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 Funding Announcement Title : Endowment Act - CAC and DVSO (2)
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 Question Title : Eligible Applicants (1)
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| Question: "We were recently awarded the 2-year Endowment Act Programs Assisting Victims grant opportunity. Does this disqualify us from applying for the August 16 Endowment Act opportunity, or is the Programs Assisting Victims a different type of Endowment Act grant altogether?
Answer: "Agencies that currently have an Endowment Act – Child Advocacy Center or Endowment Act – Direct Victim Service Organizations grant are not eligible to apply for the Endowment Act – CACs & Victim Service Providers funding announcement. The Endowment Act – Programs Assisting Victims is a different category under the Endowment Act funding, therefore your agency is eligible to apply for the current open funding announcement, Endowment Act – CACs & Victim Service Providers. |
| Question Title : Minimum Funding Request (1)
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| Question: The local CAC and victim services agency are working on an application for this grant, but we only planning to apply for funding to bring other Pennsylvania CACs or Victim Service Providers here to consult on best practices in improving coordination between CACs and Victim Service Providers. We plan to apply for less than $9,000.
Would this be considered worthy of consideration or is it too little, given that PCCD plans to award approximately 10 grants of up to $50,000?
Answer: There is no minimum requirement in terms of this funding announcement. We welcome applicants to apply for programs that meet the specifications of eligible program activities and expenses listed in the funding announcement, not to exceed $50,000 over the two-year funding period.
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| Funding Announcement Title : Endowment Act - Treatment Training (7)
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| Question Title : Certification Costs (1)
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| Question: "All therapists receiving training under these funds will also be required to work toward certification through their respective developers.
Who assumes the cost of certification? If we are applying to provide training in an evidence-based treatment (that is not TF-CBT), would we need to figure certification costs into our budget? Or are the therapists or their agencies responsible for pursuing certification at their own cost?
Answer: Costs for certification can be incorporated into your proposed budget.
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| Question Title : County Collaboration (1)
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| Question: Is it allowed to have a dual county initiative to enable a smaller county to receive TF-CBT training for their trained therapists?
Answer: Collaboration among several counties is allowed.
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| Question Title : Eligibility (1)
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| Question: So is the treatment training something a CAC can do or is it more of a Chapter application? I am just thinking that it probably needs to support a large number of trainees correct?
Answer: The Endowment Act – Treatment Training solicitation is open to any for-profit entity, non-profit entity, an entity affiliated with a Child Advocacy Center (CAC) or Multi-Disciplinary Investigative Team (MDIT) (e.g., public agency or hospital) or unit of local government; CAC’s are eligible to apply for this funding. There is no minimum requirement of participants for the proposed trainings
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| Question Title : EPISCenter Networking Meetings (1)
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| Question: Who is the target population for the EPISCenter-sponsored networking meetings?
Answer: Networking meetings are open to therapists implementing Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and their supervisors.
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| Question Title : Food Costs (1)
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| Question: Is food/lunch an allowable expense during the training?
Answer: Yes, food is an allowable expense for training participants.
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| Question Title : Training Costs (1)
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| Question: We participated in the PCCD grant for TF-CBT training in 2015 and are applying again to have more of our clinicians trained and certified. A major part of our services involves trauma and working with kids, adults and families experiencing trauma, etc. Unfortunately sexual trauma is also a big part of what we work with in helping children who have experienced this.
In applying for the grant, I noticed that there is an established 2 day training in Harrisburg and the grant application states it is in September - though the grant does not begin until September.
Are we to use this established training or contract with our own person to conduct a training for the grant? I want to ensure we are looking at this properly.
Answer: Please disregard the dates listed in the announcement. We ask that you budget for the expenses as listed. If recommended for funding and we determine that a training will not occur, we will ask you to increase your budget to utilize an outside trainer.
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| Question Title : Youth with Problematic Sexual Behaviors (1)
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| Question: We are working on a proposal to provide training to staff on Multisystemic Therapy-Problem Sexual Behaviors. We were initially planning to apply under Endowment Act – CACs & Victim Services Providers, but then we realized the Endowment Act – Treatment Training is a better fit.
The population with whom the therapists who will be receiving this training work are youth who have problematic sexual behaviors. Approximately 80% of them have also been victims of child sexual abuse.
Based on our target population, is our agency eligible to apply for these funds?
Answer: Training for therapists who serve victims with problematic sexual behaviors who have not committed a sexual offense is eligible under this announcement.
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| Funding Announcement Title : School Safety and Security Grant Program (97)
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| Question Title : Activity 12 (1)
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| Question: Inquiring as to whether door alarms that notify the office and vape detectors would fall under technology related security equipment or surveillance equipment for this grant? Answer: Due to the competitive nature of this funding announcement we are unable to determine eligibility of an item prior to reviewing the submitted grant. It is incumbent upon the applicant to submit an application that they believe complies with the statute. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide that justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. Please note that the list of items listed under Activity (12) is not exhaustive and the School Safety and Security Grant Program will consider reasonable expenses related to Activity (12) Security Planning and Purchase of Security Related Technology that are justified and supported by the school entity's board of directors. |
| Question Title : Applicant Eligibility (4)
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| Question: Is a school entity that received 2018-19 School Safety and Security funding eligible to apply for the 2019-20 funding? Answer: School Entities who have received prior awards may apply for FY19-20 Funding Announcement. Applicant Eligibility for the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive solicitation is detailed in the Competitive Funding Announcement starting on page 5. Applicant Eligibility for the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Meritorious solicitation is detailed in the Meritorious Funding Announcement on page 5. |
| Question: My question is whether we could qualify for these monies if we currently do not have students enrolled. We anticipate enrollment in SY 19/20, closer to the new year. These monies would be (ideally) used to support the development of trauma-informed practices and trauma-specific interventions, among others. We are substantially expanding our program to ensure all decisions are made through the trauma lens, and practices encourage the student-centric approach. This is being done to support the young men who often come to our school with complex trauma. We are looking to enroll sometime around the new year, and we wanted to confirm that we are eligible to apply, with a (current) zero student population. Answer: Your school entity is eligible to apply to the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive funding solicitation if they are one of the following entities: school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school, regional charter school, approved private school, chartered school for the education of the deaf or the blind, or private residential rehabilitative institution. Eligibility is defined by the PA Department of Education's classification of your school entity. Classification of an approved private school is based on the PA Department of Education designation. See the Educational Names and Addresses to determine if your school entity meets the definition of eligible school entities page. |
| Question: Could an alternative ed location apply for these
grants? Answer: Your school entity is eligible to apply to the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive funding solicitation if they are one of the following entities: school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school, regional charter school, approved private school, chartered school for the education of the deaf or the blind, or private residential rehabilitative institution. Eligibility is defined by the PA Department of Education's classification of your school entity. Classification of an approved private school is based on the PA Department of Education designation. See the Educational Names and Addresses to determine if your school entity meets the definition of eligible school entities page. |
| Question: Are Career and Technology Centers are eligible for the meritorious grant funding? Answer: The 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Meritorious solicitation is open to school districts only. Career and Technology centers are eligible for 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive funds. |
| Question Title : Application Assistance (1)
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| Question: Can we have a look at some the "competitive" Act 44 grants that were awarded last year? We are a small school and we do not have professional grant writers on staff like many others do. Can you help me out with this request? Answer: Due to the awarded applications containing sensitive safety information, they are not being released. Grant guides, application orientations, and walkthroughs are available on the Grant Guides page of PCCD's website. These tools will provide you with information on what's expected in each section of the grant application and guide you through the application process. |
| Question Title : Application Corrections (1)
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| Question: Regarding the competitive application, will there be a period to make corrections or add information? Last year, we were able to add a substantial amount of information for the competitive grant after the initial deadline. Answer: You will not have an opportunity to modify your grant after November 4, 2019. Anything submitted will be reviewed and scored. |
| Question Title : Applying for Funding (1)
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| Question: How do we apply for PCCD School Safety and Security funding? Answer: In order to apply for PCCD's School Safety and Security, an eligible school entity must first register for PCCD's Egrants system. PCCD's Egrants system is separate and distinct from the PA Department of Education's Egrants system and requires a separate registration. You must first register your Agency and then register individual users. Egrants New User and Agency guides, along with other helpful grant application help guides, are available here. |
| Question Title : Approved Private Schools (6)
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| Question: I am writing with a question regarding whether our organization qualifies as an "approved private school" under the guidelines. I represent a school that operates a pre-K for 15 students and an after school program for 87 children from Kindergarten through 8th Grade. In addition, our building houses approximately 60 students from Head Start, another 60 from another organization. We also facilitate an athletic program for middle and high school aged children every evening for approximately 50 students. We are also a host organization for a Communities that Care site. All three of the organizations are licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, and all three are active in the PA Keystone Stars program. My question, in short, is are we qualified to submit a grant application for the 2019/2020 School Safety and Security Competitive Grant?
Answer: Classification of an approved private school is based on the PA Department of Education designation which can be found on the Educational Names and Addresses page.
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| Question: My understanding we were ineligible to apply for the previous School Safety Grants because it was open to public and charter schools only. I see that "approved private schools" are eligible for this grant. What are the qualifications for private schools? How can our school become an "approved" private school? Answer: Classification of an approved private school is based on the PA Department of Education designation which can be found on the Educational Names and Addresses page. According to the PA Department of Education's website, Approved Private Schools (APSs) are private schools licensed by the State Board of Private Academic Schools, and the Chartered Schools for the Deaf and the Blind. Both groups are approved by the Secretary of Education to provide a free appropriate special education for students with severe disabilities. A list of APSs can be found here: https://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Special%20Education/APS%20Directory.pdf |
| Question: Can you give me a list of approved private schools or a more advanced definition? Answer: According to the PA Department of Education's website, Approved Private Schools (APSs) are private schools licensed by the State Board of Private Academic Schools and the chartered schools for the deaf and the blind. Both groups are approved by the Secretary of Education to provide a free appropriate special education for students with severe disabilities. A list of APSs can be found here: https://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Special%20Education/APS%20Directory.pdf |
| Question: I am unsure if our school is an approved private school. The link in the grant announcement did not work for me. In looking at the Dept of Ed designation page we are listed as Non-licensed, Non-public. Does Non-licensed equate to not approved? Answer: According to the PA Department of Education's website, Approved Private Schools (APSs) are private schools licensed by the State Board of Private Academic Schools and the chartered schools for the deaf and the blind. Both groups are approved by the Secretary of Education to provide a free appropriate special education for students with severe disabilities. A list of APSs can be found here: https://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Special%20Education/APS%20Directory.pdf |
| Question: Our school is not on the Approved Private School listing on the PA Department of Education's website. We should be as we operate a Pre-K for 15 students and an afterschool with 87 students. Both are licensed by the Dept of Human Services and we are also listed in Keystone Stars. How do I get the classification? Answer: According to the PA Department of Education's website, Approved Private Schools (APSs) are private schools licensed by the State Board of Private Academic Schools and the chartered schools for the deaf and the blind. Both groups are approved by the Secretary of Education to provide a free appropriate special education for students with severe disabilities. Information on the State Board of Private Approved Schools can be found on PDE's website: https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Private%20Schools/Pages/State-Board-of-Private-Academic-Schools.aspx. |
| Question: We are a licensed private academic school. Are we eligible to apply for this grant? Would we need a letter of support from our LEA or any other type of documentation? Answer: The 19-20 School Safety and Security – Competitive funding announcement is open to the following entities: school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school, regional charter school, approved private school, chartered school for the education of the deaf or the blind, or private residential rehabilitative institution. Eligibility is defined by the PA Department of Education's classification of your school entity, which can be found on the Educational Names and Addresses webpage.
If your school is listed as an Approved Private School, it is eligible for the 19-20 School Safety and Security – Competitive funding announcement. Eligible entities are not required to have a letter of support from their LEA. Any additional documentation required of eligible entities is requested in the application.
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| Question Title : Assistance with Egrants (1)
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| Question Title : Attaching Documents (1)
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| Question: May applicants upload documents to the competitive grant application, such as relevant job descriptions, buildings maps, cost estimates, project timelines, etc.? If so, what section of the online application would allow for the uploading of additional pertinent documents? Answer: Applicants may upload attachments in the Required Documents section. |
| Question Title : Budget Amount Competitive (1)
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| Question: Can you tell me the budget amount allowed for the competitive grant? Answer: School entities are eligible to apply for up to $450,000 with the exception of the School District of Philadelphia, which is eligible for up to $4.155 million, and Pittsburgh Public Schools, which is eligible for up to $1.755 million. |
| Question Title : Budget Details (4)
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| Question: My question is in regard to the budget detail of the competitive grant. We are attempting to fund a project for the purchase of surveillance cameras with installation. By reading the guides, I understand the cameras will either go into the Equipment or supplies and operating expenses categories due to their cost, but where would the labor cost of installation and Technical services be listed? Answer: Installation costs, if a separate cost, would be more appropriate in the Consultant category - but it's understood that sometimes this cost is included within the purchase price. If the cost of installation cannot be separated from the overall purchase price, it is permissible to include the installation cost in the Equipment or Supplies & Operating Expenses budget category (whichever is appropriate per Budget Guidelines). |
| Question: We have a vendor who has submitted a quote and listed two labor cost options: Non-prevailing wage rate and prevailing wage rate. I read through the procurement guide, but I don't see anything specified regarding wage rates. Would we need to use prevailing wage rate, or would that be up to the district to decide? Answer: Entities that are awarded PCCD's School Safety and Security grant funds must follow all applicable laws and regulations, such as the Prevailing Wage Act. |
| Question: As we are completing the Agency Budget Section of our Competitive PCCD Safety Grant application, we are requesting clarification as to the appropriate budget category to list School Police Officer expense if those services would be secured through a contract with an agency, rather than employed directly by the school. Should these be under Personnel costs or under Consultant. It is expected that the agency will bill us on a per/hour basis that is all inclusive of the officer being present and any consulting from the company. Answer: As the SPO will be contracted through an agency, they should be listed as a consultant. |
| Question: What budget category would I put for a software package for activity #16: A system for the management of student discipline. Also there will be training included for the software. Where should that be placed in the budget? Answer: Software should be entered in the Supplies & Operating category. Training, if conducted on-site, should be entered in the Consultants category. Training, if staff are traveling off-site to participate, should be entered in the Travel (Including Training) category. Please refer to the Budget Detail Walkthrough for additional assistance with the Budget Section. |
| Question Title : Category 22 (1)
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| Question: Is there a #22 missing in the eligible expenditure section? Answer: Category 22 relates to programs designed to reduce community violence. There is a separate funding announcement specific to Category 22: Community Violence Prevention/Reduction Initiative and can be found here. |
| Question Title : Compensation (1)
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| Question: Eligible activity 18 states: Costs associated with the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers. Can you clarify the word compensation? Does this mean a salary for an SRO or compensation for their time spent during training? Answer: Compensation can be both salary or payment for time spent during training or engaging in school safety related activities. |
| Question Title : Competitive Announcement Eligibility (1)
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| Question: Who is eligible for the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive announcement? Answer: Eligibility for the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive announcement is open to a "school entity" as defined by 24 P.S. §13-1301-B. Any school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school, regional charter school, approved private school, chartered school for the education of the deaf or the blind, or private residential rehabilitative institution is eligible to apply for funding. Classification is based on the PA Department of Education designation which can be found on the Educational Names and Addresses page. |
| Question Title : Competitive Applicant Eligibility – Nonpublic Schools (1)
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| Question: Can Nonpublic schools apply for PCCD's School Safety and Security program funds? Answer: Nonpublic schools are ineligible for PCCD's 2019-2020 Meritorious and Competitive grant solicitations. The 2019-2020 School Safety and Security – Meritorious solicitation is only open to School Districts (see Guideline 4. Eligible Applicants on page 5 of the Meritorious Funding Announcement) The 2019-2020 School Safety and Security – Competitive solicitation is open to "school entities" as defined by statute; any school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school , regional charter school, approved private school, chartered school for the education of the deaf or the blind, or private residential rehabilitative institution is eligible to apply for funding. Classification is based on the PA Department of Education designation which can be found on the Educational Names and Addresses page. |
| Question Title : Competitive Eligibility (1)
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| Question: Our organization is listed on EdNA as both a Private Residential Rehabilitation Institution and a Nonpublic, Non-licensed School. Are we eligible to apply? Answer: Private Residential Rehabilitation Institutions are eligible to apply through the 19-20 School Safety and Security Competitive Funding Announcement. |
| Question Title : Competitive Project Dates (1)
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| Question: I have a question regarding the completion and submission of the Indiana County Technology Center's PCCD Competitive Grant. One the first section main summary of information it asks for a start and end date. What dates should be used in this section? Answer: The project period for 19/20 Competitive Funds starts on March 1, 2020 (see page 5 of the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive Funding Announcement under Guideline 3. Project Dates). The end date for each project may vary but may only be budgeted up to 24 months. |
| Question Title : Consideration for Funding - Competitive (1)
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| Question: Page 8 states: "Consideration for funding may be given to applicants who have not received an award under FY 18-19 or FY 19-20 PA Department of Education Office for Safe School Targeted Grants or Part B of the FY 18-19 School Safety Grant Program." We received both the FY 18-19 SS Targeted Grant and the Part B Grant (and have applied for a potential FY 19-20 SS Targeted Grant). Does the language above mean that our grant will not be considered and we should not apply OR may we still apply if we still have unmet needs? Answer: Yes, any school entity eligible to apply can submit an application and will be considered. |
| Question Title : Continued Staff Costs (2)
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| Question: We hired an SRO with money from last year's School Safety and Security grant funding. Can we apply to use FY19-20 Meritorious or Competitive School Safety and Security funding towards their continued employment? Answer: Applicants may include the continued salary of any staff currently funded through a PCCD School Safety and Security grand in their FY19-20 Meritorious or Competitive School Safety and Security grant application. |
| Question: We plan to use last year's PCCD funds to support a Systems Level Psychologist, Social Worker and master's Level Therapists for the 19-20 and 20-21 school years as was written in our approved application. Since this 19/20 PCCD competitive application runs through March 2022 would we be able to write into the 19/20 application the funding of these positions for an additional year. Essentially School Safety and Security grant funds would then cover these positions through the 21-22 school year. We also have some other ideas focused around trauma related professional development and security related technology to complement the application. Answer: 19/20 School Safety and Security funding may be used to support positions supported through previously awarded School Safety and Security funds. Trauma-Informed Approaches to Education must meet the minimum criteria of the Model Trauma-Informed Approach Plan adopted by the committee. All items that fall under Security Planning and Purchase of Security Related Technology require approval from your school entity's board of directors. This approval must be submitted in the Required Documents section as a letter of support signed by the board president or a copy of board meeting minutes which shows the discussion and approval of the security related technology included in the proposed project. |
| Question Title : COSTARS (1)
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| Question: Question - If a vendor is a "COSTARS"
approved vendor, will this satisfy any Competitive Bidding/Sole Source
Procurement concerns?
We did consult the application manual but this direct question was not addressed. We believe it should satisfy concerns as that is the purpose for being approved for COSTARS for vendors. We are just seeking confirmation. COSTARS is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's cooperative purchasing program and serves as a conduit through which registered and eligible local public procurement units (LPPUs) and state-affiliated entities are able to leverage contracts established by DGS to cost-effectively and efficiently identify supplies with whom to do business. Answer: Procurement from an established contract within a purchasing network such as COSTARS, PEPPM, KPN, etc. is considered competitively procured. Procurement documentation must be maintained on file and made available upon request. To expedite the review process, please add a brief statement in the budget justification as to what type of procurement will be used.
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| Question Title : Cyber Charter Schools (1)
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| Question: I understand that only sites that house students are eligible for funds. Would this only include academic buildings and not include a field house or facility where student athletic activities are held? Answer: Grant allocations awarded to cyber charter schools only shall be limited to the safety and security needs of students at facilities where tutoring, testing, supplemental programs and services or instruction for students with disabilities occur. This is not applicable to all other eligible school entities. |
| Question Title : Egrants Agency Registration (1)
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| Question: Our non-profit organization has previously registered as an agency with PCCD, but do we need to create a new account as a separate school entity for our K-8 school program in order to apply for the School Safety and Security Grant? Answer: If your non-profit organization's K-8 school program operates under the umbrella of the non-profit organization, the current Egrants agency account may be used to apply for 19/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive funding. If the K-8 school is its own legal organization with different articles of incorporation and by-laws, they must register as a separate agency in Egrants in order to apply for School Safety and Security grant funding. |
| Question Title : Egrants Registration (1)
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| Question: If we applied and received the meritorious grant last year, do we need to re-register with PCCD? Answer: Since your school district has already been entered as an agency into our Egrants system, you do not need to re-register the district. New users of the Egrants system (i.e., school districts or individuals) should follow the Egrants User Registration Walkthrough or Egrants Agency Registration Guide for assistance. |
| Question Title : Eligible Activities (13)
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| Question: Can School Safety and Security grant funding be used to pay for items like bollards, bullet-resistant window film, and new radios for all staff? Answer: Funding can be used to support Eligible Program Activities and Expenses as listed in the Funding Announcement. This list starts on page 5 of the FY19-20 Meritorious Funding Announcement and starts on page 6 of the FY19-20 Competitive Funding Announcement. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide the justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. |
| Question: We are interested in purchasing parameter fencing, is that an eligible expense? Answer: Funding can be used to support Eligible Program Activities and Expenses as listed in the Funding Announcement. This list starts on page 5 of the FY19-20 Meritorious Funding Announcement and starts on page 6 of the FY19-20 Competitive Funding Announcement. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide the justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. |
| Question: Is it possible for a school entity to apply for the same eligible program or activity for both parts a and part b? For example, can a school entity apply for surveillance equipment in Part A and again in Part B? Answer: Yes, a school entity can apply for the same eligible program or activity under both the meritorious and competitive funding announcement. |
| Question : Hello - We are looking to add a security vehicle to our campus so our School Police Officer can get to buildings, transport students, and monitor bus stops. We are assuming this would fall under #12 Security planning and purchase of security-related technology, which may include metal detectors, protective lighting, specialty trained canines, surveillance equipment, special emergency communications equipment, automated external defibrillators, electronic locksets, deadbolts, trauma kits and theft control devices and training in the use of security-related technology. Security planning and purchase of security-related technology shall be based on safety needs identified by the school entity's board of school directors. We just wanted to make sure - Thanks Answer: Funding can be used to support Eligible Program Activities and Expenses as listed in the Funding Announcement. This list starts on page 5 of the FY19-20 Meritorious Funding Announcement and starts on page 6 of the FY19-20 Competitive Funding Announcement. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide the justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. |
| Question : Are bus cameras allowable as security related equipment in the PCCD 19-20 school safety and security grants? I have searched the grant documents on Meritorious or Competitive applications using the words and couldn't not locate this. Answer: Funding can be used to support Eligible Program Activities and Expenses as listed in the Funding Announcement. This list starts on page 5 of the FY19-20 Meritorious Funding Announcement and starts on page 6 of the FY19-20 Competitive Funding Announcement. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide the justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. |
| Question: For both parts A and B of the School Safety grants, can a school entity submit a proposal that includes more than one of the eligible categories? Answer: Grant applicants may submit proposals for projects that include multiple eligible activities. Please note that grants no longer have the Part A and Part B grant structure. Part A and Part B are now two separate grant applications. What was known as Part A is now the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Meritorious Funding Announcement and what was known as Part B is now the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive Funding Announcement. Eligible Activities for the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Meritorious solicitation is detailed in the Meritorious Funding Announcement on page 5. Eligible Activities for the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive solicitation is detailed in the Competitive Funding Announcement starting on page 6. |
| Question: Prior to submitting our School Safety & Security Meritorious grant application, I just want to confirm that the following expenses (as they relate to a mentoring program) are allowable: - Stipends for mentors
- Transportation for students and mentors for local and regional field trips
- Food for students, mentors, and parents during meetings and activities
- Contract with local higher education institution for program coordination
- Speaker fees/training fees for students/mentor activities and training
Answer: Costs related to school-based diversion programs are eligible expenses per 24 P.S. §13-1306-B(j)(4). A listing on Eligible Program Activities and Expenses can be found on pages 5-7 of the Meritorious Funding Announcement. |
| Question: I wanted to check and see if therapy dog programs are allowable expenses under the Meritorious or Competitive Application. Answer: Due to the competitive nature of this funding announcement we are unable to answer questions about specific proposals. Funding can be used to support activities listed under section 5, Eligible Program Activities and Expenses, of the funding announcement. It is incumbent upon the applicant to submit an application that they believe complies with the statute. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide that justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. |
| Question: The District has AED machines that we think were donated to the district. If they in fact have been donated and now need replaced can we use Part A funds for that even though the District has used general funds to maintain with supplies? If some AED's were donated and others were purchased by District funds, are we able to use Part A for the donated replacements? Answer: Budgeted expenditures must be reasonable, justified in the application, and must be associated with an eligible activity as defined in the funding announcement. School Safety and Security funding cannot be used to supplant/replace existing school entity spending on school safety and security. School Safety and Security funding is to be used in addition to other funds that are made available. It would not be considered supplantation if there are no other funds available for an eligible cost as defined in the funding announcement. |
| Question : We were wondering if the costs associated with contracting with a security agency and our local police department in order to provide more of a secure presence during our athletic and community events would be an allowable expense? Answer: Due to the competitive nature of this funding announcement we are unable to answer questions about specific proposals. Funding can be used to support activities listed under section 5, Eligible Program Activities and Expenses, of the funding announcement. It is incumbent upon the applicant to submit an application that they believe complies with the statute. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide that justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. |
| Question: Our school district looking to help our local police department fund the acquisition of a specialty trained detection canine. The canine would be owned by the Girard Borough Police Department but utilized in the district school buildings and grounds regularly. We are hoping to allocate $5,000 of the meritorious grant to this project Is this an allowable expense under section j (specific purposes), item 12: Security planning and purchase of security related technology, which may include… specialty trained canines? Answer: Due to the competitive nature of this funding announcement we are unable to answer questions about specific proposals. It is incumbent upon the applicant to submit an application that they believe complies with the statute. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide that justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. |
| Question: Are replacement CCTV systems an eligible expense under #12? Answer: Due to the competitive nature of this funding announcement we are unable to determine eligibility of an item prior to reviewing the submitted grant. It is incumbent upon the applicant to submit an application that they believe complies with the statute. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide that justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. Please note that the list of items listed under Activity (12) is not exhaustive and the School Safety and Security Grant Program will consider reasonable expenses related to Activity (12) Security Planning and Purchase of Security Related Technology that are justified and supported by the school entity's board of directors. |
| Question: When will we find out who received a Target Equipment Grant awards? Would this meritorious grant cover the cost of purchasing HP or Dell servers that are necessary to run the new video surveillance system? What about the re-wiring of our schools so that the equipment is operable? Answer: Targeted Equipment Grants are administered by the Office for Safe Schools for the PA Department of Education (PDE). PCCD does not administer those funds and does not have any information not made public by PDE's Office of Safe Schools. PDE's Office for Safe Schools has posted the 19-20 Targeted Grant Awardees on their website. Please visit the Funding/Grants page of PDE's website for more information. Funding can be used to support Eligible Program Activities and Expenses as listed in the Funding Announcement. This list starts on page 5 of the FY19-20 Meritorious Funding Announcement. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide the justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application |
| Question Title : Eligible Activties (1)
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| Question: I'm writing to get clarification on eligible expense sections 18, and 19. The grant announcement states we can apply for the following: (18) Costs associated with the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers. (19) Costs associated with the training and compensation of certified guidance counselors, licensed professional counselors, licensed social workers, licensed clinical social workers and school psychologists. Does this mean we can apply for funds to hire new school police officers and/or a new Mental Health Therapist? I would like to get clarification as the way it sounds is that the grant can fund the compensation of an employee while they attend training. It doesn't state "Cost and compensation associated with hiring" a School Police Officer or Mental Health Therapist. Answer: Costs associated with the training and compensation applies to all grant eligible staff, including newly hired staff. |
| Question Title : Eligible Expenses (3)
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| Question: Can we add $1500 worth of professional development - specifically "Trauma-informed education awareness" for our staff? Answer: Trauma-informed approaches to education in the curriculum, including training of school employees, school directors and behavioral health professionals are an eligible grant activity per 24 P.S. §13-1306-B(j)(21)(ii)(A). All school entities that include Activity 21 (Trauma-informed Approached to Education) in their grant must utilize the Model Trauma-Informed Approach Plan adopted by the School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC) or have a plan that meets SSSC's Model Plan criteria. A listing on Eligible Program Activities and Expenses can be found on pages 5-7 of the Meritorious Funding Announcement. A listing of Eligible Program Activities and Expenses can be found on pages 6-8 of the Competitive Funding Announcement. |
| Question: Based on our recent RVAT study conducted in April 2019 by the Pennsylvania State Police, it was highly recommended that we increase and improve interior and exterior signage on our campuses. In addition, we also have a large number of sidelight windows at our classroom door entrances that we would like to coat with shatterproof film. Would these be eligible expenses under the meritorious grant application? Answer: Due to the competitive nature of this funding announcement we are unable to determine eligibility of an item prior to reviewing the submitted grant. It is incumbent upon the applicant to submit an application that they believe complies with the statute. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide that justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. Please note that the list of items listed under Activity (12) is not exhaustive and the School Safety and Security Grant Program will consider reasonable expenses related to Activity (12) Security Planning and Purchase of Security Related Technology that are justified and supported by the school entity's board of directors. |
| Question: I am checking on a question. Is it true that we cannot write the grant for the same item as we did last year? I read the funding announcement, and I couldn't find anything in regards to that. Answer: Applicants may include the same costs currently funded through a PCCD School Safety and Security grant in their FY19-20 Meritorious or Competitive School Safety and Security grant application. |
| Question Title : Funding (1)
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| Question: Is the funding $450,000 TOTAL over 24 months, or $450,000 each year? Answer: School entities are eligible to apply for up to a total of $450,000 throughout the life of the project which can be up to two years. |
| Question Title : FY 2018-19 Grant Funding (1)
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| Question: I apologize for my question, but I have recently stepped into the 2018-19 PCCD competitive grant management upon assuming our superintendent position. For clarification purposes, our 2018-19 award is for the addition of a social worker in our school district. I have two years of funding for that grant aware (19-20 and 20-21). I DO NOT need to submit another application for the second year of funding under that award, correct? In other words, the "19-20 School Safety and Security - Competitive" grant is totally separate, correct? Answer: Yes, if you were awarded two years of funding under the FY18-19 Competitive/Part B grant, you do not need to submit an application under the "2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive" Application to receive your 2nd year of funding. The funding announcements currently open are totally separate from last year's awards. Please note, however, that nothing shall preclude a school entity from making an application in a subsequent year for the same purpose and amount awarded in a prior year.
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| Question Title : Main Summary Page (1)
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| Question: I am unclear about the ADD RECIPIENT section. The webinar is just the PDF in video form. This is my first time being tasked with the grant and I want to make sure we at least get the meritorious and learn from this process and then submit a competitive grant. Any guidance on this question and anything else would be appreciated. Answer: The Main Summary Walkthrough provides step-by-step instructions on how to complete the Main Summary section of the grant application, including how to add a recipient agency. Additional guides, including a Grant Application Walkthrough as well as section specific guidance, can be found on the Grant Guides page of PCCD's website. |
| Question Title : Main Summary Page – School District Field (1)
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| Question: Page 4 of the SSSC grant announcement and guidelines states that intermediate units and career and technical centers are eligible entities. However, intermediate units and career and technical schools are not included in the "School District" dropdown menu on the Main Summary page of the application. Please advise. Answer: The School District, Keyword, Senate District, and State House District dropdown menus on the Main Summary page of the grant application are for internal use only. They act as filters when pulling information from the Egrants system and do not correspond to eligibility. The School District field is not mandatory and can be left unanswered. |
| Question Title : Meritorious Activity #18 Eligibility (3)
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| Question: We are interested in applying for the meritorious application as it relates to our discussion of contracting with our local police department for a School Police/Resource Officer. Eligible Program Activities and Expenses #18 references "Costs associated with the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers." We are interested in using our allocation towards this new position. Can you confirm that this is an allowable expense for the grant application? Answer: Yes, costs related to the compensation and/or training of a School Resource Officer or School Police Officer is an eligible expense. |
| Question: Regarding the new PCCD grant, can a school district ask for money to support its own security program? When we started our program several years ago, we were able to utilize off duty police officers. The officers were hired as independent contractors. Answer: Yes, costs related to the compensation and/or training of school security personnel, including independent contractors, are allowable through PCCD's School Safety and Security grant funding. |
| Question: The District would like verification that the entire allotment of funds $35,000 can go towards a Security Guard. The Security Guard is already in place and working in this capacity and the current year's budget had a line item for security guards -- but just for 2 and the security company has changed. Checking and confirming that this would not be considered supplantation of funds. Answer: It is not considered supplantation if the school district is increasing the total amount available to fund security guards by $35,000. Additionally, if the security guard was funded through PCCD's 2018-2019 School Safety and Security grant funding, applying the entirety of 2019-2020 Meritorious allocation to the position would not be considered supplantation. |
| Question Title : Meritorious Allocation (1)
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| Question: Will an application for a school district be accepted if the Budget Detail exceeds the minimum grant allocation for the school's ADM? Answer: Meritorious applicants cannot cannot exceed or budget under their ADM based allocation. The budget must match the applicant's allocation as listed in Appendix A of the School Safety and Security – Meritorious Application. Funds exceeding a school district's minimum allocation must be requested through the 19-20 School Safety and Security Competitive application per 24 P.S. §13-1306-B(g). |
| Question Title : Meritorious Application - Executive Summary (1)
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| Question: In the executive summary section where you copy and paste: The [name of school district] is requesting $[insert Meritorious Application budget amount here] to meet the following eligible expenses category under Section 1306-B(j)(1-21; 23): [list the appropriate program grant requirement category]. Where it is highlighted do I put 'School Safety and Security Meritorious Grant'? Answer: Section 1306-B(j)(1-21; 23) refers to the Eligible Program Activities and Expenses per statute and listed on pages 5-6 of the Meritorious Funding Announcement. The highlighted portion of text is where the Eligible Program Activities and Expenses this grant will support should be listed. e.g. The Example School District is requesting $[Maximum Allocation per Appendix A of the Meritorious Funding Announcement] to meet the following eligible expenses category under Section 1306-B(j)(1-21; 23): (7) Classroom management, (15) Counseling services for students, and (18) Costs associated with the training and compensation of school resource officers. |
| Question Title : Meritorious Awards (1)
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| Question: If we complete and submit a Meritorious application following all of the directions, are we guaranteed the allocation? Answer: Funding for school districts under the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Meritorious Funding Announcement is non-competitive. Per the statute, each school district that makes a meritorious application as prescribed by the Committee shall receive the grant allocation based on the School District's 2017-2018 ADM as detailed in Appendix A which starts on page 12 of the Funding Announcement. |
| Question Title : Meritorious Board Letter (1)
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| Question: What is the timing of the school board approval for the meritorious grant? We have an approval; however we need to modify it slightly. Answer: In order for you to be eligible for a meritorious award, you will need to provide us with an Activity 12 Board support letter prior to the start of the grant. |
| Question Title : Meritorious Funds (1)
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| Question: Is it possible to utilize funding from the meritorious grant to support part of a larger project. For instance, it acceptable to apply the meritorious funds toward a more expensive project? Answer: Yes, you can use your meritorious funds to support a portion of a larger project. |
| Question Title : Meritorious Grant Funding (1)
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| Question: We hired an additional school resource officer starting in the 2018-19 school year. We used our $25,000 meritorious grant to help with the added cost. The total cost for the additional officer is approximately $54,000/year. We have been designated $40,000 under the Meritorious Grant for the 2019-20 school year. Can we apply/designate the full $40,000 to the added school resource officer? Answer: Yes, you can use the entire $40,000 to support the school resource officer that started in 2018-19. |
| Question Title : Meritorious Project Dates (3)
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| Question: We used the 18-19 PCCD meritorious grant award to primarily fund mental health counseling services for our students. We have budgeted to end expenditures under this 18-19 grant on 10/31/19. We will plan to submit our application for 19-20 monies BEFORE the 11/4/19 deadline. Do we then discontinue or pause services after 10/31/19 until we receive the notification of grant award in February 2020? Or, may we continue services and charge to the 19-20 grant award starting on November 1st before we receive notification that it was approved? That is not our norm as we generally always wait for the award announcement first. However, delaying services for several months will mean a change in the budget but more importantly, a change in services for our students Answer: The project period for 19/20 Meritorious Funds may begin no earlier than July 1, 2019 and may not have an end date later than June 30, 2021 (see page 5 of the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Meritorious Funding Announcement under Guideline 3. Project Dates). As the project activities may begin on July 1, 2019, you would be able to continue services after 18/19 Meritorious grant ends. Please note that the July 1, 2019 project start date is only applicable to Meritorious grant funding. |
| Question: Is the grant awarded through the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive funding announcement intended for one year or two years? Example: if we are awarded $450,000 is that our budget for one year or two years? Answer: Applicants may budget their project for up to 2 years but are not required to use the entire project period if their project does not require it. |
| Question: In completing the application, we were unable to determine if we could use the funds into the 2020-2021 school year. We estimate the cost for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year at approximately $16,500.00. Would we be able to go beyond year 1 with the grant money or would it have to be spent by June 30, 2020? Answer: The Meritorious grant will be retroactively dated to begin on 7/1/2019 and can have a project period of up to 24 months. This means that the funding can support 2020-2021 operations as the project period can end as late as 6/30/2021. |
| Question Title : Meritorious Project Start Date (1)
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| Question: For part of our grant funding we are purchasing updated handheld radios for our principals to help with essential communication. We would like to purchase them now as we need them ASAP but would have to pay the vendor before February's approval. Is it permissible to purchase now, and pay for out of my other student services funds, and then when we receive the grant funds use the money to reimburse that account? Answer: As the project activities for the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Meritorious grants may begin on July 1, 2019, you are able make purchases for the project anytime on or after July 1, 2019. |
| Question Title : Meritorious Supplantation (1)
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| Question: As I am completing our 19-20 School Safety and Security Meritorious application, I am at a crossroads related to expenditures. Having already written a Safe Schools SRO grant, which has not been announced yet, if I expend the $35000 allocated to our district for SRO services under the PCCD Meritorious grant and are awarded the Safe Schools SRO grant, I will have to go back into the PCCD appl and complete a budget revision. That said, I could expend PCCD funds on one of our School Psychologists (#19), but will that violate the "supplement/supplant" rules? Simply put, can I use PCCD funds for something the district already budgeted for? Answer: If the Psychologist was supported through PCCD's 2018-2019 School Safety and Security grant funding, modifying the 2019-2020 Meritorious allocation to that position would not be considered supplantation. If the psychologist position is currently supported through other funds, the grant could be modified to support additional hours of service from the current psychologist, an additional psychologist position, or another eligible item which is not already fully supported through the school budget. |
| Question Title : Non-profit Agency Checklist – IU’s (1)
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| Question: Our Intermediate Unit will be applying for the 2019/20 School Safety and Security - Competitive Grant. Section 11 of the grant application titled, "Non-Profit Agency Checklist," specifies that... The following items must be attached in Egrants (preferred) or mailed to PCCD in conjunction with the submission of an application for direct funding of non-profit agencies (refer to the Applicant's Manual page 11). This information does not have to be submitted to PCCD for governmental applicants proposing to pass through some or all of the funds to a non-profit agency. Does an Intermediate Unit have to submit each of these items or are we considered a "governmental applicant" which would exclude us from having to submit these documents? Answer: Intermediate Units would be considered a governmental applicant. Please select "Not Applicable" on the Non-profit Agency checklist. |
| Question Title : Non-profit Checklist (1)
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| Question: Does a school district have to complete the nonprofit agency checklist portion of the grant? Answer: School Districts do not need to complete the non-profit agency checklist. School entities that are non-profit organizations will need to fill this section out. |
| Question Title : Partial Funding (1)
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| Question: I have a question related to Part B of the PCCD School Safety and Security Grant Program. Will Part B grants be awarded "all or nothing" or do Part B applications have the chance of being partially funded? Answer: The School Safety and Security Committee, in its discretion, may award in whole or in part a request made by a school entity in its grant application based upon the merit of a specific item requested. |
| Question Title : Partnering with IUs (1)
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| Question: When an Intermediate Unit is applying in partnership with a number of its region's schools, would the funding be jeopardized if a school is included in the IU application as a project partner or recipient of the services supported through the proposed IU grant in addition to applying for the same funds independently?
Answer: Competitive applications are scored separately based on their individual merit. School entities partnering with other school entities are advised to include that information in their applications so that any appearance of duplication or supplantation is addressed.
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| Question Title : Performance Indicator Section (1)
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| Question: In the PCCD meritorious application are we supposed to create a performance indicator or does PCCD create it?
Answer: You are not required to enter any performance measures in this section as part of your application. Any measures that you do enter, however, will appear on your quarterly program reports. Please see the Performance Indicators Section Guide for assistance with completing this section of the application.
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| Question Title : Procurement (4)
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| Question: If individual cameras are less than $10,000 does that mean we can use the micro-purchase method of procurement or does the total quote for the cost of upgrading an entire building require the sealed bid? Answer: The procurement method is determined by the total procurement from a vendor during the project period, not by individual item. Refer to the Procurement Details Walkthrough for additional guidance. |
| Question: A question on the procurement section of the Competitive grant -- the District is looking into purchasing AED's and will we need to secure 3 bids for this purchase and then detail the other 2 bids in the grant? Answer: School districts should follow their documented procurement procedures as long as those procedures meet the minimum requirements established by PCCD's procurement guidelines. Please review Chapter 4 of PCCD's Applicant's Manual, specifically the Procurement Standards section beginning on page 16 which outline PCCD's procurement guidelines. The method of procurement required by PCCD's guidelines will depend on the amount of the purchase. Procurement by micro-purchases may be used for purchases up to $10,000, procurement by small purchase procedures may be used for purchases up to $250,000 and procurement by sealed bids (or by competitive proposals when sealed bids are not appropriate) must be used for purchases over $250,000. |
| Question: What type of documentation is needed for the expected procurement amount for Proposed Sole Source Vendors? Is it possible to list the cost based on training options or do we need exact quotes from the vendor providing the service or item? Answer: It is not necessary to obtain formal quotes; however, grant applicants should use a reasonable method to estimate the expected cost. Methods can include costs based on prior purchases or contracts. While documentation is not required to be uploaded to the grant application, the Procurement Section must be completed thoroughly, and any documentation or method used to determine the cost must be retained for monitoring purposes. |
| Question: I have a question on the Meritorious application under Procurement, Section 3. We are requesting new paging systems for 2 remaining district buildings and also selecting a sole vendor because we've already replace 2 systems in our district through this vendor and we want the same systems so we can tie them together. There's a drop-down option for Sole Source and State Contract Procurement. The vendor has provided PEPPM pricing to avoid the bid process and even though they are the sole source from a territorial standpoint, would that be considered State Contract Procurement as an option? Answer: Procurement from an established contract within a purchasing network such as COSTARS, PEPPM, KPN, etc. is considered competitively procured. Procurement documentation must be maintained on file and made available upon request. To expedite the review process, please add a brief statement in the budget justification as to what type of procurement will be used. |
| Question Title : Program Activities - Competitive (1)
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| Question: Our PSP RVAT assessment showed a need for improvement on walkway that connects several buildings. We want additional walkway, add lighting, and cameras. As I look over section J providing specific areas for grant allocation, I'm having a difficult time placing this project. Could I classify it under section 1 – since it came on the advice of a safety assessment? Could I classify it under section 11 – since it is a part of "thorough districtwide safety"? Answer: Due to the competitive nature of this funding announcement we are unable to determine eligibility of an item prior to reviewing the submitted grant. It is incumbent upon the applicant to submit an application that they believe complies with the statute. If the applicant believes that the project/proposal fits within one or more of the eligible activities, the applicant can provide that justification (i.e. "make the case") within the application. |
| Question Title : Program Activities - Meritorious (1)
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| Question: We are trying to clarify the proper "program activity" that a proposed project would fall under. We are considering the purchase of "Go Kits," which are emergency supplies for classrooms in the event of extended lockdown, evacuation, or other emergency. Would it be correct to include these supplies in Program Activity # 11 under districtwide emergency preparedness? Answer: Activity 11 is the appropriate Program Activities selection for Go Kits. |
| Question Title : School Security Guard Training Requirements (1)
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| Question: My district has a part-time school maintenance worker/security guard who patrols the campus during evenings only, after the school day is out of session. Does this person have to go through the training required by Act 67 of 2019 even though he does not interact with students and does not work when school is in session? Answer: The Act 67 training requirement applies to all School Police, Resource Officers, and Security Guards. Section 1301-C of the PA School Code defines school security guard as, "An individual employed by a school entity, nonpublic school or a third-party vendor or an independent contractor who is assigned to a school for routine safety and security duties and has not been granted powers under section 1306-C(3)." Best practice would be to consult your school solicitor to determine if this position description meets the definition for school security guard. |
| Question Title : School Security Guards (1)
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| Question: For the 19-20 grant we are looking to hire school security guards to assist in our schools that currently have no physical secure vestibule entry. If this is allowable, which eligible program activity and expense would it fall under? Answer: School security guards are an eligible expense under Activity #12. Please note that school security guards must meet the training requirements of Act 67 of 2019 prior to performing security duties in schools. |
| Question Title : Security Guard Training (1)
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| Question: I am working on the School Safety and Security Meritorious Grant and have a question. Item number 18 under the Eligible Program and Expenses category on pages 5 and 6 of 24 reads " Costs associated with the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers." Does that extend to security guards from a company like St. Moritz security? Answer: Training for security guards would be listed under Activity 12: Security Planning and Purchase of Security Related Technology that are justified and supported by the school entity's board of directors. As a reminder, items listed under Activity 12 require documentation from the school entities board demonstrating that the request for purchases related to security planning is based on the safety needs identified by the board. Types of acceptable documentation may include one of the following: a letter of support, a board resolution, or meeting minutes of the board or a subcommittee of the board discussing and/or approving the request for the item to address a safety need. This documentation should be attached to the application in Egrants. |
| Question Title : Separate Funding Announcements (2)
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| Question: Why are there two separate funding announcements and which one should I apply under? Answer: For 2019/20, the meritorious non-competitive and competitive funding announcements are two separate funding announcements. School Districts are the only entity eligible to apply under both announcements. A copy of the funding announcements can be found here. The 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Meritorious announcement is non-competitive and school districts are the only entity eligible to apply. A list of school district grant allocations can be found in Appendix A of the 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Meritorious funding announcement. The 2019/20 School Safety and Security – Competitive announcement is competitive and open to the following entities: school district, intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, cyber charter school, regional charter school, approved private school, chartered school for the education of the deaf or the blind, or private residential rehabilitative institution. Eligibility is defined by the PA Department of Education's classification of your school entity. |
| Question: Last year, the $25K Meritorious award was included in the total for which school districts could apply. Am I correct that this is not the case this year and that the Meritorious Award total for which districts can apply is not included within the Competitive Award total for which districts can apply? Answer: In the FY18/19 School Safety and Security program solicitation, the Meritorious (Part A) and Competitive (Part B) funding was combined into a single Funding Announcement and grant application. For FY19/20, Meritorious and Competitive funding have been separated into their own Funding Announcements and grant applications. The allocation for each Meritorious application is based on the School District's Average Daily Membership and is listed in Appendix A which starts on page 12 of the Meritorious Funding Announcement. School entities can apply for up to $450,000 through in their Competitive application. The cap is higher for the School District of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Public Schools. More detail on this can be found on page 5 of the Competitive Funding Announcement under Section 2, Funding Availability. |
| Question Title : Signature Page (1)
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| Question: I have two questions on the grant application signature page: 1. Does a school board member need to be an "attesting officer" or can a business manager serve that function? 2. Does it require the district's solicitor to sign? Answer: An "attesting officer" is any school official, such as a board member or business manager, who is capable of attesting to the authenticity of the signature of the chief school administrator. More information on how to complete the application signature page can be found in the Grant Application Walkthrough in the Complete Signature Page section. |
| Question Title : SRO Supplantation (2)
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| Question: Are grant founds permitted to help off-set expenses related to SRO's that are currently serving in the District or can these funds only be used to add SRO's?
Answer: If the SROs were supported through PCCD's 18-19 School Safety and Security grant funding, continued support of those positions through the 19-20 School Safety and Security grant funding would not be considered supplantation. If the SRO positions are currently supported through other funds, the grant application could support additional hours of service from the current SROs, additional SRO positions, and any currently unbudgeted SRO costs such as equipment, uniforms, or NASRO training.
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| Question: Our municipal SRO contract has changed for the 19/20 school year. This is the first year we have a full-time municipal officer on duty in our district. We are now operating under a 75% District cost for a full-time officer. Prior years have been filled with part-time officers. This has resulted in increased district costs associated with having a full-time officer. Could we use Meritorious dollars to offset the increase in costs to provide full-time SRO services from a part-time officer to a new full-time officer position? Answer: Yes, School Safety and Security grant funding may be used cover the unbudgeted increased costs of making a part-time SRO positions into the full-time SRO position. |
| Question Title : Supplantation (4)
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| Question: Is replacing or upgrading an existing system considered supplanting? The purpose is to enhance what we are able to do with the system. Answer: Budgeted expenditures must be reasonable, justified in the application, and must be associated with an eligible activity as defined in the funding announcement. School Safety and Security funding cannot be used to supplant/replace existing school entity spending on school safety and security. School Safety and Security funding is to be used in addition to other funds that are made available. It would not be considered supplantation if there are no other funds available for an eligible cost as defined in the funding announcement. |
| Question: Are there any District supplanting restrictions with School Safety and Security Grant Program dollars? Answer: Grant money allocated through this program can be used to supplement but not supplant existing school entity spending on school safety and security. PCCD funding is to be used in addition to other funds that are made available. However, nothing shall preclude a school entity from making an application in a subsequent year for the same purpose and amount awarded in a prior year. Please refer to the School Safety and Security Funding Announcement, Appendix Section to view examples of supplantation. If you believe that your project has the potential to be considered supplanted funds, please provide an explanation in your Egrants application as to how the requested resources will supplement and not supplant existing spending. All applications will be presented to the School Safety and Security Committee for final approval. |
| Question: On page 5 of the RFP, it says, "School entities are limited to one application under this announcement." However, when I asked when an Intermediate Unit is applying in partnership with a number of its region's schools, would the funding be jeopardized if a district is applying through the IU in addition to applying for the same funds independently, you responded that: "Competitive applications are scored separately based on their individual merit. School entities partnering with other school entities are advised to include that information in their applications so that any appearance of duplication or supplantation is addressed." Which led me to believe that districts can apply as partners in a consortium and individually. Please clarify for me if the following statement is correct or incorrect: School districts may apply in partnership with an Intermediate Unit AND independently for the competitive application. Answer: Yes, the statement is correct, so long as only one application is received from each applying school entity (e.g., an IU can apply to provide services to school districts; a school district can apply on behalf of their school district). |
| Question: 1. This is our first year having a district security officer; when we decided to do this, we were anticipating this grant opportunity. Because we hired and we were hoping & anticipating the ability to offset some of the costs as all indications were that it would be available this year; May we use the funds for this position or is that considered supplanting? 2. The official title of our position is district security officer is that going to be a problem? Answer: This would not be considered supplantation unless the current, approved school budget relied on other funds to cover the entire cost of the officer. Meritorious School Safety and Security fund may only cover costs beginning 7/1/19. The title of the position is not a problem. Requirements are attached to the types of job duties performed, not the title of the position. |
| Question Title : Supplies & Operating Expenses or Equipment (1)
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| Question: Is our understanding correct that Cameras that are less than $5,000 would be supplies and cameras $5,000 or more would be equipment? Answer: Your understanding is correct. Refer to the Procurement Details Walkthrough for additional guidance. |
| Question Title : Trauma-Informed Approach Plan (1)
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| Question: If I am submitting for a trauma informed approach to education, do I need to include the documentation listed in the second bullet below (letter of support from the board, etc)? Answer: A letter of support from the board is only needed for School Safety and Security Technology (Activity 12). School entities that include Trauma-Informed Approaches to Education (Activity 21) in their application must upload a copy of their Trauma-Informed Approach Plan. Please refer to the School Safety and Security Committee's Model Trauma-Informed Approach Plan for guidance on minimum requirements and best practice recommendations.
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| Question Title : Trauma-Informed Plan Requirement (2)
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| Question: In reviewing the guidelines for the Model Trauma-Informed Approach Plan, a district asked:
"If a district is submitting a Safety and Security Grant, do they have to create or have a formal plan for any type of grant request? For instance, would a grantee that is applying for funds toward door hardware still have to submit/create a formal plan?" Answer: Applicants are only required to be develop or submit a Model Trauma-Informed Approach Plan when expenses are being requested for activity #21 – trauma-informed approaches to education. A plan is not required for any additional activities. |
| Question: It was mentioned at PAIUCC that school districts would be required to create a trauma informed plan if awarded a Safe Schools Grant. Can you confirm what grant this will be a requirement for? Answer: Act 18 of 2019 amended Article XIII-B to require any school entity applying for a School Safety and Security grant under 24 P.S. §13-1306-B(j)(21) (i.e., trauma-informed approaches to education) to utilize a Model Trauma-Informed Approach Plan adopted by the SSSC. Applicants may utilize their own existing plan, provided it meets the SSSC's Model Plan criteria, or may seek funding to support the development of their own plan. This a requirement for all School Safety and Security program funding used to support trauma-informed approaches to education. A link to the Model Plan and additional resources can be found HERE. |
| Question Title : Vendor Registry (1)
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| Question: For applicants proposing SROs, SPOs, or School Security Guards, which "approved vendor list" should the applicant refer to in order to obtain estimates costs? PDE has made available an "Approved School Police Officer Vendor List" and PCCD provides a "School Safety and Security Provider Registry".
Answer: PCCD's current School Safety and Security Provider Registry currently applies to school safety and security assessment vendors only. PDE's Approved School Police Officer Vendor List does not apply to PCCD grants. As such, there is no SRO, SPO, or School Security Guard vendor list that needs to be referred to for PCCD's 19-20 School Safety and Security grant applications.
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