Rural Youth Services Enhanced (RYSE) (25-444-80-2531) Notice of Funding Opportunity

Summary Information

1. Program Description
   1. Program Summary
      The federal Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention has released funding to states to implement evidence-based strategies to address the unmet needs of at-risk or delinquent youth through a continuum of delinquency prevention programs for juveniles who have had or who are likely to have contact with the juvenile justice system. With a focus on the rural community, this program concentrates on helping youth avoid involvement in delinquency by reducing risk factors and enhancing protective factors in their schools, communities, and families.
      Approximately 19% of the U.S. population live in rural and frontier areas. Rural is defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as communities that are not included within an urban area. Urbanized areas have 50,000 or more people and urban clusters have at least 2,500 and less than 50,000 people. Populations that do not reside in urban or urban clusters are considered to be rural communities. The state of Illinois has 102 counties, with only 36 counties considered metro (urban) and 66 or two-thirds are defined as non-metro (rural).
      While rural communities can differ in geography, population, socio-economic status and demographics; there are unique challenges that these communities face as a whole. Rural communities tend to have higher rates of poverty, unemployment and underemployment, uninsured and underinsured, when compared to urban areas. Lack of insurance can also prohibit families from accessing needed mental health treatment and can lead to undiagnosed mental illnesses.
      Mental illness is prevalent in both urban and rural communities; however, the availability of mental health treatment and services is sparse in rural communities. This is an unmet need for rural communities due to the lack of adequate services coupled with other factors that prevent access to these vital services.
      Poverty is also prevalent in rural communities. The top five counties in Illinois with the highest child poverty rates are located in downstate Illinois and will be targeted to receive services under this program. These counties have child poverty rates that are higher than the state rate of poverty. Alexander, Hardin, Pulaski, Gallatin and Saline counties are clustered in downstate Illinois and are overseen by the 1st and 2nd Judicial Circuit Courts. These rural communities face similar challenges as the rest of rural America; access to healthcare and mental health services, broadband accessibility, k-12 education funding, lack of public transportation and longevity issues.
      Table 1 Poverty Rates (1)
      
      

      County	Poverty Rate
      Alexander County	34.4%
      Hardin County	17.8%
      Pulaski County	24.5%
      Saline County	18.9%
      Gallatin County	19.1%

      
      (1)U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Saline County, Illinois; Gallatin County, Illinois; Pulaski County, Illinois; Hardin County, Illinois; Alexander County, Illinois
      Significant inequalities in education also exist in Illinois. Over 50 percent of all k-12 public and charter school students are considered low-income according to the Illinois School Board of Education 2016-2017 data. Fifty percent of school age children in Illinois are also eligible for free and reduced lunch . Children with less resources at home and at school face greater barriers than students with resources.
      During the COVID-19 pandemic and school closings, many students had to move to almost complete digital online learning. For some families living in rural communities, this was difficult to do due to the lack of access to broadband internet and the devices needed to complete online learning. Within the five counties with the highest childhood poverty rates in Illinois, two of the counties, Alexander and Pulaski, at most, 58% of households have access to a computer. The same can be said about access to broadband internet WIFI, with only 51% of households having access . Even after the pandemic passed and schools opened back up, there continues to be a need for online digital learning and rural communities will need resources to be fully engaged academically.
      The same supports are needed for youth involved in the juvenile justice system and youth who are at risk of system involvement. For these youth there are additional barriers to academic success and access to needed supports that could impede on their success. Over the last several years, the number of youths who are detained or incarcerated in Illinois has declined as a result of a deliberate effort to divert youth who do not present safety threats to themselves or the community from further system involvement. Unfortunately, youth living with mental health conditions are still entering the justice system at higher rates. Across the United States, tens of thousands of youths who are arrested each year meet diagnostic criteria for having a mental health condition, and at least 20 percent live with a serious mental health condition. Frequently, a youth's disruptive or illegal behavior is related to symptoms of a mental health condition that has gone undetected and untreated. These youth - the majority who have lives already marred by racism, poverty, and violence - then cycle through detention centers, probation offices, courts, and prisons. The opportunity to divert youth early is wasted, and youth end up in a system that is ill-equipped to provide the necessary treatment.
      For youth living in rural communities, these problems are exacerbated. Rural youth (and their families) already involved and those at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice communities face unique challenges including extremely limited access to mental health, poverty, and educational inequalities. These risk factors increase a youth's chances of becoming involved in the system and decrease the youth's chances for future success.
      The five counties, Alexander, Hardin, Pulaski, Gallatin and Saline; that this grant is targeting, all are facing a fundamental lack of services, including mental health services; often having to take juveniles out of the home county for services. This is especially true of Alexander and Pulaski. If the juveniles are seeing anything greater than outpatient treatment, these youth are sent outside of their home county and sent up to central Illinois, many miles away. Lack of social services coupled with the lack of public transportation, can make it very difficult for juveniles to access resources to avoid entering the system in the first place or to succeed while in the system.
   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 Rural Youth Services Enhanced (RYSE) Program is a new program designed by the Illinois Department of Human Services to address the lack of access to mental health services and social services for youth in rural communities who are involved or at-risk of being involved in the juvenile justice system. RYSE was designed to not only support the families in need of these services, but also to support the social service agencies needing resources to provide these vital services
         IDHS is seeking applications to increase access to mental health and social services for youth in rural Alexander, Gallatin, Hardin, Pulaski and Saline counties who are involved or at-risk of being involved in the juvenile justice system. Applicants may propose one or more of the following strategies to increase mental health services:
         • • Directly provide mental health and social services to youth and their families
           • Provide linkages to existing mental health and social services (eg. CCBYS)
           • Provide technology to youth and their families to participate in telehealth and virtual services
           • Provide transportation services to youth and their families to attend mental and social service appointments
         • The Illinois Department of Human Services strongly emphasizes the use of data and evidence in policymaking and program development; therefore, IDHS encourages the use of evidence-based and evidence-informed programs and practices to address these issues. IDHS strongly encourages the use of research and data that points to racial disparities and the need to address them. The use of equity and racial justice research and data should be used when conducting these analyses.
           • Evidence-based practices are approaches to prevention or treatment that are validated by some form of documented scientific evidence. For more information and resources on evidence-based programs or practices for juvenile justice and youth prevention, interventions, and reentry programs, refer to the Model Programs Guide | Home | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (ojp.gov).
           • Evidence-based programs use a defined curriculum or set of services that, when implemented with fidelity as a whole, has been validated by some form of scientific evidence.
           • Evidence-informed practices use the best available research and practice knowledge to guide program design and implementation. This informed practice allows for innovation while incorporating the lessons learned from the existing research literature. Ideally, evidence-based and evidence-informed programs and practices should be responsive to families' cultural backgrounds, community values, and individual preferences.
           • Evidence-based practices are approaches to prevention or treatment that are validated by some form of documented scientific evidence. For more information and resources on evidence-based programs or practices for juvenile justice and youth prevention, interventions, and reentry programs, refer to the Model Programs Guide | Home | Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (ojp.gov).
           • Evidence-based programs use a defined curriculum or set of services that, when implemented with fidelity as a whole, has been validated by some form of scientific evidence.
           • Evidence-informed practices use the best available research and practice knowledge to guide program design and implementation. This informed practice allows for innovation while incorporating the lessons learned from the existing research literature. Ideally, evidence-based and evidence-informed programs and practices should be responsive to families' cultural backgrounds, community values, and individual preferences.
   3. Required Services and Programming
      The Provider shall provide services in accordance with all relevant statutes, rules and the JJDPA. Provider program responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
      1. Provide mental health and social services to youth and their families.
         This category is designed to increase access to direct social services and/or connect families to social services and mental health services within their local region, concentrating on evidence-based programming. Examples of evidence-based programming include; Multisystemic Therapy (MST)- A home-based approach conducive for use in rural communities and works for youth with more serious behavioral issues, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in the Schools (CBITS).
      2. Provide linkages to existing mental health and social services (e.g. CCBYS)
         Provide linkage to existing services like Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) providers and provide access to existing services through telehealth, transportation vouchers, or other means. Special emphasis will be given to those evidence-based practices that can be successfully delivered using a Telehealth treatment model.
      3. Capacity Building of Providers
         Provide capacity building opportunities and support for social service staff thru professional development training (to include implicit bias and racial equity training) and providing enhanced technology tools to support tele-health and telecommunications. The main objective of this category is to provide resources for providers to increase their skills and capacity through training. Providers will develop a train the trainer module on using technology to deliver social services in rural communities and will share this resource widely.
      4. Increasing Technology Access
         Provide access to technology hardware (tablets, Chromebooks, smartphones, etc.) and make referrals to broadband internet WIFI providers for families without access for them to participate in telehealth, telemedicine, remote learning, and other digital online needs. Providers will conduct technology needs assessments.
      5. Addressing Transportation Needs
         Provide transportation services to address transportation issues through the provision of services, travel vouchers, and other mobility platforms.
      6. Trauma-Informed Approach
         Reflect a trauma-informed approach, which involves understanding and responding to the symptoms of chronic interpersonal trauma and traumatic stress, as well as the behavioral and mental health consequences of trauma. Applicants must commit to becoming trauma-informed and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to developing/maintaining trauma informed capacity within the organization. Training and technical assistance will be made available to successful applicants to achieve/maintain this status.
      7. Protective Factors
         Include strategies for helping youth build protective factors and resiliencies that moderate the impact of past and future negative experiences.
      8. Assessment
         Assess its effectiveness and measure increase or decrease in risk/protective factors for individual by administering a pre- and post-assessment to each program youth. If applicant is a CCBYS agency, the applicant will be required, at minimum, to use the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument (YASI) as the pre- and post-assessment.
      9. Data Collection
         Collect and report data on youth receiving services under this proposal in accordance with OJJDP and DHS reporting requirements and systems including recidivism and victimization data.
      10. Program Evaluation
          Evaluate the effectiveness of applicant's proposed program by establishing and reporting on measurable objectives determined by the applicant and approved by the Department.
   4. Performance Measures
      Each quarter, successful applicants will submit a periodic performance report (PPR), which includes reporting progress/status regarding the following performance measures. At the end of the year, successful applicants will also submit a cumulative report.
      1. Number of programs implemented or expanded as a result of this funding opportunity.
      2. Percentage of DHS required reports completed and submitted accurately and on time.
      3. Number of youths served broken down by racial demographics.
      4. Percentage of youth served who completed program broken down by racial demographics.
      5. Percentage of youth who have a pre- and post-assessments administered and completed.
      6. Percentage of program youth who completed program who demonstrate improvement (such as increased protective factors and/or decreased risk factors) based upon risk assessment results, broken down by racial demographics.
      7. Based on the racial demographic data reported in c, d, and f above, number of policies, practices and procedures that have been implemented, revised or repealed to reduce disparities
      8. Number of existing mental health and social service providers available for referrals.
      9. Percentage of proposed number of youth and their families who received technology supports.
      10. Percentage of proposed number of youth and families who received transportation supports.
      11. Percentage of program youth tracked to determine juvenile justice system involvement.
      12. Percentage of program staff who have completed training in program area (evidence-based or evidence informed programs, youth assessment, youth case-management, racial equity training, trauma training, etc.)
      13. Percent of program staff with increased knowledge of program area (evidence-based or evidence informed programs, youth assessment, youth case-management, racial equity training, trauma training, etc.)
      14. Percentage of agency determined performance measures and standards met.
   5. Performance Standards
      1. At least one program will be implemented or expanded as a result of this funding opportunity
      2. A minimum of 80% of DHS required reports will be completed and submitted accurately and on time
      3. A minimum of 75% of applicant's proposed number of youths will be served; demographic data on youths served will be reported to the Department on quarterly reports.
      4. A minimum of 65% youth served will complete the program; demographic data on youths completing the program will be reported to the Department on quarterly reports.
      5. A minimum of 85% of youths served will have a completed pre and post-assessment.
      6. A minimum of 65% of program youth who completed program will demonstrate improvement (such as increased protective factors and/or decreased risk factors) based upon risk assessment results; demographic data on youths demonstrating improvement will be reported to the Department on quarterly reports.
      7. Based on the racial demographic data reported in c, d, and f above, a minimum of one policy, practice and procedure will be implemented, revised or repealed to reduce disparities. (If applicant can demonstrate that racial/ethnic disparities are not present in applicant's targeted population, a minimum of zero will be acceptable.)
      8. A minimum of two existing mental health and social service providers will be available for referrals. Applicants will list the names of mental health and social service providers to which they have referred youth on their quarterly report.
      9. A minimum of 75% of applicant's proposed number of youths and their families will receive technology supports.
      10. A minimum of 75% of applicant's proposed number of youths and their families will receive transportation supports.
      11. A minimum of 75% of program youth tracked to determine juvenile justice system involvement.
      12. A minimum of 75% of program staff will complete training in at least one area (evidence-based or evidence informed programs, youth assessment, youth case-management, racial equity training, trauma training, etc.)
      13. A minimum of 50% of program staff will report increased knowledge in at least one program area (evidence-based or evidence informed programs, youth assessment, youth case-management, racial equity training, trauma training, etc.)
      14. A minimum of 75% of agency determined performance measures and standards will be met.
   6. Authorizing statutes
      Statutory Authority: Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2020, Pub. L. No. 116-93; 133 Stat. 2317, 2410.
2. Awarding and Funding Information
   1. This is a competitive funding opportunity.
   2. The Department anticipates funding approximately 3 applicants to provide this program.
   3. The Department anticipates approximately $375,000 will be available for grants under this Notice of Funding Opportunity.
   4. This award will be funded with federal funds awarded to the State of Illinois by the federal Office of Juvenile Justice Delinquency and Prevention (OJJDP).
   5. This award does not require an in-kind or financial match.
   6. This grant does not have limitation on indirect costs. In order to charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate. Refer to Section C. Eligibility and Grant Fund Use Requirements; 6d. Indirect Cost Requirements & Restrictions for more information.
   7. Applications for new and existing providers will be scored with the same scoring matrix.
   8. The grant start date is estimated to be 7/1/2024.
   9. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin not sooner than the grant start date and will continue through 6/30/2025.
   10. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive up to two subsequent grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the department and are based on available funding and performance.
   11. 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.
   12. 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.
   13. 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 start date of the contract, anticpated to be July 1, 2024.
       5. Refer to 2 CFR 200.209 Pre-award Costs for more information.
   14. All funding is subject to sufficient appropriations.
   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:
         1. Applicant is an Illinois unit of local government, OR
         2. Applicant is an Illinois not-for-profit community-based organization
      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 selected applicant must propose to begin providing services within 3 months following the contract start date. The applicant must provide a program Implementation Timeline as Attachment A5 demonstrating when it will begin to provide services as part of this application.
         2. The applicant must provide a clear statement of commitment to operating with a racial equity lens when providing program services; 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. 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 Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Requirements (state.il.us) pdf
         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. Per M-21-20, entities can apply for funding without an active SAM.gov registration. However, a state agency cannot award a grant to an entity without an active SAM.gov account.
      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.
         The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements and if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Department is ready to make an award, the department may determine that an applicant is not qualified to receive an award 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)
      6. NOTE: If a grantee does not login the CSA for 114 days the system will disable their account and the grantee must contact the DoIT helpdesk to reactivate their account (217) 524-3648, (312) 814-3648, 1-866-277-5669 or https://doit.illinois.gov/support/rap-step1.html. Once DoIT reactivates their external Illinois.gov account they will need to change their password to access the CSA. Grantees should reset their password every 3 months so their account is not disabled. Passwords can be reset at the following link: https://cmsapps.illinois.gov/adimprod/Reset/GatherIdentity.aspx
   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. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the ICQ prior to the application due date.
      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. A salary table is available at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website: SALARY TABLE 2024-ES.
      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, and the CSA agreement.
      2. Start Date: The selected provider must be in a position to begin providing services within 3 months following 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. Applicants must be trauma-informed at the time of application or commit to becoming trauma-informed through a Department recognized/accepted assessment tool. For example, the CBAT-O Assessment tool. Applicants will demonstrate an ongoing commitment to developing /maintaining trauma informed capacity within the organization. Training and technical assistance will be made available to successful applicants to achieve/maintain this status.
      6. Collaboration with local Family and Community Resource Centers (FCRCs): Providers will maintain a collaborative working relationship with the local IDHS FCRCs. This will include outreach to FCRCs to develop awareness of this program, recruit potential participants, and participating in local FCRCs' service provider meetings as requested.
      7. 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 document CCBYS services to each client using the Department's eCornerstone system. 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.
      8. Training and Technical Assistance: Programs must agree to receive consultation and technical assistance from authorized representatives of the Department. The program and collaborating partners will be required to be in attendance at site visits. Programs will be required to attend regular meetings and training as provided by the Department or a subcontractor of the Department. Programs should budget accordingly (at least quarterly).
      9. 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.
      10. 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.
      11. 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.
      12. 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.
      13. 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.
      14. 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.
      15. 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.).
   8. Other
      Publication of Studies, Reports or other Program Products: The Applicant agrees that products produced for the Department/IJJC with Title II funds, including, but not limited to research reports, data, analyses and policy recommendations are the property of the Department/IJJC and will not be published or distributed except as prescribed by the Department/IJJC.
      Unless otherwise provided in the approved Program Plan, the Applicant agrees not to publish, release or otherwise disseminate data in any form without the prior written permission of the Department/IJJC. If such permission is granted, the Applicant agrees to submit to the Department/IJJC 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: "Prepared under grants(s) from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, United States Department of Justice. 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 United States Department of Justice, the Illinois Department of Human Services or the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission.
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. You must email DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov for all appendices.
      2. Additional copies of the NOFO may be obtained by contacting the Department at the email address below.
         Email Address: DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov
         Subject Line: RYSE 25-444-80-2531 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.
      Program (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 available funding and 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 20 pages, single-spaced. The application Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, checklist, attachments, letters of intent 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 DHS.
      Failure to provide an application in the format detailed throughout this section will result in the loss of points.
      1. Executive Summary (5 points) (Included in the page limits)
         The 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 (available as an appendix) 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. List the name of your proposed Rural Youth Program
         5. Identify which strategy(ies) to increase mental health services your program is proposing.
            1. Directly provide mental health and social services to youth and their families
            2. Provide linkages to existing mental health and social services (eg. CCBYS)
            3. Provide technology to youth and their families to participate in telehealth and virtual services
            4. Provide transportation services to youth and their families to attend mental and social service appointments
         6. Briefly describe your proposed activities your organization will implement to meet the required program services. (Refer to Section A.3: Required Services and Programming)
         7. Describe anticipated outcome(s) of your program, including impact on racial disparities
         8. Indicate the anticipated number of youths to be served
         9. Indicate if applicant will be delivering services directly or using a sub-contractor
         10. Applicant must respond to the following mandatory requirements:
             1. Program start date. (Indicate date you anticipate beginning services)
             2. 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.)
      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 entity, outlining its primary programs and services offered. Describe how the existing or proposed council's mission statement and goals align with the purpose of this funding opportunity
         2. Experience:
            1. Describe the applicant entity's experience providing each of the service areas under Section A.3: Required Services and Programming.
            2. Describe relevant major accomplishments and outcomes of those efforts.
            3. Describe your experience providing services to youth in the rural community; list major achievements and accomplishments, especially for programs serving justice-involved youth. Identify any evidence-based programs you have provided.
            4. Describe your experience providing services to youth of color in the rural community; list major achievements and accomplishments, especially for programs serving justice-involved youth.
            5. Describe your organization's efforts to advance equity and racial justice.
            6. 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. 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. Applicant is strongly encouraged to submit the ICQ prior to the application due date.
         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. A minimum part-time Juvenile Justice Council Coordinator is required. If applicant council is proposing to use grant funds awarded under this NOFO or other funds , indicate the name of the Coordinator (if known), whether the position will be full or part-time, where the position will be housed, how funded and who will supervise the Coordinator. Submit a job description and resume for the Juvenile Justice Council Coordinator position as Attachment A4: Job Descriptions/Resumes.
            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.
               3. For each deliverable, record implementation dates, dates deliverables will be accomplished, etc.
         5. Collaboration
            1. Is applicant entity part of the juvenile justice system?
               1. If not, describe your collaboration/connection with the juvenile justice system.
               2. If so, describe your collaboration/connection with the Department of Human Services Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services System (CCBYS). Include the name of the local CCBYS agency and the geographic area covered by the agency.
               3. Describe your collaboration with local mental health or other social service providers.
               4. Describe how the collaboration will enable you to make or receive referrals, case plan, share data, including attendance and outcomes and/or otherwise collaborate around individual youth and his or her treatment. Collaboration should be formalized through an MOU, a letter or some other documentation to that effect. Attach Documentation of Collaboration as Attachment P1: CCBYS and JJS Collaboration
         6. 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.
         7. Subrecipients: If the applicant plans to use a Subrecipient to deliver services related to this program
            1. describe the role and responsibilities of the sub-contractor.
            2. describe how the applicant agency will monitor and evaluate 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 these services within the targeted community and how the proposed project will address these needs. It is necessary for the applicant to demonstrate that it has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs of their targeted community and the youth they are proposing to serve by this application. Include demographics of program staff and agency leadership and discuss if these demographics match the targeted community.
      3. 1. Describe the need for services in the proposed service area. Include any relevant information to document whether the target populations are underserved. A population is underserved when there are insufficient services and resources to meet the level of need or risk in the community.
         2. Identify needs specific to the rural community and provide examples of these needs within your proposed service area.
      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 and to describe the organization's response to address racial inequity. The applicant should provide a clear picture of its organization's work to counteract systemic racism and inequity and to prioritize and maximize diversity and equity throughout its service provision process.
         1. Describe the applicant organization'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 organization will use an equity lens when lens to provide services and programming. An equity lens is a process that analyzes the impact of policies and practices on marginalized communities to inform and ensure equitable outcomes.
         3. List and address factors that could potentially impact disparities within this program (such as historical factors, referral sources, program priorities and design, location and accessibility of services, etc.)
         4. Describe how the applicant organization will intentionally and deliberately analyze the delivery and/or impact of services on underserved and marginalized groups (including communities of color, people with disabilities, gender nonconforming people, etc.)
         5. Based on racial demographic data, describe how policies, practices and procedures have been implemented, revised, or repealed to reduce racial disparities within your organization.
      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. Name of Program: Restate the name of your proposed RYSE Program and give a brief description.
         2. Identify which strategy(ies) to increase mental health services your program is proposing.
            1. Directly provide mental health and social services to youth and their families
            2. Provide linkages to existing mental health and social services (e.g. CCBYS)
            3. Provide technology to youth and their families to participate in telehealth and virtual services
            4. Provide transportation services to youth and their families to attend mental and social service appointments
         3. Program Elements: For each proposed strategy, describe the treatment modality, program dosage, and staff qualifications of your program.
         4. Referral and Intake: List your proposed referral source(s) and describe your intake process. Include the name and a description of individual assessments that will be used and indicate if they will be used as pre- and post-assessments.
         5. Implementation Plan: Describe how your program will be implemented. Include milestones, relevant dates, etc. on Attachment A5: Implementation Timeline described in the capacity section above. If you are proposing an enhancement or expansion of an existing program, indicate how long it has been operating and any major achievements or accomplishments or revisions to the program that have occurred.
         6. Outcomes: For each proposed strategy, describe the anticipated outcome(s) of your program.
         7. Evaluation: Describe the process that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed project.
            1. Provide at least three and no more than eight measurable objectives and dates of expected completion specific to your proposed activities. These should include process and outcome measures. (See Section A.4. "Performance Measures") If applicant is selected for funding, applicant will work with the Department to finalize measurable objectives that will be included in your contract deliverables.
            2. At least one of your measurable objectives should include evaluation of your program's impact on Racial and Ethnic Disparities.
            3. Describe how your program will analyze racial demographic data and how the data will help inform changes to your policies, practices and procedures. Refer to performance measures c, d and k.
            4. Describe your plan to participate in racial equity training.
            5. Describe how you will evaluate your program against your anticipated outcomes.
            6. Describe any assessments that will be used to evaluate your program and outcomes, including risk/needs assessments, pre/post assessments, tests or screens, youth/family satisfaction surveys, etc.
            7. Describe your ability to collect recidivism and victimization data for youth who have exited the program.
      6. Budget Narrative (10 points)
         Budget Narrative: All program narratives must include a Budget Narrative for the grant period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, in addition to the Budget entered in CSA.
         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.
      7. Budget
         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 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 description 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.
         1. Applicants should provide a budget for the grant period (July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025). The budget must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrates that all proposed costs are:
            • Reasonable and necessary
            • Allocable,
            • Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable.
         2. Submission in CSA: 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.
         4. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been submitted and approved through the CSA system.
         5. 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
         6. The applicant must submit Federal Form W-9 (Rev. October 2018) (irs.gov)pdf as Attachment A8: Applicant W-9
         7. Subrecipients
            1. 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.
            2. 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.
      8. Other Mandatory Forms
         1. FY25 Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
            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 a link 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.
      9. 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
            NOTE: Applicants must email DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov for all appendices.
            • RYSE Executive Summary (available as an appendix)
            • 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
            1. Administrative Attachments
               • Attachment A1 NOFO Checklist (available as an appendix)
               • Attachment A2 Program Contact Information (available as an appendix)
               • 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
            2. Program Specific Attachments
               1. Attachment P1 CCBYS and JJS Collaboration
            3. Sub recipient Attachments (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
               • 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 Monday, June 24, 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 "
         RYSE 25-444-80-2531 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, thumb drive or link to a separate electronic file unless otherwise approved in writing by IDHS NOFO contact listed in this NOFO.
         THE ELECTRONIC COPY MUST BE A COMPLETE SINGLE PDF FILE. If applicant is unable to send the application in a single pdf file, applicant must label each document and submit all the documents in a compressed (ZIP) 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 4 day (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 4 days (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 4 days (96 hours).
         For disputes received within the 4 days (96 hours), 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 inedligible, 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 or a compressed (zip) file to DHS.YouthServicesInfo@Illinois.gov. Include Subject Line "RYSE 25-444-80-2531 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 with the exception of the Executive Summary which is included in the page limitations.
      Applications will ONLY be accepted as described herein. Faxed copies, hard copies, links to separate electronic file, 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 merit-based 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. has met the mandatory requirements
         3. is GATA prequalified,
         4. submitted an application by the submission deadline,
            Reviewing for eligibility is intended to ensure that only those applications that are eligible for award are advanced to the merit-based review. 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. External reviewers may include members of the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission.
         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 or made errors in scoring 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 present the scores, summary comments and reviewer recommendations the the Associate Director for the Office of Community & Positive Youth Development (OCPYD). The Associate Director may consider 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. The final recommendation will be presented by the OCPYD Associate Director to the Director of the Division of Family and Community Services, or designee for a final award decision.
      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/Matching:
            This award is not subject to Cost Sharing/Matching. Selection Process
         3. 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."
         4. 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.
         5. In the event of a tie, 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
            • 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 RYSE 444-80-2531 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).
      Although there are three payment methodologies (Advance Payment, Reimbursement and Working Capital Advance) available within IDHS, the source of funding for these grants (OJJDP) does not allow for advance payments, therefore all applicants awarded under this agreement will be reimbursement method as defined below.
      1. 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.
      2. 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.
      3. 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.
      4. 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.
      5. 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.
      6. 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.)
      7. 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 "RYSE NOFO" in the subject line of the email. Beginning 48 hours after the NOFO is posted, questions with their respective answers will be posted on the IDHS website at RYSE Q & A page. 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 6/19/24. The Final listing of Q&A will be posted by End of Day on 6/21/24.
8. Other information, if applicable
   There will NOT be a Technical Assistance Conference for this NOFO.
9. Mandatory Forms
   1. FY25 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)