444-88-2811 Competitive Integrated Employment Capacity Grant

Summary Information

1. Awarding Agency Name: Illinois Department of Human Services
2. Agency Contact: Agency contact information for the application process:
Erica O'Neal (DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov)
3. Announcement Type: Initial announcement
4. Type of Assistance Instrument: Grant
5. Funding Opportunity Number: 22-444-88-2811
6. Funding Opportunity Title: Competitive Integrated Employment Capacity Grant
7. CSFA Number: 444-88-2811
8. CSFA Popular Name: Competitive Integrated Employment Capacity
9. CFDA Number(s): Not Applicable
10. Anticipated Number of Awards: 8-12
11. Estimated Total Program Funding: Up to $5,000,000 over 3 years - Fiscal Years 2022, 2023 and 2024
12. Award Range $100,000 - $625,000
13. Source of Funding: State
14. Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
15. Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
16. Posted Date: 12/15/2021
17.Application Range: Start Date: December 15, 2021
End Date:  February 28, 2022
End Time:  5:00 p.m. CST
18. Technical Assistance Session: Session Offered: No

Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity

A. Program Description

Full Description

Data from the 2019 National Survey of State Intellectual and Developmental Disability (I/DD) Agency Day and Employment Services indicates that only 6% of individuals with Intellectual and or Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in Illinois who receive a day or employment waiver funded service are participating in Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) as compared to 22% nationally for individuals with I/DD. The National Core Indicators 2017-2018 report for Illinois indicates that while nearly half of all survey respondents would like a paid job in the community, the predominance of those individuals do not have employment identified in their service plan.

Individuals with I/DD are exceptionally underrepresented in the competitive integrated workforce. This underrepresentation is due to a number of factors which present as barriers for individuals with I/DD, their families and support networks and provider agencies. These barriers include misconception of impact to existing benefits, lack of qualified and available personnel to assist individuals with I/DD in career development and insufficient capacity within existing agencies and programs which focus on CIE.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) with the intent to expand provider agency capacity specific to increasing access and support for individuals with I/DD to explore and obtain CIE.

The Competitive Integrated Employment Capacity (CIEC) grant will provide funding, contingent on achievement of key performance indicators, for up to 12 provider agencies in fiscal years 2022, 2023 and 2024. The grant will cover areas such as personnel, training/certification, marketing, outreach and other enhancements to programs which focus on CIE outcomes. DDD intends to fund both agencies with existing CIE programs that are either not currently funded as Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP) or have contracts less than $100,001 as well as agencies seeking to initiate such programs. The Divisions of Developmental Disabilities and Rehabilitation Services will provide training and technical assistance. Funded provider agencies will be required to participate in a Community of Practice (CoP) specific to the grant. The Division of Developmental Disabilities seeks equitable geographic grantee representation with consideration given to funding projects within each Illinois Region.

CIE is defined as work that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis for which an individual is:

  • Paid at or above minimum wage.
  • Not paid less than what other employees without disabilities are paid for the same or similar work.
  • Eligible for the level of benefits provided to other employees without disabilities.
  • Provided opportunities for advancement similar to those employees without disabilities who have similar positions.
  • At a location where the employee interacts with other employees without disabilities, not including job coaches or other support personnel, as well as regular interaction with persons without disabilities who are not paid care givers or service providers.
    • Self-employment or CIE at a location at which there are typically no other employees working, besides the individual, is acceptable.
    • Settings established by provider agencies and/or CRPs for the purpose of employing individuals with disabilities are not competitive integrated employment positions. 

The CIEC grant will fund the following required activities: 

  • Agency personnel whose job description and activities directly relate to CIE activities for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023. Funding is meant to increase headcount dedicated to CIE activities.
  • Training of identified agency personnel in a nationally recognized Employment Support approved by Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE).
  • Certification of identified agency personnel as Certified Employment Support Professionals (CESP).
  • DDD/DRS provided training. 
  • Participation in a DDD-sponsored CIEC Community of Practice (CoP).
  • Technical Assistance from DDD staff.
  • Streamlined process to become a DRS CRP.
  • Direct costs associated with obtaining or renewing Accreditation in Employment Services, from one the entities below, in fiscal years 2023 and/or 2024:
    • Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation facilities (CARF)
    • Association for Education & Rehabilitation (AER)
    • The Joint Commission (TJC)
    • The Council on Accreditation (COA)
    • The Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL) 
  • Note: All funding awards are based on meeting established activities and outcomes as identified within the NOFO.

Timeline of Activities: 

* Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 activities must be completed to be eligible for FY 2024 funding.

Fiscal Year 2022 (by 6/30/22):

  • Create new or modify existing job descriptions for personnel related to CIE activities.
  • Begin to recruit, hire and on-board new, or identify existing, dedicated personnel that will function as Job Developers, Employment Specialists and or Job Coaches.
  • Initiate internal CIE training and professional development activities with the ACRE approved curriculum.
  • Identify, and explore application for eligible personnel to take the CESP exam.
  • Participate in grant award webinars, DDD/DRS trainings and other related activities.
  • Initiate development of marketing materials and a communications strategy linked to the project.
  • Identify and engage individuals (persons served) who will participate in the project.
  • Schedule community outreach events for FY23.
  • (As applicable) Explore accreditation entities.
  • (As applicable) Connect with DRS Community Resources regarding CRP status and contracts.

Fiscal Year 2023 (7/1/22-6/30/23):

  • Demonstrate progression towards FY22 activities.
  • Continue to recruit, hire and on-board new, or identify existing, personnel that will function as Job Developers, Employment Specialists and or Job Coaches.
  • Complete individual assessments for project participants.
  • Eligible personnel take the Certified Employment Support Professionals (CESP) exam.
  • Finalize & implement marketing materials and communication strategy linked to the project.
  • Initiate CIE activities for project participants including:
    • Classroom education
    • On the job experiences
    • Business exploration
    • Evaluation of performance
  • Engage in CIE specific quarterly outreach with local stakeholders, business partners and community members.
  • Participate in DDD/DRS training, DDD TA and Community of Practice.
  • Secure CRP designation & contracts from DRS for FY 2024 or work to increase CRP contracts to account for additional placement activities for FY 2024.
  • Select an accreditation entity and begin process to accredit all programs related to CIE.

Fiscal Year 2024 (7/1/23-6/30/24)

  • Have completed all items from FY23.
  • Transition staffing funding reliance to DRS contract (personnel funding ceases, moving to outcome-based DRS contracts).
  • Continue CIE specific quarterly engagement with and outreach to local stakeholders, business partners and community members.
  • Continue to increase enrollment in CIE focused programs.
  • Continue participating in DDD/DRS training, 1:1 DDD TA and Community of Practice.
  • Ensure all staff are CESP approved.
  • Achieve accreditation.

Description of State awarding agency's funding priorities, technical or focus areas in which the State awarding agency intends to provide assistance.

The State Agency funding priorities are centered on enhancing independence and quality of life of individuals with I/DD through increasing access to CIE. Increasing CIE will result in greater integration in the community, increased earning capacity and development of new support networks. This grant award prioritizes growing provider agency capacity to support more individuals with I/DD to explore and obtain CIE.

In allocating funds, the DDD shall give preference to programs which serve special population groups and targeted geographic areas, as determined by the DDD. In determining special population groups, the DDD shall consider the adequacy of current service programs in meeting the unique needs of minority groups and persons with certain types of disabilities. In determining targeted geographic areas, the DDD shall consider an area's current funding and service levels and demographic indicators of need.

Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity

Grants and Agreements (2 CFR 200)

Developmental Disabilities CSA Attachment A

Developmental Disabilities Program Manual

Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code (405 ILCS 5)

Performance Goals

The CIEC grant is intended to:

  • Result in a higher proportion of Individuals with I/DD obtaining and sustaining CIE.
  • Enhance employment support service delivery through the training, certification and continued professional development of agency personnel who demonstrate competency in, and are responsible for, CIE activities.
  • Create a consistent, accessible and sustainable pathway for agencies to start, grow and ultimately maintain successful CIE programs.
  • Strengthen the connection and collaboration within the network of provider agencies through a Community of Practice focused on CIE.

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, a cumulative report based on annual outcomes will be submitted:

  • Personnel & Agency
    • Number of personnel dedicated to CIE outcomes prior to the grant period
    • Number of new personnel (additional headcount) who are hired with the specific intent of reaching project outcomes
    • Number of existing applicant personnel whose roles / positions are modified to include a specific and primary responsibility of increasing community integration and inclusion, through CIE, for adults with I/DD (back bill of their current position is expected)
    • Total number of new or existing personnel that have completed the ACRE training (non-duplicative, must be 100%)
    • Total number of new or existing eligible personnel who have achieved CESP status (non-duplicative, must be 100% of eligible personnel)
    • Total number of new or existing personnel that have participated in the DDD/DRS training (must be 100%)
    • Total number of new or existing personnel that actively and consistently participated in the Community of Practice
    • Total number of CIE stakeholder engagement presentations and attendees
    • Overall ratio of CIE personnel to project participants in (should be no more than 1:15)
      • Pre-employment activities (classroom education, on the job experiences, business exploration, evaluative or assessment activities)
      • CIE employment supports (job coaching, job stability activities)
  • CIEC Grant Program
    • Total number of individuals being served in the CIEC grant program
      • Demographic breakdown by age, race, ethnicity and gender
    • Number of individuals in job development under the CIEC grant
    • Number of individuals in placed in a job under the CIEC grant
    • Number of individuals receiving job coaching under the CIEC grant
    • Number of individuals who maintain CIE for 3 months 
    • Number of individuals who maintained CIE for 6 months
    • Number of individuals who maintained CIE for 9 months
    • Number of individuals with maintained CIE for 12 months 
    • Number of individuals closed to the CIEC after 12 months of continuous employment (must be 100%)
    • Number of individuals transitioning to Individual Supported Employment under the waiver (must transition after 12 months)
    • Average number of hours an individual is working each week
    • Average number of hours an individual is at an on-site, facility based, Community Day Services location each week
    • Average number of hours an individual participates in off-site Community Day Services each week
  • DRS CRP Program
    • Average number of individuals referred to DRS Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) prior to the grant period
    • Current number of individuals referred to DRS Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
    • Percentage of adults with I/DD who, after referral, are deemed eligible for DRS VR
    • Percentage of adults with I/DD who, after being deemed eligible for DRS VR, complete an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE)
    • Percentage of adults with I/DD who, after completion of the IPE, complete an Individualized Placement Plan (IPP)
    • Percentage of adults with I/DD who, after completion of the I/PP, participate in community job development activities
    • Percentage of adults with I/DD who, after participating in community job development activities, are hired by a community employer in a role which matches the IPE and IPP and meets the requirements of CIE
    • Number of individuals who maintain CIE for 3 months
    • Number of individuals who maintained CIE for 6 months
    • Number of individuals who maintained CIE for 9 months
    • Number of individuals with maintained CIE for 12 months
  • Annual Reporting
    • Total number of program participants under the grant ?
      • Demographic break down by age, race, ethnicity and gender
    • Total number who secured employment (goal is 70%) under the grant
      • Demographic break down by age, race, ethnicity and gender.
    • Total number who maintained employment for 90 days (goal is 85%) ?
      • Demographic break down by age, race, ethnicity and gender.
    • Total number of program participants who left SMW positions for CIE
      • Demographic break down by age, race, ethnicity and gender.
    • Any increase in a DRS contract and the amount (should increase to account for personnel costs in FY 24)

B. Funding Information

Source of Funding

Federal or Federal pass-through

State X

Private / other funding

Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new awards 

Yes

No X 

Renewals are at the discretion of the DDD and is based on the performance of the grantee.

Successful applicant(s) will receive:

Grant X 

Cooperative Agreement

Award Period and Available Funds

Award Period: 

Period 1: April 15, 2022 - June 30, 2022

Period 2: July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023 (based on meeting tenets of grant)

Period 3: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 (based on meeting tenets of grant; funding will be reduced by personnel expenses based on the expectation that providers will transition associated costs to their DRS contract)

Award Range: $100,000-$625,000 (over the course of the grant)

Total Funding Available: $5,000,000 over 3 years

Payment Terms

The IDHS payment policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods) and the and the Cash Management Improvement Act and the Treasury-State Agreement (TSA) default procedures codified at 31 CFR 205. IDHS Payments to grantees will be governed in accordance with the established criteria set forth in IDHS Administrative Directive 01.07.01.070 - Grant Payments. In accordance with IDHS Administrative Directive 01.07.01.070 - Grant Payments, grantees have the following payment options.

  • Advance and Reconcile
  • Reimbursement
  • Working Capital Advance Method

All requests for authorization to receive advance payment, working capital advance and reimbursement must be submitted on forms prescribed and approved by the DDD as set forth in IDHS Administrative Directive 01.07.01.070 - Grant Payments and the executed grant agreement (Exhibit C). Additional data may be requested by the DDD,

Funding is contingent upon and subject to the availability of fund and amendments to awards may be necessary within the grant cycle.

IDHS Approved Forms

Financial information must be submitted using the approved Periodic Financial Report.

Schedule of Payments

PFRs are due quarterly. They must be submitted no later than 15 days after the end period. First quarter reports are due by October 15; second quarter reports are due by January 15; third quarter reports are due by April 15; and fourth quarter reports are due by July 15.

Method of Submission

PFRs must be emailed to DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov.

Other

  1. This is a competitive funding opportunity
  2. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the DDD to make an award.
  3. The DDD will fund applicants based on the available appropriation and the application submissions but does not have an anticipated number of awardees CIEC grant.
  4. The DDD anticipates that approximately $5,000,000 will be available for grants under this Notice of Funding Opportunity for the 3 FY cycle.
  5. This award will be funded with State General Revenue Funding (GRF) funds.
  6. This grant does NOT require an in-kind or financial match requirement.
  7. This grant does not have limitation on indirect costs.
  8. The grant start date is estimated to be 4/1/2022.
  9. Subject to appropriation, the grant will continue through 6/30/2024 based on the agency's ability to successfully meet program activities and outcomes.
  10. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive up to two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the DDD. For agencies which did not, at the start of the grant cycle, hold DRS contracts, the FY 24 renewal amount will be reduced based on expectation of the provider becoming a DRS/CRP and or increasing their contract in order to have the ability to bill placement through DRS contracts.
  11. Proposed budgets should include the following:
    1. Personnel, directly associated with CIEC grant - salaries and fringe (FY 22, FY 23)
    2. Cost of travel associated with staff engaged in CIEC grant activities
    3. Cost of marketing materials
    4. Cost of outreach events
    5. Cost of chosen training approved by ACRE
    6. Costs of CESP
    7. Cost of accreditation to meet DRS CRP requirement
    8. Program administration (not to exceed 10% of total budget)
  12. Proposed budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been approved through the CSA system. Additional information on the CSA System will be provided post-award announcement, pre-award. 
  13. Pre-Award costs will be allowed under the following conditions:
    1. 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 acceptance date of the NOSA
      5. Refer to 2 CFR 200.209 Pre-award Costs for more information.
  14. All funding is subject to sufficient appropriations.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

This funding opportunity is open to any agency that can meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Is a current provider of services to individuals who are funded by the HCBS Adults with Developmental Disabilities Waiver
  • Is not a current DRS CRP or is a current DRS CRP but has outcome-based contracts of less than $100,001 annually.
  • Has completed all prequalification guidelines and application requirements.
  • Has submitted all information and data points as outlined and requested in this NOFO
  • Has demonstrated experience providing services and support to individuals with I/DD
  • Has demonstrated the ability to meet all program activities and outcomes described in this NOFO
  • Note: DDD Case Management agencies, aka Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agencies, are NOT eligible for this funding opportunity.

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

Statewide Eligibility to Apply for a Grant - Pre-award and Prequalification

Pre-Qualification Requirements

All entities are required to register with the State of Illinois through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, www.grants.illinois.gov/portal, to be eligible to apply for a grant, How To Access The Grantee Portal. An Illinois.gov public account authenticates the relationship between the individual and the organization they represent, How to create an Illinois.gov Public Account.

The following information is required to complete GATA Grantee Portal registration:

  1. Organization's Dun & Bradstreet number (DUNS);
  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; and
  9. Organization's fiscal year-end date.

Entities are federally required to have an active SAM.gov entity registration, How to register with SAM.gov. Illinois uses SAM.gov automation to determine qualification status based on the entity's registration. Refer to GATA Administrative Rules on Grantee Pre-qualification Status: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000A00700R.html. An entity may apply for a grant award prior to qualified status. The entity must be in "qualified status" based on the Grantee Portal by the Application Review Date. See #18 in the NOFO Transmittal.

The Grantee Portal will indicate in red if a status is not qualified. Links for self-remediation help are provided in the Portal.

  1. Current SAM.gov account;
  2. Current FEIN;
  3. Good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State (Illinois Secretary of State Business Services website): https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/business_services/corp.html
  4. Not on the Illinois Stop Payment List;
  5. Not on the SAM.gov Exclusion List;
  6. Not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Sanctioned Party List.
Pre-Award Requirements

State agencies are federally required to evaluate the risk posed by each applicant. Risk assessments are a pre-award requirement which means they are not required for the application but are required prior to the grant award. The risk assessments include two components: (1) fiscal and administrative and (2) programmatic. Illinois uses an Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) to complete the fiscal and administrative component. Entities are required to access, complete and submit the ICQ through the Grantee Portal for the state fiscal year associated with the grant funding. The programmatic risk assessment (PRA) is distributed by the state awarding agency as part of the application process. Both the ICQ and the PRA must be accepted by the state and approved before a grant award can be executed.

Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing or matching is not required.

Indirect Cost Rate

Annually, each organization receiving an award from a State grant making agency is required to record an indirect cost rate election through the Grantee Portal or negotiate an indirect cost rate through the Indirect Cost Rate System. Indirect costs cannot be compensated without an election or a negotiated rate being on file with the State of Illinois.

The following elections for indirect costs to State and federal pass-through grants are available through the Grantee Portal:

  1. Waive the right to charge indirect costs to grant awards (Waive or No Rate);
  2. De Minimis Rate of 10% of modified total direct costs (10% MTDC);
  3. Negotiate an Indirect Cost Rate Agreement with the State of Illinois (State NICRA), except Local Governments, see below.
  4. Utilize a current Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (Federal NICRA), except Local Governments, see below.
  5. Special Requirements for Local Governments a. Local Governments are allowed to negotiate rates by individual departments or the entity as a whole. In order to negotiate an indirect cost rate by department, you must have a separate DUNS/Unique Entity Identifier and register separately in the GATA Grantee Portal, as we are required to treat you as an individual organization.
    1. Local Governments receiving more than $35 million in direct federal funding are required to negotiate their indirect cost rate with their federal cognizant agency.
    2. Local Governments receiving less than $35 million in direct federal funding are required to maintain indirect cost rate proposals (ICRPs) for federal audit purposes. These federally maintained proposals must be submitted to the State of Illinois to be reviewed and meet monitoring requirements. For purposes of the Centralized System, these federal ICRPs will be labeled as "State NICRAs" for local governments.
    3. Local Governments receiving less than $35 million in direct federal funding are required to maintain ICRPs for federal audit purposes. These federally maintained proposals must be submitted to the State of Illinois to be reviewed and meet monitoring requirements. For purposes of the Centralized System, these federal ICRPs will be labeled as "State NICRAs" for local governments.

An indirect cost rate may be negotiated through the Indirect Cost Rate System.

Refer to the Indirect Cost Rate Election and Negotiation Manual for technical assistance. https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Grantee%20Links/Centralized-Indirect-Cost-Rate-User-Manual.pdf.   

The awardee shall make an election or negotiate a rate that all State agencies must accept unless specific federal or State program limitations, caps or supplanting issues apply.

Other

Applicants may choose to submit one application for all geographic areas to which they are applying or they may choose to submit a separate application for each of the geographic areas to which they are applying.

Start Up: Selected applicants must be prepared to commence the program on April 15, 2022.

Attachment A/Program Manual: Applicants must agree to adhere to all applicable portions of the Uniform Grant Agreement Attachment A (Developmental Disabilities) and FY2020 Developmental Disabilities Program Manual as well as all subsequent revisions to Attachment A and the Program Manual for the length of the grant agreement.

Cultural and Linguistic Competence: All services must be provided in a culturally sensitive manner inclusive of respecting differences related to ethnicity, race, religion, age, gender, abilities, and communication preferences. Where needed or requested, the grantee agrees to secure interpreter services to promote the full inclusion of persons seeking or receiving services, their legal guardian, and their family members.

Data Collection and Reporting: Selected applicants will be required to document service provision and maintain accurate, comprehensive service records for all persons seeking or receiving services in the assigned service area(s). Applicants will provide periodic reports to the Division to demonstrate compliance with all performance measures as well as provide ad hoc reports as requested by the Division.

Meeting Participation: Selected applicants must ensure agency participation in all training activities and meetings with Division personnel as requested.

D. Application and Submission Information

Address to Request Application Package

All components of the application package can be accessed through the Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA).

Since high-speed internet access is not yet universally available for downloading documents or accessing the electronic application, and applicants may have additional accessibility requirements, applicants may request paper copies of materials by contacting:

Erica O'Neal

Bureau of Reimbursement and Program Support, Division of Developmental Disabilities

Illinois Department of Human Services

600 East Ash, Building 400

Email: DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov

Content and Form of Application Submission

Application Forms Requirements 

All applications must include the following mandatory forms/attachments:

  1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Application)
  2. Program Plan/Narrative (as described below)
  3. Grant Budget (Uniform Grant Budget Template)
  4. Indirect Cost Rate Information (Background Information)
Application Content Requirements 
  1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance: Document used by all entities applying for a grant with IDHS. The document is used to formalize an applicant's request for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. That email address will be used for official communication between IDHS and the applicant for matters regarding the application. The specific conditions related to this grant will be addressed in the exhibit sections of the grant agreement, but the same form will be used by each state agency.
  2. Program Plan/Narrative: Applicants are required to submit a Program Plan/Narrative which includes the following items as described/outlined in Section (E)(1) below: description of need; organizational capacity; description and quality of programs/services; and budget. Each section of the Program Plan/Narrative must be completed.
  3. Grant Budget: Applications must include a budget via the Uniform Grant Budget Template which is a form on the DHS website (GOMBGATU-3002; Budget Instructions). The Division's program and fiscal staff will work with awardees to negotiate a budget for the final grant award which will then need to be uploaded via the Uniform Grant Budget in the CSA System. This will be required before the start of the grant period. The budget may need to be revised over the course of the grant process or during the ongoing award.
  4. Applications must include a budget via the spreadsheet linked in this application. The Division's program and fiscal staff will work with awardees to negotiate a budget for the final grant award which will then need to be uploaded via the Uniform Grant Budget in the CSA System (link here). This will be required before the start of the grant period. The budget may need to be revised over the course of the grant process or during the ongoing award.
  5. Indirect Cost Information: If indirect costs are included in the budget, and the applicant has a currently-approved NICRA, please ensure the NICRA has been uploaded in the State of Illinois Indirect Cost System if indirect costs are included in the proposed budget.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity does not require the process of letters of intent or white paper submission.

Application Format Requirements

Electronic submission is required.

Preferred submissions should have all documents: (1) with a minimal font of 12-size; (2) with one-inch margins; (3) with pages displaying page numbers and (4) single spaced.

Other Unique Programmatic Application Requirements

Application should be no more than 25 pages. 

Unique Entity Identifier/Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and System for Award Management (SAM)

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 specified application review date. To establish a SAM.gov registration, 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 DUNS number in its application. To a DUNS number, go to https://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html; and
  3. Continue to maintain an active SAM.gov 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.

The State awarding agency may not make a Federal pass-through or State award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the State awarding agency is ready to make a Federal pass-through or State award, the State awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal pass-through or State award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal pass-through or State award to another applicant.

Submission Dates and Times

Applications with all required documentation must be received, via email, no later than 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 28, 2022.

  1. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal or State holiday, the reporting package is due the next business day.
  2. What the deadline means: The date and time by which the State awarding agency must receive the application.
  3. The effect of missing a deadline: Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding.
  4. To be considered, applications must be emailed by the date and time listed above. For your records, please keep a copy of your email submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the location listed above.

Acknowledgement of receipt: Applicants will receive an email (within 72 hours of receipt or 120 hours if received on a non-business day) notifying them that their application was received and if it was received by the due date and time. This email notification will be sent to the original sender of the application.

Submission Method: Email or Another Electronic Platform

Acceptable Proof of Timely Submission:  Electronic time date and stamp

Intergovernmental Review

Not Applicable

This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

Funding Restrictions

Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information, 3. Indirect Cost Rate for Indirect Cost Rate Restrictions and Match Requirement details.

Other Submission Requirements

The applicant must additionally submit the following:

  1. Program Plan/Narrative - The program narrative at a minimum must include the categories to be evaluated in the merit review process:
    1. Need: X
    2. Capacity: X
    3. Quality: X
    4. Other: N/A 
  2. Budget
    1. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrates that all proposed costs are:
      1. Reasonable and necessary,
      2. Allocable, and
      3. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable.
    2. the applicant must submit a budget using the appropriate IDHS designated template/system (presently the Uniform Grant Budget Template form via the IDHS website).
  3. Electronic and Other submission addresses:
    1. Email: DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov - With respect to electronic methods for providing information about funding opportunities or accepting applicants' submissions of information, each State awarding agency is responsible for compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d)."

E. Application Review Information

All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review. Review criteria is based upon the requirements set forth in the following:

As dictated by the authoritative references above, the following minimum review criteria apply:

  • Need: Identification of stakeholders, facts and evidence that demonstrate the proposal supports the grant program purpose.
  • Capacity: The ability of an entity to execute the grant project according to project requirements.
  • Quality: The totality of features and characteristics of a service, project or product that indicated its ability to satisfy the requirements of the grant program.
  • Other unique program criteria.

Application is subject to Merit Based Review:  Yes X  No

Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria

The maximum total score is 100 points.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

25 POINTS

The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for successful applicants that will 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. Information in this section should include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • Identify the amount being requested under this proposal.
  • Identify target service areas/communities
  • Identify the number of individuals with I/DD who are projected to participate
  • Describe agency experience in providing services and supports, both generally and specific to CIE, to individuals with I/DD and their families
  • Briefly describe the reason the provider agency seeks to receive the CIEC grant and the impact on the individuals you seek to support in CIE.
  • Describe how the CIEC grant will help your organization build expertise in order to support individuals with I/DD to move into CIE.
  • Affirmation of commitment to participating in DDD/DRS training, Community of Practice
  • Affirmation of commitment to participation in ACRE training and or staff certification through CESP
  • Affirmation of commitment to becoming a DRS funded CRP and seeking accreditation from a nationally accredited organization
  • Affirmation, if applicable, to decreasing enrollment in Special Wage Certificate activities

The ideal applicant will:

  • Clearly define the service area and target community or communities to be supported.
  • Provide data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating the potential impact of participation in the program.
  • Present a compelling vision for the agency transformation due to participation in the program.
  • Clearly affirm commitment to the key tenets of the program.

PROGRAM PLAN/NARRATIVE

75 TOTAL POINTS

Need (Description of Need)

20 POINTS

The applicant's proposal will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Analysis of the needs of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the proposed service area(s) and target community/communities and the agency's plans for meeting those needs.
  • Data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating the ways that the proposed CIEC grant will impact the individuals being identified
    • Number of adults with DD you currently support engaged in:
      • Residential Services
      • Community Day Services
      • Special Wage Certificate activity
      • Facility-based work (Non-Special Wage Certificate)
      • Facility based non work (in life skills / life enrichment)
      • Non-Special Wage Certificate prevocational or employee development activity
      • Non-Special Wage Certificate prevocational or employee development activity
      • DDD Supported Employment Program
      • Competitive Integrated Employment
    • Number of adults with DD you anticipate being interested in engaging in CIE:
    • Number of agency personnel (paid or volunteer) with a primary job duty associated with:
      • Special Wage Certificate Activity
      • Facility-based work (Non-Special Wage Certificates
      • Facility based non work (in life skills / life enrichment)
      • Non-Special Wage Certificate prevocational or employee development activity
      • Community based activity (volunteerism/exploration)
      • DDD Supported Employment Program
      • Competitive Integrated Employment
    • Number of agency personnel you would seek to employ to meet the CIEC program goals
    • If the agency is accredited by a national accreditation body, and if so, identify the accreditation body.

The ideal applicant will:

  • Clearly define the individuals and communities to be supported.
  • Demonstrate the need in the provider's community or service area(s).
  • Provide data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating the potential impact of participation in the program.

Capacity (Agency Qualification/Organizational Capacity)

20 POINTS

The applicant's proposal will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Agency's ability to be ready to begin participating in the CIEC activities by April 15, 2022.
  • Define the applicant's strategies and approaches to identify and or recruit adults with I/DD to participate in the project.
  • Describe the applicant's approach to engage stakeholders, businesses, families and other community partners to build a foundation of achievable, cohesive and sustained success in increasing community integration and inclusion of adults with I/DD.
  • Describe the applicants training plan (ACRE approved) and process to certify their employment staff (CESP)
  • Describe the agency's plans to change internal culture to be employment focused.
  • Agency's prior experience serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families.
  • Describe the protocols and processes necessary to collect, track, house and act upon data related to the outcomes of this project.
  • Define a program plan, including key performance indicators and maintenance strategies, for achieving the targeted increase in community integration and inclusion of adults with I/DD by the conclusion of the NOFO funding cycle.
  • Agency's ability to execute the program according to the grant requirements.

The ideal applicant will:

  • Provide a detailed and realistic program plan to establish the program within the organization.
  • Demonstrate ability to collect and analyze data.
  • Demonstrate that the agency has experience providing services and programs serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families with a specific focus on the program goals.

Quality of Program/Services

20 POINTS

The applicant's proposal will be evaluated based on the following:

  • Describe the applicant's intent to modify or enhance recruitment and retention strategies for staff which will support project funded programs.
  • Identify the professional development or formal certification of personnel who are assigned to assist adults with I/DD to increase community integration and inclusion.
  • Commit to participate in project evaluation activities, project meetings/webinars, technical assistance and training activities coordinated by the DDD or third-party training and technical assistance providers.
  • Identification the ACRE approved staff training and describe the rationale and fit for the organization in relation to individuals served.
  • Demonstration that the proposal, in total, is well articulated and in alignment with the program goals
  • Provides a detailed description as to how the agency will directly engage with potential and existing participants via education, outreach, and communication.
  • Provides a detailed summary of the agency's quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with the program goals as well as Division, IDHS, and GATA requirements.

The ideal applicant will:

  • Provide a detailed description that the agency has experience providing services and programs that serve individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families with a specific focus on the program goals.
  • Demonstrate demographically and culturally appropriate processes are in place to reach out to a wide variety of potential and existing Respite program participants to keep them engaged or to engage them, for the first time, in the program.
  • Ensure the agency has appropriate processes in place to measure quality assurance and make changes/updates as needed.

BUDGET & COST JUSTIFICATION

15 POINTS

The applicant's proposal will be evaluated based on the extent to which the budget narrative provides the following:

  • Thorough and clear justification and narrative for all proposed line-item expenditures.
  • All expenditures and program costs are reasonable and allowable.
  • Financial Quotes for all proposed training and certification should be included with the proposal.
  • Administrative costs are no more than 10% of the proposed budget
  • Proposed staffing is sufficient to address customer projections (no higher than 1:15 staff ratio)
  • Where available, supplemental or companion funding is clearly identified.

Is the award subject to Cost Sharing/Matching? Yes  No X 

If yes, is cost sharing considered in the scoring criteria? Yes  No X

Review and Selection Process

Review teams comprised of up to 3 individuals, with at least 1 reviewer being from DRS. Each application will first be reviewed and scored individually. Then, review team members will collectively review the application, their scores, and comments. Individual review team members may choose to adjust scores to appropriately capture content that may have been missed initially. Scores will then be sent to the application Review Coordinator to be compiled and averaged to produce the single final application score.

Application Review Date: March 1, 2022 - March 15, 2022

In accordance with Section C. Eligibility Information, an entity must be in qualified status as of the Application Review Date for their grant application to be considered by the state awarding agency.

Merit-Based Review Appeal Process

In accordance with GATA Administrative Rules, Section 350, Merit Based Review of Grant Applications, a merit-based application review is required for competitive (discretionary) Grants and Cooperative Agreements, unless prohibited by State or federal statute. http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000D03500R.html 

Under a competitive grant, the evaluation process may be subject to appeal. Evaluation scores or funding determinations/outcomes cannot be appealed. Refer to the Merit Based review Appeal Process as stated in GATA Administrative Rules, Section g: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000D03500R.html

Appeals submission IDHS contact information:

Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates

Anticipated Program Start Date: April 15, 2022

Anticipated Program End Date: June 30, 2024

Other announcement and award date information: March 16, 2022

F. Award Administration Information

State Award Notices

Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the above review and selection process will receive a notice of award. The award notice shall include:

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

The announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding grantor to www.grants.illinois.gov.

A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award.

Administrative Requirements

Upon the receipt of an award, the successful applicant is obligated to comply with the following:

  1. The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708);
  2. The applicable requirements of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and;
  3. Any additional programmatic and administrative special conditions that may be required.

The applicant awarded these funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and shall act in accordance with all state and federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services including indirect cost rate requirements in Section C - Eligibility, of the NOFO.

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

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:

  • GOMBGATU-4002 Periodic Financial Report (PFR) submitted electronically to DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov.
  • GOMBGATU-4001 Periodic Performance Report (PPR) submitted electronically to DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov.
  • Annual Audit in conformance with Audit Requirements set forth in the grant agreement.
  • If awarded more than $500,000 over the period of performance post award requirements reflected in Appendix XII - Award Term and Condition for Recipient Integrity and Performance Matters - apply.

Frequency of periodic financial reporting: Quarterly

Frequency of periodic performance reporting: Quarterly

Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements as outlined above.

Non-compliance with any of the above reporting requirements may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List.

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

Name: Erica O'Neal

Email Address: DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov

Note: Any programmatic or administrative questions should be directed to the above contact.

Technical Assistance Information

Technical Assistance Inquiries:

  • Frequently asked "Questions and Answers" will be posted to IDHS Website.
  • The "Questions and Answers" will be posted in a timely, responsive manner to ensure current information regarding NOFO clarifications are available to applicants. 
  • All questions submitted to the program area must be answered publicly through the designated public forum (presently IDHS website).

Technical Assistance Session:

  • N/A

H. Other Information, if applicable

N/A

Mandatory Forms -- Required for All Agencies

  1. Uniform State Grant Application
  2. Program Plan/Narrative
  3. Uniform Grant Budget Template
  4. Indirect Cost Information