Office of Criminal Justice Grants
JAG-Countywide (JAGC) Application Process
The JAGC program provides an allocation directly to each of Florida's 67 counties. The counties then decide how the funds will be spent on eligible program activities. The series of steps outlined below are unique to the JAGC program.
Step 1: Certificate of Participation
The first step in applying for JAGC funding is for each county Board of Commissioners Chairperson to sign and submit a properly executed Certificate of Participation (COP) form. The COP notifies OCJG of the county's intent to participate in the program.
Additionally, the COP form notifies the county of all eligibility requirements in order to receive funding under the program. These requirements include, but are not limited to: system for award management (SAM) registrations, federal certifications, equal employment opportunity requirements, procurement standards, and standards for financial management and internal controls.
Upon submission of the COP, the county must provide the name and contact information of a designated point-of-contact (a.k.a. the County Coordinator) for the JAGC application process. The County Coordinator will be provided with the application opportunity portal link which allows submission of applications in OCJG's electronic grant management system (AmpliFund). It is the County Coordinator's responsibility to provide the link to the point-of-contact for all projects identified through the 51% process. For more information on the roles and responsibilities of the County Coordinator, see Chapter 11D-9.005(3)(c), Florida Administrative Code.
Using population and crime statistics, the local share is divided among Florida's 67 counties through a formula-based funding matrix. Each county is responsible for completing the local strategic planning process and providing notification to OCJG of proposed projects.
Step 2: 51% Process
Once the Certificate of Participation is submitted to OCJG, the County Coordinator begins the 51% process. This process, as defined in Chapter 11D-9.005(3)(d), Florida Administrative Code, serves to ensure the jurisdiction is in agreement as to how the allocated funds should be used.
To begin this process, each county should hold discussions as to the best use of funds within the jurisdiction. These discussions should solicit participation from all sectors of the criminal justice system and local behavioral health providers. During this time, the County Coordinator should ensure each proposed recipient meets all eligibility requirements prior to completing the 51% process.
Once the project and eligibility determinations are made, the County Coordinator should begin overseeing the submission of the 51% letters to OCJG. The 51% letters must meet the following requirements:
- Be provided on local government letterhead;
- Signed by the Chief Official of the local government (if anyone else signs, signature authority or a resolution must accompany the letter); and
- Include the names of all proposed recipients, project purpose*, and amounts of funding allocated to each project (sample 51% letters).
*NOTE: The project purpose should define the agency's intended use for the grant funds. This should be specific in nature, but general enough to allow the agency to adapt their grant budget as needed. For example, a project purpose could be defined as "Re-entry Program," "Overtime," "Salaries and Benefits," "P25 Compliant Portable Radios," etc.
**To ensure 51% Letters meet all requirements, County Coordinators are advised to review the 51% Letter Guide.**
The County Coordinator should ensure OCJG receives 51% letters from the county and enough local government entities to satisfy the requirements of representing:
Step 3: Solicitation Review and Application Submission
Prior to submitting an application, prospective recipients should carefully review all information in the posted award solicitation. The solicitation provides information on eligible projects, program requirements and other important details as they relate to application and subsequent award. READ THE SOLICITATION!
Once the solicitation is carefully reviewed, prospective recipients must submit an online application in AmpliFund. For questions or assistance in submitting the online application, please contact the grant manager assigned to your county.
Step 4: Application Review and Approval
OCJG members review application submissions and notify the prospective recipient of any additional information, modifications, or forms required prior to approval. Once the application is ready for approval, OCJG will notify the prospective recipient to review the final application and provide signature pages for execution.
Step 5: Post-Award
Once signature pages are received, OCJG approves the award in AmpliFund, executes the award documents, and provides copies to the recipient. Upon receipt of the award documents, recipients are advised to carefully review all enclosures to ensure there are no special conditions applied to the award. If there are special conditions on the award, recipients should contact their assigned grant manager for more information PRIOR to beginning project activities.