is not in close proximity to food establishments. It should be a 

priority to try to secure a location near reasonably priced and accessible commercial 

food establishments.

• Not serving food will significantly lengthen the day or necessitate extending the meeting 

to achieve meeting outcomes.

• A special presentation at a conference requires a plenary address where there is no 

other time for food to be obtained. 

• Other extenuating circumstances necessitate the provision of food.

Justification for an exception listed above must be included in the budget narrative, and funds 

may only be used to purchase food and/or beverages for a meal at a meeting, conference, 

training, or other event if OVW approves the specific expenditures in advance. 

Conference Planning and Expenditure Limitations

Applicants should be aware of all applicable laws, regulations, policies and guidance (including 

specific cost limits, prior approval and reporting requirements, where applicable) governing the 

use of federal funds for expenses related to conferences (which is defined to include meetings, 

retreats, seminars, symposiums, training and other similar events), including the provision of

food and/or beverages at such events, and costs of attendance at such events. Information on 

pertinent laws, regulations, policies and guidance is available at 

http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/grantees.html. Applicants should also be aware of the following 

specific restrictions on conference planning and expenditure limitations:

• Cost of Logistical Conference Planning

• Cost of Programmatic Conference Planning

• Conference Space and Audio-Visual Equipment and Services

• Prohibition on Trinkets at Conferences
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• Entertainment at Conferences

• Food and Beverages at Conferences

• Prior Approval Required Before Entering Into Contracts or Expending Funds for 

Conferences

• Conference Reporting

Updated Department of Justice and OVW guidance on conference planning, minimization of 

costs, and conference cost reporting is accessible on the OVW website 

http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/grantees.html. For additional information regarding food and beverage 

regulations, please refer to the OVW Financial Grants Management Guide at 

http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/ovw-fgmg.pdf. 

Training and Technical Assistance 

All applicants are required to allocate funds to support travel costs associated with technical 

assistance and capacity-building activities sponsored by OVW-designated technical assistance 

providers. Therefore, continuation applicants are required to allocate funds in the amount of 

$5,000, and new applicants are required to allocate funds in the amount of $10,000. Applicants 

from Alaska, Hawaii, and United States Territories should allocate $15,000 to account for higher 

travel costs. These specific applicants may exceed the budget caps to account for this 

increased travel amount. The required set-aside amount may be shared between the applicant 

and any partnering agency(ies), but the budget must reflect the costs in the appropriate 

categories. Therefore, an employee’s travel costs should be included in the “Travel” category, 

while travel costs for the partner(s) must be included in the “Consultants/Contracts” category. 

Label both costs as “OVW Technical Assistance (TA)”. Include an estimated breakdown for 

these costs, including the number of trips, number of travelers, airfare or mileage, lodging, per 

diem, etc. (TA is provided free of charge to grantees, so applicants do not need to include 

registration fees). This amount should equal the full, required set-aside amount listed above. 

Please note these funds can only be used for OVW-designated technical assistance, unless 

otherwise approved by OVW. Any training and technical assistance funds not used by the end 

of the grant period may not be reprogrammed and must be returned to OVW. Travel funds 

should be used to support travel by all project partners including nonprofit, victim service 

providers. Funds may also be used by persons whose positions are not grant-funded as long as 

that person’s roles and responsibilities are linked to the project’s overall mission.

Program Assessments

Applicants may not use any OVW funds to conduct research. However, up to three percent of 

the budget may be allocated for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of funded activities. 

For example, funds may be used to conduct pre- and post-testing of training recipients or for 

victim satisfaction surveys. In conducting such testing or surveys, grantees may not collect, 

analyze or disseminate any information that would disclose the identity of an individual. 

 

Accommodations and Language Access

Applicants are encouraged to allocate grant funds to support activities that help to ensure

individuals with disabilities and Deaf individuals and persons with limited English proficiency 

have meaningful and full access to their programs. For example, grant funds can be used to

support American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter services, language interpretation and 

translation services, or the purchase of adaptive equipment. 
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Applicants proposing to use grant funds to create websites, videos and other materials must

ensure that they are accessible to persons with disabilities. Grant funds must be allocated for 

these purposes.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (20 Points Total)

As discussed on page 14 above, applicants must partner with victim service providers, and, if 

appropriate, population specific organizations. For purposes of this application, the MOU is a 

document containing the terms of the partnership and the roles and responsibilities between two 

or more parties. The MOU should be a single document and should be signed and dated by the 

Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) (see page 30) for the definition of the AOR) of 

each proposed partner agency during the development of the application. In rare circumstances 

an MOU can include multiple signature pages as long as each page includes the name and title 

of each signing party. 

The MOU must:

• Clearly identify the partners and provide a brief history of the collaborative relationship 

among those partners, including when and under what circumstances the relationship 

began and when each partner entered into the relationship; 

• Clearly state the roles and responsibilities each partner will assume to ensure the 

success of the proposed project; 

• Describe the resources each partner would contribute to the project, either through time, 

in-kind contributions, or grant funds (e.g., office space, project staff, and training);

• Specify the extent of each partner’s participation in developing the application;

• Demonstrate the commitment of each project partners to work together to achieve 

stated project goals;

• Indicate approval of the proposed project budget by all signing parties; and

• Identify the representatives of the planning and development team who will be 

responsible for developing and implementing project activities and describe how they will 

work together and with project staff.

Letters of support may not be submitted in lieu of the MOU.

Additional Required Information

The following documents will not be scored during the review process but they should be 

included with your submission. Failure to include any of the information may result in the 

inability to access funds if your application is selected for funding. 

Confidentiality Notice Form

All applicants are required to acknowledge that they have received notice that grantees and 

subgrantees must comply with the confidentiality and privacy requirements of the Violence

Against Women Act, as amended. The acknowledgement form is available on the OVW website 

at http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/conf-acknowledgement.pdf and must be signed by the 

authorized representative and uploaded to the application on Grants.gov. 

Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424)

Applicants must complete the SF-424 online. In block 7 (Type of Applicant), please do not select 

“other.” Please pay careful attention to the amount of federal funding requested in box 15 of this 

form. This amount must match the amount of federal funding requested in the budget section of 
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the application package. Only include values in box 16 (“Recipient”) if the program solicitation 

requires a match. The individual who is listed in box 18 must be the AOR for the applicant 

agency. The AOR is an individual who has the authority to apply for and accept grant awards 

on behalf of the organization or jurisdiction. 

Standard Assurances and Certifications Regarding Lobbying; Debarment, Suspension, 

and Other Responsibility Matters; and Drug-Free Workplace Requirements (Form 4061/6)

Please carefully review the assurances and certification forms online. These forms will be 

completed online at a later time during the application process. All applicants must complete the 

Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF-LLL) form. Applicants that expend any funds for lobbying 

activities must provide the detailed information requested on the form. Applicants that do not 

expend any funds for lobbying activities should enter “N/A” in the required highlighted fields. 

Letter of Nonsupplanting

Applicants must submit a letter to OVW’s Director, signed by the AOR, certifying that federal 

funds will not be used to supplant state or local funds should a grant award be made. Please 

refer to http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/nonsup_letter.pdf for a sample letter. This should be a 

separate attachment to the application in Grants.gov.

Financial Accounting Practices

Each applicant must prepare a response to the following questions. OVW will review the 

applicant’s responses to assist in evaluating the adequacy of the organization’s financial 

management system and to identify areas of need for training and technical assistance. This 

section of your application should be no more than two pages and should be a separate 

attachment to the online application in Grants.gov.

• Will all funds awarded under this program be maintained in a manner that they will be 

accounted for separately and distinctly from other sources of revenue/funding?

• Does the applicant have written accounting policies and procedures? OVW may request 

a copy for review during the application/award process or as part of the grant monitoring 

process.

• Is the applicants’ financial management system able to track actual expenditures and 

outlays with budgeted amounts for each grant or subgrant? 

• Does the applicant have procedures in place for minimizing the time elapsing between 

transfer of funds from the United States Treasury and disbursement for project 

activities? 

• Does the applicant have effective internal controls in place to adequately safeguard 

grant assets and to ensure that they are used solely for authorized purposes? Please 

provide a brief description.

• Does the applicant have a documented records retention policy? If so, briefly describe 

the policy.

• Is the individual primarily responsible for fiscal and administrative oversight of grant 

awards familiar with the applicable grants management rules, principles, and 

regulations? If not, the applicant must contact OVW’s Grants Financial Management 

Division at OVW.GFMD@usdoj.gov or 1-888-514-8556 immediately after the 

organization is notified of their award to coordinate training.

Financial Capability Questionnaire (if applicable)

All victim service providers that apply for funding from OVW and have not previously (or within

the last three years) received funding from OVW or OJP must complete a 
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Financial Capability Questionnaire, and submit it online. Additionally, the applicant may be 

required to submit their current year’s audit report at a later time. The form can be found at 

http://www.ojp.gov/funding/forms/financial_capability.pdf. 

Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (if applicable)

Applicants that intend to charge indirect costs through the use of an indirect cost rate must have 

a federally-approved indirect cost agreement. Please include a copy of a current, signed 

federally-approved indirect cost rate agreement. If an applicant needs additional information on

this requirement, they may go to http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/ovw-fgmg.pdf. This should be a 

separate attachment to the application in Grants.gov. 

Applicants that do not have a federally-approved indirect cost rate should budget all project

related costs in the direct cost categories. Organizations that wish to negotiate an indirect cost

rate may contact OVW’s Grants Financial Management Division at OVW.GFMD@usdoj.gov or

1-888-514-8556 for more information.

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 the state has selected this program for

review. Applicants must contact their state SPOCs to determine whether their programs have 

been selected for state review. The applicant should enter the date that the application was sent 

to the SPOC or the reason such submission is not required in Block 3 of the Overview section of

the GMS application.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be subject to a peer review and a programmatic review. Applications will be 

scored based on the degree to which the applicant responds to each section and addresses 

each element contained within the corresponding section. Furthermore, applications will be 

scored based upon the quality of the response and the level of detail provided. Each element

must be addressed in the section in which it is requested. Points may be deducted if the

applicant does not include the information in the appropriate section even if it is included 

elsewhere within the application. Each section will be reviewed as a separate document and will 

be scored as such.

Absent explicit statutory authorization or written delegation of authority to the contrary, all final 

award decisions will be made by the OVW Director, who also may give consideration to factors 

including, but not limited to, underserved populations, geographic diversity, strategic priorities, 

past performance, and available funding when making awards. All award decisions are final and 

not subject to appeal. 

 

Peer Review 

OVW will subject all applications to a peer review process that is fair and based on the criteria 

outlined in this solicitation. OVW may utilize internal review, external review, or a combination of 

both. 

Programmatic Review

All applications that are considered for funding will be subject to a programmatic review. The 

programmatic review consists of assessing for scope, activities that compromise victim safety 
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and, if applicable, past performance. OVW reserves the right to deduct points for applications 

that propose the following: 

• Activities that compromise victim safety and recovery (Up to 10 points.)

• Out-of-scope activities (Up to 10 points)

• Past performance review (Up to 30 points)

An application that is deemed to be substantially out of scope, proposes a substantial number of 

activities that are unallowable, or proposes activities that pose a significant threat to victim 

safety or a serious breach of confidentiality will not be considered for funding. 

As a part of the programmatic review process described above, applicants with current or recent 

(closed within the calendar year) OVW awards and/or cooperative agreements will be reviewed 

for past performance based on the elements listed below. 

• Progress reports submitted by the applicant, in conjunction with monitoring conducted by 

OVW, demonstrate the effectiveness of the current project, indicating timely progress 

toward meeting project goals and objectives;

• Demonstration that past activities supported with OVW grant funds have been limited to 

program purpose areas;

• Adherence to all special conditions of existing grant award(s) from OVW;

• Adherence to programmatic and financial reporting requirements, including timely 

submission of required reports;

• Completion of close-out of prior awards in a timely manner;

• Appropriate utilization and active participation in OVW-sponsored workshops and other 

technical assistance events as required by a special condition of the current or recent 

award;

• Receipt of financial clearances on all current or recent grants from OVW;

• Timely resolution of issues identified in any audit or on-site financial or programmatic 

monitoring visit;

• Adherence to the Office of Management and Budget single-audit requirement; and

• Timely expenditure of grant funds.

OVW grantees with significant past performance issues may not be considered for funding. 

Compliance with OVW Financial Requirements

Each OVW grantee agrees to follow the financial and administrative requirements in the OVW 

Financial Grants Management Guide at http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/ovw-fgmg.pdf as a 

condition of receiving grant funding. If OVW determines that a current grantee has violated any 

of the requirements of the Guide, the grantee may be denied continuation funding.

High Risk Grantees

Based on DOJ’s assessment of each grantee with regard to current or previous funding, 

unresolved audit issues, delinquent programmatic and fiscal reporting, and prior performance, a 

grantee may be designated “high risk.” Awards to high-risk grantees may carry special 

conditions such as increased monitoring and/or prohibitions on drawing funds until certain 

requirements are met. High-risk grantees with substantial or persistent performance or 

compliance issues, long-standing open audits, or open criminal investigations will likely not 

receive an additional OVW award until all issues are resolved. 
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Post-Award Requirements 

Violence Against Women Act Non-Discrimination Provision

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 added a new civil rights provision 

that applies to all FY 2014 OVW grants. This provision prohibits OVW grantees from excluding, 

denying benefits to, or discriminating against any person on the basis of actual or perceived 

race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability in any 

program or activity funded in whole or in part by OVW. More guidance on this provision will be 

forth coming and made available on the OVW website. Additional information on the civil rights 

obligations of OVW funding recipients can be found in the FY 2014 Solicitation Companion 

Guide under "Civil Rights Compliance."

Reporting Requirements 

All OVW grantees receiving awards are required to submit a semi-annual progress report and 

quarterly Federal Financial Reports. Appropriate forms will be provided to all applicants selected 

for an award. 

Information for All Federal Award Grantees

Applicants selected for awards must agree to comply with additional legal requirements upon 

acceptance of an award. OVW strongly encourages applicants to review the information 

pertaining to these additional requirements prior to submitting an application. Additional 

information for each requirement can be found in the FY 2014 Solicitation Companion Guide at 

http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/grantees.html#s1

• Civil Rights Compliance

• Funding to Faith-Based Organizations 

• Confidentiality and Privacy Protections 

• Research and the Protection of Human Subjects (if applicable)

 

• Anti-Lobbying Act

• Reporting Requirements

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (if applicable)

• DOJ Information Technology Standards (if applicable) 

• Non-Supplanting of State or Local Funds

• Criminal Penalty for False Statements

• Reporting Fraud, Waste, Error, and Abuse

• Suspension or Termination of Funding

• Nonprofit Organizations 
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• Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)

• Rights in Intellectual Property 

• Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act (FFATA) of 2006

• Awards in Excess of $5,000,000 – Federal Taxes Certification Requirement

• Active SAM Registration

Public Reporting Burden

Paperwork Reduction Act Notice 

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, a person is not required to respond to a collection of 

information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. We try to create forms and 

instructions that are accurate, can be easily understood, and which impose the least possible 

burden on you to provide us with information. The estimated average time to complete and file 

this form is 30 hours. If you have comments regarding the accuracy of this estimate, or 

suggestions for making this form simpler, you can write to the Office on Violence Against 

Women, U.S. Department of Justice, 145 N Street, NE, Washington, DC 20530. 
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Application Checklist

Applicants must submit a fully executed application to OVW, including all required supporting 

documentation. OVW will not contact applicants for missing items. Additionally, if an applicant 

plans to submit an application under any other OVW grant program this fiscal year, please 

ensure that only documents pertinent to this solicitation are included with this application. OVW 

will not redirect documents that are inadvertently submitted with the wrong application (e.g. a 

Legal Assistance for Victims Certification Letter submitted with a Transitional Housing Program 

Application).

Application Document Date 

Completed

1. Letter of Registration

2. Summary of Current OVW Projects, If Applicable

3. Summary Data Sheet 

4. Project Narrative

5. Purpose of the Application

6. What Will Be Done

7. Who Will Implement

8. Proposal Abstract

9. Budget Detail Worksheet and Narrative 

10. MOU 

11. Application for Federal Assistance: SF 424 

12. Standard Assurances and Certifications

13. Confidentiality Notice Form

14. Letter of Nonsupplanting

15. Financial Accounting Practices 

16. Financial Capability Questionnaire (nonprofits only)

17. Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (only if the applicant has a 

current federally-approved rate)

18. Certification of Eligibility Letter (see page 8 of solicitation)

19. Position Description and Resume of Key Personnel (see 

page 25 of solicitation)

Do not submit documents in addition to those specified in this solicitation. Please note 

that any materials submitted as part of an application may be released pursuant to a 

request under the Freedom of Information Act. 
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APPENDIX A

Budget Guidance & Sample Budget Detail Worksheet

 
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Budget Guidance 

Cost guidance for selected items is provided below to assist applicants in preparing the budget 

detail worksheet. In developing your budget detail worksheet please refer to the OVW Financial 

Grants Management Guide at http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/docs/ovw-fgmg.pdf.

Consultants/Contracts 

Compensation for services by an individual consultant should be reasonable and consistent with 

that paid for similar services in the marketplace. Applicants should consider the type of services 

provided and the experience and expertise of the individual consultant when deciding if a 

consultant’s rate is reasonable. Applicants are strongly discouraged from requesting consultant 

rates in excess of $650 per day. Please note that this does not mean that the rate can or should 

be as high as $650 for all consultants. If a project is ultimately selected for funding with a budget 

allocating more than $650 per day to a consultant, the applicant must provide additional 

information to OVW for review and approval before consultant costs are incurred. 

Applicants should also include all costs associated with consultants/contracts in the 

“Consultants/Contracts” category, including travel-related costs. These costs should not be 

reflected in the Personnel or Travel categories. 

Applicants should follow the same established procurement policies with federal funds as they 

would with non-federal funds. All procurement transactions should be awarded in a manner that 

provides maximum open, free and fair competition, and must follow 28 C.F.R. §66.36 (if a state 

or local government) and 28 C.F.R. §§ 70.40-70.49 (if a nonprofit, or an institution of higher 

education). All sole-source procurements (those not awarded competitively) in excess of 

$100,000 require prior approval from OVW. This applies to procurements of goods and 

services, but not to compensation for MOU project partners for time spent working on program 

objectives. 

Rent 

Rental costs are generally allowable under OVW programs. Applicants should list square 

footage and cost per square foot in the budget. The amount must be based on the space that 

will be allocated to implement the OVW project, not the costs of the entire rental space. Rental 

costs are not allowable for property owned by the applicant or if the applicant has a 

financial interest in the property. In this case only the costs of ownership, including 

maintenance costs, insurance, depreciation, utilities, etc., are allowable costs. The applicant 

must indicate in the budget narrative whether or not they own the space that will be rented. 

Audit Costs 

Costs for audits not required or performed in accordance with the Office of Management and 

Budget (OMB) Circular A-133 are unallowable. If the applicant agency did not expend $500,000 

or more in federal funds during the organization’s fiscal year, the cost of any audit performed 

may not be charged to the grant. 

Indirect Costs 

Applicants that have current, federally-approved, indirect cost rates may seek to claim indirect 

costs and must submit a copy of their current Federally-approved indirect cost rate agreement 

with the application. Applicants may choose to waive indirect costs. 
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Purchase and/or Lease of Vehicles 

The purchase and/or lease of vehicles is prohibited under most OVW grant programs, although 

some programs allow for purchasing vehicles on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to the 

solicitation for which you are applying to determine whether vehicles can be purchased or 

leased. If requesting a vehicle, a lease/purchase analysis must be submitted with the 

application. 

Compensation for Partners 

In developing the budget, applicants should compensate all project partners for their 

participation in any project-related activities, including but not limited to, compensation for time 

and travel expenses to participate in project development, training, and implementation. The 

budget must include compensation for all services rendered by project partners, including 

nonprofit, nongovernmental domestic violence and/or sexual assault victim services programs 

and state and tribal domestic violence and/or sexual assault coalitions. If a partner is a state or 

local governmental agency and the partnership duties are conducted within the course of the 

agency’s “regular” scope of work, applicants do not need to compensate the partner if the 

partner a) offers this arrangement; and b) an explanation of this arrangement is included in the 

application. 

Non-Federal contributions 

Applicants are encouraged to maximize the impact of federal dollars by contributing to the costs 

of their projects. Supplemental contributions may be cash, in-kind services, or a combination of 

both. Any non-federal contributions can be discussed in the project narrative or Memorandum of 

Understanding (if required). Applicants should not include supplemental contributions in 

the budget, budget narrative, or SF-424. 

Applicants are advised that if they voluntarily decide to provide matching funds through the use 

of in-kind contributions, and include this information in the budget or budget narrative, the 

voluntary contributions will become a mandatory requirement under the grant award. Grantees 

that fail to provide sufficient mandatory matching funds through cash or in-kind contributions 

during the award period may be required to meet their obligation by making a cash payment to 

the Office on Violence Against Women in order to close out the grant award. 
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OMB Number: 1122-0020

Expiration Date: 8/31/2015

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Budget Detail Worksheet

Purpose: You are strongly encouraged to submit the budget and budget narrative using this

Budget Detail Worksheet as a guide to assist you in the preparation of the budget and budget 

narrative. Regardless of the format you use, all required information (including the budget 

narrative) must be provided. Any category of expense not applicable to your budget may be 

deleted.

Please Note: The following budget is an example intended to assist you in preparing your 

application budget. 

A. Personnel – List each position by title and name of employee, if available. Show the annual 

salary rate and the percentage of time to be devoted to the project. Compensation paid for 

employees engaged in grant activities must be consistent with that paid for similar work within 

the applicant organization.

Name/Position Computation Cost

Program Coordinator $23,500 x 100% x 3 years $ 70,500

Investigator $45,000 x 100% x 3 years $135,000

Administrative Assistant $10/hr. x 20 hrs/month x 36 months $ 7,200

The Program Coordinator will coordinate the tribe’s Tribal Governments Program project by 

organizing regular coordinating council meetings between all partner organizations, ensuring 

compliance with program requirements, and serving as the central point of contact for all project 

activities.

The Investigator is an investigator with the tribal law enforcement agency. She/he will dedicate 

100% of their time to investigating cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence 

and stalking that occur on tribal lands. 

The Administrative Assistant for the project will be a part-time employee. She/he will be 

compensated at a rate of $10/hour. The designated time spent on the project will be 20 hours 

each month providing administrative and clerical support to the staff of the Victim Services 

Program. 

TOTAL PERSONNEL: $ 212,700

B. Fringe Benefits – Fringe benefits should be based on actual known costs or an established 

formula. Fringe benefits are for the personnel listed in budget category (A) and only for the 

percentage of time devoted to the project. Fringe benefits on overtime hours are limited to 

FICA, Worker’s Compensation, and Unemployment Compensation.

Name/Position Computation Cost

Program Coordinator

 Employer’s FICA $70,500 x 7.65% $ 5,393

 Health Insurance $70,500 x 6.12% $ 4,315
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OMB Number: 1122-0020

Expiration Date: 8/31/2015

40

 Worker’s Compensation $70,500 x 1.00% $ 705

 Unemployment Compensation $70,500 x 0.50% $ 353

Investigator

 Employer’s FICA $135,000 x 7.65% $10,328

 Health Insurance $135,000 x 6.12% $ 8,262

 Worker’s Compensation $135,000 x 1.00% $ 1,350

 Unemployment Compensation $135,000 x 0.50% $ 675

Administrative Assistant

 Employer’s FICA $ 7,200 x 7.65% $ 551

 Health Insurance $ 7,200 x 6.12% $ 441

 Worker’s Compensation $ 7,200 x 1.00% $ 72

 Unemployment Compensation $ 7,200 x 0.50% $ 36

TOTAL FRINGE BENEFITS: $ 32,481

TOTAL PERSONNEL AND FRINGE BENEFITS: $ 245,181

The tribe is requesting fringe benefits for the Program Coordinator, the Investigator, and the 

Administrative Assistant.

C. Travel – Itemize travel expenses of project personnel by purpose (e.g., staff to training, field 

interviews, advisory group meeting, etc.). Show the basis of computation (e.g., six people to 3-

day training at $X airfare, $X lodging, $X per diem). In training projects, travel and meals for 

trainees should be listed separately. Show the number of trainees and unit costs involved. 

Identify the location of travel, if known. Indicate source of Travel Policies applied, Applicant or 

Federal Travel Regulations.

Purpose of Travel Location Item Computation Cost

OVW-Mandated 

Training and 

Technical 

Assistance

TBD Airfare $500 (avg.) x 3 people x 4 trips $ 6,000

Lodging $100 (avg.) x 3 nights x 3 people x 

4 trips $ 3,600

Per diem $ 50 (avg.) x 4 days x 3 people x 4 

trips $ 2,400

$12,000 of the required $20,000 in OVW mandated technical assistance and training funds has 

been allocated to cover the cost of travel for staff of the tribe in accordance with program 

guidelines. The remaining amount of $8,000 has been allocated for partner travel and can be 

found in Section G of this form. The sites of the training sessions are unknown at this time. 

Travel estimates are based upon the tribe’s formal written travel policy.

TOTAL TRAVEL: $ 12,000
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OMB Number: 1122-0020

Expiration Date: 8/31/2015

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D. Equipment – List non-expendable items that are to be purchased. (Note: Organization’s 

own capitalization policy for classification of equipment should be used.) Expendable items 

should be included in the “Supplies” category. Applicants should analyze the cost benefits of 

purchasing versus leasing equipment, especially high cost items and those subject to rapid 

technical advances. Rented or leased equipment costs should be listed in the “Contractual” 

category. Explain how the equipment is necessary for the success of the project. Attach a 

narrative describing the procurement method to be used.

Item Computation Cost

(2) Video Cameras $750/camera x 2 cameras $ 1,500

The video cameras will be used during the interviews of alleged offenders, as well as to record 

witness testimony in preparation for trial in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 

assault, and stalking.

TOTAL EQUIPMENT: $ 1,500

E. Supplies – List items by type (office supplies, postage, training materials, copying paper, and 

other expendable items such as books, hand held tape recorders) and show the basis for 

computation. Generally, supplies include any materials that are expendable or consumed during 

the course of the project.

Supply Items Computation Cost

Office Supplies

(paper, printer, toner, pens, etc.) $150/month x 36 months $5,400

Postage $ 50/month x 36 months $1,800

75 Victim Assistance Kits $ 25/kit x 75 kits $1,875

Office supplies and postage are needed for the general operation of the program. The Victim 

Assistance Kits will be provided to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, 

and stalking who seek assistance from the program. The kits contain toiletries and other 

necessities. The estimated cost is based on previous kit prices from other programs. We 

estimate that at least 75 kits will be needed.

TOTAL SUPPLIES: $ 9,075

F. Construction – As a rule, construction costs are not allowable. In some cases, minor repairs 

or renovations may be allowable. Consult with the program office before budgeting funds in this 

category.

Purpose Description of Work Cost

TOTAL CONSTRUCTION: $ 0

G. Consultants/Contracts – Indicate whether applicant’s formal, written Procurement Policy or 

the Federal Acquisition Regulations are followed. 
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OMB Number: 1122-0020

Expiration Date: 8/31/2015

42

Consultant Fees: For each consultant enter the name, if known, service to be provided, hourly 

or daily fee (8-hour day), and estimated time on the project. Consultant fees in excess of $650 

per day or $81.25 per hour require additional justification and prior approval from the Office on 

Violence Against Women.

Name of Consultant Service Provided Computation Cost

Consultant /Trainer Sexual Assault 

Training

$650/day x 3 days $ 1,950

Part-Time Prosecutor Prosecution $50/hr. x 20 hrs./month x 36 months $ 36,000

A Consultant/Trainer will provide a three day on-site training on sexual assault and related 

issues to tribal leaders, law enforcement, prosecution, court personnel, and medical and social 

services personnel. The training will focus on the challenges of providing support and advocacy 

services to Indian victims of sexual assault, dating violence, and elder abuse.

The tribe will hire a Part-Time Prosecutor. The Part-Time Prosecutor will be compensated at an 

hourly rate of $50/hour. The Part-Time Prosecutor will spend 20 hours each month prosecuting 

crimes related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Subtotal Consultant Fees: $ 37,950

Consultant Travel: List all expenses to be paid from the grant to the individual consultant in 

addition to their fees (i.e., travel, meals, lodging etc.).

Purpose of 

Travel Location Item Computation Cost

OVW-Mandated 

Training and 

Technical 

Assistance

TBD

Airfare $550 (avg.) x 2 people x 4 trips $ 4,400

Lodging $100 (avg.) x 3 nights x2 people x 4 

trips $ 2,400

Per 

diem

$ 50 (avg.) x 3 days x 2 people x 4 

trips $ 1,200

Subtotal OVW-Mandated Training: $ 8,000

Delivery of 

Sexual Assault 

Training

Tribe’s 

Reservation

Airfare $500 (avg.) x 1 person x 1 trip $ 500

Lodging $ 50 (avg.)/night x 2 nights $ 100

Per 

diem $ 35 (avg.)/day x 3 days $ 105

Subtotal Sexual Assault Training: $ 705

Subtotal Consultant Travel: $ 8,705
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$8,000 of the required $20,000 in OVW mandated technical assistance and training funds has 

been allocated to cover the cost of travel for staff of the tribe in accordance with program 

guidelines. The sites of the training sessions are unknown at this time.

Funds have also been allocated to pay for the Consultant/Trainer to travel to the reservation to 

provide sexual assault training.

Contracts: Provide a description of the product or services to be procured by contract and an 

estimate of the cost. Applicants are encouraged to promote free and open competition in awarding 

contracts. A separate justification must be provided for sole source contracts in excess of 

$100,000.

Item Computation Cost

Cell Phone Service $ 75/month x 36 months $ 2,700

Equipment and Rental Lease $300/month x 36 months $10,800

Subtotal Contracts: $ 13,500

The Shelter Advocates will share a cellular phone so that they may be contacted 24 hours/day, 7 

days a week to provide emergency services and transportation to victims in need.

Equipment to be rented and/or leased includes the copier and printer. The copier and printer costs 

are allocated based on historical usage

TOTAL CONTRACTS AND CONSULTANTS: $ 60,155

H. Other Costs – List items (e.g., rent, reproduction, telephone, janitorial or security services, and 

investigative or confidential funds) by major type and the basis of the computation. For example, 

provide the square footage and the cost per square foot for rent, and provide a monthly rental cost 

and how many months to rent.

Item Computation Cost

Sexual Assault Training 

Manual $ 25/manual x 25 manuals $ 625

Resource Manual $ 25/manual x 75 manuals $ 1,875

Crisis Hotline $ 75/month x 36 months $ 2,700

Brochures $ .25/brochure x 1,000 copies x 2 Titles $ 500

Rent $1.50/sq. foot x 1,000 sq. feet x 36 months $54,000

Utilities $200/month x 36 months $ 7,200

Housing Assistance $500/family x 12 families/year x 3 years $18,000
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The Sexual Assault Training manuals will be purchased from the Sexual Assault Resource Center 

and will be used in conjunction with the on-site training that will be provided by the 

Consultant/Trainer.

The Project Coordinator will develop and produce a Resource Manual for services both on and off 

the Reservation for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. 

Copies of the manual will be provided to all units of Tribal government and to victim services and 

social services agencies in the local community.

Many victims in the more geographically remote areas of the Reservation do not have long 

distance service, and it is a long distance call for most of them to reach the program office. The 

project will continue to operate an 800 hotline for victims. It will be staffed by volunteers on a daily 

basis.

The program has previously developed brochures explaining the dynamics of domestic violence 

and sexual assault and detailing the services offered by the program. Additional copies of the 

brochures need to be reproduced. Based on previous distribution patterns, it is anticipated that the 

program will distribute 1,000 copies of each brochure during the 36 month grant period.

 

The Victim Services Program rents a safe house that is located off-reservation in the local 

community. The house is used to provide temporary housing to victims of domestic violence and 

their minor children who are in need of a safe place to stay after fleeing an abusive situation. The 

rent is consistent with the fair market rate for similar properties in the local community.

The cost of utilities (i.e., gas, electric, and water service) averages $200/month. The services are 

necessary to ensure that the house is suitable for occupancy.

Funds have been budgeted to provide transitional housing assistance to at least one victim of 

domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking each month. Each victim and her 

dependents will receive up to $500 to assist with rent and utility payments or security deposits.

TOTAL OTHER COSTS: $ 84,900

I. Indirect Costs – Indirect costs are allowed only if the applicant has a federally approved indirect 

cost rate. A copy of the rate approval (a fully executed, negotiated agreement) must be attached. 

If the applicant does not have an approved rate, one can be requested by contacting the 

applicant’s cognizant federal agency, which will review all documentation and approve a rate for 

the applicant organization, or if the applicant’s accounting system permits, costs may be allocated 

in the direct costs categories.

Description Computation Cost

13.25% of Direct Salaries

(Excluding Fringe Benefits) $212,700 x 13.25% $28,183

TOTAL INDIRECT COSTS: $ 28,183

The Indirect Cost Rate Agreement was approved by the Department of the Interior, the applicant’s 

cognizant federal agency on January 1, 2013. (A copy of the fully executed, negotiated agreement 

is attached).
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Budget Summary – When you have completed the budget worksheet, transfer the totals for each 

category to the spaces below. Compute the total direct costs and the total project costs. Indicate 

the amount of federal funds requested and the amount of non-federal funds that will support the 

project.

Budget Category Amount

A. Personnel $212,700

B. Fringe Benefits $ 32,481

C. Travel $ 12,000

D. Equipment $ 1,500

E. Supplies $ 9,075

F. Construction $ 0

G. Consultants and Contracts $ 60,155

H. Other Costs $ 84, 900

Total Direct Costs $412,811

I. Indirect Costs $ 28,183

TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $ 440,994

Federal Share Requested $ 440,994

Non-Federal (Match) Amount $ 0
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APPENDIX B

Sample Letter of Registration

 
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[Applicant Letterhead] 

[Date] 

Director 

Office on Violence Against Women 

145 N Street NE

Suite 10W.121

Washington, DC 20530 

Dear Director: 

This letter serves to certify that [Insert Applicant Name] is registered and current with the System 

for Award Management (SAM). [Insert Applicant Name] registered/verified registration on [Insert 

Verification Date]. The SAM registration for [Insert Applicant Name] will expire on [Insert Expiration 

Date]. 

First Time Grants.gov Users ONLY - I understand that in order to submit an application for the 

FY 2014 Arrest Program, [Insert Applicant Name] must be registered with Grants.gov. I certify that 

[Insert Organization Name] began the registration process with Grants.gov on [Insert Registration 

Date]. 

OR

Repeat Grants.gov Users ONLY – I understand that upon application submission in Grants.gov 

the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) will receive a minimum of two email 

messages. One will confirm receipt of the application package. The other will either notify the AOR 

that the application was successfully submitted, or it will notify the AOR that there was an error 

with the application submission. In order to successfully receive notifications from Grants.gov, all 

information listed in Grants.gov must be current and active. [Insert Applicant Name] verified that all 

information listed in Grants.gov (Name and contact information for the AOR, organization address, 

etc.) is current and active on [Insert Date]. 

Sincerely, 

[Authorized Organization Representative]
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APPENDIX C

Disclosures Related to Executive Compensation

 
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Disclosures Related to Executive Compensation 

Sample Cover Letter 

[Applicant Letterhead] 

[Date] 

 

Director 

Office on Violence Against Women 

145 N Street, NE 

Suite 10 W.

Washington, DC 20530 

Dear Director: 

The [Applicant] is a nonprofit organization that uses the Internal Revenue Service’s three-step 

safe-harbor procedure for establishing a rebuttable presumption that our executives’ 

compensation is reasonable. Therefore, I am submitting the following information to you, as 

required by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013: 

(1) a brief description of the process used for determining the compensation of our officers, 

directors, trustees, and key employees, including the independent persons involved in reviewing 

and approving such compensation;

[or, if relevant]: (1) a copy of our written policy for determining the compensation of our officers, 

directors, trustees, and key employees, which includes the independent persons involved in 

reviewing and approving such compensation;]

(2) the comparability data used in establishing executive compensation; and 

(3) contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision regarding executive 

compensation.

Sincerely, 

[Applicant's Authorizing Official]

Attachments
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APPENDIX D

Quick Tips to Certification of Eligibility Letter & Sample Certification of 

Eligibility Letters for Court Applicants and State, Tribal and Units of 

Local Government Applicants
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Quick Tips to Certification of Eligibility Letters 

• If you have certified in the past, you must certify again.

• Applicants that do not meet the certification language will have until the end of their 

next legislative session to meet the certification requirements. 

 

• If your jurisdiction is compliant with all statutory eligibility requirements, please refer to

the separate “Sample Certification of Eligibility Letters” on page 52 for court 

applicants, and page 53 for state, tribal, and unit of local government applicants.

• Ensure that all language in the letter accurately reflects what is required in the 

solicitation and highlighted in the following sample letters. Note: an “and” or an “or” in 

the incorrect place or missing can make the letter deficient, therefore making the 

application ineligible for funding. Please note also, that some of the certification 

language has changed, so be sure to read it carefully. Please follow the attached 

template assuming that it is true for your jurisdiction. Note: Use of the template is 

highly encouraged to the extent possible. 

• Have the Chief Executive Officer sign the letter. Examples: Governor for a state 

applicant; Chief Judge or Court Administrator for a court applicant; or Mayor or County 

Executive for a unit of local government applicant; or Tribal Chairman for a Indian tribal 

government applicant. 

• If you have questions, please contact the Arrest Unit by phone at the OVW mainline 

(202) 307-6026 and request to speak with a member from the Arrest unit, or by email at 

OVW.Arrest@usdoj.gov.

 
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52 

FOR COURT APPLICANTS 

[Applicant Letterhead]

[Date] 

DOJ/Office on Violence Against Women

145 N. Street, NE 10th Floor

Washington, DC 20530

Re: Arrest Program Certification of Eligibility

Dear Director:

As Chief Executive Officer of [enter the court name], I submit this letter to certify to the following: 

1) the laws, policies, or practices applicable to the court prohibit issuance of mutual 

restraining orders of protection except in cases where both parties file a claim and the 

court makes detailed findings of fact indicating that both parties acted primarily as 

aggressors and that neither party acted primarily in self-defense; 

2) the laws, policies, and practices applicable to the court do not require, in connection with 

the prosecution of any misdemeanor or felony domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 

assault, or stalking offense, or in connection with the filing, issuance, registration, 

modification, enforcement, dismissal, or service of a protection order, or a petition for a 

protection order, to protect a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, 

or stalking, that the victim bear the costs associated with the filing of criminal charges 

against the offender, or the costs associated with the filing, issuance, registration, 

modification, enforcement, dismissal or service of a warrant, protection order, petition for a 

protection order, or witness subpoena, whether issued inside or outside the state, tribal, or 

local jurisdiction; 

3) the laws, policies or practices applicable to the court ensure that:

(A) no law enforcement officer, prosecuting officer or other government official shall 

ask or require an adult, youth, or child victim of a sex offense as defined under 

federal, tribal, state, territorial, or local law to submit to a polygraph examination 

or other truth telling device as a condition for proceeding with the investigation of, trial of, 

or sentencing for such an offense; and 

(B) the refusal of a victim to submit to an examination described in subparagraph (A) 

 shall not prevent the investigation of, trial of, or sentencing for the offense.

Sincerely,

[Chief Executive Officer]

 
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FOR STATES, TRIBES and UNITS of LOCAL GOVERNMENT

[Applicant Letterhead]

[Date] 

DOJ/Office on Violence Against Women

145 N. Street, NE 10th Floor

Washington, DC 20530

Re: Arrest Program

Dear Director:

As Chief Executive Officer of [enter jurisdiction name], I submit this letter to certify to the following: 

1) the laws or official policies of [the jurisdiction] encourage or mandate arrests of domestic 

violence offenders based on probable cause that an offense has been committed; 

2) the laws or official policies of [the jurisdiction] encourage or mandate arrests of domestic 

violence offenders who violate the terms of a valid and outstanding protection order;

 

3) the laws, policies, or practices and the training programs of [the jurisdiction] discourage 

dual arrests of offender and victim;

4) the laws, policies, or practices of [the jurisdiction] prohibit issuance of mutual restraining 

orders of protection except in cases where both parties file a claim and the court makes 

detailed findings of fact indicating that both parties acted primarily as aggressors and that 

neither party acted primarily in self-defense; 

5) the laws, policies, and practices of [the jurisdiction] do not require, in connection with the 

prosecution of any misdemeanor or felony domestic violence, dating violence, sexual 

assault, or stalking offense, or in connection with the filing, issuance, registration, 

modification, enforcement, dismissal, or service of a protection order, or a petition for a 

protection order, to protect a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, 

or stalking, that the victim bear the costs associated with the filing of criminal charges 

against the offender, or the costs associated with the filing, issuance, registration, 

modification, enforcement, dismissal or service of a warrant, protection order, petition for a 

protection order, or witness subpoena, whether issued inside or outside the state, tribal, or 

local jurisdiction; and

6) the laws, policies or practices of [the jurisdiction] ensure that:

(A) no law enforcement officer, prosecuting officer or other government official shall 

ask or require an adult, youth, or child victim of a sex offense as defined under 

federal, tribal, state, territorial, or local law to submit to a polygraph examination 

or other truth telling device as a condition for proceeding with the investigation of, trial of, 

or sentencing for such an offense ; and 

(B) the refusal of a victim to submit to an examination described in subparagraph (A) 

 shall not prevent the investigation of, trial of, or sentencing for the offense.

Sincerely,

[Chief Executive Officer]
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HIV Certification Letter for New Applicants

I certify that [enter jurisdiction name] laws and regulations will be in compliance with the 

requirements of 42 U.S.C. § 3796hh(d) by the period ending in the date on which the next 

session of that state legislature ends [insert date].

(A) The state or unit of local government at the request of a victim to administer to a 

defendant, against whom an information or indictment is presented for a crime in which 

by force or threat of force the perpetrator compels the victim to engage in sexual 

activity, testing for the immunodeficiency virus (HIV) not later than 48 hours after the 

date on which the information or indictment is presented and defendant is in custody 

or has been served with the information or indictment;

(B) as soon as practicable notification to the victim, or parent and guardian of the victim, 

and defendant of the testing results; and

(C) follow-up tests for HIV as may be medically appropriate, and that as soon as 

practicable after each such test the results be made available in accordance with 

subparagraph (B); or

gives the Attorney General assurances that its laws and regulations will be in 

5compliance with requirements or paragraph (1) by the period ending on the date on 

which the next session of the state legislature ends. 

I further acknowledge that should [insert jurisdiction name] receive an Arrest Program award. Five 

percent of the total award will be withheld until such time that OVW receives and approves 

documentation that supports our certification or our exemption from the certification 

required. Acceptable documentation includes statutes, regulations, or written policies. 

Failure to submit the necessary documentation by the end of our next state legislative 

session will result in the forfeiture of the five percent.