814 CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) Success Program (24-444-22-2690)

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name	Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name	Division of Mental Health
Agency Contact	Barb Roberson DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov
Announcement Type	Non-Competitive/Renewal
Funding Opportunity Title	814 CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) Success Program
Funding Opportunity Number	24- 444-22-2690
Application Posting Date	February 24, 2023
Application Closing Date	March 27, 2023, 12:00 PM Central Time
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-22-2690
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name	814 CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) Success Program
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s)	NA
Estimated Total Program Funding	$9,177,375

 Community Service Agreements (CSA) Tracking System

Centralized Repository Vault (CRV)

Scope of Services

The CRSS Success program will provide high quality recovery support training, supervised practical experience, and wrap-around supports, coordinated by post-secondary educational institutions, for individuals with lived expertise of mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use recovery. This program seeks to increase the number of individuals in Illinois who successfully obtain the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential through the Illinois Certification Board (ICB d/b/a IAODAPCA), as one mechanism to address the behavioral health workforce shortage.

The CRSS Success program will design and implement a training and education plan that includes the following:

Program components and expectations

All activities should follow the standards outlined in Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS, issued by the Illinois Certification Board.

1. Classroom component

1. The training programs shall have a classroom component that consists of a minimum of 110 clock hours of training (40 hours recovery support specific with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain, 16 hours in professional ethics and responsibility, and 54 hours in the Core Functions with 5 hours specific to family and 5 hours specific to youth).

2. Practical experience component

1. The training programs shall have a practical experience (internship) component to ensure students develop skills appropriate to minimum recovery support specialist competencies. This component will consist of no less than 300 contact hours and shall be no less than three months in length.

3. Affiliate agreements

1. A training program shall have written agreements with a variety of practical experience sites. This is essential, especially for the student who has experience in one service component of the recovery support field and needs another setting for well-rounded training.
2. Training programs shall maintain linkages with other segments of the recovery support community, the education community, and other professions, as resources, to enhance the training exposure of the student.

4. Faculty standards

1. Experience in providing recovery support, substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance use) services is considered as a minimum requirement for all faculty. It is recommended that instructional faculty be credentialed by ICB.
2. ICB believes persons who have had experience in delivering recovery support services are among the most qualified to deliver training in recovery support training.
3. The coordinator of the training program has the responsibility to keep abreast of the advances and changes in the recovery support field and incorporate such changes into the curriculum. The coordinator should also maintain contact with ICB to ensure coordination between the accreditation and certification functions of ICB.

5. Training program evaluation

1. Ensure accountability of the recovery support training program. The human service field is dynamic and requires constant attention to quality of the content of material presented to students. The demand for trained recovery support specialists requires that training programs undergo a constant evaluation to identify problems, implement solutions, and initiate innovative responses to the changing demands of the field.

6. Wrap-around supports

1. Develop a process for identifying students' challenges and barriers to success and aligning wrap-around resources and supports with students' needs
2. Provide wrap-around resources and supports for students to overcome practical barriers to full participation and success, including but not limited to:
   1. student tuition, books, and fees;
   2. ICB credentialing fees;
   3. general technology needs (e.g., laptop, tablet, hotspot, etc.);
   4. stipends for practical experience (internship) component;
   5. clothing for practical experience (internship) component (e.g., polo shirts, professional attire, etc.);
   6. childcare and transportation (including parking);
   7. employment and housing supports;
   8. counseling, advising, and transfer services;
   9. legal support to address barriers to employment related to criminal history or citizenship status;
   10. any other needs and/or accommodations essential for students to maintain participation in the program.

7. Scholarship fund

1. Maintain and manage a $10,000 needs-based scholarship fund for Illinois residents who are CRSS and CPRS candidates or credentialed professionals
2. Make scholarship funds available to qualified Illinois residents, not just students in the CRSS Success program
3. Develop a process for aligning scholarship funds with applicant needs
4. Dispense scholarship funds to cover, at a minimum, the following:
   1. Application fee
   2. Exam fee
   3. Annual renewal fees
   4. Transportation costs to and from exam site

8. Data collection and reporting

1. Submit financial and program documentation to the IDHS/Division of Mental Health monthly.
2. Submit performance documentation to the IDHS/Division of Mental Health monthly.
3. Submit a fiscal year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report at the end of the fiscal year.
4. Participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the IDHS/Division of Mental Health and collect and report data accordingly.

Deliverables

Performance Requirements:

1. Grantee will develop curricula for training recovery support specialists that meets the curriculum training standards as outlined in the Illinois Certification Board Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS.
2. Grantee will provide a minimum of 110 hours of education specific to recovery support specialists with a minimum of 10 hours in each of the Performance Domains (Advocacy, Mentoring/Education, Recovery/Wellness Support).
3. Grantee will provide training in professional ethics and responsibility with a focus on the CRSS/CPRS Code of Ethics.
4. Grantee will provide a minimum of 54 hours of training in the Core Functions, with a minimum of 5 hours specific to family and a minimum of 5 hours specific to youth.
5. Grantee will have written agreements with a variety of practical experience sites.
6. Grantee will have a practical experience (internship) component to ensure students develop skills appropriate to minimum recovery support specialist competencies.
7. Grantee will maintain a list of affiliations with other segments of the recovery support community, the education community, and other professions, as resources, to enhance the training exposure of the student.
8. Grantee will provide wrap-around supports for students to overcome practical barriers to full participation such as student tuition, books, and fees; ICB credentialing fees; stipends for practical experience (internship) component; and stipends to cover costs of childcare, transportation, general technology needs (e.g., laptop or internet hotspot), or other needs essential for students to maintain participation in the program.

Payment Terms

Grantees will receive payment by one of the three payment methodologies (Advance Payment, Reimbursement or Working Capital Advance). Grantees will automatically be paid via Reimbursement Method unless a request for Advance Payment Method or Working Capital Advance Method is made using the IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template (Cash Budget).

I. Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile)

1. An initial payment will be processed in an amount equal to the first two months' cash requirements as reflected in the Advance Payment Requirements Forecast (Cash Budget) Form submitted with the Grantee's application. The initial payment will be processed upon execution of the grantee's Uniform Grant Agreement.
2. Grantees must submit monthly invoices in the format and method prescribed in the Grantee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement. Invoices must be submitted no later than 15 days following the end of any respective monthly invoice period, or as indicated in their UGA Exhibit F - Payments. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the Grantee. For programs that have Grantee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
3. Subsequent monthly payments will be based on each monthly invoice submitted to the grant program, and will be adjusted up or down, based on a comparison of actual cumulative expenditures to cumulative advance payments, to date.
4. Grantees that do not expend all advance payment amounts by the end of the grant term or that are unable to demonstrate that all incurred costs were necessary, reasonable, allowable, or allocable as approved in their respective grant budget, must return the funds or be subject to grant funds recovery.
5. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
6. Failure to abide by advance payment governance requirements may result in grantee losing their right to advance payments.

II. Reimbursement Method

1. IDHS will disburse payments to Grantee based on actual allowable costs incurred as reported in the monthly financial invoice submitted for the respective month, as described below.
2. Grantees must submit monthly invoices in a format prescribed by Grantor. Invoices must include all allowable incurred costs for the first and each subsequent month of operations until the end of the Award term. Invoices must be submitted no later than 15 days following the end of any respective monthly invoice period, or as indicated in their UGA Exhibit F - Payments. As practicable, Grantor shall process payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the invoice, unless the State awarding agency reasonably believes the request to be improper.
3. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.

III. Working Capital Advance Method

1. IDHS Grant Program Managers will advance working capital payments to the grantee to cover their estimated disbursement needs for an initial period not to exceed two months of grant expenses. Startup costs may be approved if determined by IDHS Grant Program Managers to be allowable.
2. Grantees must submit monthly invoices for each of the one or two months covered by the Working Capital Advance in the format and method prescribed by the Grantor. Invoices must be submitted no later than 15 days following the end of any respective monthly invoice period, or as indicated in their UGA Exhibit F - Payments. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the grantee. For grant programs that have grantee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
3. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
4. Working Capital Advance Payments are limited to a single occurrence per grant term.
5. Following the initial working capital advance payment, grantees will be paid via reimbursement method unless an IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template is submitted for Advanced Payment Method.

Additional Advance Payments

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

Note:  If you will be submitting the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget, it must be submitted with the application packet as a separate document.

The Monthly Invoice IL444-5257 Template must be used for all DMH programs and submitted no later than 15 days after the end of the month. All invoices shall be HIIPA compliant and encrypted utilizing DHS approved encryption software, and emailed to DMH at the email address:

Monthly Invoices and Quarterly PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov   

Monthly Invoices and Quarterly PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov   

Monthly Invoices and Quarterly PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@illinois.gov 

Payment Forms

1. Monthly Invoice IL444-5257
2. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) Only if requesting an advance payment

Performance Measures

1. Number of hours of recovery support specific training provided.
2. Number of hours of training provided in professional ethics and responsibility.
3. Number of hours of training provided in the Core Functions.
4. Number of hours of training provided specific to family.
5. Number of hours of training provided specific to youth.
6. Number of written agreements with practical experience sites.
7. Average number of contact hours of practical experience component for students.
8. Number of affiliations with the recovery support community and other resources for students.
9. Number of students enrolled in program
10. Number of stipends for practical experience (internship) component
11. Number of students' ICB application fees paid
12. Number of students' ICB exam fees paid
13. Number of students receiving stipends for wrap-around supports

Performance Standards

1. Minimum 40 clock hours of recovery support specific training
2. Minimum of 16 clock hours of training in professional ethics and responsibility
3. Minimum 54 clock hours in the Core Functions
4. Minimum of 3 written agreements
5. Minimum of 300 contact hours in practical experience component
6. Minimum of 5 affiliations with the recovery support community and other resources for students.
7. Minimum of 10 students enrolled in program
8. Minimum of 10 stipends for practical experience (internship) component
9. Minimum of 10 ICB application fees paid

Program Contact

Name: Barb Roberson

Email Address: DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov

Applicant Eligibility

This non-competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements. If these requirements are not met by deadlines listed in this opportunity an award will not be made:

• The applicant has met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
• This funding opportunity is limited to those who currently have an award for this program.
• Applicant must comply with all applicable local (city, county) and state licensing, accreditation, and certification requirements, as of the due date of the application
• More than one application per entity is not permitted.
• Applicants must be Post-secondary educational institutions

Pre-Qualification

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

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

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

The following information is required to complete registration:

• Organization's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI); For additional information on UEI, refer to Section Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) below;
• Organization's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN);
• Organization type;
• Illinois Secretary of State File ID (required for non-profits, for-profits and limited liability corporations);
• Organization's name;
• Organization's mailing address;
• Organization's primary email address;
• Organization's primary phone number;
• Organization's fiscal year-end date

Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)

Each applicant is required to:

• Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; if your organization does not yet have a UEI you must request one.
• Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award, an application, or plan under consideration by the Department

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

Pre-Award Requirements

The pre-award process includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ). The ICQ is completed for the organization. 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.

Applicants that have not completed an ICQ for the grant award year at the time of application will be contacted by the Department to complete this pre-award requirement.

This grantee pre-award requirement is 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.

The deadline to submit the ICQ is April 6, 2023, 12:00 PM Central Time.

Registration in CSA

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

State and Federal Laws and Regulations

The agency awarded funds through this funding opportunity 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.).

Indirect Cost Rate

Indirect Cost Requirements and Restrictions

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

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

Indirect Cost Rate Election:

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

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

• No Rate: Grantees have discretion not to claim payment for indirect costs. Grantees that elect not to claim indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs. The organization must record an election of "No Indirect Costs" into the Indirect Cost Rate Election System.
• State Funded Universities/Institutions: Maximum reimbursement for indirect costs is restricted to 10% Off Campus and 20% On Campus with MTDC base.

Crowe Activity Review System (CARS). CARS will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate or complete an indirect cost rate proposal (see State Negotiated Rate above). Submission requirements are located on page 2 of the Uniform Budget Template as well as 2 CFR 200 Appendices IV, V & VII.

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

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

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

For more information see:

Centralized Indirect Cost Rate User Manual

GATA

Grant Fund Use Requirements

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

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

• Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity(ies) contained in the Scope of Work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.
• Unallowable costs: Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS:
  • Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438)
  • Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
  • Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
  • Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445).
  • Deposits for items, services, or space

• Simplified Acquisition Threshold: Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee must be aware of the following regarding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold as it will be applicable to any qualifying subaward:
  • That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
  • That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that the awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;
  • That the awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.

Application Procedures

Address to Request Application Package

Application materials are provided throughout this announcement. Applications will be made available in user/printer friendly format and may be found on the FY24 Division of Mental Health web site. Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the Department at the email address below.

Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Division's web page will contain information regarding the materials necessary for submission.

Program Email Address: DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov 

Content and Form of Application Submission

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.

Page 1 of the application is pre-populated with the appropriate information. Applicants must not complete anything on Page 1. The correct application must be used.

Page 3 of the document requires the amount applying for, signature and the organization's authorized representative.

Application Submission Dates and Times

Intergovernmental Review

This funding opportunity is not subject to Executive Order 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs

Funding Restrictions

The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements. Proposed budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS.

Application Submission

1. To be considered for award, application materials will only be accepted electronically. Applications must be in the possession of the DMH email address DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.
2. IDHS cannot guarantee a start date of July 1, 2023, if application submissions are received after the due date referenced in the Program Summary above.
3. Emails into this box are electronically date and time stamped upon arrival. For your records, please keep a copy of your email submission with the date and time it was submitted, along with the email address to which it was sent. The email of the original sender of the application will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.
4. If an applicant experiences technical difficulties, an email must be sent to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov prior to the submission deadline. If State systems are deemed to be working properly, it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their application materials arrive at the appropriate email address before the submission deadline date and time.
5. IDHS/DMH is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.
6. Applicants will receive an email to notify them that the application was received. The email reply will be sent to the original sender of the application materials.
7. The subject line of the email MUST state:
   1. Entity Name;
   2. Program 814 CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) Success Program

Budget Requirements

The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements. Proposed budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS.

Deadline for submission of the budget, in the CSA Tracking System, is the same as the application deadline.

• The CSA Tracking System is where the IDHS requires all applicants to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and take action on the proposed budget. The CSA Tracking system requires that you have different credentials than what you have for the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. Please follow the directions below to sign the proposed budget.
• A budget and budget narrative need to be completed, electronically signed, and submitted in the CSA tracking system with the status as "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review". A copy is not to be submitted along with the application packet
• There is space when preparing the budget on each line item for the budget narrative. For each line in the budget the applicant will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how the amount was determined. Please include cost allocations as necessary. The Budget narrative (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) must clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities within each line item. See instructions for the CSA Tracking System and Budget Information. The budget should be prepared to reflect 12 months.
• A Budget Template and Instructions can be used as a tool to assist in determining expenses; however, the final budget must be completed in the CSA Tracking System. The pdf budget or paper copy will not be accepted. Applicants will NOT be issued an award without the applicant's fully approved budget in the CSA System.

Subrecipient budget(s)

• If applicant is planning to use a subrecipient, a pdf copy of the subrecipient budget must be submitted as a separate pdf document with the application packet.
• Subrecipient budgets shall be submitted on the IDHS/DMH Budget template (GOMBGATU-3002-(R-02-17).

Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosures

Every grantee and subrecipient must disclose in writing any actual or potential Conflict of Interest as part of the grant application packet using the Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form IL444-5205.

Grantee Conflicts of Interest include, but are not limited to:

1. Grantee has an employee, board member, trustee, or immediate family member who:
   1. Holds an elected or appointed office in Illinois.
   2. Holds a seat in the Illinois General Assembly.
   3. Is an officer or employee of any State board, commission, authority, or holds an elected or appointed position or is employed in any of the offices or agencies of State government.
2. Grantee has a financial interest, including ownership of stocks or bonds, in a firm which is a vendor or contractor.
3. Grantee has outstanding financial commitments to any vendor or contractor.
4. Grantee has a close personal relationship. such as a spouse, dependent child, or member of the technical advisor's household, that may compromise or impair the fairness and impartiality of the technical advisor and grants officer during the solicitation development, proposal evaluation, award selection process, and management of an award.
5. Grantee has any negotiation of employment with current or potential sub-recipient or vendor.

Additional examples of Grantee Conflicts of Interest can be found in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Website Resource Library.

Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal Awards

Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Refer to Section "Preapplication Coordination", "Grant Fund Use Requirements".

Project Narrative

A Project Narrative is required to support the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (GA) for non-competitive grants. The purpose of the Project Narrative is to describe the organization's program activities and design for implementing and administering the program for the upcoming State Fiscal Year (SFY). This Project Narrative will include information that is specific to your organization's proposed program services and be considered part of your grant agreement. Submission of this Project Narrative is required to fulfill contractual obligations.

Mandatory Submissions

• Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
• Project Narrative
• Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) submit as a separate attachment (no submission will result in default to Reimbursement Method)
• Uniform Grant Budget Template (In CSA) | Instructions
• Conflict of Interest Disclosure submit as a separate attachment

Award Procedures

Applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Opportunity.

Start Date: Applicants must be in a position to begin offering services on July 1, 2023.

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

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

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

Agreement Terms

IDHS anticipates that the term of the agreement resulting from this Program Grant Opportunity will be July 1, 2023, continuing through June 30, 2024, and will require the mutual consent of both parties, be dependent upon the Grantee's performance and adherence to program requirements and the availability of funds. IDHS may withdraw this opportunity at any time prior to the actual time a fully executed agreement is filed with the State of Illinois Comptroller's Office.

Post Award Requirements of Applicant

If the State share of any State award may include more than the requirements applicable reflected in 2 CFR 200, Appendix XII - Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters then the recipient of the grant, during that period of time must maintain the currency of information reported to the System for Award Management (SAM) that is made available in the designated integrity and performance system (currently the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS)) about civil, criminal, or administrative proceedings described in paragraph 2 of this award term and condition. This is a statutory requirement under section 872 of Public Law 110-417, as amended (41 U.S.C. 2313). As required by section 3010 of Public Law 111-212, all information posted in the designated integrity and performance system on or after April 15, 2011, except past performance reviews required for Federal procurement contracts, will be publicly available.

State Award Notices

Applicants will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA) via the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. It is important to keep contact information in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal updated since the main contact is the person notifications are sent to. The NOSA shall include:

1. Grant award amount
2. The terms and conditions of the award
3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the Fiscal and Administrative Risk Assessment (ICQ).

Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into CSA.

The NOSA must be accepted by the grants officer (or equivalent). This effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. This accepted NOSA is the document authorizing the Department to proceed with issuing a grant.

The NOSA 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).

Other Information

IDHS reserves the right to request additional information. Applicants are expected to provide the additional information within a reasonable time. Failure to provide the information could result in the rejection of the application. Providing the requested information does not obligate IDHS to provide funding nor should an agency draw any conclusions about the department's intentions to fund or not fund the application.

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.

The agency awarded funds through this Funding Opportunity 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.

Renewals

This program will be awarded as a 12-month term agreement. This is the second renewal of two. Renewals are at the sole discretion of IDHS and are contingent on meeting the following criteria:

1. Applicant has performed satisfactorily during the most recent past funding period.
2. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division.
3. No outstanding issues are present (i.e. in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements); and
4. Funding for the budget year has been appropriated in the state's approved fiscal year budget.

Formula and Matching Requirements

Cost Sharing or Matching:

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

Uses and Restrictions

• This funding opportunity is considered a new application.
• The release of this funding opportunity does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.
• This opportunity is considered a grant agreement and is a non-competitive application for funding. It is not a guarantee of funding.
• This award utilizes State appropriated funds.
• Serves as Maintenance of Effort to the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Community Mental Health Block Grant

Funding Restrictions

The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements. IDHS/DMH is not obligated to reimburse applicants for expenses or services incurred prior to the complete and final execution of the grant agreement and filing with the Illinois Office of the Comptroller.

Allowable Costs

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.

Reports

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:

Grantee shall submit a quarterly Periodic Financial Report (GOMBGATU-4002 (N-08-17)) to the appropriate email address. Reported expenses should be consistent with the approved annual grant budget. Any expenditure variances require prior Grantor approval in accordance with Article VI of the Uniform Grant Agreement to be reimbursable.

PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov

PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov  

PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@illinois.gov

The Grantee shall submit quarterly Periodic Performance Report (GOMBGATU-4001 (N-08-17)) and the Periodic Performance Report Template by Program (PRTP) to the appropriate email address below. Reporting templates and instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the IDHS website.

PPR and PRTP Email Address for All Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov