BJA FY 21 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative | O BJA 2021 93001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the BJA FY 21 Second Chance Act Pay for Success Initiative?

The BJA FY 21 Second Chance Act Pay for Success (PFS) Initiative is a discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). It focuses on improving reentry outcomes for people leaving incarceration by using a performance-based model that ties funding to results.

What is the main goal of this funding opportunity?

The main goal is to help jurisdictions build or expand Pay for Success reentry initiatives that purchase effective, evidence-informed services and reward measurable progress. The initiative aims to improve reentry outcomes and public safety, especially for high-need populations such as individuals leaving incarceration who also have substance use disorders.

What does "Pay for Success" mean in this program?

Pay for Success is a performance-based approach where payments are linked to the achievement of clearly defined outcomes rather than simply reimbursing activities or services delivered. In this initiative, the intent is to drive measurable reentry results using outcomes-based contracting.

How does outcomes-based contracting fit into this initiative?

Outcomes-based contracting is a central feature of the Pay for Success model used here. A jurisdiction and its partners establish specific goals (such as reduced recidivism or increased housing stability) and structure service delivery and payment so that funding is tied to whether those goals are achieved.

What kinds of outcomes might be targeted under a Pay for Success reentry project?

The opportunity describes example outcomes such as reduced recidivism, increased housing stability, improved treatment engagement, and other validated reentry metrics. Specific outcomes are typically defined by the jurisdiction and its partners as part of the Pay for Success approach.

What types of services can be supported with this grant?

Funded services may include permanent supportive housing and recovery housing, along with other reentry supports tailored to people transitioning from incarceration into the community. The solicitation emphasizes services that help address criminogenic needs and stabilization barriers that can affect successful reentry.

Does the program prioritize any specific population?

Yes. The opportunity particularly emphasizes serving individuals with substance use disorders. It highlights that housing stability and access to treatment are often critical to successful reentry outcomes and public safety.

What are examples of reentry supports mentioned in the opportunity description?

Examples mentioned include housing placement and retention support, recovery-oriented services, case management, treatment linkage, and wraparound reentry assistance designed to reduce the likelihood of returning to jail or prison.

How does this initiative encourage accountability and performance management?

Because payments are tied to achieving outcomes, the model is designed to encourage data-driven program design, continuous performance management, and stronger accountability for results.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and public housing authorities or Indian housing authorities. The opportunity notes that additional eligibility details are referenced in the solicitation.

Which federal agency administers this opportunity?

The opportunity is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number for this opportunity?

The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number provided is 16.812.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The opportunity was posted on May 5, 2021. The original application closing date was June 22, 2021.

What is the maximum award amount per grant?

The award ceiling is $1,100,000 per award.

How many awards did BJA expect to make under this solicitation?

BJA expected to make up to six awards under this solicitation.

How does this opportunity relate to broader DOJ priorities?

The opportunity is described as aligning with DOJ priorities such as promoting civil rights, expanding access to justice, supporting crime victims, protecting the public from crime and evolving threats, and strengthening trust between communities and law enforcement.

Is this opportunity associated with an Affordable Care Act funding activity category?

Yes. The opportunity is categorized under the Affordable Care Act funding activity category as listed in the source data.

What is the overall intent of using a Pay for Success approach for reentry?

The intent is to encourage collaboration among government agencies, service providers, and other stakeholders involved in reentry and behavioral health systems, while focusing resources on interventions that demonstrate measurable improvements in reentry outcomes.