22-444-26-2786-01 NOFO Permanent Supportive Housing (Non-Competitive)

Summary Information

1. Awarding Agency Name: Department of Human Services -Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
2. Agency Contact: Stephanie Frank (stephanie.frank@illinois.gov)
3. Announcement Type: Initial
4. Type of Assistance Instrument: Grant
5. Funding Opportunity Number: 22-444-26-2786
6. Funding Opportunity Title: Permanent Supportive Housing
7. CSFA Number: 22-444-26-2786-01
8. CSFA Popular Name: Permanent Supportive Housing
9. Anticipated Number of Awards: Predicated on individual applicant program plans
10. Award Range $750,000 - $1,000,000
11. Source of Funding: State (Counts toward Federal MOE Requirement)
12. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
13. Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
14. Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
15. Posted Date: December 1, 2021
16. Application Range: 12/01/2021 - 01/14/2022 3pm.
17. Grant Application Link Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
18. Technical Assistance Session: Session Offered: No

A. Program Description

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM:

The mission of the Illinois' Department of Human Services- Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS-SUPR) is to provide a recovery oriented system of care along the continuum of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery support where individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) those in recovery and those at risk are valued and treated with dignity and where stigma, accompanying attitudes, discrimination, and other barriers to recovery are eliminated. IDHS/SUPR envisions a human service system that enables all to thrive regardless of race, zip code and disability. IDH/SUPR vows to pursue equity and racial justice with intention, vigor and tenacity.

This Non-Competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is intended to support that mission by providing permanent supportive housing (PSH) for individuals who substance use disorder (SUD) or co-occurring substance use and mental health disorder (COD). Priority populations for this program include young adults, women and women with children, although entities may consider all applicants. IDHS/SUPR expects that entities that apply for this funding will comply with the housing first approach which means connecting individuals to housing without preconditions or expectations for treatment or recovery services. Entities that apply for this funding are expected to provide a full range of tenancy support services that assist individuals in being successful. Those services include:

  • Application processing;
  • Housing referrals; 
  • Administration of rental subsidies
  • Tenant services management;
  • Quality and compliance monitoring; and
  • Supportive services development and delivery for participants who request them.

Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity

Definitions

Behavioral Health A sector of health care focused on wellness, symptoms and illness related to either mental health or substance use disorders. Any reference to behavioral health in this NOFO is inclusive of both mental health and substance use treatment and recovery.
Co-occurring Disorder/ COD The coexistence of both a mental illness and a substance use disorder, known as a co-occurring disorder, is common among people in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). People with mental illness are more likely to experience a substance use disorder than those not affected by a mental illness.
Contract or Agreement The written agreement between the successful entity and DHS/SUPR covering the goods and services to be performed pursuant to this NOFO.
Housing First A housing assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to individuals and serving as a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life.
Permanent Supportive Housing Permanent housing with indefinite leasing or rental assistance paired with supportive services to assist individuals with an SUD or COD achieve housing stability.
Medication Assisted Recovery The use of FDA approved medications alone or in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is best practice in the treatment of opioid use disorder.
Rental Subsidy The use of subsidies to enhance the affordability of rents. The level of rent is that is subsidized is based on an individual's income.
Substance Use Disorder/ SUD The recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home
Tenant A person to whom the entity provides housing, including programs or services under this agreement.
Tenancy Support Services offered to a tenant that offer short term interventions to assist the tenants in staying housed allowing them to regain their independence and to fully manage their homes.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

The successful provision of services to participants will require the entity to understand and embrace the overriding principles of PSH. PSH follows the Housing First approach. Housing First means housing is not contingent on certain conditions, or the completion of certain programs, and supportive services are available but not required for obtaining or maintaining housing. Housing and services for treatment and recovery needs are separate and participating in recovery services is not an expectation of housing. Any services offered to support recovery are made available to the tenant but are not a requirement of continued tenancy.

Eligible applicants for this PSH program will be individuals with SUD or COD who are at any stage of their recovery. It could include an individual who is in the early stages of recovery or an individual who is leaving a recovery home and sees this as the next step in their recovery. Priority populations for this PSH program include women, women with children or young adults. Participants must also be of low income with preferences for those who have an income that is at or below 30% of area median income.

PSH tenants may live in their homes as long as they meet the basic obligations of tenancy. Tenants have a lease in their own name, and, therefore, they have full rights and responsibilities of tenancy under local landlord-tenant law and cannot lose their home unless they violate their lease agreement. The entity provides a rental subsidy to the tenant and landlord. Services made available will vary in scope, intensity and type depending on the specific program requirements related to eligibility, and the participant's particular service needs.

The following principles also apply to supportive housing:

  • Participation in services is voluntary and tenants cannot be evicted for rejecting services.
  • Housing is not time limited.
  • Prospective tenants have choice in housing. Before moving into PSH, tenants are asked about their housing preferences.
  • Housing is affordable, with tenants paying no more than 30 percent of their gross income toward rent and utilities. Entities support the tenant in the home by subsidizing the rent through a housing voucher or rental subsidy.
  • Tenants have choices in the support services that they receive. They are asked about their choices and may choose from a range of services. Different tenants receive different types of services based on their individual needs and preferences.
  • As needs change over time, tenants can receive more intensive or less intensive support services without losing their housing.

The grantee(s) will be required to plan and deliver an array of supportive services for clients. Services are divided into three phases:

Pre-tenancy Services are provided to an applicant's household before moving into a housing unit, which may include, but are not limited to: Initial assessments and goal setting and support in accessing housing (including assistance with applications), including an evaluation of the amount of rental subsidy and individual will need. The initial assessment will also include an appraisal of an individual's credit history with utility companies and plan will be developed with the tenant for the organization to pay any accounts in arrears.

Move-in Services that are provided to a participant's household after they have chosen and been accepted into a housing unit. These services may include but are not limited to arranging for payment of rental and utility deposit, obtaining essential items for establishing a home and moving the household into their unit.

Ongoing tenancy Services that are provided after a participant's household has moved into a rental unit. Specific supportive services will depend on individual tenant needs, but the types of services that will be available will include: crisis prevention and intervention, personal skills training for a variety of needs including housekeeping, cooking and social network building as well as direct assistance with these activities until the skills are learned, transportation and transportation training, budgeting assistance, linkage to mental health, substance use, and gambling treatment and medical care, linkages to education and employment and other community supports as well as interceding with property management in any tenant based issues. Assessment and planning shall be ongoing to assure responsiveness to the changing needs of participants. A tenancy plan will be developed for each household that reflects current needs and anticipated future needs. The plan shall be used as a guideline and shall be updated as household needs change. The overall goal of the services is to facilitate the participant's stable long-term tenancy by providing access and support to needed services. Although skill development in the use of available transportation will be considered part of the service delivery, to adequately provide supportive services at all stages of participant skill development, the organization shall transport or have access to transportation for participants.

AGENCY FUNDING PRIORITIES:

IDHS/SUPR is interested in funding organizations that have experience in providing permanent supportive housing to individuals with SUD or co-occurring disorders and in administering rental subsidies and/or housing vouchers. These organizations must demonstrate their understanding of the Housing First approach and be absolutely clear that housing is not dependent on an individual's ability or interest in seeking treatment or other SUD services.

INDICATORS OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS:

Successful applicants will propose a model that is clearly based on a Housing First approach.

Successful applicants will have an admission process that verifies the applicant's SUD or co-occurring disorder. The admission process will not place additional requirements on the individuals, beyond the individual's willingness to follow the tenancy rules and regulations.

Successful applicants will meet all of the program objectives as listed in the previous section.

Successful applicants will utilize best practices for Permanent Supportive Housing as designated in the SAMHSA's Permanent Supportive Housing Toolkit. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Permanent-Supportive-Housing-Evidence-Based-Practices-EBP-KIT/SMA10-4509

Successful applicants will accept individuals who are in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) and may be on or are seeking any of the three federally approved medications for OUD.

Successful applicants will design an intake that prioritizes young adults, women, and women with children.

Successful applicants will provide services that include:

  • Conducting a comprehensive trauma informed needs assessment
  • Connecting the individual to community-based services that will address identified barriers
  • Encouraging the individual to engage in services
  • Assisting with credit repair and housing
  • Administering rental subsidies
  • Identifying community resources that may benefit the individual and encourage the individual to engage in those resources
  • Meeting with the individual at a minimum on a weekly basis

Successful applicants will provide supportive services that enable program participants to live as independently as possible through the duration of their residence.

Successful applicants will participate in a learning collaborative and technical assistance that will be provided by IDHS/SUPR or its designee.

Successful applicants will comply with all data gathering requirements and with any evaluation activities that are conducted on the behalf of DHS/SUPR.

Successful applicants will propose a model that has the capacity to provide staff supervision, Community Support Specialists and Peer Support services. Supervision must be provided by a licensed clinician.

Successful applicants will have at least one office in proximity to the proposed geographic area.

Successful applicants will put together a plan that will serve 30 individuals the first year with a plan to increase the following years.

Successful applicants will have policies and procedures in place regarding Crisis Planning Intervention and Stabilization.

CITATIONS FOR AUTHORIZING STATUTES AND REGULATIONS:

Funds for this project are designated by the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705). The IDHS payment policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods) and the and the Cash Management Improvement Act and the Treasury-State Agreement (TSA) default procedures codified at 31 CFR 205. IDHS Payments to grantees will be governed in accordance with the established criteria set forth in IDHS Administrative Directive 01.07.01.070

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

Successful applicants will participate in a learning collaborative and technical assistance that will be provided by IDHS/SUPR or its designee.

Successful applicants will comply with all data gathering requirements and with any evaluation activities that are conducted on the behalf of DHS/SUPR.

Successful applicants will comply with the staffing model proposed by IDHS/SUPR which has the capacity to provide staff supervision, Community Support Specialists and Peer Support services. Supervision must be provided by a clinician licensed by the IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Successful applicants will have at least one office within an hour of the proposed geographic area.

Successful applicants will put together a plan that will provide 30 individuals with rental subsidies in the first year with a plan to increase the following years.

Successful applicants will have policies and procedures in place regarding Crisis Planning Intervention and Stabilization within 60 days of award.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

  1. Grantee will attend 85% of learning collaborative and technical assistance calls.
  2. Grantee will demonstrate an 90% of individuals remaining or exiting program have remained stably housed for at least 6 months.
  3. Grantee will demonstrate 80% of individuals remaining in or exiting program have reamed stably housed for at least 12 months.
  4. Grantee will demonstrate 80% of individuals exiting program exited to a permanent, stable housing situation.
  5. Grantee will demonstrate placing 90% of applicants who fit the identified priority populations into housing.
  6. Grantee will spend no more than 10% on Administrative costs.
  7. Grantee will submit a 100% of all data requirements by the 15th of the month from the prior month.
  8. Grantee will submit expenses by the 15th of the following month 100% of the time.
  9. Grantee will place at a minimum 25 of the expected 30 individuals in PSH during the first year

B. Funding Information

  1. This NOFO is considered a non-competitive application for funding.
  2. In FY21, the Department anticipates the availability of approximately $1,000,000 in total funding.
  3. The Division anticipates funding between 1 and 5 grants.
  4. The estimated range of individual award is between $750,000 and $1,000,000.
  5. The grant period will begin upon execution of the grant agreement (estimated to be 3/1/2022) and will extend through 6/30/2022
  6. Unallowable expenditures for this award are identified in 2 CFR 200.
  7. Applicants must submit a program plan that describes the proposed services that will be delivered in the identified geographic service areas(s) and the unique features and characteristics of how the organization will approach the delivery of the services identified in this Non-Competitive NOFO.

C. Eligibility Information

Failure to meet the eligibility criterion by the application deadline will result in the return of the application without review or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude the agency from making an award.

An entity may not apply for a grant until the entity has registered and pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, http://www.grants.illinois.gov/portal/ . Registration and pre-qualification are required annually. During pre-qualification, verifications are performed including a check of federal SAM.gov Exclusion List and status on the Illinois Stop Payment List. The Grantee Portal alerts the entity of "qualified" status or informs how to remediate a negative verification (e.g., inactive DUNS, not in good standing with the Secretary of State). Inclusion on the SAM.gov Exclusion List cannot be remediated.

Key elements to be addressed are:

  1. Eligible Applicants.
    • This funding opportunity is open to all agencies that can meet the terms outlined and can demonstrate a proven track record of providing housing services for individuals with SUD or co-occurring disorders. All applicants are required to provide the requested information as outlined in this Non-Competitive NOFO to be considered for funding in FY2021. The funding opportunity is not limited to those who currently receive or previously received grant funding.
    • Applicant entities may not apply for this grant until the entity has registered and pre-qualified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) website, www.grants.illinois.gov. Registration and pre-qualification are required annually. During pre-qualification, verifications are performed including a check of federal Debarred and Suspended and status on the Illinois Stop Payment List. An automated email notification to the entity alerts them of "qualified" status or informs the entity on how to remediate a negative verification (e.g., inactive DUNS, not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and Suspended status cannot be remediated. The pre-qualification process also includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire. A Programmatic Risk Assessment must also be completed for each separate grant for which an applicant intends to apply. Applications from entities that have not completed the GATA pre-qualification process prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding. A screenshot verifying that this pre-qualification has been completed must be included with the application.
    • Applicants proposed budget must be entered into the IDHS CSA system (http://www.dhs.state.il.us/Page.aspx?item=61069). The completed budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system., and a printed copy of the signed and submitted budget must be included with the application. It is essential that, at a minimum, the applicant agency's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or equivalent, or the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or equivalent must be registered in the CSA system to electronically sign the required budget documents prior to submission. For more information about submitting a budget in the CSA system, see:
    • http://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27896/documents/Contracts/FY18-GATA-Budgets/DHSBudgetTrainingManual_Revision_3_28_18.pdf.
    • The applicant will comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.).
  2. Cost Sharing or Matching. Cost sharing is not required.
  3. Indirect Cost Rate. In order to charge indirect costs to a grant, the applicant organization must select one of the following indirect cost rate elections through the State of Illinois Grantee Portal: A) Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (Federal NICRA). 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. The organization must provide a copy of their current federally approved NICRA. B) Federal Rate Maintained Internally (State FRMI) Local governments receiving more than $35 million in direct federal funding are required to negotiate their indirect cost rate with their federal cognizant agency. Local Governments receiving less than $35 million in direct federal funding are required to maintain indirect cost rate proposals (ICRPs) for federal audit purposes. These federally maintained proposals must be submitted to the State of Illinois to be reviewed and meet monitoring requirements. C) State Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (State NICRA). The organization may negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate. If an organization has not previously established an indirect cost rate, an indirect cost rate proposal must be submitted through State of Illinois' centralized indirect cost rate system no later than three months after receipt of a Notice of State Award (NOSA). If an organization previously established an indirect cost rate, the organization must annually submit a new indirect cost proposal through CARS within six months after the close of the grantee's fiscal year. D) De Minimis Rate. The organization may select a De Minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct cost (MTDC). Once established, the De Minimis Rate may be used indefinitely.
    • All grantees must complete an indirect cost rate negotiation or elect the De Minimis Rate to claim indirect costs. Indirect costs claimed without a negotiated rate or a De Minimis Rate election on record in the State of Illinois' centralized indirect cost rate system may be subject to disallowance. This must be done annually.
    • Limitations on indirect costs restrict the amount and/or type of indirect costs that can be charged to grant awards. Indirect cost limitations and restrictions must be clearly stated in this section.
    • Grantees have discretion and can waive payment for indirect costs. Grantees that elect to waive payments for indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs. The organization must record an election to "Waive Indirect Costs" into the State of Illinois' centralized indirect cost rate system.
  4. Other, if applicable.
  • Applicants may submit a separate application for each of the geographical area.
  • Contract Policy Manual: Applicants must agree to adhere to all applicable portions of the Uniform Grant Agreement Attachment Contract Policy Manual (Substance Use Prevention & Recovery) for fiscal year 2021 as well as all subsequent revisions to the Contract Policy Manual for the length of the grant agreement.
  • Cultural and Linguistic Competence: All services must be provided in a culturally sensitive manner inclusive of respecting differences related to ethnicity, race, religion, age, gender, abilities, and communication preferences. Where needed or requested, the grantee agrees to secure interpreter services to promote the full inclusion of persons seeking or receiving services, their legal guardian, and their family members.
  • Data Collection and Reporting: Selected applicants will be required to document service provision and maintain accurate, comprehensive service records for all persons seeking or receiving services in the assigned service area(s). Applicants will provide periodic reports to the Division to demonstrate compliance with all performance measures as well as provide ad hoc reports as requested by the Division.
  • Meeting Participation: Selected applicants must ensure agency participation in all training activities and meetings with Division personnel as requested.

D. Application and Submission Information

  1. Address to Request Application Package.
    • Application materials are provided the following link and throughout the announcement. http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=101897.
    • Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the contact persons listed below.
    • Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding the Non-Competitive NOFO and materials necessary for submission. Contact Persons:
  2. Content and Form of Application Submission.
    • REQUIRED CONTENTS OF AN APPLICATION:
    • A single uniform application for state grant assistance has been designed for use with all grants. This document will be used by all entities applying for any grant with any state agency. The specific conditions related to each grant will be addressed in the exhibit sections of the grant agreement, but the same form will be used by each state agency.
    • Applications must also include a budget. The budget form is also a standard template. The budget for any IDHS grant will be submitted via the Community Service Agreement System (CSA System). Each division's program and fiscal staff will work with grantees to negotiate a budget for the final grant award. The budget may need to be revised over the course of the grant process or during the ongoing award. The division will work with its respective grantees if this happens.
    • Additionally, applicants are required to submit a Program Plan. The program plan must demonstrate the population focus, statement of need, organizational qualifications, the agency's capacity to provide the services, and the performance data collection and reporting plan/capabilities. Each section of the program plan must be completed.
    • All applications must include the following mandatory forms/attachments:
      1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance - http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=101897
      2. Program Narrative
      3. Uniform Grant Budget - (CSA System)
      4. If indirect costs are included in the budget, please indicate that you have made an election in the system and the type of election that was made (de minimis, Federal NICRA, State NICRA, or State FRMI). Please state that the required documentation has been uploaded in the State of Illinois Indirect Cost System.
        • Content, form, and format requirements:
          1. This Non-Competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity does not require the process of pre-application, letters of intent or white paper submission.
          2. The application format requirement for all documents to be printed on one side using Letter size (8 1/2" x 11") paper. All documents must have one-inch margins. Format all pages to display and print page numbers. The documents must be submitted in black and white print with a minimal font of 12 size. Electronic submission is required.
          3. The application must be no more than 10 pages. This includes any pieces that may be submitted separately by third parties
  3. Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and System for Award Management (SAM). Each applicant is required to:(unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)).
    1. Be registered in SAM before submitting its application. To establish a SAM registration, go to www.SAM.gov and/or utilize this instructional link: How to Register in SAM from the www.grants.illinois.gov
    2. Provide a valid DUNS number in the application; and
    3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency. It also must state that the State awarding agency may not make a Federal pass-through or State 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 a Federal pass-through or State award, the State awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal pass-through or State award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal pass-through or State award to another applicant.
  4. Submission Dates and Times.
    • Applications must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on January 14, 2022.
      1. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal or State holiday, the reporting package is due the next business day.
      2. What the deadline means: The date and time by which the State awarding agency must receive the application.
      3. The effect of missing a deadline: Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding.
      4. The application container will be time-stamped upon receipt. To be considered, proposals must be emailed by the designated date and time listed above. For your records, please keep a copy of your email submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the location listed above. Acknowledgement of receipt: Applicants will receive an email (within 72 hours of receipt or 120 hours if received on a non-business day) notifying them that their application was received and if it was received by the due date and time. This email reply will be sent to the original sender of the application.
  5. Intergovernmental Review, if applicable. 
    • Not applicable
  6. Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information, 3. Indirect Cost Rate for Indirect Cost Rate Restrictions and Match Requirement details.
      • The following funding restrictions apply (specify n/a for non-applicable items):
        • Unallowable activities dictated by the funding terms
        • Institution of Higher Education Indirect Cost Rate Restrictions
        • 2 CFR 200 - Subpart E Allowable/Unallowable Costs
        • Restrictions on Pre-award Costs
    • Other unique and regulatory programmatic restrictions
  7. Other Submission Requirements.
    • Delivery Method: The Division will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail. Applications will NOT be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk or thumb drive. Applications will be processed as they are received.
    • Submit the completed grant application to:
    • DHS.GrantApp@Illinois.Gov with the subject line:
      • Your Organization Name, 22-444-26-2786-01, Uniform State Grant Application, Stephanie Frank
    • If you have trouble emailing the document due to the file size, please utilize the CMS File Transfer Utility located at https://filet.illinois.gov/filet/PIMupload.asp Please follow the instructions to attach your application. Do not forget the subject line above.

E. Application Review Information

  1. Criteria
    • Funding for FY22 is not guaranteed. All applicants must continue to demonstrate that they meet all requirements under this Non-Competitive NOFO described throughout. Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in the "Eligible Applicants" and the "Mandatory Requirements of the Applicant" will not be scored and considered for funding.
    • Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:
    • Criteria Purpose
      Executive Summary (Not to exceed 1 Page) The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present the agency description, history, achievements, service description, equity advancement, financial overview and future plans
      Capacity - Agency Qualifications and Organizational Capacity (3 pages)

      Describe your organization's administrative, fiscal and programmatic capacity.

      Applicant should include detailed statements about prior experience and performance providing permanent supportive housing with a clear articulation of the Housing First approach.

      Applicant should also include a detailed statement of current experience with administering rental subsidies.

      Include an overview of the anticipated staffing structure. 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.

      Describe how your organization addresses issues of health equity to provide services and supports to persons served that address known community health disparities that allow people to live lives of meaning and purpose. Describe how organizational and interpersonal bias are addressed in your organization through language and action.

      Provide examples about how efforts in health equity have led to organizational or systemic changes in operations and service delivery.

      The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services within the community and how the proposed project will address the needs.

      In addition, applicant must address the needs for services for the identified priority populations and how outreach to this population will occur within the community.

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

      Applicant must include the identified communities or geographic area. If proposing Cook County, the zip code must be included.

      The applicant must include the U.S. Census data describing the age, gender, racial, and ethnic demographics of the community(ties) they intend to serve. Include any other relevant population level data about the community(ties) to be served. A table may be used to present the information.

      Community of Focus and Statement of Need (2 Pages)

      The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services within the community and how the proposed project will address the needs.

      In addition, applicant must address the needs for services for the identified priority populations and how outreach to this population will occur within the community.

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

      Applicant must include the identified communities or geographic area. If proposing Cook County, the zip code must be included.

      The applicant must include the U.S. Census data describing the age, gender, racial, and ethnic demographics of the community(ties) they intend to serve. Include any other relevant population level data about the community(ties) to be served. A table may be used to present the information.

      Quality - Description of Program Services (3-5 pages)

      The applicant should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the needs and objectives of the PSH initiative as related to the Scope of Work described in this NOFO.

      Describe the goals and measurable objectives of the proposed project and align them with the Statement of Need detailed in the section above.

      Provide a detailed timeline for your proposed approach that includes hiring of staff, anticipated linkage agreements and other coordination activities necessary to accomplish the goals and objectives.

      Detail how you will address housing needs in your area.

      Describe current relationships with landlords and your plan for building relationships in the community to identify housing opportunities for this program.

      In addition, the organizational approach to conducting individual assessments and service planning must be described.

      Detail how you will manage crisis situations.

      Describe the organizations policies on harm reduction and Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR).

      Describe the services you will offer residents to support their stability in being able to remain in housing

      Performance Data Collection and Reporting (2 pages)

      The organization will be expected to collect data and to maintain a collaborative relationship with the IDHS/SUPR designated evaluators.

      Describe your experience within the collections and reporting of program service and performance data. Include mention of your organization's record of submitting DARTS patient and service data that is required as part of your IDHS/SUPR contract.

      Describe your organization procedures for collection, maintenance, and reporting of patient demographic and service data, including your ability to track and fully utilize available SUPR funding.

      Describe your capacity and commitment to collect and report the service and performance data specified in this NOFO.

      Describe how you have shared information (measures and results) with community stakeholders, institutions, and community representatives for planning and evaluation purposes.

      Budget and Budget Narrative

      (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.
  2. Review and Selection Process.
    • Any internal documentation used in awarding of grants shall not be considered public information. Recommendations for award will be made by the Director of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery and the Final award decisions will be made by the Secretary, Department of Human Services.
      1. Receipt of Grant Application Proposals - A record shall be prepared that shall include the name of the grantor, title of the grant, each grant applicant and a notation of date and time of grant application receipt.
      2. The Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery will keep a file of the grant award process that includes the written determination of award, grant application and requirements. The Grant Award file shall be available to Federal and State audit organizations, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Executive Inspector General.
      3. Award
        1. An award shall be made pursuant to a written determination based on the evaluation criteria set forth in the grant application.
        2. A Notice of State Award (NOSA) will be issued for the selected proposal that have successfully completed all grant award requirements. Based on the NOSA, the vendor/provider is positioned to make an informed decision to accept the grant award. The NOSA shall include:
          1. The terms and conditions of the award.
          2. Specific conditions assigned to the grantee based on the fiscal and administrative and programmatic risk assessments and the merit-based review. 
        3. Upon acceptance of the grant award, announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding agency to www.grants.illinois.gov. .
        4. A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving awards. 
  3. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates
    • The Division will notify all applicants on selection or non-selection no later than February 15, 2022.

F. Award Administration Information

  1. State Award Notices
    • A Notice of State Award (NOSA) will be issued to the review finalists that have successfully completed all grant award requirement. Based on the NOSA, the review finalist is positioned to make an informed decision to accept the grant award. The NOSA shall include:
      • The terms and conditions of the award.
      • Specific conditions assigned to the grantee based on the fiscal and administrative and programmatic risk assessments.
    •  The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award and all conditions set forth within the notice. This signed NOSA is the authorizing document. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.
    • Upon acceptance of the grant award, announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding agency to Grants.Illinois.gov
  2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
    • See section C.3 above.
  3. Reporting
    • Quarterly reporting will be completed utilizing the Periodic Performance Report (GOMBGATU-4001) and Periodic Financial Report (GOMBGATU-4002). Quarterly reports will be submitted no later than 15 days after end of each period. 1st Quarter Reports are due NLT October 15th, 2nd Quarter Reports are due NLT January 15th, 3rd Quarter Reports are due NLT April 15th, 4th Quarter Reports are due NLT July 15th.
    • Under the terms of the Grant Funds Recovery Act (30ILCS 705/4.1), "Grantor agencies may withhold or suspend the distribution of grant funds for failure to file required reports." If the report is more than 30 calendar days delinquent, without any approved written explanation by the grantee, the entity will be placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List. (Refer to the Grantee Compliance Enforcement System for details about the Illinois Stop Payment List:
    • https://www.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Pages/ResourceLibrary.aspx.) 

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

Questions and Answers

If you have any questions about this Non-Competitive NOFO, please send them via email to Stephanie.frank@illinois.gov

 with "Permanent Supportive Housing" in the subject line of the email.

Questions with their respective answers will be posted on the IDHS website.

The information in the FAQ section may be updated periodically, applicants are encouraged to check it frequently. Only written answers posted on the website will be considered valid and official.

H. Other Information, if applicable

  • Not applicable

Mandatory Forms -- Required for All Agencies

  1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
  2. Program Plan
  3. Uniform Grant Budget (CSA System)