Immigrant Integration (23-444-80-1456)

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name	Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name	Family and Community Services/Welcoming Centers for Refugee and Immigrant Services
Announcement Type	NOFO
Funding Opportunity Title	Immigrant Integration
Funding Opportunity Number	23-444-80-1456
Application Posting Date	April 1, 2022
Application Closing Date	May 2, 2022, 12:00 p.m. CST
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-80-1456
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name	Immigrant Integration
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s)	Not Applicable
Award Funding Source	State
Estimated Total Program Funding	$30,000,000
Anticipated Number of Awards	Anticipated Number of Awards based on coverage of services needed statewide
Award Range	To be determined based whether the application is for a single agency, or a consortium of agencies
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement	No
Indirect Costs Allowed	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs	No
Technical Assistance Session	Session Offered: Yes Session Mandatory: Yes April 14, 2022, 10:30 -12:00 PM TA Session link Join by phone: 1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Chicago) 1-415-655-0002 US Toll Meeting number (access code): 246 827 19338 RSVP: by noon on April 11, 2022, via email to Delyris.Martinez@illinois.gov

A. Program Description

The overall goal of the Immigrant Integration NOFO is to improve opportunities for self-sufficiency and successful integration for immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers and humanitarian parolees. The goal is achieved through helping low-income Limited-English-proficient (LEP) immigrants/refugees/asylum seekers and humanitarian parolees gain access to public benefits and increasing the rates of naturalization for eligible legal permanent residents. The NOFO has three components:

1. Immigrant Family Resource Program
2. New Americans Initiative
3. Immigrant Family Support Project

Funding will be prioritized for areas with high concentration of low-income immigrants. Data can be found via: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27894/documents/Report_On_Illinois_Foreign-Born_Population.pdf

Organizations interested in this NOFO can apply to one or all three components.

1. Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP) - This program is designed to address language barriers and lack of information about human services that prevent immigrants/refugees/asylum seekers and humanitarian parolees from securing public benefits and services. IDHS seeks to ensure that LEP immigrants/refugees/asylum seekers/humanitarian parolees know about public benefits and assist those eligible to obtain them.

IDHS has made significant changes to its benefits application process. Eligible individuals and families can apply for TANF, SNAP and Medicaid online, or have an approved representative to assist them with this process. This online system allows for individuals and families to submit applications electronically, rather than having to come to FCRCs (Family and Community Resource Centers).

The recent implementation of phase II of the Integrated Eligibility System (IES) has introduced additional online functions designed to improve the benefits application and management process. In addition to being able to submit benefits applications online, individuals and families are able to update their information online directly and timely, such as changes in income, address, household composition, and work status. This new process is expected to reduce the time needed to complete the traditional paperwork requirements and time spent at the FCRCs. Low-income LEP should be made aware of and benefit from these changes.

Low-income LEP immigrants/refugees/asylum seekers/humanitarian parolees receiving TANF and SNAP could be at risk of losing the benefits if they are unable to meet work participation requirements and make progress toward self-sufficiency. Work participation requirements need to be explained to immigrants receiving TANF and SNAP. Additionally, services to help meet the work requirements should also be provided.

Services eligible for funding under this area include:

1. Translation of key IDHS documents to the languages spoken by the largest low-income LEP immigrant groups eligible for IDHS services. Spanish translation of IDHS forms will not be needed due to the fact that IDHS has an internal unit handling Spanish translation work on an on-going basis. All current IDHS information as well as benefits applications/notifications are bilingual in English and Spanish.
2. Development of a multi-media campaign in multiple languages, and targeted to diverse immigrant communities, to educate potentially eligible low-income LEP immigrants/refugees/asylum seekers/humanitarian parolees on:
   1. IDHS programs and services, including Medicaid, TANF, SNAP benefits and work requirements.
   2. New IES online system to apply for public benefits and Manage My Case function to update personal information.
   3. Any new federal policy changes that may affect eligibility for federal benefits.
3. Provision of outreach and community education to raise awareness about the availability of public benefits and other services that support personal and family well-being and economic self-sufficiency. Ensure that the community is well informed on state and federal policies on public benefits eligibility based on immigration status. Outreach and education should be linguistically and culturally appropriate to specific immigrant communities.
4. Assistance and provision of interpretation and/or translation services either for FCRCs, or immigrants/refugees/asylum seekers/humanitarian parolees seeking to apply for, or meeting on-going requirements of, public benefits such as TANF, SNAP, Medicaid, or childcare.
5. Case management services to help immigrants/refugees/asylum seekers/humanitarian parolees address barriers preventing them from applying for public benefits or other human services.

2. New Americans Initiative - For over 10 years IDHS has helped eligible legal permanent residents apply for citizenship through the naturalization process. Assistance can also be provided for individuals eligible for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). Priority for services must be for low-income LEP immigrants/refugees, seniors, women and youth with special needs.

Services under this area can include:

3. Immigrant Family Support Project- This program is designed to address the needs of the most vulnerable members among the immigrant community. Particularly those affected by lack of income and financial instability.

This initiative offers cash benefits to low-income immigrants who live in Illinois, and who are/were not eligible for the Federal Economic Impact Payments established to alleviate the impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic, unemployment insurance, or public benefits.

Services under this initiative include:

• Eligibility screening
• Case management
• Application completion of new applicants.
• Funds (cards) distribution.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

IDHS requires the successful applicants to meet the following performance standards:

• Services provided to at least 80% of the projected number of customers.
• Successful outcomes for at least 80% of services delivered.
• Timely and accurate fiscal and program reports.

Special note: Agencies interested in providing training and technical assistance for community service providers can also submit application for either IFRP or NAI and describe how their services can improve the outcomes described in this NOFO.

B. Funding Information

• This is a competitive funding opportunity.
• The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.
• The source of funding for this program is State General Revenue Funding (GRF) funds.
• The Department anticipates the availability of approximately $30,000,000 funding for NOFO and the number of grant awards to be determined based on coverage of services needed statewide. It is anticipated that grant awards will be based whether the application is for a single agency, or a consortium of agencies.
  • Up to $ 6,000,000 will be allocated to support programs helping educate and secure IDHS services/public benefits for low-income LEP immigrants/refugees/asylees/parolees.
  • Up to $ 8,000,000 will be allocated to programs providing training and assistance for eligible legal permanent residents to apply successfully for citizenship or DACA. Priority for services must be for low-income LEP immigrants/refugees, seniors, women and youth with special needs
  • Up to $ 16,000,000 will be allocated to support programs providing cash assistance to low-income LEP immigrants/refugees ineligible for any other state and/or federal benefits and support.
• Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than July 1, 2022 and will continue through June 30, 2023.
• Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are not eligible to compete with applications for new State awards.
• Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.
• Proposed budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been approved through the Community Service Agreement tracking system (CSA) system.
• Subcontractor Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the subcontractor.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

IDHS will consider applications from an individual agency or a consortium of qualified community-based agencies and with a prime grantee/fiscal agent. Prime grantee applicants must be able to sub-contract with consortium agencies located in the areas with high concentration of low-income LEP immigrants/refugees.

This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements:

Applicants seeking to serve as prime grantee/fiscal agent must also meet the following criteria:

• Have at least five years of successful experience in managing to manage sub-grants for direct services, including training, monitoring and service evaluation.
• The capacity to manage system planning and program operation.
• The capacity to provide technical assistance, collect service data and generate program reports using the data provided by the service providers.
• The capacity to provide program and fiscal monitoring.

The applicants must also be willing to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination At (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.)

Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline will result in the return of the application without review or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude the agency from receiving an award.

2. Prequalification Requirements

Applicant entities will not be eligible to apply for a grant award until they have prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, www.grants.illinois.gov Grantee Links tab https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Grantee/GranteePortalFAQ/HowToAccessTheGranteePortal.pdf . Registration and prequalification are required annually. During prequalification, verifications are performed including a check of federal Debarred and Suspended status on the Illinois Stop Payment List and good standing with the Secretary of State. An automated email notification is sent to the entity alerting them of "qualified" status or providing information about how to remediate a negative verification (e.g., inactive DUNS, not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and Suspended status cannot be remediated.

For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedure, refer to IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance.

Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.

The following information is required to complete registration:

• Organization's Dun & Bradstreet number (DUNS); For additional information on DUNS, refer to Section Unique Entity Identifier (DUNS number) and System for Award Management (SAM) below.
• Organization's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN):
• Organization type:
• Illinois Secretary of State File ID (required for non-profits, for-profits and limited liability corporations http://www. cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/business_services/home.html
• Organization's name:
• Organization's mailing address:
• Organization's primary email address:
• Organization's primary phone number:
• Organization's fiscal year-end date:

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI replaced DUNS April 2022) and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant is required to:

• Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; if your organization does not yet have a EIU/DUNS refer to https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do to request one
• Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award, an application ,or plan under consideration by the Department

The Department may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Department is ready to make an award, the Department may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

3. Pre-Award Requirements

The pre-award process includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) and a Programmatic Risk Assessment (PRA). The ICQ is completed for the organization, while the PRA must be completed for each separate grant for which an applicant intends to apply. The Department may NOT issue a Notice of Award or a Grant Agreement to any applicant that does not have a submitted and approved FY 23 ICQ and a submitted and complete FY 23 PRA(s). While these are NOT required prior to submitting the application, they are required prior to the Department issuing an award.

Applicants that have not completed an ICQ and/or PRA for the grant award year at the time of application will be contacted by the Department to complete these pre-award requirements.

These grantee pre-award requirements are mandated by Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Grantees must complete these requirements prior to receiving a grant award from the State of Illinois.

Registration in CSA

The CSA Tracking System is the system the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) utilizes for approving budgets and issuing grant awards. It is strongly recommended that if an applicant entity is not already registered in the CSA Tracking System, they should begin the registration as soon as possible so they may submit a signed budget in CSA. While registration in CSA is not part of the prequalification process, successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA System.

State and Federal Laws and Regulations

The agency awarded funds through this NOFO must agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.).

4. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.

Indirect Cost Rate

Indirect Cost Requirements and Restrictions

In order to charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate.

Every organization that receives a state award must make an indirect cost rate proposal or election in the State of Illinois Grantee Portal, Centralized Indirect Cost Rate Election System, including organizations that are choosing not to claim payment for indirect costs.

Indirect Cost Rate Election:

• Federally Negotiated Rate. Organizations that receive direct federal funding may have an indirect cost rate that was negotiated with the Federal Cognizant Agency. Illinois will accept the federally negotiated rate. The organization must provide a copy of the federal NICRA and submit an Indirect Cost Rate Proposal in the Crowe Activity Review System (CARS). CARS URL: https://solutions.crowe.com/CARS/StateofIllinoisGOMB/Login.aspx
• State Negotiated Rate. The organization must negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois by completing an indirect cost rate proposal in the CARS system if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate and would like to negotiate a rate with the State of Illinois.
• De Minimis Rate. An organization may elect a De Minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct cost (MTDC)**. Once established, the De Minimis rate may be used indefinitely. If programs elect to use the De Minimis rate, it is critical that program budgets accurately calculate the MTDC base. Please see the regulation below and note the exclusions to MTDC.

**2 CFR § 200.68 Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC). MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and subawards and subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each subaward or subcontract (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards and subcontracts under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward and subcontract in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.

• "No Rate": Grantees have discretion not to claim payment for indirect costs. Grantees that elect not to claim indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs. The organization must record an election of "No Indirect Costs" into the Indirect Cost Rate Election System.
• Crowe Activity Review System (CARS). CARS will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate, or complete an indirect cost rate proposal (see State Negotiated Rate above). Submission requirements are located on page 2 of the Uniform Budget Template as well as 2 CFR 200 Appendices IV, V & VII.

Organizations which have not previously made an indirect cost rate election must submit an election (and indirect cost rate proposal, if necessary) immediately and no later than 3 months after receiving an award notification. If the organizations elects to submit a Federally Negotiated Rate or a State Negotiated Rate they will receive an invitation to submit their proposal in the CARS system.

Organizations that have previously established an indirect cost rate election and would like to continue with a Federal or State Negotiated Rate must submit a new indirect cost rate election immediately and no later than 6 months after the close of their organization's fiscal year.

Organizations that do not make a submission inside the CARS system within the required timeframes will not be allowed to claim indirect cost reimbursement.

For more information, see https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Grantee%20Links/Centralized-Indirect-Cost-Rate-User-Manual.pdf and https://www.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Pages/default.aspx.

5. Grant Fund Use Requirements

All applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of any applicable federal awards.

Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs.

• Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity(ies) contained in the Scope of Work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.

• Unallowable costs: Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS:

  • Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438)
  • Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
  • Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
  • Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445).
  • Deposits for items, services, or space

• Simplified Acquisition Threshold: Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee must be aware of the following regarding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold as it will be applicable to any qualifying subaward:

  • That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);

    • That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that the awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;
    • That the awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

6. Post Award Requirements of Applicant

Successful applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Notice.

Start Date: Applicants must be in a position to begin offering services on July 1, 2022.

• Technology: Agencies awarded funds through this funding notice should have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications for the purpose of utilizing any required IDHS web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of electronic program and fiscal information:
  • Internet access, preferably high-speed
  • Email capability
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Adobe Reader

The purchase of this technology would be an allowable expenditure under the grant and may be budgeted for as part of this application.

• Site Visits: The applicant agrees to participate in site visits/quality reviews as requested by the Department.
• COVID Policies and Procedures: Provider organizations shall have written COVID policies and procedures that align with current guidelines put forth by the local Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and/or the Center for Disease Control.
• Sectarian Issue: Provider organizations may not expend federal or state funds for sectarian instruction, worship, prayer, or to proselytize. If the Provider organization is a faith-based or a religious organization that offers such activities, these activities shall be voluntary for the individuals receiving services and offered separately from the program.
• Hiring and Employment Policy: It is the policy of the Department to encourage cultural diversity in the work environment and to promote employment opportunities through its programs. The Department philosophy is that the program workforce should appropriately reflect the populations to be served, with special attention given to hiring individuals indigenous to those communities. Consistent with Department policy, whenever a position becomes available, funded programs are encouraged to consider TANF clients for employment, contingent upon their qualifications in the areas of education and work experience.
• Publication of Studies, Reports or other Program Products: The applicant agrees that products produced for the Department under this award, including, but not limited to research reports, data, analyses, and policy recommendations are the property of the Department and will not be published or distributed except as prescribed by the Department.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

Application materials are provided throughout this announcement. Appendices will be made available in user/printer friendly format and may be found on the Illinois Department of Human Services web site at https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=139270  and https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Grants/SitePages/CSFA.aspx?page=Opportunity.aspx%3fnofo%3d2084. Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the Department at the email address below.

Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's web site will contain information regarding the NOFO and materials necessary for submission. Questions and answers will also be posted on the Department's website as described later in this announcement. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor that web site and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO.

Each applicant must have access to the internet, however, since high-speed internet access is not yet universally available for downloading documents or accessing the electronic application, and applicants may have additional accessibility requirements, applicants may request paper copies of materials by contacting:

Delyris Martinez

Delyris.Martinez@illinois.gov 

Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services

Illinois Department of Human Services

401 S. Clinton, 4th floor

Chicago, Illinois 60607

312-793-7120

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Interested applicants must complete the following required documents:

1. The Letter of Intent  by 12:00 pm Monday, April 11, 2022. The purpose of the Letter of Intent is for IDHS to prepare for the applications review process by understanding the number of prospective applicants.
2. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance  by 12:00 pm CST, Monday, May 2, 2022. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.
3. Grant Application Narrative by 12:00 pm CST, Monday, May 2, 2022. IMPORTANT: The grant application narrative makes up the bulk of your application. Please provide a complete response to each section. If the program plan/narrative is missing from your application packet, your application will receive a score of zero points and your agency will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.
4. Uniform Grant Budget by 12:00 pm CST, Monday, May 2, 2022. Applications must include a budget submitted via the Uniform Grant Budget Template which is a form on the DHS website (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/onenetlibrary/12/documents/Forms/GOMBGATU-3002.pdf; https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=84585). The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and must demonstrate that all proposed costs are:

• Reasonable and necessary;
• Allocable; and
• Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable.

The proposed budget must be entered, signed and submitted in CSA and is required for the application to be considered complete. Both the electronic and hard copies must be received by 12:00 pm CST, Monday, May 2, 2022.

The Division's program and fiscal staff will work with awardees to negotiate a budget for the final grant award which will then need to be uploaded via the Uniform Grant Budget in the CSA System. This will be required before the start of the grant period. The budget may need to be revised over the course of the grant process or during the ongoing award. Grant applicants can find information on how to access the CSA via this link: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=61069

Unique Entity Identifiers (DUNS Number and SAM Registration)

Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:

• Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date. To establish a SAM.gov registration, go to https://sam.gov/content/home and/or utilize this instructional link: "How To Register in SAM" https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Resource%20Library/SAM-Registration.pdf
• Provide a valid unique entity identifier (DUNS number) in its application; and
• Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency.
• For more information, refer to Section C: Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C: Eligibility Information and Grant Funding will not be scored and/or considered for funding.

Application Format Requirements

Electronic submission is required and should be submitted to Agata.Fieske-Nesheiwat@Illinois.gov  and Tamara.Ereish2@illinois.gov.  All applications should be formatted as follows: (1) All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. Tables may be used to present information with a 10-point type; (2) with one-inch margins; (3) with each page displaying page numbers; and (4) single-spaced; (5)The program narrative must be typed single-spaced, on one side of the page, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The program narrative must not exceed the page totals specified.

Other Application Requirements

This NOFO does require the process of letters of intent. It must be submitted by 12:00 pm CST, April 11, 2022, to DHS.BRIS@illinois.gov. If the applicant requires submission by means other than email, please use the below address.

Delyris Martinez

Delyris.Martinez@illinois.gov   

Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services

Illinois Department of Human Services

401 S. Clinton, 4th floor

Chicago, Illinois 60607

312-793-7120

3. Application Submission Dates and Times

All required documents must be submitted, via email to Agata Fieske-Nesheiwat at Agata.Fieske-Nesheiwat@Illinois.gov and Tamara Abu-Elreish at Tamara.Abu-Elreish2@Illinois.gov, no later than by 12:00 pm CST, Monday, May 2, 2022.

If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal or State holiday, the reporting package is due the next business day.

What the deadline means: The date and time by which the State awarding agency must receive the application.

The effect of missing a deadline: Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding.

To be considered, applications must be emailed by the date and time listed above. For your records, please keep a copy of your email submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the location listed above.

Acknowledgement of receipt: Applicants will receive an email (within 72 hours of receipt or 120 hours if received on a non-business day) notifying them that their application was received and if it was received by the due date and time. This email notification will be sent to the original sender of the application.

Submission Method: Email or Another Electronic Platform

Acceptable Proof of Timely Submission: Electronic time date and stamp

4. Intergovernmental Review

This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

5. Funding Restrictions

The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements.

Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information, 5. Indirect Cost Rate for Indirect Cost Rate Restrictions and Match Requirement details.

The following funding restrictions apply:

• Unallowable activities dictated by the funding terms
• 2 CFR 200 - Subpart E Allowable/Unallowable Costs
• Restrictions on Pre-award Costs See B. Award and Funding Information Section above
• Other unique and regulatory programmatic restrictions

E. Application Review Information

All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review.

1. Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria- ALL applicants must demonstrate that they meet all requirements under this NOFO as described throughout. Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in the Eligible Applicants and Mandatory Requirements of Applicants as identified in Section C Eligibility Information will not be evaluated or considered for funding.

Grant applications received will be reviewed by IDHS staff, including staff from the Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services; persons with expertise on immigrant issues may also be included.

All applicants / applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.

The maximum possible score is 100 points. All applications will be reviewed, evaluated, and rated based on the following criteria: 

25 points - Agency Qualifications: The extent to which the applicant demonstrates:

1. Strong management, supervision, and well-organized internal organizational structure to insure effective program/service delivery and sound fiscal conditions.
2. Successful history of working with immigrants and refugees, including having the expertise and capacity to deliver the services procured in the NOFO, such as: language and cultural competency, track record of providing effective services for low-income LEP immigrants/refugees, delivering successful program outcomes.
3. Evidence of staff qualifications, experience and capability to carry out the proposed program.

20 points - Community Identification and Client Projection: The extent to which the applicant clearly defines and describes the geographic communities and the proposed target population the applicant plans to serve, and how the applicant is rooted in the community or communities it proposes to serve.

40 points - Program Design and Implementation: The extent to which the overall program design adequately and effectively addresses:

1. Service strategies to meet the specific unique characteristics and needs of the proposed client population.
2. Specific measureable outcomes for the proposed services.
3. Ongoing program/service quality control through program reporting and evaluation.

15 points - Budget & Costs Justification: The extent to which the budget narrative provides:

1. Thorough and clear justification for all proposed line item expenditures.
2. All expenditures and program costs are reasonable and allowable.
3. Proposed staffing is sufficient to address client projections and client language needs.
4. Where available, supplemental or companion funding is clearly identified.

2. Review and Selection Process:

Funding decisions will be based upon the quality of the applicant's program plan and budget/budget narrative based on the 100-point scale described above. However, the numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.

In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options:

• Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
• Partially fund each of the tied applications; or
• Not fund any of the tied applications.

The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.

3. Merit-Based Review Appeal Process

Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO).

Submission of Appeal

Appeals submission IDHS contact information:

• Name of Agency contact for appeals: Agata Fieske-Nesheiwat
• Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.BRIS@illinois.gov
• Email Subject Line: Appeal (Immigrant Integration 444-80-1456)

An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.

• An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
• The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following: Name and address of the appealing party;
• Identification of the grant; and
• Statement of reasons for the appeal.
• Supporting documentation, if applicable

Response to Appeal

IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.

• IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
• The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.

Resolution

The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.

• In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency.
• The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
• The determination shall include, but not be limited to: Review of the appeal;
• Appeal determination; and
• Rationale for the determination.

4. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal Awards

Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Refer to Section C. 8. Grant Funds Use Requirements for more information.

F. Award Administration Information

1. State Award Notices

Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the above review and selection process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). The NOSA shall include:

• Grant award amount
• The terms and conditions of the award
• Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA) and merit-based review.

Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into CSA. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. This signed NOSA is the document authorizing the Department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.

The notice is not an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs at the non- State entity's own risk).

A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award.

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and shall act in accordance with all state and federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services.

To review a sample of the FY2023 IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement, please visit the IDHS Website at http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29741.

The agency awarded funds through this Funding Notice must further agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.). Additional terms and conditions may apply.

3. Reporting

Upon execution of the grant agreement, reporting shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Uniform Grant Agreement and related Exhibits which includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Time Period for Required Periodic Financial Reports. Grantee shall submit financial reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 13.1 of the Uniform Grant Agreement and reports must be submitted no later than 15 days after the month ends.
• Time Period for Close-out Reports. Grantee shall submit a Close-out Report pursuant to Paragraph 13.2 of the Uniform Grant Agreement and no later than 30 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination.
• Time Period for Required Periodic Performance Reports. Grantee shall submit Performance Reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 14.1 of the Uniform Grant Agreement and such reports must be submitted no later than 15 days after the month ends.
• Time Period for Close-out Performance Reports. Grantee agrees to submit a Close-out Performance Report, pursuant to Paragraph 14.2 of the Uniform Grant Agreement and no later than 30 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination.
• Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.

4. Payment Terms

It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that this policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (procedures implementing Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury-State Agreement (TSA)), and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods). Three different award payment method exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance. Each is discussed below:

Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile)

• An initial payment will be processed in an amount equal to the first two months' cash requirements as reflected in the Advance Payment Requirements Forecast (Cash Budget) Form submitted with the Grantee's application. The initial payment will be processed upon execution of the grantee's Uniform Grant Agreement.
• Grantees must submit monthly invoices in the format and method prescribed in the Grantee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement. The first invoice is due within 15 days after the first month of the Award's term. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the Grantee. For programs that have Grantee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
• Subsequent monthly payments will be based on each monthly invoice submitted by Grantee to Grantor, and will be adjusted up or down, based on a comparison of actual cumulative expenditures to cumulative advance payments, to date.
• Grantees that do not expend all advance payment amounts by the end of the Award term or that are unable to demonstrate that all incurred costs were necessary, reasonable, allowable, or allocable as approved in their respective budget, must return the funds within 45 days.
• Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
• Failure to abide by advance payment governance requirements may result in grantee losing their right to advance payments.

Reimbursement Method

• IDHS will disburse payments to Grantee based on actual allowable costs incurred as reported in the monthly financial invoice submitted for the respective month, as described below.
• Grantees must submit monthly invoices in a format prescribed by Grantor. Invoices must include all allowable incurred costs for the first and each subsequent month of operations until the end of the Award term. Invoices must be submitted on or before the 15th calendar day following the end of each monthly invoice period. As practicable, Grantor shall process payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the invoice, unless the State awarding agency reasonably believes the request to be improper.
• Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.

Working Capital Advance Method

• IDHS Grant Program Managers will advance working capital payments to the grantee to cover their estimated disbursement needs for an initial period not to exceed two months of grant expenses. Startup costs may be approved if determined by IDHS Grant Program Managers to be allowable.
• Grantees must submit monthly invoices for each of the one or two months covered by the Working Capital Advance in the format and method prescribed by the Grantor. The first invoice is due 15 calendar days after the first month of the Award term. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the grantee. For grant programs that have grantee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
• Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
• Working Capital Advance Payments are limited to a single occurrence per grant term.
• Following the initial working capital advance payment, grantees will be paid via advance or reimbursement method as appropriate.

Additional Advance Payments

Additional working capital advance payments may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Such requests must be made in writing, may require supporting documentation and must be approved by IDHS Executive Staff.

5. Payment Forms

• Grants Invoice Template
• Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985)

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

Grant award under this NOFO will be made by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Questions associated with the NOFO and the grant award can be directed to:

Agata Fieske-Nesheiwat

Bureau of Refugee and Immigrant Services

401 S. Clinton St., Chicago, IL 60607

312.793.7120

Agata.Fieske-Nesheiwat@Illinois.gov

H. Pre-Award Costs

Pre-Award Costs are allowed subject to the discretion, review, and prior approval of the IDHS Budget Committee. Pre-Award Costs must be identified as such in the IDHS Uniform Grant Budget Narrative.

Pre-award costs for services in anticipation of an award are allowable where necessary for the efficient and timely performance of the program, and are subject to 2 CFR 200.458. Applicants who have been performing the services specified in this NOFO since July 1, 2022, must provide proof of services and associated expenses.

Only applicants who receive an award as a result of the NOFO and merit-based review process will be eligible for pre-award costs. Any applicant who has performed services since July 1, 2022, that does not receive an award under this NOFO will not be eligible for reimbursement of costs incurred.

I. Other Information, if applicable

Question and Answers

• Questions and Answers can be submitted via DHS.BRIS@illinois.gov
• Q&As will be posted to the IDHS Website.
• Q&As will be posted in a timely, responsive manner to ensure current information regarding NOFOs is available to applicants.
• All questions submitted to the program area must be answered publicly through the IDHS website within 48 hours or 2 business days (excluding weekends and holidays).

J. Mandatory Forms

1. Letter of Intent
2. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
3. Program Plan/Narrative
4. Uniform Grant Budget Template | Instructions
5. Indirect Cost Information
6. Conflict of Interest Disclosure