800 Front Door Diversion Project (24-444-22-1529-01)

Summary Information

• GATA/GOMB offers training for all aspects of the grant cycle, GATA Learning Management System (LMS) if you are interested. It can be accessed as follows: Training & Technical Assistance (illinois.gov)

1. Program Description

   1. Program Summary 

      • Front Door Diversion Program (FDDP) services are to be provided to an eligible person, 18 years of age or older who, without such services, might be referred and/or admitted to a Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility (SMHRF). Eligible persons who have been assessed by Illinois' Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) vendor and determined 'SMHRF Eligible-Recommended for Front Door Diversion Referral' are engaged by a FDDP provider to determine appropriate community-based needs and services. The FDDP provider will provide an offer for diversion to the consumer and provide those services outlined in the offer to maintain individuals in the most integrated community-based setting in lieu of a SMHRF admission.

   2. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

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

   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

   4. Project Description

      • Front Door Diversion Program (FDDP) services are to be provided to an eligible person, 18 years of age or older who, without such services, might be referred and/or admitted to a Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facility (SMHRF), and who have been assessed as appropriate for community-based services. Services are provided to maintain individuals in the most integrated community-based setting. Persons eligible for FDDP services are defined as:
        1. All Medicaid eligible persons except for those with private insurance coverage and/or Medicare only, and
        2. Persons who have received a SMHRF Preadmission Assessment from the PASRR vendor contracted with Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), * and
        3. The SMHRF Preadmission Assessment disposition must contain the outcome of 'SMHRF Eligible Recommended for Front Door Diversion Referral.**

           * PASRR is interpreted to mean a screening assessment completed by the HFS contractor in support of the Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRF) pre-admission assessment process.

           ** Receipt of referrals is interpreted as the date/time at which the HFS contracted vendor places a case deemed 'SMHRF Eligible - Recommended for Front Door Diversion Referral' into the contractor's (vendor contracted with HFS) website's queue.

      1. Engagement into the FDDP:

         • Engagement may be initiated at different "intercept points." This includes engagement by any vendor contracted with HFS to fulfill Illinois' PASRR responsibilities and/or by the Front Door Diversion grantee with focused action to include, but not be limited to, the following:
         1.  Hospital inpatient psychiatric units
         2. Other community-based settings, as approved by DMH.
         3. DMH reserves the right to assign any other consumer referral.

      2. Service Program Details:

         1. Grantee must within twenty-four (24) clock hours of receipt of the referral** complete an assessment of need, then recommend and offer a discharge/treatment plan which provides for alternative community-based behavioral health (MI) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment care options, housing opportunities, as needed, and support services, as needed, for the referred person to secure a diversion, herein defined as Engagement/Outreach Services. This program must fund Grantees in the manner displayed in 'Exhibit F: Payment' as noted below.
         2. Grantee must provide quarterly outreach visits to assigned referring entities for the benefit of providing program education and ensuring ease of referral process for consumers, including effective and timely discharge planning.
         3. Grantee must directly provide or secure through an affirmative letter of agreement or contract with another provider agency as is acceptable to DHS/DMH, each referred person with access to the full array of all Rule 140 behavioral health services to address the individual needs, including without limitation, case management and team-based services of Community Support Team (CST) and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), Peer Recovery services, and SOAR and employment services for persons that have accepted diversion.
         4. Grantee staff must be fully and appropriately trained and credentialed to provide all services, including to meet the assessment and service needs of those with serious mental illness or with serious mental illness and other co-occurring disorders with distinct team-based services (CST, ACT), and other support services as needed to effectively support consumers in community-based clinical care
         5. Grantee must complete the IDHS approved assessment tool, such as the Illinois-Medicaid Comprehensive Assessment of Needs and Strengths (IM+CANS), must the consumer express an interest in proceeding with diversion services
         6. Grantee must have the capacity to provide continuing outreach and treatment contacts with consumers following diversion, in the community or other settings, to maintain engagements with the consumers to support them in the community, including the provision of supportive services for the consumer(s) as provided in their agreed to treatment plan and completing subsequent re-evaluations or re-assessments after the initial diversion.

         7. Grantee must offer and make fully available to potential and existing Front Door consumers access to all of their agency's DHS and DMH funded services or programs. Proposals must fully detail the full array of these agency-based services. Agencies which provide an affirmative contract or letter of agreement with another provider, as acceptable to DHS/DMH, must also guarantee admission/access to all of that subcontractor's DHS and DMH funded services or programs. 

            An offer is defined as a formal, written statement presented to the potential consumer that must include:

            1. The full array of behavioral health (MI) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services needed and to be provided by the grantee and/or secured for the consumer, and
            2. The full array of housing site/services needed and to be provided by the grantee and/or secured for the consumer, and
            3. The full array of supportive services as defined below, including 'Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Outreach, Access, and Recovery' (SOAR) or employment services, needed and to be provided by the grantee and/or secured for the consumer.
         8. Grantee must be expected to provide an offer for diversion to all consenting referrals received from PASRR contracted vendor with HFS as the default action. Likewise, it is the predominant purpose of the program to secure diversions into community-based services so that consumers can live successfully in the most integrated community-based setting appropriate to their needs.
         9. Diversion is defined as a person who has received and accepted an offer from the grantee which provides:
            1.  The full array of behavioral health (MI) and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services needed and to be provided by the grantee and/or secured for the consumer, and
            2. The full array of housing site/services needed and to be provided by the grantee and/or secured for the consumer, and
            3. The full array of supportive services as defined below, including SOAR or employment services, needed and to be provided by the grantee and/or secured for the consumer, and
            4. The person physically occupies a temporary housing/residential setting, and***
            5. Upon and after discharge or diversion start date the person is receiving services as described on the accepted offer.

               ***The Grantee is responsible for ensuring the safety and stability of the consumer post diversion in the identified temporary housing/residential setting. Housing may be agency provided or consumer provided. Excludes Shelters.

         10. Grantee must establish and maintain capacity to also serve each of the below referenced populations with serious mental illness, including:
             1. Persons with co-occurring SUD, and
             2. DHS/DMH-identified forensically involved persons serving this specialty population includes provision of all mandated court reporting requirements, and
             3. Court involved persons, and
             4. Persons registered as sexual offender status, and
             5. Persons aging out the care and custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), and
             6. Persons who are homeless, and
             7. Persons with co-occurring physical disabilities, and
             8. Persons without verifiable income such as access to SSI/SSDI, or other federal or State income subsidies.
         11. Grantee must notify DMH, at minimum, twenty (20) State business days prior to any change, planned or unplanned disruption in service delivery. Upon such notification to DMH the Grantee must provide a contingency plan to provide adequate program coverage for all SMHRF Preadmission Assessment referrals received with a determination of 'SMHRF Eligible Recommended for Front Door Diversion Referral' and for all related activities thereafter when the grantee is unable to fulfill program obligations. DMH reserves the right to accept, deny, or accept with modifications the written alternative coverage plan.
         12. Grantee may either directly provide all activities, services, and supports, or utilize subgrantee relationships, either in whole or in part, but Grantees will remain entirely responsible for ensuring all activities, services, and supports are provided in a seamless manner and consistent with all program requirements and expectations. 

             These Front Door activities complement the treatment support, housing options and support services that Front Door eligible persons or actual consumers will be provided to move toward individual recovery and to live successfully in the community.

             While subgrantee relationships are permitted under this grant, to ensure seamless service delivery, grantee may only utilize subgrantees to deliver the full complement of Front Door activity which are relevant for "Engagement into the FDDP" above for consumer engagement and outreach, assessment and offer for diversion, and the continuation of community-based care post diversion. Grantees may separately elect to use subgrantee relationships to support housing location and transition coordination (A4-3a below), peer services, SOAR, employment, and SUD or other integrated health care services.

         13. Grantee will assist consumers with all applications for state and/or federal financial and/or medical benefits, including re-determinations and appeals.
         14. Grantee shall achieve ___ diversions (A4-2i above) in FY24 (Number of diversions will be negotiated after award decisions are made).

      3. Housing Service details:

         1. Grantee must create immediate housing capacity using grant funds as per the approved contract budget. This housing must be used to provide access to safe community housing immediately upon acceptance of an offer for diversion, either by:
            1. A comprehensive Housing First proposal whose services are all directly provided by applicant or with an affirmative letter of agreement/subcontract with another provider, as acceptable to DHS/DMH. Proposals must advise:
               • Admission, exclusion, and discharge criteria, if applicable.
               • How the grantee will maintain occupancy management and secure new housing stock.
               • How the grantee will ensure and maintain consumer's access, linkage and engagement to all treatment services.
               • These programs must provide in the narrative and budget how they will comply with all other requirements in this NOFO specifically how the proposed model ensures engagement to all treatment services, as identified in the participant's treatment plan.

                 AND / OR

            2. The leasing of a transitional studio or one (1) bedroom furnished apartment(s) or other such units as accepted by DHS/DMH which a consumer may use temporarily to support their stabilization. The consumer and the agency must actively attempt to secure mid to longer term permanent housing using all options. These transitional units will be expected to be re-used with subsequent consumers.
               • Length of stay in such immediate transitional housing should be ninety (90) calendar days or less. Extensions can be approved by the DMH FDDP Program Contact if it facilitates the desired outcome of securing safe, affordable housing of choice for the consumers(s).
               • The use of transitional studio or one (1) bedroom furnished apartment(s), or other such units as accepted by DHS/DHS should align with the Housing First model. If the Grantee is unable to provide Housing First components within current immediate transitional housing services, please provide an outline as to how the grantee will proceed with providing linkage to Housing First options to support a consumer's recovery needs. This may include sub-contracting.
         2. Grantee must clearly display in budget allowable costs: lease cost, cost to initially furnish and replenish supplies, application fees, utility costs, security deposits (unit and utilities) or insurance costs. Costs must be based on clearly defined estimated volumes of usage. Other costs may be requested for approval from the FDDP Program Contact person on an as needed basis.
         3. Grantee must register consumers(s) placed into DMH-funded temporary transitional housing into the 'Practical Application of Intimate Relationship Skills' (PAIRS) module for potential access to the "Statewide Referral Network' (SRN), 811 housing waitlists and matching processes. This is to be accomplished within the first thirty (30) days of placement into DMH-funded temporary transitional housing. The requested approval for a consumer's housing extension may be dependent upon their enrollment into the PAIRS module as this is a requirement of the consumer to utilize immediate temporary housing options.
         4. Those consumers needing housing at any time during their participation must also be placed into the PAIRS module for potential access to the SRN, 811 housing waitlists and matching processes or a Bridge Subsidy.
         5. Grantee must assist consumers with all applications, tenancy services and housing search activities as well as all possible housing program options to progress towards independent Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), including use of FDDP Bridge Subsidy Program, PAIRS, State Referral Network, 811 Vouchers, all federal, state, or local subsidized housing opportunities etc. Grantee must educate consumers on all program requirements. The grantee must also provide the necessary transportation services to and from, as appropriate, to navigate an in-person apartment viewing(s) and other support services that help the consumer navigate the housing search.
         6. Grantee must specifically and continuously work with consumers receiving a Bridge Subsidy to transition them into all federal, state, or local subsidized housing opportunities. This must occur even if the consumer is no longer receiving clinical services as defined by Rule 140.The grantee must demonstrate their ability to provide a one (1) time per month housing support visit, at minimum, to ensure a consumer's compliance with the Bridge Subsidy Program and to pursue longer-term housing opportunities to exit the Bridge Subsidy Program.
         7. Grantee must advise how they propose to use, if any existing, DMH funded residential programs, - 860, 830, 832, 820, 620 - under their direct agency control or as secured through sub-contract or an affirmative letter of agreement with another provider, as acceptable to DHS/DMH. Proposals must include written admission, exclusion, and discharge criteria (policies) for each level of care proposed.
         8. Grantee must demonstrate the ability to interface with landlords and/or property management entities who must have potential rental properties available and can conduct preliminary visits across vast geographic areas as a means of scouting appropriate rental units for transitional housing and/or consumer specific supportive housing.

      4. Support Service:

         1. Grantees must use contract funds to provide for the emergent support needs of consumers. Those allowable supports must include transportation vouchers/cards, emergency clothing, emergency food, emergency medications, and emergency communication (cell phones/minute cards). Grantees must first utilize any available governmental or community resources for these needs, and transition consumers to these other support options as soon as is possible. Any unique instances must be addressed with DMH in advance of any actions for consultation and authorization decisions.
         2. Transition funds to support PSH placements costs is an allowable cost as within each agency's approved budget. This is a one-time per person allowance not to exceed $2,800 per consumer. Specific details on allowable expenses are also outlined in policy. Any unique instances must be addressed with DMH in advance of any actions for consultation and authorization decisions.
         3. Landlord Incentives: as other allowable expenses, with approval in advance and in writing by FDDP Program Contact person, may include:
            1.  The security deposit may be increased by an additional (third) months' rent. It must be refundable to the payor of the deposit as stipulated in the lease agreement as an additional incentive for the program's consumer to care for the property, and/or
            2. A one-time, non-refundable signing bonus that is equal to no more than 2 month's rent, and/or
            3. Paying the cost to repair damages or remediate conditions (such as infestations incurred/caused by the program consumer) that are clearly documented and not covered by the security deposit and/or that are incurred while the program consumer is still residing in the unit, program consumer has been evicted or program consumer has recently abandoned the leased unit.
         4. Subsistence allowance, as defined in policy.
         5. Grantee must provide either directly or through the use of subgrantee relationships as outlined in support services (A4-2l above), employment services, preferably IPS Supported Employment, and SOAR services for consumers that either, 1) wish to secure employment to supplement other monthly income or, 2) require participation in one or both services to secure a monthly income. Consumers are required to secure one or both services if the consumer does not have an income as the subsistence allowance is available as a temporary service as defined in policy. The grantee is responsible for providing documentation of these services for all program consumers to demonstrate compliance with the delivery of support services either directly by the grantee or through the use of a subgrantee.
         6. Other support needs may be requested for approval from the FDDP Program Contact person on an as needed basis.

      5. Staffing details:

         1. Grantees may incur and be reimbursed for budgeted approved costs (up to 100% of payroll and fringe costs) for only those staff who assist consumers with all levels of housing services, SOAR activities, employment service, recovery services, quality assurance, or those staff who provide supervision or administrative management solely for their non-billable (Rule 140 or other payor) services/time as distinctly identified in the proposal narrative and budget. The staffed positions involved solely in providing Engagement/ Outreach Services (A4-2a above) may be reimbursed at 65% of FTE for salary and fringe costs.
         2. Grantees are responsible through agency hire or subrecipient contracts for securing staff to:
            1.  Implement quality assurance services to monitor and report consumer quality of care and diversion outcomes. The quality management staff may serve as a liaison to IDHS-DMH and provide quality assurance services.
            2. Secure SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) services to meet program deliverables.
            3. Provide employment services, preferably IPS.
            4. Provide a full range of housing services, specifically outlined in the 'Housing Service Details' section.
            5. Provide recovery services.
         3. Responsibilities for housing services, SOAR, employment services and quality assurance must be governed by policy.
         4. Expenses for the above must be directly related to program volumes.
         5. Grantees may incur and be reimbursed for administrative support costs that may be needed to administer the emergency support, housing, SOAR activities, and/or employment services.

      6. Non-Allowable Costs:

         • Use of grant funds must not include any costs associated with the delivery and billing of any other available service reimbursable by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), DHS/DMH, Medicare or other insurance.

      7. Data Management and Exchange:

         1. As requested by IDHS, grantee must provide IDHS, an IDHS Business Associate and/or another IDHS vendor, such as, but is not limited to, UIC-College of Nursing, UIC-Jane Adams College of Social Work, consumer information that constitutes as PHI under HIPPA for the purposes of implementing regulations to perform data management/aggregation services and other program related performance management activities.
         2. Such entities, as identified by IDHS, may use and/or disclose consumer protected health information (PHI) as permitted or required by the program in accordance with any agreement, or as required by law.
         3. IDHS' and the entities' use and disclosure of PHI for the proper management and administration of the program is required to adhere to the obligations and activities as identified by IDHS, the Williams Consent Decree, and outlined in any such agreement.

   5. Performance Requirements

      •  Responding to referrals from identified settings:
        1. Grantee must have the capacity available with appropriately trained and credentialed staff to meet the assessment and service needs of those with serious mental illness or with serious mental illness and other co-occurring disorders to respond to referrals made by PASRR vendor contracted with HFS at identified local community hospitals or State hospitals or approved sites as indicated in Exhibit A: Project Description.
        2. Grantee must perform, within twenty-four (24) clock hours of receipt of the referral, including holiday and weekends:
           1. A review of SMRHF Preadmission Assessment materials, including online reports, and
           2. A face-to-face assessment by an MHP (with immediate 24/7/365 access to a QMHP) or QMHP ****, and
           3. Recommend and offer a treatment plan (offer) which provides for alternative behavioral health (MI) and substance use disorder (SUD) community-based treatment care options, housing, or residential placement, as needed, and support services, as needed.
        3. Grantee must provide continuing care management for persons accepting diversion (alternative care options) until a hard hand-off is accomplished at the next level of community-based care, as identified in the consumer's agreed to discharge/treatment plan (offer) with their agency or other psychiatric service providers or by another DMH/SUPR agency.
        4. Grantee must provide continuing treatment and care management for consumers (alternative care options) with their agency utilizing all clinically appropriate Rule 140 services as defined in the agreed-to discharge, master treatment plan (or as amended) until the consumer terminates care.
        5. Grantee must provide first billable outreach/engagement within twenty-four (24) hours, via telephone or face-to-face, following the consumer's exit (discharge date) from the hospital unit, or other approved site as indicated, or the diversion start date ***** in order to secure Milestone 1 payment as defined below.
        6. Grantee must register all consumers using the unique Front Door Diversion Program identifier in accordance with the requirements of the Provider Manual and must report consumers served through the submission of billing claims according to requirements prescribed by the HFS Rule 140 or other payor standards.
        7. Grantee must exhaust all other resources, including but not limited to Medicaid, MCO, Medicare or other insurance, to ensure that DHS/DMH is the funding source of last resort for these levels of care/services. Grantee must comply with all other requirements of the Provider Manual, including but not limited to Grantee monitoring and utilization management.
        8. Grantee must submit registration data and Rule 140, FFS or MCO, billing claims information on a weekly basis.
      • The Division of Mental Health (DMH) may require additional monthly reporting requirements which will identify participants at all levels of engagement and their statuses at those stages and/or costs of services which may be proposed as in Sections above.

        **** The state reserves the right to modify the face-to-face requirement to confirm with Illinois' Department of Public Health standards, directives, or requirements.

        ***** The "diversion start date" is the date which that consumer accepts an offer for Front Door new service delivery ONLY for those referrals submitted by a Front Door grantee for the agency's current clientele who need a SMHRF Preadmission Assessment and who are deemed 'SMHRF Eligible Recommended for Front Door Diversion Referral."

   6. Performance Measures

      •  Engagement/linkage at identified Hospital Psychiatric Inpatient Units or approved sites as indicated above:
        1. Number of persons referred by HFS' PASRR contracted vendor that are determined SMHRF eligible by the SMHRF Preadmission Assessment to establish baseline.
        2. Number of referrals who consent to the program assessment.
        3. Number of total completed assessments to establish baseline.
        4. Number of completed assessments performed by an MHP (with immediate 24/7/365 access to a QMHP) or QMHP that were completed within twenty-four (24) clock hours after receipt of the referral.
        5. Number of completed assessments that were performed by an MHP (with immediate 24/7/365 access to a QMHP) or QMHP which were completed face-to-face.
        6. Number of completed assessments that received an offer (A4-2e above.) which includes specific details on treatment and housing services, for recommended diversion.
        7. Number of offers accepted.
        8. Number of completed assessments who were diverted (see definition A4-2i above) after receiving an offer for diversion.
      • Supportive Services for securing safe, affordable housing:
        1. Number of persons accepting diversion and placed into temporary transitional housing and who were homeless or deemed to have unstable housing at the time of the SMHRF Preadmissions Assessment, as noted by PASRR vendor contracted with HFS, to establish a baseline.
        2. Number of persons accepting diversion and placed into temporary transitional housing who were registered into PAIRS within thirty (30) calendar days of placement into DMH-funded temporary transitional housing, and who were homeless or deemed to have unstable housing at the time of the SMHRF Preadmission Assessment, as noted by PASRR vendor contracted with HFS.
      • Supportive Services for transition from short term residential or crisis stabilization programs:
        1. Number of diverted persons who were admitted to any DMH funded short-term crisis (860) stabilization or residential treatment (820, 830, 832, 620) program(s) for short-term stabilization as part of their diversion plan, to establish baseline.
        2. Number of diverted persons who were admitted to any SUPR funded short-term crisis stabilization or residential treatment program(s) for short-term stabilization as part of their diversion plan, to establish baseline.

   7. Performance Standards

      •  Engagement/linkage at Hospital Psychiatric Inpatient Units or approved sites as indicated above:
        1. 95% of the completed assessments performed by an MHP (with immediate 24/7/365 access to a QMHP) or QMHP were completed within twenty-four (24) clock hours after receipt of the referral.
        2. 95% of completed assessments that were performed by an MHP (with immediate 24/7/365 access to a QMHP) or QMHP were completed face-to-face.
        3. 90% of the completed assessments received an offer which includes specific details on treatment and housing services, for recommended diversion.
        4. 85% of consenting persons who have accepted an offer were diverted after receiving an offer (see definition above).
      • Supportive Services for securing safe, affordable housing:
        1. 100% of persons placed into DMH-funded temporary transitional housing were registered into PAIRS within thirty (30) calendar days of placement into DMH-funded temporary transitional housing.

2. Funding Information

   1. Total Amount of Funding

      • The Department anticipates the availability of approximately $834,000 in funding.
      • The source of funding for this program is State funds.

   2. Number of Grant Awards

      • The Department anticipates funding approximately 4-6 grant awards to provide this program.

   3. Expected Amounts of Individual Grant Awards

      • The Department anticipates that grant awards will be between $139,000 and $208,000.

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

      • Not applicable.

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

      • Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than February 1, 2024, 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.
      • 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.

   7. Type of Assistance Instrument

      • This is a discretionary grant award funding opportunity.

   8. Procurement Contract Allowability

      • Subcontract 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.
      • The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.

3. Eligibility Information

   1. Eligible Applicants

      • This discretionary 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
        •  Applicants must:
          • Be certified or eligible for certification by IDHS as a Community Mental Health Provider or a Community Mental Health Center who shall directly provide or secure access to the full array of Rule 140 behavioral health services, residential and other services. Non-certified (Eligible only) applicants must submit a projected timeline acceptable to DHS/DMH for achieving certification.
          • Be enrolled or be eligible to be enrolled with HFS in order to provide the full array of Rule 140 behavioral health services as needed by persons served. (Eligible only) applicants must submit a projected timeline acceptable to DHS/DMH for achieving enrollment.
          • Be able to serve consumers in at least 1 of the following Counties: Adams, Coles, Lake, LaSalle, Lee, Madison, Marion, McHenry, Saline, Sangamon, St. Clair, Whiteside, and Winnebago.
          • Have met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.

      • Proposed Program Volume

        • DMH is seeking providers to increase and maximize access to the current Front Door Diversion Program (FDDP) services in additional service areas and associated hospital referral sites to address consumers' needs in new and/or underserved geographic sites across the state. The identified, planned participating sites are provided at Targeted Hospital Sites and Consumer Specific Information page which also show the historical data on completed MAXIMUS Specialized Mental Health Rehabilitation Facilities (SMHRF) preadmission assessments with an outcome of SMHRF Eligible-Recommended for Front Door Diversion Referral. These outcomes could have resulted in a consumer diversion with Front Door services.
          1. Other community-based referral volumes included, as approved by DMH.
          2. DMH reserves the right to assign any other consumer referral. Proposals shall include identification of those hospitals proposed to be served by the applicant.
          3. DHS/DMH reserves the right to negotiate hospital coverage with potential awardees should multiple potential awardees identify the same hospitals.
          4. DHS/DMH reserves the right to enroll or dis-enroll hospitals and/or add other authorized sites.
          5. The Front Door/SMHRF Referral Flow Sheet (pdf) advises of the processes and flow of the program.
          6. See Illinois' PASRR vendor and the SMHRF Preadmission Assessment Process for Information.
          7. Visit the FDDP website which provides greater detail on current programming.
          8. Visit the IDHS/DMH Williams Consent Decree website for Williams Consent Decree Implementation Plan (IP) Commitments.
          9. 800 Front Door FY24 Program Services (pdf) is a brief informational document outlining program services and current participating sites and associated Front Door contracted providers and contact information.

   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. 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 or the Illinois Debarred and Suspended 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
      • 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.

   3. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

      •  Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.
      • Serves as Maintenance of Effort to the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Community Mental Health Block Grant

   4. Indirect Cost Rates

      •  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 Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System.
          • 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 Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate 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 subcontractor (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards and subrecipients 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 subcontractor 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.
        • The Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System 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 Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate 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 Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate 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

   5. 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.

   6. Limit on Number of Applications

      •  More than one application per entity is not permitted.

4. Application and Submission Information

   1. Address to Request Application Package

      •  The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the is available through the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance and the Mental Health Grants - FY24 Website.
      • Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website 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 website 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.
        • All Application Materials should be submitted in one email (size permitting), as separate pdf documents:
          • Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
          • Program Narrative
          • Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure
          • Subcontractor Budgets, if applicable
          • Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form, if applicable
          • The applicant's full organizational chart indicating personnel responsible for program-related services.
          • Resumes for key supervisory personnel.

      • Program Narrative

        • IMPORTANT: Each applicant is required to submit a Program Narrative. The Program Narrative makes up the bulk of the application. If the Program Narrative is missing from your application package, 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.
        • The maximum possible score is 100 points. All submissions will be reviewed, evaluated, and based on the Criteria listed below.

      • Program 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.
        • 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. Please provide a complete response to the following sections.

          • Executive Summary (not to exceed 1 page) - Not Scored - 0 Points:

            • The purpose of this section is for the applicant to describe the organization's mission, history, achievements, services, equity advancement, financial overview, and strategic future plans. This description should highlight how the applicant is embedded/connected into the community and is identified as a trusted messenger. Include information about how your agency's vision and mission support the implementation of programing under this funding opportunity and include the geographic regions the applicant proposes to serve.

          • Community Identification and Need (not to exceed 1 page) - 15 points:

            • The purpose of this section is for the applicant to:
              1. Clearly identify which hospital(s) the grantee proposes to serve.
              2. Clearly detail how they will achieve and maintain collaborative relationships with each of the identified hospitals, other sites, as approved.
              3. Clearly identify how participants will be supported through existing agency programs and/or through other community resources, distinctly and separately for disparate geographic areas, if proposed.
              4. Identify stakeholders, fact and evidence that demonstrate the proposal supports the grant program's purpose.

          • Capacity/Agency Qualifications (not to exceed 2 pages) - 20 points:

            • The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of the agency's ability to meet the program requirements and to address the needs in the preceding Community Identification and Need section. This session should include, in detail:
              1. The applicant's administrative, technical, and programmatic ability to carry out proposed program.
              2. Provide the applicant's full organizational chart indicating personnel responsible for program-related services. Include an overview and plans for the anticipated staffing structure. Attach resumes for key supervisory personnel (organizational chart and resumes are NOT included for section or total proposal page limits).
              3. Describe the process the applicant will follow to be fully prepared to provide services by date indicated in the NOFO.
              4. Describe what resources and other knowledge, skills, and abilities, the applicant possesses or will budget for staffing and operations in order to support the objectives of this program.
              5. As applicable, describe applicant's ability and experience managing subrecipients, including providing technical assistance and capacity building, ensuring GATA requirements, executing sub-awards, fiscal management, obtaining sub-recipients program plans and data, and monitoring, etc.

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

            • The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a detailed, clear, and accurate picture of its intended program design which will address the anticipated clinical, housing and support service needs, and to effectively evaluate and support participants in community-based clinical care. This should include:
              1. All budgeted and non-budgeted program-specific staff (personnel) with specific details on each of their program responsibilities with the program-specific related chain of command structure. Program-specific details shall include responsibilities as indicated under Service Program Details; Housing Service Details; and Support Services.
              2. Applicant must outline the features and characteristics of service delivery that satisfies the requirements of the program.
              3. Such program features should also address the manner in which the applicant can fulfill service delivery to each of the populations as identified in Service Program Details. The service delivery can be outlined in a manner that describes the use of existing agency programming/expertise or through collaborations with other resources. An attestation must be provided outlining intent to serve. The populations intended to be served are: persons with co-occurring SUD, DHS/DMH identified Forensically involved, persons with sexual offender status, persons aging out of the care and custody of DCFS, persons who are experiencing homelessness, persons with co-occurring physical disabilities and persons without verifiable income such as SSI/SSDI, other federal or state income subsidies, or employment.
              4. Applicants must propose how they will directly provide both ACT and CST services, predominantly for the use of program participants at 25% of total ACT caseload and 30% of total CST caseload.

          • Data Collection, Evaluation and Reporting Criteria (not to exceed 1 page) - 13 Points:

            • To ensure accountability at all levels of service provision, IDHS is implementing the practice of performance-based contracting with its Grantee agencies. Applicant shall advise the data collection infrastructure (software and/or Electronic Health Record (EHR)) that they have or will use to collect data to support the achievement of measurable outcomes to ensure that we are carrying out the most effective programming possible. Applicants shall describe how they will use their data to:
              1. Ensure efficient program management.
              2. Support internal and/or DMH quality review processes.
              3. Track participant activity to maintain and support clinical stability, ensure appropriate use of DMH budgeted supportive funding and sustain participant community tenure.
            • 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) - 02 points:

            • Describe what resources and other knowledge, skill and abilities in addition to those specific to the duration of the funding cycle the applicant possesses or will budget for in order to support the objectives of this program. These may include, but not limited to the availability of space like meeting rooms, space to carry out this program, office location, etc.

          • Housing First Proposal (not to exceed 1 page) - 10 points:

            • The purpose of this section is to provide a response to the "Housing Service Details" which includes a specific proposal of the sole use of Housing First models and which the applicant attests they are to be fully compliant to the fidelity model. The Applicant should reference the fidelity model proposed and indicate any areas of deviation from the model's fidelity standards.

      • Required Forms

        • 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 one. The correct application must be used.
        • On Page three, 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.
          •  The Program Narrative, not including required attachments, shall not exceed 11 pages. If there are more than 11 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.
        • Attachments: If attachments are required as part of this NOFO, they must be submitted at the time of the application.

      • 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 5 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.

      • Subcontractor budget(s)

        • If applicant is planning to use a subcontractor, a pdf copy of the subcontractor budget must be submitted as a separate pdf document with the other application materials.
        • Subcontractor budgets shall be submitted on the GATA Uniform Budget Template (GOMBGATU-3002).

      • 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.

      • 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 the 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 the same as the Application Deadline.

   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.
        • 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 with all UEI and SAM requirements.
        • The Department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied with requirements and use that determination as a basis to award another applicant.

   4. Application Submission Dates and Times

      • Application Due Date and Time:

        • The Department must receive the Full Application:
          • Due on December 18, 2023 at 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time.
        • Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments.
        • 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:
          •  Your Agency Name
          • 800 Front Door Diversion Project
        • 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. Applications and Program Narratives received after the due date and time listed in the NOFO Summary above will NOT be considered for review or 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 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. 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.

   6. Other Submission Requirements

      • Electronic Submission

        • Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.
        • Documents must NOT include a password nor be encrypted.
        • 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.

   7. 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 website 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 - 800 Front Door Diversion Project - Question(s).
      • Questions will ONLY be accepted electronically. Deadline for Questions is December 11, 2023, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time.

   8. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosures

      •  Every grantee and subcontractor 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:
        •  Grantee has an employee, board member, trustee, or immediate family member who:
          • Holds an elected or appointed office in Illinois.
          • Holds a seat in the Illinois General Assembly.
          • 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.
        • Grantee has a financial interest, including ownership of stocks or bonds, in a firm which is a vendor or contractor.
        • Grantee has outstanding financial commitments to any vendor or contractor.
        • 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.
        • Grantee has any negotiation of employment with current or potential subcontractor or vendor.
      • Additional examples of Grantee Conflicts of Interest can be found in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Website Resource Library.

5. Application Review Information

   1. Criteria

      •  All discretionary grant applications are subject to merit review.
      • Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C "Eligibility Information" will not be scored and/or considered for funding.
      • Applications must follow the instructions in Section D "Application and Submission Information."

   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 package.
        • Review team members will have no conflicts of interest and will read and evaluate application packages independently.
        • 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 awardee, 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 applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc. These negotiations do not obligate IDHS to provide funding, nor should an applicant draw any conclusions about the Department's intentions to fund or not fund the application.

   3. Merit Review Appeal Process

      •  Discretionary 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 - 800 Front Door Diversion Project - Appeal
        • An appeal must be submitted in writing to the appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send it 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.
          • 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.
          • 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 200.1). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold.
      • (From 2 CFR 200 Definitions): Simplified acquisition threshold means the dollar amount below which a non-Federal entity may purchase property or services using small purchase methods (see § 200.320). Non-Federal entities adopt small purchase procedures in order to expedite the purchase of items at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. The simplified acquisition threshold for procurement activities administered under Federal awards is set by the FAR at 48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1. The non-Federal entity is responsible for determining an appropriate simplified acquisition threshold based on internal controls, an evaluation of risk, and its documented procurement procedures. However, in no circumstances can this threshold exceed the dollar value established in the FAR (48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1) for the simplified acquisition threshold. Recipients should determine if local government laws on purchasing apply.
      • 200.320 Methods of procurement to be followed. (a) (2) (ii)

6. 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 risk assessment (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 Accepted or Declined by the grants officer (or equivalent). This acceptance of the NOSA effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. This accepted NOSA is the document authorizing the Department to proceed with issuing a grant agreement. The NOSA must be Accepted or Declined through the Grantee Portal. A hard copy is not required.
      • The NOSA is NOT an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs at the non-State entity's own risk).
      • After the Uniform Grant Agreement is published in the CSA Tracking System, it must be signed, and the signature page submitted to the Office of Contract Administration at DHS.DHSOCA@Illinois.gov.
      • An award is NOT considered to be fully executed until both parties have signed the grant agreement. IDHS/DMH is not obligated to reimburse applicants for expenses or services incurred prior to the complete and final execution of the grant agreement and filing with the Illinois Office of the Comptroller.
      • A written Notice of Non-Selection 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.
      • You can find a sample of the FY24 grant agreement at 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:
        •  Time Period for Required Periodic Financial Reports. Unless a different reporting requirement is specified in Exhibit E, Grantee shall submit financial reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 10.1 and reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends.
        • Time Period for Close-out Reports. Grantee shall submit a Close-out Report pursuant to Paragraph 10.2 and no later than 30 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination.
        • Time Period for Required Periodic Performance Reports. Unless a different reporting requirement is specified in Exhibit E, Grantee shall submit Performance Reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 11.1 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 11.2 and no later than 30 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination.
      • Grantee shall submit these reports) to the appropriate email address listed below. 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.
        • 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 website.

   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).

      • 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. 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.
        • 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 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.
        • 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. 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.
        • 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.
      • 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. In addition, please note: If you will be submitting the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget, it must be submitted with the application materials 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 listed above.
      • Invoice and PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov.
      • Invoice and PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov.
      • Invoice and PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@illinois.gov.

      • Rate-based services (Pay for Performance) ****** will be reimbursed as follows:

        •  Milestone 1 Outcome Payment.

          • Grantee can invoice and will be reimbursed $3,000 for each person diverted (A4-2i above) and who have received one (1) billable encounter within twenty-four (24) hours of discharge from the hospital or the diversion start date. Reimbursed once in the attainment month.

        • Milestone 2 Outcome Payment.

          • Grantee can invoice and will be reimbursed $3,000 for each person diverted (A4-2i above) who remains in community placement and who is also engaged in treatment services at day ninety (90) from the hospital discharge date or diversion start date and with no admission to any type of long-term care facility. Reimbursed once in the attainment month.

        • Milestone 3 Outcome Payment.

          • Grantee can invoice and will be reimbursed $1500 for each person diverted (A4-2i above) and who physically occupies the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) unit, defined as a leased unit in the person's name. Reimbursed once in the attainment month.
        • Milestone 4 Outcome Payment.
          • Grantee can invoice and will be reimbursed $1,000 for each person(s) diverted and who have received a M1 payment in excess of their negotiated diversion target number (A4-2n above). Determined and reimbursed annually on attainment.
        • NOTE: The date of hospital or diversion start date is equal to day one (1).

          ******These claiming actions rely on the good faith knowledge and actions of the grantees when they assert to these and when they bill under these Milestones. DMH may use HFS claiming history or other such data to verify these claims.

      • Expense based services will be reimbursed as follows:

        1. Emergency Support Needs: Grantee must submit monthly invoices utilizing the prescribed DHS invoice template and delineating allowable expenses during the month as described in Exhibit A4a above.
        2. Temporary Residential Housing Option(s): Grantee must submit monthly invoices, outlining allowable costs for the proposed unit(s) by utilizing the DHS invoice template and delineating allowable expenses during the month as described in Exhibit A: Project Description.
        3. Transition funds to support for PSH placements costs is an allowable cost as within each grantee's approved budget. This is a one-time per person allowance not to exceed $2,800 per specific details on allowable expenses are also outlined in policy.
        4. Staffing and Administrative Support Costs: Grantee must submit monthly invoices utilizing the DHS invoice template and delineating allowable expenses during the month as described in Exhibit A: Project Description.

      • Penalties

        • If at any time during the grant agreement period the Department determines that the Grantee has/is failing to provide the deliverables identified in the grant agreement, the Department reserves the right in its sole discretion to institute the following actions:
          1. The Department reserves the right in its sole discretion to provide notice of grant performance deficiencies and to work with the Grantee to identify the reasons for the underperformance and provide direction on remedying the deficiencies within a reasonable time, with demonstrable progress and improvement within sixty (60) days of said notice.
          2. If the Grantee fails to demonstrate improvement within sixty (60) days of the notice of deficiencies, the Department reserves the right in its sole discretion to require a written Corrective Action Plan. The Corrective Action Plan must identify with specificity the actions and outcomes necessary to bring the Grantee into compliance with the grant agreement deliverables and be approved by the Department. The Grantee will have a maximum of sixty (60) days from the date of the approval of the Corrective Action Plan to achieve compliance with the grant agreement deliverables and remain in good standing with the Department.
          3. In the event the Grantee fails to perform the actions and meet the outcomes contained in the Corrective Action Plan, the Department reserves the right in its sole discretion to adjust the budget of the Grantee. This action includes, but is not limited to, reassigning one or more of the hospitals and/or other Department approved referring entities by the Grantee to another Front Door Diversion Grantee. Reassignment of hospitals (i.e., partial termination of the agreement) and/or other referring entities as approved by the Department may be done at any time either as part of or after a Correction Action Plan is agreed upon, in the event circumstances warrant such action to ensure targets, performance measures, and performance standards are met. Any such reassignments will include agreement and budget amendments to reflect the same, that will be proportional to the reduced anticipated diversions as a result of the reassignment.
          4. If the Grantee continues to underperform, in addition to all other termination rights identified in the grant agreement, the Department reserves the right to immediately terminate the grant agreement without penalty to the Department. This does not preclude the Department from terminating all or part of a grant for any other reason, as provided for in the grant agreements. In the event a grant agreement is terminated either in whole or in part, the Grantee must work cooperatively with the Department to transition records and data relevant to the Front Door Diversion Program grant services. This includes, but is not limited to case records, medical information, and service data for all individuals supported and served by the grant agreement.

      • Payment Forms

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

7. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

   • If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact:
     •  Rob Putnam
     • Email: DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.

8. Other Information

   •  Program Websites
     •  Mental Health Grants - FY24
     • IDHS Grants
     • IDHS website

9. Mandatory Forms

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