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Please check OVW's website regularly for updates on awarding STOP stimulus funds. OVW looks forward to working closely with the field as we work to find the most effective and expeditious way to use these funds.
Application Process
When is the soonest we can apply for STOP Recovery Act funds and are we required to apply through GMS?
OVW anticipates that the STOP Program's Recovery Act solicitation will be posted no later than March 9, 2009. At that time, the Office will send a blast e-mail to State STOP Administrators notifying them that the solicitation is posted on our website and on the Grants Management System (GMS). Applications will be submitted through GMS.
What is the application deadline for the Recovery Act STOP Program? Are we required to submit a hard copy of our application to OVW in addition to the application we submit through GMS?
OVW anticipates that the deadline for Recovery Act STOP Program applications will be 15 days after the solicitation is posted. Applications will be submitted through GMS and we will need hard copies mailed to us, postmarked the day of the deadline for submission, in order to expedite the review process.
Since we recently applied for the 2009 STOP Formula Grant, will the application for the STOP Stimulus award be simplified?
Yes, the application will be simplified and you will be able to meet some of the statutory application requirements by resending some of the materials you used for your federal Fiscal Year 2009 application.
Will states be required to submit a separate implementation plan for the Recovery Act STOP funds?
Yes, states will be required to submit a simplified new implementation plan, but it should be shorter and more streamlined than the usual plan.
State Match Requirement
Will OVW require a 25% match for the STOP Recovery Act funds?
Yes, OVW will consider any reasonable State request for a match waiver that establishes financial hardship, as required by the STOP statute. To speed the waiver process and further the purposes of the Recovery Act, we will be asking States to submit match waiver requests in conjunction with their Recovery Act applications for funding. More information about the waiver process will be included in the forthcoming Recovery Act STOP Program solicitation.
Fiscal Year 2009 STOP Formula Grants
Can we get extensions for our regular STOP grant if we focus on spending down the stimulus package first (the regular STOP award is generally for two years)?
The purpose of the Recovery Act STOP awards is to provide additional STOP funding for States, not to replace or delay regular fiscal year funding. We encourage States to begin planning to expand their STOP activities and subgrants. That being said, OVW recognizes that resources may need to be shifted from regular STOP activities to STOP Recovery Act activities and we will consider reasonable requests to extend prior awards.
Will the 2009 STOP Formula grant award be separated from the STOP Recovery Act award?
Yes, Recovery Act STOP awards will be issued separately from, and in advance of, FY 2009 STOP Formula awards. As detailed in response to a later question, OVW is required to ensure that all funds provided by the Recovery Act are clearly distinguishable from non-Recovery Act funds.
Awards Amounts and Award Periods
How soon will we know the allocation to States?
The information regarding OVW funding available to the States was posted on the OVW website on February 25, 2009. State allocations can be viewed at http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/recovery-grants-awards.htm.
Do we have only until September 30, 2010 to spend all of the STOP Stimulus funds?
The Recovery Act specifies only that federal agencies must obligate Recovery Act funds by September 30, 2010. OVW has not received specific guidance regarding the duration of Recovery Act formula awards. We currently expect to issue two-year awards.
Can we get project period extensions, if necessary?
Although OVW will entertain requests for no-cost extensions of STOP Recovery Act awards, it is not possible to say in advance what requests will be granted. It is important to note that the purposes of the Recovery Act are to stimulate the economy and create and retain jobs. Delayed expenditures do not further those purposes. Also, please note that STOP Recovery Act awards may be used only for the purposes enumerated in the STOP statute.
Recovery Act Progress Reporting Requirements
What are the progress reporting requirements?
By statute, the following must be included in the quarterly reports:
- the total amount of recovery funds received from that agency;
- the amount of recovery funds received that were expended or obligated to projects or activities; and
- a detailed list of all projects or activities for which recovery funds were expended or obligated, including-
(A) the name of the project or activity;
(B) a description of the project or activity;
(C) an evaluation of the completion status of the project or activity
(D) an estimate of the number of jobs created and the number of jobs retained by the project or activity; and
(E) for infrastructure investments made by State and local governments, the purpose, total cost, and rationale of the agency for funding the infrastructure investment with funds made available under this Act, and name of the person to contact at the agency if there are concerns with the infrastructure investment.
- Detailed information on any subcontracts or subgrants awarded by the recipient to include the data elements required to comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-282), allowing aggregate reporting on awards below $25,000 or to individuals, as prescribed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
I understand we have to provide progress reports 10 days after each calendar quarter starting from July 15, 2009 (see Recovery.gov). Will the
Muskie School generate a form for this report?
The Department is considering developing a form for funding recipients' quarterly Recovery Act reporting. We also are expecting further guidance from OMB regarding this quarterly report. OVW will provide more information to States regarding this new reporting obligation as soon as we have more information.
What specific data elements will be required for the Recovery Act reporting on subgrants? We would like to add language in our subgrant RFP's requiring our subgrantees to provide that information?
As indicated in response to the question above, we are awaiting further guidance from OMB on this quarterly reporting requirement. Funding recipients should expect to provide the total amount of Recovery Act funds received from OVW; the amount of Recovery Act funds that were expended or obligated to projects or activities; a detailed list of all projects or activities for which Recovery Act funds were expended or obligated, including the name of the project/activity, a description of the project or activity, and an evaluation of completion status; and detailed information on subcontracts or subgrants.
Please clarify how you define a "new job." We have had state budget cuts (as well as past STOP subgrantees who did not receive funding in the last award period) that resulted in a reduction of jobs. Providing stimulus funding for these positions are not "new" jobs however it would ensure that an advocate, law enforcement officer, prosecutor, or probation officer continued to work specifically on violence against women issues. These are existing positions that are not currently filled due to funding. Would this be allowable?
Recovery Act funds may support the retention of existing jobs that otherwise would be lost.
STOP Allocation Formula
Are we required to disburse Recovery Act funds using the allocation formula (25% for law enforcement, 25% for prosecution, 5% for courts, 30% for victim services, 15% discretionary) or can states direct the funds to the programs with the most need?
Yes, states will still need to follow all the requirements of the STOP Program statute, including the purpose areas and the allocation formula.
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