FY27 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Countywide Application JAG-C Instructional Guidelines

Funding Period October 1st, 2026 – September 30th, 2027

I. Introduction/Background

Pinellas County Human Services is now accepting applications for federal funding through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Countywide (JAG-C). JAG-C provides financial assistance to local projects that work to prevent and reduce crime and improve the criminal justice system. Applicants must demonstrate a clear and direct connection to the criminal justice system. JAG-C is a pass-through grant of federal funds allocated to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). This solicitation is administered by Pinellas County Human Services. The Substance and Alcohol Abuse Advisory Board (SAAB) will review all applications and make award recommendations for final approval by the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) and the FDLE.

In expectation of FDLE’s annual solicitation announcement of JAG-C, Pinellas County Human Services is requesting applications for criminal justice projects. The SAAB review committee will score each application and make funding recommendations for approval. Funding recommendations are contingent upon FDLE’s solicitation release and actual JAG-C award to Pinellas County. The County and SAAB retain discretion to revise requirements and/or recommendations in accordance with FDLE guidance.
Applications will be required to meet criteria set forth in previous year’s solicitation and by FDLE which can be found here. The funding period for this application is October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY27). The approximate anticipated FY27 allocation for Pinellas County is $250,00.00. Applicants are advised that the total award amount listed in this announcement is an estimate and is subject to change.

II. Funding Priorities

JAG funded projects MUST clearly support one of the JAG Program Purpose Areas listed below. Applicants must provide a detailed description demonstrating how the proposed activities directly align with an eligible purpose area and produce measurable criminal justice system impacts.  Funds may be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice:

1. Law enforcement programs         
2. Prosecution and court programs
3. Prevention and education programs
4. Corrections and community corrections programs
5. Drug treatment and enforcement programs
6. Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
7. Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation)
8. Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams, and
9. Implementation of state crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs or initiatives, including but not limited to mental health courts, drug courts, veteran courts, and extreme risk protection order programs.
10. Additionally, JAG funds awarded under this solicitation may be used for purposes identified in BJA’s allowable programs reference guide.
11. In order to comply with the statewide strategic planning requirements outlined in Section 502 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, FDLE conducted a survey in 2019 to gauge statewide priorities within each program area for funding.

Subrecipients are strongly encouraged to fund projects addressing at least one of the State-Wide Funding Priorities outlined below. If the subrecipient wishes to fund a project that does not address one of the identified funding priorities, a written justification will need to be submitted to OCJG along with the application.

Law Enforcement • Equipment • Training • Traffic Enforcement • Community Policing & Engagement	Prosecution & Courts • Pre-trial Diversion • Recidivism • Training • Property & White-Collar Crime
Prevention and Education • Anti-drug Programs • School Violence Prevention • Domestic Violence Prevention • Pharmaceutical & Substance Abuse	Corrections and Community Corrections • Behavioral Health Services • Workforce • Recidivism • Diversion
Drug Treatment and Enforcement • Surveillance Equipment • Drug Enforcement – Single Jurisdiction • Multi-Jurisdictional Task Forces & Pharmaceutical Enforcement Partnerships • First responders, Crisis Response, Stabilization, Antagonists/Detox	Planning, Evaluation & Technology • Technology Upgrades • Crime Statistics Reporting • Investigative & Surveillance Technology • Grant Management
Crime Victim & Witness • Behavioral Health Services • Advocacy Services • Counseling & Clinical Services • Children Exposed to Violence, Abuse, & Neglect	Mental Health • Crisis Intervention Team Training & Support • Evaluation/Assessments • Suicide Risk Assessment, Response & Protocols • Outpatient/Community Based Behavioral Health Programs

III. Opportunity Overview

Final recommendation approval and contract negotiations timeline is contingent upon FDLE’s release of the JAG-C Solicitation.
The submission deadline for all applications is April 8th AT 2:00PM (NO EXCEPTIONS). Please allow time for submission and technological challenges, as late applications will not be accepted.
* Pre Solicitation Conference is not mandatory; however, it is strongly encouraged as it provides a valuable opportunity to gain clarity on application requirements, ask questions, and receive important updates that may impact proposal preparation.

Technical Assistance Contact
Amanda Craft
Human Services Department
Pinellas County
440 Court Street, 2nd Floor Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-8452
acraft@pinellas.gov
When submitting questions please include JAG in the subject of the email.

IV. Application Instructions

A. Eligibility

1. Applicant organizations must be either a Pinellas County law enforcement agency or a 501(c)3 non-profit provider incorporated in the State of Florida for at least one (1) year prior to required submission deadline.
2. The applicant organization must agree to the terms and conditions contained in the Human Services Funding Agreement NO EXCEPTIONS to the terms and conditions of the agreement will be permitted.
3. In accordance with Section 448.095, Florida Statutes, all Recipients of this funding must be registered in E-Verify and utilize the system to verify the work authorization status of all employees hired on or after January 1, 2022.
4. JAG funds MUST be clearly within or support one of the following purpose areas. Funds may be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems for criminal justice:
   • a. Law enforcement programs
   • b. Prosecution and court programs
   • c. Prevention and education programs
   • d. Corrections and community corrections programs
   • e. Drug treatment and enforcement programs
   • f. Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
   • g. Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation)
   • h. Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs, including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams, and
   • i. Implementation of state crisis intervention court proceedings and related programs or initiatives, including but not limited to mental health courts, drug courts, veteran courts, and extreme risk protection order programs.
   • j. Additionally, JAG funds awarded under this solicitation may be used for purposes identified in BJA’s allowable programs reference guide.
   • k. If awarded grant funding, applicant must submit timely quarterly reports, regular invoices, and may be required to present on program successes and challenges at an annual SAAB meeting, typically held in the fall.

B. Exclusions (not all inclusive):

JAG funds MAY NOT be used (whether directly or indirectly) for any purpose prohibited by federal statute or regulation, including those prohibited by the JAG Program statute (34 U.S.C. § 10152). The following are NOT ELIGIBLE under JAG Funding:

1. Supplanting: JAG funds may not be used to supplant state or local funds. See BJA’s JAG FAQs for examples of supplanting.
2. Security Enhancements for Non-governmental Entities: JAG funds may not be used for security enhancement or equipment for non-governmental entities not engaged in criminal justice or public safety.
3. Additional Restrictions: JAG funds may not be used to pay for any of the following items unless approved by the BJA Director: (A) vehicles (excluding police cruisers), vessels (excluding police boats), or aircraft (excluding police helicopters); (B) luxury items; (C) real estate; (D) construction projects (other than penal or correctional institutions); or (E)  any similar matters.
4. The use of BJA grant funds for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), including unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV), and all accompanying accessories to support UAS or UAV, is unallowable. See BJA’s JAG FAQs and JAG Prohibited and Controlled Expenditure Guidance for more information.
5. Note: FDLE will not approve the purchase of trinkets such as hats, mugs, portfolios, t-shirts, coins, gift bags, etc., with grant funds. Additional cost elements FDLE will not approve include, but are not limited to gift cards/certificates, bus/transportation passes, entertainment costs, etc.
6. Grant funds may NOT be used to pay for extended warranties, service agreements, contracts, etc., covering any periods that extend beyond the project end date. Funds may be prorated for services within the project period.
7. Grant funds may NOT be used for subscription-based or rent-to-own/lease systems. Contact your assigned grant manager if you have any questions regarding this new exclusion.
8. Project Adjustments: Retroactive (after-the-fact) approval of project adjustments or items not currently in the approved subaward are not allowable. Subrecipients who incur costs prior to approval of requested adjustments do so at the risk of the items being ineligible for reimbursement under the award.

C. Fatal Criteria

1. Application does not clearly demonstrate direct alignment with FDLE criminal justice priorities.
2. Application is late (system will not allow incomplete or late submissions)
3. Agency is not in good standing with Pinellas County at the time of submission.
   • a. Compliance with Active Agreements: The vendor must be in compliance with all current Pinellas County agreements and must not have had any contracts terminated for cause within the past five (5) years.
     • i. Note: Vendors on a Quality Improvement Pathway with Pinellas County Human Services (Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) or Corrective Action Plan (CAP) are not automatically disqualified, however, presence of the Plan must the documented in the application.  
       • 1. A copy of a Human Services CAP, and applicable status report(s), will be provided to the Review Committee.
   • b. Purchasing Status: The vendor must not appear on the Pinellas County Purchasing Suspended Vendor List.
   • c. Federal Eligibility: The vendor must not be currently debarred or excluded from federal contracting, as listed on the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
4. Agency does not submit a completed budget.
5. Applicant organization is not a Pinellas County law enforcement agency or a 501c3 non-profit provider incorporated in the State of Florida for at least one (1) year prior to required submission deadline.
6. Agency has not been incorporated in the State of Florida for a minimum of one (1) year prior to required submission deadline.
7. Agency does not agree to the standard terms and conditions or reporting requirements.

D. Submission Guidelines

1. Applications will be accepted through an electronic submission process found here.
2. The application system will open March 11, 2026, and will close on April 8, 2026, at 2:00pm.
3. Organizations must utilize the online application through the Neighborly System. Please allow ample time for submission and technological challenges, as late applications will not be accepted. For questions regarding your application, please contact: Amanda Craft at acraft@pinellas.gov.
4. The application system will automatically close and late applications will be automatically rejected. Please allow time to reach out for any submission technical issues prior to the deadline.
5. Please note: All materials and supporting documentation included with the application are subject to Florida’s public records law and requirements. Do not include sensitive or potentially identifiable program participant information in this section.

E. Lobbying

1. Lobbying shall be prohibited on all county competitive selection processes and purchasing contract awards pursuant to this division, including, but not limited to, requests for proposals, requests for quotations, requests for qualifications, bids, or the award of purchasing contracts of any type. The purpose of this prohibition is to protect the integrity of the procurement process by shielding it from undue influences prior to the contract award, or the competitive selection process is otherwise concluded. However, nothing herein shall prohibit a prospective bidder/proposer/protestor from contacting the purchasing department or the county attorney’s office to address situations such as clarification and/or pose questions related to the procurement process.
2. Lobbying of evaluation committee members, county government employees, elected/appointed officials, or advisory board members regarding requests for proposals, requests for quotations, requests for qualifications, bids, or purchasing contracts, by the bidder/proposer, any member of the bidder’s/proposer’s staff, any agent or representative of the bidder/proposer, or any person employed by any legal entity affiliated with or representing a bidder/proposer/protestor, is strictly prohibited from the date of the advertisement, or on a date otherwise established by the board, until either an award is final, or the competitive selection process is otherwise concluded. Any lobbying activities in violation of this section by or on behalf of a bidder/proposer shall result in the disqualification or rejection of the proposal, quotation, statement of qualification, bid or contract.
3. For purposes of this provision, “lobbying” shall mean influencing or attempting to influence action or non-action, and/or attempting to obtain the goodwill of persons specified herein relating to the selection, ranking, or contract award in connection with any request for proposal, request for quotation, request for qualification, bid or purchasing contract through direct or indirect oral or written communication. The final award of a purchasing contract shall be the effective date of the purchasing contract.
4. Any evaluation committee member, county government employee, elected/appointed official, or advisory board member who has been lobbied shall immediately report the lobbying activity to the director.
5. Pinellas County Code §2-189. – Lobbying, 2025

V. Content and Form of Application Submission

A. General Information

Applicants must complete an online application the link will be provided at www.pinellas.gov/department/humanservices. If this is the applicants first time using the online application, applicants will be required to set up a free account.

1. Please complete all the fields. Some questions in the application contain character count limitations.
2. Please provide accurate contact information and the full legal name for your organization, as well as any fictitious names (“doing business as, or DBA”). If funded, legal agreements will be executed using this information.
3. Please submit one application as the primary applicant. If more than one application is submitted by an agency as the primary applicant, only the most recent submission will be considered for award.
4. Please clearly describe in the Scope of Work how the program directly aligns with FDLE’s criminal justice funding priorities and/or identified law enforcement needs.
5. Please be sure to include all required attachments and check to ensure attachments have been uploaded properly. Missing or illegible attachments may be grounds for disqualification.
6. Any personal participant information that can be used to identify or trace an individual, regardless of whether it correlates to protected health information, must be omitted or redacted from all solicitation applications and any supporting documents/communications provided. 

B. Application Sections

1. Agency Information: Provide the following details to ensure accurate identification and compliance with JAG-C requirements.
   • i. LEGAL AGENCY INFORMATION (FOR CONTRACT)
      A.1. Organization Name
      A.2. DBA (if applicable)
      A.3. Legal Address
   • PROJECT INFORMATION
      A.4. Program Name/Project Title
      A.5. Provide a brief summary about your program and how the activities relate to criminal justice, ultimately improving outcomes for Pinellas County residents. (Maximum 150 words)
      A.6. Physical Program Address
      A.7. Program Manager First Name
      A.8. Program Manager Last Name
      A.9. Program Manager Title
      A.10. Program Manager Email
      A.11. Program Manager Phone Number
      A.12. Total Grant Amount Requested
      A.13. Taxpayer/Employer ID
      A.14. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI – Federal SAM.GOV Number)
   • APPLICATION CONTACT INFORMATION
      A.15. First Name
      A.16. Last Name
      A.17. Contact Person/Title
      A.18. Contact Email
      A.19. Telephone
      A.20. Executive Officer First Name
      A.21. Executive Officer Last Name
      A.22. Executive Officer Title
      A.23. Executive Officer Email
      A.24. Executive Officer Phone Number A.25. If your organization is currently on, or has been on within the last year, a performance   improvement plan (such as a Corrective Action Plan), initiated by a publicly funded organization, please explain the cause and the status/result. (Maximum 150 word) If not applicable enter N/A. No points will be assessed for this question.
2. Performance Activity Area: Select the funding priority area most aligned with your request and clearly describe the problem your project addresses:
   • i. Law Enforcement = programs, activities, and/or spending conducted by a law enforcement organization including crime lab/forensics activities. This DOES NOT include drug task forces or law enforcement driven crime prevention and education initiatives.
   • ii. Prosecution and Courts = programs, activities, and/or spending for prosecution, indigent defense, and court programs. This DOES NOT include drug courts, mental health courts, veterans’ courts, or extreme risk protection order programs.
   • iii. Prevention and Education = programs, activities, and/or spending with the goal of educating individuals on various crimes or programs designed to help prevent crime.
   • iv. Corrections and Community Corrections = programs, activities, and/or spending for corrections, probation, parole, and reentry initiatives. This DOES NOT include substance abuse or co-occurring treatment programs.
   • v. Drug Treatment and Enforcement = programs, activities, and/or spending for drug courts, drug treatment, co-occurring disorders, and drug task forces.
   • vi. Planning Evaluation and Technology = programs, activities, and/or spending related to large-scale technology upgrades and/or implementation, information sharing systems, strategic planning, and program evaluations.
   • vii. Crime Victim and Witness = programs, activities, and/or spending for services and support to victims of crime. This DOES NOT include monetary compensation for victims.
   • viii. Mental Health = programs, activities, and/or spending for behavior related programming and crisis intervention teams.
     Tip: Use data or evidence-based practices where possible.
3. Scope of Services: Describe the proposed program, including services to be delivered, frequency, duration, and intensity.
   • i. Describe all major tasks and activities to be performed under the award.
   • ii. Describe the expected outcome as a result of the tasks/activities identified above.
   • iii. Describe who will benefit from the tasks, activities, and outcomes identified above.
   • iv. Describe the entity (or entities) responsible for completing activities under this project.
   • v. Describe and/or provide the location of where project activities will be performed.
   • vi. Describe how the performance and completion of EACH identified task/activity will be verified.
4. Program Outcomes and Goals: Describe the goal(s) of the program using the Program Goals and Outcomes Template. Do not include sensitive or potentially identifiable program participant information in this section. Include for each goal being addressed:
   • i. Outcomes – Describe the changed state in the program participants or broader community that can be measured and identified.  Include % change.
   • ii. Indicators – Identify qualitative and quantitative indicators to measure the outcomes.
   • iii. Methods of Evaluation – Identify how these outcomes will be measured (e.g. surveys, staff observation, program plans, assessments, self-reports.
   • iv. Measurement Intervals – Identify when the measures will be captured. (The goals and objectives must be measurable within a twelve (12) month period.)
5. Budget: Each application must include a complete Annual Budget Narrative and demonstrate that proposed costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable under federal guidelines. The budget should clearly show how funds will support the proposed criminal justice project without supplanting existing resources through answering the following:
   • i. Total Annual Program / Project Budget
   • ii. Amount of Grant Funding Request
   • iii. Will any proposed grant activities generate Program Income?
   • iv. Please download and complete the Annual Budget Narrative form. Complete both the line item and narrative tabs of the Annual Budget Narrative.
   • v. Will the program continue beyond the expiration of this funding, and what resources will be utilized for financial sustainability? If the program is expected to generate program income, please describe how it will be reinvested into the project.
   • vi. Does the proposed budget include unit costs?
   • vii. If Yes, please provide justification for the use of unit costs, and briefly describe all items/services included in the agreement. Unit costs should align with costs for the same or similar services within the applicant organization. These may include: salaries, fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, travel, third-party contracts, “other” costs, etc. Detailed calculations should be provided in a separate file to be uploaded.
6. Required Documents: Applicants must upload all required documents. If a required document is not applicable or cannot be provided, an explanation must be entered in the designated text field within the application. Failure to upload or explain missing documents may impact scoring.
   • Proof of incorporation or registration in the State of Florida
   • Proof of 501(c)(3) status
   • Most Recent Financial and Single Audit (required if available) or IRS Form 990 (only if audit unavailable)
   • W-9 with legal name which matches that of applicant name
   • Current Certificate of Insurance.
   • Completed Internal Control Questionnaire
   • Outcomes and Goals Template
   • Current State Licenses or Registrations
   • Local Agency and Collaborative Partners Organizational Charts
   • Data Control checklist
   • Proof of organization’s registration as a participating employer in the E-Verify System.
   • Human Trafficking Affidavit
   • Foreign Countries of Concern Affidavit
   • Accreditation Certificates (as applicable)
   • Suitability to Work with Minors Form (required if your organization will be interacting with minors under this award)
   • Lobbying, Debarment and Drug Free Certification

C. Budget Considerations

1. Uniform Guidance (2 CFR §200.403) dictates that for costs to be allowable on federal awards/subawards, they must be necessary, reasonable, allocable, conform to award limitations, be treated consistently, and be documented. Costs must follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and cannot be used for cost sharing on other federal projects.  
2.  Grant funds will be distributed on a cost reimbursement basis. Proper documentation is required to support all costs. 
3. Budgets inclusive of a unit cost rate should clearly detail all components of the rate: Total Unit Cost = (Total Direct Costs + Total Indirect Costs) / Total Units produced. Unit costs should align with costs for the same or similar services within the applicant organization.
4. Match is not required for the JAG program. However, if a subrecipient identifies match on an application that is approved for award, the match portion will be required.
5. Administrative costs/fees are not eligible on JAG subawards.

VI. Review Process

All applications will be subject to a three-tiered review process.

1. All applicants will be subject to a responsiveness and completeness review by Human Services to ensure applicants have met the minimum required submission guidelines, including the requirements outlined by FDLE.
2. All applicants who are deemed complete will undergo a fiscal review by Human Services Business Services to ensure applicant agencies and budgets are fiscally sound and appropriate for the proposed project.
3. Applicants meeting the first two requirements and who demonstrate a clear and direct connection to the criminal justice system, will then move to the SAAB review committee for scoring.  

A. Responsiveness and Completeness Review

Human Services will screen all applications to identify those that do not meet the criteria outlined below:

1. The applicant meets all established eligibility requirements. If applicable, any Quality Improvement Pathways (such as Corrective Action Plans or Performance Improvement Plans) initiated by Pinellas County will be reviewed. The presence of such pathways will be noted in review documents, and a copy will be provided to the SAAB review committee, which may influence scoring.
2. The application is complete and includes the required components (no blank, incorrect, illegible, or missing attachments without an explanation).
3. All applications that meet the submission guidelines above will be submitted for Fiscal Review.

B. Fiscal Review

Human Services will screen all applications for the most recent financial audit, Internal Control Questionnaire, and/or IRS Form 990 to ensure that the agency follows Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and is financially solvent with no significant unresolved audit concerns. This will not result in a disqualification but will be provided to the review committee and may impact scoring.

C. Substance and Alcohol Abuse Advisory (SAAB) Scoring

1. The Substance and Alcohol Abuse Advisory Board will review all applications and make award recommendations for final approval by the BCC and the FDLE.
   • a. To preserve the integrity of the procurement process, Human Services staff and members of Review Committees shall not respond to requests for information, or communicate with applicants, regarding an applications merits or status outside of the Question & Answer Period. 
   • b. Inquiries received outside of the Question-and-Answer period shall be held until final approval of the BCC of the award recommendations. 
   • c. Inquiries on application merits and/or scoring will be addressed following final approval by the BCC.
2. Please see attached Scoring Matrix here which will be used by reviewers to score applications.
3. All recommended proposals are subject to negotiation and approval of the BCC.

D. Terms and Conditions

1. The applicant organization must agree to the terms and conditions contained in the Pinellas County JAG Program Agreement. NO EXCEPTIONS to the terms and conditions of the agreement will be permitted. The County reserves the right to update these terms and conditions from time to time and as needed to meet the needs of the County.
2. Awards provide for a 12-month funding cycle subject to BCC approval and funding availability.
3. A high score on an application will not necessarily guarantee funding. Other criteria may be utilized to justify funding award decisions.

E. Grant Award Recipient Requirements

1. Attend the SAAB meetings and present written and oral reports as required.
2. Submit to a monitoring visit by the County.
3. Agree to request in writing, any changes in scope and obtain approval from the SAAB.
4. Agree to complete the funded project and expend all awarded funds during the grant funding period.

F. Anticipated or Projected Resources

Resources which are identified to support the program will remain the responsibility of the applicant. If an agency’s resources are reduced or prove to be unattainable, the County will not be obligated to replace anticipated or projected resources. The applicant’s failure to obtain or otherwise replace such resources to sustain the program may constitute a breach of contract and forfeiture of funding, and may result in, among other things, termination of the Agreement.

G. Utilization of Funding

1. Organizations are expected to have programs operational within the implementation period identified in the proposal and stated in the contract, unless otherwise approved as a time-limited program. 
2. Once accepted, an award may not be reallocated. Failure to proceed with an accepted project award may result in the forfeiture of funding allocated to support Pinellas County residents. Untimely withdraw from an accepted award may be considered in future solicitations.
3. All requests for reimbursement must be aligned with the project scope. Organizations may not incur costs outside the negotiated scope of work and budget without written approval by the County and/or FDLE. The County must pre-approve any expenditures or drawdowns that deviate from the approved scope of work.  Unexpended funds at the end of the grant period will be de-obligated from the contract.

H. Disclaimer

Pinellas County Government reserves the right to: 1) cancel the application process; 2) accept or reject any or all applications received; 3) waive any non-substantive deficiency or irregularity, waive or remedy any technical or immaterial errors; 4) request any necessary clarifications of proposal data without changing the terms of the proposal; 5) negotiate with any qualified applicant; 6) award a contract in what it believes to be the best interest of the County; 7) cancel the request, in part or its entirety, if it is deemed to be in the best interest of the County; 8) reject the program of any applicant that has previously failed to perform properly; 9) reject the program of any applicant who has failed to complete a contract within the specified timeframe; 10) reject the program of any applicant that is not in a position to fulfill a resulting contractual obligation.