Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) Formula Grant

The contract pertains to the Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) Formula Grant administered by the Mississippi Department of Health’s Office of Interpersonal Violence, funded by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. The program aims to support victim-centered services including intervention, advocacy, and support for adult, youth, and child victims of sexual assault, as well as their families and those affected indirectly, excluding services related to domestic violence or law enforcement activities. Funding priorities emphasize combating human trafficking linked to transnational crime, especially crimes involving illegal immigration and cartels, and enhancing victim services such as housing and law enforcement response in rural, tribal, and underserved areas. Applicants are required to comply with federal standards on allowable costs, subrecipient administrative costs, and unallowable expenses, ensuring proper financial management and accountability. The solicitation, identified as 2025-REQ-466, was issued on November 25, 2025, with proposals due by December 15, 2025. The funding amount is approximately $800,000, supporting rape crisis centers and related nonprofits for a performance period ending June 30, 2027. The application process emphasizes a comprehensive review based on weighted evaluation factors, primarily applicant’s budget (30%), work plan (25%), organizational capacity (15%), sustainability (15%), and collaboration (15%). The review process is a trade-off, prioritizing quality and capacity over cost alone. The award will be made to the highest-scoring proposal, with no specific contract type explicitly designated but governed by federal grant standards, including compliance with 2 CFR parts 200 and 28 CFR regulations. The contract will require detailed performance reporting, including quarterly and annual reports, utilizing tools such as the VAWA IMPACT System and Excel-based templates for tracking staff FTEs and service outputs. The scope of work includes implementing activities aligned with federal and state objectives, with deliverables such as progress reports, performance metrics, and compliance documentation. The awardee must also adhere to certifications regarding conflict of interest, debarment, criminal history disclosures, and confidentiality provisions, ensuring integrity and transparency throughout the grant period.