Frequently Asked Questions
- Which states are eligible to apply?
- Why are only these 18 states eligible to for this Initiative?
- Why should we apply?
- Why do I need a logon and password?
- What does the application entail?
- Is the agency applying for this grant required to hold certain certifications before applying?
- What is in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the state agency and SAI?
- What specifically will the Rural State Meth Coordinator do?
- Can the Rural Meth Coordinator be someone already on staff?
- Would the state meth action team have any input as to who is chosen for the State Meth Coordinator position?
- Will the State Meth Coordinator have a background in law enforcement and/or substance abuse treatment, or are they primarily a facilitator who is affiliated with either law enforcement or treatment?
- How is the State Meth Coordinator chosen?
- Would the State Meth Coordinator be someone from your firm, or someone local within the state who knows how our state agencies function?
- Is the state committed to hiring the State Meth Coordinator upon completion of the two-year Initiative, or could we hire someone else for the position?
- Exactly what costs are covered by the Initiative? How much funding could we receive?
- Does the agency applying receive any administration funds? Are other costs covered by this initiative?
- We are concerned of not having enough funding to support the activities required for the grant.
- Is there a match requirement for these funds?
- What are the reporting requirements?
- Will this be a continuation funding stream similar to formula funds?
- Is this a competitive grant process?
- Is there required training the administering agency must attend?
- Who receives and responds to the grant notice?
- If we are not a primary law enforcement agency will that affect the outcome of the grant?
- What are some common uses of these funds your agency wants to see or some best practices you would refer a state to?
- What is the selection and review process?
- What is a state action team?
- What will the state action plan entail?
- What and when is the National Rural Meth Summit?
- Our issues are mainly with the use of meth, not the production or distribution. Can we still apply?
- If we are not one of the 10 selected states but have rural meth issues, can we still attend the National Rural Meth Summit?
- At the conclusion of the two year period, what are states required to do to be in compliance with the grant guidelines?
- Where can I get technical assistance with the web site and/or the application?
- Is your question not answered here?
1. Which states are eligible to apply?
States eligible to apply are those designated as "rural" by the US Department of Justice. The following states meet these criteria.
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Idaho
Kansas
Maine
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Dakota
Utah
Vermont
Wyoming
2. Why are only these 18 states eligible to for this Initiative?
This project is funded by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance. These 18 states meet their criteria for "rural." The definition is: a state with a population density of 52 or fewer per square mile or a state which has the largest county fewer than 150,000 people based on the most recent decennial census.
3. Why should we apply?
Selected states will receive access to a dedicated Rural State Meth Coordinator as well as be part of a statewide meth assessment to identify system strengths and barriers to be addressed. States will develop and enhance their current statewide strategies with the help of focused technical assistance. In addition, all states will receive full team sponsorship to attend the National Rural Meth Summit (including travel, lodging, and registration).
4. Why do I need a logon and password?
A logon and password will allow you to start your application and save it for further editing at a later date before submitting it for review. Remember, the deadline for completed applications is January 28, 2010. Once the application is completed and submitted it cannot be reedited.
5. What does the application entail?
Each application will include a cover letter and an 8-page narrative (including a statement of the problem, overview of systems/infrastructure, and policy commitments). It is highly recommend to include three letters of support. All applications are due by January 28, 2010.
6. Is the agency applying for this grant required to hold certain certifications before applying?
No. There are no certifications required. There will be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) developed between Strategic Applications International (SAI) and each state selected to participate. This MOU will specify the expectations of all parties involved in the Initiative.
7. What is in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the state agency and SAI?
The MOU between each state and SAI is under development and will be available soon.
8. What specifically will the Rural State Meth Coordinator do?
Rural State Meth Coordinators are independent contractors and will be hired, dedicated, and made available for each state. The Coordinators will be engaged by SAI (through BJA funding) and are responsible for convening, developing, and implementing strategies within their state. SAI is available to work with each state to transition the Rural State Meth Coordinators into state funded positions by the end of the two year Initiative, if possible and desired.
The Rural State Meth Coordinator will:
- Attend the National Rural Meth Summit
- With the state action team, develop and implement a rural state action plan based on assessments and key learnings from the National Rural Meth Summit
- Support evaluation efforts with SAI and PIRE
- Coordinate with SAI to finalize training and technical assistance plans
- Contribute to all reporting requirements and to the national clearinghouse, www.methpedia.org
- Document and disseminate all meeting agendas and minutes
- Participate in Initiative-wide conference calls and communications
- Other duties as required
9. Can the Rural Meth Coordinator be someone already on staff?
This initiative is funded from the Recovery Act which means it must create a new (or save an existing) position If a position is currently conducting the work of a State Rural Meth Coordinator has been identified for elimination, then RLEMI could be a resource for saving that position.
One clarification: Rural State Meth Coordinators for the RLEMI will be consultants with Strategic Applications International, not employees of the State. This is something to consider since the engagement contract will vary significantly from a state employee's position.
If a state has a coordinator, one option is to propose the new RLEMI position provide support to enhance (not duplicate) the efforts of the state's existing efforts.
10. Would the state meth action team have any input as to who is chosen for the State Meth Coordinator position?
Yes, the state meth action team will work with Strategic Applications International (SAI) to engage an independent contractor to serve as the State Meth Coordinator.
11. Will the State Meth Coordinator have a background in law enforcement and/or substance abuse treatment, or are they primarily a facilitator who is affiliated with either law enforcement or treatment?
It would be ideal if the person engaged as the State Meth Coordinator possessed a background in law enforcement and treatment, but candidates will not be limited to just these two areas of expertise.
Key responsibilities of the State Meth Coordinator will be the assembly of the state meth action team, developing the state meth action plan (including identification of training and technical assistance needs), and building consensus across state systems. Therefore, possession of facilitation skills will be an expected attribute of the State Meth Coordinator. It is important to note, that this is a Rural Law Enforcement Initiative. Therefore, the State Meth Coordinator must facilitate all activities related to this project in a manner that enhances the capacity of rural law enforcement. Rural law enforcement has historically seen the value of treatment, so working with treatment providers to enhance access to treatment in rural environments will enhance the work of rural law enforcement.
12. How is the State Meth Coordinator chosen?
SAI will work with each participating state to recruit and hire the State Meth Coordinator. SAI will review all applications and recommendations from the State. Once a viable candidate has been selected, in consultation with the State, then the State and SAI will develop a contract. The Bureau of Justice Assistance has emphasized that the contractor report to SAI to be sure they are meeting the requirements of the Recovery Act and the mission of the grant. There will be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) developed between SAI and each state that is selected to participate (up to 10 states will be selected). This MOU will specify the expectations of all parties involved in the Initiative and will clarify the process for selecting the State Meth Coordinator and will include provisions for any conflict resolution.
13. Would the State Meth Coordinator be someone from your firm, or someone local within the state who knows how our state agencies function?
The State Meth Coordinator will be an independent contractor for SAI, but will be housed in the state agency that is designated as the lead for RLEMI. Therefore, the State Meth Coordinator will be local, but hired as a SAI contractor.
14. Is the state committed to hiring the State Meth Coordinator upon completion of the two-year Initiative, or could we hire someone else for the position?
At the end of the two-year Initiative the state could hire someone else for the State Meth Coordinator if it so chooses.
15. Exactly what costs are covered by the Initiative? How much funding could we receive?
There is no direct funding through RLEMI. Strategic Applications International (SAI) through BJA funding will cover the salary costs of the Rural State Meth Coordinator and the costs for each state meth action team to attend the National Rural Methamphetamine Summit. SAI will also be responsible for the costs of each statewide meth assessment and the training and technical assistance provided to each participating state as part of the fulfillment of the state meth action plan.
There are no funds available to reimburse the states for Initiative overhead such as office space/rent, phone, etc. There are also no funds available at this time to cover the travel costs for state meth action team meetings.Ê Each state should note in their application their ability to provide the necessary office space and support for the Rural State Meth Coordinator position.
16. Does the agency applying receive any administration funds? Are other costs covered by this initiative?
The state agency will not receive funds specific to support the state action teams, their work on the state action plans, travel within the state, or the assessments conducted The costs of the statewide meth assessment and the training and technical assistance will be covered by Strategic Applications International (SAI) through a partnership with Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE).
17. We are concerned of not having enough funding to support the activities required for the grant.
The benefits of applying for this grant include (a) access to a dedicated Rural State Meth Coordinator, (b) a statewide assessment to identify system strengths and barriers to be addressed, (c) a chance to develop and enhance their current statewide strategies with the help of focused technical assistance, and (d) full team sponsorship to attend the National Rural Meth Summit (including travel, lodging, and registration).
The RLEMI is a partnership that requires each state to provide some amount of in-kind resources to support this work including things such as office space for the Rural State Meth Coordinator, meeting space, travel within the state for meetings, staff time to support the assessments and to be part of the state wide team. This partnership will, in turn, help develop and enhance current state efforts to address the production, distribution, and use of methamphetamine.
18. Is there a match requirement for these funds?
There is no specific monetary match requirement. However, each state that is selected to participate will be expected to provide for an office, access to a computer, phone, etc. for support of the State Meth Coordinator (please also see "Expectations of Participating States (4)" section of the state application).
19. What are the reporting requirements?
Reporting requirements are under development. There will be a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) developed between SAI and each state that is selected to participate (up to 10 states will be selected). This MOU will specify the expectations of all parties involved in the Initiative and will clarify the reporting requirements of the Initiative.
20. Will this be a continuation funding stream similar to formula funds?
Funding for RLEMI has been made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Therefore, this is not a continuation funding stream similar to formula funds.
21. Is this a competitive grant process?
The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance has identified eighteen states that meet the definition of "rural state" (please also see page 1 of the state application, "Benefits to State and Project Overview"). However, funds are available for up to 10 rural states to participate in RLEMI. Therefore, the application for states to participate in RLEMI is competitive. To review the application process and selection criteria please see page 5 of the state application, "Review Criteria and Process" and "Application Components".
22. Is there required training the administering agency must attend?
Yes, each state selected to participate in RLEMI is expected to assemble a state meth action team and attend the National Rural Law Enforcement Meth Summit to take place in June 2010 (location to be announced). The cost of the entire state team attending this Summit will be provided by SAI.
23. Who receives and responds to the grant notice?
The state application was sent to the Office of the Governor and to the State Administering Agency for each of the 18 states. If other entities, such as State Police, did not directly receive a copy of the application and want to apply, the Office of the Governor can designate those agencies to apply on behalf of the state. Please note that the submission of an application by the state is an on-line process.
24. If we are not a primary law enforcement agency will that affect the outcome of the grant?
Each state will choose the state agency to head RLEMI that is best suited to meet the needs of the state. This designation does not directly factor into the selection of a state to participate in RLEMI. However, please see page 6 of the application "Letters of Support" which does impact a state's ability to demonstrate collaboration across state entities.
25. What are some common uses of these funds your agency wants to see or some best practices you would refer a state to?
RLEMI does not provide direct funding to the states. A state selected to participate will directly benefit by being assigned a fully funded, dedicated Rural State Meth Coordinator. In addition, a statewide meth assessment will be conducted to identify system strengths and barriers to be addressed. Each state will receive sponsorship of state meth team attendance to the National Rural Methamphetamine Summit (including travel, lodging, and registration for your team) in June 2010. Finally, states will create and implement a state meth action plan and receive customized technical assistance and training.
26. What is the selection and review process?
All eligible states are invited and encouraged to apply to participate in the Rural Law Enforcement Meth Initiative. Up to ten states will be selected. Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee and selections will be notified in February 2010.
Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria.
- Demonstrated need and data showing significant methamphetamine production, distribution, and use
- Demonstrated capacity for leadership across multiple sectors to develop and sustain statewide crime prevention efforts
- Demonstrated capacity to collaborate and partner
- Completed application
Eligible and complete applications will be reviewed by a screening committee. The rating system that will be utilized will result in recommendations that are advisory only. In addition to the review ratings, considerations may include, but not be limited to, underserved populations, strategic priorities, and past performance.
27. What is a state action team?
Each participating state will assemble a state meth action team for the purposes of working with the State Meth Coordinator to organize and direct the state's efforts. SAI recommends that team membership include, but not be limited to, representatives from:
- The Governor's Office or other designated state agency lead (such as an Office of Drug Policy, if available);
- The State Administering Agency for Byrne funding;
- Law enforcement (especially local law enforcement);
- Community corrections;
- Drug courts (if applicable);
- Treatment/recovery;
- Rural Assistance Centers;
- Prevention programs,
- The state legislature;
- The state judiciary;
- Child welfare (drug-endangered children (DEC) if available);
- Juvenile justice;
- Environmental protection;
- Education;
- Gang task force;
- Tribal leadership;
- The medical and public health community including HIV/AIDS and mental health.
28. What will the state action plan entail?
The state meth action teams will develop plans based on the initial assessment as well as the key learnings from the Summit. Plans must be developed within 45 days of the Summit and include: 1) goals and measurable objectives which are outcome-based with reporting/accountability; 2) a timeline for meeting the identified goals/objectives; 3) data-collection processes and procedures; 4) outline of training and technical assistance needs for their state; and 5) scheduling and convening state action team meetings and calls on a regular basis.
We realize some states may already have state meth plans in place and activities in process. The goal is to enhance these efforts, not duplicate them. Each state will be afforded great flexibility to support work already underway.
29. What and when is the National Rural Meth Summit?
The purpose is to assemble action teams to discuss research and evidence-based best practices, identify commonalities and differences between rural states, prioritize training and technical assistance needs, and initiate a state action plan. The focus of the summit will be on rural law enforcement and partnerships with corrections, the judiciary, the legislature, juvenile justice, public health, treatment, prevention, and child protection stakeholders.
Travel and lodging for a team from each Initiative state to attend the Summit will be covered by SAI (through BJA funding). The event is currently scheduled for June, 2010. More details to follow.
Participating states will be expected to assemble a state meth action team to send to the National Summit and carry out the plans developed at that event. All Summit participants will be required to complete an online pre- and post-event survey to assess their understanding of methamphetamine problems in their state as well as national trends and issues.
30. Our issues are mainly with the use of meth, not the production or distribution. Can we still apply?
Eligible rural states may apply for this funding to address the production, distribution, and use of methamphetamine. When applying, states should, as part of their application, "provide a narrative and data that describe the impact methamphetamine production, distribution, and use has on the rural communities in their state" (please also see page 5, Application Components, Statement of the Problem).
31. If we are not one of the 10 selected states but have rural meth issues, can we still attend the National Rural Meth Summit?
Each team or person not part of the Initiative must be preapproved to attend the National Rural Meth Summit. If you are interested, please contact Kim Dalferes at kdalferes@sai-dc.com.
32. At the conclusion of the two year period, what are states required to do to be in compliance with the grant guidelines?
There are no compliance requirements for a state to meet at the end of the two year period. During the RLEMI, each state is expected to create a state meth action plan and will be expected to carry out the goals and objectives of this plan (please also see "Expectations of Participating States", pages 2 through 4 of the application). There will be an evaluation to measure project impact at the end of the grant period.
33. Where can I get technical assistance with the web site and/or the application?
Contact Ben Bartholomew at 801/649-8654 or ben@RisingRain.com.
34. Is your question not answered here?
Contact Kim Dalferes at kdalferes@sai-dc.com.