[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 142 (Monday, July 25, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44369-44372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-18614]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
National Institute of Corrections
Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement--Training and Related
Assistance for Indian Country Jails
AGENCY: National Institute of Corrections, U.S. Department of Justice.
ACTION: Solicitation for a Cooperative Agreement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Jails Division is
seeking applications for the provision of training and related
assistance for Indian Country jails, including those operated by tribes
and by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). The project will be for a
three-year period and will be carried out in conjunction with the NIC
Jails Division. The awardee will work closely with NIC staff on all
aspects of the project.
To be considered, the applicant team collectively must have, at a
minimum, (1) In-depth knowledge of the purpose, functions, and
operational complexities of jails, (2) experience in working with
Indian Country jails, (3) in-depth knowledge of the key elements of
jail administration, as taught in NIC's Jail Administration training
program, (4) expertise and experience with jail standards and
inspections, (5) expertise and experience in conducting jail staffing
analyses, and (6) experience in conducting training programs based on
adult learning principles, specifically the Instructional Theory Into
Practice (ITIP) model. The applicant team must include a curriculum
specialist with expertise and experience in ITIP. The curriculum
specialist will have a significant role in developing, reviewing, and
revising the curriculum for the Jail Administration training program,
as specified under ``Scope of Work.''
DATES: Applications must be received by 4 p.m. (EDT) on Friday, August
12, 2011.
ADDRESSES: Mailed applications must be sent to: Director, National
Institute of Corrections, 320 First Street, NW., Room 5002, Washington,
DC 20534. Applicants are encouraged to use Federal Express, UPS, or
similar service to ensure delivery by the due date as mail at NIC is
sometimes delayed due to security screening.
Applicants who wish to hand-deliver their applications should bring
them to 500 First Street, NW., Washington, DC 20534, and dial 202-307-
3106, ext. 0, at the front desk for pickup.
Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Electronic
applications can be submitted only via http://www.grants.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: A copy of this announcement and Links
to the required application forms can be downloaded from the NIC Web
site at http://www.nicic.gov/cooperativeagreements.
Questions about this project and the application procedures should
be directed to Ginny Hutchinson, Jails Division Chief, National
Institute of Corrections. Questions must be sent via e-mail to Ms.
Hutchinson at vhutchinson@bop.gov. Ms. Hutchinson will respond via e-
mail to the individual. Also, all questions and responses will be
posted on NIC's Web site at http://www.nicic.gov for public review.
(The names of those submitting the questions will not be posted.) The
Web site will be updated regularly and postings will remain on the Web
site until the closing date of this cooperative agreement solicitation.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background: The NIC Jails Division offers technical assistance,
training, and information to jails nationwide, including Indian Country
jails. NIC now wishes to target training and related services to Indian
Country needs on jail administration, staffing analysis, and
[[Page 44370]]
jail standards and inspection (specifically, peer review).
Services related to staffing analysis and jail administration will
be based on NIC's existing materials, with adjustments made to
accommodate any unique circumstances in Indian Country jails. The
following reference materials are posted with this announcement on
NIC's Web site: The Staffing Analysis Workbook for Jails, 2nd edition
and the lesson plans and participant manual for the Jail Administration
training program.
Scope of Work
Service 1: Jail Administration Training Program
Initial Review and Revision: The awardee will review and become
familiar with the current curriculum. The awardee will discuss any
questions with NIC staff.
The project director and curriculum specialist will meet with NIC
staff, BIA staff, and up to 3 Indian Country jail administrators for up
to 2 days in Washington, DC. The jail administrators will be identified
jointly by NIC and BIA. NIC will pay the jail administrators' travel,
lodging, and meal expenses. The BIA will pay travel, lodging, and meal
expenses for its staff. The awardee will pay travel, lodging, and meal
expenses for the project director and curriculum specialist.
Meeting participants will review the existing curriculum and
identify content that does not apply to Indian Country jails and
content that can be revised to be made applicable. NIC does not intend
to develop a new program, nor does it intend to greatly change the
basic program, which, based on past experience, is mostly relevant to
Indian Country. However, NIC does expect that some revision will be
necessary.
The awardee will revise the curriculum based on the results of the
meeting, ensuring that all lesson plans conform to the ITIP model. The
awardee will also develop an end-of-program participant evaluation, and
will submit the revised curriculum and the evaluation to NIC for review
and approval before conducting the program.
Initial Program Delivery: The awardee will conduct the revised Jail
Administration training program, and the project director and
curriculum specialist will attend. During the initial program, the
project director and curriculum specialist will assess the program for
any further revision needed.
The program will be up to 5 days long and will be conducted in a
location central to most Indian Country jails, with a major airport
nearby (no more than a 60-minute shuttle ride from the training site).
There will be 3 trainers for the program. In the response to this
solicitation, the applicant must identify a group of trainers who have
given written assurance of their availability to teach, along with
their qualifications. NIC does not require that the same 3 trainers
conduct all programs.
There will be up to 30 participants in the program, including up to
4 persons identified by BIA as future trainers for the program. NIC
will work with BIA to solicit applications and select participants.
Participants will apply for the program through NIC.
The awardee will secure and pay for lodging and meals for the
participants. Participants should be housed in single rooms. Meals will
include dinner on the day of arrival and three meals for each of 5 full
training days. NIC will pay for the participants' airfare or their
mileage, if they choose to drive their personal vehicles.
The awardee will also secure and pay for training space (main room
plus up to 3 breakout rooms); training equipment and supplies (such as
equipment needed for slide presentations, chart pads and stands, chart
markers, pens and paper for participants, masking tape, and other
miscellaneous items); and refreshments (coffee, tea, juice, and soda).
The main training room must easily accommodate 30 participant seats
arranged in clusters of 6 around circular or rectangular tables, with a
chart pad and stand at each table. Each table should provide sufficient
space for the participants' manuals and other materials, with ample
space to write. The main training room must also accommodate a large
rectangular table for the trainers and space for the training
equipment. Finally, it should be arranged so that trainers can easily
move among the participant tables.
The awardee will hire and pay fees and expenses for 3 trainers, the
project director, and the curriculum specialist, all of whom will stay
for the entire program. If qualified, the project director may be
included as one of the 3 trainers.
The awardee will print the participant manuals, instructor manuals,
evaluation forms, and all other materials for the program, and assume
the cost of printing. Additional Revision: Based on the assessment of
the first program, the awardee will further revise the training program
to ensure its applicability to Indian Country jails and conformity to
the ITIP model. All draft revisions must be sent to NIC for review and
approval before the second program is conducted.
Additional Program Delivery: The awardee will conduct the Jail
Administration training program 3 more times during the course of the
cooperative agreement. See ``Initial Program Delivery'' for the
awardee's responsibilities. Note that the curriculum specialist is not
required to attend all three of these programs. The applicant should,
however, plan for the curriculum specialist to attend at least one of
the programs in case there is need for his/her expertise.
Final Materials: The awardee will deliver a full curriculum,
including a program description (overview); detailed narrative lesson
plans; presentation slides for each lesson plan; a participant manual
that follows the lesson plans; and other training materials as
identified through this project. The curriculum will be designed
according to the ITIP model for adult learners. Lesson plans will be in
a format that NIC provides. Materials must be proofread and edited for
grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and clarity. The awardee
will deliver all materials in hard copy (2) and on a disk (2). The
awardee must ensure that all products meet NIC's standards for
accessibility and Section 508 compliance.
BIA Trainer Development: NIC intends to share the completed
curriculum with BIA for its use in training jail administrators. As
noted above, the BIA will identify potential trainers who will attend
the programs conducted under this cooperative agreement. The first time
these potential trainers attend, they will observe the program. The
second time, the awardee will give them limited responsibility, such as
facilitating small groups. The third and fourth times, the awardee will
give them training assignments so they are better prepared to instruct
on their own. Even though they will gradually assume some training
responsibilities, they are considered participants in each of the 4
programs for funding purposes.
Attendance at a BIA-Conducted Program: The awardee will send two
members of the cooperative agreement's training team to the first Jail
Administration program conducted by BIA. This program will most likely
be held at the Indian Police Academy in Artesia, New Mexico. The
awardee will pay fees and expenses for these trainers. Their role will
be to provide assistance and feedback as needed to the BIA trainers.
Service 2: Staffing Analysis
Workshop: The awardee will conduct one workshop on staffing
analysis for up to 12 BIA staff. This will be based on
[[Page 44371]]
NIC's ``Staffing Analysis Workbook for Jails, 2nd edition,'' and will
last up to 3 days. The workshop will include staffing analysis for
operating jails and for jails in various stages of planning. The
workshop will focus not only on the staffing analysis process, but also
on effectively presenting the results to the funding authority.
The purpose of this workshop is to develop a cadre of BIA staff who
can conduct staffing analyses for jails and prepare staffing reports
and justifications. These BIA staff could also help jail staff conduct
their own staffing analyses.
The awardee will confer with NIC and BIA staff on workshop
development, either in person or through conference calls or online
meetings. The awardee will then develop the lesson plans, presentation
slides, and participant materials, and send these materials to NIC for
review and approval before conducting the workshop.
After the workshop, the awardee will submit final copies of all
materials, with a participant list, to NIC. These materials will be
submitted on a disk.
The awardee will pay fees and expenses for 2 trainers. These
trainers will be identified jointly by NIC and the awardee after the
cooperative agreement is awarded. The awardee will print all workshop
materials and assume the cost for printing. BIA will supply the
necessary room and equipment for the workshop, and assume costs related
to the participants' travel, lodging, and meals.
Additional Assistance: Once the workshop is completed, the awardee
will send one trainer to accompany BIA staff in conducting a staffing
analysis for up to 3 jails or new-jail planning projects identified by
the BIA. The trainer will provide guidance and support as needed to the
BIA staff, but will not conduct the staffing analysis or write the
report. The awardee will pay fees and expenses for the trainer assigned
to each staffing analysis. The BIA will cover expenses for its staff.
Service 3: Jail Standards and Inspection (Peer Review)
Based on standards it has adopted, BIA has a formal inspection
process, but it also wishes to develop a peer review process. The
awardee will work with BIA and NIC staff to develop a peer review
protocol, with related forms and other materials.
The awardee will then develop and conduct one workshop on the peer
review process, and submit all workshop materials to NIC for review and
approval before the program is conducted.
After the workshop, the awardee will submit final copies of all
materials, with a participant list, to NIC. These materials will be
submitted on a disk.
The workshop will last up to 5 days and will be conducted by 2 to 3
trainers. These trainers will be identified jointly by NIC and the
awardee after the cooperative agreement is awarded. BIA will identify
up to 15 participants for this program.
The workshop will combine classroom sessions with practical
exercises inside an Indian Country jail. BIA and NIC will identify a
jail willing to allow participants to practice conducting a review.
The classroom sessions will be held in a suitable room inside the
jail or, if no room is available, at a site within short driving
distance to the jail. The awardee should not assume a room will be
available in the jail and should plan to pay for a room at a hotel for
the workshop, in addition to related equipment and supplies.
The awardee will pay all fees and expenses for the trainers. The
awardee will also print all workshop materials and assume the cost.
The awardee will secure a hotel for the participants' lodging and
will arrange for meals to be provided by the hotel, including dinner on
the day of arrival and 3 meals for each full training day. The awardee
will assume the cost of the participants' lodging and meals at this
site. Participants should be lodged in single rooms.
NIC will pay for participants' travel. BIA will arrange for
transportation between the hotel and the jail, if needed.
Project Kick-Off Meeting
The project director will attend an initial meeting in Washington,
DC with NIC staff for a project overview and preliminary planning. The
meeting will last up to two days. The awardee will pay the project
director's fees and expenses for this meeting.
Project Timelines
The applicant must plan project activities based on several
considerations. First, the staffing analysis workshop should be
conducted during the first year of the cooperative agreement period.
Second, the awardee will assist BIA staff in conducting three staffing
analysis projects within 3 months or less after the workshop. Third,
the Jail Administration training program should be conducted once
during the first year, twice during the second year, and once during
the third year. Fourth, BIA will conduct Jail Administration during the
third year, with assistance from the awardee. Fifth, work on the peer
review process for standards compliance should begin before the end of
the first year of the cooperative agreement. Finally, project timelines
must include provision for submission of materials to NIC for review
and approval, as specified in this solicitation.
Application Requirements: An application package must include OMB
Standard Form 424, Application for Federal Assistance; a cover letter
that identifies the audit agency responsible for the applicant's
financial accounts as well as the audit period or fiscal year under
which the applicant operates (e.g., July 1 through June 30); and an
outline of projected costs with the budget and strategy narratives
described in this announcement. The following additional forms must
also be included: OMB Standard Form 424A, Budget Information--Non-
Construction Programs; OMB Standard Form 424B, Assurances--Non-
Construction Programs (both available at http://www.grants.gov); DOJ/
FBOP/NIC Certification Regarding Lobbying, Debarment, Suspension and
Other Responsibility Matters; and the Drug-Free Workplace Requirements
(available at http://www.nicic.org/Downloads/PDF/certif-frm.pdf.)
Applications should be concisely written, typed double spaced, and
reference the NIC opportunity number and title referenced in this
announcement. If you are hand delivering or submitting via Fed-Ex,
please include an original and three copies of your full proposal
(program and budget narrative, application forms, assurances and other
descriptions). The original should have the applicant's signature in
blue ink. Electronic submissions will be accepted only via http://www.grants.gov.
The narrative portion of the application should include, at a
minimum: a brief paragraph indicating the applicant's understanding of
the project's purpose; a brief paragraph that summarizes the project
goals and objectives; a clear description of the methodology that will
be used to complete the project and achieve its goals; a statement or
chart of measurable project milestones and timelines for the completion
of each milestone; a description of the qualifications of the applicant
organization; a resume for the principle and each staff member assigned
to the project (including instructors) that documents relevant
knowledge, skills, and abilities to carry out the project; and a budget
that details all costs for the project, shows consideration for all
contingencies for
[[Page 44372]]
the project, and notes a commitment to work within the proposed budget.
In addition to the narrative and attachments, the applicant must
submit two full sample curricula developed by the primary curriculum
developer named in the application. For each sample curriculum, the
applicant must submit lesson plans, presentation slides, and a
participant manual.
Authority: Public Law 93-415.
Funds Available: NIC is seeking the applicant's best ideas
regarding accomplishment of the scope of work and the related costs for
achieving the goals of this solicitation. Funds may be used only for
the activities that are linked to the desired outcome of the project.
The funding amount should not exceed $500,000.
Eligibility of Applicants: An eligible applicant is any state or
general unit of local government, private agency, educational
institution, organization, individual, or team with expertise in the
described areas. Applicants must have demonstrated ability to implement
a project of this size and scope.
Review Considerations: Applications will be subject to the NIC
Review Process. The criteria for the evaluation of each application
will be as follows:
Project Design and Management: Is there a clear understanding of
the purpose of the project and the nature and scope of project
activities? Does the applicant give a clear and complete description of
all work to be performed for this project? Does the applicant clearly
describe a work plan, including objectives, tasks, and milestones
necessary to project completion? Are the objectives, tasks, and
milestones realistic and will they achieve the project as described in
NIC's solicitation for this cooperative agreement? Are the roles and
the time required of project staff clearly defined? Is the applicant
willing to meet with NIC staff, at a minimum, as specified in the
solicitation for this cooperative agreement?
Applicant Organization and Project Staff Background: Is there a
description of the background and expertise of all project personnel as
they relate to this project? Is the applicant capable of managing this
project? Does the applicant have an established reputation or skill
that makes the applicant particularly well qualified for the project?
Do primary project personnel, individually or collectively, have in-
depth knowledge of the purpose, functions, and operational complexities
of local jails? Do the primary project personnel, individually or
collectively, have expertise and experience specified in the
``Summary'' section of this Request for Proposal? Does the staffing
plan propose sufficient and realistic time commitments from key
personnel? Are there written commitments from proposed staff that they
will be available to work on the project as described in the
application?
Budget: Does the application provide adequate cost detail to
support the proposed budget? Are potential budget contingencies
included? Does the application include a chart that aligns the budget
with project activities along a timeline with, at a minimum, quarterly
benchmarks? In terms of program value, is the estimated cost reasonable
in relation to work performed and project products?
Sample Curricula: Do the sample curricula include all components
specified in the RFP (lesson plans, presentation slides, and
participant manual)? Are the lesson plans designed according to the
ITIP model? Does each lesson plan have performance objectives that
describe what the participants will accomplish during the module? Are
the lesson plans detailed, clear, and well written (spelling, grammar,
punctuation)? Is the participant manual clear, and does it follow the
lesson plans? Do the presentation slides effectively illustrate
information in the lesson plans? Do the presentation slides have a
professional appearance, and can they be easily read from a distance of
30 to 40 feet?
Note: NIC will NOT award a cooperative agreement to an applicant
who does not have a Dun and Bradstreet Database Universal Number
(DUNS) and is not registered in the Central Contractor Registry
(CCR). Applicants can obtain a DUNS number at no cost by called the
dedicated toll-free DUNS number request line at 800-333-0505.
Applicants who are sole proprietors should dial 866-705-5711 and
select option 1.
Applicants may register in the CCR online at the CCR Web site at
http://www.ccr.gov. Applicants can also review a CCR handbook and
worksheet at this Web site.
Number of Awards: One.
NIC Opportunity Number: 11JA06. This number should appear as a
reference line in the cover letter, where the opportunity number is
requested on Standard Form 424, and on the outside of the envelope in
which the application is sent.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number: 16.601
Executive Order 12372: This project is not subject to the
provisions of the executive order.
Thomas J. Beauclair,
Deputy Director, National Institute of Corrections.
[FR Doc. 2011-18614 Filed 7-22-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-36-P