REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA): JA-FSA-0733-18
Government of the District of Columbia
Department of Human Services
Family Services Administration
Fiscal Year 2018
Shelter Services
for
Victims of Domestic Violence
The District of Columbia, Department of Human Services, Family Services Administration invites the submission of applications for funding through the
Family Violence Prevention Services Initiative to provide shelter services and transitional housing for victims of domestic violence in the District of Columbia
who are not residing in a safe confidential shelter.
Announcement Date: 6/16/17
RFP Release Date: 6/23/17
Pre-application Conference Date: 7/7/17
Application Submission Deadline: 7/31/17
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE FORWARDED TO THE REVIEW PANEL
Executive Summary:
The District of Columbia (District), Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is accepting applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018to provide shelter servicesrequired for the prevention of family violence. The purpose of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program is to establish, maintain, and expand programs and projects to prevent family violence and to provide immediate shelter and related assistance for victims of family violence and their dependents.
Funding Opportunity Title:Family Violence Prevention Services Grant for shelter services for victims of domestic violence in the District of Columbia who are not residing in a safe confidential shelter
(Short: Family Violence Prevention Services Grant for Shelter Services)
Funding Opportunity Number:JA-FSA-0733-18
Due Date for Applications:July 31, 2017
Anticipated Total Available Funding:$500,000
Estimated Number of Awards:Up to 3 awards
Estimated Award Amount:Up to $165,000 per year
Length of Project Period:One year
Eligible Applicants: Local private, non-profit organizations based in and serving the target communities in the District of Columbia
NOTICE
PRE-APPLICATION CONFERENCE
ATTENDANCE IS RECOMMENDED
Shelter Services
for
Victims of Domestic Violence in the District of Columbia
RFP: JA-FSA-0733-18
WHEN:July 7, 2017
WHERE:Department of Human Services
Family Services Administration (FSA)
64 New York Avenue, NE, 4th floor
Washington, D C 20002
TIME:1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
CONTACT PERSON:Dr. Sheila Y. Jones
Department of Human Services
Family Services Administration
64 New York Avenue, NE, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
. 202-299-2155
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Please RSVP to attend the Pre-Application Conference: no later than July 5, 2017.
You may RSVP via telephone to Carmen Inge, 202-698-4309, or by email to (202) 541-3957
.
seating is limited
Checklist for Applications
Family Violence Prevention Services Grant Applications
Shelter Services Management for Victims of Domestic Violence
The applicant organization/entity has responded to all sections of the Request for Application(RFA).
The Applicant Profile (found in Attachment “A”) contains all the information requested and is placed at the front of the application.
The Certifications and Assurances listed in Attachment B & C are complete and contain the requested information.
The application is submitted with two original receipts, found in Attachment D, attached to the outside of the envelope or package for DHS/FSAs’ approval upon receipt.
The Work Plan is complete and complies with the format found in Attachment E of the RFA.
The Staffing Plan is complete and complies with the format found in Attachment F of the RFA.
The Program Budget is complete and complies with the format found in Attachment G of the RFA. The budget narrative is complete and describes the category of items proposed.
The applicant organization/entity has referenced Definitions pertaining to this grant found in Attachment H of the RFA.
The applicant has read and signed the Statement of Confidentiality found in Attachment I of the RFA, and has submitted signed copies for all staff who will work on this project.
Applicant organizations/entities pursing this opportunity as a collaborative effort have completed and submitted a Collaboration Commitment Form, found in Attachment J of the RFA, for each collaborative partnership entered into.
The application is printed on 8 ½ by 11-inch paper, single-spaced, on one side, using Times New Roman 12 point-type with one-inch margins.
The program narrative section is complete and conforms to a 20-page limit for this section of the RFA submission.
The applicant is submitting an original copy of the application: the required original and four (4) copies.
The application format conforms to the guide listed in Section VI Application Format listed on page 34 of the RFA.
The appropriate appendices, including program descriptions, staff qualifications, individual resumes, licenses, and other supporting documentation are enclosed.
The application is submitted to DHS/FSA no later than 4:45 p.m., EDT, on the deadline date of July 31, 2017.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
SECTION IGENERAL INFORMATIONGENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction7
Target Population7
Eligible Organization/Entities7
Source of Grant Funding7
Award Period8
Grant Awards and Amounts8
Use of Funds8
Indirect Costs Allowance8
Required Match8
Contact Person8
Internet 9
Notice of Intent9
Pre-Application Conference9
Explanations to Prospective Applicants9
Deadline Date9
SECTION IIPROGRAM SCOPEPROGRAM SCOPE
Part 1— Public Information and Education Campaign for Asian Populations
Overview10
General Responsibilities 10
Target Population11
Additional Applicant Requirements11
Confidentiality of Records12
Reporting Requirements 12
Security Certifications 13
Certifications and Assurances 13
1111
SECTION III GENERAL PROVISIONS 24
Payment Provisions14
Insurance14
Audits14
Non-discrimination in the Delivery of Services14
Staff Requirements15
Facility Requirements16
Performance Standards and Quality Assurance16
Records17
Evaluation17
Monitoring17
Faith-Based Organizations17
Termination of the Grant18
Rights to Data18
Compliance with Tax Obligations18
SECTION IV APPLICATONS SUBMISSION
Submission Date and Time19
Number of Copies19
Location to Submit Application19
Mail/Courier/Messenger Delivery19
SECTION V REVIEW AND SCORING OF APPLICATIONS
Review Panel20
Scoring Criteria20
Decision on Awards22
SECTION VI APPLICATION FORMAT
Description of Application Sections22
Applicant Profile23
Table of Contents23
Application Summary23
Project Narrative23
Program Budget and Budget Narrative23
Certifications and Assurances24
Appendices24
SECTION VII LIST OF ATTACHMENTS25
1
Request for Proposal
Family Violence Prevention Services
Government of the District of Columbia
Department of Human Services (DHS)
Family Services Administration (FSA)
Request for Applications: JA-FSA-0733-18
Shelter Services for Victims of Domestic Violence
SECTION IGENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction
The District of Columbia (District), Department of Human Services (DHS), Family Services Administration (FSA), is soliciting detailed proposals to provide shelter services and transitional housing required for the prevention of family violence. The purpose of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Program (FVPSA) is to establish, maintain, and expand programs and projects to prevent family violence and to provide immediate shelter and related assistance for victims of family violence and their dependents. FVPSA is authorized under the Family Violence and Prevention Services Act of 1984 (FVSPA), as amended (Pub. L. No. 98-457; 42 U.S.C. §10401,et seq. (2010)).
In accordance with Title IV-B, Subpart 2 of the Social Security Act of 1935, as amended (42 U.S.C. §629), the Family Preservation and Support Services Program provides funds to state agencies to develop needed services and to help bring about better coordination among child and family services programs and support services to victims of domestic abuse. FSA expects to make one award for the services discussed herein. A start-up and phase-in schedule shall be explicitly developed.
Target Population
Target Population—NOTE for Clarification: The clients can be anyone residing in the District of Columbia in accordance with applicable District residency requirements. The term “not necessarily” is stated to clarify that all individuals of domestic violence are included, and not just those who are in a safe house or shelter.
Family Violence Prevention services are designed to serve District victims or potential victims of domestic violence and their dependents who reside in the District, in accordance with applicable District residency requirements, but not necessarily residing in a confidential safe shelter.The population includes victims and potential victims of domestic violence including married or cohabitating adults, families with children, adolescents, and the elderly.
Eligible Organizations/Entities
Applications are requested from private, non-profit organizations based in, and serving the target communities in the District of Columbia.
Source of Grant Funding
The funds are Federal funds made available through the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Family Violence Prevention Services Grant managed by DHS/FSA, and sub-granted in accordance with Title 1, Chapter 50 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.
Award Period
This grant is being offered for one year with an option to renew for two additional years. The grant will begin on October 1, 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter, and continue through September 30, 2018. FY 2018 grant award funds must be expended by September 30, 2018.
Grant Awards and Amounts
Approximately five hundred thousand dollars and zero cents ($500,000.00) will be awarded to provide emergency shelter services and housing for victims of domestic violence as outlined in the Program Scope in Section II.
Use of Funds
Grant funds shall only be used to support activities delineated in the Program Scope of this RFA and/or included in the applicant’s submission as part of their model program. Applicants shall only use grant funds to support family violence prevention activities including shelter services for victims and potential victims of domestic violence and their children who are not residing in a confidential safe shelter. Grant funds cannot be used to provide direct financial assistance (e.g. gift cards, Metro cards, etc. ) to clients and their families.
Indirect Costs Allowance
The applicants’ budget submissions must adhere to a fifteen-percent (15%) maximum for indirect costs.
Contact Person
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Sheila Jones, Grant administrator
District of Columbia
Department of Human Services
Family Services Administration
64 New York Avenue, N E, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20002
202-299-2155
Internet
In order to receive updates and/or addenda to this RFA, or other related information, applicants who obtain this RFA through the Internet are advised to immediately email the following information to Dr. Sheila Jones, Grant administrator at .
- Name of applicant organization
- Contact person
- Mailing address
- Telephone and fax numbers
- Email address
Notice of Intent
Organizations who anticipate submitting an application in response to this request should send a brief letter via email or mail to the Grant administrator. The Notice of Intent is not mandatory nor does it provide any specific obligation with regard to the review or award process.
Pre-Application Conference
The Pre-Application Conference will be held at the Department of Human Services, 64 New York Avenue, NE, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC 20002 on Friday,July 7, 2017, from 1:00p .m. to 4:00 p.m.The meeting will be held in the fourth-floor conference room.
Explanations to Prospective Applicants
Applicants are encouraged to e-mail their questions to Dr. Sheila Jones at n or beforeJuly 10, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Questions submitted after the deadline date will not receive responses. Please allow a twenty-four (24) hour response time.
Deadline Date
The RFA will be issued onFriday, June30, 2017. The Pre-Application Conference will be held on July 7, 2017. The deadline for submissions of all applications isJuly 31, 2017at 4:45p.m. Applications must be hand delivered to the Department of Human Services. Applications sent via mail must be postmarked and received by the deadline. NO SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 4:45 p.m. on July 31, 2017.
SECTION IIPROGRAM SCOPE
Shelter Services for
Victims of Domestic Violence in the District of Columbia
Overview
Under the Family Violence Prevention Services initiative, DHS/FSA expects to provide shelter services to District of Columbia residents who are victims of domestic violence, focusing on a holistic, victim-centered approachto provide emergency shelter services and a plan that includes transitional housing services that leads to moving individuals and their dependents into permanent housing.Applicants under this grant program are expected to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence who are in need of transitional housing, short-term housing assistance and related support services. Shelter services can also offer individualized services such as counseling, support groups, safety planning and advocacy services as well as practical services such as licensed child care, employment services, transportation, telephones and referrals to other agencies. Trained staff and case managers are expected to work with clients to help them determine and reach their goals.
General Responsibilities
The applicant must specify the activities and budget amounts for which funds are being requested. Your activities must address housing needs of eligible members of the community and describe the “person centered” approach the project will be undertaking to transition domestic violence survivors from emergency shelter to permanent housing,. The following tasks must be included and defined as part of all model programs:
Housing Assistance – Applicants will be responsible for providing shelter to District of Columbia victims of domestic violence as the main focus of program activities. If you are proposing to use DHS funds to provide emergency or transitional housing assistance, your plan must provide for the transition of clients assisted in short-term housing to more permanent housing arrangements.
Supportive Services – Many of the eligible persons who will be served through this grant may need other support in addition to housing. It is important that you design programs that enhance access to those existing mainstream resources through communitywide strategies which coordinate assistance to eligible persons. These mainstream programs include: Medicaid; the Children’s Health Insurance Program; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Mental Health Block Grant; Substance Abuse Block Grant; Workforce Investment Act; the Welfare-to-Work grant program; as well as other state, local and private sources.
Targeted Goals/Objectives –The Applicant must provide details about their involvement in the community it wishes to serve and how, based on that experience, it has derived the model proposed for funding. For example, a proposal might include definitive plans to provide services during nontraditional hours if it has been the experience of the organization that contact with the target group is most accessible during nontraditional hours. There must be clearly defined outcomes that are measurable in terms of the number of people reached in the target group.
Contact Planning – – A safe confidential shelter is needed for District of Columbia victims and potential victims of domestic violence. Once initial contacts are made, a plan for housing domestic violence victims must be developed. DHS will develop reporting requirements for the applicants. Applicants have up to three (3) months to implement the housing program, and all activities shall be completed within the program year. Please note that the DHS program monitor will be available for consultation.
Target Population
The target population for this grant shall be victims and potential victims of domestic violence, who reside in the District of Columbia, in accordance with applicable District residency requirements. This includes potential victims of domestic violence in addition to married or cohabitating adults, families with children, and the elderly.
Additional Applicant Requirements
The offeror must ensure that it shall:
- Participate freely with the DHS/FSA monitoring team, providing information such as positive outcome stories, information about special events, issues/concerns, etc., as needed.
- Be willing to provide data to DHS/FSA in a manner conducive with the data-base management system to be used by DHS/FSA for this initiative.
- Ensure DHS/FSA that culturally sensitive activities will be utilized and that culturally-trained staff will be part of the model proposed.
- Include in your model, plans to ensure that if help is sought, the proposed population hasa means to access additional sources of services and supports, as appropriate.
- Obtain approval of the DHS/FSAGrant administrator of any informational materials prior to printing to ensure that appropriate citations are included and the focus of the materials meet the public information and education needs for which they are designed to address. Printed material must cite the funding source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Family Violence Prevention Services Grant and D. C. Department of Human Services/Family Services Administration.
- Include in your model a demonstration of your ability to provide emergency shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence and their family, where appropriate.
- Include in your model a demonstration of your ability to provide documentation of outcomes, including program successes, unmet needs, barriers, and problems encountered in the implementation of this grant.
- The Applicant shall include in your model a demonstration of your ability to distribute resource information about support services, to provide information counseling, financial assistance, health services, and legal assistance for victims of domestic violence.
Confidentiality of Records
This RFA requires that all information concerning victims and potential victims of domestic violence is to be held strictly confidential and shall not be divulged to unauthorized persons, in accordance with The District of Columbia Public Assistance Act of 1982, as amended, (D.C. Law 4-101; D.C. Official Code § 4-209.04); the Homeless Services Reform Act of 2005, as amended, effective October 22, 2005(D.C. Law 16-35; D.C. Official Code § 4-754.11(7); and the Adult Protective Service Act of 1984, as amended (D.C. Law 5-156;D.C. Official Code §7-1903), and any other applicable District and federal confidentiality laws. The Applicant must demonstrate an ability to maintain the confidentiality of customer information and to report the information specified below to DHS. Specifically, the Applicant must agree to and abide by the following conditions:
- Any client information shall be kept confidential and shall not be open to public inspection, nor shall their contents or existence be disclosed to the public. If client records are maintained, they may not be divulged to unauthorized persons.
- No person receiving information concerning a victim of domestic violence shall publish or use the information for any purpose other than that for which it was obtained, reviewed, or presented.
- The Applicant entity shall submit with the application a signed confidentiality statement, found in Attachment H, for each current staff person who will be working on this grant.
Reporting Requirements