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16.602 CORRECTIONS_RESEARCH AND EVALUATION AND POLICY FORMULATION

FEDERAL AGENCY
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CORRECTIONS, FEDERAL PRISONS SYSTEM, DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

AUTHORIZATION
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended; Public Law 93-415, 18 U.S.C. 4351-4353.

OBJECTIVES
To conduct, encourage, and coordinate research relating to corrections including the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of criminal offenders. To conduct evaluation programs which study the effectiveness of new approaches, techniques, systems, programs, and devices employed to improve the corrections system.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE
Project Grants (Cooperative Agreements or Contracts); Provision of Specialized Services; Dissemination of Technical Information.

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS
Provides assistance for upgrading correctional programs, services, and techniques at State and local levels. Services are available to the entire range of correctional agencies, including probation, parole, institutions, jails, and community programs.

Applicant Eligibility
States, general units of local government, public and private agencies, educational institutions, organizations and individuals involved in the development, implementation or operation of correctional programs and services.

Beneficiary Eligibility
States, general units of local government involved in the development, implementation or operation of correctional programs and services.

Credentials/Documentation
OMB Circular No. A-87 cost principles applicable to grants with State and local governments; OMB Circular No. A-21 cost principles for educational institutions; and OMB Circular No. A-122 cost principles for nonprofit organizations.

Preapplication Coordination
When applying for grants, the standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular Nos. A-102 (as applicable) must be used for this program. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure
For project grants, applicant submits proposal on Standard Form 424 - Federal Assistance. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular Nos. A-102, and A-110, A-128, and A-133. Environmental assessment is required for federally funded projects that are a major Federal action significantly affecting the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Award Procedure
A formal application (Standard Form 424 - Federal Assistance) is submitted to NIC. When it is determined that the project will be funded, a letter and award package are sent to the grantee.

Deadlines
Deadlines for applications are given by project in agency's Annual Program Plan document.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Approximately 90 days.

Appeals
Appeals may be made to the Director of NIC.

Renewals
Continuation grant.

Formula and Matching Requirements
None.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Funds advanced as required.

Reports
Monthly and quarterly financial reports, quarterly programmatic progress reports, and final evaluation and financial reports.

Audits
Full fiscal and program audits at close of grant and on-site inspections as needed throughout the project period.

Records
Grantee must keep complete records on receipt and disposition of federal funds for at least 3 years after the submission of the final financial report.

Account Identification
15-1060-0-1-754.

Obligations
(Cooperative Agreements and Contracts) FY 07 $3,238,211; FY 08 est $3,238,000; and FY 09 est $3,238,000.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance
$1,500 to $200,000; $75,000.

PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Fiscal year 2007 funds were largely directed to the design and implementation of classification systems at the State and local levels; projects in probation parole and intermediate sanctions; mental health care, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), accelerated management, training, and staff recruitment/retention in prisons; and jail services and programs.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE
National Institute of Corrections Annual Program Plan. National Institute of Corrections: Financial Management Guidelines for Grantees. National Institute of Corrections Guideline Manual: Instructions for Applying for Federal Assistance.

Regional or Local Office
Contact Chief, Research and Evaluation Division, 320 First Street NW Room 5007, Washington, DC 20534. Telephone: (202) 307-2598. Toll-free: 800-995-6423. FAX: 303-307-3361. NOTE: All applications are to be sent to the NIC Washington office.

Headquarters Office
National Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street NW., Room 5007, Washington, DC 20534. Telephone: (202) 307- 3106. Toll-free: 800-995-6423. FAX: 202-307-3361. TDD: 202-307-3156.

Web Site Address
http://www.usdoj.gov

RELATED PROGRAMS
16.601, Corrections_Training and Staff Development; 16.603, Corrections_Technical Assistance/Clearinghouse.

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS
Awards have been made: (1) to research and develop an information base on classification systems and methods being used in corrections; (2) to design and implement community corrections options: and (3) to conduct communications audits in State departments of corrections.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS
(1) Relatedness of proposed project to agency's mission, mandates, and program focuses; (2) quality and feasibility of project goals and objectives, design, implementation plan, and evaluation component when applicable; (3) past experience, qualifications, and capability of applicant to perform the proposed project; and (4) appropriateness of cost to perform proposed tasks.


General Services Administration
Office of Chief Acquisition Officer
Regulatory and Federal Assistance Division (VIR)