Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (26-444-80-0654-01)

1. - Basic Information (CSFA Data Section)

Items 1(A) - 1(E) are in the CSFA Data Table Below:

Awarding Agency Name (1-A)	Illinois Department of Human Services
Agency Division Name	Family and Community Services- Office of Adult Services and Basic Supports
Agency Contact	Erica Koegler DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov (217)836-1020
Announcement Type (1-C)	Competitive
Funding Opportunity Title (1-B)	Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Funding Opportunity Number (1-D)	26-444-80-0654-01
Application Posting Date	03/06/2025
Application Closing Date	04/07/2025
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-80-0654
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name	Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Assistance Listing Number(s) (1-E)	Not applicable
Awarding Source	State
Estimated Total Program Funding Amount	$21,200,000
Anticipated Number of Awards	1
Award Range	$21,200,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement?	No
Indirect Costs Allowed?	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs?	No
Technical Assistance Session Offered	No

1. - Basic Information Continued - Section F through I

6. Funding Details
   1. Total Amount of Funding
      1. The Department expects to award approximately $21,200,000
      2. The source of funding for this program is State funds
   2. Number of Grant Awards
      1. The Department anticipates funding approximately 1 grant awards to provide this program
   3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards
      1. The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be $21,200,000.
   4. Average amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.
      1. Average funding amount for this grant award program in previous years: Not Applicable
   5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility.
      1. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are/are not eligible to compete with applications for new State awards
      2. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on sufficient appropriation and performance criteria including, but not limited to:
         1. Grantee has performed satisfactorily during the previous reporting period
         2. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division/Department
         3. No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.)
   6. Sub-Recipient Agreements 
      1. Sub-Recipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department.  Sub-recipients are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility  for the performance and monitoring of the sub-recipient.
   7. Funding restrictions
      1. Pre-Award Costs
         1. Pre-Award Costs are allowed subject to the discretion, review, and prior approval of the IDHS Budget Committee. Pre-Award Costs must be identified as such in the IDHS Uniform Grant Budget Narrative. Pre-Award costs are not allowable for this award
         2. IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records.
      2. Indirect Costs
         1. Indirect Costs (may/may not) be applied to this grant award. Indirect Cost rates must be approved through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES)
   8. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award
7. Key Dates
   1. Application Posting Date 03/06/2025
   2. The Department must receive the Preliminary Submission materials (Letter of Intent, etc.): Not applicable
   3. The Department must receive the Full Application: Due on 04/07/2025 at 5:00PM CST
   4. Anticipated Award Date 07/01/2025
   5. Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards.
      1. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than 07/01/2025 and will continue through 06/30/2026.
8. Executive Summary: 
   1. Program Description
      1. Through statewide prevention education and direct services to survivors, the Illinois Department of Human Services Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program reduces the incidence of rape and other forms of sexual assault and ensures that survivors of sexual assault have access to appropriate crisis intervention, supportive services, advocacy, counseling and medical care. For this program, the Department funds a statewide network of community-based Rape Crisis Centers and the Centers provide prevention education in their communities and comprehensive direct services to survivors of sexual assault and their significant others. Grantee serves as the Department's prime contractor and administers the grant program by sub awarding program funds to local Rape Crisis Centers located throughout the state. The following services are provided: direct crisis intervention through a 24-hour-a-day sexual assault crisis hotline, advocacy through support services to sexual assault victims by trained staff or trained volunteers during the medical examination, police investigation and/or court proceedings, individual and/or group supportive counseling for victims and their families, information dissemination, training of professionals and paraprofessionals, community education, and referrals to social service agencies, private therapists, physicians, etc.
9.  Agency Contact Information.
   1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov.
   2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website. Questions submitted up to 2 business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website. 

2. - Eligibility

3. - Program Description

This section contains the full program description of the funding opportunity.

1. The general purpose of the funding is to provide a statewide safety net to assist victims, and it is expected to meet the immediate crisis and long-term needs of victims of sexual assault and support significant others impacted by sexual assault for the public good. 
2. The State agency's funding priorities or focus areas.
   1. IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.
3. The goals and objectives of this program are to support a network of community-based rape crisis centers that provide direct services to survivors of sexual assault including appropriate crisis intervention, supportive services, advocacy, counseling and medical care. In addition to direct service to victims and significant others, funds support prevention, education and training.(Enter any additional funding priorities or focus areas.)
4. The award will contribute to achieving the program's goals and objectives by supporting statewide prevention education and direct services to survivors. The Illinois Department of Human Services Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program reduces the incidence of rape and other forms of sexual assault and ensures that survivors of sexual assault have access to appropriate crisis intervention, supportive services, advocacy, counseling and medical care. For this program, the Department provides grant funds to a network of community-based Rape Crisis Centers and the Centers provide prevention education in their communities and comprehensive direct services to survivors of sexual assault and their significant others. The following services are provided statewide: direct crisis intervention through a 24-hour-a-day sexual assault crisis hotline, advocacy through support services to sexual assault victims by trained staff or trained volunteers during the medical examination, police investigation and/or court proceedings, individual and/or group supportive counseling for victims and their families, information dissemination, training of professionals and paraprofessionals, community education, and referrals to social service agencies, private therapists, physicians, etc.
   1. Deliverables
      1. The objectives are to provide safe, survivor-centered services to respond to the needs of victims; to provide information, support, counseling and advocacy services to help victims become aware of and take advantage of their rights and options; to educate and inform the key systems and the community at large; and to enhance the response and capacity of the statewide network of rape crisis centers.
      2. The Grantee will oversee the administration of grant funds for the network and utilize administrative policies and activities that ensure that grant funds are appropriately administered and in accordance with the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act GATA). The Grantee will perform all necessary administrative functions, including, but not limited to, the application process and selection of subcontractors; the establishment of contracts with subcontractors; the awarding of funds, oversight of expenditures and payments to subcontractors; and the monitoring of subcontractor expenditures, operations and program activities. Written administrative policies and procedures and written programmatic policies shall be utilized and available for the Department's review.
      3. The Grantee shall provide statewide comprehensive, community-based services to victims of sexual assault and their significant others through sub-awards with community- based rape crisis centers.
      4. The Grantee assures that the following services are provided throughout the state: direct crisis intervention through a 24-hour-a-day sexual assault crisis hotline; 24 hour advocacy services to sexual assault victims by trained staff or trained volunteers during the medical examination, police investigation and/or court proceedings; individual family and/or group counseling for victims and their families; information dissemination; training of professionals and paraprofessionals, community education and referrals to social service agencies, private therapists, physicians, etc.; and advocacy to promote changes in community institutions that respond to victims, e.g., hospitals, police departments and courts.
      5. The Grantee shall require subcontractors to document services provided, maintain accurate and complete service records, and submit service documentation using InfoNet. These reports shall provide information about the services provided in the following categories: number of persons assisted (victims and significant others); number of persons served by prevention/education programs; number of persons served by training programs for law enforcement/support personnel; number of hours of services provided (counseling and advocacy), and number of hours of telephone counseling. Grantees or subcontractors may not charge fees to victims or significant others seeking services for sexual assault.
      6. The Grantee shall collect and report service outcomes to the Department, as directed by the Department. The collection and reporting of this data is essential in determining the outcomes of services provided to clients. The Grantee must develop a system to collect outcomes on a quarterly basis within 25 days after the end of the quarter and submit a report to the Department detailing the results of the outcomes collected during the Quarter.
      7. The Grantee will submit a quarterly narrative in a format approved by the Department 25 days after the end of each quarter and attach to the Periodic Performance Report.
      8. The Grantee will participate in quarterly meetings with the Department to discuss the results and recommendations outlined in each Quarterly Report Narrative, progress towards and barriers to future activities, and issues pertaining to the contract, subcontract and/or work plan.
      9. The Grantee will submit subcontractor budgets to bureau staff and inform the bureau of any subcontractor performance issues impacting service delivery.
      10. The Grantee will develop and implement a comprehensive training and technical assistance plan which addresses the needs of the rape crisis center network including entry level staff, supervisors and management. The training plan must also be responsive to current issues impacting survivors and approved by the Department. The training plan must be submitted with the NOFO application and in subsequent years with the renewal application. Review of training materials, participant evaluations and needs assessment will be a part of quarterly meetings.
      11. If required, the grantee and its sub-grantees, must agree to receive consultation and technical assistance from authorized representatives of the Department. The Department may accompany the Grantee at on-site monitoring activities. The program and collaborating partners will be required to be in attendance at site visits.
      12. The grantee shall notify the Department of changes in their Program Plan or changes in key personnel within 10 days.
   2. Performance Measures
      1. Allocate and administer funding to local rape crisis centers to sustain statewide service system.
      2. Monitor local rape crisis centers to ensure compliance with all contract requirements. Centers will demonstrate compliance through monthly and quarterly reports and on-site visits.
      3. Number of victims and significant others served, and hours of service provided as recorded monthly in the InfoNet data base system by the local rape crisis centers and reported to Division of Family and Community Services (DFCS) quarterly as part of quarterly report.
      4. Number of participants in education programs as recorded monthly in the InfoNet data base system by the local rape crisis centers and reported to DFCS quarterly as part of quarterly report.
      5. Number of professionals who participate in training sessions as recorded monthly in the InfoNet data base system by the local rape crisis centers and reported to DFCS quarterly as part of quarterly report.
      6. Number of sexual assault workers in rape crisis centers who participate in training regarding best practice crisis intervention, advocacy and counseling services for sexual assault victims as recorded monthly in the InfoNet data base system by the local rape crisis centers and reported to DFCS quarterly as part of quarterly report
5. The expected performance goals, indicators, targets, baseline data, data collection, and other outcomes the agency expects recipients to achieve are the following:
   1. The allocation and contract processes with the subcontractors will be completed and award information will be submitted to Department within 60 days of the Agreement.
   2. 100% of centers will demonstrate compliance through monthly and quarterly reports and on-site visits. Grantee will provide Department with list of compliance activities and the results of activities and submit report quarterly.
   3. Provide 90,000 hours of victim-centered, trauma-based advocacy and counseling services to 15,000 victims and significant others during the contract period.
   4. Conduct awareness and prevention education with 400,000 citizens during the contract period.
   5. Train 14,000 allied professionals in local communities regarding best practice response to sexual assault victims during the contract period
   6. Train 250 sexual assault workers in rape crisis centers regarding best practice crisis intervention, advocacy and counseling services for sexual assault victims during the contract period
6. For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have are:
   1. Not Applicable 
7. Specific unallowable costs for this program include the following: 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 federal awards
   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.
   2. 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.
   3. Unallowable costs: Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS.
   4. 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)
   5. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
   6. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
   7. 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).
   8. Deposits for items, services, or space.
8. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements: Survivors of sexual assault, and those affected family members and friends.
9. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: The Sexual Assault Services and Prevention network is authorized by a direct appropriation utilizing state funds.

4. - Application Contents and Format.

1. Contents and Format
   1. Content and Form of Application Submission
      1. Pre-applications, letters of intent, or white papers are not required.
      2. Required Content of Application
         1. Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below. Applicants that do not include all the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding. Refer to Section 5 (iii)B for details.
      3. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments
         1. Program Narrative: IMPORTANT: The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of the application. Please provide a complete response to the following sections. If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your application will receive a score of zero points and your agency will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.
         2. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments: If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will 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.
            1. Executive Summary (2-page maximum) - 5 points
               1. The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for the successful applicant that will be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of the funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description and provide an overview of the services proposed with these funds and the outcomes that will be achieved.
               2. The description should include:
                  1. Agency history
                  2. A brief overview of the services that will be delivered
                  3. Service area
                  4. Need for the services
                  5. Capacity to provide the services and;
                  6. Projected numbers to be served within each program component and how projections were compiled.
            2. Program Narrative: Need - Description of Need (2-page maximum) - 10 points
               1. The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services and benefits gained. It is necessary for the applicant to demonstrate that it has a thorough understanding of sexual violence, needs of victims and significant others, institutional advocacy, provision of statewide services and management of statewide network.
               2. The description should include:
                  1. Description of accessibility and availability of services that reflect your client and community needs.
                  2. Identification of unserved, underserved and inadequately served populations and any special needs. Explain how these populations were identified.
                  3. Identification of proposed or established partnerships with rape crisis centers providing services to underserved populations.
               3. Describe current trends or issues, service gaps or unmet needs in the community or target population.
            3. Program Narrative: Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity (8-page maximum) - 40 points
               1. The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of the agency's capacity, qualifications and ability to provide the program as described in this Funding Notice. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
                  1. Convincing evidence that the applicant agency is capable of carrying out the proposed program, including fiscal, administrative and programmatic ability to manage grant.
                  2. Identify key staff positions that will be responsible for the program and their qualifications to implement the program deliverables and comply with reporting requirements. Include past history with grant award compliance (deliverables and regulations) and reporting.
                  3. Describe the experience that your agency has in working with community-based rape crisis centers and managing a statewide network. Describe relevant major accomplishments of your organization in the area of sexual assault and state level work.
                  4. A description of your agency's current programs and activities relevant to the services described in this NOFO.
                  5. Describe the capacity of your program to meet the needs of the target populations you will be serving and respond to emerging community needs. Describe your program's strategy to enhance services to unserved, underserved and inadequately served populations including leadership roles played by those representing underserved populations.
                  6. Describe the agency experience with sub-contractors and plan for monitoring subcontractors and assuring they are meeting program/service standards, timelines and requirements outlined in the NOFO and 2 CFR 200.
               2. Attach a list of community-based rape crisis centers that will be subcontractors. Include the following information: name of rape crisis center, agency contact, address, service area, projected total number of clients served, projected number of service hours, number of employees, and sub-award amounts. Label Attachment A- Rape Crisis Center Subcontractor Information
               3.  Attach an organizational chart of your organization, showing where the program and its staff will be placed. If subcontractors will be used, include the relationship with those organizations in the chart. Label Attachment B.
            4. Program Narrative: Quality - Description of Program Design and Services (7-page maximum) - 40 points
               1. The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive, clear and accurate picture of its intended program design. At a minimum, the proposal must address each of the following components in the order below:
                  1. Provide an overview of service delivery model or standards for providing sexual assault services including description of essential services for victims of sexual assault.
                  2. Provide a detailed description of the overall program design including technical assistance and training for community-based rape crisis centers. Include proposed training topics, number of trainings and number of participants.
                  3. Describe how the program design has direct correlation to the needs identified in the needs section of the application, including meeting the needs of unserved, underserved and inadequately served populations. Include a description of the agency plan to ensure outreach to underserved populations by rape crisis centers.
                  4. Describe what resources and other knowledge, skill, abilities are available to implement quality programming.
                  5. Describe how your program will achieve the targeted performance standards. List any additional outcomes your program will target to achieve.
      4. Budget and Budget Narrative
         1. Applicants must enter a budget electronically in the CSA system (Refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information for more information and a link to budget forms). The Budget entered into the CSA system will include a narrative or detailed description/justification for each line in the budget and will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how you arrived at the particular amount. Please include cost allocations as necessary. This narrative must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The Budget (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) should clearly describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities described in your plan.
         2. The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer.
         3. IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. See IDHS CSA Tracking System webpage for additional information on CSA at IDHS: CSA Tracking System
         4. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrate that all proposed costs are:
            1. Reasonable and necessary
            2. Allocable, and
            3. Allowable as defined herein and by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
      5. Required Forms
         1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance: (pdf)The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application. 
         2. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure - The grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure is a required for all grant award programs. The document requires agencies to identify actual or potential conflicts of interest. The form must be signed by a representative of the organization.
         3. Federal Form W-9
      6. Required Format
         1. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined or points may be deducted.
         2. The Department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.
         3. All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. Each section must begin on a new page and have a heading that corresponds to the headings that correspond to the headings in bold type listed above in the Narrative Content and Form section. For example, Program Narrative: Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity, then 1. Convincing evidence that the applicant agency is capable of carrying out the proposed program, including fiscal, administrative and programmatic ability to manage grant. Then fill in response… 2. Identify key staff positions that will be responsible for the program and their qualifications to implement the program deliverables. Then fill in response…
         4. The entire proposal should be typed in black ink on white paper. The program narrative must be typed single/double-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 "Content and Form of Application Submission" section including the Executive Summary. Items included as Attachments are NOT included in the page limitations.
         5. The entire application, including attachments, must be sequentially page numbered and compiled in the order specified below.
         6. ALL Applications MUST include the following mandatory forms/attachments in the order identified below.
            1. Executive Summary
            2. Program Plan Narrative
               1. Need - Description of Need
               2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
               3. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
            3. Attachment A - Rape Crisis Center Subcontractor Information
            4. Attachment B - Organizational Chart
            5. Attachment C - Additional Program Information
            6. Training Plan
            7. Uniform State Grant Application - Separate document
            8. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
            9. Budget entered into CSA
            10. Federal W9
         7. Application emails should be sent with the following subject line: 26-444-80-0654-01_Name of Agency
         8. Files within the email should be named similarly including the NOFO number, type of document, and agency name (Ex. 26-444-80-0654-01_Agency Name_Attachment A)
         9. Applications will be accepted electronically to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov as described herein. Faxed copies, hard paper copies, etc. will not be accepted. Applications that are inconsistent with the instructions herein will be subject to denial. The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements. 

5. -  Submission Requirements and Deadlines.

1. Address to Request Application Package. 
   1. Actions Needed Prior to Applying:
      1. The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of Financial Assistance and the IDHS Grants Website Page located: IDHS: Grant Funded Programs (state.il.us)
      2. Each Applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding the NOFO and materials necessary for submission. Questions and answers will also be posted on the Department's website as described in this announcement (section 1 - Alpha section I). It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related to the NOFO.
2. Unique entity identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
   1. Each applicant must:
      1. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application;
      2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; and
      3. Continue to maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration.
      4. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements
      5. The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.
   2. If individuals are eligible to apply, they are exempt from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(b).
   3. If the agency exempts any applicants from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(c) or (d), a statement to that effect.
3.  Submission Instructions.
   1. Actions needed prior to applying:
      1. Applicants must be registered with the State of Illinois and Pre-qualified in the GATA portal prior to applying for Illinois awards. Instructions for creating an account and registering are located at the following link: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. Additionally, detailed instructions for registration and prequalification requirements, including the expected amount of time for completion are located here: Pre-Award Requirements
   2. The methods for submitting the application:
      1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order:
         1. Executive Summary
         2. Program Narrative
         3. Attachment A-Rape Crisis Center Subcontractor Information
         4. Attachment B-Organizational Chart
         5. Attachment C-Additional Program Information
         6. Training Plan
         7. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance pdf
         8. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
         9. Budget(entered into the CSA system as described in section(4)(A)
         10. Federal W9
      2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov.  Include the following in the subject line: NOFO number and your agency name(Ex. 26-444-80-0654-01_Agency Name). Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be considered for review or funding. Applications will not be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk, or thumb drive.
         1. Applications will receive a receipt confirmation email within 72 hours of receipt or 120 hours if received on a non-business day notifying them that their application was received and the date and time it was received.  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; if it is not at 5:00 p.m of applicants eligibility; pre-qualification, etc. Refer to Section 2. Eligibility for more information on applicant's eligibility. 
      3. Documents must include the following password - N/A.
      4. Software or electronic capabilities required are as follows - Please see post award requirements for software capabilities and requirements .
      5. Applicants are required to notify the Department within 48 hours of the deadline, by emailing DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov  if they did not receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and does not notify the Department within 48 hours, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored. The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department after the 48 hours. In the event of a dispute the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above (and that the budget was submitted into the CSA system on time).
   3. Pre-application materials must be submitted as follows -N/A
   4. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact:
      1. Name: Erica Koegler
      2. Phone: (217)-836-1020
      3. Email: DHS.DVSAHT@illinois.gov 
4. Submission Dates and Times. This subsection MUST include due dates and times for all submissions. If they are different for electronic and paper submissions, be clear about the differences. This includes the following:
   1. Full applications are due on the following date 4/7/2025 at the following time 5:00 p.m. (CST).
   2. Any preliminary submissions, such as letters of intent, white papers, or pre- applications are due on the following date- N/A
   3. Other submissions required before the award (separate from the full application) -N/A.
   4. N/A
   5. Missed Deadlines:
      1. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
      2. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
      3. IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.
5. Intergovernmental Review. 
   1. This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs".

6. - Application Review Information.

7. - Award Notices

1. Award Notice 
   1. State Award Notices
      1. Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the 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 awar
         3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA), and the Merit Review
      2. Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into the CSA system. 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. The signed NOSA is the document authorizing the department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice
      3. The notice is not an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs; pre-award costs are incurred at the non-State entities own risk unless they have received written prior approval to begin performance)
      4. The authorizing document to begin performance is the fully executed Uniform Grant Agreement (UGA) signed by the grants officer, or equivalent. This is the official document that obligates funds. The UGA is sent to the non-State entity via the CSA system. The non-State entity will print and sign the signature page of the UGA and return signature page to DHS.OCA.SignaturePages@illinois.gov.  A final signed copy of the UGA will be provided to the non-State entity via an upload into the CSA Tracking system. Note: The Department cannot issue an Agreement until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into the CSA system
      5. Applicants who are not eligible due to registration or pre-qualification issues, or late applications will be notified that they are ineligible for consideration when the requirements of the grant application or pre-qualification, have not been met. This will be done through email contact, to the corresponding contact information, on the application submission.
      6. Applicants who are not selected to receive an award following the Merit Review process will receive a Notice of Denial/Non Selection.

8. - Post-Award Requirements and Administration.

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. 
   1. The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and shall act in accordance with all State and Federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services.
   2. Sample of the current IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.
   3. Payment Terms:
      1. It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that this policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (Procedures implementing the Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury State Agreement (TSA)) and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods). Three different award payment methods exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance.
      2. Payment Forms
         1. Periodic Financial Report Template (monthly and quarterly will be received upon contract execution
         2. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget For (IL444-4985)
2. Reporting. 
   1. Reporting upon execution of the grant agreement shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the UGA and related exhibits which include but is not limited to the following:
      1. Periodic Financial Reports (Quarterly) submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist. Reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends.
      2. Periodic Programmatic Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist. Reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends.
      3. Close-out Performance Reports and Financial Reports as instructed in the UGA. Reports must be submitted no later than 60 days after the agreement end of the period of performance or termination.
      4. Financial Reports (Monthly Periodic Financial Reports) submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA. Reports must be submitted no later than 25 days after the month ends.
      5. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in the format prescribed by the Department
      6. 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 2 CFR 200. Noncompliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop-Payment List
   2. Technology: Agencies awarded funds through this funding notice should 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
         1. The purchase of this technology would be an allowable expenditure under the grant and may be budgeted for as part of this application.
   3. Site Visits:  The applicant agrees to participate in site visits/quality reviews as requested by the Department.
   4. 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.
   5. 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.
   6. Publication of Studies, Reports or other Program Products: The applicant agrees that products produced for the Department under this award, including, but not limited to research reports, data, analyses, and policy recommendations are the property of the Department and will not be published or distributed except as prescribed by the Department

9. - Other Information - Optional

1. Additional Information 
   1. Mandatory Forms and Submission
      1. Executive Summary
      2. Program Narrative
      3. Attachment A - Rape Crisis Center Subcontractor Information
      4. Attachment B - Organizational Chart
      5. Attachment C - Additional Program Information
      6. Training Plan
      7. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance.pdf
      8. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
      9. Budget
      10. Federal W9