444-80-2773 Reimagine Public Safety Act Conveners (Reimagine Conveners)

Summary Information

1. Program Description

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. To reduce firearm violence, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) (430 ILCS 69). The RPSA calls for a comprehensive approach to reducing firearm violence through targeted, integrated behavioral health services and economic opportunities. It also created the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) in the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), which has authority over this effort. The OFVP's Firearm Violence Research Group identified 22 Chicago community areas as locations with the most concentrated firearm violence, based on their having the highest number of per capita and overall fatal/non-fatal firearm-shot victims, excluding self-inflicted incidents, from 2016 through 2020. These communities are therefore eligible for support from the OFVP to fund evidence-based interventions supporting firearm violence reduction: 

• Auburn
• Gresham
• Austin
• Burnside
• Chatham
• Chicago
• Lawn East
• Garfield Park
• Englewood
• Fuller Park
• Greater Grand Crossing
• Humboldt
• Park New City
• North Lawndale
• Riverdale
• Roseland
• South Chicago
• South Lawndale
• South Shore
• Washington Park
• West Englewood
• West Garfield Park
• West Pullman
• Woodlawn
• More communities may be identified in accordance with the RPSA State Law.

Community engagement and provider collaboration is one key to implementing evidence-based intervention services to reduce firearm violence. The Centers for Disease Control established a Committee on Community Engagement to improve public health. They defined community engagement as "the process of working collaboratively with groups of people who are affiliated by geographic proximity, special interests, or similar situations with respect to issues affecting their well-being." Meaningful community and provider engagement will bring stakeholders together to help strategize and make plans to address the issues most impacting them.
Reimagine Public Safety Act Conveners (Reimagine Conveners) will be selected for each eligible community area to work with OFVP-funded service providers and community members. The Reimagine Conveners will be an experienced violence prevention organization that will work with the State of Illinois' OFVP to help build capacity within Chicago's most impacted community areas to reduce firearm violence by encouraging effective, collaborative working relationships across providers in such disciplines as violence prevention, mental health, and youth development.
Important: IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize equity and diversity throughout its work. This involves correcting 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.
This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is for Reimagine Conveners.

1. • Funding Priorities
     The Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) intends to select one Reimagine Convener for each eligible community areas to serve as a liaison between the OFVP and the funded direct service providers and communities by facilitating meaningful collaborative action planning across various providers representing different disciplines of violence prevention, mental health, youth development, etc. that service that community area. IDHS, through this competitive, merit-based review and selection NOFO process, will assess and prioritize: 
     1. Applicants' level of demonstrated experience providing evidenced-based community violence prevention services within the proposed community area.
     2. Applicants' level of experience in community engagement and outreach who can demonstrate strong community relationships with residents, stakeholders, and law enforcement entities.
     3. Applicants will have experience convening various stakeholders for a shared common interest in advocating for such matters as community resources and safety, criminal justice reform, racial equity, etc.
     4. Applicant organizations that have had a physical presence within the community area to which they are applying to serve.
     5. Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to advance equity and racial justice.
        In the coming weeks, IDHS anticipates releasing separate competitive funding opportunities to provide services in the eligible Chicago Community Areas for:
        • Evidence-based Violence Prevention services
        • Evidence-based Youth Development services
        • Evidence-based High-Risk Youth Intervention services
   • Required Services and Programming
     Reimagine Conveners will guide their respective community area's RPSA Community Group (composed of RPSA-funded providers and other community stakeholders where appropriate) to build consensus on identified needs and priorities related to addressing firearm violence and increasing public safety. RLVPC will also help inform and/or represent their community areas in terms of broader public safety forums and support planning around reducing firearm violence and increasing public safety. Reimagine Conveners will also help inform and/or represent their community areas in public safety forums, support planning to reduce firearm violence and convene emergency response meetings that require immediate attention. Additionally, they will help coordinate more integrated services in their community through formalized agreements among providers. Lastly, they will assist in building capacity within community areas by offering opportunities and access to training and technical assistance.
     Reimagine Conveners Responsibilities and Tasks:
     1. Monthly RPSA Community Group Meetings
        1. Convene mandatory monthly meetings with RPSA-funded direct service providers for the relevant community area. Participants should include violence prevention organizations, youth development organizations, and high-risk youth intervention organizations, joining together to develop an effective firearm reduction support system that is community-informed and led. These convenings may also be open to other organizations not funded by RPSA.
        2. Facilitate the development of agendas, informed by Community Group members, and memorialize priorities with notes or minutes for each meeting.
        3. Provide written updates to the OFVP on key discussion areas, events, and needs noted at meetings, highlighting priorities that have been agreed upon by the RPSA Community Group.
     2. Emergency Response Meetings
        Convene meetings with members of the Community Group and other community stakeholders when conditions require immediate attention and response related to elevated threats of firearm violence. Awareness of these situations and meetings should be communicated to the OFVP.
     3. Reimagine Conveners Meetings
        1. Participate in monthly Reimagine Conveners meetings with the OFVP. At these meetings, share local firearm violence prevention efforts as prescribed in the Reimagine Conveners' toolkit (which will be provided to successful applicants).
        2. Share lessons learned and successes with other Reimagine Conveners.
        3. Receive updates from the OFVP to share with the Community Group.
     4. Build on Local Collaboration Efforts
        1. Participate and engage with existing relevant community groups.
        2. Build collaboration between community groups and RPSA-funded providers.
     5. OFVP Monthly Status Reports/ Data Collection
        Provide the OFVP with monthly status updates that include:
        1. Community collaboration efforts - including reported incidents that called for crisis collaboration, community events and forums focused on reducing firearm violence, creation of reciprocal referral process systems and/ or service linkage agreements, etc.
        2. Community updates related to firearm violence trends and occurrences.
        3. Training activities - including training intent, attendance and other notable information (as defined in the Reimagine Conveners toolkit.)
        4. iv. Supporting documentation on progress and activities in the form of meeting agendas, meetings minutes, attendance, etc.
        5. Evidence of community impact via feedback from community stakeholders, including survey data.
     6. Facilitate Collective Strategy Planning
        1. Highlight high impact and effective interventions and programs in the service area and from other communities/regions.
        2. Encourage and assist RPSA providers to create linkage agreements with each other and other providers.
        3. Organize community events/ forums/ panel discussions (in-person and virtual, per current COVID guidance) to provide space for community members to speak to their experiences; celebrate community pride by highlighting organizations, leaders, or advocates who support public safety; and keep the community informed around local and state gun violence prevention efforts.
     7. Recommendations Responsibilities
        1. In collaboration with the RPSA-funded service providers and others in the Community Group, make consensus recommendations to the OFVP on how to reduce violent conflict in their respective neighborhood.
        2. In collaboration with community residents and other community organizations that have expertise in housing, mental health, economic development, education, and social services, make recommendations to OFVP on how to best apply resources available from Federal and State funding services. Recommendations should be submitted to OFVP at least every six months.
        3. Ensure that the voices, perspectives, and needs of those most impacted by violence are share and incorporated into recommendations.
     8. Law Enforcement
        In collaboration with the Community Group, make consensus recommendations to local law enforcement on how to reduce violent conflict in the Convener's area of responsibility. This will require establishing clear and open communication with local law enforcement leaders and staff. Recommendations should be specific to the interactions, duties, and powers in the scope of law enforcement authority.
     9. Equity and Racial Justice
        Develop a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)/racial justice plan that:
        1. Reflects a commitment to advance equity and racial justice by enabling all to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, and disability.
        2. Outlines how the organization ensures equity, including, but not limited to how leadership of the organization reflects the community it serves.
        3. Includes a plan to identify and address implicit bias.
        4. Includes an equity and racial justice training plan.
        5. Acknowledges the root causes of firearm violence, including historically racist systemic policies and practices where appropriate.
   • Performance Measures
     At the end of each quarter, Conveners will submit a periodic performance report (PPR). At the end of the year, Conveners will submit a cumulative report. The following performance measures will be addressed in the PPR:
     1. Number of monthly meetings convened between RPSA-funded direct service providers.
     2. Number of community events, panel discussions, forums hosted.
     3. Number of completed feedback surveys from community stakeholders.
     4. Percentage of timely and accurate periodic and final Financial Reports submitted.
     5. Percentage of timely and accurate periodic and final performance reports submitted
   • Performance Standards
     1. Number of monthly meetings convened between RPSA-funded direct service providers as demonstrated by meeting agendas, minutes, status updates, strategic planning activities, etc. reported in required performance reports. (Acceptable: 80% of monthly meetings held)
     2. Number of community collaboration efforts; community events, panel discussions, forums hosted etc. Reported in required performance reports. (Acceptable: one (1) event held per month)
     3. Number of completed feedback surveys from community stakeholders that reflect a favorable response to the establishment of the Community Group and its efforts. (Minimum acceptable performance: 70%+ average satisfaction rate)
     4. Percentage of timely and accurate periodic and final Financial Reports submitted. The Periodic Financial Reports must be submitted no later than the 30th of each month for the preceding month by email. (Acceptable performance: 80% of reports are submitted on time with accurate information)
     5. Percentage of timely and accurate periodic and final performance reports submitted. The Periodic Performance 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 performance: 80% of reports are submitted on time with accurate information)
   • 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 one grant award for each of the 22 eligible Chicago community areas as determined by the OFVP.
   4. The Department anticipates making $5M available to fund one grant award for each of the eligible Chicago community areas. Grant awards are for a 27-month project period, (April 2022 to June 2024.) Individual total awards for the 27-month period are projected to be $225,000 which is equivalent to $100,000 per 12-month period. Award amounts will be based on approved budgets. 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. Awards will be funded with American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSFRF). Grantees must comply with, and are subject to, the requirements of 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. To charge charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or 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 4/1/2022.
   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, 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 IDHS. 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 April 1, 2022.
          Refer to 2 CFR 200.209 Pre-award Costs for more information. 
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 an Illinois-based public or private, non-profit organization proposing to serve as the Lead Convener to RPSA-funded organizations within a specific eligible Chicago community area. If an applicant is proposing to serve as a Lead Convener for RPSA-funded organizations for more than one eligible Chicago community area, the applicant must submit a separate application for each eligible community area.
      2. The applicant has met the Prequalification listed in Item 2 below.
   2. Prequalification
      1. Entities will not eligible to apply for a grant award until they have prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal (available at Illinois GATA Grantee Portal  Grantee Links tab). Registration and prequalification are required annually. During prequalification, verifications including a check of federal Debarred and Suspended status on the Illinois Stop Payment List and good standing with the Secretary of State are performed. An automated email notification is sent to the entity alerting them of "qualified" status or providing information about how to remediate deficiencies (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 procedures, refer to Appendix C: IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance.
      3. Applicants must be prequalified. Applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application cannot be reviewed or considered for funding. A statement indicating the applicant has completed prequalification steps and is prequalified is required with the application. (A screenshot indicating the applicant has completed prequalification steps and is currently prequalified is acceptable). 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 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; and
      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 met these 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 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, approved FY 22 ICQ and a submitted, complete FY 22 PRA. These are not required prior to submitting the application, but 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. 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 State of Illinois grant award.
   5. Registration in CSA
      1. The CSA Tracking System is where the IDHS expects all applicant entities to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff reviews and takes action on the proposed budgets.
      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
         For additional help and step by step instructions on registering in CSA, refer to https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=138454
      3. When submitting an application, the applicant'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 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. Further, 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. 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
      There are no additional mandatory requirements required for this funding opportunity.
   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. 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: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2021/ES.pdf
      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 URL: https://solutions.crowe.com/CARS/StateofIllinoisGOMB/Login.aspx
         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 https://www.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Pages/default.aspx
      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 and other OFVP funded providers on April 1, 2022. 
      2. Technology: Agencies awarded funds through this funding notice must have a computer with the following minimum capabilities to complete required IDHS web-based reporting and receive/submit electronic program and fiscal information:
         1. Internet access 
         2. Email
         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, relevant trainings attended by staff, copies of trauma-informed practices and procedures adopted by the organization, or documentation of trauma-informed technical assistance received.
      4. Equity and Racial Justice: Organizations that provide services under this funding opportunity and all related 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) reflective of the community/population being served; having (or an intention to 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 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 develop) an equity and racial justice training plan for organization staff.
      5. Evaluation and Technical Assistance: Reimagine Conveners agree to collaborate with the OFVP Evaluation and Technical Assistance provider (the Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement at the UIC College of Urban Planning and Civic Engagement), including but not limited to collaboration on the evidence-based best practices to reduce firearm violence.
      6. 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 a 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 as determined by IDHS.
      7. Site Visits: The applicant agrees to accommodate site visits as requested by the Department and agrees that program and collaborating partners may attend.
      8. Presentations: The applicant will be available as requested by IDHS/OFVP to present information regarding deliverables, data, or answer questions arising from the work.
      9. COVID Policies and Procedures: Provider organizations shall have written COVID policies and procedures that align with current local, State, and Federal Public Health agency guidance.
      10. Sectarian Issue: Provider organizations may not use federal or state funds for sectarian instruction, worship, prayer, or to proselytize. If the organization is a faith-based or a religious organization that offers such activities, these activities shall be voluntary and offered separately from the program.
      11. Background Checks: Background checks are required for all program staff and volunteers who have the potential for contact with youth under 18. These 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 are required to have 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.
      12. 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.
      13. 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.
      14. 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.).
      15. 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 Reimagine Conveners. 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:  444-80-2773 Reimagine Conveners 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 4/1/22 to 6/30/24 (27 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 20 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 D, 5 points)
         The Executive Summary (Appendix D) 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 D: Reimagine Conveners Executive Summary and include it at the beginning of your program narrative. Applicants do NOT have to complete a separate narrative besides Appendix D.
         Each of the following items is included on Appendix D and must be answered/responded to on the Appendix D Form:
         1. List the name, address, FEIN, county and website (if any) 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 which Chicago community area the applicant is proposing to serve. (Please note: For applicants looking to serve more than one community area, a separate application is needed for each. Also reference in each submitted application which other community areas, if any, for which you are also applying).
         5. Indicate number of years and level of experience delivering violence prevention services to youth living in high-risk communities in the service area for which the applicant is applying.
         6. Indicate an understanding of the root causes of firearm violence in high-risk communities.
         7. Briefly describe applicant's accomplishments and outcomes as a result of delivered violence prevention services, advocacy efforts, convening coordination and planning, etc. including outreach services and community engagement within the service area for which the applicant is applying.
         8. Briefly describe applicant's experience coordinating and collaborating with multiple entities to achieve a common goal (example: violence prevention.)
         9. Briefly describe the purposes, activities, and anticipated outcomes the applicant is planning to undertake to serve as the Convener to coordinate violence prevention, youth development and high-risk youth intervention services and to promote community engagement as strategies to address firearm violence prevention.
      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. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to:
         1. 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 your agency's experience providing community violence prevention support or services to communities at risk. List the number of years of providing services, types of activities undertaken, successes and challenges, etc. Indicate where these services were provided.
         3. Describe your agency's experience and outcomes coordinating and encouraging collaboration and community engagement between stakeholders within the intended service area the agency is proposing to serve or provide an example of serving a similar service area. Outline the number of years' experience and activities undertaken to engage communities to set and achieve agreed upon goals. Provide examples of when your agency has led coordination and strategy sessions between groups of stakeholders and layout the process and the results of the stakeholders' efforts. In your description identify the stakeholder groups that your agency has worked with and in what capacity. Indicate if these partnerships/collaborations are current. Also include a description and verification of the efficacy of your efforts.
         4. Provide examples of your agency's experience and outcomes collaborating and mobilizing individuals within the intended services area or within a similar service area. Also, describe your experience coordinating with youth and what forms of engagement did you implement when working with the youth. Include a description and provide verification of your effort's impact.
         5. Provide a description of your agency's readiness for service provision commencing on or before 4/1/2022, taking particular note of the following:
            1. Describe your agency's plan for staffing either one full-time position or two part-time positions to carry out and execute the duties of a Reimagine Convener. Please include resumes or job descriptions of the staff responsible for implementing this program as Attachment 3: Job Description/Resume
            2. Discuss your readiness in terms of the physical space where program activities will be carried out. Describe whether this is spacing your agency currently occupies (and/or pays for), whether it is under construction, if arrangements to rent/lease/buy or build a physical facility are or are not yet final.
            3. Describe your readiness in terms of creating and implementing effective interventions based on the root causes of firearm violence in high-risk communities.
         6. Describe applicant's experience ensuring that its work is driven by an equity lens.
            1. Describe how the applicant will intentionally analyze the delivery and/or impact of the program on underserved and marginalized groups.
            2. Describe applicant's experience in training and capacity building around equity and racial justice.
            3. Include applicant organization's written commitment to advancing equity and racial justice. If one is not yet written, please detail when and how such a statement will be institutionalized.
         7. Describe the applicant's experience managing state and/or federal grants.
         8. 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 coordination of violence prevention, youth development and high-risk youth intervention services and the promotion of community engagement will help to mitigate the negative effects of COVID on the community and its members as well as the service provider community. Describe how these services will provide the necessary supports to communities, community members and the 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 and to describe the organization's response to address racial inequity. 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 the communities as appropriate. Include recommendations on how to address firearm violence and make the local community safer.
         4. Describe how the applicant will work with the RPSA-funded organizations within the proposed service area 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. Describe how the applicant will work to assist organizations that provide violence prevention, youth development and high-risk youth intervention services to address the disparate impact of firearm violence on communities of color.
         7. Include demographic information of program staff and agency leadership (board and/or executive staff) and discuss if these demographics match the designated community(ies).
         8. Based on racial demographic data, provide the number of policies, practices and procedures that have been implemented, revised, or repealed to reduce racial disparities at your agency.
      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 how the applicant will provide each of the following components in the order below:
         1. RPSA Community Group
            Based on the community area that the applicant is applying for, describe how you would create and lead an RPSA Community Group consisting of local representatives across various sectors working within firearm violence. Provide an example of how you would guide this group to consensus on identified needs and priorities of their respective municipalities and how the applicant will communicate these needs and priorities to the OFVP for funding and technical support.
         2. Meetings:
            1. Convene mandatory monthly meetings with RPSA-funded direct service providers for that respective community area, including violence prevention organizations, youth development organizations, and high-risk youth intervention organizations for the purpose of developing an effective firearm reduction support system that is community-informed and led. These monthly convenings may also be encouraged and open to other organizations not funded by RPSA to attend.
               1. Facilitate data collection and reporting from RPSA-funded service providers in accordance with IDHS reporting requirements.
               2. Provide convened members with summary note data to help establish collectively decided priorities focused on community firearm reduction.
               3. Update the OFVP on community specific updates, priorities, and events that stem from these monthly meetings and have been collectively agreed upon by the RPSA Community Group.
            2. Convene Emergency Response Meetings between relevant RPSA-funded direct service providers and community stakeholders in conditions that require immediate attention and resolution planning under perceived great threat of and/ or experienced firearm violence.
         3. Status Reports:
            Provide monthly status updates to the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention on the progress of the following:
            1. Community updates related to firearm violence trends occurrences to ensure the respective community areas are supported in a timely fashion and appropriately by the OFVP.
            2. Community collaboration efforts - including reported incidents that called for crisis collaboration.
            3. Training activities - including intent, designated audience, attendance information and results
            4. Community events and forums designed to highlight community pride and safety.
            5. Status updates on best practice, community successes and challenges related to interventions, local advocacy efforts, etc.
         4. Needed Interventions
            Provide identification of needed interventions to the OFVP on a quarterly basis:
            1. On behalf of the convened organizations, make consensus recommendations to the OFVP and local law enforcement on how to reduce violent conflict in their respective neighborhood.
            2. Highlight interventions and programs that are making an effective impact.
            3. Identify needed resources that are not currently available or limited in access and capacity to effectively support the community area for consideration in helping determine how the OFVP will support firearm reduction statewide.
         5. Recommendations
            Provide a description as to how you would engage community residents and stakeholders outside of the RPSA Community Group to actively participate and support community revitalization planning efforts.
         6. Additional Information
            1. Include an implementation timeline with milestones and deliverables as Attachment 4: Implementation Timeline. The timeline should cover the entire program period, beginning April 1, 2022, through June 30, 2024. (27 months)
            2. If 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 (April 2022 to June 2024). However, applicants will be entering a budget into CSA for only the FY 22 grant period (April 2022 to June 2022).
            1. Applicants should provide a budget and a budget narrative for a maximum of $225,000 over entire grant period (April 2022 to June 2024). A PDF copy of this 27-month budget should be included in the application as Attachment 5: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (27-month 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.
            2. 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 27-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. Applicants should ALSO enter a budget into CSA for FY 22 portion of the grant - April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022. Applicants should request funding for the anticipated amount needed to implement this program for three months. Instructions for FY23 and FY24 renewal budgets for successful applicants will be provided at a later date.
               The FY22 budget for the FY22 grant period April 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 FY22 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 5a: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget.
               The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer. (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 6: 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 7: 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 8-Subcontractor Agreement and Budget (The Sub-Contractor Agreement is generated by the applicant agency and is not a department form.)
            • Attachment 9-Subcontractor Agency Federal Form W9
            • Attachment 10- Subcontractor Agency approved NICRA 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 FY22 ICQ and FY22 PRA
         • Attachment 3 Job Description/Resume
         • Attachment 4 Implementation Timeline
         • Attachment 5 Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (27-month budget)
         • Attachment 5a Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (4-month budget)
         • Attachment 6 Applicant NICRA
         • Attachment 7 Applicant Federal Form W9
         • Attachment 8 Subcontractor Agreement and Budget
         • Attachment 9 Subcontractor Agency Federal Form W9
         • Attachment 10 Subcontractor Agency approved 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, 2/23/2022.
         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: Reimagine Conveners 444-80-2773 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 the 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 the applicant's eligibility; prequalification, etc. Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements, for more information on the applicant's eligibility.
         Applicants are required to notify the Department by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, 3/1/2022 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 3/1/2022 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 3/1/2022 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 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 D)
            2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
            3. Need - Description of Need
            4. Equity and Racial Justice
            5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
            6. Budget Narrative (Narrative should cover the entire 27-month grant award period, April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024)
            7. Attachments to Your Application
               • Attachment 1 Statement of Prequalification
               • Attachment 2 Status of FY22 ICQ and FY22 PRA
               • Attachment 3 Job Description/Resume
               • Attachment 4 Implementation Timeline
               • Attachment 5 Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (27-month budget)
               • Attachment 5a Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (4-month budget)
               • Attachment 6 Applicant NICRA
               • Attachment 7 Applicant Federal Form W9
               • Attachment 8 Subcontractor Agreement and Budget
               • Attachment 9 Subcontractor Agency Federal Form W9
               • Attachment 10 Subcontractor Agency approved NICRA
         3. Uniform Grant Budget - The FY22 (three-month, April 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 | Home  and/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.
      The Department will review, score and making funding decisions separately for each eligible Chicago Community Area. Applicants will only compete against other applicants applying to serve the same eligible community area. No more than one Reimagine Convener grant will be awarded per eligible community area.
      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 Graduate 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 other items identified under Section A: Program Description; 2. Funding Priorities 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

      Executive Summary

      Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity

      Need -  Description of Need

      Equity and Racial Justice

      Quality - Description of Program Design and Services

      Budget Narrative*

      TOTAL

      POINTS

      5 Points

      30 Points

      10 Points

      15 Points

      30 Points

      10 Points

      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. and other factors identified under Section A: Program Description; 2. Funding Priorities. 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 Reimagine Conveners 444-80-2773 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 FY2020 IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement, please visit the IDHS Website at http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29741.
      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. These 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 (July 1 - 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 provide monthly status reports to the OFVP in the format prescribed by the Department.
            2. The Provider will submit quarterly and final Periodic Performance Reports (PPRs) in the format prescribed by the Department.
            3. The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 30th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July 1 - 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.
         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 "Reimagine Conveners" in the subject line of the email. Beginning 1/26/2022 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; 2/16/2022. The Final listing of Q&A will be posted by End of Day on Friday, 2/18/2022
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