Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Illinois (24-444-30-3025)

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name Division of Rehabilitation Services
Agency Contact Robyn Lewis robyn.lewis@illinois.gov
Announcement Type Competitive
Funding Opportunity Title Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) Illinois
Funding Opportunity Number 24-444-30-3025-01
Application Posting Date April 17, 2023
Application Closing Date May 29, 2023; 5:00PM CST
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-30-3025
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name SWTCIE Ilinois
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) 84.421D
Award Funding Source Federal
84.421D: Disability Innovation Fund - Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment Innovative Model Demonstration Project.
Estimated Total Program Funding Approximately $3M will be made available for a 4-year project period (July 1, 2023- June 30, 2027)
Anticipated Number of Awards 6
Award Range Average award amount: $125,000 per fiscal year for each of the six selected agencies
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement Cost sharing or matching is not required
Indirect Costs Allowed Unrestricted Indirect Cost Rate
Restrictions on Indirect Costs Indirect Cost Rate must be approved.
(Section C. Eligibility and Grant Funding requirements; 8. Grant Fund Use) for any funding restrictions.
Technical Assistance Session Session Offered: Yes
Session Mandatory: No
Date/Time: May 2, 2023; 10:30- 12:00; Via WebEx
WebEx Meeting  

A. Program Description

  1. Program Summary


    Across Illinois and the United States, youth and adults with disabilities, their family members and advocates for people with disabilities expect full community integration, including employment. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) recognizes the need for new employment models for youth and adults with disabilities to obtain competitive integrated employment (CIE) (34 CFR § 361.5(c)(9). Given that subminimum wage (SMW) employment models (29 CFR § 525.1) are outdated, a new and innovative focus is required for eliminating SMW employment in Illinois. Critical policy and programming gaps exist. Identification of strategies to expand CIE opportunities for Illinoisans with disabilities currently employed at SMW are needed. The Rehabilitation Services, a Division of the Illinois Department of Human Services seeks projects to prevent the payment of SMW and build a body of evidence toward achieving State and National CIE policy goals.
    The IDHS DRS From Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment for Illinoisans with Disabilities (SWTCIE Illinois) Model Demonstration Project (U.S. Department of Education Disability Innovation Fund, 84.421D) is a new initiative that addresses the need to expand opportunities for Illinoisans with disabilities to obtain high-quality CIE that leads to economic security and assists and encourages employers in Illinois to fully include youth and adults with disabilities in their workforce. SWTCIE Illinois will increase opportunities for Illinois youth and adults with disabilities to transition from SMW employment to CIE and redirect youth and adults to CIE when they are contemplating SMW employment for the first time.
    The SWTCIE Illinois Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will provide funding, contingent on initial application and achievement of key performance indicators, for organizations that hold or have applied for certificates issued under section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and not currently funded as DRS Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) providers or who have contracts less than $250,000 and meet or agree to meet DRS CRP accreditation requirements. The grant will cover areas such as personnel, training/certification, accreditation, outreach, and other enhancements to programs which focus on CIE outcomes.
    The SWTCIE Illinois team, comprised of the Division of Rehabilitation Services, in collaboration with the University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), will provide training and technical assistance and on-going support to foster the transition to CIE. As part of the grant award, training of identified grantee personnel will be conducted by UIUC with the goal of obtaining Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) certification. Funded provider agencies will be required to participate in ACRE certification training and a Community of Practice (CoP) specific to the grant.
    Using the IDHS Illinois Region map as a guide, DRS aims to achieve diverse geographical representation by selecting two (2) candidates from the combined Regions 1 and 2, two (2) candidates from the combined Regions 3 and 4, and two (2) candidates from Region 5. If an insufficient number of qualified candidates emerge from the regions as defined, then the next qualified candidate, regardless of region, will be selected.

    1. Definitions
      1. Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE): CIE is defined as work that- 
        1. Is performed on a full-time or part-time basis (including self-employment) and for which an individual is compensated at a rate that-
          1. Is not less than the higher of the rate specified in section 6(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1)) or the rate required under the applicable State or local minimum wage law for the place of employment;
          2. Is not less than the customary rate paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by other employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who are similarly situated in similar occupations by the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and
          3. In the case of an individual who is self-employed, yields an income that is comparable to the income received by other individuals who are not individuals with disabilities and who are self-employed in similar occupations or on similar tasks and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and
          4. Is eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees;

        and (ii) Is at a location-

          1. Typically found in the community; and
          2. Where the employee with a disability interacts for the purpose of performing the duties of the position with other employees within the particular work unit and the entire work site, and, as appropriate to the work performed, other persons (e.g., customers and vendors), who are not individuals with disabilities (not including supervisory personnel or individuals who are providing services to such employee) to the same extent that employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who are in comparable positions interact with these persons; and
        • (iii) Presents, as appropriate, opportunities for advancement that are similar to those for other employees who are not individuals with disabilities and who have similar positions. (Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA.)
      2. Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP)
        Community rehabilitation program means a program that provides directly or facilitates the provision of one or more of the following vocational rehabilitation services to individuals with disabilities to enable those individuals to maximize their opportunities for employment, including career advancement. 34 CFR 361.5(c)(7).
      3. 14(c) Certificate
        The Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1986 (FLSA) (Pub. L. 99-486, 100 Stat. 1229) substantially revised those provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 201) permitting the employment of individuals disabled for the work to be performed (workers with disabilities) at special minimum wage rates below the rate that would otherwise be required by statute. These provisions are codified at section 14(c) of the FLSA.
      4. Community of Practice (CoP):
        "Community of practice" means a group of people who work together to solve a persistent problem or to improve practice in an area that is important to them and who deepen their knowledge and expertise by interacting on an ongoing basis. Communities of practice exist in many forms, some large in scale that deal with complex problems, others small in scale that focus on a problem at a very specific level. See http://www.wintac.org/cop for examples of communities of practice established through other RSA grants. (Section 437(d)(1) of GEPA).
    2. Informational Resources:
      89 ILCS 530: Criteria for the Evaluation of Programs of Services in Community Rehabilitation Agencies
      IDHS: Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) Manual- FY23

  2. Funding Priorities

    • The Division of Rehabilitation Services' funding priorities are centered on enhancing independence and quality of life of youth and adults with disabilities through increasing access to CIE. Section 100(a)(3) of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 720(a)(3)) clearly expects the Illinois Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program to be delivered so that individuals with disabilities are provided with the opportunity to obtain competitive integrated employment.
      The Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services, as the Illinois VR agency is seeking applications from organizations located in Illinois who currently hold or applied for a Department of Labor (DOL) 14(c) subminimum wage certificate (29 CFR § 525.1) and employ individuals with disabilities under this special wage certificate. Only organizations that hold or have applied for certificates issued under section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and not currently funded as DRS Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) providers or who have contracts less than $250,000 and meet or agree to meet DRS CRP accreditation requirements will be eligible to apply.
      The SWTCIE Illinois grant award prioritizes the integration of ACRE certified employment specialists and the development of innovative business models to support youth and adults with disabilities in exploring and obtaining CIE. Through a competitive Merit Based Review and selection process (Section E: Application Review Information, 2. Review and Selection Process, a. Merit-Based Review) (44 IL Adm. Code 7000.350), the DRS expects to fund six grantees who demonstrate the following DRS SWTCIE Illinois funding priorities:
      1. Each agency must commit at least two full-time positions to the SWTCIE Illinois project to serve as ACRE Certified Employment Specialists. Programs must recruit, hire, reassign, and/or take necessary steps to retrain and retain staff that undergo employment specialist training provided by UIUC.
      2. Commitment to work in collaboration with and under the guidance of the SWTCIE Illinois team to:
        1. Increase the opportunity for SWTCIE program participants to obtain CIE as defined (34 CFR § 361.5(c)(9).
        2. Identify strategies for addressing challenges associated with access to CIE (e.g., transportation, support services, et cetera).
        3. Provide integrated services that support CIE.
        4. Support integration into the community through CIE.
        5. Identify and coordinate wraparound services for any individual served by the project who obtains CIE.
        6. Develop evidence-based practices and share those practices with other entities holding 14(c) certificates, State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, local rehabilitation providers, State and local workforce agencies, and regional and local employers.
        7. Create and adopt an innovative business model that focuses on CIE and eliminates the use of the 14(c) certificate and increase the use of VR Contracts.
    • In allocating funds, the DRS shall give preference to programs which serve special population groups and targeted geographic areas, as determined by the DRS. In determining special population groups, the DRS shall consider the adequacy of current service programs in meeting the unique needs of minority groups and persons with certain types of disabilities. In determining targeted geographic areas, the DRS shall consider an area's current funding and service levels and demographic indicators of need. Using the IDHS Illinois Region map as a guide, DRS aims to achieve diverse geographical representation by selecting two (2) candidates from the combined Regions 1 and 2, two (2) candidates from the combined Regions 3 and 4, and two (2) candidates from Region 5. If an insufficient number of qualified candidates emerge from the regions as defined, then the next qualified candidate, regardless of region, will be selected.

  3. Deliverables

    The Division of Rehabilitation Services is investing in employment equity and the transition from SMW employment to competitive integrated employment. The DRS is seeking applications from organizations that hold or have applied for certificates issued under Section 14(c) of the Fair Standards Labor Act (Attachment 9), with the ability to engage youth and adults with disabilities. The SWTCIE Illinois grant will fund the following required activities:
    1. Engage youth and adults with disabilities who are contemplating or currently employed under DOL 14(c) subminimum wage certificate.
    2. Reassign/recruit, maintain, and develop at least two Employment Specialists with 100% dedication to SWTCIE Illinois project activities.
    3. Dedicate at least two staff members to participate in SWTCIE Illinois required trainings in evidence-based CIE practices, professional development activities, and ACRE certification requirements.
    4. Develop programs in partnership with SWTCIE Illinois project team and implement CIE activities for project participants such as:
      1. Supported/Customized Employment
      2. Benefits Counseling
      3. Job Exploration
      4. Post-Secondary Education
      5. Job Shadowing
      6. On the job experiences
      7. Internships or Apprenticeships
    5. Grantees will become authorized DRS Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP) consistent with 89 ILCS 530 and engage in DRS VR contracts.
    6. Using SWTCIE Illinois developed protocols, grantees will maintain data and records on SWTCIE Illinois project activities.
    7. Grantees will be required to participate in the formal evaluation of the SWTCIE Illinois project, conducted by UIUC on at least a quarterly basis. Grantees must cooperate in the collection of data for this purpose.
    8. Grantees will collaborate with SWTCIE Illinois to perform outreach activities such as developing and distributing marketing and communication materials, facilitating outreach events, and otherwise engage key SWTCIE Illinois stakeholders (adults and youth with disabilities, business partners, schools, DRS VR, community members, etc.).
    9. Grantees will be expected to work together with families, community entities, local employers, schools, DRS VR, and other workforce partners to provide sufficient wraparound services for participants.
    10. Grantees cannot charge participation fees as part of the SWTCIE Illinois project.
      Note: All funding awards are based on meeting established activities and outcomes as identified within the NOFO.

  4. Performance Measures

    Grantees of the SWTCIE Illinois project will be expected to complete activities outlined in Section A. Project Description, 3. Deliverables, to support the intended performance measures of the project:

    1. Engagement
      1. Engage both youth and adults with disabilities who are contemplating or currently employed under a 14(c) subminimum wage certificate.
      2. In collaboration with SWTCIE Illinois, grantee will complete individual assessments and develop a case plan for each participant with a focus on CIE.
    2. Staffing
      1. Create new or modify existing job descriptions for personnel related to CIE activities.
      2. Hire or reassign at least two agency personnel to become ACRE certified Employment Specialists and dedicate 100% of their efforts to SWTCIE Illinois project activities.
    3. Training
      1. Dedicate at least two staff members to participate in SWTCIE Illinois required ACRE certification requirements.
      2. Dedicate at least two staff members to participate in SWTCIE Illinois required trainings in evidence-based CIE practices and professional development activities.
    4. Program Requirements
      1. Engage in CIE evidence-based best practices including, but not limited to, business engagement, self-determination, access to integrated community activities, coaching and mentoring.
      2. Engage program participants in CIE.
      3. Become an authorized DRS Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) consistent with 89 ILCS 530 and engage in DRS VR contracts.
    5. Data and Reporting
      1. Using SWTCIE Illinois developed protocols, grantees will maintain data and records on SWTCIE Illinois project activities.
      2. Grantees will be required to participate in the formal evaluation of the SWTCIE Illinois project, conducted by UIUC on at least a quarterly basis. Grantees must cooperate in the collection of data for this purpose.
      3. Using a SWTCIE Illinois developed protocol, submit quarterly and year-end reports regarding program performance measures and outcomes.
    6. Outreach and Collaboration
      1. Collaborate with SWTCIE Illinois to develop and distribute marketing and communication materials.
      2. Facilitate outreach events to engage key SWTCIE Illinois stakeholders (adults and youth with disabilities, business partners, schools, DRS VR, community members, etc.).
      3. Work together with participants and families, community entities such as agencies and schools, employers and the business community, DRS VR, and other workforce partners to provide sufficient wraparound services for participants. 

  5. Performance Standards

    At the end of each quarter, successful grantees will submit a periodic performance report (PPR) using a SWTCIE Illinois prescribed protocol. At the end of the year, successful grantees will submit a cumulative report. In addition to service data and activities, the PPRs will also include the following performance measures.

    1. Engagement
      1. Engage at least eight (8) youth and adults (combined) with disabilities who are contemplating or currently employed under a 14(c) subminimum wage certificate.
      2. Up to 100% completion of individual assessments and develop a case plan for each participant with a focus on CIE.
    2. Staffing
      1. Create new or modify existing job descriptions for personnel related to CIE activities (100%).
      2. Up to 100% of at least two agency personnel to dedicate 100% of their efforts to SWTCIE Illinois project activities.
    3. Training
      1. Up to 100% of at least two agency personnel to participate in SWTCIE Illinois required ACRE certification requirements.
      2. Up to 100% of at least two agency personnel to participate in SWTCIE Illinois required trainings in evidence-based CIE practices and professional development activities.
    4. Program Requirements
      1. Engage up to 100% program participants in CIE using evidence-based practices.
      2. Become an authorized DRS Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) consistent with 89 ILCS 530, must be 100% complete or in process by end of SFY 24.
    5. Data and Reporting
      1. Up to 100% compliance with SWTCIE Illinois developed data and reporting protocols.
      2. Up to 100% submission of SWTCIE Illinois developed periodic report protocols in a timely and accurate manner.
    6. Outreach and Collaboration
      1. Collaborate with SWTCIE Illinois to develop at least two (2) and distribute marketing and communication materials per SFY
      2. Facilitating at least one (1) outreach event per quarter to engage key SWTCIE Illinois stakeholders per SFY (adults and youth with disabilities, business partners, schools, DRS VR, community members, etc.).

  6. Authorizing Statutes

  • These programs are authorized by section 7 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehabilitation Act) (29 U.S.C. 705(5)) and Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938(29 U.S.C. § 203).
    Program Authority: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Pub. L. 116- 260), 134 Stat. 1602. (Federal Register /Vol. 87, No. 54 /Monday, March 21, 2022 /Notices) Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, a grantee under this competition may award sub grants for a portion of the funds to other public and private, nonprofit entities to directly carry out project activities described in the grantee's application.

B. Award and Funding Information

The DRS will fund six grantees for organizations that hold or have applied for certificates issued under section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, and not currently funded as DRS Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) providers or who have contracts less than $250,000 and meet or agree to meet DRS CRP accreditation requirements. Using the IDHS Illinois Region map as a guide, DRS aims to achieve diverse geographical representation by selecting two (2) candidates from the combined Regions 1 and 2, two (2) candidates from the combined Regions 3 and 4, and two (2) candidates from Region 5. If an insufficient number of qualified candidates emerge from the regions as defined, then the next qualified candidate, regardless of region, will be selected. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the DRS to make an award.

  1. Total Amount of Funding

    • The Department anticipates the availability of approximately $3M in funding over a 4 year cycle.
    • The source of funding for this program is 84.421D: Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) Award # H421D220009.

  2. Number of Grant Awards

    • The Department anticipates funding approximately 6 grant awards to provide this program.

  3. Expected Amounts of Individual Grant Award

    • Funds will be distributed annually, following SFY, in the amount of approximately $125,000. Grantees will be required to renew their grant award on an annual basis. Renewal will be based on performance and at the discretion of the DRS. The grant will continue through 6/30/2027 based on the agency's ability to successfully meet program activities and outcomes. Further supplementation and renewal will not be available after the grant period ending date of June 30, 2027 (SFY). 

  4. Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards.

    • The grant period will begin no sooner than 7/1/2023 and will continue through 6/30/2027.

  5.  Type of Assistance Instrument

    • This is a competitive grant award funding opportunity.

  6. Procurement Contract Allowability

    • Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive three subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on performance.
    • The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.

  7. Proposed Budgets

    • Should include:
      1. Personnel, directly associated with SWTCIE Illinois project activities- salaries and fringe (SFY 24- SFY 27),
      2. Cost of travel associated with staff engaged in SWTCIE Illinois project activities,
      3. Cost of outreach events,
      4. Cost of accreditation to meet DRS CRP requirement (if required), and
      5. Other anticipated costs, such as technology, to support CIE activities.
    •  Must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS. Successful grantees will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been approved through the CSA system. Additional information on the CSA System will be provided post-award announcement, pre-award.

  8. Other

    • Grantees will be expected to increase DRS Contract revenue and reduce reliance on grant funds to support the SWTCIE Illinois project in a progressive manner over the course of the contract with the goal of self-sustaining by the end of the grant period (June 30, 2027).

C. Eligibility Information

  1. Eligible Applicants

    • This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements
      1. Is a current provider of services to individuals with disabilities and holds or has applied for certificates issued under section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act,
      2. Is not a current DRS CRP or is a current DRS CRP but has outcome-based contracts of less than $250,000 annually,
      3. Meets or agrees to meet DRS CRP accreditation requirements consistent with (89 ILCS 530),
      4. Has completed all prequalification guidelines and has met application requirements as outlined (C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements, 2. GATA Registration and Requirements), 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. Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met.,
      5. Has submitted all information and data points as outlined and requested in this NOFO (D. Application and Submission Information),
      6. Has demonstrated experience providing services and support to individuals with disabilities, and
      7. Has demonstrated the ability to meet all program activities and outcomes described in this NOFO (A. Project Description, 3. Deliverables, and 4. Performance Outcomes and Standards).
    • 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. GATA Registration and Prequalification

    • Eligible applicant entities must be registered and prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee portal, to be eligible to apply for a grant, How To Access The Grantee Portal (pdf). Registration and prequalification are required annually. An Illinois.gov public account authenticates the relationship between the individual and the organization they represent, How to create an Illinois.gov Public Account.
      1. Registration
        The following information is required to complete GATA Grantee Portal registration:
        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 C. Eligibility Information and Grant funding, 3. 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 Indirect Costs
      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 

    • 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. Registered in SAM.gov | Home before application submission. To establish a SAM.gov registration, go to SAM.gov | Home and/or utilize this instructional link: "How To Register in SAM (pdf)"
      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. Applicants must include their UEI in the application.
      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 always to maintain an active SAM registration with current information 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 24 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 FY24 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 the 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 applying, the applicant'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.

  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.

  • 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. 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. 
        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 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.

  • 9. Post Award Requirements of Applicant

    • Successful applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Notice. Applicants may choose to submit one application for all geographic areas to which they are applying, or they may choose to submit a separate application for each of the geographic areas to which they are applying.
      1. Start Date: Applicants must be prepared to begin offering services at the time of contract start date.
      2. Technology: Organizations awarded funds through this funding notice must have a computer for the purpose of utilizing any required IDHS web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of electronic program and fiscal information. 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, focusing on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.
      4. Program Evaluation Reporting Requirements: Grantees will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the SWTCIE Illinois team and collect and report data accordingly. Data will be submitted in the format prescribed by SWTCIE Illinois team. Grantees will be required to report quarterly regarding program performance measures and outcomes. 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 UIUC and agrees that program and collaborating partners may attend such site visits.
      6. Presentations: The applicant will be available as requested by SWTCIE Illinois team to present information regarding service deliverables, provide data updates, or to answer questions arising from the applicant's work.
      7. 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.).
      8. Publication of Studies, Reports, or other Program Products: The applicant agrees that products produced for SWTCIE Illinois under this award, including, but not limited to research reports, data, analyses, and policy recommendations are the property of SWTCIE Illinois and will not be published or distributed except as prescribed by the SWTCIE Illinois team. The applicant agrees not to publish, release, or otherwise disseminate data in any form without the prior written permission of the Department. 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 H421D220009 awarded to the State of Illinois by the U.S. Department of Education 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

The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance. 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.

Appendices will be made available in user/printer friendly format and may be found on the Illinois Department of Human Services web site. 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:

Robyn L. Lewis, Ph.D.
Policy Advisor
Division of Rehabilitation Services
Illinois Department of Human Services
100 S. Grand East, Springfield, IL 62704
Email: DHS.VRProgram@illinois.gov

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 Section D. Application and Submission, 4. Other Submission Requirements for a full order of application contents).

  • 3. Application Requirements 

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.

  1. Proposal Narrative 

    • The maximum total score is 100 POINTS.
      The following components must be included in the proposal narrative:
      1. Executive Summary (Appendix D)
      2. Need - Description of Need
      3. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
      4. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
      5. Budget Narrative
    1. Executive Summary (25 POINTS)
      The Executive Summary (Appendix D) will serve as a stand-alone document for successful applicants that will 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. Each of the following items is included on Appendix D and must be answered/responded to on the Appendix D form:
      1. Applicant Information: List name, phone number, and email address for the organization's authorized representative and for the contact person for this application.
      2. Budget Questions: Requested amount and affirm CSA entry.
      3. Service Area: Identify target service areas/communities.
      4. Participant Base:
        1. Identify the number of individuals with disabilities who are projected to participate, and
        2. Identify the current number of individuals with disabilities who are currently receiving subminimum wages.
      5. Experience:
        1. Describe agency experience in providing services and supports, both generally and specific to CIE, to individuals with disabilities and their families, and
        2. Describe agency experience in collaborating with other community agencies to achieve a common goal.
      6. Programming:
        1. Indicate and briefly describe the type(s) of services the applicant has provided or is currently providing (i.e., employment and pre-employment training, life skills etc.) Include the location(s) for these services,
        2. Briefly describe the reason the provider agency seeks to receive the SWTCIE Illinois grant and the impact on the individuals you seek to support in CIE, and
        3. Describe how the SWTCIE Illinois grant will help your organization build expertise in order to support individuals with disabilities to move into CIE.
      7. Affirmation Statements:
        1. Affirm a commitment to participating in UIUC/DRS training and a Community of Practice,
        2. Affirm a commitment to participation in ACRE training,
        3. Affirm a commitment to becoming a DRS accredited CRP consistent with 89 IL 530 (if not already an accredited DRS CRP), and
        4. Affirm to decrease enrollment in Subminimum Wage Certificate 14(c) activities and move toward elimination of SMW activities by the end of the grant term.
    2. Need - Description of Need (20 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. The applicant's proposal will be evaluated based on the following:
      1. Analysis of the needs of youth and adults with disabilities in the proposed service area(s) and target community/communities and the agency's plans for meeting those needs,
      2. Data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating the ways that the proposed SWTCIE Illinois grant will impact the individuals being identified,
      3. Total number youth and adults with disabilities you support:
        1. Customers aged 14-24
        2. Customers aged 25 and over
      4. Total number of youth and adults with disabilities you currently support engaged in:
        1. Community Day Services
        2. Subminimum Wage Employment
        3. Prevocational or employee development activity
        4. DDD Supported Employment Program
        5. DRS VR Customers
      5. Number of youth and adults with disabilities you anticipate being interested in engaging in CIE,
      6. Number of agency personnel (paid or volunteer) with a primary job duty associated with:
        1. Subminimum Wage Employment
        2. Facility-based work (Non-Subminimum Wage Employment)
        3. Facility-based non-work (in life skills / life enrichment)
        4. Prevocational or employee development activity
        5. Community based activity (volunteerism/exploration)
        6. DDD Supported Employment Program
        7. Competitive Integrated Employment
        8. DRS VR customer supports
      7. Number of agency personnel you would seek to employ to meet the SWTCIE Illinois project goals, and
      8. If the agency is accredited by a national accreditation body, then identify the accreditation body, and
      9. If the agency is NOT accredited, then state agency commitment to become authorized DRS Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP) consistent with 89 ILCS 530 and engage in DRS VR contracts.
    3. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity (20 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's proposal will be evaluated based on the following:
      1. Agency's ability to be ready to begin participating in the SWTCIE Illinois activities by July 1, 2023,
      2. Define the applicant's strategies and approaches to identify and or recruit youth and adults with disabilities to participate in the project,
      3. Describe the applicant's approach to engage stakeholders, businesses, families, schools, DRS VR, and other community partners to build a foundation of achievable, cohesive and sustained success in increasing community integration and inclusion of youth and adults with disabilities,
      4. Describe the agency's plans to change internal culture to be CIE focused,
      5. Agency's prior experience serving individuals with disabilities and their families, specifically those employed in 14(C) facilities,
      6. Commit to the protocols and processes necessary to collect, track, house, and act upon data related to the outcomes of this project,
      7. Define a program plan, including key performance indicators and maintenance strategies, for achieving the targeted increase in community integration and inclusion of youth and adults with disabilities by the conclusion of the NOFO funding cycle, and
      8. Agency's ability to execute the program according to the grant requirements.
    4. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services (20 POINTS)
      The purpose of this section(s) is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive, clear, and accurate picture of its intended program design. At a minimum, the proposal must describe how the organization will provide the proposed services and activities consistent with Section A: Program Description, 3. Deliverables. The applicant's proposal will be evaluated based on the following:
      1. Describe the applicant's intent to modify or enhance recruitment and retention strategies for staff which will support project funded programs,
      2. Commit to participate in project evaluation activities, project meetings/webinars, technical assistance and training activities coordinated by the DRS/UIUC,
      3. Describe how program will recruit, train, maintain, and develop staff,
      4. Commitment to identifying staff to receive ACRE certification and describe the fit for the organization in relation to individuals served,
      5. Provide a detailed description as to how the agency will directly engage with potential and existing participants via education, outreach, and communication, and
      6. Provide a detailed summary of the agency's quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with the program goals as well as Division, IDHS, and GATA requirements.
    5. Budget Narrative (15 POINTS)
      Important: Applicants must submit a plan (proposal narrative) that covers a grant period from 7/1/23 to 6/30/27. Grant awards will be issued annually based on the State Fiscal Year and will be subject to performance, subject to 2 CFR 200 continuation application process, and subject to GATA Compliance.
      Period 1 (start date): July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
      Period 2: July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025 (based on meeting tenets of grant)
      Period 3: July 1, 2025- June 30, 2026 (based on meeting tenets of grant; funding will be reduced by personnel expenses based on the expectation that grantees will transition associated costs to their DRS contract)
      Period 4: July 1, 2026- June 30, 2027 (based on meeting tenets of grant; funding will be reduced by personnel expenses based on the expectation that grantees will transition associated costs to their DRS contract)
      Applicants should provide a budget narrative and a budget for the grant period (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2027). The budget and budget narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrates that all proposed costs meet the requirements of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and are applicable, allowable, reasonable, and necessary.
      1. Budget Narrative: In this section of the program narrative, provide a detailed Budget Narrative of the items allocated within your proposed budget. 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.
      2. Budget: Applicants must enter their budget into CSA. (Refer to (b) below if your organization is submitting applications for more than one service area.)
        The FY24 budget, Period 1, for 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 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 amount. Please include cost allocations as necessary. The FY24 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.
        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 Requirements, 5. Registration in CSA).
        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.
        A PDF copy of the budget should be included in the application as Attachment 5: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget. This should be printed from the CSA system. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been submitted and approved through the CSA system. If indirect costs are included in the budget, the applicant must submit a copy of their organization's approved NICRA as Attachment 6: Applicant NICRA. The applicant must submit Federal Form W9 as Attachment 7: Applicant Federal Form W9.
        The applicant's budget proposal will be evaluated based on the extent to which the budget narrative provides the following:  Thorough and clear justification and narrative for all proposed line-item expenditures. 
        • All expenditures and program costs are reasonable and allowable.
        • Financial Quotes for necessary accreditation should be included with the proposal.
        • Proposed staffing meets the grant requirement of at least two staff
        • Where available, supplemental or companion funding is clearly identified.
    6. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (required, no points assigned)
      The Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure form (Appendix H) must be completed, signed, and submitted with your grant application materials as Attachment 8. If no actual or potential conflicts exist, the applicant should indicate "no conflicts." For conflicts that arise after application submission, submit this form to your designated grant program point of contact within 7 calendar days after the conflict has been identified. Refer to the Disclosure form for examples of potential conflicts.

4. Application Submission Dates and Times

    1. Applicants must submit a plan that contains the information outlined below.
    2. 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.
    3. Failure to provide an application in the format detailed throughout this section will result in the loss of points. (Refer to Section D. 5. Other submission requirements).
    4. 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.
    5. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.VRProgram@illinois.gov and received no later than 5:00pm on May 29, 2023. The subject line should read: SWTCIE IL, (Agency Name). The application will be time-stamped upon receipt.
    6. 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. 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.
    7. Applicants will receive a receipt confirmation email within 48 business 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.
    8. Applicants are required to notify the Department by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 if they did NOT receive an email notifying them that their application was received. The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department after Wednesday, May 31 at 5:00 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.
    9. 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. PLEASE ensure that supporting documentation demonstrates these technical difficulties are the result of DHS/State systems and that they are documented prior to the application due date and time. This includes correspondence with DHS staff regarding same.

5. Other Submission Requirements

  1. Proposal Container and Format Requirements
    1. All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. Except for 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. Each section must begin on a new page and have a heading that corresponds to the headings listed below after each section number.
    2. Numbered and compiled in the order specified below. The complete application must be compiled in a single PDF document and submitted as directed.
    3. The total application may not exceed 20 pages, single-spaced. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, checklist, attachments, and Uniform Budget are not included in the page limitation.
    4. 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.
  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. Program Narrative
      1. Executive Summary (Appendix D)
      2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
      3. Need - Description of Need
      4. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
      5. Budget Narrative
      6. Attachments to Your Application
        1. Attachment 1: Application Checklist (Appendix E)
        2. Attachment 2: Contact Information Form (Appendix F)
        3. Attachment 3: Organizational Chart
        4. Attachment 4: Implementation Timeline
        5. Attachment 5: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (printed from CSA)
        6. Attachment 6: Applicant Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement
        7. Attachment 7: Applicant Federal Form W9
        8. Attachment 8: Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (Appendix H)
        9. Attachment 9: Department of Labor 14 (c) subminimum wage certificate or application
    3. Uniform Grant Budget
      The FY24, Period 1,  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 5 (see list of attachments above). A template for the Uniform Grant Budget is provided in Appendix G.

6. Intergovernmental Review

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

7. 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. 8. Grant Funds Use Requirements.

E. Application Review Information 

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

1. Eligibility Review

  1. Program Staff will conduct an initial eligibility review to determine if an application meets the eligibility requirements published in this Notice and will advance to the next stage of the review process.
    An application is compliant if the applicant: 
    1. is an eligible organization (refer to Section C: Eligibility Information),
    2. is GATA prequalified,
    3. application submission by the submission deadline
    4. meets the mandatory requirement listed in this NOFO,
      Reviewing for eligibility is intended to ensure that only those applications that are eligible for award are further reviewed. However, determinations of eligibility can take place at any point during the application review and selection process. Applicants that are determined to be ineligible will not receive an award.
      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.
  2. Applicants proposing to serve more than one eligible community area must submit a separate application for each eligible community area. Applications will be scored separately.
  3. No applicant will be granted more than one award under this CSFA number (444-30-3025) for the same eligible service area.
  4. The Department will review, score, and make funding decisions separately for each eligible service area. Applicants will compete against other applicants applying to serve the same eligible service area. The Department anticipates awarding one or more grants per eligible service area.

2. Review and Selection Process

  1. Merit-Based Review
    1. The Merit Based Review will be conducted by a review team comprised of three or more internal and/or external reviewers. Internal reviewers are individuals employed by IDHS, contractual staff or individuals working as interns from an Illinois academic institution. External reviewers are those individuals not employed by IDHS who have volunteered to review applications, have subject matter expertise and/or grant reviewing experience and have been screened for any potential conflict of interest with their assigned applications.
    2. The SWTCIE Illinois MBR team will be comprised of internal reviewers from DRS and Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). External reviewers will consist of content matter experts from UIUC, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the State Rehabilitation Council.
    3. The review teams will be provided with a Merit Based Review Committee Member Orientation Session.
    4. After the orientation session, applications will be reviewed and scored individually. The Review Team scores will be compiled and averaged on a Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
    5. The Department designee will then conduct an initial quality assurance review which must include the following:
      1. Initial review of the summary score sheet to identify scoring discrepancies,
      2. Determine whether reviewers properly applied Merit Based Review steps as instructed,
      3. Identify any obvious infractions of committee members' independence in the review process,
      4. Assess whether reviewers properly completed all section of the MBR Scoring Sheet. Reviewer score sheets may be returned to the reviewer to improve legibility and completeness of comments, and
      5. Determine whether all facets of the review and scoring process were adhered to and consistently applied by reviewers.
    6. Following the initial quality assurance review, a post merit-based review committee meeting will be held. The review committee meeting is required for all competitive merit-based reviews and will be facilitated by the Bureau Chief or designee. The following apply:
      1. Each review team assigned application will be discussed by team members, including application highlights, concerns, application mandates / requirements etc.,
      2. Scoring disparities will be identified, addressed and resolved. For each application, if a significant disparity exists between reviewer scores (based on a set formula), review team members will collectively examine the application and discuss comments to ensure team members have not missed items within the application that other team members may have identified including application mandates / requirements etc. Application highlights and concerns will also be discussed,
      3. Individual scores must be revised if a reviewer determines that they have missed information in the application, and
      4. Scoring revisions resulting from discussions must be documented on the respective scoring sheet with written commentary to support the revision.
    7. Once the post merit-based review meeting has been held and individual scores have been revised and resubmitted (as necessary), the Review Team member scores will be updated, compiled and averaged on the Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
    8. At any time during the merit-based review or post-review process:
      1. If it is determined that there was the possibility of impropriety on the part of any reviewer, upon written request and with the approval of the Associate Director, the Department reserves the right to remove from consideration the reviewer scores and comments from consideration. This action must be documented in writing and must include the reason for removal.
      2. If the removal of a reviewer scores and comments results in fewer than 3 reviewers scoring the application, the Department will assign an alternate reviewer to the application. This reviewer will be afforded all the same guidance, instruction and time to complete the review task. Once completed, the process will resume as required.
    9. After the updated Review Scores have been compiled and averaged, the Department Designee will then prepare preliminary funding recommendations for the SWTCIE Illinois project manager. These recommendations may include a final eligibility review of recommended applications to confirm applicant meets eligibility and mandated requirements. Funding recommendations may also include consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified under Section A: Program Description, 2. Funding Priorities.
    10. Based on the preliminary recommendations and other considerations listed above, the SWTCIE Illinois project manager will prepare funding recommendations for the Director.
    11. The Director will make the final award determination. In making a final funding determination, the Director may include consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified under Section A: Program Description, 2. Funding Priorities

3. Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria:

SECTION POINTS
Executive Summary 25 Points
Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity 20 Points
Need - Description of Need 20 Points
Quality - Description of Program Design and Services 20 Points
Budget Narrative* 15 Points
TOTAL 100 POINTS

Scoring will be on a 100-point scale. Application Narratives will be evaluated on the above criteria.
* 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 in this status by the application due date and time, 5 points will be deducted for the Budget Narrative section of the application.

4. Selection Process

As described in the Criteria section above, scoring will be done by MBR committee on a 100-point scale. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department & the SWTCIE Illinois team reserve the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. and other factors identified under Section A: Program Description, 2. Funding Priorities.
While the score/recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the DRS maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the review panel 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:

  1. Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications, or
  2. Not fund any of the tied applications, or
  3. Assign a new 3-person review team to review and score both applications to break the tie.
  4. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.

5. Merit Based Review Appeal Process

  1. 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).
  2. Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
    Name of Agency contact for appeals: Robyn Lewis
    Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.VRProgram@illinois.gov
    Email Subject Line: "agency name," CSFA: 444-30-3025 Appeal
  3. Submission of Appeal:
    1. An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send to the IDHS ARO for consideration.
    2. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
    3. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
      1. Name and address of the appealing party,
      2. Identification of the grant,
      3. Statement of reasons for the appeal, and
      4. Supporting documentation, if applicable.
    4. Response to Appeal:
      1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
      2. 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.
      3. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.
    5. Resolution:
      1. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
      2. 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.
      3. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
      4. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
        1.  Review of the appeal,
        2. Appeal determination, and
        3. Rationale for the determination

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 FY2024 IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.
    • 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
      1. Periodic Financial Report (PFR)
        1. The Provider will submit expenditure documentation as required by the Division, quarterly and final PFRs in the format prescribed by the Department.
        2. These monthly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of each month for the preceding month by email.
        3. The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30) is due October 15th; Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31st) is due - January 15th, Quarter 3 (January 1- March 31st) is due - April 15th, and Quarter 4 (April 1st -June 30th) is due - July 15th).
        4. The final (cumulative fiscal year) Periodic Financial report is due July 15th of the next fiscal year.
      2. Periodic Performance Report (PPR)
        1. The provider will provide monthly status reports to the UIUC using prescribed templates.
        2. The Provider will submit quarterly and final PRPs in the format prescribed by the SWTCIE Illinois team.
        3. The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30) is due October 15th; Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31st) is due - January 15th, Quarter 3 (January 1- March 31st) is due - April 15th, and Quarter 4 (April 1st -June 30th) is due - July 15th).
        4. The final (cumulative fiscal year) Periodic Financial report is due July 15th of the next fiscal year.
      3. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the SWTCIE Illinois team and in a format prescribed by the Department. Annual Audit in conformance with Audit Requirements set forth in the grant agreement.
      4. Recordkeeping Requirements. The Provider is required to maintain until December 31, 2032, adequate books, all financial records and supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award. If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the records have been resolved and final action taken. The Provider agrees to provide or make available all records related to this grant upon request.
      5. Non-compliance with any of the above reporting requirements, including timeliness of reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List.

  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. 

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

Point of Contact
Name: Robyn Lewis
Email Address: DHS.VRProgram@illinois.gov

Questions and Answers
If you have questions relating to this NOFO, please send them via email to: DHS.VRProgram@illinois.gov with "SWTCIE Illinois Project" in the subject line of the email. Beginning 4/20/23 questions with their respective answers will be posted on the IDHS website. Questions and answers will be updated frequently as new questions are received. Applicants are responsible for checking frequently as the responses provided may have an impact on their ability to submit a responsive application. Only written answers posted on the website will be considered valid and official. The final deadline to submit any written questions regarding this Funding Notice will be Wednesday 5/22/2023. The Final listing of Q&A will be posted by End of Day on Friday, 5/26/2023.

H. Other Information, if applicable

To apply for state funding, organizations must be prequalified in accordance with the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Organizations can register and prequalify in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal at any point prior to applying for funding. If an organization is in the process of applying for a specific funding opportunity, prequalification must be completed prior to the application due date listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

IDHS is offering several options for assistance to ensure that your organization is prequalified and therefore, eligible to apply for this opportunity. These assistance options are NOT MANDATORY and will not affect your application score. If your organization has not successfully applied for state funding previously, IDHS encourages organizations to take advantage of these options; there is no cost to participate.

I. Mandatory Forms

  1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Appendix B)
  2. Project Narrative and Attachments (Refer to Section D. Application and Submission Information, 5. Other Submission Requirements for a list of required attachments).
  3. Uniform Grant Budget (printed from CSA)
  4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (Appendix H)

J. Appendix List

Appendix A: CSA Budget Information (docx)

Appendix B: Unified State Grant Assistance Form (pdf)

Appendix C: IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance (docx)

Appendix D: Executive Summary (docx)

Appendix E: Application Checklist (docx)

Appendix F: Contact information form (docx)

Appendix G: Uniform Budget Template

Appendix H: Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Appendix K: Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985)