22-444-80-2771 RPSA Violence Prevention Training, Technical Assistance and Support (RVP-TTAS) Notice of Funding Opportunity

 Summary Information

NOFO Supplemental

1. Program Description
   1. Program Summary
      Firearm violence has deeply harmed neighborhoods, communities, and the entire State of Illinois, both through the immediate loss of life and the long-term harmful effects of trauma experienced by victims, witnesses, and others. Chicago has seen a spike in firearm violence with 3,276 shooting fatalities and 13,546 non-fatal shooting victims from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2020. Ninety percent of Illinois' firearm homicide victims are male, and Black males aged 15-34 have a firearm homicide rate nearly 63 times higher than white males of the same age group. For Chicago, Black Chicagoans face the highest rates of homicide victimization, followed by Latinx Chicagoans.
      During the COVID-19 lockdown, firearm violence dramatically increased nationwide. Dr. Daniel Webster, the director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research, describes 2020 as the "perfect storm" of conditions where "everything bad happened at the same time -- you had the COVID-19 outbreak, huge economic disruption, people were scared." Further contributing to the rise in firearm violence, after-school programs and violence disruption programs were greatly restricted. In 2020, there were more than 19,400 homicides involving a gun and accidental fatal shootings -- a 25% increase from 2019. An analysis of nine U.S. cities found that over 85% of the increase in gun violence from 2019 to 2020 was in predominantly Black and Hispanic neighborhoods, which were simultaneously dealing with the disproportionate impact of COVID-19. According to CDC data, Black and Hispanic people were nearly twice as likely to die from COVID-19.
      For Chicago, the increase in firearm violence was even sharper. As of July 2021, Chicago had 1,541 shootings, an increase of 46%. 2021 also had a devastating increase of children shot in Chicago, up from 148 in 2019 to 261 (an increase of 76%) this year. Discrete neighborhoods in Illinois municipalities are experiencing concentrated and perpetual firearm violence that contribute to the increasing firearm homicide rates. Within these neighborhoods, firearm violence is highly concentrated among teens and young adults who have chronic exposure to the risk of violence, criminal legal system involvement, and related trauma. Young adults aged 18-24 are most at risk for becoming victims of homicide and Black Chicagoans aged 18-19, the highest-risk sub-group, face a homicide rate more than 10 times higher than the city average. People who are chronically exposed to the risk of firearm violence victimization are substantially more likely to be violently injured or violently injure others, leading to a cycle of community violence.
      Firearm violence is a multifaceted challenge that requires a public health approach to stop the cycles of firearm violence in disproportionately impacted communities. This approach must address the underlying social and economic inequalities and other root causes that fuel firearm violence. Residents and community-based organizations must be empowered to provide culturally competent care, based on lived experience in these areas, and on long-term relationships of mutual interest that promote safety and stability.
      To address the spike in firearm violence, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) (430 ILCS 69). The RPSA creates a comprehensive approach to ending Illinois' firearm violence through targeted, integrated behavioral health services and economic opportunities that promote self-sufficiency for victims of firearm violence. RPSA is designed to reduce significant gaps in Illinois' mental health treatment system for youth, young adults, and families that live in areas with chronic exposure to firearm violence and trauma.
      The RPSA provides for the creation of the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) within the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). OFVP will identify communities across Chicago and the State of Illinois with the highest levels of firearm violence as defined by RSPA.  Using American Rescue Plan funds, these community areas and municipalities will receive necessary resources to engage qualified violence prevention organizations, youth development organizations, and high-risk youth intervention organizations to provide evidenced-based programming to youth who have been impacted by violence.
      On October 19, 2021, the White House released a fact sheet: "The Biden-Harris Administration Advances Equity and Opportunity for Black People and Communities Across the Country," highlighting the current administration's historic approach to advancing racial equity by addressing systemic racism in Black communities. Included within this approach is a clear commitment to Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs, with guidance stating the CVI programs are eligible uses of ARPA funds. The fact sheet states, "these historic funds would help curtail the epidemic of gun violence that hits Black communities hardest." IDHS shares this commitment to addressing systemic racism, which includes advancing equity and racial justice.
      Community Violence Intervention programs utilize evidence-based programs that engage individuals at the highest risk of firearm violence, including street outreach, case management and victim advocacy. The street outreach program model employs street outreach workers who actively work to mediate conflicts and prevent retaliatory violence between those who are at risk to commit or become the victims of firearm violence. Case management uses a case manager or case team to develop a service plan and arrange violence prevention and intervention services for an individual. Victim advocacy helps victims of violence recover from physical and emotional trauma caused by the violence by empowering them with skills, services, and opportunities. Individuals are then able to return to their communities, make positive changes, strengthen others affected by violence and contribute to building safer communities.
      IDHS will select two to three RPSA Violence Prevention Training, Technical Assistance, and Support (RVP-TTAS) providers to assist funded community organizations located within the to be identified Chicago community areas with evaluating the need for evidenced-based and evidenced-informed violence prevention services, designing and implementing violence prevention programs, and strengthening the quality of existing violence prevention programming. Successful applicants funded under this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) will be considered IDHS-approved training and technical assistance providers. 
      This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is for RPSA Violence Prevention Training, Technical Assistance and Support (RVP-TTAS) providers.
   2. Funding Priorities
      The Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention intends to select two or three approved RPSA Violence Prevention Training, Technical Assistance, and Support (RVP-TTAS) providers to deliver training, technical assistance, and support to IDHS funded RPSA Violence Prevention Organizations (TBD) in an estimated 22 eligible Chicago Community Areas.
      The Office of Firearm Violence Prevention has been charged with identifying the most violent neighborhoods in the City of Chicago. As outlined in the legislation, this will be determined by the number of per capita and overall number of fatal/non-fatal firearm-shot victims, excluding self-inflicted incidents, from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2020. A collection of scholars and expert researchers statewide and in Chicago have provided guidance to the Office regarding clarifying definitions of firearm violence, choosing the most accurate and complete data sources and determining methodologies to select eligible communities. A list of these identified communities will be available in December 2021.
      IDHS-funded RPSA Violence Prevention Organizations in the identified Chicago Community areas can request to receive training, technical assistance, and support from an IDHS- funded RVP-TTAS provider. The Office funded Violence Prevention Organizations will have complete authority to select among the approved RVP-TTAS providers who have been selected for funding under this Notice of Funding Opportunity.
      1. IDHS will prioritize applicants with demonstrated experience providing evidence-based firearm violence prevention services that also have experience delivering organized training to adult and emerging adult learners. Applications will be scored on experience delivering evidence-based firearm violence prevention services and they will be scored on experience delivering organized training to adult and emerging adult learners. Therefore, applicants able to demonstrate experience in both areas will be able to score higher than those that are only able to demonstrate experience in one area.
      2. IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.
         Services provided under this NOFO and all RPSA programs must reflect IDHS' commitment to advance equity and racial justice by enabling all to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, and disability. This includes but is not limited to having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to have/develop) a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)/racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to have/develop) an equity and racial justice training plan. If no equity and racial justice efforts are currently being pursued, the organization can indicate their intention to develop and implement, including a timeline of activities.
   3. IMPORTANT Information Related to RPSA Violence Prevention Funding Opportunities
      In the coming weeks, IDHS anticipates releasing a competitive funding opportunity for evidence-based Firearm Violence Prevention services in the identified Chicago Community Areas. If your organization intends to seek funding to provide RPSA Violence Prevention Services in addition to funding under this solicitation, you must consider the following from the Reimagine Public Safety Act:
      "No approved technical assistance and training provider shall provide evidence-based violence prevention services in an eligible service area under this Act unless the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention is unable to identify qualified violence prevention organizations to provide adequate coverage."
      This means that if your organization is awarded a grant under this solicitation (RVP TTAS NOFO #22-444-80-2771), IDHS and the OFVP will be unable to consider your application to provide direct services under the RPSA Violence Prevention Services solicitation (NOFO #22-444-80-2774) until after all other applications have been considered and initial funding determinations have been made. If one or more of the service areas is left unserved or is determined to have inadequate coverage, your application may be considered for funding under the RPSA Violence Prevention Services solicitation.
      If there are any questions about this or its implications, please email the NOFO contact identified in Section G: State Awarding Agency Contacts.
   4. Required Services and Programming
      Successful applicants will:
      1. Have a demonstrated understanding of the history and impact of racism and inequity on communities most impacted by firearm violence. This will include but not be limited to identifying and understanding some of the root causes of violence in the community; knowing and understanding the history of the community; utilizing and understanding disaggregated data around firearm violence in communities; and using an equity lens when creating and implementing programming. An equity lens is a process that analyzes the impact of policies and practices on marginalized communities to inform and ensure equitable outcomes.
      2. Be required to collaborate with IDHS and the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC) to coordinate training schedules and calendars, to develop a uniform training needs assessment, a uniform technical assistance needs assessment, and a training and a technical assistance evaluation form(s) which will be completed by participants receiving training and/or technical assistance. This work will begin in March 2022 and will be coordinated by UIC.
      3. Provide comprehensive, racial equity-influenced, and culturally responsive training, technical assistance, and support (TTAS) to RPSA Violence Prevention Organizations requesting assistance. For planning purposes, applicants should anticipate providing TTAS to 15 Violence Prevention Organizations. RPSA Violence Prevention Organizations must use an approved provider but have complete authority to select among the approved providers. Therefore, the number of organizations that will ultimately receive services from each TTAS provider will vary.
         1. Trainings
            The successful applicant will provide State-funded training opportunities to RPSA Violence Prevention Organizations. The successful applicant will work with IDHS to develop an approved, detailed training plan, utilizing established and agency-developed curricula in presenting evidenced-based, evidence-informed, or best practices approaches to violence prevention programming, street outreach, case management, and victim advocacy.
            In-person trainings must be provided throughout Chicago to accommodate RPSA service providers. Trainings must be provided multiple times (at minimum, once per quarter) during the year to meet the identified needs of service providers. Additionally, and as appropriate, trainings will be provided utilizing various training mediums. Training plans will be flexible to ensure needs of the violence prevention organizations are met throughout the year.
            Trainings must include, at a minimum:
            1. For Violence Prevention Professionals, defined as community health workers who render violence prevention services:
               1. Provide training and certification to violence prevention professionals on how to perform violence prevention services, including:
                  1. Street Outreach: The street outreach program model employs street outreach workers who actively work to mediate conflicts and prevent retaliatory violence between those who are at risk to commit or become the victims of firearm violence.
                  2. Case Management: Uses a case manager or case team to develop a service plan and arrange violence prevention and intervention services for an individual.
                  3. Victim Advocacy: Helps victims of violence recover from physical and emotional trauma caused by the violence by empowering them with skills, services and opportunities. Individuals are then able to return to their communities, make positive changes, strengthen others affected by violence and contribute to building safer communities.
               2. Provide training to violence prevention professionals (street outreach workers, case managers, and victim advocates) on evidenced-based violence prevention programs including, but not limited to:
                  1. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT): a type of psychotherapy that examines the connections between thinking and behavior. CBT focuses on challenging and changing cognitive distortions (e.g., thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes) and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems. It is a time-limited program that has been demonstrated to be effective for a wide range of problems.
                  2. Confliction mediation training: an intervention designed to interrupt violence by the immediate separation of the potential shooter from the intended victim and from peers who may encourage violence. The separation is followed-up by attempts to resolve the situation peacefully.
                  3. Trauma-informed care:
                     1. Recognizes the high prevalence of traumatic experiences in persons residing in communities with a high concentration of firearm violence,
                     2. Includes an understanding of the impact of trauma on brain development, physical and emotional health and the impact on the community.
                     3. Creates a safe space, provides support and builds resiliency in individuals impacted by trauma.
               3. Provide additional professional development opportunities to violence prevention professionals including job readiness skills, computer skills, etc. to prepare violence prevention professionals:
                  1. To enhance their current skills
                  2. For future employment advancement
            2. For Violence Prevention Organizations
               1. Provide training in organizational development, human resources, grants management, capacity building, and fiscal management strategies
               2. Provide training on program development and implementation, including but not limited to:
                  1. How to use data effectively
                     1. To determine need,
                     2. To choose and/or develop programming
                     3. To track and measure outcomes
                     4. To improve programming
                  2. How to choose and implement evidenced-based programming
                  3. How to maintain fidelity and accountability to evidenced-based programs
               3. Provide management training on how to manage violence prevention professionals.
               4. Provide training and assistance on how to develop memorandum of understanding for referral services and/or create approved lists for referrals.
               5. Provide trauma trainings to build organizations' capacity to become trauma-informed and to treat youth impacted by trauma.
            3. For Lead Violence Prevention Conveners and to Community at large:
               Lead Violence Prevention Conveners are established by the RPSA and are defined as follows: an experienced violence prevention organization funded in accordance with the RPSA to coordinate monthly and other meetings between RPSA violence prevention organizations and RPSA youth development organizations, provide summary notes, share knowledge and strategies, provide recommendations and fulfill other roles outlined in the RPSA.
               1. Provide training and technical assistance to Lead Violence Prevention Conveners when needs are jointly identified.
               2. Provide training regarding community organizing around violence prevention and response.
               3. Provide training regarding building collaborations.
            4. Provide additional and booster trainings in areas identified as necessary by the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention.
            5. The applicant must ensure that trainings are infused with racial equity and linguistically and culturally- responsive principles and practices. In addition, successful applicants will provide racial equity training, implicit bias training, and culturally responsive evaluation training to RPSA Violence Prevention Organizations. The successful applicants will work with the Department to identify an existing racial equity/justice training or develop a new Department-approved curriculum.
         2. Technical Assistance and Support
            The applicant will provide on-site and virtual technical assistance sessions to RPSA Violence Prevention Organizations to build their capacity to provide effective violence prevention services and to build organizational capacity. Technical assistance plans will be flexible to ensure violence prevention organizations' needs are met throughout the year.
            Technical assistance must include, at a minimum:
            1. For each violence prevention organization requesting services, conduct a scan of the organization's capacity and training and technical assistance needs.
            2. Provide consultation on
               1. Organizational development, capacity, and function
               2. Resource development, including identifying grant opportunities and GATA compliance
               3. Program development and implementation, including technical assistance to ensure fidelity to evidenced-based program models
               4. Human resources, supervision/management principles and practices, staff development, etc.
            3. For agencies that have requested technical assistance, provide both virtual and on-site follow-up visits with provider staff. These visits may result in performance improvement plans where necessary if issues are identified regarding on-going program development, implementation, performance measurement, data collection and tracking and grant management.
            4. Develop a comprehensive package of training to be delivered to organizations, staff, and communities. As part of this application, the applicant must complete Appendix D: Itemized List of Trainings which includes the following items:
               1. Name of training
               2. Brief description of training
               3. Cost to provide training (per training offered)
               4. Length of training v Maximum number of participants per training offered
               5. If training will be provided in person, remotely or a combination of both
               6. If the applicant will provide training directly or through a subcontractor.
                  Refer to Section D Application Submission Information, 3d Quality-Description of Program Design and Services for more information. The applicant will be responsible for tracking and reporting which trainings are delivered, number of participants / RPSA organizations attending, training evaluation results etc.
            5. Develop a comprehensive package of Technical Assistance and Support services to be delivered to organizations. As part of this application, the applicant must complete Appendix E: Itemized List of Technical Assistance and Support which includes the following items:
               1. Name of technical assistance and support service/activity
               2. Brief description of each technical assistance and support service/activity
               3. Cost to provide each technical assistance and support service/activity per service/activity
               4. If the service will be provided in person, remotely or a combination of both
               5. If the applicant will provide service directly or through a subcontractor
                  Refer to Section D Application Submission Information, 3d Quality-Description of Program Design and Services for more information. The applicant will be responsible for tracking and reporting which services are delivered, to whom, and other relevant details regarding services provided including evaluation results.
            6. Training and Technical Assistance budgets and expenditures will be reviewed and authorized, as appropriate, based on the approved budget and approved cost schedule. Revisions to budgets, including grant increases or decreases will be made after considering these costs. The applicant must maintain sufficient documentation to demonstrate services were delivered and received. (The applicant may be required to submit documentation with their monthly expenditure reports.)
            7. Develop, maintain, and post a training calendar online that provides information regarding all violence prevention training opportunities, dates, locations, and registration information.
            8. Create learning communities for the exchange of information between community-based organizations in the same or similar field. Share lessons learned among violence prevention professionals and service providers in their network.
            9. At IDHS' request, partner with IDHS, other RVP-TTAS providers and local community colleges to develop a certification program for violence prevention specialists.
            10. Evaluate the effectiveness and performance of its TTAS sessions. The applicant must ensure that evaluation efforts are linguistically and culturally responsive.
            11. Provide quarterly and year-end reports to IDHS, detailing TTAS needs, activities and delivered services. Applicants will report on services delivered to each violence prevention agency.
   5. Performance Measures
      Each quarter, successful applicants will submit a periodic performance report (PPR), which includes the following performance measures. At the end of the year, successful applicants will also submit a cumulative report.
      1. Percentage of activities included in the approved training and technical assistance plan that were completed.
      2. Percentage of organizations requesting technical assistance who received it.
      3. Percentage of training and technical assistance recipients responding to surveys
      4. Percentage of training and technical assistance recipients expressing satisfaction with training.
      5. Percentage of organizations for whom applicant accurately tracked and reported services delivered.
      6. Online training calendar is available with all required elements.
      7. Number of learning communities and opportunities created for the exchange of information between community-based organizations in the same or similar field
      8. Number of certifications for violence prevention professionals on which applicant collaborates with DHS to establish.
      9. Percentage of Periodic Financial Reports submitted on time with accurate information, in the format prescribed by the Department. The Periodic Financial Reports must be submitted no later than the 30th of each month for the preceding month by email. At the end of the fiscal year, providers will also submit a cumulative report.
      10. Percentage of timely and accurate additional performance data submitted as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.
   6. Performance Standards
      1. Percentage of activities included in the approved training and technical assistance plan that were completed. (Acceptable: 90%)
      2. Percentage of organizations requesting technical assistance who received it. (Acceptable 90%)
      3. Percentage of training and technical assistance recipients responding to surveys (Acceptable: 90%)
      4. Percentage of recipient expressing satisfaction with training. (Acceptable: 90%)
      5. Percentage of organizations for whom applicant accurately tracked and reported services delivered. (Acceptable: 90%)
      6. Online training calendar is available with all required elements. (Acceptable: 1 current calendar.)
      7. Number of learning communities and opportunities created for the exchange of information between community-based organizations in the same or similar field. (Acceptable: 1 community and a minimum of four opportunities)
      8. Number of certifications for violence prevention professionals on which the applicant collaborates with IDHS to establish. (Acceptable: 1 certification)
      9. Percentage of Periodic Financial Reports submitted on time with accurate information, in the format prescribed by the Department. The Periodic Financial Reports must be submitted no later than the 30th of each month for the preceding month by email. At the end of the fiscal year, providers will also submit a cumulative report. (Acceptable: 80% Periodic Financial Reports must be submitted on time with accurate information.)
      10. Percentage of timely and accurate additional performance data submitted as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department. (Acceptable: 80%)
   7. Authorizing Statutes
      Statutory Authority: These programs are authorized by the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) (430 ILCS 69/35) and implemented by Executive Order 2021-29.
2. Award and Funding Information
   1. This is a competitive funding opportunity.
   2. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.
   3. The Department anticipates funding 2 to 3 grant awards to provide this program.
   4. The Department anticipates making $4M available to fund 2 to 3 grant awards for a 28-month project period, (March 2022 to June 2024.) Individual total awards for the 28-month period are projected to be $1.35M or $600,000 per 12-month period. Award amounts will be based on approved budgets and cost schedules. Final award amounts will be subject to change based on actual services delivered. Grant awards will be issued based on the State Fiscal Year and will be subject to performance, subject to 2 CFR 200 continuation application process, subject to GATA Compliance, and subject to sufficient State/Federal appropriation.
   5. These awards will be funded with American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSFRF). These awards may also be partially funded with General Revenue Funds. Grantee is required to comply with, and is subject to, all requirements of the CSFRF and all related rules and guidance issued by Grantor and the U.S. Department of the Treasury ("Treasury"). Refer to: Recipient Compliance and Reporting Responsibilities | U.S. Department of the Treasury
   6. This grant does not require an in-kind or financial match requirement.
   7. Indirect costs are allowed. In order to charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate. Indirect costs charged to the grant may not exceed the approved rate. Refer to Section C. Eligibility and Grant Fund Use Requirements; 8e. Indirect Cost Requirements & Restrictions for more information.
   8. Subject to appropriation, the FY22 grant period will begin no sooner than the grant start date and will continue through 6/30/2022.
   9. The grant start date is estimated to be 3/1/2022.
   10. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.
   11. Proposed budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been approved through the Community Service Agreement tracking system (CSA) system. Refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information for additional instructions for registering and completing budgets in the CSA system.
   12. Subcontractor Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance of the subcontractor.
   13. Pre-award costs will be allowed under the following conditions:
       The applicant must:
       1. have received and accepted the Notice of State Award (NOSA)
       2. have a current, approved budget in the CSA system for this award
       3. have submitted any and all requested program plan and budget revisions per the NOSA
       4. NOT incur pre-award costs prior to the start date of the grant agreement, anticipated to be March 1, 2022.
       5. Refer to 2 CFR 200.209 Pre-award Costs for more information.  
   14. All funding is subject to sufficient appropriations.
3. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements
   1. Eligible Applicants
      This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements:
      1. The applicant is a public or private, non-profit organization proposing to provide training and technical assistance to RPSA-funded organizations within eligible Chicago community areas.
      2. The applicant has met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed in Item 2 and Item 6 below.
      3. The applicant must have experience delivering organized training to adult and emerging adult learners and/or experience delivering evidence-based firearm violence prevention services.
         IMPORTANT: In the coming weeks, IDHS anticipates releasing a competitive funding opportunity for evidence-based Firearm Violence Prevention services in an estimated 22 eligible Chicago Community Areas. If your organization intends to seek funding to provide RPSA Violence Prevention Services in addition to funding under this solicitation, you must consider the following from the Reimagine Public Safety Act:
         "No approved technical assistance and training provider shall provide evidence-based violence prevention services in an eligible service area under this Act unless the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention is unable to identify qualified violence prevention organizations to provide adequate coverage."
         This means that if your organization is awarded a grant under this solicitation (RVP TTAS NOFO #22-444-80-2771), IDHS and the OFVP will be unable to consider your application to provide direct services under the RPSA Violence Prevention Services solicitation (NOFO #22-444-80-2774) until after all other applications have been considered and initial funding determinations have been made. If one or more of the eligible service areas is left unserved or is determined to have inadequate coverage, your application will be considered for funding under the RPSA Violence Prevention Services solicitation.
         If there is any question about what this means or its implications on funding, please email the NOFO contact identified in Section G: State Awarding Agency Contacts.
   2. Prequalification
      1. Applicant entities will not be eligible to apply for a grant award until they have prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, www.grants.illinois.gov Grantee Links tab. Registration and prequalification are required annually. During prequalification, verifications are performed including a check of federal Debarred and Suspended status on the Illinois Stop Payment List and good standing with the Secretary of State. An automated email notification is sent to the entity alerting them of "qualified" status or providing information about 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.
      2. For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedure, refer to IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance.
      3. Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.
         A statement indicating the applicant has completed prequalification steps and is currently prequalified will be required with the application. (A screenshot indicating the applicant has completed prequalification steps and is currently prequalified will also be accepted). Include statement or screenshot indicating completion of prequalification steps as Attachment 1: Statement of Prequalification.
      4. The following information is required to complete registration:
         1. Organization's Dun & Bradstreet number (DUNS); For additional information on DUNS, refer to Section Unique Entity Identifier (DUNS number) and System for Award Management (SAM) below.
         2. Organization's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN);
         3. Organization type;
         4. Illinois Secretary of State File ID (required for non-profits, for-profits and limited liability corporations);
         5. Organization's name
         6. Organization's mailing address;
         7. Organization's primary email address;
         8. Organization's primary phone number
         9. Organization's fiscal year-end date
   3. Unique Entity Identifier (DUNS) and System for Award Management (SAM)
      Each applicant is required to:
      1. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application
      2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier in its application; if your organization does not yet have a DUNS number refer to https://fedgov.dnb.com/webform/displayHomePage.do  to request one
      3. 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 the Department
         The Department may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable unique entity identifier and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the Department is ready to make an award, the Department may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.
   4. Pre-Award Requirements
      1. The pre-award process includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) and a Programmatic Risk Assessment (PRA). The PRA must be completed for each separate grant for which an applicant intends to apply. The Department may NOT issue a Notice of Award or a Grant Agreement to any applicant that does not have a submitted and approved FY 22 ICQ and a submitted and complete FY 22 PRA. While these are NOT required prior to submitting the application, they are required prior to the Department issuing an award. Include a statement or screenshot indicating completion or other status of the FY22 ICQ and FY22 PRA as Attachment 2: Status of FY22 ICQ and FY22 PRA.
      2. Applicants that have not completed an FY22 ICQ and/or an FY22 PRA at the time of application will be contacted by the Department to complete these pre-award requirements.
      3. These grantee pre-award requirements are mandated by Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Grantees must complete these requirements prior to receiving a grant award from the State of Illinois.
   5. Registration in CSA
      1. The CSA Tracking System is where the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) expects all applicant entities to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and take action on the proposed budget.
      2. 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. For instructions on registering in CSA, refer to How to Register in CSA
      3. When submitting an application, the applicant entity's proposed budget must be entered into the CSA system. 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. To do this, the following is required: 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. Refer to Process for Adding GATA Budget Signoff Authority
      4. While registration in CSA is not part of the prequalification process, successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA System. Furthermore, if the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, ZERO points will be awarded for the Budget Narrative. Refer to Section D: Application and Submission Information, Budget for more information.
      5. It may take several days to complete the registration process so do not wait until the application due date to begin the process. For more information about registering and submitting a budget in the CSA system, refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information
   6. Mandatory Requirements of Applicant/Application
      The Mandatory Requirements are essential items that must be met by the applicant. If any Mandatory Requirement is not met, the responding applicant's entire proposal will not be considered. If all responding applicants fail to meet a particular mandatory requirement, that mandatory requirement may, at the sole discretion of the State, be removed from the Mandatory Requirements so the evaluation process may continue. However, this does not obligate IDHS to make an award to any applicant that fails to meet all mandatory requirements.
      1. The applicant must have experience delivering organized training to adult and emerging adult learners and/or experience delivering evidence-based firearm violence prevention services.
         Applicant experience will be included in the Capacity section of the program narrative and will be evaluated as part of the application scoring process. Applications will be scored on experience delivering evidence-based firearm violence prevention services and they will be scored on experience delivering organized training to adult and emerging adult learners. Therefore, applicants able to demonstrate experience in both areas will be able to score higher than those that are only able to demonstrate experience in one area.
      2. The applicant must indicate on the Executive Summary (Appendix C), its willingness to provide training and technical assistance, in eligible Chicago community areas, to Violence Prevention organizations funded by the Office that request services. RPSA Violence Prevention organizations will be free to choose which approved Training and Technical Assistance Provider with whom they would like to work.
   7. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements
      Providers are not required to provide in-kind and/or financial match. However, if a successful applicant proposes a voluntary match amount and the budget is approved, the total match amount incorporated into the approved budget becomes mandatory and subject to audit.
   8. Grant Fund Use Requirements
      All applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of any applicable federal awards.
      Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs.
      1. Allowable costs:
         Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity(ies) contained in the Scope of Work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.
      2. Unallowable costs:
         Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS:
         1. i Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438)
         2. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
         3. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
         4. Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445).
         5. Deposits for items, services, or space
      3. Limitation of Use
         Limitation of Use of Award funds for Employee Compensation: With respect to any award over $250,000, recipients may not use federal funds to pay total cash compensation to any employee that exceeds 110% of the maximum annual salary payable to a member of the Federal Government's Senior Executive Service (SES) at an agency with a Certified SES Performance Appraisal System for that year. A salary table is available at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management website:
      4. ARPA Funding Restrictions
         Grant awards under this NOFO are funded in whole or in part with fund American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSFRF) funds. Grantee is required to comply with, and is subject to, all requirements of the CSFRF and all related rules and guidance issued by Grantor and the U.S. Department of the Treasury ("Treasury"). Refer to : Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds FAQs (treasury.gov).
         Restrictions on use of these funds can be found at Federal Register CSLFRF and include:
         1. Funds to directly or indirectly offset a reduction in net tax revenue due to a change in law from March 3, 2021, through the last day of the fiscal year in which the funds provided have been spent
         2. Funds cannot be deposited into any pension fund
         3. Funding debt services, legal settlements or judgments, and deposits to rainy day funds or financial reserves.
         4. General infrastructure spending is not covered as an eligible use outside of waters, sewer, and broadband investments or above the amount allocated under the revenue loss provision.
            The successful applicant is responsible to ensure that all expenditures are eligible costs under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. (ARPA; P.L. 117-2)
      5. Indirect Cost Requirements and Restrictions
         In order to charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate.
         Every organization that receives a state award must make an indirect cost rate proposal or election in the Crowe Activity Review System (CARS), including organizations that are choosing not to claim payment for indirect costs.
         CARS 
         1. Indirect Cost Rate Election:
            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. The organization must provide a copy of the federal NICRA. (Refer to Section D. Application and Submission Information, 4. Other Submission Requirements for a list of required attachments)
            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. An organization that has never received a Federal or State Negotiated Rate may elect a De Minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct cost (MTDC). Once established, the De Minimis rate may be used indefinitely. The State of Illinois must verify the calculation of the MTDC annually in order to accept the De Minimis rate. If programs elect to use the De Minimis rate, it is critical that program budgets accurately calculate the MTDC base. Please see the regulation below and note the exclusions to MTDC.
               2 CFR § 200.68 Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC).
               MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and subawards and subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each subaward or subcontract (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards and subcontracts under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward and subcontract in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.
            4. "No 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.
         2. Crowe Activity Review System (CARS).
            CARS will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate, complete an indirect cost rate proposal (see State Negotiated Rate above), elect to charge the De Minimis rate (10%) of modified total direct costs (MTDC), or select that no reimbursement of indirect costs will be requested. Submission requirements are located on page 2 of the Uniform Budget Template as well as 2 CFR 200 Appendices IV, V & VII.
            Organizations which have not previously made an indirect cost rate election must submit an election (and indirect cost rate proposal, if necessary) immediately and no later than 3 months after receiving an award notification or invitation to the CARS system.
            Organizations that have previously established an indirect cost rate election must submit a new indirect cost rate election immediately and no later than 6 months after the close of their organization's fiscal year.
            Every organization must make an indirect cost rate election in CARS even if the organization is choosing De Minimis Rate or "no rate". Organizations that do not make an election or submission inside the CARS system within the required timeframes will not be allowed to claim indirect cost reimbursement.
            For more information, see GATA Website. 
      6. Administrative Costs
         It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Program budgets and narratives will detail how all proposed expenditures are directly necessary for program implementation and will distinguish between Indirect/Direct Administrative and Direct Program expenses. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. At no time may the approved NICRA be exceeded under this agreement. Documentation will be required to verify the approved NICRA.
      7. Simplified Acquisition Threshold
         Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee must be aware of the following regarding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold as it will be applicable to any qualifying subaward:
         1. That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
         2. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that the awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;
         3. That the awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.
   9. Post Award Requirements of Applicant
      Successful applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Notice.
      1. Start Date: Applicants must be prepared to begin collaboration with IDHS, UIC, and other providers on March 1, 2022. Applicants must be in a position to begin offering services to RPSA Violence Prevention Organizations on April 1, 2022.
      2. Technology: Agencies awarded funds through this funding notice must have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications for the purpose of utilizing any required IDHS web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of electronic program and fiscal information:
         1. Internet access, preferably high-speed
         2. Email capability
         3. Microsoft Excel
         4. Microsoft Word
         5. Adobe Reader
            The purchase of this technology would be an allowable expenditure under the grant and may be budgeted for as part of this application.
      3. Trauma Informed: The provider must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to developing/maintaining trauma informed capacity within the organization. The provider will demonstrate this commitment by providing upon request, a list of trauma trainings attended by staff, copies of trauma-informed policies, practices and procedures adopted by the organization, documentation of trauma-informed technical assistance received, etc.
      4. Evaluation and Technical Assistance: RPSA training and technical assistance providers agree to collaborate with the RPSA Evaluation and Technical Assistance provider (currently the University of Chicago (UIC)), including but not limited to collaboration on the evidence-based, evidence-informed, and best practices to reduce firearm violence. Also included is collective collaboration with IDHS and the University of Illinois, Chicago (UIC)
         1. to develop a training needs assessment
         2. to develop a training evaluation form which will completed by participants after each training session
         3. to coordinate training schedules and calendars
         4. to develop an organizational technical assistance needs assessment
         5. to develop a technical assistance evaluation form to assess the effectiveness of the technical assistance
      5. Program Evaluation Reporting Requirements: Providers will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the Department and/or its subcontractor(s) and collect and report data accordingly. Data will be submitted in the format prescribed by the Department. Providers will be required to report quarterly regarding program performance measures and outcomes. Providers will be required to participate in Department directed Performance and Standards Assessment reviews. A year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report will also be required. Additional data and information may be requested throughout the year as determined by the Department.
      6. Site Visits: The applicant agrees to participate in site visits as requested by the Department and agrees that program and collaborating partners may attend such site visits.
      7. Presentations: The applicant will be available as requested by the Department to present information regarding service deliverables, provide data updates, or to answer questions arising from the applicant's work.
      8. COVID Policies and Procedures: Provider organizations shall have written COVID policies and procedures that align with current guidelines put forth by the local Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and/or the Center for Disease Control.
      9. Sectarian Issue: Provider organizations may not expend federal or state funds for sectarian instruction, worship, prayer, or to proselytize. If the Provider organization is a faith-based or a religious organization that offers such activities, these activities shall be voluntary for the individuals receiving services and offered separately from the program.
      10. Background Checks: Background checks are required for all program staff and volunteers who have the potential for contact with youth under 18. These background checks must be completed in advance of individuals working directly with youth. Such individuals will authorize such checks in writing and submit to fingerprinting when required. The agency shall retain the signed form authorizing the background check. All background check information, including the signed authorizing forms shall be maintained separately in a confidential file, apart from the employee's personnel records. Funded programs will be required to have a written protocol in place detailing the requirement for background checks; evidence of their completion; the protocol for reviewing and making determinations regarding results; etc. In no case shall a Person who has been indicated as the perpetrator of any of the child abuse/neglect allegations identified in 89 Ill. Adm. Code Section 385.50(a) be deemed fit for service that allows access to children.
      11. Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Mandate: Per the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (ANCRA, 325 ILCS 5/4), mandated reporters are professionals who may work with children in the course of their professional duties. Mandated reporters are required to report suspected child maltreatment immediately when they have "reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacity may be an abused or neglected child" (ANCRA Sec.4). This is done by calling the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Hotline at 1-800-252-2873 or 1-800-25ABUSE. Programs funded through this grant opportunity must review ANCRA and, where appropriate, have a written protocol for identifying and reporting suspected child maltreatment.
      12. Hiring and Employment Policy: It is the policy of the Department to encourage cultural diversity in the work environment and to promote employment opportunities through its programs. The Department philosophy is that the program workforce should appropriately reflect the populations to be served, with special attention given to hiring individuals indigenous to those communities. Consistent with Department policy, whenever a position becomes available, funded programs are encouraged to consider TANF clients for employment, contingent upon their qualifications in the areas of education and work experience.
      13. State and Federal Laws and Regulations: The agency awarded funds through this NOFO must agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.).
      14. Publication of Studies, Reports or other Program Products: The applicant agrees that products produced for the Department under this award, including, but not limited to research reports, data, analyses, and policy recommendations are the property of the Department and will not be published or distributed except as prescribed by the Department.
           
          Unless otherwise provided in the approved Program Plan, the applicant agrees not to publish, release or otherwise disseminate data in any form without the prior written permission of the Department. If such permission is granted, the applicant agrees to submit to the Department six copies of all reports and proposed publications resulting from this Agreement a minimum of 30 calendar days prior to public release. Any publications (written, visual or sound), excluding press releases, newsletters and issue analyses, shall contain the following statement: "This project [is being] [was] supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLT-3381 awarded to the State of Illinois by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and under grant(s) from the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services. Points of view or opinions in the document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Illinois Department of Human Services."
4. Application and Submission Information
   1. Address to Request Application Package
      Application materials are provided throughout this announcement. Appendices will be made available in user/printer friendly format and may be found on the Illinois Department of Human Services web site at Appendices RPSA VP TTAS Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the Department at the email address below.
      Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's web site will contain information regarding the NOFO and materials necessary for submission. Questions and answers will also be posted on the Department's website as described later in this announcement. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor that web site and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO.
      Email Address: DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov
      Subject Line: 444-80-2771 RVP-TTAS Request
   2. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
      The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is available as Appendix B and must be included at the beginning of this application. (Refer to 4. Other Submission Requirements in this section for a full order of application contents.)
   3. Content and Form of Application Submission
      IMPORTANT: The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of your application. Please provide a complete response to the following sections. If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your application will receive a score of zero points and your agency will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.
      Proposal Narrative Content
      Important: Applicants must submit a plan (proposal narrative) that covers a grant period from 3/1/22 to 6/30/24 (28 months). Grant awards will be issued based on the State Fiscal Year and will be subject to performance, subject to 2 CFR 200 continuation application process, subject to GATA Compliance, and subject to sufficient State/Federal appropriation. Successful applicants under this NOFO will receive an initial award for the remainder of FY22 and a renewal grant for FY23 and another renewal for FY24.
      Applicants must submit a plan that contains the information outlined below. Each section must begin on a new page and have a heading that corresponds to the headings listed below after each section number. The total application may not exceed 25 pages, single-spaced. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, checklist, attachments, letters of intent, and Uniform Budget are not included in the page limitation. If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will only consider content contained within that specific section. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below.
      If an applicant receives an award through this NOFO the proposal will become the local program plan and budget unless revisions are required. The application/plan will be the basis for monitoring compliance by IDHS.
      Failure to provide an application in the format detailed throughout this section will result in the loss of points - also, refer to Section D; 4. Other Submission Requirements.
      1. Executive Summary: (Appendix C, 5 points)
         The Executive Summary (Appendix C) will serve multiple purposes. First, as a scored portion of this application and secondly, for successful applicants it will serve as a stand-alone document that may be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description.
         Applicants must complete Appendix C: RVP-TTAS Executive Summary and include it at the beginning of your program narrative. Applicants do NOT have to complete a separate narrative besides Appendix C.
         Each of the following items is included on Appendix C and must be answered/responded to on the Appendix C Form:
         1. List the name, address of applicant entity
         2. List name, phone number, and email address for the organization's authorized representative and for the contact person for this application
         3. Indicate funding amount requested under this proposal
         4. Indicate number of years of experience delivering organized training to adult learners
         5. Briefly describe applicant's accomplishments and outcomes providing organized training to adult and emerging adult learners.
         6. Indicate number of years of experience delivering evidence-based firearm violence prevention services.
         7. Briefly describe the applicant's accomplishments and outcomes providing evidence-based firearm violence prevention services.
         8. Briefly describe the purposes, activities, and anticipated outcomes the applicant is planning to undertake to provide training and technical assistance to address firearm violence prevention and its impact on youth.
         9. Indicate the applicant's willingness to provide training and technical assistance to RPSA organizations within the identified Chicago community areas. (RPSA organizations will be free to choose which approved Training and Technical Provider with whom they would like to work.)
         10. Indicate the applicant's understanding of the following statement from the Reimagine Public Safety Act:
             "No approved technical assistance and training provider shall provide evidence-based violence prevention services in an eligible service area under this Act unless the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention is unable to identify qualified violence prevention organizations to provide adequate coverage."
      2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity: (30 points)
         The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of their ability to implement this program as outlined in this NOFO. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
         1. Give a brief overview of the applicant agency, outlining its primary programs and services offered. Describe how the applicant's mission statement and goals align with the purpose of this funding opportunity.
         2. Describe the applicant's experience providing training to adult and emerging adult learners.
         3. Describe the applicant's experience providing training to organizations working to reduce firearm violence prevention. Describe relevant major accomplishments and outcomes. Include the applicant's experience providing the types of trainings listed in Section A, subsection 3: Required Services and Programming, i. Training, including but not limited to:
            • Street Outreach
            • Case Management
            • Victim Advocacy
            • Cognitive Behavior Therapy
            • Conflict Mediation Training
            • Trauma-Informed Training
            • Professional Development (including job readiness and computer skills)
            • Organizational Development and Capacity Building
            • Fiscal Management Strategies
            • Resource Development
            • Evidenced-Based Program Development and Implementation
            • Data Use and Management
            • Human Resources, Staff Management and Supervision
            • Community Organization
            • Building Collaborations
            • Racial Equity and Implicit Bias Training
         4. Describe the applicant's experience providing Technical Assistance and Support to organizations working to reduce firearm violence prevention. Describe relevant major accomplishments and outcomes. Include the applicant's experience providing the types of technical assistance and supports listed in Section A, subsection 3: Required Services and Programming, ii. Technical Assistance and Support, including but not limited to:
            • Conducting a scan of an organization's capacity
            • Conducting a scan of an organization's training and technical assistance needs
            • Providing consultation on
              • Organizational development, capacity, and function
              • Resource development, including identifying grant opportunities and GATA compliance
              • Program development and implementation, including technical assistance to ensure fidelity to evidenced-based program models
              • Human resources, supervision/management principles and practices, staff development, etc.
            • Conducting on-site and virtual follow-up visits and developing performance improvement plans where necessary
         5. Describe the applicant's experience (including number of years) providing evidence-based firearm violence prevention services.
         6. Describe the applicant's expertise in evidence-based violence prevention programs; including experience implementing and utilizing evidence-based programs directly as well as experience training organizations to implement and utilize evidence-based programs.
         7. Describe the applicant's expertise in the following topics:
            • Analyzing and leveraging data to identify the people who will most benefit from firearm violence prevention services
            • Identifying the conflicts that are responsible for recurring violence
            • Building relationships with individuals who are most able to reduce conflicts
            • Addressing the stabilization and trauma recovery needs of individuals impacted by violence by providing direct services for their unmet needs or referring them to other qualified service providers
            • Building and sustaining relationships with community members and community organizations that provide violence prevention services and get referrals of people who will most benefit from firearm violence prevention services in their geographic areas
              1. Include examples of successful outreach to engage community members.
              2. Include description of current or past coordination efforts with other violence prevention organizations. Indicate the applicant's role as leader, consultant, participant, etc. within each collaborative effort. Indicate the applicant's commitment to fully participate in the coordination of services with RPSA organizations and other violence prevention organizations in their area.
            • Describe the applicant's expertise in working with law enforcement agencies, including collaborative projects, providing trainings, other activities, etc.
         8. Describe the applicant's experience ensuring that its work is driven by an equity lens.
         9. Describe the applicant's experience in training and capacity building around equity and racial justice.
         10. Describe the applicant's experience managing state and/or federal grants.
         11. If the applicant plans to use a Sub-Contractor to deliver services related to this program, describe how the applicant agency will monitor the Sub-Contractor. Subcontract Attachments will be described under the Budget Narrative Section.
      3. Need - Description of Need: (10 points)
         The purpose of this section is to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for proposed services within the targeted community and how the applicant will address these needs. It is necessary for the applicant to demonstrate that it has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs of the youth impacted by violence.
         1. Provide evidence that the applicant has thorough knowledge and understanding of the needs of youth and families impacted by firearm violence.
         2. Provide evidence that the applicant has an understanding of the needs of community organizations as it relates to addressing and responding to firearm violence within their communities.
         3. Firearm violence within Chicago communities dramatically increased during the COVID-19 lockdown. Describe how the provision of violence prevention training, technical assistance and support services will help to mitigate the negative effects of COVID. Describe how these services will provide the necessary supports to community organizations who will assist populations and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID and firearm violence.
      4. Equity and Racial Justice: (15 points)
         The purpose of this section is for the applicant to demonstrate understanding of the history and impact of racism and inequity on communities most impacted by firearm violence. The applicant should provide a clear picture of its work to counteract systemic racism and inequity and to prioritize and maximize diversity and equity throughout its service provision process.
         1. Describe the applicant's commitment and actions to address equity and racial justice. Examples of commitment and activities may include but are not limited to, having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to have) a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)/equity and racial justice plan that outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as equity in outcomes; having a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; having (or an intention to have) an equity and racial justice training plan.
         2. If no equity and racial justice efforts are currently being practiced, describe the applicant's plan to implement those efforts, including a timeline of activities.
         3. Identify and describe some of the potential root causes of firearm violence within the targeted communities; address and/or include how historical factors have contributed to the conditions of communities as appropriate.
         4. Describe how the applicant will teach violence prevention organizations to use an equity lens when creating and implementing programming. An equity lens is a process that analyzes the impact of policies and practices on marginalized communities to inform and ensure equitable outcomes.
         5. Describe how the applicant will intentionally and deliberately analyze the delivery and/or impact of the program on underserved and marginalized groups (including communities of color, people with disabilities, gender nonconforming people, etc.)
         6. As was described in Section A: Program Description, the current federal administration's historic approach to advancing racial equity includes a clear commitment to Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs in communities hardest hit by firearm violence. Describe how the applicant will work to assist violence prevention organizations to address the disparate impact of firearm violence on communities of color.
         7. Include demographics of program staff and agency leadership (board and/or executive staff) and discuss if these demographics match the targeted community(ies).
      5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services: (30 points)
         The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive, clear, and accurate picture of its intended program design. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout. At a minimum, the proposal must address each of the following components in the order below:
         1. Develop a proposed training, technical assistance, and support plan, including at minimum:
            1. Describe how the applicant organization will assess community need and organizational need for trainings and technical assistance to provide violence prevention services. Identify current and potential data sources to demonstrate need for services.
            2. Training:
               1. Give a general overview of the trainings that will be offered. Complete Appendix D: Itemized List of Trainings and include as Attachment 3. The list should include, but is not limited to:
                  • Street Outreach
                  • Case Management
                  • Victim Advocacy
                  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy
                  • Conflict Mediation Training
                  • Trauma-Informed Training
                  • Professional Development (including job readiness and computer skills)
                  • Organizational Development and Capacity Building
                  • Fiscal Management Strategies
                  • Resource Development
                  • Evidenced-Based Program Development and Implementation
                  • Data Use and Management
                  • Human Resources, Staff Management and Supervision
                  • Community Organization
                  • Building Collaborations
                  • Racial Equity and Implicit Bias Training
                    Appendix D includes the following items:
                    1. Name of training
                    2. Brief description of training
                    3. Cost to provide per training offered
                    4. Length of training
                    5. Maximum number of participants per training offered
                    6. Whether service will be provided in person, remotely or a combination of both
                    7. Whether the applicant will provide service directly or through a subcontractor
               2. Describe how the applicant will develop, maintain, and post a training calendar that provides information regarding all violence prevention training opportunities, dates, locations, and registration information. Describe how the applicant will ensure their training plan/calendar is responsive to the needs of the communities, etc. Applicants should estimate number of times training will be offered based on training staff from 15 organizations. Include a proposed calendar as Attachment 4: Proposed Training Calendar
               3. Describe how the applicant will provide service in the event that COVID rates increase and COVID mitigations are reinstated.
               4. Describe anticipated outcomes related to the provision of training, including how the program will address the identified need and how it will help to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19.
               5. Describe how the applicant will evaluate impact and effectiveness of the trainings provided. Identify current and potential data sources that may be used to evaluate the impact of the program. Describe how the applicant will ensure that evaluation efforts are culturally responsive. (Successful applicants will collaborate with the RPSA Evaluation and Technical Assistance provider, currently the University of Chicago (UIC), to finalize training evaluation tools.)
               6. Describe how the applicant will identify and address gaps in training needs.
            3. Technical Assistance and Support services/activities
               1. Give a general overview of the technical assistance and support services/activities that will be offered. The applicant will be responsible for tracking and reporting which services are provided to each organization. The applicant must maintain sufficient documentation to demonstrate services were delivered and received. Successful applicants will work with IDHS to finalize the list of services. Complete Appendix E: Itemized List of Technical Assistance and Support and include as Attachment 5. The list should include, but is not limited to:
                  1. Conducting a scan of an organization's capacity
                  2. Conducting a scan of an organization's training and technical assistance needs (Successful applicants will collaborate with the RPSA Evaluation and Technical Assistance provider, currently the University of Chicago (UIC), to finalize technical assistance tools.)
                  3. Providing consultation on:
                     1. Organizational development, capacity, and function
                     2. Resource development, including identifying grant opportunities and GATA compliance
                     3. Program development and implementation, including technical assistance to ensure fidelity to evidenced-based program models.
                     4. Human resources, supervision/management principles and practices, staff development, etc.
                     5. Conducting on-site and virtual follow-up visits and developing performance improvement plans where necessary.
                        Appendix E includes the following:
                  4. Name of Technical Assistance and Support service/activity
                  5. Brief Description of each Technical Assistance and Support service/activity
                  6. Cost to provide per service/activity
                  7. Whether service will be provided in person, remotely or a combination
                  8. Whether the applicant will provide service directly or through a subcontractor
               2. Describe anticipated outcomes related to the provision of technical assistance and support, including how the program will address the identified need and how it will help to mitigate the negative impacts of COVID-19.
               3. Describe anticipated outcomes related to the provision of technical assistance and support.
               4. Describe how the applicant will evaluate impact and effectiveness of the technical assistance and support provided. Identify current and potential data sources that may be used to evaluate the impact of the program. Describe how the applicant will ensure that evaluation efforts are linguistically and culturally responsive.
               5. Describe how the applicant will identify and address gaps in technical assistance and support needs.
            4. Outreach and Communication
               1. Describe how the applicant will promote and communicate training opportunities to RSPA organizations and the community at large
               2. Describe how the applicant will solicit and respond to technical assistance and support requests
         2. Describe how the applicant will create learning communities for the exchange of information between community-based organizations in the same or similar field. Share lessons learned among violence prevention professionals and service providers in their network.
         3. Describe the applicant's commitment to partner with IDHS, other RVP-TTAS providers, and local community colleges to develop a certification program for violence prevention specialists. Include any current efforts or expertise around collaboration with community colleges or developing employment certification, licensure, etc.
         4. Include the resume or job description of person(s) who will be primarily responsible for program implementation as Attachment 6: Job Description
         5. Include a TTAS Implementation timeline with milestones and deliverables as Attachment 7: Implementation Timeline. The timeline should cover the entire program period, beginning March 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. (28 months)
         6. If the applicant plans to use a Sub-Contractor to deliver services related to this program, describe the role and responsibilities of the sub-contractor. Describe how the applicant agency will evaluate the performance of the Sub-Contractor. Subcontract Attachments will be described under the Budget Narrative Section.
      6. Budget Narrative: (10 points)
         1. Applicant Budgets:
            Important: Please read carefully. Applicants will be submitting a budget narrative for the entire grant period (March 2022 to June 2024). However, applicants will be entering a budget into CSA for only the FY 22 grant period (March 2022 to June 2022).
            1. Applicants should provide a budget and a budget narrative for a maximum of $1,350,000 over entire grant period (March 2022 to June 2024). A PDF copy of this 28-month budget should be included in the application as Attachment 8: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget.
               The budget and budget narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrates that all proposed costs are:
               • Reasonable and necessary
               • Allocable, and
               • Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable.
                 In this section, provide a detailed Budget Narrative of the items allocated within your proposed budget. This will include all funds budgeted for the program over this 28-month period. Identify the source of those funds and detail how the specified resources and personnel are being allocated to ensure the tasks, activities, goals, and objectives described in your proposal will be implemented. If you plan to use additional state or federal funds, or other funds to support the program, please also describe how these additional funds will be utilized to implement the program. The 28-month budget and budget narrative should be developed using estimated costs based on providing services to 15 organizations.
            2. Applicants should ALSO enter a budget into CSA for the FY 22 portion of the grant - March 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022. Applicants should request funding for the anticipated amount needed to implement this program for four months. Instructions for FY23 and FY24 renewal budgets for successful applicants will be provided at a later date.
               The budget for the FY22 grant period March 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022 must be submitted electronically in the CSA system (Refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information for more information and a link to budget forms). The Budget entered into the CSA system will include a narrative or detailed description/justification for each line in the budget and will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how you arrived at the particular amount. Please include cost allocations as necessary. This narrative must also clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The Budget (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) should clearly describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities described in your plan. Include a PDF copy of the budget submitted in CSA as Attachment 8a: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget.
               The FY22 Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer. (Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirement; 5. Registration in CSA.) If indirect costs are included in the budget, a copy of the approved NICRA must be included with the Application as Attachment 9: Applicant NICRA.
               IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS.
               If the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, 5 points will be deducted from the Budget Narrative section of the application.
               Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been submitted and approved through the CSA system. It is critical that the budget submitted with the application is as detailed as possible.
               The applicant must submit Federal Form W9 as Attachment 10: Applicant Federal Form W9.
         2. Subcontractors
            If you plan to use subcontractors, indicate amount of funds to be provided to the subcontractors; include a budget narrative describing how subcontractor will use funds. (See below for additional instructions regarding subcontractor budgets.)
            Subcontractor budgets must be pre-approved, and therefore must be submitted with this application. Subcontractor budgets should NOT be submitted in the CSA system. Instead, Subcontractor budgets should be completed using a PDF form of the Uniform Budget Template available in Appendix A: CSA Budget Information. This PDF template should only be used for Subcontractor budgets. If Subcontractors will be used, also include the following:
            • Attachment 11-Subcontractor Agreement and Budget (The Sub-Contractor Agreement is generated by the applicant agency and is not a Department form.)
            • Attachment 12-Copy of Federal Form W9 for the Subcontractor Agency
            • Attachment 13-Copy of approved NICRA for Subcontractor Agency if indirect costs are included and Subcontractor Agency has a current approved Federal or State NICRA
      7. Attachments to Your Application Narrative (Not included in page Limits)
         Although this section is not scored individually, points will be deducted in the above sections if these items are not included as directed. The Attachments should be labeled accordingly and placed in the order below. If any attachments are not applicable, a page labeled with the attachment number should be submitted and should include a statement explaining why the attachment was not applicable.
         Order of Attachments:
         • Attachment 1 Statement of Prequalification
         • Attachment 2 Status of FY 22 ICQ and FY 22 PRA
         • Attachment 3 Itemized List of Trainings
         • Attachment 4 Proposed Training Calendar
         • Attachment 5 Itemized List of TAS Services
         • Attachment 6 Job Description
         • Attachment 7 Implementation Timeline
         • Attachment 8 Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (28-month budget)
         • Attachment 8a Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (four-month, March through June 2022)
         • Attachment 9 Applicant NICRA
         • Attachment 10 Applicant Federal Form W9
         • Attachment 11 Subcontractor Agreement and Budget
         • Attachment 12 Subcontractor Federal Form W9
         • Attachment 13 Subcontractor NICRA
   4. Application Submission Dates and Times
      1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order, with the signed Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Uniform Application) on top. The Uniform Application is available as Appendix B.
      2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov and received no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, 1/19/2022.
         The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov.  Include the following in the subject line: RVP-TTAS 444-80-2771 your agency name
         Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be considered for review or funding. Applications will NOT be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk or thumb drive. The electronic copy must be a complete single PDF file. If applicant needs assistance creating a single PDF file, please reach out to contact person listed in this NOFO.
      3. Applicants will receive a receipt confirmation email within 48 hours of receipt notifying them that their application was received and the date and time it was received. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. This receipt confirmation email is solely confirmation that the application has been received by the Department; it is not a confirmation of applicant's eligibility; pre-qualifications, etc. Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements, for more information on applicant's eligibility. 
         Applicants are required to notify the Department by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, 1/26/2022 if they did NOT receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and/or does not notify the Department by 1/26/2022 at 12:00 PM, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored.
         The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department after Wednesday 1/26/2022 at 12:00 PM. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above.
         
         Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
      4. All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the completed grant application (single PDF document) to DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov utilizing the CMS File Transfer Utility located at https://filet.illinois.gov/filet/PIMupload.asp . This will ensure large documents are able to cross firewalls and will provide you with a transmission receipt. Please follow the instructions to attach your application. Don't forget the subject line above.
      5. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
         IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.
   5. Other Submission Requirements
      1. Proposal Container and Format Requirements
         All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. With the exception of letterhead and stationery for letter(s) of support (not required), the entire proposal should be typed in black ink on white paper. The program narrative must be typed single-spaced, on one side of the page, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The program narrative must not exceed the page totals specified in the "Content and Form of Application Submission" section including the Executive Summary. Items included as Attachments are NOT included in the page limitations.
         The entire application, including attachments, must be sequentially page numbered and compiled in the order specified below. The complete application must be compiled in a single PDF document and submitted as directed.
      2. ALL Applications MUST include the following mandatory forms/attachments in the order identified below.
         1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Refer to Appendix B)
         2. Proposal Narrative
            1. Executive Summary (Appendix C)
            2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
            3. Need - Description of Need
            4. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
            5. Budget Narrative (Narrative should cover the entire 28-month grant award period, March 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024)
            6. Attachments to Your Application
               • Attachment 1 Statement of Prequalification
               • Attachment 2 Status of FY 22 ICQ and FY 22 PRA
               • Attachment 3 Itemized List of Trainings
               • Attachment 4 Proposed Training Calendar
               • Attachment 5 Itemized List of TAS Services
               • Attachment 6 Job Description
               • Attachment 7 Implementation Timeline
               • Attachment 8 Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (28-month budget)
               • Attachment 8a Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (four-month, March through June 2022)
               • Attachment 9 Applicant NICRA
               • Attachment 10 Applicant Federal Form W9
               • Attachment 11 Subcontractor Agreement and Budget
               • Attachment 12 Subcontractor Federal Form W9
               • Attachment 13 Subcontractor NICRA
         3. Uniform Grant Budget - The FY22 (four-month, March through June 2022) proposed budget must be entered, signed and submitted in CSA and is required for the application to be considered complete. A hard copy of this signed and submitted budget must be included with the application as Attachment 8a (see list of attachments above.)
      3. Applications will be accepted as described herein. Faxed copies, hard copies, etc. will not be accepted. Applications that are inconsistent with the instructions herein will be subject to loss of points. The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.
   6. Unique Entity Identifiers (DUNS Number and SAM Registration)
      Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:
      1. Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date. To establish a SAM.gov registration, go to SAM.gov or utilize this instructional link: "How To Register in SAM" https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Resource%20Library/SAM-Registration.pdf
      2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (DUNS number) in its application; and
      3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency.
      4. For more information, refer to Section C: Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C: Eligibility Information and Grant Funding will not be scored and/or considered for funding.
   7. Intergovernmental Review
      This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."
   8. Funding Restrictions
      The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements as described in Section A. Program Description and in accordance with Section C. 6 Grant Funds Use Requirements.
5. Application Review Information
   All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review.
   1. Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria
      Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C "Eligibility Information" will not be scored and/or considered for funding.
      All applicants / applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
      Review teams comprised of three or more internal and/or external reviewers will be assigned to review applications. Internal reviewers are individuals employed by IDHS, contractual staff or individuals working as Government Public Service Interns under contract from the University of Illinois at Springfield. External reviewers are those individuals not employed by IDHS who have volunteered to review applications, have subject matter expertise and/or grant reviewing experience and have been screened for any potential conflict of interest."
      Applications will first be reviewed and scored individually. Then, review team members will collectively review the application and team members' scores and discuss comments to ensure team members have not missed items within the application that other team members may have identified. Application highlights and concerns will be discussed. Once this process has been completed, the individual review team members will separately finalize their individual scores, comments, and recommendations. The Review Team scores will be compiled and averaged by the application Review Coordinator who then will present the scores, summary comments and reviewer recommendations to the Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Violence Prevention Services and the Associate Director for the Office of Community and Positive Youth Development. The Bureau Chief and the Associate Director will ensure accuracy/completeness of all materials and will present the compiled scores and recommendations to the Director of Family and Community Services. The Bureau Chief, The Associate Director and the Director will discuss and prepare funding recommendations for the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention that may include consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. and prepare a recommendation or set of recommendations to be presented to the Assistant Secretary for consideration and final award determination.
      Scoring will be on a 100-point scale.
      Application Narratives will be evaluated on the following criteria:
      

      SECTION	POINTS
      Executive Summary	5 Point
      Capacity - Agency Qualification/Organizational Capacity	30 Points
      Need - Description of Need	10 Points
      Equity and Racial Justice	15 Points
      Quality - Description of Program Design & Services	30 Points
      Budget Narrative*	10 Points
      TOTAL	100 Points

      
      * IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. If the Uniform Grant Budget is not in this status by the application due date and time, 5 points will be deducted for the Budget Narrative section of the application.
      The application criteria to be reviewed and scored are found under each category in this announcement in Section D. Application and Submission Information, 2. Content and Form of Application Submission; Proposal Narrative Content.
      This award is not subject to Cost Sharing/Matching. 
   2. Review and Selection Process
      As described in the Criteria section above, scoring will be done by committee on a 100-point scale. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. While the score/recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the review panel to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
      In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options:
      • Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
      • Partially fund each of the tied applications or
      • Not fund any of the tied applications.
        Final award decisions will be made by the Assistant Secretary of Firearm Violence Prevention after considering the recommendations of the Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Violence Prevention Services, the Associate Director of the Office of Community & Positive Youth Development, and the Director of Family and Community Services.
        The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
   3. Merit-Based Review Appeal Process
      1. Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO).
      2. Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
         Name of Agency contact for appeals: Kari Branham
         Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov
         Email Subject Line: "agency name RVP-TTAS 444-80-2771 Appeal Kari"
      3. Submission of Appeal.
         1. An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.
         2. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
         3. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
            1. Name and address of the appealing party;
            2. Identification of the grant; and
            3. Statement of reasons for the appeal.
            4. Supporting documentation, if applicable
      4. Response to Appeal.
         1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
         2. IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
         3. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.
      5. Resolution
         1. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
         2. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency.
         3. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
         4. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
            1. Review of the appeal;
            2. Appeal determination; and
            3. Rationale for the determination.
   4. Simplified Acquisition Threshold
      Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Refer to Section C. 8. Grant Funds Use Requirements for more information.
6. Award Administration Information
   1. State Award Notices
      Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the above review and selection process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). The NOSA shall include:
      1. Grant award amount
      2. The terms and conditions of the award.
      3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA) and merit-based review.
         Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into CSA. Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements, 6. Registration in CSA.
         The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. This signed NOSA is the document authorizing the Department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.
         Upon acceptance of the grant award, announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding agency to Grants.Illinois.gov
         A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award.
   2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
      The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and shall act in accordance with all state and federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services.
      To review a sample of the FY2022 IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement, please visit the IDHS Website .
      The agency awarded funds through this Funding Notice must further agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.). Additional terms and conditions may apply.
   3. Reporting
      Upon execution of the grant agreement, reporting shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Uniform Grant Agreement and related Exhibits which includes, but is not limited to the following:
      1. Forms
         1. Periodic Financial Report (PFR)
            1. The Provider will submit monthly expenditure documentation and certification forms (EDCFs), quarterly and final Periodic Financial Reports (PFRs) in the format prescribed by the Department.
            2. The monthly reports must be submitted no later than the 30th of each month for the preceding month by email.
            3. The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 30th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July1 - September 30) is due October30th; Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31st) is due - January 30th, Quarter 3 (January 1- March 31st) is due - April 30th, and Quarter 4 (April 1st -June 30th) is due - July 30th).
            4. The final (cumulative fiscal year) Periodic Financial report is due July 30th of the next fiscal year.
         2. Periodic Performance Report (PPR)
            1. The Provider will submit quarterly and final Periodic Performance Reports (PPRs) in the format prescribed by the Department.
            2. The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 30th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July1 - September 30) is due October30th; Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31st) is due - January 30th, Quarter 3 (January 1- March 31st) is due - April 30th, and Quarter 4 (April 1st -June 30th) is due - July 30th).
            3. The final (cumulative fiscal year) Periodic Financial report is due July 30th of the next fiscal year.
         3. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.
      2. Annual Audit in conformance with Audit Requirements set forth in the grant agreement.
      3. Recordkeeping Requirements.
         The Provider is required to maintain until December 31, 2031 adequate books, all financial records and supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to this Award. If any litigation, claim or audit is started before the expiration of the retention period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims or audit exceptions involving the records have been resolved and final action taken. The Provider agrees to provide or make available all records related to this grant upon request.
      4. ARPA Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSFRF) Compliance and Reporting
         See Treasury's CSFRF Reporting Requirements, available at: Recipient Compliance and Reporting Responsibilities | U.S. Department of the Treasury
         Non-compliance with any of the above reporting requirements, including timeliness of reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List.
   4. Payment Terms
      Payment terms described below are reflective of a 12-month award period. For shortened award periods this language will be adjusted accordingly in the grant agreement to reflect a pro-rated period of performance.
      1. Payment Options
         To determine payment options, OCPYD will look at the results of the Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) as described below AND the answers supplied by the applicant to the following four questions as part of this application: (Refer to Section D Application and Submission Instruction, 2f Budget.)
         1. Does your Agency maintain written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the receipt and disbursement of grant funds?
         2. Does your Agency comply with/meet the financial management standards of 2 CFR 200.302?
         3. Does your Agency anticipate any immediate cash needs to implement this grant?
         4. Does your Agency have sufficient working capital to fully operate the grant program for 2 months beginning July 1, without advance payment, including initial startup costs and normal monthly grant expenses?
      2. Payment Determination Process
         1. Payment Determination (for grant awards not requiring a match)
            1. Applicants identified as low risk on the ICQ: Applicants will be identified as low risk if they have zero high risk scores and one or less medium risk scores on the items on the ICQ. Applicants identified as low-risk will receive monthly advance payments. An initial 2/12 of the Award amount will be issued upon execution of the agreement; and may be rounded to the nearest $100.00. Subsequent payments will be issued, after reconciling all current and previously reported expenditures, ensuring the applicant maintains a 1/12 rolling advance.
            2. Applicants identified as Medium to High Risk on the ICQ: Applicants will be identified as medium to high risk if they have one or more high risk scores and/or two or more medium risk scores on the items on the ICQ. An annual determination will be made regarding the need for a working capital advance. This determination will be made based on information submitted by the applicant as part of the FY21 Grant Application/Plan process. Applicants will be placed in one of the following payment categories:
               1. For applicants that indicate insufficient working capital to fully operate the grant program for 2 months beginning July 1, will receive an initial working capital advance payment of 2/12 of the Award amount upon execution of the agreement; and may be rounded to the nearest $100.00. Subsequent payments will be issued on a reimbursement basis and will consider all previously submitted and documented expenditures.
               2. For applicants that indicate sufficient working capital to fully operate the grant program for 2 months beginning July 1, grant payments will be issued on a reimbursement basis that will consider all previously submitted and documented expenditures.
         2. The Department will compare, as applicable, the amount of the initial advance/working capital payment made to date with the documented expenditures provided to the Department by the applicant. 
            1. Applicants identified as low risk on the ICQ: In the event the documented services provided by the applicant do not justify the level of award being provided to the applicant, future payments may be withheld or reduced until such time as the services documentation provided by the applicant equals the amounts previously provided to the applicant to ensure each payment advanced does not exceed 1/12 cash-on-hand. Failure of the applicant to provide timely, accurate and sufficiently detailed documentation will result in delayed payments and may result in a reduction to the total award.
            2. Applicants identified as Medium to High Risk on the ICQ: In the event the documented services provided by the applicant do not justify the level of award being provided to the applicant, future payments may be withheld or reduced until such time as the services documentation provided by the applicant equals the amounts previously provided to the applicant. Failure of the applicant to provide timely, accurate and sufficiently detailed documentation will result in delayed payments and may result in a reduction to the total award.
         3. Final Payment
            The final payment from the Department under this Agreement shall be made upon the Department's determination that all requirements under this Agreement have been completed, which determination shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such final payment will be subject to adjustment after the completion of a review of the applicant's records as provided in the Agreement.
         4. Repayment
            In the event payments made by the Department to the applicant exceed the total amount of the applicant reported and Department authorized expenditures, the applicant will be required to issue a repayment to the Department in an amount equal to the overpayment.
      3. Additional Advance Payments
         Additional working capital advance payments may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Such requests must be made in writing, may require supporting documentation and must be approved by IDHS Executive Staff.
7. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)
   1. Point of Contact
      Name:  Kari Branham
      Email Address: DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov
   2. Questions and Answers
      If you have questions relating to this NOFO, please send them via email to: DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov with "RVP-TTAS" in the subject line of the email. Beginning 12/1/2021 questions with their respective answers will be posted on the IDHS website at this link. Questions and answers will be updated frequently as new questions are received. Applicants are responsible for checking frequently as the responses provided may have an impact on their ability to submit a responsive application. Only written answers posted on the website will be considered valid and official.
      The final deadline to submit any written questions regarding this Funding Notice will be Wednesday; 1/12/2022. The Final listing of Q&A will be posted by End of Day on Friday, 1/14/2022.
8. Other Information, if applicable
9. Mandatory Forms - Required for grant program
   • Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Appendix B)
   • Project Narrative and Attachments (Refer to Section D. Application and Submission Information, 4. Other Submission Requirements for a list of required attachments)
   • Uniform Grant Budget

Appendices for FY 22 RPSA Violence Prevention Training, Technical Assistance and Support (RVP-TTAS) and RPSA Youth Development Training, Technical Assistance and Support (RYD-TTAS)

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