Partner Abuse Intervention Program (25-444-80-0653-01)

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name Family and Community Services
Agency Contact DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov
Announcement Type Competitive
Funding Opportunity Title Partner Abuse Intervention Program
Funding Opportunity Number 25-444-80-0653-01
Application Posting Date March 29, 2024
Application Closing Date April 30, 2024, 5:00pm CST
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-80-0653
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name Partner Abuse Intervention Program
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) N/A
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) N/A
Award Funding Source State Funds
Estimated Total Program Funding $5,500,000
Anticipated Number of Awards 30-40
Award Range $100,000-$200,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement No
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Technical Assistance Session

Session Offered: Yes
Session Mandatory: No
Date/Time:TBD See Q & A page for details
Registration Link: See Q & A page for link

Q&A page

A. Program Description

  1. Program Summary

    • Partner Abuse Intervention Programs (PAIPs) work with people who cause harm in intimate relationships and teach them nonviolent, noncontrolling ways of interacting. Although the clients of PAIPs are those who cause harm rather than survivors of domestic violence, the programs have the same primary goal as survivor services: the safety of survivors and their children.
    • Successful grantees will use a trauma-informed service delivery model designed to address the violent and abusive behavior of the individual who caused harm in an intimate partner relationship. Successful models reflect the safety of victims and children as programs' priority; respect the authority and autonomy of adult victims to direct their own lives; and hold individuals who cause harm, not victims, responsible for the abusive behavior and for stopping the abuse.

    1. Program Overview

      1. Scope of Services

        • The Partner Abuse Intervention Program is authorized by a direct appropriation and by Title 89 Illinois Administrative Code, Part 501: Administration of Social Services Program, Partner Abuse Intervention Program.
        • It is the intent of the Department to provide a statewide service delivery network of interventions that support victim safety and abuser accountability. This is achieved through grants to partner abuse intervention providers who are:
          1. Experienced in serving this population;
          2. Have established relationships with criminal justice and child welfare systems and victim service providers; and
          3. is well educated on the dynamics of abuse and best practices in intervention.
        • The Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) works with the primary aggressor in intimate partner relationships to help them accept responsibility, modify abusive attitudes and beliefs, and give them tools to become and remain, healthy, non-abusive partners and parents. Within group settings, grantees will teach skills that promote healthy relationships, nonviolence and facilitate personal accountability and change. All individuals (mandated and voluntary) accepted into PAIP Program, must meet the eligibility criteria outlined in IAC, Part 501.
        • Grantees will utilize funds provided through the Notice of Funding Opportunity to provide services required by Title 89 Illinois Administrative Code, Part 501: Administration of Social Services Program, Partner Abuse Intervention Program including intake screening, group services, and service coordination with referral sources, and systems advocacy. The Department will provide funding to support and enhance approved, existing programs, but will not provide full funding to any program, and startup programs will not be considered. Applicant's demonstrating full compliance with the program requirements and responsiveness to community needs is a funding priority.
        • Successful applicants must be approved by the Department as compliant and remain in good standing with Administrative Code requirements throughout the term of the grant agreement.
    2. Program Goals and Objectives
      1. Deliverables
        • The service delivery model reflects the safety of victims and children as programs' priority; respects the authority and autonomy of adult victims to direct their own lives; and recognizes trauma experiences while holding individuals who use violence responsible for their behavior and for stopping the abuse. Victim safety is paramount when determining operational policies and procedures. Program staff must work closely with domestic violence victim services programs to encourage victims to follow safety plans and seek assistance as often as it is necessary to keep their children and themselves safe to coordinate services, to promote public education, and to enhance program accountability for the safety of victims.
        • Providers are expected to work closely with the courts, law enforcement agencies, probation offices, children and family services and local family violence coordinating councils to promote abuser accountability. Efforts include reporting progress and recommendations on program participants as appropriate, conducting educational activities to build a better understanding of domestic violence and partner abuse intervention, and participating in strategies geared toward reducing intimate partner violence.
        • The program design, implementation and staff competency must take into account the specific needs of the population served and the communities where services are delivered, and program staff are to be knowledgeable of both issues.
        • All grantees funded under the Partner Abuse Intervention Program monies shall provide services as outlined below and defined in the Administrative Code 89, Section 501 Partner Abuse Intervention Programs. Services are to be available for the entire funding period.
          1. Conduct intake screenings to determine eligibility for and appropriateness of clients referred to the program. Assessments must include all required elements outlined in the administrative Code.
          2. Coordinate with referral entities to understand reason for referral, gather supportive documentation and communicate intake screening results, including eligibility for PAIP services, other identified service needs and level of risk. PAIPs must develop procedures for accepting and rejecting referrals. Those procedures must be developed in conjunction with the referral system and must include reasons for rejection of referrals and recommendations for alternative sanctions.
          3. Facilitate weekly PAIP groups for clients deemed appropriate through the assessment process which comply with the educational content, format, structure, and staffing in accordance with IL Admin 89, Section 501.
          4. Work closely with the criminal justice and child welfare systems to develop procedures for ensuring that abusers receive appropriate services and victim safety is not compromised. PAIPs must establish policies and procedures for accepting referrals and reporting noncompliance with program rules and violations of orders of protection to the referral system that may include, but not limited to, attendance, level of participation, contact with victim, use of substances, lack of accountability, and identified needs and subsequent referrals.
          5. Initiate referrals to appropriate services when participant needs are identified beyond the scope of PAIP. Priority should be given to those client needs that potentially impact the effectiveness of participation in PAIP or jeopardize victim safety.
          6. Work closely with domestic violence victim service programs to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships. A plan for working together or a linkage agreement must be developed and reviewed annually.
          7. Engage in community efforts which address system advocacy, such as, community domestic violence awareness activities, training, domestic violence community task force.
          8. Notify the bureau of waiting lists, interruption of services or any non-compliance issues and work with Bureau staff to remedy the situation.
          9. Ensure that employees or volunteers who provide abuser services and their supervisors have completed at a minimum the 40 Hour IDVA Domestic Violence Training and the 20 Hour Abuser Training. Providers are required to submit to the Bureau training certificates within 15 days of attendance and keep on file documentation that staff and volunteers have met the training requirements as set forth above.
          10. Review annually policies and procedures in key areas of PAIP programming: intake, group, service coordination, and system collaboration in accordance with IL Admin 89, Section 501 and revise as necessary.
          11. Notify the Department of changes to their approved Program Plan or changes in key personnel within 10 days.
          12. Collect and report service outcomes to the Department, as directed by the Department. The grantee must develop a system to collect the outcomes and must submit the data using the Periodic Performance Report to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov within 25 days after the end of each quarter.
          13. Document services provided, maintain accurate and complete participant and service records, and submit service documentation reports as directed by the Department. Within 45 days of the end of the contract year, submit the Annual Service Report electronically detailing services and activities and client demographic information for the fiscal year. PAIPs shall establish and maintain client files on all participants and retain for a period of not less than six years from the date of service, except that if an audit/review is initiated within the required retention period, the records shall be retained until the review is completed; and made available to the Department as required for desk reviews, audits or other monitoring purposes. Additionally, PAIPs shall establish policies and procedures that promote client confidentiality and comply with relevant State and federal laws.
          14. Respond to data requests as needed for the purposes of monitoring, measuring performance and support of Bureau, Division or Department goals.
          15. Participate in quality reviews, monitoring, training, and technical assistance activities as required by the Department.

    3. Expected Performance Goals, Indicators, Targets, Outcomes, Baseline Data, and Data Collection

      • PAIP will keep records of program data in accordance with all applicable standards. The following information will be tracked on an ongoing basis: number of referrals made to PAIP, number of intakes completed, number of clients refused services, number of clients referred to other services/agencies, number of clients mandated by other agencies, and completing the program voluntarily.
        1. Performance Measures
          1. The percentage of clients in partner abuse intervention programs that are referred by criminal and family courts as measured by the Periodic Performance Report submitted quarterly to the Department.
          2. The number of service coordination activities conducted monthly per client as measured by the Periodic Performance Report submitted quarterly to the Department.
          3. The number of intake screenings and groups conducted as measured by the Periodic Performance Report submitted quarterly to the Department.
          4. The number of service hours dedicated to PAIP as measured by the Periodic Performance Report submitted quarterly to the Department.
          5. The number of community and system advocacy activities.
        2. Performance Standards
          1. 90% of all PAIP participants are referred by the court system.
          2. 90% of all mandated clients will have at least one service coordination activity conducted monthly as a means of holding perpetrators accountable.
          3. A minimum of 20% of annual service projections for intake screenings and groups indicated in the program plan will be met quarterly.
          4. A minimum of 20% of annual service projections for service hours indicated in the program plan will be met quarterly.
          5. A minimum of 90% of annual service projections for service hours indicated in the program plan will be met annually.

  2. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

    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.

  3. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

    • Title 89 Illinois Administrative Code, Part 501: Administration of Social Services Program, Partner Abuse Intervention Program.

B. Funding Information

  • This NOFO is considered a grant agreement and is competitive application for funding established, IDHS approved community-based Partner Abuse Intervention Programs. It is not a guarantee of funding.
  • In FY2025 the Department anticipates the availability of approximately $5,500,000 in Revenue to support a statewide Partner Abuse Intervention Services system. Grantee awards will range from $100,000 - $200,000 and the number of awards is based upon obtaining coverage of services statewide. The applicant must submit a budget narrative which identifies the requested amount of funding and clearly demonstrates the need for the requested funds.
  • Applicant must submit a program plan narrative which supports the level of funding, details service delivery and ties to performance standards. Proposed project budgets and narratives must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been approved through the CSA system.

  1.  Total Amount of Funding

    1. The Department anticipates the availability of approximately funding $5,500,000
    2. The source of funding for this program is state funds.

  2. Number of Grant Awards

    1. The Department anticipates funding approximately 30-40 grant awards to provide this program.

  3. Expected Amounts of Individual Grant Award

    1. The Department anticipates that grant awards will be $100,000-$200,000.

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

    1.  Previous funding amounts for this grant award program on average was $100,000-$200,000.

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

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

  6. Renewal or Supplementation of existing projects eligibility

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

  7.  Type of Assistance Instrument

    1. This is a competitive grant award funding opportunity.

  8. Procurement Contract Allowability

    1. Subcontractor Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the subcontractor.
    2. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on sufficient appropriation and performance criteria including, but not limited to:
      1. Grantee has performed satisfactorily during the previous reporting period
      2. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division/Department
      3. No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.)
    3. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.

C. Eligibility Information

  1. Eligible Applicants

    • This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements:
      • This funding opportunity is limited to not-for-profit community-based organizations as specified below who meet all of the Pre-Qualification and mandatory requirements described in this funding announcement.
      • Currently approved by the Department to deliver Partner Abuse Intervention Services;
      • Operational as an IDHS approved PAIP for a minimum of 1-year.
      • In compliance with Administrative Code 89, Part 501.
    • Individuals are not eligible applicants. All applicants are required to provide the requested information as outlined in this NOFO to be considered for funding in FY2025. Applicants not meeting the eligibility requirements in this section will not be reviewed or considered for funding.
    • The applicant has met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
    • Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.
    • Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met
    • Funding restrictions-See Section D for funding restriction impacting eligibility or no funding restrictions.

  2. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

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

  3. Other

    1. Limit on Number of Applications: Only 1 application per agency will be accepted.

D. Application and Submission Information

  1. Address to Request Application Package

    1. The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance and the DHS Grants website page.
    2. Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding the NOFO and materials necessary for submission. Questions and answers will also be posted on the Department's website as described later in this announcement. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor that website and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO.

  2. Content and Form of Application Submission

    1. Required Content

      • Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below. Applicants that do not include all the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding.
        1. Cover Page
          • The Cover Page must contain the following information and be placed on top of the application packet:
            • Name of applicant
            • Address of applicant
            • Point of contact and email address for Applicant Organization
            • Amount of funding requested under this opportunity
            • Proposed service area (Counties/communities)
            • Annual Service Projections:
              1. Total number of participants to be served.
              2. Number of intake screenings completed
              3. Number of participants completing the program
              4. Intake screening hours:
                1. Group session hours
                2. Service coordination hours
                3. System collaboration hours
              5. Weekly Service Projections:
                1. Number of intakes conducted
                2. Number of groups conducted
                3. Average number of participants in each group
                4. Number of hours conducting case management
                5. Number of hours of PAIP services available (include PAIP hours of operation),
                6. Names of local victim service agencies and point of contact
                7. Primary referral sources, e.g. Sangamon County Probation

    2. Program Narrative

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

    3. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments

      1. Each applicant is required to submit a Program Plan Narrative which contains the following sections:
      2. Executive Summary (2-page maximum) - 5 points
        1. The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for the successful applicant that will be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of the funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description and provide an overview of the services proposed with these funds and the outcomes that will be achieved. The description should provide a clear understanding of how these services will be delivered, the process and how the services will be individualized. Describe services to be provided, need for the services, area to be served, capacity to provide the services and the projected numbers to be served within each program component.
      3. 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.
        1. Need - Description of Need (2 pages maximum) 10 points
          • The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services and benefits gained. State and describe the service area, the target population, and the need for services in your community. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
            1. Identification of catchment/service area. Include description and demographics of communities served.
            2. Description of accessibility and availability of services that reflect your client and communities' needs.
            3. Provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services within the catchment area.
            4. Describe the issues PAIP clients face and any related barriers in accessing service.
            5. Identification of proposed or established partnerships with other agencies which may provide services to meet identified needs in clients.
            6. Describe current trends or issues, service gaps or unmet needs in the community or target population.
        2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity (5 pages maximum - attachments do not count toward page number) 40 points
          • The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of the agency's capacity, qualifications, and ability to provide the program as described in this Funding Notice. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
            1. Convincing evidence that the applicant agency is capable of carrying out the proposed program, including fiscal, administrative and programmatic ability to manage grant. This should include experience, staffing patterns and qualifications to comply with GATA fiscal and administrative requirements. Highlight any recent changes in policies and procedures to improve fiscal, administrative, or programmatic capacity. Include evidence that your agency maintains adequate staff coverage and supervision to meet the requirements of the grant.
            2. An organizational chart of the applicant organization, showing where the program and its staff will be placed organizations in the chart. Label Attachment A.
            3. Identify key staff positions that will be responsible for the program and their relevant experience and expertise qualifications to implement the program deliverables.
            4. Identify the current staff vacancies for PAIP. Include the length of time the positions have been vacant.
            5. Describe how your agency tracks personnel time for the DHS funding. Attach relevant time & effort policy and procedures.
            6. A description of your agency's current programs and activities relevant to the services described in this NOFO.
            7. Describe the capacity of your program to meet the needs of the target populations you will be serving and respond to emerging community needs.
            8. Describe agency oversight and available resources for fiscal, administrative, and programmatic areas.
            9. Description of existing service provider partnerships your agency has to other community resources and services essential to responding to the needs of program participants.
            10. Describe the resources, knowledge, skills, and other abilities that you are able to leverage for this project. These may include, but are not limited to, the availability of private or other government funding, technology, bilingual staff, interpreters, translators, meeting rooms, volunteers, and an established presence in the community. -Please list any such leveraged resources in the form of additional funds or in-kind services, which you have secured that will be devoted to PAIP activities.
            11. Identify sources for PAIP services and role of requested DHS funding. Include non-DHS sources of funding support PAIP, the percentage of the PAIP program funding which would be DHS funded, and the percent of this grant award to the agency overall budget?
        3. Quality - Description of Program Design and services (7 pages maximum) 40 points
          • The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive, clear, and accurate picture of its intended program design. At a minimum, the proposal must address each of the following components:
            1. Provide an overview of service delivery model or standards for providing Partner Abuse Intervention services. Describe how the program design has direct correlation to the needs identified in the needs section of the application. Include how your program staffing, curriculum, materials, outreach reflects the needs of participants and the community.
            2. Describe program process for initiating services, eligibility criteria, identification of service needs and service planning.
            3. Describe in detail how your agency will work with the criminal justice and child welfare systems.
            4. Describe your plan to work with local community-based domestic violence programs.
            5. Describe outreach, education, and systems advocacy efforts and community partnerships.
            6. Describe your staff development plan, including initial and ongoing training, staff supervision, and training budget.
            7. Describe how your program will achieve the targeted performance standards. Include any additional outcomes or evaluation efforts.
            8. Describe your program's quality assurance process to ensure compliance with states programmatic design, achievement of deliverables, Administrative Code 89, Part 501, 2 CFR 200 and IL Adm 7000.
            9. Describe the trauma-informed approach to delivery of services. Including how are staff trained on trauma-informed practices, changes the agency has made to be more trauma-informed and how the agency ensures that trauma-informed practices are being implemented.
            10. If your agency is currently receiving a state award for any program, have you had a monitoring visit/quality review in the past year? If yes, were there findings?
            11. Identify the process used to collect program data, analyze data, and complete performance reporting.

    4. Budget and Budget Narrative

      1. Applicants must enter a budget electronically in the CSA system (Refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information for more information and a link to budget forms). The Budget entered into the CSA system will include a narrative or detailed description/justification for each line in the budget and will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how you arrived at the particular amount. Please include cost allocations as necessary. This narrative must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The Budget (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) should clearly describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities described in your plan.
      2. The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer.
      3. IMPORTANT: 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. See IDHS CSA Tracking System webpage for additional information on CSA
      4. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrate that all proposed costs are: 
        1.  Reasonable and necessary
        2. Allocable, and
        3. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
      5. In addition to the CSA entry, include in the application attachments, a pdf version of the budget.

    5. Required Forms

      • The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
      • The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application
      • Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
      • The grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure is a required for all grant award programs. The document requires agencies to identify actual or potential conflicts of interest. The form must be signed by a representative of the organization.

    6. Required Format

      1. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below or points may be deducted.
      2. The Program Narrative must be consistent with the following technical guidelines.
        1. The Program Narrative shall not exceed 16 pages.
        2. The Program Narrative must include headers consistent with the criteria listed in Section E (Executive Summary, Need, Capacity, Quality), must adhere to indicated page limits and be sequentially page numbered. The attachments must be in the following order:
          1. Attachment A: Organization Chart
          2. Attachment B: Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
          3. Attachment C: Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
          4. Attachment D: Budget and Budget narrative pdf document
        3. All documents must be typed single space using 12-point Arial font with 1-inch margins on all sides and at 100% magnification.
        4. The document must be submitted in PDF extension, and on 8 1/2 x 11-inch page size.
        5. The entire application and program narrative packet should be in black typeface on a white background.
        6. The application must be submitted electronically using the provided templates.

  3. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration

    • Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:
      •  Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date.
      • Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UE) in its application
      • Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency.
      • The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements
      • The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.

  4. Application Submission Dates and Times

    1. Application Due Date and Time

      1. The Department must receive the Preliminary Submission materials (Letter of Intent, etc.)
        1. Not applicable
      2. The Department must receive the Full Application
        1. Due on April 30, 2024 at 5:00pm CST.
      3. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order.
      4. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov. Include the following in the subject line: NOFO number and your agency name. Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be considered for review or funding. Applications will NOT be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk or thumb drive. The electronic copy must be a complete single PDF file. Applicants will receive an email (within 72 hours of receipt or 120 hours if received on a non-business day) notifying them that their application was received and if it was received by the due date and time. This email reply will be sent to the original sender of the application. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding.
        1. Submit the completed grant application to: DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov via email with the subject line stating:
          1. Funding Opportunity NOFO 25-444-80-0653-01
          2. Provider's Organization Name
          3. Example: NOFO 25-444-80-0653-01 ABCAgency
        2. Please follow the instructions to attach your application. Don't forget the subject line above.
        3. To be considered, application materials must be emailed by the designated date and time listed above. For your records, please keep a copy of your email submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
      5. Applicants are required to notify the Department within 48 hours of the deadline, if they did NOT receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and/or does not notify the Department within 48 hours, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored. The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department after the 48 hours. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above.

    2. Missed Deadlines

      1. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
      2. 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.
      3. IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.

  5. Funding Restrictions

    1. Pre-Award Costs

      1. Pre-Award Costs are allowed subject to the discretion, review, and prior approval of the IDHS Budget Committee. Pre-Award Costs must be identified as such in the IDHS Uniform Grant Budget Narrative. Pre-award costs are/are not allowable.
      2. IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records.

    2. Indirect Costs

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

    3. Statutory or Regulatory Restrictions/Limitations

      1. N/A

  6. Other Submission Requirements

    1. Electronic Submission

      1. Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov.
      2. Documents must not include a password.
      3. Software or electronic capabilities required are as follows: N/A
      4. Contact DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov in the event of technical difficulties.

E. Application Review Information

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

  1.  Criteria

    1. Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C "Eligibility Information" will not be scored and/or considered for funding.
    2. All applicants / applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
    3. Evaluation criteria is based upon requirements set forth in 44 IL Admin Code 7000.350 Merit Review of Applications and the IDHS Merit Review Manual. The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications:
      1. Cost sharing will not be considered in the evaluation. 

  2. Review and Selection Process

    1. The process for evaluation of the application is as follows: 
      1. Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in the "Eligible Applicants" and the "Mandatory Requirements of the Applicant" will not be scored and considered for funding. Review teams are comprised of up to 3 individuals. Applications will first be reviewed and scored individually. Then, team members will collectively review the application, their scores, and comments. Individual team members may choose to adjust scores to appropriately capture content that may have been missed initially. Scores will then be sent to the application Review Coordinator to be compiled and averaged to produce the final application review team score.
      2. Program Plan Narratives and related attachments will be evaluated on the following criteria:
        • APPLICATION COMPONENT POINTS
          Cover Page N/A
          Executive Summary 5 points
          Need-Description of Need 10 points
          Capacity- Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity 40 points
          Quality-Description of Program Design 40 points
          Budget and Budget Narrative 5 points
          Total Points 100 points
      3. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
    2. In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options:
      1. Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications
      2. Partially fund each of the tied applications
      3. Not fund any of the tied applications.
    3. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
    4. 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).
        1. Submission of Appeal
          1. Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
            1. Name of Agency contact for appeals: Jessena Williams
            2. Email of Agency contact for appeals: Jessena.Williams2@illinois.gov
            3. Email Subject Line: APPEAL 25-444-80-0653-01
          2. 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.
            1. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
            2. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
              1. Name and address of the appealing party
              2. Identification of the grant
              3. Statement of reasons for the appeal
              4. Supporting documentation, if applicable
        2. Response to Appeal
          1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
            1. 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.
            2. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.
        3. Resolution 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.
        4. Resolution
          1. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
            1. 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.
            2. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
            3. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
              1. Review of the appeal;
              2. Appeal determination; and
              3. Rationale for the determination.

  3. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal Awards and State Awards

    1. This award is not anticipated to exceed $250,000 

  4. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates 

    1. The Department anticipates notifying successful applicants on or before July 1, 2024. Funding for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, is not automatically guaranteed. All applicants must continue to demonstrate that they meet all requirements under this NOFO described throughout.

F. Award Administration Information

  1. State Award Notices

    1. 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 (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA) and merit-based review.
    2. Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into CSA. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. This signed NOSA is the document authorizing the Department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.
    3. 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).
    4. A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award.

  2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

    1. 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.
    2. To review a sample of the current IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.

  3. Reporting

    • Upon execution of the grant agreement, reporting shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Uniform Grant Agreement and related Exhibits which includes, but is not limited to the following:
      1. Periodic Financial Reports (monthly invoice)
      2. Close-out Reports
      3. Periodic Performance Reports (quarterly report)
      4. Close-out Performance Reports.
      5. Annual Audit in conformance with Audit requirements set forth in the grant agreement. The Provider will submit an annual program plan and a detailed program budget and budget narrative to the Department as directed.
      6. 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.
      7. 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. Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List (SSPL).

  4. Payment Terms

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

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

  1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov with "NOFO Q & A" in the subject line of the email.
  2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website. Questions submitted up to two business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website.
    1. The "Questions and Answers" will be posted in a timely, responsive manner to ensure current information regarding NOFO clarifications are available to applicants
    2. All questions submitted to the program area must be answered publicly through the designated public forum (presently IDHS website) within 48 hours or 2 business days (excluding weekends). Questions with their respective answers will be posted on the IDHS website.

H. Other Information, if applicable

not applicable

I. Mandatory Forms