Greater Illinois Reimagine Violence Prevention Services(23-444-80-2774-03) Notice of Funding Opportunity

C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements

1. Eligible Applicants
   This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements and are subject to limitations described below:
   1. Eligible applicants are limited to those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)) that has or will have (within 60 days) a physical presence in the Greater Illinois eligible community area described in Section A1 above, for which they intend to apply. 
      If an organization is not physically located within the community at the time of application and organization receives an award, the organization must acquire a physical location within that community within 60 days of the contract start date (anticipated to be November 1, 2022.)
   2. In addition to the above non-profit community-based organizations, eligible applicants are inclusive of units of local government, public schools, districts, etc. that provide services within the eligible community area. The applicant has met the prequalification requirements and mandatory requirements listed in Item 2 and Item 6 below. 
   3. If an applicant is proposing to provide services in more than one eligible Greater Illinois service area, the applicant must submit a separate application for each eligible service area. 
2. GATA Registration and Prequalification
   Eligible applicant entities must be registered and prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, available here: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal Registration and prequalification are required annually. Additionally, any sub-recipient must also be registered and prequalified through GATA upon application.
   1. Registration
      The following information is required to complete registration in the Grantee Portal:
      1. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned to an entity by the federal System for Award Management (SAM). For additional information refer to Section System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier below.
      2. Entity's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)
      3. Organization type
      4. Illinois Secretary of State File ID (required for non-profits, for-profits, and limited liability corporations.)
      5. Entity name
      6. Entity mailing address
      7. Entity primary email address
      8. Entity primary phone number
      9. Entity fiscal year-end date
   2. Prequalification
      1. Once an entity is registered in the Grantee Portal, the system will automatically determine (within 24 hours) if an entity is prequalified to apply for an award. 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., not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and Suspended status cannot be remediated.
      2. For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedure, refer to Appendix C: IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance.
      3. 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.
3. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier
   1. Each applicant organization must be registered in SAM before submitting an application.
   2. Upon registration, the entity will be assigned a unique entity identifier. The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned to an entity by the federal System for Award Management (SAM). The UEI is now the primary means of identifying entities registered for federal awards government-wide in SAM. The UEI replaces the DUNS number.
   3. To view your UEI, the Federal Service Desk has posted instructions for finding the UEI in SAM here: How can I view my Unique Entity ID?
   4. Each applicant must continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by the Department.
      IDHS may not make an award to an applicant organization until the applicant has complied with all applicable SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time IDHS 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.
4. Pre-Award Requirements
   1. The pre-award process includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ). 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. While these are NOT required prior to submitting the application, they are required prior to the Department issuing an award.
   2. Applicants that have not completed an FY23 ICQ at the time of application will be contacted by the Department to complete these pre-award requirements.
   3. 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.
5. Registration in CSA
   1. The CSA Tracking System is where the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) expects all applicant entities to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and act on the proposed budget.
   2. Applicants must be registered in the CSA Tracking System to enable the applicant to submit a signed budget in CSA by the application due date. For instructions on registering in CSA, refer to How to Register in CSA For additional help and step by step instructions, refer to Instructions on registering in CSA.
   3. When submitting an application, the applicant entity's proposed budget must be entered into the CSA system. The completed budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system, and a printed copy of the signed and submitted budget must be included with the application. To do this, the following is required: at a minimum, the applicant organization's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or equivalent, or the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or equivalent must be registered in the CSA system to electronically sign the required budget documents prior to submission. Refer to Process for Adding GATA Budget Signoff Authority
   4. 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. Furthermore, if the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed, and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, 5 points will be deducted from the Budget Narrative section. Refer to Section D: Application and Submission Information, Budget for more information.
   5. It may take several days to complete the registration process so do not wait until the application due date to begin the process. For more information about registering and submitting a budget in the CSA system, refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information
6. Mandatory Requirements of Applicant/Application
   The Mandatory Requirements are essential items that must be met by the applicant. If any Mandatory Requirement is not met, the responding applicant's entire proposal will not be considered. If all responding applicants fail to meet a particular mandatory requirement, that mandatory requirement may, at the sole discretion of the State, be removed from the Mandatory Requirements so the evaluation process may continue. However, this does not obligate IDHS to make an award to any applicant that fails to meet all mandatory requirements.
   • The Application MUST include a plan to provide all three (3) required program components (Street Outreach, Case Management, and Victim Services) AND no more than two (2) of these program components may be provided through a sub-grant.
7. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements
   Providers are not required to provide in-kind and/or financial match. However, if a successful applicant proposes a voluntary match amount and the budget is approved, the total match amount incorporated into the approved budget becomes mandatory and subject to audit.
8. 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.
   1. Allowable 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.
   2. 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:
      1. 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)
      2. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
      3. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
      4. 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).
      5. Deposits for items, services, or space
   3. Limitation of Use
      Limitation of Use of Award funds for Employee Compensation: With respect to any award over $250,000, recipients may not use federal funds to pay total cash compensation to any employee that exceeds 110% of the maximum annual salary payable to a member of the Federal Government's Senior Executive Service (SES) at an agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year. A salary table is available at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2021/ES.pdf
   4. ARPA Funding Restrictions
      Grant awards under this NOFO are funded in whole or in part with fund American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery
      Funds (CSFRF) funds. Grantee is required to comply with, and is subject to, all requirements of the CSFRF and all related rules and guidance issued by Grantor and the U.S. Department of the Treasury ("Treasury"). Restrictions on use of these funds can be found at Federal Register CSLFRF and include:
      1. Funds to directly or indirectly offset a reduction in net tax revenue due to a change in law from March 3, 2021, through the last day of the fiscal year in which the funds provided have been spent
      2. Funds cannot be deposited into any pension fund
      3. Funding debt services, legal settlements or judgments, and deposits to rainy day funds or financial reserves.
      4. General infrastructure spending is not covered as an eligible use outside of waters, sewer, and broadband investments or above the amount allocated under the revenue loss provision.
         The successful applicant is responsible to ensure that all expenditures are eligible costs under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. (ARPA; P.L. 117-2)
   5. Indirect Cost Requirements and Restrictions
      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 Crowe Activity Review System (CARS), including organizations that are choosing not to claim payment for indirect costs.
      CARS URL: https://solutions.crowe.com/CARS/StateofIllinoisGOMB/Login.aspx
      1. Indirect Cost Rate Election:
         1. 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. (Refer to Section D. Application and Submission Information, 4. Other Submission Requirements for a list of required attachments)
         2. 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 or elect to use the De Minimis Rate.
         3. De Minimis Rate. An organization that has never received a Federal or State Negotiated Rate may elect a De Minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct cost (MTDC). Once established, the De Minimis rate may be used indefinitely. The State of Illinois must verify the calculation of the MTDC annually in order to accept the De Minimis rate. 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.
         4. "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 CARS.
      2. Crowe Activity Review System (CARS).
         CARS will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate, complete an indirect cost rate proposal (see State Negotiated Rate above), elect to charge the De Minimis rate (10%) of modified total direct costs (MTDC), or select that no reimbursement of indirect costs will be requested. 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 or invitation to the CARS system.
         Organizations that have previously established an indirect cost rate election must submit a new indirect cost rate election immediately and no later than 6 months after the close of their organization's fiscal year.
         Every organization must make an indirect cost rate election in CARS even if the organization is choosing De Minimis Rate or "no rate". Organizations that do not make an election or submission inside the CARS system within the required timeframes will not be allowed to claim indirect cost reimbursement.
         For more information, see https://www.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Pages/default.aspx
   6. Administrative Costs
      It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Program budgets and narratives will detail how all proposed expenditures are directly necessary for program implementation and will distinguish between Indirect/Direct Administrative and Direct Program expenses. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. At no time may the approved NICRA be exceeded under this agreement. Documentation will be required to verify the approved NICRA.
   7. 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:
      1. 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);
      2. 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;
      3. 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.
9. Post Award Requirements of Applicant
   Successful applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Notice.
   1. Start Date: Applicants must be prepared to begin offering services within 60 days of the contract start date. (Contract start date is anticipated to be November 1, 2022.) Organizations must offer all three required components of violence prevention services. Applicants will submit an implementation timeline as Attachment 4, which will include program milestones, hiring staff, training, start dates, etc.
      For new organizations and organizations with limited experience providing violence prevention services, additional "start-up" training and technical assistance may be required by the OFVP to assist with program development prior to beginning services. Additional training requirements will be based in part on the applicant's response on the program-specific questions on the Programmatic Risk Assessment. (Refer to Section C.4: Pre-Award Requirements for more information.)
   2. Technology: Organizations awarded funds through this funding notice must 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:
      1. Internet access, preferably high-speed
      2. Email capability
      3. Microsoft Excel
      4. Microsoft Word
      5. 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.
   3. Equity and Racial Justice
      IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize equity and diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves correcting existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability. Organizations that provide services under this funding opportunity and all related RPSA programs must reflect IDHS' commitment to advance equity and racial justice by enabling all to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, and disability. This includes but is not limited to having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to develop) a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)/racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as equity in outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to develop) an equity and racial justice training plan for organization staff.
   4. Program Evaluation Reporting Requirements: Providers will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the Department and/or its sub-recipient(s) and collect and report data accordingly. Data will be submitted in the format prescribed by the Department. Providers will be required to report quarterly regarding program performance measures and outcomes. Providers will be required to participate in Department directed Performance and Standards Assessment reviews. A year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report will also be required. Additional data and information may be requested throughout the year as determined by the Department.
   5. Site Visits: The applicant agrees to participate in site visits as requested by the Department or any designated individual/entity acting on behalf of the Department or the OFVP and agrees that program and collaborating partners may attend such site visits.
   6. Presentations: The applicant will be available as requested by the Department to present information regarding service deliverables, provide data updates, or to answer questions arising from the applicant's work.
   7. 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
   8. 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.
   9. Background Checks: Background checks are required for all program staff and volunteers who have the potential for contact with youth under 18. These background checks must be completed in advance of individuals working directly with youth. Such individuals will authorize such checks in writing and submit to fingerprinting when required. The agency shall retain the signed form authorizing the background check. All background check information, including the signed authorizing forms shall be maintained separately in a confidential file, apart from the employee's personnel records. Funded programs will be required to have a written protocol in place detailing the requirement for background checks; evidence of their completion; the protocol for reviewing and making determinations regarding results; etc. In no case shall a Person who has been indicated as the perpetrator of any of the child abuse/neglect allegations identified in 89 Ill. Adm. Code Section 385.50(a) be deemed fit for service that allows access to children.
   10. Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Mandate: Per the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA, 325 ILCS 5/4), mandated reporters are professionals who may work with children in the course of their professional duties. Mandated reporters are required to report suspected child maltreatment immediately when they have "reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be an abused or neglected child" (ANCRA Sec.4). This is done by calling the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Hotline at 1-800-252-2873 or 1-800-25ABUSE. Programs funded through this grant opportunity must review ANCRA and, where appropriate, have a written protocol for identifying and reporting suspected child maltreatment.
   11. 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.
   12. 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.).
   13. 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.
       The applicant agrees not to publish, release, or otherwise disseminate data in any form without the prior written permission of the Department. If such permission is granted, the applicant agrees to submit to the Department six copies of all reports and proposed publications resulting from this Agreement a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to public release. Any publications (written, visual or sound), excluding press releases, newsletters and issue analyses, shall contain the following statement: "This project [is being] [was] supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLT-3381 awarded to the State of Illinois by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and under grant(s) from the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services. Points of view or opinions in the document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Illinois Department of Human Services.

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 Appendices GI-RVPS . 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. Reshma Desai
   DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov
   Email Address: DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov
   Subject Line:  23-444-80-2774-03 GI-RVPS Request
2. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
   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. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is available as Appendix B and must be included at the beginning of this application. (Refer to 4. Other Submission Requirements in this section for a full order of application contents.)
3. Content and Form of Application Submission
   IMPORTANT: The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of your application. Please provide a complete response to the following sections. If the program 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.
   Proposal Narrative Content
   Important: Applicants must submit a plan (proposal narrative) that covers a grant period from 11/1/22 to 6/30/24 (20 months). Grant awards will be issued based on the State Fiscal Year and will be subject to performance, subject to 2 CFR 200 continuation application process, subject to GATA Compliance, and subject to sufficient State/Federal appropriation. Successful applicants under this NOFO will receive an initial award for the remainder of FY23 and a renewal opportunity for FY24.
   Applicants must submit a plan that contains the information outlined below.? Each section must begin on a new page and have a heading that corresponds to the headings listed below after each section number.? The total application may not exceed 20 pages, single-spaced.? The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, checklist, attachments, letters of intent, and Uniform Budget are not included in the page limitation.? If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative.? If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will only consider content contained within that specific section. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below. ?
   If an applicant receives an award through this NOFO, the proposal will become the local program plan and budget unless revisions are required.? The application/plan will be the basis for monitoring compliance by IDHS.
   Failure to provide an application in the format detailed throughout this section will result in the loss of points - also, refer to Section D.4. Other Submission Requirements.
   1. Executive Summary: (Appendix D, 5 points)
      The Executive Summary (Appendix D) will serve multiple purposes. First, as a scored portion of this application and secondly, for successful applicants it will serve as a stand-alone document that may be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description.
      Applicants must complete Appendix D: Reimagine Violence Prevention Services Executive Summary and include it at the beginning of your program narrative. Applicants do NOT have to complete a separate narrative besides Appendix D.
      Each of the following items is included on Appendix D and must be answered/responded to on the Appendix D Form:
      1. List the name, address, FEIN, county, and website (if any) of applicant entity
      2. List name, phone number, and email address for the organization's authorized representative and for the contact person for this application
      3. Indicate in which eligible service area the applicant is proposing to provide violence prevention services.
      4. Provide the location(s) of any organization sites located in or near the community area for which violence prevention services are being proposed.
      5. Indicate the location(s) of where proposed services will be performed in the proposed eligible community.
      6. Indicate funding amount requested under this proposal.
      7. Indicate number of years of experience delivering violence prevention services to individuals living in high-risk communities within the service area for which the applicant is applying.
      8. Briefly describe the root causes of firearm violence in high-risk communities, including any specific causes of violence in the eligible community the applicant is applying for.
      9. Indicate and briefly describe the type(s) of violence prevention services the applicant has provided or is currently providing (i.e., street outreach, advocacy, case management, housing, employment, etc.) include the location(s) for these services.
      10. Briefly describe applicant's accomplishments and outcomes as a result of delivered violence prevention services within the service area for which the applicant is applying.
      11. Briefly describe the purposes, activities, and anticipated outcomes the applicant is planning to undertake to address firearm violence.
   2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity: (35 points)
      The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of their ability to implement this program as outlined in this NOFO. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
      1. Give a brief overview of the applicant agency, outlining its primary programs and services offered. Describe how the applicant's mission statement and goals align with the purpose of this funding opportunity.
      2. Describe the applicant agency's experience providing community violence prevention services to communities at risk and specifically the eligible community that the organization proposes to serve. List the number of years of providing services, types of activities undertaken, successes and challenges, etc. Indicate where these services were provided.
      3. Describe the applicant agency's experience engaging the community and developing partnerships/relationships with community leaders, schools, law enforcement, residents, and other stakeholders within the intended community area the agency is proposing to serve. In the description identify the stakeholder groups that the applicant agency has worked with and in what capacity. Indicate if these partnerships/relationships are current.
      4. Provide a description of the applicant agency's readiness for service provision commencing within 60 days of the contract start date, taking particular note of the following:
         1. Describe the applicant agency's plan for staffing to carry out and execute this program. Please include resumes and/or job descriptions of the staff responsible for implementing this program as Attachment 3: Job Description/Resume
         2. Discuss the applicant agency's readiness in terms of the physical space where program activities will be carried out. If applicable, describe whether this is space the applicant agency currently occupies (and/or pays for), whether it is under construction, if arrangements to rent/lease/buy or build a physical facility are or are not yet final.
         3. Describe the applicant agency's readiness in terms of creating and implementing effective interventions based on the root causes of firearm violence in high-risk communities.
         4. Describe the training program staff have had and will receive to ensure their ongoing ability to successfully perform the duties of their position.
      5. Describe the applicant's experience managing state and/or federal grants.
      6. If the applicant plans to use a Sub-recipient to deliver services related to this program, describe how the applicant agency will monitor the Sub-recipient. Subcontract Attachments will be described under the Budget Narrative Section.
   3. Need - Description of Need: (10 points)
      The purpose of this section is to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for proposed services within the targeted community and how the applicant will address these needs. It is necessary for the applicant to demonstrate that it has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs of the individuals impacted by violence.
      1. Provide evidence that the applicant has thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs of youth and families impacted by firearm violence.
      2. Provide evidence that the applicant has an understanding of the needs of community as it relates to addressing and responding to firearm violence within their communities.
      3. Describe how the provision of violence prevention services will help to mitigate the negative effects of COVID on the community. Describe how these services will assist populations and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID and firearm violence.
   4. Equity and Racial Justice: (10 points)
      The purpose of this section is for the applicant to demonstrate understanding of the history and impact of racism and inequity on communities most impacted by firearm violence and to describe the organization's response to address racial inequity. The applicant should provide a clear picture of its work to counteract systemic racism and inequity and to prioritize and maximize diversity and equity throughout its service provision process.
      1. Describe the applicant's commitment and actions to address equity and racial justice. Examples of commitment and activities may include but are not limited to, having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to have) a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)/equity and racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as equity in outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to have) an equity and racial justice training plan.
      2. If no equity and racial justice efforts are currently being practiced, describe the applicant's plan to implement those efforts, including a timeline of activities.
      3. Identify and describe some of the potential root causes of firearm violence within the targeted communities; address and/or include how historical factors have contributed to the conditions of the communities as appropriate. Include recommendations on how to address firearm violence and make the local community safer.
      4. Describe how the applicant will use an equity lens when creating and implementing programming. An equity lens is a process that analyzes the impact of policies and practices on marginalized communities to inform and ensure equitable outcomes. Include applicant organization's written commitment to advancing equity and racial justice. If one is not yet written, please detail when and how such a statement will be institutionalized.
      5. Describe how the applicant will intentionally and deliberately analyze the delivery and/or impact of the program on underserved and marginalized groups (including communities of color, people with disabilities, gender nonconforming people, etc.)
      6. Describe how the applicant will provide violence prevention services to address the disparate impact of firearm violence on communities of color.
      7. Include demographic information of program staff and agency leadership (board and/or executive staff) and discuss if these demographics match the designated community(ies).
      8. Based on racial demographic data, provide the number of policies, practices and procedures that have been implemented, revised, or repealed to reduce racial disparities at your agency.
   5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services: (30 points)
      The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive, clear, and accurate picture of its intended program design. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout.
      At a minimum, the proposal must describe how the organization will provide the following services and activities consistent with Section A: Program Description; 3. Required Services and Programming:
      1. Recruit individuals at the highest risk of harming someone or being harmed by firearm violence
      2. Screen individuals through an intake process to determine risk and eligibility for further violence prevention services.
      3. Provide comprehensive evidence-based firearm violence prevention services. Providers MUST provide each of the following elements: street outreach, case management, and victim services. Give a full description of each evidence-based program/practice. Indicate if this will be a new program/practice or if applicant is already providing it. Indicate if the applicant agency will provide the services directly; sub-contract for services or refer youth to other RPSA-funded organizations for services.
         1. Street outreach: The street outreach program model employs street outreach workers who actively work to mediate conflicts and prevent retaliatory violence between those who are at risk to commit or become the victims of firearm violence. Describe the plan to provide on-call street outreach workers 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
         2. Case Management: Uses a case manager or case team to complete an intake assessment, develop a case plan and provide or connect the individual to identified resources and services.
         3. Victim Services: Helps victims of violence recover from physical and emotional trauma caused by the violence by empowering them with skills, services, and opportunities.
      4. Hold regular team staffings for participants
      5. Develop, maintain, and leverage strong relationships with community residents, stakeholders, and law enforcement entities, etc. to support local violence reduction strategies. Describe how the organization will use those relationships to identify conflicts for recurring violence and build relationships with individuals who are most able to reduce conflicts
      6. Coordinate services with other organizations providing violence prevention services in their area.
      7. Recruit, train, maintain, and develop staff
      8. Participate in IDHS-approved training, technical assistance, and support (TTAS)
      9. Ensure that all programming is infused with trauma-informed principles
      10. Develop and implement or maintain a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)/racial justice plan
      11. Additional Information
          1. Include an implementation timeline with milestones and deliverables as Attachment 4: Implementation Timeline. The timeline should cover the entire program period, beginning November 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024. (20 months)
          2. If applicant plans to use a Sub-recipient to deliver services related to this program, describe the role and responsibilities of the Sub-recipient. Describe how the applicant agency will evaluate the performance of the Sub-recipient. Sub-recipient Attachments will be described under the Budget Narrative Section.
   6. Budget Narrative: (10 points)
      1. Applicant Budgets:
         Important: Please read carefully. Applicants will be submitting a budget narrative for the entire grant period (November 2022 to June 2024). However, applicants will be entering a budget into CSA for only the FY 23 grant period (November 2022 to June 2023).
         1. Applicants should provide a budget and a budget narrative for the service area over entire grant period (November 2022 to June 2024). A Budget Template is available as Appendix E. A PDF copy of this 20-month budget should be included in the application as Attachment 5: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (20-month budget).
            The budget and budget narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrates that all proposed costs are:
            • Reasonable and necessary
            • Allocable, and
            • Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable.
         2. In this section, provide a detailed Budget Narrative of the items allocated within your proposed budget. This will include all funds budgeted for the program over this 20-month period. Identify the source of those funds and detail how the specified resources and personnel are being allocated to ensure the tasks, activities, goals, and objectives described in your proposal will be implemented. If you plan to use additional state or federal funds, or other funds to support the program, please also describe how these additional funds will be utilized to implement the program. Applicants should ALSO enter a budget into CSA for FY 23 portion of the grant - November 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. (Refer to (c) below if your organization is submitting applications for more than one service area.) Instructions for FY24 renewal budgets for successful applicants will be provided at a later date.
            The FY23 budget for the FY23 grant period November 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 must be submitted electronically in the CSA system (Refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information for more information and a link to budget forms). The Budget entered into the CSA system will include a narrative or detailed description/justification for each line in the budget and will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how you arrived at the particular amount. Please include cost allocations as necessary. This narrative must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The FY23 Budget (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) should clearly describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities described in your plan. Include a PDF copy of the budget submitted in CSA as Attachment 5a: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget.
            
            The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer. (Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirement; 5. Registration in CSA.) If indirect costs are included in the budget, a copy of the approved NICRA must be included with the Application as Attachment 6: Applicant NICRA.
            
            IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS.
            If the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed, and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, 5 points will be deducted from the Budget Narrative section of the application.
         3. For applicants submitting more than one application under this NOFO, a separate budget must be entered for each separate application/community area applied for. In the Narrative section on the summary page of the CSA budget please identify the Greater Illinois eligible service area for which the budget is intended.
         4. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been submitted and approved through the CSA system.
         5. The applicant must submit Federal Form W9 as Attachment 7: Applicant Federal Form W9.
      2. Sub-recipients
         Sub-recipients must be registered in the GATA grantee portal and be pre-qualified. Refer to Section C.2. Prequalification above. If you plan to use sub-recipients, indicate amount of funds to be provided to the sub-recipients; include a budget narrative describing how sub-recipient will use funds. (See below for additional instructions regarding sub-recipient budgets.)
         Sub-recipient budgets must be pre-approved, and therefore must be submitted with this application. Sub-recipient budgets should NOT be submitted in the CSA system. Instead, Sub-recipient budgets should be completed using a PDF form of the Uniform Budget Template available in Appendix A: CSA Budget Information. This PDF template should only be used for Sub-recipient budgets. If Sub-recipients will be used, also include the following:
         • Attachment 8-Sub-recipient Agreement and Budget (The Sub-recipient Agreement is generated by the applicant agency and is not a Department form.)
         • Attachment 9-Sub-recipient Agency Federal Form W9
         • Attachment 10- Sub-recipient Agency approved NICRA if indirect costs are included and Sub-recipient Agency has a current approved Federal or State NICRA
         • Attachment 11- Additional Sub-Recipient Information (Appendix H)
   7. Attachments to Your Application Narrative (Not included in page Limits)
      Although this section is not scored individually, points will be deducted in the above sections if these items are not included as directed.? The Attachments should be labeled accordingly and placed in the order below. If any attachments are not applicable, a page labeled with the attachment number should be submitted and should include a statement explaining why the attachment was not applicable.
      Order of Attachments:
      • Attachment 1 Application Checklist (Appendix F)
      • Attachment 2 Contact Information Forms (Appendix G; complete one for applicant organization and one for each subgrantee as appropriate.)
      • Attachment 3 Job Description/Resume
      • Attachment 4 Implementation Timeline
      • Attachment 5 Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (20-month budget)
      • Attachment 5a Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (8-month budget)
      • Attachment 6 Applicant NICRA
      • Attachment 7 Applicant Federal Form W9
      • Attachment 8 Sub-recipient Agreement and Budget
      • Attachment 9 Sub-recipient Agency Federal Form W9
      • Attachment 10 Sub-recipient Agency approved NICRA
      • Attachment 11 Additional Sub-Recipient Information (Appendix H)
4. Application Submission Dates and Times
   1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order, with the signed Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Uniform Application) on top. The Uniform Application is available as Appendix B.
   2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov and received no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, 9/16/2022
      
      The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov. Include the following in the subject line: GI-RVPS 23-444-80-2774-3 your agency name
      Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be considered for review or funding. Applications will NOT be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk, or thumb drive. The electronic copy must be a complete single PDF file. If the applicant needs assistance creating a single PDF file, please reach out to contact person listed in this NOFO in ADVANCE of the Due Date and Time.
   3. Applicants will receive a receipt confirmation email within 48 hours of receipt notifying them that their application was received and the date and time it was received. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. This receipt confirmation email is solely confirmation that the application has been received by the Department; it is not a confirmation of the applicant's eligibility; prequalification, etc. Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements, for more information on the applicant's eligibility.
      Applicants are required to notify the Department by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, 9/21/2022 if they did NOT receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and/or does not notify the Department by 9/21/2022 at 12:00 PM, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored.
      The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department after Wednesday, 9/21/2022 at 12:00 PM. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above.
      Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately 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.
   4. For your records, please keep a copy of your 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.
      IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.
5. Other Submission Requirements
   1. Proposal Container and Format Requirements
      All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. With the exception of letterhead and stationery for letter(s) of support (not required), the entire proposal should be typed in black ink on white paper. 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 in the "Content and Form of Application Submission" section including the Executive Summary. Items included as Attachments are NOT included in the page limitations.
      The entire application, including attachments, must be sequentially page numbered and compiled in the order specified below. The complete application must be compiled in a single PDF document and submitted as directed.
   2. ALL Applications MUST include the following mandatory forms/attachments in the order identified below.
      1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Refer to Appendix B)
      2. Proposal Narrative
         1. Executive Summary (Appendix D)
         2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
         3. Need - Description of Need
         4. Equity and Racial Justice
         5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
         6. Budget Narrative (Narrative should cover the entire 20-month grant award period, November 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024)
         7. Attachments to Your Application
            • Attachment 1 Application Checklist (Appendix F)
            • Attachment 2 Contact Information Forms (Appendix G; complete one for applicant organization and one for each subgrantee as
              appropriate.)
            • Attachment 3 Job Description/Resume
            • Attachment 4 Implementation Timeline
            • Attachment 5 Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (20-month budget)
            • Attachment 5a Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (8-month budget)
            • Attachment 6 Applicant NICRA
            • Attachment 7 Applicant Federal Form W9
            • Attachment 8 Sub-recipient Agreement and Budget
            • Attachment 9 Sub-recipient Agency Federal Form W9
            • Attachment 10 Sub-recipient Agency approved NICRA
            • Attachment 11 Additional Sub-Recipient Information (Appendix H)
      3. Uniform Grant Budget - The FY23 (eight-month, November through June 2023) proposed budget must be entered, signed, and submitted in CSA and is required for the application to be considered complete. A hard copy of this signed and submitted budget must be included with the application as Attachment 5a (see list of attachments above.)
   3. Applications will be accepted as described herein. Faxed copies, hard copies, etc. will not be accepted. Applications that are inconsistent with the instructions herein will be subject to loss of points. The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.
6. 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:
   1. Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date. To establish a SAM.gov registration, go to SAM and/or utilize this instructional link: "How To Register in SAM" https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Resource%20Library/SAM-Registration.pdf
   2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (DUNS number) in its application; and
   3. 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.
   4. 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.
7. Intergovernmental Review
   This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."
8. Funding Restrictions
   The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements as described in Section A. Program Description and in accordance with Section C. 6 Grant Funds Use Requirements.

E. Application Review Information