December 2006

Dear Local Law Enforcement Representative:

The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is proud to announce the availability of “Grants Made Easy,” a grant proposal process designed specifically for local law enforcement agencies. “Grants Made Easy” significantly reduces the paperwork and time required to submit a proposal and finalize a grant agreement. This program also streamlines the reporting requirements by replacing the Final Report requirement with an Executive Summary. In addition, “Grants Made Easy” enables OTS staff to significantly reduce the number of days required to process new grants. This innovative grant application process is a direct result of OTS’ Performance Improvement Initiative to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

OTS has developed three programs under “Grants Made Easy”: (1) Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), (2) DUI Enforcement and Awareness Program, and (3) Vehicle Impound Program. These three programs include funding for best practice strategies shown to reduce traffic crashes and gain favorable media coverage.

“Grants Made Easy” applications requesting “overtime and no full time personnel” funding must be for a one year period (October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008). Applications requesting funding for “full time personnel and overtime” must be submitted for a two year period (October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2009). OTS will give priority-funding consideration to police departments submitting proposals under the “Grants Made Easy” program.

Grant funds are awarded on a competitive basis. OTS provides funding assistance to agencies with the greatest need. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is part of the proposal review process. OTS evaluates proposals using several criteria, including potential traffic safety impact of proposed activities; collision statistics and rankings; seriousness of identified problems; performance on previous grants; proportionality of funding requested with identified traffic safety problem(s); and the value of the funding requested for the proposed activities.

The grant funding cycle begins with this solicitation. Your response to OTS must be postmarked by January 31, 2007. Grant funds become available to successful applicants on October 1, 2007, which is the beginning of the 2008 federal fiscal year.

If your question is not answered with the information in the “Grants Made Easy” proposal package or Frequently Asked Questions section, please do not hesitate to contact your Regional Coordinator. We hope you are able to take advantage of this funding opportunity to make traveling on California’s roadways safer.

Sincerely,

CHRISTOPHER J. MURPHY
Director