2690 CRSS Success Program (814) NOFO

Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) - Summary Information

1. Awarding Agency Name: Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health
2. Agency Contact: Name: Barb Roberson 
Email: DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov
Phone: 217-557-5876
3. Announcement Type: Initial announcement - Revised
4. Type of Assistance Instrument: Grant
5. Funding Opportunity Number: 22-444-22-2690-01 REVISED
6. Funding Opportunity Title: CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) Success Program
7. CSFA Number: 444-22-2690
8. CSFA Popular Name: CRSS Success Program (814)
9. CFDA Number(s): NA
10. Anticipated Number of Awards: 8
11. Estimated Total Program Funding: $8,000,000
12. Award Range $1,000,000 - $8,000,000
13. Source of Funding: State
14. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: None
15. Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
16. Posted Date: 9/02/2021
17. Closing Date for Applications: 10/18/2021 12:00 PM CST
18. Technical Assistance Session:

9/14/2021, 3:00 - 4:00 PM CST - Not mandatory

TA Information
19. Questions Due: 10/11/2021 12:00 PM CST
20. Pre-Award Requirements Due: 11/29/2021

Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity

  1. Program Description

    Executive Summary

    Illinois faces a statewide crisis in behavioral health access due to its inadequate workforce capacity. 1 Strengthening the behavioral health workforce requires alignment of resources and enhancement of career pathways that allow behavioral health centers to attract, train, and retain providers in Illinois. Post-secondary education programs for individuals to successfully obtain either the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential is one aspect of broadening and strengthening the pipeline for individuals to enter the behavioral health workforce.
     
    1 A Report on the Illinois Behavioral Health Workforce Crisis and Recommended Solutions to Grow, Recruit & Retain a Qualified, Modern, Diverse, and Evolving Behavioral Health Workforce: Response to House Bill 5111 (PA 100-0767)

     
    Selected colleges and universities will be responsible for developing curricula that meets the training standards outlined in the Illinois Certification Board Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS; providing a minimum of 110 hours of training and education in recovery support; developing linkages for practical experience (internship) components; stipends for practical experience (internship) component; maintaining a list of affiliations with other segments of the recovery support community, the education community, and other professions, as resources; and providing wrap-around supports for students to overcome practical barriers to full participation such as student tuition, books, and fees; ICB credentialing fees; stipends to cover costs of childcare, transportation, or other needs essential for students to maintain participation in the program.

     
    Background

    The Illinois Model for Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) was collaboratively developed by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB, d/b/a IAODAPCA), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)/Division of Mental Health, IDHS/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, and the MISA Institute. It is owned by the ICB and was officially launched in 2007. The CRSS is a professional credential for individuals who meet minimum competency standards verifying their ability to effectively utilize their lived expertise of recovery from mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use recovery to provide recovery support services for individuals receiving mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use treatment services.

     
    The Illinois Model for Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) was developed by the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC). IC&RC standards and exams are used exclusively by IC&RC Boards, one of which is the Illinois Certification Board. The ICB began offering the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) in 2017. The CPRS is a professional credential for individuals who meet minimum competency standards verifying their ability to effectively utilize their lived expertise in many aspects of the health and human services field, including recovery from substance use disorders. The CPRS fills a gap in the behavioral health workforce by providing a pathway to professional certification for individuals who desire to utilize their lived expertise of recovery more openly from substance use disorders as part of the support they provide others. Study books, candidate guides, and practice exams for the CPRS are available on the IC&RC website.
     
    These voluntary systems evaluate professional competency for recovery support specialists and peer recovery specialists, respectively, and grant certification only to individuals who meet specified minimum professional standards. The ICB provides certification to specialists who have demonstrated minimum competence in the specified performance domains.
     
    Since 2007, the IDHS/Division of Mental Health has offered 20 hours of CRSS Competency Training annually, with an average attendance of 300 individuals statewide. New content is delivered for CRSS Competency each year, allowing students to attend every year and either add up the hours over time for use toward initial certification or use the hours to meet CE requirements. Students are currently responsible for coordinating all aspects of their certification, including obtaining training hours from a variety of sources to add up to the required total of 100 hours; identifying and coordinating their own supervised practical experience (internship) component; and managing all required documentation to submit a successful application to the ICB.

     
    Despite the continuous training effort and high rates of attendance over the past 14 years, ICB reported only 224 actively certified and in good standing with either the CRSS or CPRS, as of 7/19/21. This discrepancy between high rates of participation in training compared to low rates of certification demonstrates the need for more coordinated training and supports for individuals to successfully obtain certification.

     
    Increased Demand

    According to the Community-Based Mental Health Service Definitions and Professional Qualifications in Healthcare and Family Services (Medicaid) Rule 140, individuals who obtain the CRSS credential meet the definition of Mental Health Professional (MHP). Therefore, any services defined in Rule 140 that must be provided by an MHP or above can be provided by individuals with the CRSS credential working for a Medicaid-certified provider. According to the same Rule, Team-Based Services, including Assertive Community Treatment and Community Support Team services must include at least one member of the team who is either a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Family Partnership Professional (CFPP). Additionally, the IDHS/Division of Mental Health provides funding through the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant for First.IL, a team approach that helps individuals who are between the ages of 14-40 and who have had a treated or untreated psychotic illness for no more than 18 months. First.IL programs are required to have CRSS on their teams. Finally, beginning in FY 2022, through a combination of State and Federal funds, the IDHS/Division of Mental Health is funding approximately 70 Crisis Care System programs across the state, all of which are required to hire CRSS staff for their Mobile Crisis Teams.

     
    This increased expectation for mental health and substance use provider agencies to hire individuals who have or are eligible to obtain the CRSS has developed a subsequent demand for training and internship opportunities that are accessible to individuals who qualify to fill these positions.

     
    Minimum Standards

    Through this NOFO, the IDHS/Division of Mental Health is seeking applications from post-secondary educational institutions to develop CRSS Success programs through which students can receive high quality recovery support education and be provided with additional supports necessary to successfully achieve certification. 
     
    In July 2020, the ICB published Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS. The IDHS/Division of Mental Health recognizes the publication of the accreditation standards as an opportunity for partnering with post-secondary educational institutions. Meeting these standards will ensure students meet minimum standards for entry into the field.
     
    Minimum standards for ICB accredited peer recovery support training programs include (this list is not comprehensive; for the comprehensive list of standards, refer to Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS):
     
    *  Classroom component
      -The training programs shall have a classroom component that consists of a minimum of 110 clock hours of training (40 hours recovery support specific with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain, 16 hours in professional ethics and responsibility, and 54 hours in the Core Functions with 5 hours specific to family and 5 hours specific to youth).
     
    *  Practical experience component?
      - The training programs shall have a practical experience (internship) component to ensure students develop skills appropriate to minimum recovery support specialist competencies. This component will consist of no less than 300 contact hours and shall be no less than three months in length.
     
    * Affiliate agreements
    -A training program shall have written agreements with a variety of practical experience sites. This is essential, especially for the student who has experience in one service component of the recovery support field and needs another setting for well-rounded training.
    -Training programs shall also maintain linkages with other segments of the recovery support community, the education community, and other professions, as resources, to enhance the training exposure of the student.
     
    * Faculty standards

    • Experience in providing recovery support, substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance use) services is considered as a minimum requirement for all faculty. It is recommended that instructional faculty be credentialed by ICB.
    • ICB believes persons who have had experience in delivering recovery support services are among the most qualified to deliver training in recovery support training.
    • The coordinator of the training program has the responsibility to keep abreast of the advances and changes in the recovery support field and incorporate such changes into the curriculum. The coordinator should also maintain contact with ICB to ensure coordination between the accreditation and certification functions of ICB.
       
       * Training program evaluation
      Ensure accountability of the peer recovery support training program. The human service field is dynamic and requires constant attention to quality of the content of material presented to students. The demand for trained recovery support specialists requires that training programs undergo a constant evaluation to identify problems, implement solutions, and initiate innovative responses to the changing demands of the field.

CRSS Success programs will not only meet the standards published by the ICB but will also provide wrap-around supports for students to overcome practical barriers to full participation such as student tuition, books, and fees; ICB credentialing fees; stipends for practical experience (internship) component; and stipends to cover costs of childcare, transportation, or other needs essential for students to maintain participation in the program.


Scope of Services

The CRSS Success program will provide high quality recovery support training, supervised practical experience, and wrap-around supports, coordinated by post-secondary educational institutions, for individuals with lived expertise of mental health, substance use, or co-occurring mental health and substance use recovery. This program seeks to increase the number of individuals in Illinois who successfully obtain the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential through the Illinois Certification Board (ICB d/b/a IAODAPCA), as one mechanism to address the behavioral health workforce shortage.

Program components and expectations

All activities should follow the standards outlined in Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS, issued by the Illinois Certification Board.

Deliverables

Performance Requirements:

  1. Grantee will develop curricula for training recovery support specialists that meets the curriculum training standards as outlined in the Illinois Certification Board Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS.
  2. Grantee will provide a minimum of 110 hours of education specific to recovery support specialists with a minimum of 10 hours in each of the Performance Domains (Advocacy, Mentoring/Education, Recovery/Wellness Support).
  3. Grantee will provide training in professional ethics and responsibility with a focus on the CRSS/CPRS Code of Ethics.
  4. Grantee will provide a minimum of 54 hours of training in the Core Functions, with a minimum of 5 hours specific to family and a minimum of 5 hours specific to youth.
  5. Grantee will have written agreements with a variety of practical experience sites.
  6. Grantee will have a practical experience (internship) component to ensure students develop skills appropriate to minimum recovery support specialist competencies.
  7. Grantee will maintain a list of affiliations with other segments of the recovery support community, the education community, and other professions, as resources, to enhance the training exposure of the student.
  8. Grantee will provide wrap-around supports for students to overcome practical barriers to full participation such as student tuition, books, and fees; ICB credentialing fees; stipends for practical experience (internship) component; and stipends to cover costs of childcare, transportation, or other needs essential for students to maintain participation in the program.

Payment Terms

Reference the Uniform Grant Agreement, Article IV Payment, Section 4.2 Return of Grant Funds and 4.3 Cash Management Improvement Act of 1990. Payment will be issued monthly and reconciled with reported allowable expenses.


Performance Measures

  1. Number of hours of recovery support specific training provided.
  2. Number of hours of training provided in professional ethics and responsibility.
  3. Number of hours of training provided in the Core Functions.
  4. Number of hours of training provided specific to family.
  5. Number of hours of training provided specific to youth.
  6. Number of written agreements with practical experience sites.
  7. Average number of contact hours of practical experience component for students.
  8. Number of affiliations with the recovery support community and other resources for students.
  9. Number of students enrolled in program
  10. Number of stipends for practical experience (internship) component
  11. Number of students' ICB application fees paid
  12. Number of students' ICB exam fees paid
  13. Number of students receiving stipends for wrap-around supports


Performance Standards
1. Minimum 40 clock hours of recovery support specific training

2. Minimum of 16 clock hours of training in professional ethics and responsibility

3. Minimum 54 clock hours in the Core Functions

4. Minimum of 3 written agreements

5. Minimum of 300 contact hours in practical experience component

6. Minimum of 5 affiliations with the recovery support community and other resources for students.

7. Minimum of 10 students enrolled in program

8. Minimum of 10 stipends for practical experience (internship) component

9. Minimum of 10 ICB application fees paid


B.  Award and Funding Information

This funding opportunity is considered a new application.

Twenty percent of revenue from the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act is allocated to the Department of Human Services Community Services Fund to address substance abuse and prevention and mental health concerns. From this Fund, up to $8 million will be awarded through this NOFO for post-secondary educational institutions to establish programs for students to develop skills appropriate to achieve minimum recovery support specialist competencies and be prepared to sit for the CRSS exam provided by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB).


This NOFO is considered a grant agreement and is a competitive application for funding. It is not a guarantee of funding.


Applicants must submit a Program Narrative which supports the level of funding (See NOFO Summary Information above - 11 and 12) and detailed service delivery and deliverables (See Section A, Deliverables).


Funding Restrictions

IDHS/DMH is not obligated to reimburse applicants for expenses or services incurred prior to the complete and final execution of the grant agreement and filing with the Illinois Office of the Comptroller.
 
Allowable Costs

Allowable costs are those that are necessary, reasonable, and permissible under the law and can be found in 2 CFR 200 - Subpart E - Cost Principles.


Unallowable Costs

Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Subpart E - Cost Principles to see a collection of unallowable costs.


Indirect Cost Rate Requirements

Please refer to 2 CFR 200.414 regarding Indirect (F&A) Costs. To charge indirect costs to a grant, agencies must have an annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA). If the agency has multiple NICRAs, IDHS will accept only the lesser rate:

  1. Federally Negotiated Rate: Organizations that receive direct federal funding may have an indirect cost rate that was negotiated with the Federal Cognizant Agency. Illinois will accept the federally negotiated rate.
  2. State Negotiated Rate: The organization must negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois by completing an indirect cost rate proposal in the CARS system if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate or elect to use the De Minimis Rate.
  3. De Minimis Rate: Any non-Federal entity that does not have a current negotiated (including Provisional) rate, except for those non-Federal entities described in appendix VII, Paragraph D.1.b of Part 200, may elect to charge a de minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC) which may be used indefinitely.
  4. Elect to decline any indirect cost rate: Grantees have discretion not to claim payment for indirect costs. Grantees that elect not to claim indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs. The organization must record an election of "No Indirect Costs" into CARS.

Renewals

This program will be awarded as a 6-month term agreement with two subsequent, one-year renewal options. Renewals are at the sole discretion of the IDHS and are contingent on meeting the following criteria:

  1. Applicant has performed satisfactorily during the most recent past funding period.
  2. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division.
  3. No outstanding issues are present (i.e. in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements); and
  4. Funding for the budget year has been appropriated in the state's approved fiscal year budget.


 C.  Eligibility Information

    • Eligible Applicants
      Through this NOFO, the IDHS/Division of Mental Health is seeking applications from post-secondary educational institutions to develop CRSS Success programs through which students can receive high quality recovery support education and be provided with additional supports necessary to successfully achieve certification.


      In July 2020, the ICB published Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS. The IDHS/Division of Mental Health recognizes the publication of the accreditation standards as an opportunity for partnering with post-secondary educational institutions. Meeting these standards will ensure students meet minimum standards for entry into the field.


      Minimum standards for ICB accredited peer recovery support training programs include (this list is not comprehensive; for the comprehensive list of standards, refer to Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS):

    • 1. Classroom component
      • a. The training programs shall have a classroom component that consists of a minimum of 110 clock hours of training (40 hours recovery support specific with a minimum of 10 hours in each domain, 16 hours in professional ethics and responsibility, and 54 hours in the Core Functions with 5 hours specific to family and 5 hours specific to youth).
    • 2. Practical experience component
      • a. The training programs shall have a practical experience (internship) component to ensure students develop skills appropriate to minimum recovery support specialist competencies. This component will consist of no less than 300 contact hours and shall be no less than three months in length.
    • 3. Affiliate agreements
      • a. A training program shall have written agreements with a variety of practical experience sites. This is essential, especially for the student who has experience in one service component of the recovery support field and needs another setting for well-rounded training.
      • b. Training programs shall also maintain linkages with other segments of the recovery support community, the education community, and other professions, as resources, to enhance the training exposure of the student.
    • 4. Faculty standards
      • a. Experience in providing recovery support, substance use, mental health, and co-occurring disorders (mental health and substance use) services is considered as a minimum requirement for all faculty. It is recommended that instructional faculty be credentialed by ICB.
      • b. ICB believes persons who have had experience in delivering recovery support services are among the most qualified to deliver training in recovery support training.
      • c. The coordinator of the training program has the responsibility to keep abreast of the advances and changes in the recovery support field and incorporate such changes into the curriculum. The coordinator should also maintain contact with ICB to ensure coordination between the accreditation and certification functions of ICB.
    • 5. Training program evaluation
      • a. Ensure accountability of the peer recovery support training program. The human service field is dynamic and requires constant attention to quality of the content of material presented to students. The demand for trained recovery support specialists requires that training programs undergo a constant evaluation to identify problems, implement solutions, and initiate innovative responses to the changing demands of the field.

    • CRSS Success programs will not only meet the standards published by the ICB but will also provide wrap-around supports for students to overcome practical barriers to full participation such as student tuition, books, and fees; ICB credentialing fees; stipends for practical experience (internship) component; and stipends to cover costs of childcare, transportation, or other needs essential for students to maintain participation in the program.

    • Registration and Pre-Qualification
    • All entities must be qualified to do business with the State of Illinois. To be qualified for a grant award. The following information is required to complete registration:
      • 1. Apply for or update their DUNS number.
      • 2. Apply for or update their SAM registration and receive a SAM cage code. This must be done annually.

      3. Be registered and in good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State (This is not required of governmental entities and schools.)

      • 4. Register with the GATA/CSFA system.
      • 5. Registration in CSA
        • a. 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 take action on the proposed budget.
        • b. It is strongly recommended that if an applicant entity is not already registered in the CSA Tracking System, they should begin the registration as soon as possible so they may submit a signed budget in CSA by the application due date.
      • 6. Register with the Centralized Repository Vault (CRV).

    • It may take several days to complete the registration process so do not wait until the application due date to begin the process.

    • During pre-qualification, verifications are performed to ensure the applicant is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List; not on the Illinois Stop Payment list; and not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions List.

    • Pre-Award Requirements
    • State agencies are federally required to evaluate the risk posed by each applicant. Risk assessments are a pre-award requirement and include two components. These are due no later than October 29, 2021:
      • 1. Entities must complete an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) as the Fiscal and Administrative Risk Assessment. The ICQ is completed once, annually. All state agencies will utilize the results of the ICQ. The entity can access the ICQ from the grantee portal.
      • 2. Programmatic Risk Assessment (PRA). Potential grantees must submit a Programmatic Risk Assessment. This must be done for each program applied for. The entity can access the PRA under "PRA" on the DMH Grant website.

    • Cost Sharing or Matching      : None.

    • Indirect Cost Rate: See Section B Funding Information, Indirect Cost Rate Requirements.

  • D.  Application and Submission Information
    • Address to Request Application Packet
    • Each applicant must have access to the internet. Applicants may obtain application forms at the Division's Grant Information website. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor that website and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO.

    • Content and Form of Application Submission
      • 1. Each applicant is required to submit a Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance. This is a 3-page document with the first page already completed by the Division of Mental Health. The applicant must check the box "I Agree", sign and date this document.
      • 2. Each applicant is required to submit a Program Narrative. The Program Narrative must include headers consistent with the criteria listed in Section E and must adhere to indicated page limits.
        • a. The Program Narrative shall not exceed 20 pages. If there are more than 20 pages, the remaining pages will not be reviewed.
        • b. All documents must be typed using Times New Roman 12-point type,100% magnification and use black typeface on a white background, Except for letterhead.
        • c. For charts and tables only Times New Roman 10-point with color may be used.
        • d. The Program Narrative must be typed single-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides.
        • e. The PDF submission must be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch page size.
      • 3. The Application Packet
        • a. Submission shall include the 3-page Uniform Application
        • b. The Program Narrative must not to exceed 20 pages and be in PDF or PDF Portfolio format.
        • c. Subrecipient budget(s)
          • i. If applicant is planning to use a sub-grantee, a pdf copy of the sub-grantee budget must be submitted at the time of the application packet.
          • ii. Subrecipient budgets shall be submitted on the DHS/DMH Budget template (GOMBGATU-3002-(R-02-17) as an attachment.
        • d. Attachments
          • i. Attachments must be submitted at the time of the application packet in a separate pdf document.

    • Application Packet Submission Due Dates and Times
      • 1.  To be considered for award, application materials will only be accepted electronically. Applications will NOT be accepted by any other means. Applications must be in the possession of the DMH email address DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.  Applications not received in this email box or by the designated date and time listed in Box 17 of the NOFO Summary above will NOT be considered for review or funding. Applications will be opened as they are received. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
      •  
        2.  Emails into this box are electronically date and time stamped upon arrival. For your records, please keep a copy of your email submission with the date and time it was submitted, along with the email address to which it was sent. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application materials were received on time at the location listed above.
      •  
      • 3.  If an applicant experiences technical difficulties, an email must be sent to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov prior to the submission deadline. If State systems are deemed to be working properly, it is the applicant's responsibility to ensure their application materials arrive at the appropriate email address before the submission deadline date and time.

        * If you have trouble emailing the document due to the file size, please utilize the CMS File Transfer Utility. Please follow the instructions to attach your application. Remember to include the subject line below.

      •  
        4. IDHS/DMH is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.
      •  
        5. Applicants will receive an email to notify them that the application was received and if it was received by the due date and time. The email reply will be sent to the original sender of the application materials. Application materials received after the due date and time will not be considered for review and funding. There will be no exceptions.
      •  
        6. The subject line of the email MUST state:
        • a. Entity Name;
        • b. Program Name ("814 CRSS Success Program")

    • Budget Requirements
    • A budget and budget narrative must be completed and submitted in the CSA tracking system with the status as "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review" by the designated date and time listed in Box 17 of the NOFO Summary above. For each line in the budget the applicant will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how the amount was determined. Please include cost allocations as necessary. This narrative must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, and direct administrative costs within each line item.  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 Narrative. See instructions for the CSA Tracking System and Budget Information.  The budget should be prepared to reflect 6 1/2 months.

    • A Budget Template and Instructions can be used as a tool to assist in determining expenses; however, the final budget must be completed in the CSA Tracking System. The pdf budget or paper copy will not be accepted nor should be included in the application packet.

    • Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS Number) and System for Award Management (SAM)
    • Applicants must annually apply or update their DUNS number and their SAM registration and receive a SAM cage code, and continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency. The IDHS cannot make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the State awarding agency is ready to make an award, the IDHS may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.


    • Questions and Answers
    • IDHS encourages inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcomes the opportunity to answer questions from applicants. Questions and DHS/DMH Responses "Questions & Answers" will be posted to the DMH Grant Information website, under the "Questions & Answers" Link, and updated periodically.

    • Questions about this NOFO, must be sent via email to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov. The subject line of the email MUST state: "814 CRSS Success Program - Question(s)". Questions will only be accepted electronically.

    • NOTE: The final deadline to submit questions regarding this funding opportunity is October 11, 2021, 12:00 PM CST.

    • Funding Restrictions
    • Refer to Section B. Funding Information. All applicants are subject to the funding restrictions included in 2 CFR 200 - Subpart E Allowable/Unallowable Costs.

    • Agreement Terms
    • The term of the agreement will be December 15, 2021 and continue through June 30, 2022 and will require the mutual consent of both parties, be dependent upon the Grantee's performance and adherence to program requirements and the availability of funds. IDHS may withdraw this Notice of Funding Opportunity at any time prior to the actual time a fully executed agreement is filed with the State of Illinois Comptroller's Office.


    E.  Application/Program Narrative Review Information

    • Program Narrative Criteria
    • The maximum possible score is 100 points. All submissions will be reviewed, evaluated, and based on the Criteria listed below. The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present the agency description, history, achievements, service description, financial overview, and future.

       
      Additional pages/attachments that exceed the Program Narrative as described will not be reviewed or scored. Label each section of the application utilizing the format provided below. Information must be provided in the section in which it is requested.

       
      The grant narrative must not exceed twenty pages and must include all information requested. Applicants must submit a program narrative which addresses their ability to achieve the desired outcomes of the CRSS Success Program. The narrative should include all items listed below. Sections must be clearly marked and adhere to the indicated page limits.

       
      To be successful in the application process, applicants must submit the following information as part of the grant application process.

       
      Criteria: 

    • Executive Summary (Not to exceed 1 page) - 5 points

      Describe the organization's mission, history, achievements, services, equity advancement, financial overview, and future plans. Identify how the organization's goals link to this funding opportunity.

    • Capacity - Agency Qualifications Organizational Capacity, Experience, Resources (Approximately 5 pages) - 20 points
    • Describe your organization's ability to meet the program requirements and to address needs identified in the above sections.

    • Overall Organizational Capacity
    • 1. Administrative: Describe in detail your organization's administrative, fiscal, and programmatic capacity.
    • 2. Personnel: Provide your department's organizational chart. Include resumés for key personnel. Include an overview of the anticipated staffing structure. You may use a table to provide information if you choose. Describe the hiring approach your organization uses to ensure your staffing reflects the racial/ethnic communities you serve. Include a description of how your current staff demographics are reflective of the racial/ethnic community served. Explain any additional changes to hiring processes that will need to be made to ensure cultural and linguistic needs are addressed in the staffing of your program.
    • 3. Readiness: Describe the process your organization will follow to be fully ready to provide services by July 1, 2022.
    • 4. Resources: Describe any existing financial, knowledge, skills, and other resources that you may be able to leverage for this project.

    • Prior Experience:
    • 1. Population Experience: Describe your organization's prior experience and expertise in working with first-generation college students and students with behavioral health challenges.
    • 2. Collaboration: Describe your organization's history of collaborating with entities in the human services and/or behavioral health arena to ensure successful program implementation.

    • Community of Focus and Statement of Need (Approximately 4 pages) - 20 points
    • Identify what geographic area(s) your organization is proposing to serve. Provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services within the area.

    • Describe the populations in the area, including but not limited to potential language, cultural, motivational and access barriers.

    • Include the U.S. Census data describing the age, gender, racial, and ethnic demographics of the area you intend to serve. Include any other relevant population-level data about the area to be served. You may use a table instead of a description.

    • Quality - Description of Program Services (Approximately 8 pages) - 30 points
    • 1. Describe the goals and measurable objectives of the proposed project and align them with the Statement of Need detailed in the section above.
    • 2. Provide a detailed timeline for your proposed approach that includes development of curricula, anticipated linkage agreements and other coordination activities necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives.
    • 3. Include goals, expected outcomes, timeframe/dates, persons responsible, and evaluation for each of the following subsections: a) Classroom component; b) Practical experience component; c) Affiliate agreements; d) Faculty standards; e) Training program evaluation; f) Wrap-around supports; and g) Data collection and reporting.
      • Information provided should be presented in a clear and orderly format. You may use a table instead of a description.
      • a) Classroom component
        • Describe how your organization will develop recovery support curricula that meets the standards set forth in the Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS issued by the Illinois Certification Board.

      • b) Practical experience component
        • Describe methods for identifying and selecting entities with whom you will work to provide students with internship opportunities to develop skills appropriate to obtain minimum recovery support specialist competencies.

      • c) Affiliate agreements
        • Describe your organization's policies and procedures for developing written agreements with practical experience sites. Provide a list of known sites with whom your organization will pursue affiliate agreements for students' internships.

        • Describe how your organization will develop linkages with other segments of the recovery support community, the education community, and other professions, as resources, to enhance students' training and experience.

      • d) Faculty standards
        • Provide a plan to staff the program that includes a Training Program Coordinator and Faculty that meet the faculty standards set forth in the Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards for CRSS and CPRS issued by the Illinois Certification Board. You may use a table instead of a description.

        • Describe how the applicant will ensure the faculty reflect the demographics of the community proposed to be served and familiarity with their culture(s) and language(s).

        • Include a description of faculty experience in providing recovery support, substance use, mental health, and co-occurring mental health and substance use services.

      • e) Training program evaluation
        • Describe your organization's plan for evaluating the recovery support training program to identify problems, implement solutions, and initiate innovative responses to the changing demands of the field.

      • f) Wrap-around supports
        • Describe your organization's plan for providing wrap-around supports for students to overcome practical barriers to full participation. Include in your plan how your organization will make determinations of need for these wrap-around supports.

        • Describe any existing organizational structures in place for managing the oversight and distribution of wrap-around supports, such as student tuition, books, and fees; ICB credentialing fees; stipends for practical experience (internship) component; and stipends to cover costs of childcare, transportation, or other needs and/or accommodations essential for students to maintain participation in the program.

    • 4. Describe your organization's quality assurance process to ensure compliance with stated programmatic design and achievement of NOFO deliverables.

    • Data Collection and Performance Measurement (Approximately 2 pages) - 20 points
    • Provide specific information about how you will collect the required data for this program and how the data will be utilized to manage, monitor, and enhance the program. Provide a detailed description of your organization's experience collecting this type of data and how you ensured it was successfully reported, including staff involved and technology utilized. Include a descriptive process, not just an acknowledgement of what data needs to be reported.

    • Data to be reported under this funding opportunity includes but is not limited to the information provided in the Program Standards and Measures. Describe your organization's willingness to participate in any additional evaluation efforts by the Department of Human Services.

    • Budget and Budget Narrative (0 pages) - 5 points
    • (Reviewers will use the CSA budget submission to evaluate this criterion. Therefore, it is not necessary to include in the Program Narrative)
    • The purpose of this section is to evaluate the budget for Narrative Inclusion, Fiscal Soundness and Programmatic Soundness.

    •  
      Review and Selection Process
    • Program Narratives will be reviewed by IDHS/DMH staff familiar with the requirements of the program including services to be performed in specified geographic location, if applicable. Review team members will have no conflicts of interest and will read and evaluate Program Narratives independently.
    •  
      Appeal Process
    • Competitive program grant appeals are limited to the merit-based evaluation process only. Evaluation scores cannot be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal.
    • An appeal must be submitted electronically, in accordance with the grant application document.

    • An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
      The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
    1. a.  the name and address of the appealing party;
    2. b.  identification of the grant;
    3. c.  a statement of reasons for the appeal

    • Appeals are to be submitted to the following email address: DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov. 

       
      Response to appeal:

      The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by DHS/DMH within a reasonable time.


  • F.  Award Administration Information
    • State Award Notices
    • It is anticipated that Notices of State Award (NOSA) will be made in December 2021.

    • Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the above review and selection process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA) via the Grantee Portal. It is important to keep contact information in the Grantee Portal updated since the main contact is the person notification is sent to.

    • The NOSA shall include:
      • 1. The terms and conditions of the award.
      • 2. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative (ICQ), programmatic risk assessment (PRA) and merit-based review.

    • The NOSA is not an authorization to begin performance or incur costs.       The NOSA is a notice of the State's intention to make an award but should not be construed as a guarantee of award. A grant award is not considered to be fully executed until both parties have signed the grant agreement.

    • After acceptance of the NOSA, announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding agency. The grant agreement will also be published in the CSA Tracking System for signature.

    • A Notice of Non-Selection shall be sent via email to the applicants not receiving awards.

    • Administrative and National Policy Requirements
    • Applicants awarded these 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 including indirect cost rate requirements in Section B Funding Information, Indirect Cost Rate Requirements.

    • The legal agreement between IDHS and the successful applicant(s) will be the standard IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement. If selected for funding, the applicant will be provided an IDHS grant agreement for signature and return. See a sample of the agreement.

    • Reporting
    • Reporting requirements for the grant agreement shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section A and shall also comply with the requirements of the Uniform Grant Agreement.

    • Reporting Requirements:
    • 1. Time Period for Required Periodic Financial Reports. Unless a different reporting requirement is specified in Exhibit G, Grantee shall submit financial reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 13.1 and reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends.
    • 2. Time Period for Close-out Reports. Grantee shall submit a Close-out Report pursuant to Paragraph 13.2 and no later than 60 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination.
    • 3. Time Period for Required Periodic Performance Reports. Unless a different reporting requirement is specified in Exhibit G, Grantee shall submit Performance Reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 14.1 and such reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends.
    • 4. Time Period for Close-out Performance Reports. Grantee agrees to submit a Close-out Performance Report, pursuant to Paragraph 14.2 and no later than 60 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination.

    • Grantee shall submit a quarterly Periodic Financial Report (GOMBGATU-4002 (N-08-17)) to the appropriate email address. Reported expenses should be consistent with the approved annual grant budget. Any expenditure variances require prior Grantor approval in accordance with Article VI of the Uniform Grant Agreement to be reimbursable.

    • PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov
    • PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov
    • PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@illinois.gov

    • The Grantee shall submit quarterly Periodic Performance Report (GOMBGATU-4001 (N-08-17)) and the Periodic Performance Report Template by Program (PRTP) to the appropriate email address below.

    • PPR and PRTP Email Address for All Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov

    • DMH reporting templates and detailed instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the DHS website.

  • G.  State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

  • H.  Other Information


Mandatory Forms -- Required for All Agencies

  1. Uniform State Grant Application submitted to the proper email
  2. Program Narrative submitted to the proper email.
  3. Subrecipient Budget(s) Template GOMBGATU-3002-(R-02-17), if applicable.
  4. Budget submitted using the Uniform Grant Budget (UGB) Template (in the CSA Tracking System) with the status as "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review".


Illinois Certification Board Peer Recovery Support Training Program Accreditation Standards CRSS and CPRS