Youth Services Training, Technical Assistance and Support (YSTTAS) (25-444-80-1500-01)

Summary Information

1. Program Description
   1. Program Summary
      The Division of Family and Community Services, Office of Community and Positive Youth Development (OCPYD), Bureau of Youth Intervention Services (BYIS) administers programs designed to engage and protect youth from becoming wards of the state through the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and/or Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). These programs include but are not limited to: Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services, Redeploy Illinois, Homeless Youth, Youth Employment Programming, Release Upon Request, Community Youth Services, etc.
      Maintaining the quality of service delivery is a key role of OCPYD. To ensure that the youth services programs are providing exceptional services to youth and their families in Illinois, training, technical assistance and support (TTAS) is provided to community-based youth services agencies, direct service workers, units of local government, system stakeholders etc. in regard to Department program models, data collection systems, best practice models for case planning, youth assessments, youth screening, youth safety, youth employment, systems diversion; alternatives to secure confinement, brain development, trauma, principles and practices of positive youth development and various other provider identified trainings and support activities. These services build upon provider capacity and capabilities and are delivered through a variety of venues and techniques including training conferences, meetings, workshops, video and Web trainings, etc. Additional TTAS functions include an online resource center, legislative news center, networking activities etc., a training advisory group and the capacity to provide the staff support for various ad-hoc committees to ensure provider input related to program development and improvement activities.
   2. Funding Priorities
      1. 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.
      2. The Department intends to fund one highly qualified and experienced eligible applicant to provide multi-culturally appropriate, multi-culturally informed training, technical assistance and support services that will assist the OCPYD and its Bureaus in maintaining high quality community-based youth services. Training, technical assistance and support activities will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the programs which in turn will increase the quality of crisis response, reduce state costs for the DCFS and costs associated with incarcerating youth in DJJ facilities, reduce the number of broken families, reduce the number of crime victims, create safer communities across Illinois, ensure at-risk youth are prepared for secondary education and employment and career opportunities.
      3. BYIS funded youth services program providers are required to be trauma informed. The successful applicant will have or will contract with a non-profit organization with demonstrated experience assessing and delivering high quality trauma training, technical assistance and support to community-based organizations to develop, maintain and measure trauma informed status. 
      4. The successful applicant will provide training, technical assistance and support to funded community providers utilizing both the current and new versions of the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI) copyrighted by ORBIS Partners Inc.. The successful applicant will play a key role in supporting the ongoing development, maintenance and roll out of the new system including report development, testing, implementation and support . This will require establishing an ongoing relationship with the developers of the system. Successful roll out of this system will initially take place with the Redeploy Illinois program participants and will later roll out to other youth services programs such as Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) program providers.
      5. The Redeploy Illinois program has been a key component in efforts to reduce the number of youths committed to DJJ facilities. Redeploy funds local jurisdictions to develop plans for community-based treatment for juvenile offenders that protect communities, promote accountability to victims and communities, and equip youth with competencies to live responsibly and productively while avoiding incarceration, shifting the reliance on the DJJ for services to delinquent youth to community-based services and supports, which are more effective and less expensive. In order to maintain the quality of this program, expert consultants and additional technical assistance is necessary for the coordination services, the Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board (RIOB), and the development and maintenance of interactive web-pages for Redeploy Illinois and the Redeploy Focused Program.
   3. Required Services and Programming
      1. Qualified Staff
         1. Engage and maintain qualified staff with expertise and experience in child development, positive youth development, education, juvenile justice, intervention and diversion services, trauma informed capacity development, training, etc. necessary to perform the specific tasks of the grant.
         2. Engage and maintain staff trainers who have a minimum of 3 years of experience delivering organized training to adult learners, preferably in related fields
      2. Training
         1. Training Opportunities
            The Applicant will provide free training opportunities to community-based youth services agencies that serve at-risk youth throughout Illinois, multiple times throughout the year and in multiple locations The Applicant will work with the state to develop an approved detailed training plan, utilizing established and agency-developed curricula in presenting evidenced-based approaches to case management, youth assessments, interviewing techniques, program management, legal issues, positive youth development, trauma, strategies for risk reduction, crisis response, alternatives to secure confinement, academic support, preparation for secondary education, client-centered service delivery, culturally responsive evaluation, customer service as well as other youth service related activities. Training opportunities provided by the applicant will be marketed to allied professionals (other Department funded youth services system providers, substance abuse and mental health providers, school personnel, legal service providers, police officers, juvenile justice system stakeholders, social service providers, etc.,) while ensuring that priority is given to the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development program grantees.
            Examples of individual trainings that should be included but not be limited to: Host Home Training for CCBYS, Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI) Training, Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) Trainings, Ansell Casey Training, Motivational Interviewing, Positive Youth Development and Adolescent Brain Development, trauma focused screening and interventions; Community Youth Services training, Aggression Replacement training, truancy alternatives, community systems collaboration, community-based juvenile diversion programs, program evaluation/outcomes strategies and program specific data reporting system training.
            The Applicant will evaluate its performance of each training session. The Applicant may use an evaluation tool of its choice, however DHS must approve. The tool must assess participants' opinions regarding the quality and relevance of the instruction. Results will be reported to DHS along with how the results were or were not used to make adjustments to trainings and/or delivery of same. 
            In-person trainings must be provided throughout the state in multiple regions to ensure ease of attendance. No targeted training participant should travel more than 3 hours each way to attend any training unless otherwise approved by the BYIS Administrator. DHS will ensure successful applicant has a current listing of all youth service provider locations so that an analysis will be conducted to ensure a sufficient number of in-person trainings are provided to ensure remote locations are not traveling more than 3 hours each way to participate. Example: A single training targeting youth service providers must be provided in a minimum of 3 locations throughout the state to ensure adequate travel times. Further, program specific trainings must be provided multiple times during the year. Additionally, and as appropriate, trainings will be provided utilizing various training mediums. Training plans will be flexible to ensure needs are met throughout the year. Trainings will be in-person unless otherwise approved by DHS. The training plan must be approved by DHS.
            
            1. Training Needs Assessment:
               The Applicant will conduct and publish the results of a semi-annual training needs assessment approved by the BYIS Administrator. The Applicant will develop the content, methodology and implementation plan for approval by BYIS. The assessments will be conducted in the first and third quarters annually.
            2. Training Advisory Work Group:
               The Applicant will convene a training advisory work group on a quarterly basis. The purpose of the work group meetings is to provide an opportunity for the youth services providers to assess the quality, relevance and availability of training sessions as offered by the Applicant. This information will be shared with DHS staff.  This workgroup will play a role in developing aspects of training, including the needs assessment.
            3. Training Development:
               At times it may be necessary for the successful applicant to develop new training curriculum for programs. This will be done ar the direction of DHS. An immediate need and requirement for year one of this TTAS grant will be to develop a Host Home Training curriculum and deliver that training to CCBYS program providers etc. This training must be developed in partnership with DHS and must ensure compliance with DCFS riles etc. regarding Host Homes. Input from established CCBYS providers will be required as part of the training development.
            4. Training Website:
               The Applicant will maintain a separate or ensure that their current website provides information regarding all youth services training opportunities, dates, and locations; the availability of youth services research and programmatic materials; an on-line resource center, alerts regarding budgetary and/or programmatic changes. The website will also provide an on-line registration function that can be used by BYIS funded youth service providers, allied professionals, and Department staff to register for the successful applicant's training sessions.
         2. Racial Equity: The applicant must ensure that trainings are infused with racial equity principles. In addition, applicant will provide racial equity training and implicit bias training to DHS youth service providers. The applicant will work with the Department to identify an existing racial equity/justice training or develop a new curriculum.
      3. Technical Assistance
         1. Research/Legislation
            The Applicant will provide research, data collection, analysis and support in addressing legislative mandates (collecting data, reports, task force support etc.) and other projects that may be undertaken by the RIOB or the youth services system. The Applicant must have the capacity to support such activities and draft reports as necessary.
         2. Information and Referral Line (IRL)
            The Applicant will operate or provide through sub-contract a year-round, 24/7 information and referral line to assure that youth in crisis are linked with the appropriate service system: youth services (specifically the CCBYS program); child welfare; law enforcement; etc., by providing the agency initiating the call with needed contact information in the youth's community. The IRL will serve as a 24/7 resource for state and local law enforcement, state and local youth serving agencies, schools, families, youth etc. that may encounter a youth in need of services. The primary function of the IRL will be to direct the caller to the appropriate CCBYS or other system for services as necessary. A secondary function will include maintaining a current listing of DHS funded Homeless Youth program providers so that IRL callers can be referred to DHS funded HY services as appropriate and track calls accordingly. Additional services will include marketing the IRL, serving as a resource for CCBYS providers throughout the state and DHS. The IRL will also work in cooperation with DHS to ensure statewide coverage of the CCBYS network, including but not limited to situations when a CCBYS provider is being replaced, by directing callers to other near-by CCBYS providers. The Applicant will be responsible for collecting data on IRL calls and reporting that information to DHS in quarterly reports.
         3. Attorney
            The Applicant will retain the services of an attorney-at-law according to the following schedule: 30 hours for the totality of youth service providers and 10 hours for state sponsored regional meetings. Hourly billing rate must be reasonable and customary for the community served. Travel expenses of the attorney may be reimbursed at the prevailing state rate. Please identify the attorney-at-law that the Applicant intends to retain. Include a copy of the attorney's resume. The attorney must have experience in consulting on issues related to youth services including but not limited to: Minors Requiring Authoritative Intervention (MRAI), lock-outs, premature discharges from in-patient psychiatric facilities, general rights of minors, risk management, confidentiality of records, subpoena compliance, child abuse reporting.
         4. Trauma Informed Practices
            Provide training and technical assistance as necessary to DHS funded providers to build their capacity to achieve and maintain Trauma Informed Status as determined by a DHS recognized tool, such as CBAT-O. As necessary, individualized technical assistance plans will be developed and implemented. Track provider participation, assessments, etc. provide quarterly reports to DHS regarding participation and achievement of Trauma Informed status. Each provider will be required by contract to engage in and develop Trauma Informed status within one year. Exceptions will be granted on case by case basis.
         5. Technical Assistance & Compliance Support
            In collaboration with DHS, provide technical assistance and compliance support for the following programs: Homeless Youth; Community Youth Services; Illinois Youth Investment Program; Redeploy Illinois (see vii below) and CCBYS. This will include on-site technical assistance/compliance visits with provider staff. These visits may result in corrective action / performance improvement plans where necessary, follow-up and report development. Grantees may be visited 1 to 4 times per year based on identified risk/need. It is estimated that each program will have 30 to 40 grantees. The applicant will implement a site visit plan consistent with IDHS site visit policies. IDHS will approve the site visit plan prior to the applicant implementing the plan. The site visit plan will include items such as prioritizing high need providers and ideas for improving site visits, protocol for communication with both IDHS and providers, that must include timelines for each step in the plan as well as maintaining all supporting documentation.
         6. Capacity Development
            The applicant will work with OCPYD to increase the capacity of small community-based organizations to successfully apply for and implement state funded youth services grant programs. BYIS seeks to develop qualified applicants that are physically located in the communities they serve and are demographically representative of the community population to receive services. To do this, the successful applicant will develop and implement a plan that will include a scan of the state to identify service gaps, racial and ethnic disparities in funded community-based organizations and communities served. Further, the scan will consider how "local" currently funded services truly are.
         7. Meeting and Event Coordination
            1. Coordinate and host in partnership with DHS quarterly provider meetings. These will be in-person meetings unless otherwise approved by DHS.
            2. Develop/maintain the capacity to provide all trainings and provider meetings in person.
         8. Screening & Assessment
            The successful applicant will provide training, technical assistance and support to funded community providers utilizing both the current and new versions of the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI) copyrighted by ORBIS Partners Inc.. In partnership with the Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board, ORBIS is developing a Youth Assessment and Screening Tool to meet the evolving needs of youth and families focusing on a holistic model of defining success in youth served by youth intervention programming. This includes a database system for providers to monitor and track success of the services and include reports for providers and the State of Illinois to gather data. Training and Technical Assistance for the youth service providers implementing the tools is also being developed. The successful applicant will play a key role in supporting the ongoing development, maintenance and roll out of the new system including report development, testing, implementation and support. This will require establishing an ongoing relationship with the developers of the system. Successful roll out of this system will initially take place with the Redeploy Illinois program participants and will later roll out to other youth services programs such as Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) program providers. Implementing partners will need all necessary training, technical assistance and support to implement the tools and to provide case management services to youth. This may include any and all necessary licenses, training, etc.
            For planning purposes, approximately $320,000 should be planned to support the initial roll out of the new YASI to Redeploy program sites. Additional allocations will be necessary to support the ongoing training and support for programs continuing to utilize the current YASI and case management process through eCornerstone. This will include at a minimum CCBYS program providers.
         9. Redeploy
            1. Technical Assistance and Support
               The Applicant will provide statewide technical assistance, expert consultation and support services for the Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board (RIOB) and its program. Support activities include identifying a primary Redeploy point of contact that will aid the RIOB in the implementation and expansion of the program and administrative support services for same, coordination of technical assistance, program quality assurance and monitoring activities, program and philosophy promotion, report preparation, data collection and analysis, coordination and implementation of the Redeploy Illinois Focused program, implementation of all-sites meetings, workshops, trainings, forums and other public service activities as directed by the Redeploy Illinois Program Director and the Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board.  A minimum of $50,000 will be set aside to fund services for youth under the Redeploy Focused program unless otherwise directed by BYIS.
            2. Coordination of Redeploy Services
               Identified staff and expert consultants will work in cooperation with, and at the direction of DHS Redeploy program staff. The Applicant will provide coordination services necessary to implement the Redeploy Illinois Focused program. This will include but not be limited to fiscal management of the program, public awareness and marketing of the program, development of and distribution of the solicitation notice, tracking and monitoring of the application process, applicant eligibility, receipt and processing of applications, ongoing communication with the RIOB, data collection, and monthly/quarterly reports to the County Review Committee and the RIOB Focused Committee. The Applicant will also, as directed by the RIOB, issue contracts to successful applicants under the Redeploy Illinois Focused program. As fiscal agent for the program the Applicant must provide timely processing of payments to contractors. The successful applicant will submit a plan for coordination services for Redeploy Illinois and Redeploy Illinois Focused program to the Department for approval.
               1. RIOB Board Meeting
                  The Applicant will coordinate and support the Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board (RIOB) meetings, committee meetings, retreats, trainings, conferences and provide administrative support. Applicant staff will ensure as necessary compliance with the Open Meetings Act as the RIOB and associated committees are subject to the Act.
               2. Redeploy Website:
                  The Applicant will maintain a Redeploy Illinois website that provides information regarding training opportunities, dates, and locations; the availability of research, best practices and programmatic materials; an on-line resource center and programmatic and application materials for the Redeploy Focused program.
            3. Redeploy Screening and Assessment
               Redeploy providers currently use the Youth Assessment and Screening Instrument (YASI) to measure the reduction of risk and increase in protective factors of youths served. As the Redeploy Board moves to a more strength-based approach to working with youth, it seeks to improve the current version of the YASI to assess, focus, and measure the individual youth outcomes the Board truly hopes to achieve.
               See Screening & Assessment above for additional details. 
   4. Performance Measures
      1. Training
         1. Training opportunities
            1. Completion of a Department-approved detailed training plan to address the needs of youth-service providers, based on an approved training needs survey.
            2. Percentage of trainings conducted in accordance with plan, including in-person vs virtual.
            3. Percent of targeted participants receiving training.
            4. Percentage of training evaluations completed.
            5. Percentage of trainees expressing satisfaction with training.
            6. Number of training needs assessments conducted with results reported to the Department.
            7. Number of training advisory work group meetings convened.
            8. Applicant will develop and deliver a host home training plan for CCBYS Host Homes, licensing support for host homes, and training implementation for providers and host homes.
            9. Website: Maintenance of a current and accurate website with required content.
         2. Racial Equity
            1. Percentage of training curriculums including racial equity principles.
            2. Number of racial equity or implicit bias trainings identified or developed.
            3. Number of racial equity or implicit bias trainings conducted.
      2. Technical Assistance
         1. Technical Assistance and Compliance Support
            1. Completion of a Department-approved site visit plan consistent with the IDHS policy
            2. Number of Technical Assistance & Compliance Support site visits conducted following the IDHS site visit training policy and procedures.
         2. Capacity Development
            1. Completion of a Department-approved plan to build the capacity of communities and organizations in areas identified as underserved.
            2. Percentage of activities conducted in accordance with capacity plan.
         3. Responsiveness of a 24/7 CCBYS IRL that provides current and accurate information and collects and analyzes relevant data for improved performance of both the IRL and program.
         4. Retention and responsiveness of an attorney-at-law.
         5. Screening and Assessment
            1. Coordination of provider input regarding Screening and Assessment tool.
            2. Percentage of sites trained on new/revised Screening and Assessment tool.
            3. Percentage of sites training on new database collections system.
         6. Meeting and Event Coordination
            1. Number of DHS quarterly youth services providers convened and co-hosted
            2. Percentage of meetings and trainings available virtually
         7. Redeploy
            1. Retention and responsiveness of a primary Redeploy point of contact and expert consultants.
            2. Percentage of RIOB and associated committee meetings/events supported by applicant staff.
            3. Number of Months the Redeploy Illinois Focused program was actively seeking (marketing & accepting) applications.
            4. Percentage of Focused applications processed timely for approval/denial through the County Review Committee.
            5. Percentage of Focused Grants monitored for compliance and reported to the Department and RIOB.
            6. Percent of technical assistance activities conducted, documented and reported per the Department by program and type.
            7. Maintenance of a current and accurate website for the Redeploy Illinois and Focused programs.
         8. Trauma Informed Practices
            1. Percentage of Youth Services providers given assistance to achieve and maintain trauma-informed status.
            2. Percentage of Youth Services providers tracked regarding trauma-informed status with results reported to the Department.
         9. Reporting and Administration 
            1. Percentage of quarterly narrative and tabular reports of services delivered submitted on time with required content and supporting documentation.
            2. Percentage of timely monthly fiscal reports.
         10. Data: Percentage of activities performed to provide research, data collection, analysis and support in legislative mandates and other projects as directed.
         11. Job Announcements: Number of job vacancy announcements shared with local FCRC.
   5. Performance Standards
      1. Training
         1. Training opportunities
            1. Department-approved detailed training plan submitted as attachment to quarterly report.
            2. 90% of planned trainings are conducted in accordance with the plan or approved revision.
            3. 90% of participants in each training event will be from targeted participants.
            4. 90% of training participants - complete an evaluation.
            5. 90% of completed training evaluations express satisfaction with training.
            6. Two training needs assessments are conducted with results reported to the Department as attachment to the quarterly report.
            7. Four training advisory work group meetings convened with minutes included as attachments to the quarterly report.
            8. Department approved Host Home training developed and an approved detailed training plan CCBYS Host Home delivered including licensing requirements for both providers and host homes.
         2. Website: A current and accurate website will be active with required content, to include training and registration capacity.
         3. Racial Equity
            1. 80% of training curriculums will be revised to include racial equity principles.
            2. A minimum of one racial equity or implicit bias training curriculum will be identified or developed.
            3. A minimum of four racial equity or implicit bias trainings will be conducted.
      2. Technical Assistance
         1. Technical Assistance and Compliance Support
            1. A minimum of one Technical Assistance & Compliance Support site visit per agency will be conducted. This visit includes supporting documentation and is in compliance with IDHS approved site visit policy.
            2. Department approved detailed site visit plan submitted as attachment to quarterly report.
         2. Capacity Development
            1. A BYIS approved plan to build the capacity of communities and organizations in areas identified as underserved will be submitted with the 2nd quarter Program Performance report.
            2. 75% of activities will be conducted in accordance with the approved capacity plan.
         3. A 24/7 CCBYS IRL that provides current and accurate information and collects and analyzes relevant data for improved performance of both the IRL and program is operational throughout the entire grant period with data reported in quarterly reports.
         4. An attorney-at-law is retained that is sufficiently experienced in juvenile law and MRAi.
         5. Screening and Assessment
            1. A minimum of three activities will be conducted to coordinate provider input regarding Screening and Assessment tool.
            2. A minimum of 75% of sites will be trained on new/revised Screening and Assessment tool within 6 months of adoption.
            3. A minimum of 75% of sites will be trained on new database collection system within 6 months of adoption.
         6. Meeting and Event Coordination
            1. A minimum of sixteen DHS quarterly Youth Services Provider meetings convened and co-hosted.
            2. 80% of meetings and trainings available virtually.
         7. Redeploy
            1. A primary Redeploy point of contact will be identified and responsive as well as one or more expert consultants that will be responsive to both the RIOB and staff as well as program sites.
            2. 100% of RIOB and associated committee meetings/events are supported by applicant staff.
            3. 100% of quarterly reports will include a review of all Redeploy Focused activities. The primary point of contact will provide reports/updates on the status of the Redeploy Illinois Focused program activities at RIOB meetings as requested.
            4. 100% of Focused applications processed timely for approval/denial through the County Review Committee.
            5. 100% of Focused Grants are monitored for compliance and reported to the Department and RIOB.
            6. 100% of technical assistance activities conducted are documented and reported as directed by the Department by program and type.
            7. A current and accurate website for Redeploy Illinois will be active and will include RI Focused program content.
         8. Reporting
            1. 75% of quarterly narrative and tabular reports of services delivered submitted on time with required content and supporting documentation.
            2. 80% of monthly fiscal reports will be submitted timely.
         9. Data: Percentage of activities performed to provide research, data collection, analysis and support in legislative mandates and other projects as directed.
         10. Job Announcements: Provider agency supplies evidence one or more job vacancy announcements were shared with local FCRC.
   6. Authorizing statutes
      Not applicable
2. Awarding and Funding Information
   1. This is a competitive funding opportunity.
   2. The Department anticipates that up to $2,000,000 will be available for grants under this Notice of Funding Opportunity.
   3. This award will be funded with General Revenue funding.
   4. This grant does NOT require an in-kind or financial match requirement.
   5. This grant does not have limitation on indirect costs.
   6. Applications for new and existing providers will be scored with the same scoring matrix.
   7. The grant start date is estimated to be 7/1/2024.
   8. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin not sooner than the grant start date and will continue through 6/30/2025.
   9. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive up to two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the department and are based on performance.
   10. Proposed budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by DHS. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been approved through the CSA system. Refer to Section C.3: Registration in CSA for more information.
   11. 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 of the subcontractor.
   12. Pre-Award costs will be allowed under the following conditions: The applicant must:
       1. have received and accepted the Notice of State award (NOSA)
       2. have a current, approved budget in the CSA system for this award,
       3. have submitted any and all requested program plan and budget revisions per the NOSA,
       4. NOT incur pre-award costs prior to the acceptance date of the NOSA,
       5. Refer to 2 CFR 200.209 Pre-award Costs for more information.
   13. All funding is subject to sufficient appropriations.
   14. Applications from current or previous Youth Services TTAS Providers will be scored using the same scoring rubric as applications from new organizations.
   15. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services (the Department) to make an award.
3. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements
   1. Eligible Applicants
      1. This competitive funding opportunity is limited to those applicants that are public or private, not- for-profit community-based agencies with experience delivering organized training to adult learners in the field of youth intervention and prevention services for a minimum of five years, who also meet the additional eligibility criteria below. Failure to provide the requested information as outlined herein to demonstrate these criteria are met will result in the application being removed from funding consideration.
      2. Mandatory Requirements
         The Mandatory Requirements are essential items that must be met by the applicant. If any Mandatory Requirement is not met, the responding applicant's entire proposal will not be considered. If all responding applicants fail to meet a particular mandatory requirement, that mandatory requirement may, at the sole discretion of the State, be removed from the Mandatory Requirements so the evaluation process may continue. However, this does not obligate IDHS to make an award to any applicant that fails to meet all mandatory requirements.
         1. The applicant must be in a position to begin providing services on July 1, 2024. Applicant will demonstrate its ability to provide services on July 1, 2024 by providing a program Implementation Timeline as Attachment A5.
         2. The applicant must provide a clear statement of commitment to operating with a racial equity lens when proving training, technical assistance; support activities and when creating or updating policies. The applicant statement of commitment must be included in the Executive Summary section of the application.
         3. The applicant must have a minimum of five years of experience delivering organized training to adult learners. Applicant's experience in adult learning must be included in the Executive Summary section of the application.
         4. The applicant must have a minimum of 5 years experience delivering high quality trauma training, and technical assistance and support to community-based organizations serving juvenile justice involved and at risk youth, to develop, maintain and measure trauma informed status for organizations. Applicant experience in proving trauma training and technical assistance and assessing orgnizational trauma informed capacity must be included in the Executive Summary section of the application.
      3. Gata Registration and Prequalification
         Eligible applicant entities must be registered and prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, available here: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.
         1. Registration and prequalification are required annually. For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedure, refer to IDHS: Pre-Qualification Instructions and Resources (state.il.us)
         2. Applicants must be prequalified; 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.
   2. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier
      Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:
      1. Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date.
      2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UE) in its application; and
      3. 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.
      4. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements.
      5. The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.
   3. Registration in CSA
      1. The CSA Tracking System is where the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) expects all applicant entities to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and act on the proposed budget.
      2. Applicants must be registered in the CSA Tracking System to enable the applicant to submit a signed budget in CSA by the application due date. For instructions on registering in CSA, refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us)
      3. When submitting an application, the applicant entity's proposed budget must be entered into the CSA system. The Budget must be electronically signed by the Applicant's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer. Refer to IDHS: Process for Adding GATA Budget Signoff Authority (state.il.us). Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS.
      4. Successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA System. Furthermore, if the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed, and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, points will be deducted from the Budget Narrative section.
      5. It may take several days to complete the registration process so do not wait until the application due date to begin the process. For more information about registering and submitting a budget in the CSA system, refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us)
   4. Pre-Award Requirements
      1. All successful applicants are required to complete a risk assessment prior to execution of a grant award. The Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) is one instrument used to assess risk of grantees by identifying an organization's potential weaknesses. The ICQ is accessed through the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. The Department may NOT issue a Notice of Award or a Grant Agreement to any applicant that does not have a submitted and approved FY25 ICQ. While these are NOT required prior to submitting the application, they are required prior to the Department issuing an award.
      2. Applicants that have not completed an FY25 ICQ at the time of application will be contacted by the Department to complete these pre-award requirements.
      3. These grantee pre-award requirements are mandated by Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Grantees must complete these requirements prior to receiving a grant award from the State of Illinois.
   5. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements
      Providers are not required to provide in-kind and/or financial match. However, if a successful applicant proposes a voluntary match amount and the budget is approved, the total match amount incorporated into the approved budget becomes mandatory and subject to audit.
   6. Grant Fund Use Requirements
      All applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of any applicable federal awards.
      Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs.
      1. Allowable Costs
         Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity(ies) contained in the Scope of Work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.
      2. Unallowable Costs
         Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS:
         1. Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438)
         2. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
         3. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
         4. Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445).
         5. Deposits for items, services, or space
      3. Limitation of Use
         Limitation of Use of Award funds for Employee Compensation: With respect to any award over $250,000, recipients may not use federal funds to pay total cash compensation to any employee that exceeds 110% of the maximum annual salary payable to a member of the Federal Government's Senior Executive Service (SES) at an agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year.
         Salary Table No. 2024-ES
         Rates of Basic Pay for Members of the Senior Executive Services (SES)
         *Effective January 2024
         

         Structure of SES Pay System	Minimum	Maximum
         Agencies with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System	$147,649	$221,900
         Agencies without a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System	$147,649	$204,000

         
         The Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (P.L. 118-35, January 19, 2024) continues the pay freeze on the payable pay rates for the Vice President and certain senior political appointees through March 8, 2024. Future Congressional action will determine whether the pay freeze continues beyond that date.
      4. Indirect Cost Requirements and Restrictions
         1. This grant does not have limitations on indirect costs.
         2. All grantees receiving awards from Illinois grant making agencies must enter State of Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate Negotiation System (powered by the Crowe Review & Monitoring Platform (CRMP) via the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal to substantiate its organizations' election regarding indirect cost reimbursement.
         3. Grantees that wish to negotiate a rate with the State of Illinois will start their election process in the Grantee Portal and the case will then be sent to CARS to begin negotiation. To view the CRMP User Manual.
         4. Grantees are expected to complete the indirect cost rate proposal process every fiscal year, based upon Grantee fiscal year-end (not State of Illinois fiscal year-end).
      5. Administrative Costs
         It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Program budgets and narratives will detail how all proposed expenditures are directly necessary for program implementation and will distinguish between Indirect/Direct Administrative and Direct Program expenses. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. At no time may the approved NICRA be exceeded under this agreement. Documentation will be required to verify the approved NICRA.
      6. 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:
         1. 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);
         2. 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;
         3. 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 §200.206 awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.
   7. Post Award Requirements of Applicant
      1. Program Services: Applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Notice.
      2. Start Date: Applicants must be prepared to begin offering services on the contract start date.
      3. Technology: Organizations awarded funds through this funding notice must 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:
         1. Internet access, preferably high-speed
         2. Email Capability
         3. Microsoft Excel
         4. Microsoft Word
         5. 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.
      4. Equity and Racial Justice
         IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize equity and diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves correcting 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. Organizations that provide services under this funding opportunity and all related RPSA programs must reflect IDHS' commitment to advance equity and racial justice by enabling all to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, and disability. This includes but is not limited to having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to develop) a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)/racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as equity in outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to develop) an equity and racial justice training plan for organization staff.
      5. Trauma Informed: Applicants will demonstrate an ongoing commitment to developing/maintaining trauma informed capacity within the organization.
      6. Program Evaluation Reporting Requirements
         Providers will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the Department and/or its subrecipient(s) and collect and report data accordingly. Data will be submitted in the format prescribed by the Department. Providers will be required to report quarterly regarding program performance measures and outcomes. Providers will be required to participate in Department directed Performance and Standards Assessment reviews. A year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report will also be required. Additional data and information may be requested throughout the year as determined by the Department.
      7. Site Visits
         The applicant agrees to participate in site visits as requested by the Department or any designated individual/entity acting on behalf of the Department or the OFVP and agrees that program and collaborating partners may attend such site visits.
      8. Presentations
         The applicant will be available as requested by the Department to present information regarding service deliverables, provide data updates, or to answer questions arising from the applicant's work.
      9. 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.
      10. Background Checks
          Background checks are required for all program staff and volunteers who have the potential for contact with youth under 18. These background checks must be completed in advance of individuals working directly with youth. Such individuals will authorize such checks in writing and submit to fingerprinting when required. The agency shall retain the signed form authorizing the background check. All background check information, including the signed authorizing forms shall be maintained separately in a confidential file, apart from the employee's personnel records. Funded programs will be required to have a written protocol in place detailing the requirement for background checks; evidence of their completion; the protocol for reviewing and making determinations regarding results; etc. In no case shall a Person who has been indicated as the perpetrator of any of the child abuse/neglect allegations identified in 89 Ill. Adm. Code Section 385.50(a) be deemed fit for service that allows access to children.
      11. Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Mandate
          Per the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA, 325 ILCS 5/4), mandated reporters are professionals who may work with children in the course of their professional duties. Mandated reporters are required to report suspected child maltreatment immediately when they have "reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be an abused or neglected child" (ANCRA Sec.4). This is done by calling the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Hotline at 1-800-252-2873 or 1-800-25ABUSE. Programs funded through this grant opportunity must review ANCRA and, where appropriate, have a written protocol for identifying and reporting suspected child maltreatment.
      12. 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.
      13. 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.).
      14. 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.
          The applicant agrees not to publish, release, or otherwise disseminate data in any form without the prior written permission of the Department. If such permission is granted, the applicant agrees to submit to the Department six copies of all reports and proposed publications resulting from this Agreement a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to public release. Any publications (written, visual or sound), excluding press releases, newsletters and issue analyses, shall contain the following statement: "This project [is being] [was] supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLT-3381 awarded to the State of Illinois by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and under grant(s) from the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services. Points of view or opinions in the document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Illinois Department of Human Services.
4. Application and Submission Information
   1. Address to Request Application Package
      1. This Notice of Funding Opportunity is available through the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance and the DHS Grants website page. Email DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov for all appendices
      2. Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the Department at the email address below. 
         Email Address: DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov
         Subject Line: YS- TTAS 25-444-80-1500 Request
      3. 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.
   2. Content and Form of Application Submission
      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 may 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
      Applicants must submit a plan (proposal narrative) that covers a grant period from 7/1/24 to 6/30/25 (12 months). Grant awards will be issued based on the State Fiscal Year and will be subject to performance, subject to 2 CFR 200 continuation application process, subject to GATA Compliance, and subject to sufficient State/Federal appropriation.
      Applicants must submit a plan that contains the information outlined below. Each section must begin on a new page and have a heading that corresponds to the headings listed below after each section number. The total application may not exceed 15 pages, single-spaced. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, Executive Summary, checklist, attachments, and Uniform Budget are not included in the page limitation. 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.
      If an applicant receives an award through this NOFO, the proposal will become the local program plan and budget unless revisions are required. The application/plan will be the basis for monitoring compliance by the Department.
      Failure to provide an application in the format detailed throughout this section will result in the loss of points.
      1. Executive Summary (5 points)
         The YS-TTAS Executive Summary (available as an Appendix) will serve multiple purposes. First, as a scored portion of this application and secondly, for successful applicants it will serve as a stand-alone document that may be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description.
         Applicants must complete the Executive Summary and include it at the beginning of your program narrative. Each of the following items must be answered/responded to on the Executive Summary Form:
         1. List the name, address, FEIN, county, and website (if any) of applicant entity.
         2. List name, phone number, and email address for the organization's authorized representative and for the contact person for this application.
         3. Indicate funding amount requested under this proposal.
         4. Applicant must respond to the following mandatory requirements:
            1. Program start date. (Indicate date you anticipate beginning services)
            2. Experience in teaching adult learners. (Indicate # of years of experience applicant has delivering organized training to adult learners.)
            3. Experience delivering high quality trauma training, technical assistance and support to community-based organizations serving juvenile justice and at risk youth, to develop, maintain and measure trauma informed status. (Indicate # of years of experience applicant has delivering trauma training and technical assistance.
            4. Statement of Equity and Racial Justice Commitment: (provide a clear statement of commitment to operating with a racial equity lens when proving programming and creating or updating policies.)
         5. Briefly describe your proposed activities and anticipated outcome(s) of the required program services
            (Refer to Section A.3: Required Services and Programming)
         6. Indicate if applicant will be delivering services directly or using a sub-contractor
      2. Capacity-Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity (30 points)
         The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of their ability to implement this program as outlined in this NOFO. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
         1. Overview: Give a brief overview of the applicant agency, outlining its primary programs and services offered. Describe how the applicant's mission statement and goals align with the purpose of this funding opportunity.
         2. Experience:
            1. Describe the applicant agency's experience providing each of the service areas under Section A.3: Required Services and Programming. Describe relevant major accomplishments and outcomes of those efforts.
            2. Describe the applicant agency's experience in teaching adult learners. (Indicate # of years of experience applicant has delivering organized training to adult learners.)
            3. Describe the applicant agency's experience delivering high quality trauma training, technical assistance and support to community-based organizations serving juvenile justice and at risk youth, to develop, maintain and measure trauma informed status. (Indicate # of years of experience applicant has delivering trauma training and technical assistance.
            4. Describe the applicant's experience managing state and/or federal grants.
         3. Fiscal Capacity: This section will be scored based on the thoroughness of the responses and on the level of capacity. The purpose of this section is intended to gauge the level of financial technical assistance that may needed to support the applicant.
            1.  Organization:
               1. Describe your agency accounting policies and systems/software used. Can your system track expenses by program area?
               2. Describe your agency's experience creating budgets, applying cost allocation principles, etc.
               3. What is the amount of your organization's overall budget? Overall budget includes all programs, administration, etc; include this grant request/amount.
            2. Program specific:
               1. What is your budget for this program? If you anticipate additional sources of funding for this program besides this grant request/amount, please provide the sources/amounts.
               2. Identify staff who will be responsible for completing and submitting financial reports to IDHS. Describe staff member's experience and/or credentials, if applicable. If your organization is contracting with an entity to manage fiscal responsibilities for this grant, provide name of the entity. Please explain your internal controls to ensure separation of duties related to approving invoices, accounting entries and payment authorizations for expenditures.
               3. If the program intends to offer subsidized employment opportunities, provide information regarding your agency's capacity and experience in managing a participant payroll system - particularly for youth employment programs. Explain how your organization will track time and effort and the program and supervisory approvals.
            3. Reminder to submit the fiscal Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ). The Department may NOT issue a Notice of Award or a Grant Agreement to any applicant that does not have a submitted and approved FY 25 ICQ. The ICQ can be accessed through the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. The completed ICQ will not impact your application score.
         4. Agency Readiness: Provide a description of the applicant agency's readiness for service provision commencing on the contract start date, taking particular note of the following:
            1. Staffing: Describe the applicant agency's plan for staffing to carry out and execute this program.
               1. Complete the Program Contact Information Form (available as an Appendix) and include it as Attachment A2.
               2. Include an organizational chart of the applicant organization, showing where the program and its staff will be placed. If subcontractors will be used, include the relationship with those organizations in the chart. Please include this as Attachment A3: Organizational Chart.
               3. Indicate number and title of positions, FTE for each position part-time and brief description of what that position will be doing related to this grant. Submit job descriptions for each position that will be funded in part or in whole with grant funds as Attachment A4: Job Descriptions/Resumes. Key personnel must meet or exceed the minimum requirements of a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, human services, public administration, juvenile justice, education or closely related field. Lead trainers, at a minimum, should possess at least three years of experience as a trainer, educator and/or facilitator in the field of youth services, positive youth development, child development, or similar field. Personnel must have sufficient experience in providing services related to training, technical assistance, conference/meeting planning and coordination; and information dissemination / research preferability in education, child development, youth services or afterschool programming. Identified staff must have relevant local or national expertise and experience in the area in which they are assigned.
               4. Provide a table listing areas of expertise, the names of staff who have experience and expertise in each of the areas and the number of years of experience. Include this as Attachment P1: Staff Areas of Expertise.
            2. Implementation Timeline: Applicants will submit an Implementation Timeline as Attachment A5, which will include program milestones, hiring staff, training, start dates, etc. For each deliverable:
               1. Indicate the staff who will be responsible to ensure each deliverable is completed.
               2. The estimated time per week spent on each deliverable. For each deliverable,
               3. Record implementation dates, dates deliverables will be accomplished, etc.
         5. Trauma-Informed Status: Applicants must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to develop trauma informed capacity. Please describe current and planned capacity building activities designed to obtain or maintain Trauma Informed status.
         6. Subrecipients: If the applicant plans to use a Subrecipient to deliver services related to this program, describe how the applicant agency will monitor the Subrecipient.
            Include the following for each subrecipient:
            • Attachment S1  Program Contact Information Form (available as an Appendix)
            • Attachment S2  Subrecipient Budget (Use the IDHS: Uniform Grant Budget Template (state.il.us)
            • Attachment S3 Subrecipient Agreement (The Subrecipient Agreement is generated by the applicant agency outlining the scope of work/deliverables the subrecipient will be completing for this program.)
            • Attachment S4 Subrecipient Agency Federal Form W-9 (Rev. October 2018) (irs.gov.pdf)
            • Attachment S5 Subrecipient Agency approved NICRA if indirect costs are included and Subrecipient Agency has a current approved Federal or State NICRA
            • Attachment S6 Subrecipient signed Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
      3. Need-Description of Need (10 points)
         The purpose of this section is to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for proposed services within the targeted community and how the applicant will address these needs. Applicant will discuss how training needs are determined, including ascertaining input from targeted community (after-school program providers).
         1. Training Needs Assessment:
            Describe the process for conducting the required training needs assessment for youth services providers including methodology and implementation.
         2. Training Advisory Work Group:
            1. Describe how the Applicant recruits and maintains members of the Training Advisory Work Group.
            2. List members associated agencies and the perception they bring to the group.
            3. Provide a proposed schedule of training advisory work group meetings and the proposed venue for the meetings.
            4. Training Website: Describe website contents and why it's relevant to Youth Service Providers.
      4. Equity and Racial Justice (10 points)
         The purpose of this section is for the applicant to demonstrate understanding of the history and impact of racism and inequity on communities most impacted by firearm violence and to describe the organization's response to address racial inequity. The applicant should provide a clear picture of its work to counteract systemic racism and inequity and to prioritize and maximize diversity and equity throughout its service provision process.
         1. Describe the applicant's commitment and actions to address equity and racial justice. Examples of commitment and activities may include but are not limited to, having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to have) a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)/equity and racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as equity in outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to have) an equity and racial justice training plan.
         2. Describe how the applicant will use an equity lens when lens to provide training and technical assistance and to provide training racial equity/justice training and implicit bias training. An equity lens is a process that analyzes the impact of policies and practices on marginalized communities to inform and ensure equitable outcomes.
         3. Describe how the applicant will intentionally and deliberately analyze the delivery and/or impact of the program on underserved and marginalized groups (including communities of color, people with disabilities, gender nonconforming people, etc.)
         4. Include demographic information of program staff and agency leadership (board and/or executive staff) and discuss if these demographics match the designated community(ies).
         5. Based on racial demographic data, provide the number of policies, practices and procedures that have been implemented, revised, or repealed to reduce racial disparities at your agency.
      5. Quality-Description of Program Design and Services (35 points)
         The purpose of this section(s) is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive, clear, and accurate picture of its intended program design. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout.
         The proposal must address each of the following components in the order below:
         1. Qualified Staff: If applicant does not have staff with experience or expertise in one or more areas listed above in the Capacity Section, describe plan to recruit, engage and maintain staff with experience and expertise.
         2. Training Plan: Please describe the proposed detailed training plan to be provided.
            1. Detail the training sessions to be provided, the numbers of trainings, the training method, the location of trainings, etc.
               1. Include the name and creator of the training curricula and the rationale for its use. Provide a schedule of training that includes the proposed locations and dates and subject matter for each session and target audience.
               2. Indicate the sessions that will be offered via methods other than in-person training sessions and rational.
               3. Describe the plan to ensure the trainings are relevant to the audience and describe how trainings will be delivered throughout the state and to ensure flexibility within the schedule to ensure new program staff resulting from turnover and new provider organizations will be convenient and timely throughout the state.
               4. Describe the steps that will be taken to ensure the proposed training plan will be cost effective to the state.
               5. Describe the registration function that the Applicant will provide.
            2. Describe how in year one of this grant, a Host Home Training curriculum will be developed and delivered to CCBYS program providers. Describe how this training will be developed in partnership with DHS and include compliance with DCFS rules etc. regarding Host Homes and with input from established CCBYS. 
            3. Describe how the Applicant will promote its training sessions to allied professionals while ensuring that priority is given to BYIS program grantees targeted by the training.
            4. Describe the evaluating participants' satisfaction with training sessions. Include a copy of the satisfaction instrument used for evaluation as Attachment P2: Participant Training Evaluation.
         3. Racial Equity Training:
            1. Describe how the applicant will infuse racial equity principles into training curricula.
            2. Describe the process by which the applicant will identify or develop and implement racial equity and implicit bias training. Indicate whether applicant is proposing to provide training directly or anticipates using a sub-contractor to provide training. Include anticipated identification, development and implementation dates on your Attachment A5: Implementation Timeline.
         4. Technical Assistance Plan
            1. Research and Legislation: Describe how the applicant will provide research, data collection, analysis and support in addressing legislative mandates (collecting data, reports, task force support etc.) and other projects that maybe undertaken by the RIOB or the Department's youth services system.
            2. Information Referral Line:
               Provide a detailed plan for operation of a year-round, 24/7 information and referral line as described herein.
            3. Describe the process used to monitor the compliance and quality of the subcontractor's performance.
            4. Describe how calls are tracked in such a way as to provide valuable feedback to the program to address provider compliance issues as well as to inform programmatic decisions at the state level.
         5. Attorney:
            1. Describe the plan to ensure the services of an attorney-at-law will be made 30 hours for the totality of youth service providers and 10 hours for state sponsored regional meetings.
            2. Hourly billing rate must be reasonable and customary for the community served. Travel expenses of the attorney may be reimbursed at the prevailing state rate.
            3. Please identify the attorney-at-law that the Applicant intends to retain.
            4. Include a copy of the attorney's resume.
            5. The attorney must have experience in consulting on issues related to youth services including but not limited to: Minors Requiring Authoritative Intervention (MRAI), lock-outs, premature discharges from in-patient psychiatric facilities, general rights of minors, risk management, confidentiality of records, subpoena compliance, child abuse reporting.
         6. Trauma Informed Practices and Capacity Development: Describe how the applicant will ensure DHS funded programs develop their capacity to ensure program youth are served in trauma informed environments and by trauma informed staff.
         7. Racial Equity Training: Describe how the applicant will identify or develop and implement racial equity/ justice training and implicit bias training. Indicate whether applicant is proposing to provide training directly or anticipates using a sub-contractor to provide training. Include anticipated identification, development and implementation dates as part of Attachment A5: Implementation Timeline.
         8. Redeploy Illinois
            1. Redeploy Illinois Technical Assistance: Describe how the Applicant will provide statewide technical assistance, expert consultation and support services for the Redeploy Illinois Program (RI). Support activities include identifying a primary Redeploy point of contact that will aid the RIOB in the implementation and expansion of the program and administrative support services for same, coordination of technical assistance, program QA and monitoring activities, program and philosophy promotion, report preparation, data collection and analysis, coordination and implementation of the Redeploy Illinois Focused program, implementation of all-sites meetings, workshops, trainings, forums and other public service activities as directed by the Redeploy Program Director and the Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board.
            2. Redeploy Illinois Focused Coordination Services: Describe the proposed plan to implement Redeploy Illinois Focused program, including fiscal management of the program, public awareness and marketing of the program, development of and distribution of the solicitation notice, tracking and monitoring of the application process, applicant eligibility, receipt and processing of applications, ongoing communication with the RIOB, data collection, and monthly/quarterly reports to the County Review Committee and the RIOB Focused Committee and issuing contracts to successful applicants under the Redeploy Illinois Focused program as directed by the RIOB.
            3. Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board: Describe the plan to provide support for the RIOB and its associated committees and working groups.
            4. Redeploy Illinois Website: Describe how the applicant will maintain the Redeploy Illinois website that provides information regarding training opportunities, dates, and locations; the availability of research and programmatic materials; an on-line resource center and programmatic and application materials for the Redeploy Focused program. Describe the website and its contents.
            5. Redeploy Screening and Assessment
               Describe how the applicant will work with the Department and the Board to:
               1. Coordinate service provider input and feedback regarding current and potential assessment/screening tools.
               2. Engage, at the direction of the RIOB, through contracts with subject matter consultants who will work with the Board and the Department around screening/assessment content which may include:
                  1. Examining proposed screening and assessment options to ensure consistency with Board Requirements for such tools including a focus on positive youth outcomes.
                  2. Ensuring that any and all assessment and screening options considered are culturally sensitive and promote racial/justice equality.
                  3. Analyzing and recommending areas of conflict / consistencies with other Illinois Youth Services and Juvenile Justice tools.
                     1. Provide training and technical assistance to the Redeploy providers and Board on the select screening/assessment tool.
      6. Budget and Budget Narrative (10 points)
         1. Applicant Budgets
            Applicants should provide a budget narrative and a budget for the grant period (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025). The budget and budget narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrates that all proposed costs are:
            • Reasonable and necessary
            • Allocable, and
            • Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable.
            1. Budget Narrative:
               In this section of the program (proposal) narrative, provide a detailed Budget Narrative of the items allocated within your proposed budget. Identify the source of those funds and detail how the specified resources and personnel are being allocated to ensure the tasks, activities, goals, and objectives described in your proposal will be implemented. If you plan to use additional state or federal funds, or other funds to support the program, please also describe how these additional funds will be utilized to implement the program.
            2. Budget: Applicants must enter their budget into CSA.
               1. The FY25 budget for must be submitted electronically in the CSA system (Refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us).  The Budget entered into the CSA system will include a narrative or detailed description/justification for each line in the budget and will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how you arrived at the particular amount. Please include cost allocations as necessary. This narrative must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The FY25 Budget (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) should clearly describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities described in your plan.
               2. The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer. Refer to IDHS: Process for Adding GATA Budget Signoff Authority (state.il.us). Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. If the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed, and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, points will be deducted from the Budget Narrative section of the application.
               3. A PDF copy of the budget should be included in the application as Attachment A6: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget. This should be printed from the CSA system.
            3. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been submitted and approved through the CSA system.
            4. If indirect costs are included in the budget, the applicant must submit a copy of their organization's approved NICRA as Attachment A7: Applicant NICRA
            5. The applicant must submit Federal Form W-9 (Rev. October 2018) (irs.gov.pdf) as Attachment A8: Applicant W-9
         2. Subrecipients
            If you plan to use subrecipients, indicate amount of funds to be provided to the subrecipients; include a budget narrative describing how subrecipient will use funds.
            Subrecipient budgets must be pre-approved, and therefore must be submitted with this application. Subrecipient budgets should NOT be submitted in the CSA system. Instead, Subrecipient budgets should be completed using a PDF form of the IDHS: Uniform Grant Budget Template (state.il.us). This PDF template should only be used for Subrecipient budgets.
      7. Other Mandatory Forms
         1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
            The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is available as an Appendix and must be included at the beginning of this application.
         2. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
            The Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf form must be completed, signed, and submitted with your grant application materials as Attachment A9. If no actual or potential conflicts exist, the applicant should indicate "no conflicts." For conflicts that arise after application submission, submit this form to your designated grant program point of contact within 7 calendar days after the conflict has been identified. Refer to the Disclosure form for examples of potential conflicts.
            Grantee must ensure that all subrecipients also complete and sign the Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf. Include the Subrecipient's Grantee Conflict of Disclosure as Attachment S6.
      8. Attachments to Your Application Narrative (Not included in page limits)
         Although this section is not scored individually, points will be deducted in the above sections if these items are not included as directed. The Attachments should be labeled accordingly. If any attachments are not applicable, a page labeled with the attachment number should be submitted and should include a statement explaining why the attachment was not applicable.
         ALL Applications MUST include the following mandatory forms/attachments in the order identified below.
         1. FY25 Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
         2. Program Narrative
            • YS-TTAS Executive Summary (available as an appendix) Email DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov for all appendices
            • Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
            • Need - Description of Need
            • Equity and Racial Justice
            • Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
            • Budget Narrative
         3. Attachments to Your Application
            • Attachment A1 NOFO Checklist (available as an appendix) Email DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov for all appendices
            • Attachment A2 Program Contact Information (available as an appendix) Email DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov for all appendices
            • Attachment A3 Organizational Chart
            • Attachment A4 Job Description(s)/Resume(s)
            • Attachment A5 Implementation Timeline
            • Attachment A6 Applicant FY25 Uniform Grant Budget (printed from CSA)
            • Attachment A7 Applicant NICRA (if applicable)
            • Attachment A8 Applicant Federal Form W-9 (Rev. October 2018) (irs.gov.pdf)
            • Attachment A9 Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
              Additional Program Attachments
            • Attachment P1 Staff Areas of Expertise (This is an applicant-generated table)
            • Attachment P2 Participant Training Evaluation (This is an applicant generated form.)
            • If subrecipients will be used, include the following Attachments for each subrecipient)
            • Attachment S1 Program Contact Information (available as an appendix)

            Attachment S2 Subrecipient Budget (Use the IDHS: Uniform Grant Budget Template (state.il.us)

            • Attachment S3 Subrecipient Agreement (This is an applicant-generated form)
            • Attachment S4 Subrecipient Organization Federal Form W-9
            • Attachment S5 Subrecipient Organization approved NICRA (if applicable)
            • Attachment S6 Subrecipient Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
   3. Application Submission Dates and Times
      1. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov and received no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
         
         The application container will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov. Include Subject Line "YS-TTAS 25-444-80-1500 Applicant agency acronym"
         Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be considered for review or funding. Applications will NOT be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk or thumb drive. THE ELECTRONIC COPY MUST BE A COMPLETE SINGLE PDF FILE.
      2. Applicants will receive a receipt confirmation email of receipt notifying them that their application was received and the date and time it was received within 48 hours of the application due date and time. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. This receipt confirmation email is solely confirmation that the application has been received by the Department; it is not a confirmation of applicant's eligibility; pre-qualifications, timeliness of submission, etc. Refer to Section C. "Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements," for more information on applicant's eligibility.
         Applicants are required to notify the Department within 96 hours of the application 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 96 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 96 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.
      3. 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.
      4. 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.
      5. It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by DHS 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.
   4. Other Submission Requirements
      Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order and in a single PDF file to DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov. Include Subject Line "YS-TTAS 25-444-80-1500 Applicant agency acronym"
      All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. With the exception of letterhead and stationery for letter(s) of support (not required), the entire proposal should be typed in black ink on white paper. The program narrative must be typed single-spaced, on one side of the page, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The program narrative must not exceed the page totals specified in the Section D.2 "Content and Form of Application Submission." Items included as Attachments are NOT included in the page limitations.
      Applications will ONLY be accepted as described herein. Faxed copies, hard copies, etc. will not be accepted. The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.
   5. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier
      Refer to Section C: "Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements" for information on required registration in SAM.gov.
   6. Intergovernmental Review
      This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."
   7. Funding Restrictions
      The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements as described in Section A "Program Description" and in accordance with Section C.8 "Grant Funds Use Requirements."
5. Application Review Information
   1. Eligibility Review
      1. Program Staff will conduct an initial eligibility review to determine if an application meets the eligibility requirements published in this Notice and will advance to the next stage of the review process.
         An application is compliant if the applicant:
         1. is an eligible organization as defined in Section C "Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements,"
         2. is GATA prequalified,
         3. submitted an application by the submission deadline,
            Reviewing for eligibility is intended to ensure that only those applications that are eligible for award are further reviewed. However, determinations of eligibility can take place at any point during the application review and selection process. Applicants that are determined to be ineligible will not receive an award.
            All applicants / applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
   2. Review and Selection Process
      1. Merit-Based Review
         1. The Merit Based Review will be conducted by a review team comprised of three or more internal and/or external reviewers. Internal reviewers are individuals employed by the Department, contractual staff or individuals working as interns from an Illinois academic institution. External reviewers are those individuals not employed by the Department who have volunteered to review applications, have subject matter expertise and/or grant reviewing experience and have been screened for any potential conflict of interest with their assigned applications.
         2. The review teams will be provided with a Merit Based Review Committee Member Orientation Session.
         3. After the orientation session, applications will be reviewed and scored individually. The Review Team scores will be compiled and averaged on a Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
         4. The Bureau Chief or designee will conduct a quality assurance review which must include the following:
            1. Initial review of the summary score sheet to identify scoring discrepancies,
            2. Determine whether reviewers properly applied Merit Based Review steps as instructed,
            3. Identify any obvious infractions of committee members' independence in the review process.
            4. Assess whether reviewers properly completed all section of the MBR Scoring Sheet. Reviewer score sheets may be returned to the reviewer to improve legibility and completeness of comments,
            5. Determine whether all facets of the review and scoring process were adhered to and consistently applied by reviewers.
         5. After individual scores have been completed, a post-merit-based review committee meeting will be held. The review committee meeting is required for all competitive merit-based reviews and will be facilitated by the Bureau Chief or designee. The following apply:
            1. Each review team assigned application will be discussed by team members, including application highlights, concerns, application mandates / requirements etc.
            2. Scoring disparities will be identified, addressed and resolved. For each application, if a significant disparity exists between reviewer scores (based on a set formula), review team members will collectively examine the application and discuss comments to ensure team members have not missed items within the application that other team members may have identified including application mandates / requirements etc. Application highlights and concerns will also be discussed.
            3. Individual scores must be revised if a reviewer determines that they have missed information in the application.
            4. Scoring revisions resulting from discussions must be documented on the respective scoring sheet with written commentary to support the revision.
         6. Once the post merit-based review meeting has been held and individual scores have been revised and resubmitted (as necessary), the Review Team member scores will be updated, compiled and averaged on the Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
         7. At any time during the merit-based review or post-review process:
            1. If it is determined that there was the possibility of impropriety on the part of any reviewer, upon written request and with the approval of the Associate Director, the Department reserves the right to remove from consideration the reviewer scores and comments from consideration. This action must be documented in writing and must include the reason for removal
            2. If the removal of a reviewer scores and comments results in fewer than 3 reviewers scoring the application, the Department will assign an alternate reviewer to the application. This reviewer will be afforded all the same guidance, instruction and time to complete the review task. Once completed, the process will resume as required.
         8. After the updated Review Scores have been compiled and averaged, the Bureau Chief will then prepare preliminary funding recommendations for the Associate Director. These recommendations may include a final eligibility review of recommended applications to confirm applicant meets eligibility and mandated requirements. Funding recommendations may also include consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified under Section A.2. "Intent of the Notice of Funding Opportunity."
         9. Based on the preliminary recommendations and other considerations listed above, the Associate Director will prepare funding recommendations for the Director and or the Director's designee.
         10. The Director/designee may include consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified under Section A. 2. "Intent of the Notice of Funding Opportunity."
      2. Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria
         1. Scoring will be on a 100-point scale. Application Narratives will be evaluated on the following criteria:
            

            SECTION	POINTS
            Executive Summary	5 Points
            Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity	30 Points
            Need - Description of Need	10 Points
            Equity and Racial Justice	10 Points
            Quality - Description of Program Design and Services	35 Points
            Budget Narrative*	10 Points
            TOTAL	100 POINTS

         2. Cost Sharing:
            Cost Sharing will NOT be considered in the evaluation of this application.
            The application criteria to be reviewed and scored are found under each category in this announcement in Section D. 3 "Content and Form of Application Submission."
      3. Selection Process
         As described in the Criteria section above, scoring will be done by committee on a 100-point scale. 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, demonstrated community presence, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. and other factors identified under Section A.2 "Intent of the Notice of Funding Opportunity."
         While the score/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 review panel to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
         In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options:
         • Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
         • Partially fund each of the tied applications
         • Not fund any of the tied applications or
         • Assign a new 3-person review team to review and score both applications to break the tie.
           The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
   3. Merit-Based Review Appeal Process
      1. Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO).
      2. Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
         Name of Agency contact for appeals: Karrie Rueter
         Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov 
         Email Subject Line: "agency name YS-TTAS 444-80-1500 Appeal Karrie"
      3. Submission of Appeal.
         1. An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.
         2. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
         3. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
            1. Name and address of the appealing party;
            2. Identification of the grant; and
            3. Statement of reasons for the appeal.
            4. Supporting documentation, if applicable
      4. Response to Appeal.
         1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
         2. IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
         3. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.
      5. Resolution
         1. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
         2. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency.
         3. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
         4. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
            1. Review of the appeal;
            2. Appeal determination; and
            3. Rationale for the determination.
   4. 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 200.1). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Refer to Section C.6 "Grant Funds Use Requirements" for more information.
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). The NOSA shall include:
      1. Grant Award Amount
      2. The Terms and conditions of the award
      3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative internal controls questionnaire (ICQ) and merit-based review.
         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.
         Upon acceptance of the grant award, announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding agency to Grants.Illinois.gov. 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 current IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement, refer to IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.
      The agency awarded funds through this Funding Notice must further agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.). Additional terms and conditions may apply.
   3. Reporting
      Upon execution of the grant agreement, reporting shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Uniform Grant Agreement and related Exhibits which includes, but is not limited to the following:
      1. Reports
         1. Periodic Financial Report (PFR)
            1. The Provider will submit monthly expenditure documentation and certification forms (EDCFs), quarterly and final Periodic Financial Reports (PFRs) in the format prescribed by the Department.
            2. These monthly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of each month for the preceding month by email.
            3. The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30) is due October 15th; Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31st) is due - January 15th, Quarter 3 (January 1- March 31st) is due - April 15th, and Quarter 4 (April 1st -June 30th) is due - July 15th).
            4. The final (cumulative fiscal year) Periodic Financial report is due July 15th of the next fiscal year.
         2. Periodic Performance Report (PPR)
            1. The provider will provide monthly status reports to the OFVP in the format prescribed by the Department.
            2. The Provider will submit quarterly and final Periodic Performance Reports (PPRs) in the format prescribed by the Department.
            3. The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30) is due October 15th; Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31st) is due - January 15th, Quarter 3 (January 1- March 31st) is due - April 15th, and Quarter 4 (April 1st -June 30th) is due - July 15th).
            4. The final (cumulative fiscal year) Periodic Financial report is due July 15th of the next fiscal year.
         3. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.
         4. If the State share of any State award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance, applicants are also subject to the reporting requirements reflected in appendix XII to 2CFR200.
         5. Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List (SSPL).
      2. Annual Audit in conformance with Audit Requirements set forth in the grant agreement.
      3. Recordkeeping Requirements
         The Provider is required to maintain until June 30, 2032, adequate books, all financial records and supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award. If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the records have been resolved and final action taken. The Provider agrees to provide or make available all records related to this grant upon request.
   4. Payment Terms
      The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) payment 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).
      Grantees will receive payment by one of the three payment methodologies (Advance Payment, Reimbursement or Working Capital Advance). 
      1. Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile)
         1. Because IDHS is subject to the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act, IDHS is required by 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 to remit Award payments via advance payment when Awardees meet the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management), 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(i)(A)(i and ii) (Advance Payments), and other requirements as described in this Directive.
         2. Awardees may request advance payment for each Award issued by IDHS. Requests must be submitted to the respective Award Program Manager by the method prescribed in the Grant program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or the Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) - Program Listing. A separate request must be submitted for each IDHS Grant program application.
         3. Requests for advance payment must be accompanied by an IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form IL444-4985.pdf (state.il.us) for each Award. Cash Budgets must be signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive's signature certifies that their entity complies with the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management) and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(i)(A) (Advance Payments). The Cash Budget must demonstrate the estimated monthly cash requirements for each month of program Award operation. Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the Awardee in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the Awardee for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. Additionally, the Awardee entity must make timely payments to sub-recipients and contractors.
         4. Upon program approval for advance payment, an initial payment will be processed in an amount equal to the first two months' cash requirements as reflected in the submitted Advance Payment Requirements Forecast (Cash Budget) Form.
         5. Awardees must submit monthly invoices on the Monthly Grant Invoice form (IL444-5257) in the method prescribed in the Awardee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement Exhibits. The first invoice is due after the first month of Award operations. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the Awardee. For Awards that have Awardee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
         6. Subsequent monthly payments will be based on each monthly invoice submitted to the Award program and will be adjusted up or down, based on a comparison of actual cumulative expenditures to cumulative advance payments, to date.
         7. Awardees 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 Award budget, must return the funds or be subject to Grant funds recovery.
         8. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
         9. Failure to abide by advance payment governance requirements may result in grantee losing their right to advance payments.
      2. Reimbursement Method
         1. Awardees will be paid via the reimbursement method when they do not meet the requirements of 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(2), or upon a Awardee's request to use the reimbursement method of payment, or as stipulated in a specific condition. Awardees that have specific conditions noted in their Uniform Grant Agreement Exhibit language for any of the following items must be paid using the reimbursement method:
            1. Fiscal and administrative high risk (weak internal controls).
            2. Have a history of failure to comply with general or specific terms and conditions of Awards.
            3. Fail to meet expected performance goals as described in 2 CFR 200.211 or their program deliverables as stated in their applicable Uniform Grant Agreement.
            4. Or otherwise not responsible.
         2. IDHS will disburse payments to the Awardee based on actual allowable costs incurred as reported in the monthly financial invoice submitted for the respective month, as described below.
         3. Awardees must submit monthly invoices on the Monthly Grant Invoice form (IL444-5257) in the method prescribed in the Awardee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement. Invoices must include all allowable incurred costs for the first and each subsequent month of operations until the end of the Award term.
         4. Invoices will be submitted to the respective Award program points of contact on or before the 15th day following the end of any respective monthly invoice period. (Award Program Managers may amend the due date from the 15th day of the month to facilitate program and Awardee requirements.)
         5. Awardees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
      3. Working Capital Advance Method
         1. For Awardees that cannot meet the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management), 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(1)(A)(i and ii) (Advance Payments), and other requirements as described in this Directive, if the Award Program Manager determines that reimbursement is not feasible because the Awardee lacks sufficient working capital, the Award program may, in its sole discretion, provide a working capital advance to the Awardee.
         2. Awardees may request separate working capital advance payments for each Award issued by IDHS at any point in the current grant term.
         3. Requests must be submitted on the IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template (Cash Budget) to the respective Award Program Manager in the method prescribed in the Award program NOFO or the CSFA - Program Listing. The Cash Budget must include monthly cash requirements for an amount not to exceed two months of forecasted cash needs. A separate request must be submitted for each IDHS Award program application. Requests must be signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or the Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive's signature certifies the cash requirements are actual expected costs.
         4. IDHS Award Program Managers will advance working capital payments to the Awardee to cover their estimated disbursement needs for an initial period not to exceed two months of Award expenses. Startup costs may be approved if determined by IDHS Award Program Managers to be allowable.
         5. Awardees must submit monthly invoices for each of the one or two months covered by the Working Capital Advance on the Monthly Grant Invoice form (IL444-5257) in the format and method prescribed in the Awardee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement Exhibits. The first invoice is due after the first month of Award operations. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the Awardee. For Award programs that have Awardee 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.
         6. Awardees shall be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the respective Award Program Manager.
         7. Working Capital Advance Payments are limited to a single occurrence per grant term.
         8. Following the initial period, the Award Program Managers must reimburse the Awardee for its actual cash disbursements as described in section II of this Administrative Directive , or via advance payment methodology if requirements stated in Section I Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile) are met.
      4. Final Payment
         The final payment from the Department under this Agreement shall be made upon the Department's determination that all requirements under this Agreement have been completed, which determination shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such final payment will be subject to adjustment after the completion of a review of the Applicant's records as provided in the Agreement.
      5. Stop Payment
         The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) protects the quality of grant programs by limiting fraud, waste and abuse. GATA specifically requires the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) to maintain a "list of individuals and entities that are ineligible, either temporarily or permanently, to receive an award of grant funds from the State." 30 ILCS 708/60(a)(8). In response to this requirement, the State of Illinois has set policy known as the Grantee Compliance Enforcement System (GCES) based on established federal law and supporting guidance. The system, Stop Pay List Tracking System (SPLTS), will only be used to track non-compliance of grantees. Non-compliance issues are classified as follows:
         1. Temporary Stop Payment Status:
            1. Late performance or expense reporting
            2. Failure to clear fiscal/administrative monitoring issue(s)
            3. Failure to submit a timely audit report
            4. Failure to respond to audit report or monitoring review corrective action for deficiencies and material weaknesses
            5. Failure to submit a required refund payment or a payment missing from the payment plan; or
            6. Factually based discretionary issue documented by the leadership within the awarding agency.
         2. Permanent Stop Payment Status
            1. Facts documented by the applicable state agency including but not limited to:
               1. Conviction of or civil judgment for commission of fraud or a criminal offense, violation of federal or state antitrust statutes, commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, tax evasion, or commission of any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that seriously and directly affects present responsibility.
               2. Violation of grant terms or a transaction so serious as to affect the integrity of the program such as a willful failure to perform in accordance with grant terms, a history of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance, or a willful violation of statutory or regulatory provisions or requirements application to a grant.
               3. Any other cause so serious or compelling in nature that it affects present responsibilities.
            2. Fraud documented by the Office of the Executive Inspector General and/or other Governmental entity's investigation.
      6. Repayment
         In the event payments made by the Department to the Applicant exceed the total amount of Applicant reported and Department authorized expenditures, the Applicant will be required to issue a repayment to the Department in an amount equal to the overpayment.
      7. Pre-Award Costs
         Pre-Award costs prior to the execution of the agreement will be allowed under the following conditions:
         1. The Provider must have received and accepted the Notice of State Award (NOSA) AND,
         2. Submitted any and all requested program plan and budget revisions per the NOSA; AND
         3. May NOT incur pre-award costs prior to the contract start date.
      8. Payment Forms
         1. Expenditure Documentation & Certification Form (will be provided to you by program manager.)
         2. IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form IL444-4985.pdf (state.il.us) (to be completed by successful applicants after award amount is determined.)
      9. 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 Form IL444-4985.pdf (state.il.us) Template.
7. State Awarding Agency Contacts
   1. Point of Contact
      Name: Kristen Marshall
      Email Address: DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov
   2. Questions and Answers
      If you have questions relating to this NOFO, please send them via email to: DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov with "YS-TTAS NOFO" in the subject line of the email. Beginning 4/24/2024, questions with their respective answers will be posted on the IDHS website at this Youth Services TTAS Q & A. Questions and answers will be updated frequently as new questions are received. Applicants are responsible for checking frequently as the responses provided may have an impact on their ability to submit a responsive application. Only written answers posted on the website will be considered valid and official.
      The final deadline to submit any written questions regarding this Funding Notice will be Friday, 5/17/24. The Final listing of Q&A will be posted by End of Day on Monday, 5/20/24. 
8. Other information, if applicable
   There will NOT be a Technical Assistance Conference for this NOFO.
9. Mandatory Forms
   1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
   2. Project Narrative and Attachments
   3. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
   4. Uniform Grant Budget (should be entered in CSA)