Answers to FY27 Justice Grants RFA Questions:
[list last updated 6/2/26]
Q: In Appendix C, the narrative instructions say that the de minimis rate should be 10% of the Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC), but in the example, it is 15%. I understand that new legislation raising it to 15% just passed. Which rate should we use? [Received 5/29 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: The current de minimis rate is 15%. [Answer posted to website 6/2]
Q: The RFA instructions say that the supporting document checklist includes a template for calculating the MTDC, but I do not see the template in the list of documents. Is it somewhere else, or if not, could you please add the template to the list? [Received 5/29 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: The worksheet was sent to the prospective applicant. [Answer posted to website 6/2]
Q: We could not find a budget or a budget range connected to the associated funding opportunities. Is there a budget threshold that can be provided to help guide the scope of our design? [Received 5/29 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: There is not a budget threshold (minimum or maximum) for the FY27 Consolidated Justice Grants RFA. Each applicant should submit a budget request in alignment with the proposed activity planned for the project. [Answer posted to website 6/2]
Q:We understand that as a state agency with an active SAM registration and Unique ID we are eligible to apply as the prime applicant and engage local community based organizations as sub-recipients through the issuance of Memoranda of Understanding. Is there a limit to the number of MOUs we may include with our application? I am not aware of a limit to the number of MOU’s an applicant can submit. [Received 5/29 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: Under the application section titled, "Organization, Experience, and Qualification of Applicant," are we able to include local partner past performance and qualifications or just those of the prime? OVSJG does not engage in directing or providing recommendations to the applicant on what to include regarding performance to justify their ask. [Answer posted to website 6/2]
Q: We understand we need to note our funding preference in our application; however, if the funding preference we emphasize is not available, are we eligible to receive other funding sources if our proposal is highly scored? [Received 5/29 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: OVSJG determines the funding source, the applicant is only indicating what they prefer. [Answer posted to website 6/2]
Q: Do mandatory requirements apply to District Agencies applying for the award? (i.e audited financial statements, disclosure of legal proceedings, etc.). [Received 5/29 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: All mandatory sections are required to complete for submission of the FY27 RFAs. If a requirement does not apply, a letter with full explanation on agency letterhead for each requirement, and signed by the authorized signatory, should be submitted. If you are a District Agency applying for funds, you are not required to upload the following items in the application checklist and should upload a blank document as a placeholder for the following documents: Clean Hands, Board of Directors, Tax Affadavit, Audited Financials, and Business License. [Answer posted to website 6/2]
Q: We understand under the title "Letters of Support/MOU" any local partners must submit the below; however, should this form part of the MOU? If we submit a single MOU, should the below items be annexed by partner? [Received 5/29 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: Separate LOS/MOU’s are required for each collaborative partner. [Answer posted to website 6/2]
Q: The workplan template does not afford much space. Is the expectation that we only add one sentence for each heading? Can further guidance be provided around the expectation for information in the workplan. [Received 5/29 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: Each applicant is responsible for submitting the necessary information requested within the workplan template. The format chosen, full sentences, bullet listing, etc. is up to the applicant to determine. [Answer posted to website 6/2]
Q: We are a current guarantee. Our annual federal single audit is typically conducted in June, but will likely not be completed final or finalized prior to the grant application due date. What should applicants do if their audit of prior year's financial has not been completed yet? I see that the RFA states that failure to submit current audited financial statements may lead to an automatic rejection of the application. Current OVSJG grantees must follow this requirement at the time of the grant application. However, if the organization is deemed eligible and awarded grant funds under this or any RFA. [Received 5/26 to during live JG Pre-Bidders]
A: Submission of a certified letter from your accountant, on their letterhead, indicating an audit is scheduled for completion by 12/31/2026 along with the submission of the most recent audit should be included with your application. If awarded, special conditions will apply to indicate the completed audit is required prior to the end of first quarter, or 12/31/2026 and prior to the disbursement of any reimbursements. [Answer posted to website 5/28]
Q: On Tips for Proposal Preparation, it states “that each applicant adhere to the following…round all budget figures to the nearest dollar.” However, within GovGrants, the line-items are auto-calculated and round to the nearest cent, not the nearest dollar. For instance, if our fringe benefits are calculated at 22% of a staff members requested grant funds, the employee’s line-item for fringe will include cents automatically. It won’t round to the nearest dollar. Ex: $68,500 (annual salary) x 15% FTE = $10,275 grant funds for salary. $10,275 x 22% (fringe benefits) = $2,260.50 grant funds for fringe. Will our application be penalized for the portal’s automatic calculations? [Received 5/27 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: No, you will not be penalized for the auto-calculations in GovGrants. [Answer posted to website 5/28]
Q: Do the DC Clean Hands Certificate and the Certificate of Good Standing need to be dated within a particular timeframe (e.g., within the last 90 days, during the calendar year, etc.)? [Received 5/19 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: It should be dated during the application period, beginning May 11, 2026. The request instantaneously produces the certificate so there should not be any problem with delays. We need it to be current rather than before taxes were due. [Answer posted to website 5/22]
Q: We have set up our applications on GovGrants, and noticed in the required materials section on GovGrants that there is a Program Materials requirement that is marked as mandatory. Could you provide clarity on what is needed for this attachment? We are planning to submit our program rules handbook, but please let me know if there’s anything additional you are looking for. [Received 5/19 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: This is an optional application field and was erroneously appearing as mandatory. It has been updated in GovGrants, however if your application is still showing this as a mandatory field please upload a blank document. [Answer posted to website 5/22]
Q: Hello, what is the funding floor and ceiling for each application? (What is the range for funding we can apply for?) [Received 5/19 to ovsjg.RFAquestions.dc.gov]
A: There is no range. [Answer posted to website 5/22]