510-RTLR Regions The Living Room (24-444-22-1484-01)

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name	Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name	Division of Mental Health
Agency Contact	Rob Putnam DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov
Announcement Type	Competitive
Funding Opportunity Title	510-RTLR Regions The Living Room
Funding Opportunity Number	24-444-22-1484-01
Application Posting Date	March 1, 2023
Application Closing Date	March 31, 2023, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
Deadline for ICQ	April 6, 2023, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-22-1484
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name	510-RTLR Regions The Living Room
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s)	NA
Award Funding Source	State
Estimated Total Program Funding	$18,400,000
Anticipated Number of Awards	25-35
Award Range	$100,000 - 1,800,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement	No
Indirect Costs Allowed	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs	No
Technical Assistance Session	Session Offered: Yes Session Mandatory: No March 13, 2023, 3:00 - 4:00 PM Central Time Link to Registration

A. Program Description

1. Program Summary

The Living Room Program is for individuals in need of a crisis-respite program with services and supports designed to proactively divert crises and break the cycle of psychiatric hospitalization. The Grantee will subcontract for or directly operate this crisis respite program within a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere that offers services provided by recovery support specialists. First created by Recovery International, the living room model operates from the Crisis Now concept and focuses on practices including recovery orientation, trauma-informed care, significant use of recovery support staff, a commitment to Zero Suicide/Suicide Safer Care, strong commitments to safety for individuals served and the staff providing services, and collaboration with law enforcement. It is traditionally run by consumer operated service providers and is based on a philosophy that crises are an opportunity for learning. Participation in the Living Room will be voluntary and based on the individual's choice. Individuals experiencing psychiatric crises may self-refer or may be referred by first responders or other organizations with which an individual experiencing a crisis may come in contact. The environment provided throughout the living room creates a safe space for the individual to calmly process the crisis event, learn and apply wellness strategies, and prevent future crisis events. The individuals' strengths are the basis for the services and supports which will address whole health, wellness and having a life in the community. Through participation in trainings selected by the Division of Mental Health, the Grantee and any subcontractors will partner with the state in transforming the crisis care system.

2. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

Scope of Services

The Grantee will subcontract for or directly operate a Living Room Program, providing short-term crisis respite within a safe, inviting, home-like atmosphere that offers non-clinical services provided by recovery support specialists, designed to proactively divert individuals in crisis from emergency departments and jails.

The Living Room Program is based on a philosophy that crises are an opportunity for growth and learning. The Living Room Program operates from the Crisis Now approach, designed to divert individuals in self-defined crises from emergency departments and jails by developing services that match people's needs. The Crisis Now approach promotes services built on recovery-oriented practices, trauma-informed care, significant use of recovery support staff, a commitment to Zero Suicide/Suicide Safer Care, strong commitments to safety for individuals served and staff providing services, and collaboration with law enforcement.

Although Living Rooms do not fulfill all necessary criteria to be considered Crisis Stabilization Centers according to SAMHSA's "National Guidelines for Behavioral Health Crisis Care: Best Practice Toolkit," they serve as an important component of the crisis continuum in Illinois.

Program components and expectations

1) Individuals served

The Living Room Program serves individuals (herein after referred to as guests) who are experiencing crises. Crisis is defined by the guest, not by the program. Guests may self-refer (walk-in) to the program or may be referred by outside entities, including but not limited to other components of the crisis continuum (e.g., 988, hotlines, warm lines, and mobile crisis response teams), first responders (police, fire, EMT, etc.), medical personnel (primary care physicians, emergency departments, etc.), and other social service organizations.

2) Physical Plant Requirements

The physical environment provided throughout the Living Room will be designed to create a safe space for guests to calmly process a crisis event, learn and apply wellness strategies, give and receive peer support, and prevent future crisis events.

The Living Room Program must establish policies that ensure the physical safety of the environment. This includes providing guests with a safe and comfortable setting that includes a supportive, physical staff presence.

The physical environment will be designed in a manner that contributes to soothing and supports emotional healing. Living Room Programs are expected to be equipped with comfortable furniture (e.g., recliners in common areas) and soft lighting. Walls are to be painted with soothing colors and include inspirational artwork or quotes reflective of the community served. There is to be an absence of excessive stimuli (e.g., televisions or sharp/bright lighting).

Both private and common spaces will be provided. Guests will be provided private space to calm down, relax, or have a private conversation. Guests will also be provided communal areas for interaction in which all guests at the same time can receive support through the physical presence of staff members. Guests will also be encouraged to use common areas to participate in mutual learning and peer support. Snacks and beverages will always be available to guests.

At no time is a Living Room Program to contain more than 16 beds. A Living Room Program cannot be created within any building, under one continuous roof, in which residential treatment is being provided, which in total would exceed 16 beds, including but not limited to, houses, apartment buildings, and duplexes.

The Grantee will determine the maximum safe operating capacity for the program.

3) Hours of Operations

The Living Room Program must be staffed to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

4) Staffing Requirements

The Living Room must be staffed at all times by a minimum of two people, one of whom must be a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS). An RSS is an individual with personal lived experience in recovery from mental health and/or substance use challenges who has or is able to obtain either the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential within one year of date of hire.

The demographics of the Living Room Program staff are expected to reflect the demographics of the guests, including race/ethnicity and sex/gender identity.

The Living Room Program staff must always have immediate access to a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), including ability to respond via phone or in person for consultation with Living Room Program staff, to ensure adequate and appropriate service and support provision to all guests.

All personnel costs for the Living Room Program should be billed to the 510-RTLR grant.

5) Training Requirements

Any person working in the Living Room Program must complete a two-hour DMH video-based training and obtain a passing score prior to beginning work at the Living Room Program.

Additionally, any person working in the Living Room Program must complete 16 hours of CRSS/CPRS Competency Training provided by DMH annually.

Any person working in the Living Room Program must also follow the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors.

The provider may also arrange for additional training through any of the DMH-Approved providers below:

RI International

Humannovations

People, USA

Emotional CPR

6) Service Requirements

All guests seen at the Living Room must be served in some way by the Program; no person should be turned away at the door. Services include but are not limited to screening, linkage to another level of care, and on-site support.

Upon arrival at the Living Room a guest must be greeted by an RSS who provides a sense of welcome and explains the program in simple terms and describes what the guest can expect during their stay. Guests will then be screened for suicide and homicide risk. The screening will consider the suitability of the Living Room Program to the guest's needs, including the safety of the arriving guest, as well as other guests and staff occupying the Living Room. The Grantee is free to determine which assessment tools to use. Mental Health Professionals (MHP) can complete the risk assessments.

Any guest who is determined not to be suitable for the Living Room Program will be served through linkage to another level of care.

All services and supports provided by the Living Room Program are to follow principles of trauma-informed care and be versatile and adaptable, culturally responsive, and allow support to be provided in a way that meets the guest where they are, at that point in their recovery.

On-site services and supports will include, at minimum, recovery education, information on whole health, wellness, local resources, and connection to natural supports. All services and supports should be based on the strengths of the guest and address whole health, wellness, and life in the community. Services provided should include non-traditional supports such as art, music, and other methods of expression; peer-to-peer support among guests served; and other complementary and holistic supports.

Services and supports will be designed and delivered by the RSS staff who work in the Living Room Program. Services and supports must be designed in a manner that considers the cultural and linguistic needs of guests.

Participation in any services and supports offered is to be voluntary and entirely based on the guest's choice. Guests should be supported in identifying natural supports in the community to prevent future crisis events and facilitate sustained recovery.

Prior to departure, each guest will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience in the Living Room, including but not limited to positive feedback and suggested areas for improvement.

7) Outreach and Engagement

The Living Room Program will develop and implement an outreach and engagement plan for (a) direct connection with guests from diverse communities who would benefit from access to the Program and (b) community awareness of the Program, by building and maintaining relationships with other social service organizations, including but not limited to other components of the crisis continuum (e.g., 988, hotlines, warm lines, and mobile crisis response teams), first responders (police, fire, EMT, etc.), medical personnel (primary care physicians, emergency departments, etc.).

Outreach and engagement activities will include developing materials for marketing and promoting the Program.

8) Policies and Procedures

The provider and any subcontractors shall develop standard operating policies and procedures that define the Living Room Program consistent with the model described above.

The Living Room Program shall develop a quality improvement policy and procedure that incorporates guest feedback.

A minimum of one Living Room Program staff per site is expected to participate in the DMH-led Living Room Program (LRP) Learning Collaborative.

Deliverables

Performance Requirements

1. The physical environment of the Living Room will be designed in a manner that is safe, welcoming, and inviting, with both private and common spaces for guests.
2. The Living Room must be staffed to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
3. The Living Room must be staffed at all times by a minimum of two people, one of whom must be a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS).
4. The Living Room Program staff must always have immediate access to a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
5. Any person working in the Living Room Program must complete a two-hour DMH video-based training prior to beginning work in the Living Room Program.
6. Any person working in the Living Room Program must complete 16 hours of CRSS/CPRS Competency Training.
7. Any person working in the Living Room Program must follow the National Practice Guidelines for Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors.
8. All guests seen at the Living Room will be served by the Program.
9. All guests will be screened for suicide and homicide risk.
10. Services and supports will be based on the strengths of the guest served and address whole health, wellness, and life in the community.
11. Services and supports will be designed and delivered by the Recovery Support Specialist staff who work in the Living Room Program.
12. Participation in any services and supports offered is to be voluntary and entirely based on the guest's choice.
13. All guests will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on their experience prior to departure.
14. The Grantee and any subcontractor will develop and implement an outreach and engagement plan for direct connection with guests who would benefit from access to the Living Room Program.
15. The Grantee and any subcontractor will build and maintain relationships with other social service organizations, including but not limited to other components of the crisis continuum (e.g., 988, hotlines, warm lines, and mobile crisis response teams), first responders (police, fire, EMT, etc.), medical personnel (primary care physicians, emergency departments, etc.).
16. The Grantee and any subcontractors shall develop standard operating principles and procedures that define the Living Room Program.
17. The Living Room Program shall develop a quality improvement policy and procedure that incorporates guest feedback.
18. A minimum of one Living Room Program staff per site is expected to participate in the DMH-led Living Room Program (LRP) Learning Collaborative.

Performance Measures

1. Number of unduplicated guests referred.
2. Number of unduplicated guest walk-ins to the Living Room.
3. Number of unduplicated guests referred, or who walk-in to the Living Room.
4. Number of unduplicated guests screened for suicide and homicide risk.
5. Number of unduplicated guests linked to another level of care.
6. Number of unduplicated guests provided on-site support.
7. Number of unduplicated guests who completed a guest feedback survey.
8. Number of unduplicated guests with a prior Living Room experience.
9. Total number of guests (referrals and walk-ins) to the Living Room. (Each visit by an guest must be counted towards this minimum requirement).
10. Total number of guests (referrals and walk-ins) seen by a Recovery Support Specialists.
11. Number of outreach and engagement activities conducted.
12. Number of Living Room Program staff who participated in DMH-led LRP Learning Collaborative.

Performance Standards

1. Minimum of 25 unduplicated guests referred, or who walk-in to the Living Room.
2. Minimum of 50 total guests referred, or who walk-in to the Living Room. (Each visit by a guest must be counted towards this minimum requirement).
3. 100% of the total number of guests (referrals and walk-ins) were seen by a Recovery Support Specialist.
4. Minimum of 1 outreach and engagement activity.
5. Minimum of 1 Living Room Program staff participated in DMH-led LRP Learning Collaborative.

3. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

59 Ill. Admin, Code 132 (Rule 132), Section 132.150g

Mental Health Community Services Act (405 ILCS 30/ Section (f))

Illinois Administrative Code Part 7000 Grant Accountability and Transparency Act

B. Funding Information

1. Total Amount of Funding

• The Department anticipates the availability of approximately funding $18,400,000.
• The source of funding for this program is State Funds.

2. Number of Grant Awards

• The Department anticipates funding approximately 25-35 grant awards to provide this program.

3. Expected Amounts of Individual Grant Awards

• The Department anticipates that grant awards will be $100,000 - 1,800,000.

4. Amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.

• Previous funding amounts for this grant award program on average was $400,351.

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

• Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than July 1, 2023, and will continue through June 30, 2024.

6. Renewal or Supplementation of existing projects eligibility

• Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards.

7. Type of Assistance Instrument

• This is a competitive grant award funding opportunity.

8. Procurement Contract Allowability

• Subrecipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subrecipient s are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the Subrecipient.
• Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.
• The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

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

• The types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are:
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • For-Profit Organizations
• The applicant has met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed below.
• Applicants must be able to staff The Living Room Program to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Prequalification

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. For more information see the Grantee Portal New User Guide which is located on the Resource Library page under "G". 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 procedure, refer to IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance.

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

The following information is required to complete registration:

• Organization's 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.

Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met. See Section D for more information.

Funding restrictions-See Section D for funding restriction impacting eligibility.

2. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

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

3. Indirect Costs

Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award. Indirect cost rates must be approved.

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 subrecipient s up to the first $25,000 of each subaward or subrecipient (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards and subrecipient s 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 subrecipient 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

4. Other

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.

Limit on Number of Applications

More than one application per entity is not permitted.

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 at the Mental Health Grants - FY24 Web site.

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 web site 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.

Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the Division of Mental Health by emailing DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Required Content

Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below. Applicants that do not include all the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding.

Required Forms

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.

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

On Page 3, applicants will need to include the amount for which they are applying and sign.

The applicant submission email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.

Required Format

The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below or points may be deducted.

Each applicant is required to submit a Program Narrative. The Program Narrative must include categories consistent with the criteria listed in Section E Application Review Information.

• The Program Narrative shall not exceed 14 pages. If there are more than 14 pages, the remaining pages will not be reviewed or scored.
• All documents must be typed using Times New Roman 12-point type,100% magnification and use black typeface on a white background, Except for letterhead.
• For charts and tables only Times New Roman 10-point with color may be used.
• The Program Narrative must be typed single-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides.
• The submission must be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch page size using pdf or pdf portfolio.

Application Packet

The application packet consists of:

• The three-page Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
• The Program Narrative
• * The Grant Application and the Program Narrative may be submitted as one document or as two separate documents.
  • If submitting as one document, ONLY the Grant Application and Program Narrative may be included.
  • When submitting as one document the sequence to submit the application is: Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance first followed by the Program Narrative.
• Budget in the CSA Tracking System

Budget Requirements

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.
• 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 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) as a separate attachment.

Program Narrative

IMPORTANT: The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of the application. Please provide a complete response to the Criteria in Section E. If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your application will receive a score of zero points and your agency will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.

Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments

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.

Pre-Award Requirements

All successful applicants are required to complete a risk assessment prior to execution of a grant award. The Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) is one instrument used to assess risk of grantees by identifying an organization's potential weaknesses. The ICQ is accessed through the Grantee Portal.

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

3. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration

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

• Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date.
• Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application; and
• Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through, or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency.
• The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements
• The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.

4. Application Submission Dates and Times

Application Due Date and Time:

The Department must receive the Full Application:

Due on March 31, 2023 at Noon Central Time.

Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order.

Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.

Include the following in the subject line:

• 24-444-22-1484-01
• Your agency name.
• 510-RTLR Regions The Living Room

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.

Applicants will receive an email to notify them that the application was received and if it was received by the due date and time. 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. Applications and Program Narratives received after the due date and time listed in the NOFO Summary above will not be considered for review and funding. There will be no exceptions.

Applicants are required to notify the Department within 48 hours of the deadline, if they did NOT receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and/or does not notify the Department within 48 hours, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored. The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department after the 48 hours. 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.

Missed Deadlines:

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.

For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced.

IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.

5. Intergovernmental Review

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

6. Funding Restrictions

Pre-Award Costs

Pre-award costs are not allowable.

IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200 , Subpart E-Cost Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records.

7. Other Submission Requirements

Electronic Submission

Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov .

Documents must not include a password nor be encrypted.

Software or electronic capabilities required are as follows:

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

Contact DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov in the event of technical difficulties.

IDHS/DMH is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.

The application packet must be submitted by March 31, 2023 at Noon Central Time.

Questions

• IDHS encourages inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcomes the opportunity to answer questions from applicants. Questions and IDHS/DMH Responses "Q&A" will be posted to the Mental Health Grants - FY24 web site and updated periodically.
• Questions about this NOFO, must be sent via email to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov The subject line of the email MUST state: Applicant Name - 510-RTLR Regions The Living Room - Question(s).
• Questions will only be accepted electronically. Deadline for Questions is March 24, 2023, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time.

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) Web site Resource Library.

E. Application Review Information

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

1. Criteria

Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria

Applications that fail to meet the pre-qualification requirements and pre-award requirements described in Section C "Eligibility Information" will not be scored and/or considered for funding.

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 address provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.

Program Narrative Criteria

The maximum possible score is 100 points. All submissions will be reviewed, evaluated, and based on the Criteria listed below.

Label each section of the program narrative utilizing the format provided below. Information must be provided in the section in which it is requested.

To be successful in the application process, applicants must submit the following information as part of the grant application process:

Executive Summary (not to exceed 1 page) - Not Scored:

The Applicant should provide a brief, but thorough overview of their proposal, along with limitations regarding the Applicant's ability to perform the services required by the Department. The Applicant should include a description of their agency's mission, history, achievements, services, equity advancement, financial overview, and its future goals. This description should highlight how the Applicant is embedded into the community and is identified as a trusted messenger. Include how your agency's vision and mission support the implementation of programming under this funding opportunity.

Community Identification and Need (not to exceed 2 pages) - 15 points:

The Applicant should provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services within the community and how their proposal will address these needs. The Applicant is to identify stakeholders, also facts and evidence that demonstrate how the proposal supports the grant program purpose. The Applicant should include a detailed description of the planned area to be serviced, this should include geographical region(s) for which the Applicant is applying. The Applicant should identify the demographic characteristics of their proposed coverage area this will include age, race, ethnicity, gender, and language spoken. The Applicant should also discuss any link between demographics and the proposed staffing plans. The Applicant can anticipate the number of population(s) that will access the Living Room Program, through data obtained from Emergency Medical Services including but not limited to Crisis Services, Emergency Departments, Fire Departments, Police Departments and any other First Responders.

Capacity/Agency Qualifications (not to exceed 4 pages) - 30 points:

The Applicant shall provide an accurate description of their ability including current resources to meet the Living Room Program requirements, to address the needs in the preceding Community Identification and Need section. The Applicant should describe in detail the Applicant's incorporation status this includes agency certifications and licenses held by the agency. The Applicant shall also include certifications and licenses key staff holds that will work on this project. The Applicant will provide technical and programmatic ability to carry out the Living Room Program. The Applicant should include information on how their organization has implemented the Crisis Now concept and in what ways does the agency focuses on practices including recovery orientation, trauma-informed care, significant use of recovery support staff, a commitment to Zero Suicide/Suicide Safer Care, strong commitments to safety for individuals served and the staff providing services, and collaboration with law enforcement and Emergency Medical Services. The Applicant should describe their experiences providing services to the population(s) of focus, and their specific roles and responsibilities for this project. The Applicant should describe their organization's ability to meet the program requirements and to address needs identified in the above sections. The Applicant will describe the process they will follow to be fully prepared to provide services by date indicated in the NOFO.

Quality/Description of Program Services (not to exceed 4 pages) - 40 points:

The Applicant shall provide a detailed, clear and accurate picture of the intended program design, project implementation milestones and details, and associated outcomes. This should include the goals and objectives to implement The Living Room Program design. These goals and objectives should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). To support the implementation of these SMART goals, the Applicant should provide a timeline depicting the steps they will take to meet the goals.

The Applicant should provide a logic model that includes any evidenced based practices and interventions that will be implemented to meet the unique needs identified in the service area. Ensures the diverse needs of the community and that the person being served is in a safe space for the individual to calmly process the crisis event, learn and apply wellness strategies, and prevent future crisis events. The Applicant shall provide a program work plan including goals, expected outcomes, timeframe/dates, persons responsible, and evaluation. The work plan should include a proposed staffing plan, including existing personnel as well as any new positions to be hired and include credential requirements for each position. The staffing plan should include key activities and responsibilities of staff, level of effort and experience providing these services to the population(s) of focus. The Applicant should describe their training protocol for staff, including mandatory trainings and additional professional development opportunities.

Data Collection, Evaluation and Reporting Criteria (not to exceed 2 pages) - 10 Points:

The Applicant shall ensure accountability at all levels of service provision, IDHS is implementing the practice of performance-based contracting with its Grantee agencies. The articulation and achievement of measurable outcomes help to ensure that we are carrying out the most effective programming possible. The Applicant should describe the agency's data collection and reporting practices, including staff involved, technology used and experience. At a minimum, Grantees will be expected to collect and report data indicators and measures as described in this NOFO.

Resource Availability (not to exceed 1 page) - 5 points:

The Applicant will describe all internal and external resources they currently possess or will budget for to support the goals and objectives of this program. The resources include but are not limited to, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as relationships and physical resources. This may include but not limited to the availability of space like meeting rooms, space to carry out this program, etc.

2. Review and Selection Process

The process for evaluation of the application is as follows: IDHS/DMH staff familiar with the requirements of the program will score and review the application packet. Review team members will have no conflicts of interest and will read and evaluate application packets independently. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.

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

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

The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc. These negotiations do not obligate DHS to provide funding, nor should an applicant draw any conclusions about the department's intentions to fund or not fund the application.

3. Merit-Based Review Appeal Process

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

Submission of Appeal

Appeals submission IDHS contact information:

• Name of Agency contact for appeals: Robert Putnam
• Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov
• Email Subject Line: Applicant Name - 510-RTLR Regions The Living Room - Appeal

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

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

Response to Appeal

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

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

Resolution

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

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

4. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal Awards

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

F. Award Administration Information

1. State Award Notices

Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the above review and selection process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). This notification is sent to the main contact listed in the Grantee Portal; therefore, it is important to keep contact information in the Grantee Portal updated. 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 questionnaire (ICQ) 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.

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:

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 UGA 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 web site.

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

DMH reporting templates and detailed instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the IDHS web site.

4. 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.

Grantees selecting the Advance Payment Method, or the Working Capital Advance Payment Method must complete the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template as described in the procedures above.

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:

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  

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact:

Rob Putnam

Email DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov

 H. Other Information, if applicable

• Program Web sites
  • Mental Health Grants - FY 24
  • IDHS Grants
  • IDHS web site
• The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.
• The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc. These negotiations do not obligate DHS to provide funding, nor should an applicant draw any conclusions about the department's intentions to fund or not fund the application.

I. Mandatory Forms

• Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
• Uniform Grant Budget Template | Instructions
• Subrecipient Budget, if applicable submit as a separate attachment
• Conflict of Interest Disclosure
• Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form submit as a separate attachment (no submission will result in default to Reimbursement Method)