RPSA Violence Prevention Training, Technical Assistance and Support (RVP-TTAS) (25-444-80-2771) Notice of Funding Opportunity

We are extending the due date for the 2771 and 2772 TTAS NOFOs to Friday, September 6th at noon. The deadline for Questions regarding the NOFO will be extended through Friday, August 30th and answers will be posted by close of business on Tuesday, September 3rd.

1. Program Description
   1. Program Summary
      Firearm violence has deeply harmed neighborhoods, communities, and the entire State of Illinois, both through the immediate loss of life and the long-term, harmful effects of trauma experienced by victims, witnesses, and community members. According to the 2024 U.S. Surgeon General's Report, Firearm Violence: A Public Health Crisis in America, these impacts are felt disproportionately by communities impacted by poverty and other factors.
      Addressing the multifaceted challenge of firearm violence requires a public health approach to disrupt the cycles of violence in disproportionately impacted communities. This approach must address the underlying social and economic disparities and other root causes that contribute to firearm violence. Empowering residents and community-based organizations to deliver culturally competent care based on lived experience in these areas and fostering long-term relationships that promote safety and stability are crucial.
      To address the spike in firearm violence, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) (430 ILCS 69) in 2021. The RPSA creates a comprehensive approach to ending Illinois' firearm violence through targeted, integrated behavioral health services and economic opportunities that promote self-sufficiency for victims of firearm violence. RPSA is designed to reduce significant gaps in Illinois' mental health treatment system for youth, young adults, and families that live in areas with chronic exposure to firearm violence and trauma.
      Under this NOFO, IDHS is seeking to fund entities with experience in training, technical assistance, and support to build the RPSA grantee's program capacities. Successful applicants will work with grantees across multiple RPSA grant programs in Chicago and/or Greater Illinois, based on grantee selection. Refer to the following Program Appendices for information on each grant program.
      • Appendix Violence Prevention Services 
      • Appendix RPSA Chicago Convener
      • Appendix Violence Prevention Coordinating Council (VPCC)
        Selected applicants will be matched with RPSA providers based on the RPSA Grantees choices within 14 days after the selected VPS TTA applicant's presentation to the grantees. RPSA grantees will conduct an organizational self-assessment, utilizing a Department approved tool, to determine administrative, programmatic, and capacity needs. RPSA grantees will work with their selected TTA provider(s) to develop a plan to address identified potential issue areas and implement the plan, reporting progress in quarterly Programmatic Performance Reports. They will also participate in any training mandated by the Bureau/OFVP. RPSA grantees will also participate in any regional or statewide meeting/training mandated by the Bureau/OFVP. It is anticipated that this will include a minimum of three (3) regional provider meetings. These will be managed by the selected TTA providers.
   2. Eligible Service Areas
      Under this NOFO, applicants must propose to serve either Chicago RPSA eligible communities or Greater Illinois eligible RPSA communities. See RPSA eligible areas here: IDHS: RPSA Eligible Community Areas/Municipalities and Associated Programming (state.il.us). Applicants interested in applying to serve both Chicago and Greater Illinois must submit separate applications.
      If an applicant is proposing to provide services in both the Chicago service areas and the Greater Illinois service areas, the applicant must submit a separate application for each eligible area (Chicago or Greater Illinois). If an application is received to serve both eligible service areas (Chicago and Greater Illinois), DHS staff will make one attempt to contact the applicant via the email addresses provided in the Uniform Grant Application form to determine which eligible service area the applicant would like DHS to consider. Absent a response within seven (7) calendar days or if DHS receives a return/undeliverable email, DHS will make a service area selection on behalf of the applicant.
   3. Funding Priorities
      The Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) is seeking applications from those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)) For-profit, small businesses and individuals are also eligible to apply.
      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.
      OFVP intends to fund applicants that:
      • Have demonstrated expertise delivering training, technical assistance, and support to a wide variety of violence prevention organizations in high need communities.
      • Have experience delivering organized training to adult and emerging adult learners.
      • Propose a clearly designed plan to engage and support community-based organizations funded under the RPSA grant programs for the area applied. For Chicago, see Program Appendices, Violence Prevention Services and Chicago Convener. For Greater Illinois see Program Appendices, Violence Prevention Services and Greater Illinois Coordinating Council.
      • Propose a clearly designed plan that addresses equity, racial justice and trauma informed best practices,
      • Propose a cost-effective and efficient training and support programming.
      • Demonstrates the capacity and intention to provide services throughout the region (Chicago or Greater Illinois).
   4. IMPORTANT Information Related to RPSA Violence Prevention Services Funding Opportunities
      In a few months, IDHS anticipates releasing a separate competitive funding opportunity for applicants to provide evidence-based Firearm Violence Prevention services that will require three components: violence interruption/street outreach, victim services, and case management. Any organization who has accepted a grant under this Violence Prevention Training, Technical Assistance and Support (VP-TTAS) NOFO (25-444-80-2771) will not be eligible to receive funding under the anticipated Violence Prevention Services (VPS) NOFO (25-444-80-2774). Not as a direct grantee or as a subrecipient under another VPS grantee. However, if the OFVP is unable to identify adequate coverage in an eligible service area, the OFVP may then consider awarding Violence Prevention direct services grants to applicants that were awarded a VP-TTAS grant.
      Please consider the following from the Reimagine Public Safety Act:
      "No approved technical assistance and training provider shall provide evidence-based violence prevention services in any neighborhood under this Act unless the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention is unable to identify qualified violence prevention organizations to provide adequate coverage"
      If there are any questions about this or its implications, please email the NOFO contact identified in Section G: State Awarding Agency Contacts.
   5. Required Services and Programming
      Applicants will be expected to design and implement training, technical assistance and support activities to meet the needs of the grant programs for the area to which they are applying. For Chicago, see Program Appendices, Violence Prevention Services and Chicago Convener. For Greater Illinois, see Program Appendices, Violence Prevention Services and Greater Illinois Coordinating Council.
      The selected VPS Training and Technical Assistance providers can expect to serve one-half to one-third of the RPSA grantees for the area to which they are applying. The selected applicants will assess grantees training preferences and program needs and work with DHS to develop an approved detailed training plan.
      1. Trainings -
         The successful applicant will provide state-funded training opportunities to the RPSA grant programs for the programming area to which they are applying described in the program appendices. For Chicago, see Program Appendices, Violence Prevention Services and Chicago Convener. For Greater Illinois, see Program Appendices Violence Prevention Services and Greater Illinois Coordinating Council.
         Trainings should be prepared for both multi-agency trainings as well as individual agency trainings as needed. In-person trainings must be provided throughout RPSA Chicago or Greater Illinois community areas to accommodate RPSA service providers. Please see list of IDHS: RPSA Eligible Community Areas/Municipalities and Associated Programming (state.il.us). Trainings may also be provided virtually. Trainings must be provided multiple times (at minimum, once per quarter) during the year to meet the identified needs of service providers. Additionally, and as appropriate, trainings will be provided utilizing various training mediums. Training plans will be flexible to ensure needs of the relevant RPSA grantees are met throughout the year.
         An on-line training registration and tracking system must be available and utilized for all training activities.
      2. Technical Assistance -
         The applicant will provide on-site and virtual technical assistance sessions tailored to the program areas the grantees are implementing as described in in program appendices. For Chicago, see Program Appendices, Violence Prevention Services and Chicago Convener. For Greater Illinois, see Program Appendices Violence Prevention Services and Greater Illinois Coordinating Council.
         Technical assistance is intended to build grantee capacity to provide effective services and to effectively manage all aspects of the grant program (data collection, reporting, performance measure tracking, quality assurance, staff training and support, program expense tracking and management etc.).
         Technical assistance plans will be flexible to ensure organizations' needs are met throughout the year. Technical assistance should be prepared for both multi-agency technical assistance such as learning communities as well as individual agency specific technical assistance which should be provided both virtual and on-site follow-up visits with provider staff. These visits may inform performance improvement plans where necessary if issues are identified regarding on-going program development, implementation, performance measurement, data collection and tracking and grant management.
         A tracking system must be available and utilized to document all technical assistance and support activities by provider.
      3. Collaboration -
         1. Coordinate with other RPSA TTA providers to share program updates and address gaps.
         2. Ensure approved trainings are posted on RPSA Groupsite calendar.
         3. Engage with grantees on Groupsite to ensure grantees utilize resources, and Groupsite discussions.
         4. Create learning communities for the exchange of information between community-based organizations in the same or similar field. Share lessons learned among RPSA service providers in their network.
         5. Evaluate the effectiveness and performance of its TTAS sessions. The applicant must ensure that evaluation efforts are linguistically and culturally responsive.
         6. Provide quarterly and year-end reports to IDHS, detailing TTAS needs, activities and delivered services. Applicants will report on services delivered to each RPSA organization.
            The importance of community collaboration cannot be overemphasized. By working together, youth, families, and community entities can design programs that are best suited to meet the needs of local youth and to connect programs with community resources. Community-based agencies, government, faith-based organizations, civic organizations, businesses, foundations, youth, and their families can together provide a wide range of resources to support high-quality programs. The issues and concerns of the entire community can best be addressed by drawing upon diverse resources. The key to successful programming is collaborative planning and implementation.
      4. Trauma-Informed Principles - Ensure that programming is infused with trauma-informed principles that:
         1. Recognize the high prevalence of traumatic experiences in persons residing in and working in communities with a high concentration of firearm violence,
         2. Address the impact of trauma on staff and personnel working with individuals residing in these communities.
         3. Address the impact of trauma on brain development, physical and emotional health and the impact on the community and individuals living in the community.
         4. Creates a safe space, provides support, and builds resiliency in individuals impacted by trauma.
      5. Equity and Racial Justice - The Provider must be culturally informed on equity and racial justice (ERJ) when serving youth with special needs, including those who are pregnant and parenting youth (including fathers); youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) and/or questioning their own sexual orientation; delinquent youth; and youth who are physically, emotionally or developmentally challenged. The Provider must demonstrate their ability to provide service to persons who have Limited English Proficiency (LEP), persons who are hard of hearing or deaf, and persons with low literacy. The State of Illinois Linguistic and Cultural Competency Guidelines (LCC Guidelines).pdf were developed as a mechanism for improving language and cultural accessibility and sensitivity in State-funded direct human services delivered by human service organizations that receive grants and contracts to serve the residents of the State of Illinois.
         The principles of racial equity must be present throughout service delivery. The Provider will ensure current program policies, procedures and practices are evaluated and revised, or new policies, procedures and practices are adopted where necessary to ensure racial equity and fairness. The Provider will ensure equitable access to services.
      6. Program Marketing - In an effort to raise awareness of available trainings, technical assistance, and support, TTA providers will promote offerings on the Groupsite calendar. Marketing efforts will follow the OFVP "Be the Light" public awareness campaign.
      7. Sub-recipients - Organizations may provide services directly or through subgrants. Sub-recipients may NOT be organizations that have an RPSA grant to provide direct services under the RPSA Violence Prevention Services program (444-80-2774). Sub-recipients will be subject to the same grant implementation and reporting requirements as the grantee. Sub-recipients and their performance are the responsibility of the provider. The provider is required to conduct programmatic and fiscal monitoring of sub-recipients. The provider will report all services implementation, data, outcomes and performance of sub-recipients.
      8. Program Evaluation - TTA 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. TTA Providers will be required to document services to each RPSA grantee. TTA Providers will be required to report quarterly regarding program performance measures and outcomes. TTA 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.
         Other data will be collected from TTA programs including, at a minimum, the following data elements:
         1. Unduplicated number of assigned grantees
         2. Number of trainings offered and related details
         3. Unduplicated and number of training participants
         4. Number, duration and subject matter details of technical assistance and support activities, by RPSA grantee
         5. Program service activities, assessments, and outcome data
         6. Data specific to performance measures
         7. Administrative information; staff information; site information; subcontractor information; and other program plan information as required.
            Please note that some records and other information obtained by programs concerning the individuals served under this agreement may be confidential pursuant to state and federal statutes and/or administrative rules and shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure.
   6. Performance Measures
      At the end of each quarter, successful applicants will submit a periodic performance report (PPR). At the end of the year, successful applicants will submit a cumulative report. In addition to service data and activities, the PPRs will also include the following performance measures:
      1. Percent of grantees served will be reported to DHS.
      2. Percent of DHS approved organizations requesting technical assistance who received it.
      3. Percent of matched/assigned grantees that complete the self-assessment tool.
      4. Percentage of trainings included in the approved training plan that were completed.
      5. Percentage of technical assistance activities included in the approved technical assistance plan that were completed.
      6. Percent of trainings conducted with 80% or more of training slots filled.
      7. Percent of training participants completing training satisfaction surveys.
      8. Percent of organizations receiving technical assistance and support completing satisfaction surveys.
      9. Percentage of training and technical assistance satisfaction surveys attached to Quarterly PPR reports and compiled summaries included in the narrative section of the PPR report.
      10. Percent of matched/assigned organizations completing a re-assessment.
      11. Percent of matched/assigned organizations completing a re-assessment that indicate increased knowledge or skills.
      12. Number of Online training calendars available with all required elements.
      13. Percent of training opportunities offered with an online registration process.
      14. Percent of Periodic Financial Reports submitted on time with accurate information, in the format prescribed by the Department.
      15. Percent of Periodic Performance Reports submitted on time as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.
   7. Performance Standards
      1. 100 Percent of grantees served will be reported to DHS through the PPR, including all organizations participating in trainings and participants receiving individualized and group technical assistance. Acceptable performance 100%
      2. 100 Percent of DHS approved organizations requesting technical assistance will receive it. Acceptable performance 100%
      3. 100 Percent of matched/assigned grantees will complete the self-assessment tool. Acceptable performance 90%.
      4. 100 Percentage of trainings included in the approved training plan will be completed. Acceptable performance 80%
      5. 100 Percentage of technical assistance activities included in the approved technical assistance plan will be completed. Acceptable performance 80%
      6. 100 Percent of trainings conducted will have 80% or more of training slots filled. Acceptable performance 75%
      7. 100 Percent of training participants will complete training satisfaction surveys. Acceptable performance 80%
      8. 100 Percent of organizations receiving technical assistance and support will complete satisfaction surveys. Acceptable performance 90%
      9. 100 Percentage of training and technical assistance satisfaction surveys will be attached to Quarterly PPR reports and compiled summaries included in the narrative section of the PPR report. Acceptable performance 100%
      10. 100 Percent of matched/assigned organizations completing an initial assessment will complete a re-assessment. Acceptable performance 90%
      11. 100 Percent of matched/assigned organizations completing a re-assessment that indicate increased knowledge or skills. Acceptable performance 85%
      12. One Online training calendar will be available with all required elements.
      13. 100 Percent of training opportunities offered will have an online registration process. Acceptable performance 100%
      14. 100 Percent of Periodic Financial Reports will be submitted on time with accurate information, in the format prescribed by the Department. Acceptable performance 80%
      15. 100 Percent of Periodic Performance Reports will be submitted on time as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department. Acceptable performance is 80%
   8. Authorizing Statutes
      Statutory Authority: These programs are authorized by the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) (430 ILCS 69/35) and implemented by Executive Order 2021-29.
2. Awarding and Funding Information
   1. This is a competitive funding opportunity.
   2. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to make an award.
   3. All applicants must submit an application consistent with all the requirements set forth in this notice by the application due date and time. Refer to Section C.1: Eligible Applicants for more information.
   4. All funding is subject to sufficient appropriations.
   5. IDHS anticipates funding approximately 6 grants to provide this program.
   6. Average award amount for Chicago grant will be $1,160,000. Average award amount for Greater Illinois will be $333,000.
   7. IDHS anticipates making approximately $4,500,000 available to fund grant awards under this opportunity. Award amounts will be based on approved budgets. This amount includes $3,500,000 for Chicago and $1,000,000 for Greater Illinois.
   8. Grant awards will be issued based on the State Fiscal Year and will be subject to performance, subject to 2 CFR 200 continuation application process, subject to GATA Compliance, and subject to sufficient State/Federal appropriation.
   9. This award will be funded with a combination of General Revenue Funds (GRF) and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. CFDA#: 21.027
   10. This award does not require an in-kind or financial match.
   11. 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. Indirect costs charged to the grant may not exceed the approved rate or a maximum of 15%, whichever is less. Refer to Section C.6.e. Indirect Cost Requirements & Restrictions for more information.
   12. Proposed budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been approved through the Community Service Agreement Tracking System (CSA) system. Refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us) for additional instructions for registering and completing budgets in the CSA system.
   13. The annual project period for this award will be October 1 to September 30.
   14. Subject to appropriation, the FY25 portion of the grant period will begin no sooner than the grant start date and will continue through 6/30/2025.
   15. The grant start date is estimated to be 10/1/2024.
   16. Successful applicants under this NOFO will receive an award for three quarters of FY25 (October 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, AND an award for the first quarter of FY26 (July 1 to September 30, 2025.) This award term will span two state fiscal years.
   17. Successful applicants may be eligible to receive up to two subsequent one-year grant award term renewals for a total of three (3) full 12-month project periods. Renewals are at the discretion of IDHS and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.
   18. Subrecipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by IDHS and on file with IDHS. Subrecipients are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant organization shall retain sole responsibility for the performance of the subrecipient.
   19. 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 grant agreement, anticipated to be October 1, 2024.
       5. Refer to 2 CFR 200.209 Pre-award Costs for more information.  
3. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements
   1. Eligible Applicants
      This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements and are subject to limitations described below:
      1. Eligible applicants are limited to those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)). In addition, for profit organizations, small businesses and individuals are eligible to apply.
      2. The applicant agency will not be considered eligible to apply if they are not registered in the GATA Grantee Portal and all GATA prequalification requirements are not met at/on the application due date and time. Further, Applications will not be considered eligible for consideration if the Mandatory Requirements of the Application are not met.
         1. GATA Registration and Prequalification
            1. Eligible applicant entities must be registered and prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, available here: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.
            2. Registration and prequalification are required annually. For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedure, refer to Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Requirements
            3. Applicants must be prequalified; applications from entities that are not prequalified prior to and on the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.
         2. Mandatory Requirements of the Application
            The Mandatory Requirements are essential items that must be met by the application. If any Mandatory Requirement is not met, the responding applicant's entire proposal will not be considered. If all responding applicants fail to meet a particular mandatory requirement, that mandatory requirement may, at the sole discretion of the State, be removed from the Mandatory Requirements so the evaluation process may continue. However, this does not obligate IDHS to make an award to any applicant that fails to meet all mandatory requirements.
            1. The applicant must have a minimum of 5 years of experience teaching adult learners.
            2. The applicant must propose to begin providing services in year one within three (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.
            3. 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.
            4. Applications will only be considered for a single eligible service area (Chicago or Greater Illinois). If an applicant is proposing to provide services in both RPSA eligible service areas (Chicago and Greater Illinois), the applicant must submit a separate application for each area.
               If an application is received to serve both eligible service areas, DHS staff will make one attempt to contact the applicant via the email addresses provided in the Uniform Grant Application form to determine which eligible service area the applicant would like DHS to consider. Absent a response within seven (7) calendar days or if DHS receives a return/undeliverable email, DHS will make a service area selection on behalf of the applicant.
   2. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier
      1. 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 (UEI) in its application; and
         3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency.
         4. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements 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).
   4. 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 three (3) months, so their account is not disabled. Passwords can be reset at the following link: https://cmsapps.illinois.gov/adimprod/Reset/GatherIdentity.aspx.
   5. 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.
   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
         1. 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
            6. Out of State Travel
      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. View the CRMP User Manual for additional information.
         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. 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.
      5. 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.
      6. 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.
      7. 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.
      8. 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.
      9. 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.).
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 IDHS: Family & Community Services Grants - FY 2025 (state.il.us).
      2. Additional copies of the NOFO may be obtained by contacting the Department at the email address below.
         Email Address: DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov
         Subject Line: RPSA 25-444-80-2771 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: If an applicant is proposing to provide services for both RPSA providers in Chicago communities and RPSA providers in Greater Illinois communities, the applicant must submit a separate application for each area.
      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 10/1/24 to 9/30/25 (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 Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, NOFO Checklist, Executive Summary, other attachments and Uniform Budget are not included in the page limitation. If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will only consider content contained within that specific section. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below. For questions that are not applicable, due to eligible area, please answer Not Applicable.
      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) (Not included in the page limits)
         The Executive Summary 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. Applicants do NOT have to complete a separate Executive Summary, only the Executive Summary appendix. Each of the following items must be answered/responded to on the Executive Summary form.
         1. List the name, address, FEIN, 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 the service area for which the applicant is applying to provide TTAS services: Chicago or Greater Illinois.) Reminder, if you are applying for both areas, you must submit separate applications.
         4. Indicate funding amount requested under this proposal.
         5. Provide a brief description of the Training, Technical Assistance and Support your organization has provided in the past or is currently providing. Include outcomes/achievements of these services.
            1. Indicate the date your organization plans to begin offering TTAS services.
            2. Indicate number of years of experience the applicant organization has delivering training, technical assistance and support consistent with the services described in this NOFO.
            3. Indicate number of years of experience providing training and technical assistance to adult learners.
            4. Indicate number of years of experience your organization has collaborating with other community agencies to achieve a common goal.
         6. Provide the following statements of assurances of the eligibility and mandatory requirements listed in Section C. Eligible Applicants:
            1. 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.
         7. Provide a statement that applicant understands that if the organization is awarded and accepts a RPSA Violence Prevention-TTAS grant under this funding notice (25-444-80-2771), DHS and the OFVP will be unable to consider an application for an FY25 RPSA Violence Prevention award unless the OFVP is unable to identify qualified violence prevention organizations to provide adequate coverage.
         8. Provide a brief overall description of the Training your organization intends to provide under this award. Include anticipated start dates and anticipated outcomes.
         9. Provide a brief overall description of the Technical Assistance and support services your organization intends to provide under this award. Include anticipated start dates and anticipated outcomes.
      2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity: (35 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:
            1. Give a brief overview of the applicant entity, outlining its primary programs and services offered. Describe how the applicant's mission statement and goals align with the purpose of this funding opportunity.
         2. Experience:
            1. Describe the applicant entity's experience providing the required services and programming listed in Section A.5 Required Services and Programming. For the required services and programming under violence prevention, provide experience regarding violence interruption/street outreach, case management and victim services.
            2. Describe you experience utilizing national and local crime statistics to inform training and technical assistance.
            3. Describe relevant major accomplishments and outcomes of those efforts.
            4. Describe your experience providing training, technical assistance and supports to small and or new agencies in RPSA communities. List the number of years of providing services, types of activities undertaken, successes and challenges, etc. Indicate where these services were provided.
            5. 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:
               • Describe your agency accounting policies and systems/software used. Can your system track expenses by program area?
               • Describe your agency's experience creating budgets, applying cost allocation principles, etc.
               • 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:
               • 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.
               • 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 within 3 months of the contract start date, taking note of the following:
            1. Complete the Program Contact Information Form (available as an Appendix) and include it as Attachment A2.
            2. Staffing: Describe the applicant agency's plan for staffing to carry out and execute this program.
               1. Include an organizational chart of the applicant organization, showing where the program and its staff will be placed. If subrecipients will be used, include the relationship with those organizations in the chart. Please include this as Attachment A3: Organizational Chart.
               2. Submit job descriptions and resume for all positions to be funded by this grant as Attachment A4: Job Descriptions/Resumes. Indicate whether these positions will be full-time or part-time and if the staff are current employees or will be new hires. If contractual staff/consultants are to be utilized/hired, please identify their role and include resumes as appropriate.
                  IMPORTANT: Contractual staff may NOT include individuals paid by an organization as part of an RPSA grant to provide direct services under the RPSA Violence Prevention Services program (444-80-2774).
         5. Collaboration
            1. Describe the applicant agency's experience engaging the community and developing partnerships/relationships with community agencies and stakeholders. In the description identify the stakeholder groups that the applicant agency has worked with and in what capacity. Indicate if these partnerships/relationships are current.
            2. Describe how program will implement the collaborative activities outlined in Section A.4 D: Required Services.
         6. Subrecipients: If the applicant plans to use a Subrecipient to deliver services related to this program, describe your policy(ies) around selecting, monitoring and evaluating subrecipients. If you do not have existing policies, indicate how and when the policies will be created. Refer to Section D.2.j for a list of Subrecipient attachments that must be included with this application.
            IMPORTANT: Sub-recipients may NOT be organizations that have an RPSA grant to provide direct services under the RPSA Violence Prevention Services program (444-80-2774).
      3. Need - Description of Need: (5 points)
         The purpose of this section is to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for proposed services within the targeted grant programs and how the applicant will address these needs. It is necessary for the applicant to demonstrate that it has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs of the agencies serving high-need communities impacted by violence.
         1. Provide evidence that the applicant understands the needs of the RPSA grantees as it relates to addressing and responding to high-need-communities impacted by violence. Reference research, studies, assessments, surveys etc. that were conducted and/or analyzed to assess community need as effected by firearm violence.
         2. Provide evidence that the applicant has thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs of high-risk youth and families impacted by firearm violence.
         3. Describe how the proposed services meet the identified needs of small and or new agencies serving high need communities impacted by firearm violence. Provide specific examples of previously identified needs and how the applicant addressed them.
      4. Equity and Racial Justice: (10 points)
         The purpose of this section is for the applicant to demonstrate understanding of the history and impact of racism and inequity on communities most impacted by firearm violence and to describe the organization's response to address racial inequity. The applicant should provide a clear picture of its work to counteract systemic racism and inequity and to prioritize and maximize diversity and equity throughout its service provision process.
         1. Describe the applicant's commitment and actions to address equity and racial justice. Examples of commitment and activities may include but are not limited to, having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to have) a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)/equity and racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as equity in outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to have) an equity and racial justice training plan.
         2. If no equity and racial justice efforts are currently being practiced, describe the applicant's plan to implement those efforts, including a timeline of activities.
         3. Identify and describe some of the potential root causes of firearm violence within the targeted grant programs and RPSA communities; address and/or include how historical factors have contributed to the conditions of the grantees and communities as appropriate. Include recommendations on how to address firearm violence and make the local community safer.
         4. Describe how the applicant will use an equity lens when creating and implementing programming. An equity lens is a process that analyzes the impact of policies and practices on marginalized communities to inform and ensure equitable outcomes. Include applicant organization's written commitment to advancing equity and racial justice. If one is not yet written, please detail when and how such a statement will be institutionalized.
         5. Describe how the applicant will intentionally and deliberately analyze the delivery and/or impact of the training, technical assistance and support activities on underserved and marginalized groups (including communities of color, people with disabilities, gender nonconforming people, etc.)
         6. Include demographic information of program staff and agency leadership (board and/or executive staff) and discuss if these demographics match the designated community(ies).
      5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services: (35 points)
         The purpose of this section(s) is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive and clear picture of its intended program design and services. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout.
         1. Training Plan:
            1. All applicants - Describe the proposed training plan for the RPSA Violence Prevention grantees using the program appendix as a guide. Include training titles with brief description. Provide justification for each training provided to these grantees. Complete Appendix: Itemized List of Trainings and include as Attachment P1a for proposed training plan for the VPS grantees.
            2. Chicago service area only - Describe the proposed training plan for the Chicago RPSA Conveners (#2773) grantees using program appendix as a guide. Include training titles with brief description. Provide justification for each training provided to these grantees. Complete Appendix: Itemized List of Trainings and include as Attachment P1d for proposed training plan for the 2773 grantees.
            3. Greater Illinois service area only - Describe the proposed training plan for the Greater Illinois Violence Prevention Council Coordinator (#3023) grantees using program appendix as a guide. Include training titles with brief description. Provide justification for each training provided to these grantees. Complete Appendix: Itemized List of Trainings and include as Attachment P1e for proposed training plan for the 3023 grantees.
         2. Technical Assistance Plan:
            1. All Applicants - Describe the proposed technical assistance and support plan for the Reimagine Violence Prevention Services grantees using the program appendix as a guide. Include titles with brief description. Provide justification for each TTAS provided to these grantees. Complete Appendix: Itemized List of Technical Assistance and include as Attachment P2a for proposed TTA plan for the VPS grantees.
            2. Chicago service area only - Describe the proposed TTAS plan for the Chicago Reimagine Conveners (#2773) grantees using the program appendix as a guide. Include titles with brief description. Provide justification for each TTAS provided to these grantees. Complete Appendix: Itemized List of Technical Assistance and include as Attachment P2d for proposed TTAS plan for the 2773 grantees.
            3. Greater Illinois service area only - Describe the proposed TTA plan for the Greater Illinois Violence Prevention Council Coordinator (#3023) grantees using program appendix as a guide. Include titles with brief description. Provide justification for each TTAS provided to these grantees. Complete Appendix: Itemized List of Technical Assistance and include as Attachment P2e for proposed TTA plan for the 3023 grantees.
         3. Program Impact: Describe how the TTA services will impact the RPSA grantees.
            1. State the number of RPSA grantees the applicant has the capacity to serve under this proposed plan. Provide rationale for this number.
            2. Discuss how the planned TTA services will improve the quality of the grantee's program and their capacity to implement these programs and services.
            3. Describe how the program design and activities will directly correlate to the organization self-assessment results.
            4. Describe the intended impact and outcomes of the proposed services on the grantees served.
         4. Trauma Informed: Describe how grant activities are infused with trauma-informed principles as outlined in Section A.5.e. Trauma Informed Principles.
         5. 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.
            4. Include an implementation timeline with milestones and deliverables as Attachment A5: Implementation Timeline. The timeline should cover the entire program period, beginning October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. (12 months)
         6. 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-recipient.
            2. describe how the applicant agency will monitor and evaluate the Subrecipient.
            3. Refer to Section D.2.j for a list of Subrecipient attachments that must be included with this application.
      6. Budget Narrative: (10 points)
         Budget Narrative: All program narratives must include a Budget Narrative for the grant period October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, in addition to the Budgets 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. CSA Budget: Applicants must enter their budget(s) into CSA.
         The budgets for the full grant term must be submitted electronically in the CSA system (Refer to IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us). This will require 2 (two) separate budgets be entered into the CSA system. The first will be for the portion of the grant term that falls within state fiscal year 2025 (10/1/24 to 6/30/25) and the 2nd will be for the period of the grant term that falls within the state fiscal year 2026 (7/1/25 to 9/30/25). Both budgets must be entered into the CSA system as part of this application. They will combine to total the full 12-month grant term. This is the total amount being requested under this application.
         The Budgets 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 Budgets (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. The budgets 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:
            1. Refer to Section C.3 Registration in CSA and to GATA Budget Manual for more information and detailed instructions.
            2. Grantees must follow CSA category instructions (providing their allocation, calculation process for all costs). This includes but is not limited to travel policy, occupancy allocation calculations, technology allocation calculations, etc.
            3. For any employee for whom 100% of their salary is NOT being charged to the grant, include a description of the allocation processes used by the grantee to ensure the time spent on grant activities are allocable and reasonable. Grantees should demonstrate their time reporting methodology. This is absolutely required when executive staff is in a budget. If they do not time keep and/or have a time allocation process in place that can be shared, the executive staff salary cannot be charged as a direct cost.
            4. The "State of Illinois Awarding Agency and Project Detail Description" field must be filled out.
               Remember to indicate area for which you are applying, either Chicago or Greater Illinois. For this program please enter the following statement in this field:
               "This grant is intended to provide RPSA Violence Prevention Training, Technical Assistance and Support services to eligible RPSA communities in [ENTER either Chicago OR Greater Illinois]. "
            5. Budget requests must be for a whole dollar amount. If your budget calculations do not equal a whole dollar, please use the "Certify Budget Rounding feature" in CSA. For successful applicants, budgets that are not for a whole dollar amount will be returned for correction.
            6. 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. PDF copies of the budgets should be included in the application as Attachment A6: Applicant FY25 9-month Uniform Grant Budget and Attachment A6a: Applicant FY26 3-month Uniform Grant Budget. These should be printed from the CSA system.
         4. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until their budget(s) have 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. March 2024) (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.
            3. Only one Subrecipient budget is required per subrecipient. It should cover the 12-month project period (Oct 1-September 30.)
            4. Refer to Section D.2.j for a list of additional Subrecipient attachments that must be included with this application.
      8. Other Mandatory Forms
         1. FY25 RYD TTAS Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
            The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is available as 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.
      10. Order of Application
          The order of Sections and Attachments may also be found on VPS TTAS NOFO Checklist (available as an appendix,) which must be completed and attached to this application as Attachment A1.
          ALL Applications MUST include the following sections and mandatory forms/attachments in the order identified below.
          1. FY25 RVP-TTAS Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
          2. Program Narrative
             1. Executive Summary (available as an appendix)
             2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
             3. Need - Description of Need
             4. Equity and Racial Justice
             5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
             6. Budget Narrative (Narrative should cover the entire 12-month grant award period, 10/1/24 to 9/30/25)
             7. 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 9-month Uniform Grant Budget (printed from CSA)
                   • Attachment A6a Applicant FY26 3-month Uniform Grant Budget (printed from CSA)
                   • Attachment A7 Applicant NICRA (if applicable)
                   • Attachment A8 Applicant Federal Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024) (irs.gov)
                   • Attachment A9 Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
                2. Program Attachments
                   • Attachment P1 Itemized List of Trainings (available as an appendix) Attach one form for each RPSA program.
                   • Attachment P2 Itemized List of Technical Assistance (available as an appendix) Attach one form for each RPSA program.
                   • (iii) 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 12-month Budget (Use the IDHS: Uniform Grant Budget Template; do not enter subrecipient budget into CSA )
                   • Attachment S3 Subrecipient Agreement (This is an applicant-generated form)
                   • Attachment S4 Subrecipient Organization Federal Form W-9 (Rev. March 2024) (irs.gov)
                   • Attachment S5 Subrecipient Organization approved NICRA (if applicable)
                   • Attachment S6 Subrecipient Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf
   3. Application Submission Dates and Times
      1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order, with the signed FY25 RVP-TTAS Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf) on top.
      2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov and received no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, 9/06/2024.
         The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. IDHS will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov. Include the following in the subject line: [Applicant Organization Name] RVP 444-80-2771.
         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. 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.
      3. 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.
      4. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be ineligible, 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.
      5. 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.
      6. 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 @Illinois.gov. Include Subject Line "VPS TTA 25-444-80-2771 Applicant agency acronym"
      All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. With the exception of letterhead and stationery for letter(s) of support (not required), the entire proposal should be typed in black ink on white paper. The program narrative must be typed single-spaced, on one side of the page, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The program narrative must not exceed the page totals specified in the Section D.2. Content and Form of Application Submission. Items included as attachments are NOT included in the page limitations.
      Applications will ONLY be accepted as described herein. Faxed copies, hard copies, 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. Unique Entity Identifiers (SAM Registration)
      Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements for information on required registration. Also refer to 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.6. Grant Funds Use Requirements.
5. Application Review Information
   All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review.
   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.
         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 to 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. Funding Priorities.
         9. The recommendations will be presented by the OCPYD Associate Director to the Director of the Division of Family and Community Services, or designee for approval.
         10. Upon approval from the Director, recommendations will be presented to the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention for consideration and final award determination. In making a final funding determination, the Assistant Secretary may include consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified under Section A.2. Funding Priorities.
      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	35 Points
            Need - Description of Need	5 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 not subject to Cost Sharing/Matching.
      3. Selection Process
         1. 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."
         2. While the score/recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the review panel to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
            In the event of a tie, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options:
            • Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
            • Partially fund each of the tied applications, or
            • Not fund any of the tied applications 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: Reshma Desai
         Email of Agency contact for appeals DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov
         Email Subject Line: "agency name RVP TTA 444-80-2771 @Appeal Reshma"
      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 200.88). 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: Contracts (state.il.us)
      The organization 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. Forms
         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 (October 1- December 31st) is due - January 15th, and Quarter 2 (January 1st -March 31st) is due - April 15th), Quarter 3 (April 1 - June 30) is due July 15th; Quarter 4 (July 1-September 30th) is due - October 15th,
            4. The final cumulative fiscal year Periodic Financial Report is due July 15th.
            5. The final cumulative grant term Periodic Financial Report is due October 15th.
         2. Periodic Performance Report (PPR)
            1. The provider will provide monthly status reports to the Department 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 (October 1- December 31st) is due - January 15th, and Quarter 2 (January 1st -March 31st) is due - April 15th), Quarter 3 (April 1 - June 30) is due July 15th; Quarter 4 (July 1-September 30th) is due - October 15th,
            4. The final cumulative fiscal year Periodic Performance Report is due July 15th.
            5. The final cumulative grant term Periodic Performance Report is due October 15th.
         3. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.
         4. If the State share of any State award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance, applicants are also subject to the reporting requirements reflected in appendix XII to 2CFR200.
         5. Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List (SSPL).
      2. Annual Audit in conformance with Audit Requirements set forth in the grant agreement.
      3. Recordkeeping Requirements.
         The Provider is required to maintain until June 30, 2032, adequate books, all financial records and supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award. If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the records have been resolved and final action taken. The Provider agrees to provide or make available all records related to this grant upon request.
   4. Payment Terms
      The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) payment policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (procedures implementing Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury-State Agreement (TSA)), and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods).
      Grantees will receive payment by one of the three payment methodologies (Advance Payment, Reimbursement or Working Capital Advance).
      1. Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile)
         1. Because IDHS is subject to the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act, IDHS is required by 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 to remit Award payments via advance payment when Awardees meet the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management), 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(i)(A)(i and ii) (Advance Payments), and other requirements as described in this Directive.
         2. Awardees may request advance payment for each Award issued by IDHS. Requests must be submitted to the respective Award Program Manager by the method prescribed in the Grant program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or the Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) - Program Listing. A separate request must be submitted for each IDHS Grant program application.
         3. Requests for advance payment must be accompanied by an IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget.pdf for each Award. Cash Budgets must be signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive's signature certifies that their entity complies with the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management) and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(i)(A) (Advance Payments). The Cash Budget must demonstrate the estimated monthly cash requirements for each month of program Award operation. Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the Awardee in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of advance payments must be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the Awardee for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs. Additionally, the Awardee entity must make timely payments to sub-recipients and contractors.
         4. Upon program approval for advance payment, an initial payment will be processed in an amount equal to the first two months' cash requirements as reflected in the submitted Advance Payment Requirements Forecast (Cash Budget) Form.
         5. Awardees must submit monthly invoices on the Monthly Grant Invoice form (IL444-5257) in the method prescribed in the Awardee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement Exhibits. The first invoice is due after the first month of Award operations. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the Awardee. For Awards that have Awardee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
         6. Subsequent monthly payments will be based on each monthly invoice submitted to the Award program and will be adjusted up or down, based on a comparison of actual cumulative expenditures to cumulative advance payments, to date.
         7. Awardees that do not expend all advance payment amounts by the end of the Award term or that are unable to demonstrate that all incurred costs were necessary, reasonable, allowable, or allocable as approved in their respective Award budget, must return the funds or be subject to Grant funds recovery.
         8. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
         9. Failure to abide by advance payment governance requirements may result in grantee losing their right to advance payments.
      2. Reimbursement Method
         1. Awardees will be paid via the reimbursement method when they do not meet the requirements of 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(2), or upon an Awardee's request to use the reimbursement method of payment, or as stipulated in a specific condition. Awardees that have specific conditions noted in their Uniform Grant Agreement Exhibit language for any of the following items must be paid using the reimbursement method:
            1. Fiscal and administrative high risk (weak internal controls).
            2. Have a history of failure to comply with general or specific terms and conditions of Awards.
            3. Fail to meet expected performance goals as described in 2 CFR 200.211 or their program deliverables as stated in their applicable Uniform Grant Agreement.
            4. Or otherwise not responsible.
         2. IDHS will disburse payments to the Awardee based on actual allowable costs incurred as reported in the monthly financial invoice submitted for the respective month, as described below.
         3. Awardees must submit monthly invoices on the Monthly Grant Invoice form (IL444-5257) in the method prescribed in the Awardee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement. Invoices must include all allowable incurred costs for the first and each subsequent month of operations until the end of the Award term.
         4. Invoices will be submitted to the respective Award program points of contact on or before the 15th day following the end of any respective monthly invoice period. (Award Program Managers may amend the due date from the 15th day of the month to facilitate program and Awardee requirements.)
         5. Awardees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
      3. Working Capital Advance Method
         1. For Awardees that cannot meet the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management), 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(1)(A)(i and ii) (Advance Payments), and other requirements as described in this Directive, if the Award Program Manager determines that reimbursement is not feasible because the Awardee lacks sufficient working capital, the Award program may, in its sole discretion, provide a working capital advance to the Awardee.
         2. Awardees may request separate working capital advance payments for each Award issued by IDHS at any point in the current grant term.
         3. Requests must be submitted on the IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template (Cash Budget) to the respective Award Program Manager in the method prescribed in the Award program NOFO or the CSFA - Program Listing. The Cash Budget must include monthly cash requirements for an amount not to exceed two months of forecasted cash needs. A separate request must be submitted for each IDHS Award program application. Requests must be signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or the Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive's signature certifies the cash requirements are actual expected costs.
         4. IDHS Award Program Managers will advance working capital payments to the Awardee to cover their estimated disbursement needs for an initial period not to exceed two months of Award expenses. Startup costs may be approved if determined by IDHS Award Program Managers to be allowable.
         5. Awardees must submit monthly invoices for each of the one or two months covered by the Working Capital Advance on the Monthly Grant Invoice form (IL444-5257) in the format and method prescribed in the Awardee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement Exhibits. The first invoice is due after the first month of Award operations. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the Awardee. For Award programs that have Awardee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
         6. Awardees shall be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the respective Award Program Manager.
         7. Working Capital Advance Payments are limited to a single occurrence per grant term.
         8. Following the initial period, the Award Program Managers must reimburse the Awardee for its actual cash disbursements as described in section II of this Administrative Directive, or via advance payment methodology if requirements stated in Section I Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile) are met.
      4. Final Payment
         The final payment from the Department under this Agreement shall be made upon the Department's determination that all requirements under this Agreement have been completed, which determination shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such final payment will be subject to adjustment after the completion of a review of the Applicant's records as provided in the Agreement.
      5. Stop Payment
         The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) protects the quality of grant programs by limiting fraud, waste and abuse. GATA specifically requires the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) to maintain a "list of individuals and entities that are ineligible, either temporarily or permanently, to receive an award of grant funds from the State." 30 ILCS 708/60(a)(8). In response to this requirement, the State of Illinois has set policy known as the Grantee Compliance Enforcement System (GCES) based on established federal law and supporting guidance. The system, Stop Pay List Tracking System (SPLTS), will only be used to track non-compliance of grantees. Non-compliance issues are classified as follows:
         1. Temporary Stop Payment Status:
            1. Late performance or expense reporting
            2. Failure to clear fiscal/administrative monitoring issue(s)
            3. Failure to submit a timely audit report
            4. Failure to respond to audit report or monitoring review corrective action for deficiencies and material weaknesses
            5. Failure to submit a required refund payment or a payment missing from the payment plan; or
            6. Factually based discretionary issue documented by the leadership within the awarding agency.
         2. Permanent Stop Payment Status
            1. Facts documented by the applicable state agency including but not limited to:
               1. Conviction of or civil judgment for commission of fraud or a criminal offense, violation of federal or state antitrust statutes, commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, tax evasion, or commission of any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that seriously and directly affects present responsibility.
               2. Violation of grant terms or a transaction so serious as to affect the integrity of the program such as a willful failure to perform in accordance with grant terms, a history of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance, or a willful violation of statutory or regulatory provisions or requirements application to a grant.
               3. Any other cause so serious or compelling in nature that it affects present responsibilities.
            2. Fraud documented by the Office of the Executive Inspector General and/or other Governmental entity's investigation.
      6. Repayment
         In the event payments made by the Department to the Applicant exceed the total amount of Applicant reported and Department authorized expenditures, the Applicant will be required to issue a repayment to the Department in an amount equal to the overpayment.
      7. Pre-Award Costs
         Pre-Award costs prior to the execution of the agreement will be allowed under the following conditions:
         1. The Provider must have received and accepted the Notice of State Award (NOSA) AND,
         2. Submitted any and all requested program plan and budget revisions per the NOSA; AND
         3. May NOT incur pre-award costs prior to the contract start date.
      8. Payment Forms
         1. Expenditure Documentation & Certification Form (will be provided to you by program manager.)
         2. IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form.pdf
      9. Grantees will automatically be paid via Reimbursement Method unless a request for Advance Payment Method or Working Capital Advance Method is made using the IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form.pdf.
7. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)
   1. Point of Contact
      Name:  Reshma Desai
      Email Address: DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov
   2. Questions and Answers
      If you have questions relating to this NOFO, please send them via email to: DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov with "RVP TTA" in the subject line of the email. Beginning 48 hours after the NOFO is posted, questions with their respective answers will be posted here. Questions and answers will be updated frequently as new questions are received. Applicants are responsible for checking frequently as the responses provided may have an impact on their ability to submit a responsive application. Only written answers posted on the website will be considered valid and official.
      The final deadline to submit any written questions regarding this Funding Notice will be Friday; 8/30/2024. The Final listing of Q&A will be posted by End of Day on Tuesday, 9/03/2024.
8. Other Information, if applicable
   1. Technical Assistance Conference Information.
      One Web-based Technical Assistance (TA) Conference will be provided for potential applicants. Refer to the Q&A  page for date, time and registration details. Attendance is NOT a requirement of the application although it is  strongly encouraged. During this session, IDHS staff will provide an overview of the program and expectations  of the grant. DHS staff will devote a significant amount of time responding to questions from potential applicants.
   2. List of Available Appendices
      • Violence Prevention Services Program Summary 
      • Convener Program Summary 
      • Greater Illinois Convening Body Program Summary 
      • Itemized List of Trainings
      • Itemized list of Technical Assistance
      • RVP-TTAS Executive Summary
      • RPSA-TTAS NOFO Checklist
      • Program Contact Information form
9. Mandatory Forms
   1. FY25 RVP-TTAS Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
   2. Project Narrative and Attachments
   3. Uniform Grant Budgets
   4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure.pdf