OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Violence Against Women Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative | O OVW 2024 172103

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the OVW Fiscal Year 2024 Violence Against Women Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Initiative?

This is a discretionary grant program from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). It supports a Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) approach to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of certain gender-based violence crimes in Indian country.

Which federal office administers this grant?

The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The opportunity is listed under Assistance Listing (CFDA) 16.055.

What is the legal authority for this funding opportunity?

The initiative is authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024 (Pub. L. No. 118-42).

What is the main purpose of this initiative?

The core purpose is to strengthen how domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, sex trafficking, and stalking cases are investigated and prosecuted in Indian country by directly supporting Tribal prosecutors who can work in close partnership with U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs).

What crimes or case types does this initiative focus on?

The initiative focuses on improving responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, sex trafficking, and stalking.

What is the Tribal SAUSA model?

The Tribal SAUSA model centers on dedicated Tribal prosecutors who are cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys. This allows them to work directly with a USAO while maintaining strong ties to the Tribal community and Tribal justice systems.

What does "cross-designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys" mean in the context of this program?

Within this initiative, cross-designation means dedicated Tribal prosecutors are designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys so they can work directly with a U.S. Attorney's Office while still operating in close connection with the Tribal community and Tribal justice systems.

Why does the program emphasize coordination across jurisdictions?

OVW describes the model as a way to reduce practical and legal gaps that can occur when multiple jurisdictions overlap, and to help cases move forward more effectively when federal involvement is needed.

What are the initiative's stated goals?

OVW highlights aims that include: filling jurisdictional coverage gaps; increasing communication and coordination among Tribal, federal, and state law enforcement partners; building stable and consistent working relationships between federal prosecutors and the Tribal community or communities served; and improving the overall quality of investigations and prosecutions through training and adoption of proven practices.

How can grant funds be used under this opportunity?

Grant funds may be used to cover personnel and operational costs necessary to implement the Tribal SAUSA model in practice. The opportunity specifically notes support for salary and fringe benefits for dedicated prosecutor position(s), as well as training, travel, and supplies.

Are salary and fringe benefits for prosecutor positions allowable costs?

Yes. The opportunity states that allowable support includes salary and fringe benefits for the dedicated prosecutor position(s).

Are training and professional development costs allowable?

Yes. The opportunity includes training as an allowable use of funds and emphasizes access to specialized training and current best practices for victim-centered and offender-focused prosecution.

Are travel costs allowable under this grant?

Yes. Travel is listed as an allowable use of grant funds.

Are supplies allowable costs?

Yes. Supplies are included among the allowable uses of funds.

What prosecution approach does OVW emphasize for funded prosecutors?

The initiative emphasizes specialized training and best practices for victim-centered and offender-focused prosecution in the covered crime areas, including approaches reflected in DOJ guidance aimed at strengthening prosecutorial responses to gender-based violence crimes.

How is this program expected to improve case outcomes?

In practical terms, OVW describes the program as intended to help cases be investigated more thoroughly, charged more appropriately, and prosecuted more effectively, while also fostering trust and smoother collaboration among agencies and the community.

Who is eligible to apply for this opportunity?

Eligibility is restricted to the following specifically eligible applicants: the Kalispel Indian Community of the Kalispel Reservation; the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe; the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community of the Salt River Reservation; and the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon.

Is this funding opportunity open to all Tribes?

No. The opportunity is limited to a small set of invited or specifically eligible applicants rather than being broadly open to all Tribes.

How many awards does OVW expect to make?

OVW expects to make up to four awards.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling is $850,000.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is O-OVW-2024-172103.

What type of funding instrument is used?

The funding instrument type is a grant.

What is the activity category for this opportunity?

The activity category is law, justice, and legal services.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on August 2, 2024.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was August 13, 2024.

What is the role of U.S. Attorney's Offices (USAOs) in this initiative?

USAOs are central partners in the Tribal SAUSA model. The initiative is designed to support Tribal prosecutors who can work directly with USAOs, improving coordination and helping cases proceed effectively when federal involvement is needed.