Table of Contents 
 
 

Blueprint Overview

This Blueprint is designed as a supplemental resource to the OTS Grant Program Manual, http://www.ots.ca.gov/Grants/Grant_Administration/Program_Manual.asp.  Both documents assist agencies in developing a comprehensive traffic safety grant that not only meets the needs of their local community, but also addresses statewide goals set by the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to reduce the incidence of traffic fatalities and injuries. 
 

Following the information outlined in the blueprint, applicant agencies can identify their traffic safety problems and deficiencies for incorporation into the Problem Statement section of the proposal paper or grant agreement package, and develop countermeasures (Goals and Objectives) to resolve them. 
 

Begin the process by identifying the problem.  The “three-step” problem identification process provides practical steps to assess and identify traffic collision problems in your community.  The data collected may be used as the base year totals for the goals and objectives of the agreement.  Based on the problems identified, agencies should consider whether or not they could be addressed using a Grants Made Easy proposal for law enforcement, or if the proposal should be developed using the steps outlined in this document.  
 

Next, develop appropriate goals and objectives to address the identified problem.  Listed under each program area are “Funded Grant Goals/Objectives.”  The information is needed as a measurement of success in reaching the statewide goals.  Also listed is a menu of suggested local goals and objectives to be considered. 
 

In part, grants are selected for funding based on their impact on reaching the statewide goals.  The funded grant goals and objectives listed provide the measurement for meeting the statewide goals and objectives adopted by OTS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 
 

Goals and objectives provide performance measures for an effective traffic safety program.  Not every agency will adopt all the goals and objectives, but each should be considered.  Complete the problem identification process and consider the appropriate goals and objectives for the proposal or grant.  Agencies may also develop goals and objectives not listed in the Blueprint. 
 

To reflect the best practices and information for achieving successful programs, OTS continually updates the BLUEPRINT.  Comments are always welcomed on ways to improve this document.

Grants Made Easy

“Grants Made Easy” is 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 by eliminating the need for agencies to “build a grant from scratch”. This program also streamlines the reporting requirements by replacing the Final Report requirement with an Executive Summary. 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 through September 30. Applications requesting funding for “full time personnel and overtime” must be submitted for a two year. 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.

Non-law enforcement agencies and law enforcement agencies wanting to address issues not covered in the three Grants Made Easy programs should utilize the Blueprints to assist in the development of the grant proposal.

Problem Identification

First Step - Before writing goals and objectives, start with a review of pertinent statistical data to identify your community’s traffic safety problem and/or deficiency.  Examples of data sources are: 
 

• OTS Collision Rankin