Proposal Narrative

Required sections (use these headings and address each bullet):

1. Description of the Need — What critical issue you will address; supporting data/evidence on scope/impact; how the need relates to this NOFO’s purpose. (NOFO, p. 15.)

2. Project Goals and Objectives — Broad goals and specific, outcome-oriented objectives; demonstrate alignment to the NOFO’s Program Goals/Objectives (see IV-A). (NOFO, p. 15.)

3. Project Design and Implementation — Activities to achieve goals/objectives; delivery approach; when activities occur; who on your team will staff them (identify key staff); who will participate/benefit; what deliverables/reports/other items will be produced; any subrecipients (name if known or describe selection method) and their roles. (NOFO, p. 15–16.)

4. Capabilities and Competencies — Organizational capacity (admin/technical) to complete the project and collect/report required performance data (identify responsible staff and how data will be collected); relevant past performance; key staff (and any subrecipient staff) qualifications; management/staffing plan tied to project design, including who manages organizational finances. (NOFO, p. 16.)

The Proposal Narrative must include the following four sections — in the listed order — and should align with the purpose and priorities of the NOFO:

Description of the Need

Explain the problem or gap being addressed:

• Define the need, gap, or issue to be addressed.

• Provide supporting data or evidence to demonstrate the issue’s existence, magnitude, and impact.

• Explain how this need relates to the purpose of the NOFO .

Project Goals and Objectives

Describe what the project aims to achieve:

• Present clear goals (broad, visionary statements).

• List objectives (specific, measurable outcomes).

• Explain how the project’s goals and objectives align with the NOFO’s stated goals .

Project Design and Implementation

Outline how the project will be carried out:

• Detail activities that will achieve goals and address identified needs.

• Explain how those activities will be implemented (methods, processes, timelines).

• Specify:

  • When activities will occur.

  • Who will implement them (key staff).

  • Who will benefit.

  • Deliverables or outputs (e.g., reports, training materials).

• If using subrecipients, identify them (if known) or describe the selection process and roles .

Capabilities and Competencies

Demonstrate organizational and staff capacity:

• Describe the applicant’s administrative and technical capacity to execute the project and meet all award requirements.

• Identify who will collect and report performance measure data and how that will occur.

• Summarize relevant organizational experience and staff qualifications (including subrecipients).

• Explain management and staffing patterns and identify who manages the organization’s finances .

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Priority Considerations

If the applicant seeks priority consideration, the Proposal Narrative must:

• Clearly state which OJP priority goal(s) the project supports.

• Describe how the project will advance those goals (e.g., protecting children, supporting law enforcement, etc.).

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Summary

1. Description of the Need	Define the problem	Data, gap, and alignment with NOFO
2. Goals and Objectives	State what success looks like	Broad goals, measurable objectives
3. Design and Implementation	Explain how to achieve goals	Activities, timeline, deliverables, subrecipients
4. Capabilities and Competencies	Prove readiness	Experience, staffing, financial management