Gambling Disorder Outreach Services FY24-444-26-2841-01

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Agency Contact

Jim Wilkerson.

jim.wilkerson@Illinois.gov.

(217)-785-9449
Announcement Type Initial, Competitive, Grant
Funding Opportunity Title Gambling Disorder Outreach Services
Funding Opportunity Number 24-444-26-2841-01
Application Posting Date April 3, 2023
Application Closing Date May 4, 2023, at 3:00 pm
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-26-2841
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name Gambling Disorder Outreach Services
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) Not Applicable
Award Funding Source State
Estimated Total Program Funding $2,000,000
Anticipated Number of Awards 20
Award Range $10,500-$300,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement No
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Technical Assistance Session Session Offered: No

A. Program Description

1. Program Summary

Full Description

The Illinois Department of Human Services has recognized the growing problem associated with gambling and has provided prevention and treatment since 2001 to assist individuals with gambling disorder. The Gambling Needs Assessment published in 2021 demonstrates that over 1 million Illinoisians have or are at risk of developing a gambling disorder. In addition, the availability of gambling and gambling methods has expanded across the state. With these in mind, the Illinois Department of Human Services/Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR), through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) seeks to expand screening, assessment, and community outreach for individuals with gambling disorders.

In State Fiscal Year (FY) 24, the Department anticipates the availability of approximately $2,000,000 in total funding for multiple applicants statewide with an estimated range of $10,500-$300,000. The grant period will begin July 1, 2023, and will end on June 30, 2024, with the option to renew for an additional two full years, if funding is available. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award. Services may not be provided until a contract is fully executed by the Department. This NOFO provides the opportunity for licensed SUD treatment providers and/or community-based organizations that may not be licensed by IDHS/SUPR to apply for funding to provide aggressive outreach and/or prevention services to populations and areas of the state that are most impacted by gambling disorder. These organizations will use their expertise in their communities to aggressively reach populations that are at high risk for gambling disorder due to geographic, demographic, cultural and/or economic factors and may be underserved due to these factors.

IDHS/SUPR is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity within the department and throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, operationalizing equity, and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.

Note: This NOFO should not be used by current IDHS/SUPR dedicated gambling treatment providers to request an increase in gambling funding for SFY2024. Please contact your grant manager if you have questions pertaining to your gambling contract.

Program Exhibit Language

Terms Definitions
1800GAMBLER: The current IDHS/SUPR gambling hotline which provides crisis counseling and information to gamblers and others requesting assistance via phone call, text, or chat.
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria: The ASAM Criteria is a comprehensive set of guidelines for placement, continued stay, transfer, or discharge of patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions. Formerly known as the ASAM patient placement criteria.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM): The standardized manual published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952 to classify mental disorders in the United States. The 5th edition of the DSM was published in 2013.
Gambling Disorder (GD): Defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), 5th Edition (Section 312.31) as: Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
Health Disparities: Preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations.
Outreach: Engagement with the community by providers to raise awareness, educate, and screen individuals for gambling issues and potential gambling disorder.
AreYouReallyWinning.com: The current IDHS/SUPR public awareness campaign slogan and gambling treatment information website.

2. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

The IDHS/SUPR is seeking organizations with a history of coordinating and providing outreach services within the State of Illinois or a state similar in size and population. Organizations with a gambling treatment focus and familiarity with gambling services are preferred. Services must be available in person (hybrid approaches may also be acceptable).

3. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

The purpose of this NOFO is to make an award to an organization to assist IDHS/SUPR in addressing its expressed goals around serving persons, and their families, in need of intervention and treatment services and who are diagnosed or may be diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder of substance use and gambling or with a gambling only disorder pursuant to all relevant parts of the Substance Use Disorder Act (20 ILCS 301/5), Illinois Lottery Law (20 ILCS 1605/10.7), Illinois Gambling Act (230 ILCS 10/1), the Riverboat Gambling Act (230 ILCS 10) and all other applicable administrative rules and regulations.

4. Scope of Services

Licensed SUD treatment providers and/or Community-based organizations not licensed by IDHS/SUPR will seek to provide aggressive outreach to underserved populations impacted by gambling disorder in designated areas or the entire state of Illinois. These organizations will use their expertise in their communities to reach populations at high risk for gambling disorder due to geographic, demographic, cultural and/or economic factors and may be underserved due to these factors.

5. Deliverables

  1. Develop and implement an annual community outreach plan designed to educate and engage individuals, families and community members about gambling disorders, treatment, and recovery. Outreach plans should specifically outline annual participation in Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) during the month of March.
  2. Identify populations in communities served at high risk for gambling disorders. These can be individuals who are members of population groups defined by geographic, demographic, cultural and/or economic factors, for which the risk of gambling disorders varies dramatically.
  3. Gather information about gambling disorders from all parties aligned via contractual relations and other sources at their disposal to make suggestions to IDHS/SUPR about ways of improving the service delivery system throughout the state.
  4. Ensure that screening documents and other reports are completed for each patient interaction or billing unit as required by the DARTS Manual, Contract Policy Manual, rules, legislation, and/or other IDHS/SUPR requirements. Ensure required patient descriptive and service delivery data is entered in the IDHS/SUPR DARTS system in accordance with established timelines if appropriate.
  5. Identify a staff person who will act as coordinator of the gambling program. This person will serve as the liaison between IDHS/SUPR, and the provider. This person will be the primary point of contact for information regarding project implementation and outcomes.
  6. Coordinate and monitor the gambling service activities either directly or via subgrantees with a qualified IDHS/SUPR approved vendor(s). Communicate and collaborate on gambling outreach and/or prevention activities and service program requirements with marketing provider, hotline provider, gambling needs assessment provider, and other treatment providers.
  7. Utilize a comprehensive directory of gambling treatment and related recovery support services and resources that are available to patients and providers (i.e., Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-Anon, AreYouReallyWinning.com, state funded organizations, other resources as needed). This directory will likely be based upon existing statewide and local directories which are published on the public facing website.
  8. Provide gambling treatment services that adhere to confidentiality requirements that protect patient health information according to State and Federal laws and regulations.
  9. Provide IDHS/SUPR with monthly service reports so that project monitoring and evaluation can occur based on metrics established and communicated by IDHS/SUPR.
  10. Participate with IDHS/SUPR in the development and implementation of quality improvement processes for the gambling training program.
  11. Seek innovative tools and techniques to accomplish the objectives of IDHS/SUPR regarding gambling disorder services. Implementation of innovative tools and techniques shall include research into the effectiveness of such items via approved third parties.
  12. Employ at least one part-time staff who will specifically focus on gambling disorder services.
  13. Engage staff in cross-training events, the annual summit and other related meetings arranged or convened by IDHS/SUPR or its designee to share strategies and tools related to delivery of gambling services.
  14. Develop a model for providing a warm-hand-off referral process to IDHS/SUPR licensed organization(s) that can provide gambling screening, assessment, and potentially treatment.
  15. Utilize Eisenberg Disordered Gambling SBIRT Pre-screen and Screen (GBIRT) or IDHS/SUPR approved screening and assessment tools as named in the IDHS/SUPR 2024 Contractual Manual. Screening tools and a webinar on how to administer the screening tools can be found at www.areyoureallywinning.com.
  16. Provide internally or link patients with recovery support services as determined by the patient. Some of these supports include but are not limited to self-exclusion awareness sites, self-help groups like Gam Anon or Gambler's Anonymous, and pressure relief groups.
  17. Provide screening and warm-hand-off referrals for potential co-occurring and co-morbid disorders and issues such as substance use disorders, untreated health problems, depression, and suicide ideation.
  18. Where appropriate, provide public awareness, education, and screening services to individuals at casino locations in accordance with related gambling treatment policy. Onsite services can be provided by salaried staff covered under the gambling grant or billed to DARTS under the appropriate service code for time spent with individuals/general public.
  19. Provider will deliver services in accordance with the protocols in the Current Fiscal Year SUPR Contractual Policy Manual, gambling policies, the Illinois Administrative Code 2060, the Illinois Administrative Code 2059, and the Substance Use Disorder Act. Recovery Support and Community Services that cannot be separately documented shall be documented in activity logs.

6. Performance Measures

  1. Provider will be expected to achieve 100% of reporting requirements as defined in this NOFO (see Performance Standards) within 15 days of the end of each month.
  2. Provider will be within 10% of the quarterly expected spend.
  3. Applicants will engage the community and individuals by providing Outreach and/or Prevention Services:
    1. Provider will be within 10% of quarterly expected individual screenings
    2. Provider will host 2 outreach events each month (24 total) (presentations to community groups regarding problem gambling, screening events held, outreach to other provider organizations, outreach to individuals at casino/gambling establishments).
    3. Provider will distribute helpline/website materials to 4 sites each month (48 total) (video game terminal sites, lottery sites, other organizations, casinos/gambling establishments).
  4. Other performance measures to be identified by provider in collaboration with IDHS/SUPR as part of the application process.

7. Performance Standards

  1. Provide to IDHS/SUPR the following documents as proof of program performance and accountability:
    1. Copies of all subcontracts identifying the duties and responsibilities of the subgrantees.
    2. Monthly reports documenting the activities related to the gambling disorder services within 15 days of the end of the month.
    3. Four (4) Quarterly Periodic Financial Reports (as required) and four (4) Quarterly Periodic Performance Reports corresponding to the four quarters of the fiscal year in action on the activities and progress being made towards the provision of services within 15 days of the end of the quarter.
    4. Provide an annual report that summarizes and evaluates the activities and efforts of the program plan. The report is due 30 days after the end of the fiscal year.
  2. Provider will be expected to expend at least 95% of the contracted budget.
  3. Applicants will engage the community and individuals by providing Outreach and Intervention Services.
  4. Provider will work with in collaboration with IDHS/SUPR as part of the application process to identify other appropriate performance measures.

B. Funding Information

  • This is a competitive funding opportunity.
  • The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.
  • The source of funding for this program is gambling tax revenue funds.
  • The Department anticipates the availability of approximately $2,000,000 (total funding for NOFO) and funding #20 grant awards to provide this program. It is anticipated that grant awards will be $10,500-$300,000, which matches previous years' awards.
  • Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than July 1, 2023, and will continue through June 30, 2024.
  • Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects will compete with applications for new State awards.
  • Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.
  • Proposed budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been approved through the Community Service Agreement tracking system (CSA) system.
  • Subcontractor Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the subcontractor.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

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

  • Applicants may be a private or public, non-profit, or for-profit entity, including local governments, academic institutions, or other community-based organization.
  • The applicant has met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
  • See section C.2 Prequalification below and section D. for additional information.
  • Applicants must have a current physical office location in Illinois and have key program staff in place 60 days post-award.
  • Applicants must demonstrate the capacity, experience, and expertise to meet the deliverables related to the administration of grant funds and program monitoring.

2. 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, Grantee Links tab. Registration and prequalification are required annually. During prequalification, verifications are performed including a check of federal Debarred and Suspended status on the Illinois Stop Payment List and good standing with the Secretary of State. An automated email notification is sent to the entity alerting them of "qualified" status or providing information about how to remediate a negative verification (e.g., inactive DUNS, not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and Suspended status cannot be remediated.

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

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

The following information is required to complete registration:

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

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

Each applicant is required to:

  • Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; if your organization does not yet have a EIU/DUNS, 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.

4. Pre-Award Requirements

The pre-award process includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) which 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. While these are NOT required prior to submitting the application, they are required prior to the Department issuing an award.

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

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

Letter of Intent Requested

A letter of intent is requested to allow SUPR staff to estimate the potential review workload and plan the review. The letter is not required, is not binding, and does not enter into the review of a subsequent application.

Applicants are requested to submit a letter of intent on or before April 17, 2023 or two weeks before submitting the application and should include the following:

  • Number and title of this funding opportunity
  • A few sentences describing the proposed project
  • Agency Name and a contact name, email address and telephone number(s)
  • The letter of intent should be sent to: DHS.GrantApp@Illinois.Gov  
  • The Agency, Opportunity Number and the label "LOI" (letter of intent) must be in the subject line. Specifically, the subject line must be:

Your Organization Name, 24-444-26-2841-01, LOI, Jim Wilkerson

5. Registration in CSA

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

6. State and Federal Laws and Regulations

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

7. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

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

8. 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.
    • 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 pdf, if necessary) immediately and no later than 3 months after receiving an award notification. If the organizations elects to submit a Federally Negotiated Rate or a State Negotiated Rate they will receive an invitation to submit their proposal in the CARS system.

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

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

9. Other Requirements (if applicable)

Organizations may only submit a single application package for review.

Eligibility of individuals served is outlined in the Administrative Rule 2060, the IDHS/SUPR SFY2024 Contractual Policy Manual, and this NOFO.

10. 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.

11. Post Award Requirements of Applicant

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

Start Date: Applicants must be in a position to begin offering services on July 1, 2023, or within 30 days of award notice.

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

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

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

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

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

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

Program Email Address: jim.wilkerson@Illinois.gov  

2. 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. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application

Program Narrative

IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity within the department and throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, operationalizing equity, and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.

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

Proposal Narrative Content

If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will only consider content contained within that specific section. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below. Font size should be 12 pt. and each page should be numbered. There are no requirements for typeface, margins, page/document sequence, formatting, or paper size. Any required signatures may be scans of originals or electronic. If any activity/requirement will be completed by a third-party, a letter of support from the third party must be included with the application package. Scoring will be on a 100-point scale. Scoring will not be the sole award criteria.

  • Program Plan and Narrative (10 pages maximum)- The program narrative at a minimum must include the categories to be evaluated in the merit review process:

a. Need (20 points):   The purpose of this section is to describe the characteristics of the persons who will be served through the proposed services.

  1. Describe how your organization provides training that address known issues of health disparities that allow people to live lives of meaning and purpose. Describe how the organization will consider cultural norms and differences in the provision of gambling services.
  2. Describe how organizational and interpersonal bias are addressed in your organization through language and action.
  3. Describe unique considerations for serving adults, youth, persons with gambling disorder, and persons with co-occurring substance use disorders in this environment. Include how the program will train on working with potentially suicidal individuals that will help to reduce suicide rates among the populations served.
  4. Identify the geographic area(s) in which you plan to deliver the proposed gambling services. Indicate whether the geographic area(s) are urban, suburban, rural, or other urban. Provide a demographic profile of general population in the area(s) to be served. Include a description of the proximity of gambling opportunities to the proposed location(s).

b. Capacity (20 points):  The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a description of the organization's experience and qualifications generally, and specific to the provision of the proposed services.

  1. Describe the organizations history, mission, purpose, vision, values, goals, and achievements especially as they relate to gambling services.
  2. Provide a brief description of the full array of services provided by your organization. Be sure to include previous experience/services associated with gambling services. Include a brief description of the staff members that will be responsible for the delivery of the gambling services including their educational background, years of experience, gambling related certifications and training (ex. state 30-hour gambling training, ICGC), and other relevant information. Current vacant positions should be indicated. Staff members should include any recovery support staff, including Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialists.
  3. Describe what resources and other skills relevant to this NOFO, the applicant lacks and how will the applicant acquire the resources and skills. If the applicant will deliver services via subgrantees, then describe the results of such business relationships and how goals and objectives were accomplished.
  4. Describe your organization's policy and approach to adherence to best practices and awareness of emerging trends in gambling or co-occurring disorder service delivery. Include plans to maintain and enhance staff knowledge, skill, and abilities over time related to gambling disorder services, suicide prevention, culturally diverse service provision, implicit bias, racial equity, and other key areas.
  5. Provide a summary of existing linkages with external community resources and services, particularly with organizations addressing gambling disorder, employment, behavioral health, and physical health services not provided by the applicant organization. Identify treatment and recovery support services in your area that may include, but not limited to: outpatient gambling treatment organizations, debt relief groups, housing groups, vocational training, and self-help groups. Provide a summary of your organization's involvement with these organizations and in local activities and strategies in response to gambling disorders.

c. Quality (10 points): 

  1. Describe your capacity and commitment to collect and report the service and performance data specified in this NOFO. Do you collect data manually or have a monitoring system that collects data or other electronic collection mechanisms?
  2. Describe how you have shared information (measures and results) with other vendors and stakeholders for planning, service provision and evaluation purposes.
  3. Describe measurable data you will collect and outcomes you will report monthly.
  4. Describe your experience in designing and implementing quality improvement activities to improve the provision of services.

d. Other (25 points):  Provide the following information regarding the proposed services that will be delivered in the identified geographic service area(s).

  1. Provide a general description of your gambling outreach and/or prevention program approach, including how deliverables will be addressed. Include how the gambling program is unique versus other SUD programs that you provide. Describe any evidence-based practices that your organization will use in the delivery of gambling services and describe how the fidelity of these practices is documented. If your organization serves youth (age 12-17) or young adults (age 18-25) share how the program will address this specific population.
  2. Describe how you will identify, recruit, and refer persons in gambling services. Include an outreach plan with activities all year long that considers: Gambling Awareness Month; involvement with community self-help/recovery groups; the capacity to create groups if none exist and/or expand existing groups, including Gam Anon, Gambler's Anonymous, and pressure relief groups. Examples of items that can be purchased for outreach services include various give-away items (i.e., pens, notepads, water bottles, etc.); billboards; radio, TV, and/or print ads; etc. All items and ideas for outreach awareness must be approved prior to purchase or initiation.
  3. State the unduplicated number of individuals that you propose to screen for gambling disorder annually. State the total funds being requested and the estimated average cost per individual during this funding period.
  • Outreach Plan (25 points)
    • An outreach plan must be submitted.  An example is available in the template available at Outreach Plan.
  • Budget (0 points)

a. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrates that all proposed costs are:

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

b. The applicant must submit a budget using the appropriate IDHS designated template/system (presently CSA).

  •  Other as applicable:

Other required documents are listed at the end of the NOFO.

  • Electronic and Other submission addresses:
  1. Email: DHS.GrantApp@Illinois.Gov
  2. Email Subject line: Your Organization Name, 24-444-26-2841-01, Form Name, Jim Wilkerson
  3. US Postal Address: Applications will not be accepted by mail
  4. CSA website
  5. Other: Not Applicable

3. Unique Entity Identifiers (DUNS Number and SAM Registration)

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

  • Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date. "How To Register in SAM" reference tool. pdf
  • Provide a valid unique entity identifier (DUNS number) in its application; and
  • Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency.
  • For more information, refer to Section C: Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C: Eligibility Information and Grant Funding will not be scored and/or considered for funding.

4. Application Submission Dates and Times

Submission Dates and Times

Applications must be received electronically. Submit the completed grant proposal according to the subject line and file naming instructions detailed in D. Applications will be reviewed starting May 5, 2023. No applications will be considered after 3:00 p.m. May 4, 2023 , for SFY2024.  The application will be date and time-stamped upon receipt via email. The Department will not accept applications submitted by mail, overnight mail, diskette, or by fax machine. If you have trouble emailing the document due to the file size, please email: DHS.GrantApp@Illinois.Gov, Your Organization Name, 24-444-26-2841-01, Submission Issue, Jim Wilkerson in the subject line of the email. Or contact Jim Wilkerson, jim.wilkerson@Illinois.gov, 217-785-9449.  Remember to include the subject line and file naming instructions detailed in D.

Encrypted emails will not be accepted.

To be considered, proposals must be emailed by the designated date and time indicated in this NOFO. For your records, please keep a copy of your email submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the proposal was received on date and time and to the email address listed in D. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal or State holiday, the reporting package is due the next business day.

5. Intergovernmental Review

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

6. Funding Restrictions

The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements.

7. Other Submission Requirements

Not Applicable.

E. Application Review Information

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

1. Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria

Applications that fail to meet the criteria 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 addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.

Applications should be no more than 10 pages in length and will be evaluated on the following criteria (see Section A.5 Deliverables and Section D.2 Content and Form of Application Submission for details):

Criteria Points Allowed
Need - The purpose of this section is to describe the characteristics of the persons who will be served through the proposed services. 20
Capacity - The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a description of the organization's experience and qualifications generally, and specific to the provision of the proposed services. 20
Quality - The purpose of this section is to describe the data collection, sharing, and quality improvement structure. 10
Other - The purpose of this section is to provide information regarding the proposed services that will be delivered in the identified geographic service area(s). 25
Outreach Plan 25
Total 100

2. Review and Selection Process

As described in the Criteria section above, evaluation of the application will begin on May 5, 2023. 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.  Final award decisions will be made by the Director of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.

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: Jim Wilkerson
  • Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.GrantApp@Illinois.Gov 
  • Email Subject Line: Your Organization Name, 24-444-26-2841-01, Appeal, Jim Wilkerson

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

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

Response to Appeal

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

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

Resolution

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

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

4. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal Awards

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

F. Award Administration Information

1. State Award Notices

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

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

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

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

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

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

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

To review a sample of the FY2024 IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.

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

3. Reporting

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

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

4. Payment Terms

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

Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile)

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

Reimbursement Method

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

Working Capital Advance Method

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

Additional Advance Payments

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

Payment Forms

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

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

If you have questions related to this NOFO, please send them via email to: DHS.GrantApp@Illinois.Gov, Your Organization Name, 24-444-26-2841-01, Jim Wilkerson in the subject line of the email. Or contact Jim Wilkerson, jim.wilkerson@Illinois.gov, 217-785-9449.

H. Pre-Award Costs

Pre-award costs are not allowable.

I. Other Information, if applicable

Questions and Answers: If you have questions related to this NOFO, please send them via email to: DHS.GrantApp@Illinois.Gov, Your Organization Name, 24-444-26-2841-01, Jim Wilkerson in the subject line of the email.

Gambling Public Awareness Webpage: Are You Really Winning?

State Gambling Services Webpage

NOFO Questions and Answers

Important Dates For this NOFO

What? When? Who?/Where? Subject Line
Letter of Intent April 17, 2023 DHS.GrantApp@Illinois.Gov Your Organization Name, 24-444-26-2841-01, LOI, Jim Wilkerson
Questions Submitted April 17, 2023 DHS.GrantApp@Illinois.Gov Your Organization Name, 24-444-26-2841-01, Question, Jim Wilkerson
Proposals Due Last application will be accepted no later than May 4, 2023 at 3:00 pm. DHS.GrantApp@Illinois.Gov Your Organization Name, 24-444-26-2841-01, Grant Application, Jim Wilkerson

J. Mandatory Forms