RPSA Violence Prevention Services (23-444-80-2774) Continuous Notice of Funding Opportunity

Summary Information

1. Program Description
   1. Program Summary
      1. Background
         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 or the Department), which has authority over this effort. As per RPSA, the OFVP's Firearm Violence Research Group identified 22 Chicago community areas as locations with the most concentrated firearm violence, as defined by the number of and per capita of fatal/non-fatal firearm-shot victims, excluding self-inflicted incidents, from 2016 through 2020. Four (4) additional Chicago community areas were selected by the OFVP, using further data-driven analysis.
         In accordance with the RPSA, these community areas are considered "eligible neighborhoods" and qualify for grants under the Act.
         

         Ashburn

         Auburn Gresham

         Austin

         Burnside

         Chatham

         Chicago Lawn

         East Garfield Park

         Englewood

         Fuller Park

         Greater Grand Crossing

         Humboldt Park

         New City

         North Lawndale

         Northside Cluster: (Belmont Cragin, Hermosa, Logan Square, Avondale, Irving Park, Albany Park)

         Riverdale

         Roseland

         South Chicago

         South Deering

         South Lawndale

         South Shore

         Southwest Side Cluster: (Lower West Side, Brighton Park, Gage Park, McKinley Park

         Washington Park

         West Englewood

         West Garfield Park

         West Pullman

         Woodlawn

         
         In line with the White House's advancing equity and opportunity for black people and communities across the country," IDHS and the OFVP shares the goals of addressing systemic racism, which includes advancing equity and racial justice. The OFVP is also committed to the principles of Community Violence Intervention (CVI).
         Patterned after the Community Violence Intervention program model, this NOFO will fund violence prevention services at organizations that utilize evidence-based programs to engage individuals at the highest risk of firearm violence, including street outreach, case management, and victim services. These programs increase positive outcomes for individuals most likely to harm someone or be harmed by firearm violence, strengthen others affected by violence, and contribute to building safer communities.
      2. 2nd Round NOFO Changes
         On February 2, 2022 a first round NOFO for RPSA Violence Prevention Services (22-444-80-2774-01) was released with a closing date of March 9, 2022. Since the close of this first round NOFO, IDHS has identified several important changes that have been incorporated into the release of this second NOFO, those changes are itemized below. While the rest of the application remains substantially similar, please review the entire funding notice in detail, to ensure that your application meets all requirements.
         1. Continuous-Open NOFO Format: As outlined in Sections B and C below, this funding opportunity will be available on a continuous or open basis until further notice. Eligible applications will be considered in the order they are received based on the email time-stamp of their submission. Successful applications must meet the eligibility criteria and minimum requirements outlined in C1, C2 and C3 below to be funded. The number of funding opportunities available in each eligible community area will be updated at the following site: Eligible Service Areas. Please check this site regularly before submitting your application for funding.
         2. New Communities: This funding opportunity has been opened to four new communities, not previously considered under 22-444-80-2774-01. Those communities are listed below. In keeping with the selection of the first 22 communities, these four new communities have been chosen using data-driven analysis identifying the most concentrated areas of firearm violence in the city. Entities in each of these new communities will now be eligible for certain RPSA funding opportunities including this one. 
            1. Northside Cluster: Belmont Cragin, Hermosa, Logan Square, Avondale, Irving Park, Albany Park
            2. Southwest Side Cluster: Lower West Side, Brighton Park, Gage Park, McKinley Park
            3. Ashburn
            4. South Deering
         3. LOI Submission: Applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply for this funding announcement. The Letter of Intent (LOI) must indicate the eligible service area for which the applicant is intending to apply. Upon successful review of the LOI submissions, applicants will be sent the complete application package, including this NOFO and all appendices.
         4. Partnership Applicants: IDHS is further emphasizing the value in submitting partnership applications if any single organization is unable to provide all violence prevention services required under this notice. Please review Sections A3 and D3 for more information on how you can apply through a primary applicant organization/sub-recipient partnership application model.
   2. Funding Priorities
      The Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) is seeking applications from those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)) that are located in the city of Chicago proposing to provide firearm violence prevention services in one or more eligible service areas. Eligible applicants are inclusive of units of local government inclusive of public schools, districts, etc.
      Sub-recipients - Applications that include one or more sub-recipients are welcomed, provided the applicant organization and each sub-recipient meet the eligibility criteria described in Section C.1 and C.2. below.
      The OFVP intends to fund up to six violence prevention organizations in each eligible service area identified above in Section A.1. to provide violence prevention services, as required in this NOFO. IDHS will regularly update the following website with number of grant awards that remain available in each community area. Before preparing your Letter of Intent to apply, please refer to: Eligible Service Areas to ensure that openings remain for the community area your organization is seeking to serve. 
      Applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to Apply to DHSViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov  The Letter of Intent (LOI) must indicate the eligible service area for which the applicant is intending to apply. Refer to Section D.1 below for more information and required content for the LOI.

   3. Required Services and Programming
      The DHS Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) is investing in the highest-risk Chicago communities to provide a trio of violence prevention services intended to mitigate, reduce, and prevent violent behavior, in particular firearm violence. The OFVP is seeking applications from organizations and partnerships of organizations with the ability to connect with those individuals at highest risk of harming someone or being harmed by firearm violence. Funded organizations will provide a trio of programs that include street outreach, case management, and victim services. 
      Partnership Applications: IDHS strongly encourages application partnerships if any single organization is unable to provide all three violence prevention services as described below. Organizations serving the same community area are encouraged to partner to provide each of the required services and apply for funding under one primary lead applicant organization. The primary applicant organization (grantee) must provide at least one of the required Violence Prevention service components and subgrant with one or more eligible organizations to provide the remaining service components. Sub-recipient entities will be subject to the same GATA and grant requirements as the primary applicant organization (grantee). More information about subgrantee partnership applications is found below in Section D.3.

      Services and programming will be tailored based on community, individual, youth and family needs and will include but not be limited to:

      1. Identify and connect individuals at the highest risk of harming others or being harmed by firearm violence to programming. Identification and connection can occur through a variety of methods, including but not limited to street outreach and partnerships with schools, neighborhood groups, community residents, and/or law enforcement. Providers will assess individuals for participation in violence prevention services to determine if they meet at least one of the criteria below: 
         1. Active street involvement
            An association with, a reputation or key role (influencer) in, or a family history of activity or involvement in an historically marginalized group that is disconnected from mainstream economy and/or social services and is or has participated in illegal activity.
         2. Justice-system involvement
            1. Recently released from jail, prison, or/other detention facility (e.g., Cook County Jail, Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) facilities, Juvenile Temporary Detention Center (JTDC), or
            2. Prior arrest(s), charge(s), or conviction(s) for violent felonies (e.g., homicide, aggravated battery, armed robbery, weapons charges)
         3. Previous victimization and trauma associated with community gun violence
            1. Recent victim of violence, or
            2. Family/friend of recent victim of violence
         4. Exhibits violent behavior (includes online)
            Aggressive or violent behavior and/or threats of violence
      2. Provide comprehensive evidence-based firearm violence prevention services. Organizations must provide each of the following program elements either directly or through subgrants: street outreach, case management, and victim services. Organizations may not subgrant all three program elements. 
         1. Street Outreach: Street outreach workers will be employed to mediate conflicts and prevent retaliatory violence between those who are at risk to commit or to become the victims of firearm violence. Street outreach workers will engage with high-risk individuals in a variety of settings, including parks, homes, street corners, community centers, schools, hospitals, etc. Street outreach efforts are typically conducted in the afternoons, evenings, or late at night.
            1. Key outreach activities include:
               1. Engagement and support of individuals and groups at highest risk of harming someone or being harmed by violence
               2. Reclaiming public spaces for safe activities
               3. Responding to critical incidents, such as shootings and homicides, to de-escalate tension and reduce/address threats of violence
                  Organizations must maintain on-call crisis staff to respond to shooting incidents 24 hours per day, seven days per week to receive notification of shooting incidents from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) Crime Prevention and Information Center (CPIC). Crisis staff must respond in person to the incident within one hour and document the CPIC notification, the time it was received, the response time, and the outcome.
               4. Support victims and their families by providing immediate basic needs services (food, clothing, etc. and providing/linking to necessary resources to address trauma, mental health, etc. to stabilize the individual/family.
               5. Conduct proactive peace building activities such as restorative justice practices, event outings, and peace circles when applicable
               6. Mediate and resolve conflicts between street groups or individuals harmed by violence
               7. Make referrals for additional, non-emergency services and supports for the victim and family to preserve stability.
            2. Street outreach workers will carry a case load maximum of 15 participants at any given time.
            3. Street outreach workers will be required to maintain an activity log, outlining types and numbers of outreach activities conducted.
         2. Case Management: Uses a case manager or case team to complete an intake assessment, develop a case plan, and provide or connect individuals to identified resources and services. Programming and services may include, but are not limited to, effective emotional or trauma related therapies, housing services, employment training, job placement services, family engagement, and other support services.
            A full-time case manager will carry a case load maximum of 25 participants at any given time.
         3. Victim Services: Victim services workers/advocates helps families and victims of violence recover from physical and emotional trauma caused by the violence by empowering them with skills, services, and opportunities.
            1. Key Victim Services include:
               1. Responding to incidences of community violence (non-fatal shootings, fatal shootings, other acts of violence, etc.) within specific community areas. Incident notification could occur through outreach workers, the Chicago Police Department, community members, or other means. The response should include visits to crime scenes, a victims' home, hospitals, and other health care settings. Response should be dispatched within one hour of CPIC notification and may be an in-person interaction or phone call.
               2. Providing immediate support and advocacy for those impacted by violence at the hospital, accompanying the family at the medical examiner's office, planning for a funeral, and/or assessing level of crisis to refer to counseling services.
               3. Providing trauma-informed counseling with victims and families
               4. Connecting/referring families to appropriate services and supports in the community, including:
                  1. Mental health services
                  2. Benefits eligibility and enrollment (e.g., Medicaid, SNAP/Link, etc.) Assistance may be provided by Local IDHS Family & Community Resource Centers (FCRCs)
                  3. Trauma-informed services for young children and youth
                  4. Housing assistance
                  5. Food assistance
                  6. Funeral planning
                  7. Transportation to medical appointments
                  8. Employment
               5. Supporting families in their interaction with CPD to receive updates on cases.
               6. Assisting families with application to Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Program operated by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.
               7. Conducting regular weekly support groups with victims and families.
               8. Providing support to families during court visits or trials.
            2. Victim services workers will carry a case load maximum of 25 participants at any given time.
         4. Additional Programmatic Requirements
            1. Providers will maintain a confidential file on program participants which will include at a minimum:
               1. Demographic data
               2. Documentation of crisis intervention, if applicable
               3. Any required assessment results
               4. Individual's case plan, goals, services, outcomes, etc.
               5. Record of services provided
               6. Record of referrals made for additional services and whether individual received services
            2. Providers will hold regular (monthly) case staffings. The case staffing team will include where appropriate, the street outreach worker, case manager, victim services advocate, etc.
      3. Develop, maintain, and leverage strong relationships with community residents, stakeholders, and law enforcement entities, etc. to identify conflicts that are responsible for recurring violence and to support local violence reduction strategies. Providers will use those relationships to identify conflicts for recurring violence and build relationships/coordinate with individuals who are most able to reduce conflicts.
      4. Coordinate services with other organizations providing violence prevention services in their area.
         1. Work with the Reimagine Convener organizations and other organizations providing violence prevention services to determine adequate coverage and response to shooting incidents referred by CPIC and through other reporting mechanisms.
            A Reimagine Convener is an experienced organization to help build capacity within the community area to reduce firearm violence. Reimagine Conveners will encourage effective, collaborative working relationships across providers in such disciplines as violence prevention, mental health, and youth development.
         2. Coordinate street outreach activities through geography, target populations, etc.
         3. Participate in monthly and emergency meetings with other Reimagine Violence Prevention grantees/providers in the community to share knowledge and strategies of the neighborhood violence dynamic. Monthly and emergency meetings will be convened by the OFVP with the intent to facilitate a meaningful collaborative action planning across providers.
         4. Accept and make referrals, when appropriate, to/from other Reimagine Violence Prevention, Youth Development, and High-Risk Youth Intervention funded providers within their community
         5. Fully participate in community violence prevention coordination activities including but not limited to:
            1. attending monthly and emergency meetings
            2. sharing recommendations on how to reduce violent conflict in the neighborhood
            3. sharing knowledge of and strategies to address the community violence dynamic,
            4. participate in available learning communities.
      5. Recruit, train, maintain, and develop staff
         1. Recruit staff who are intimately familiar with and reflective of the community in which they are providing services.
         2. Implement safety protocols to ensure staff safety, including developing staff safety and self-care plans.
         3. Provide staff with adequate training opportunities to prepare them to provide program elements effectively and safely. Training will include topics such as cognitive behavior therapy, conflict mediation and understanding/treating trauma. Training can be provided directly by the organization or through an RPSA Violence Prevention Training Technical Assistance and Support (TTAS) provider. An organization may choose to provide training utilizing a non-RPSA funded TTAS provider, however the organization may not use RPSA funds to pay for those trainings.
         4. Provide staff with adequate supervision to assess and improve job performance.
         5. Provide and encourage staff with additional staff development opportunities which will build staff's employment skills, allowing for career advancement.
      6. Participate in IDHS-approved training, technical assistance, and support (TTAS). At a minimum, funded providers will participate in an organization scan conducted by an RPSA TTAS Provider to determine programmatic, professional development, and organizational capacity needs. Provider will have the option to request TTAS services to meet identified needs at no cost. Funded providers will be expected to report quarterly steps taken to address needs identified by the scan.
         Providers will be expected to repeat the scan at an interval to be determined by the OFVP to demonstrate progress toward meeting identified needs. The results of the organizations' scans will be used to inform subsequent years training calendar development that will benefit all RPSA funded organizations.
      7. Ensure that programming is infused with trauma-informed principles that:
         1. Recognize the high prevalence of traumatic experiences in persons residing and working in communities with a high concentration of firearm violence,
         2. Include an understanding of the impact of trauma on staff and personnel working with individuals residing in these communities.
         3. Include an understanding of the impact of trauma on brain development, physical and emotional health and the impact on the community and individuals living in the community.
         4. Creates a safe space, provides support, and builds resiliency in individuals impacted by trauma.
      8. Develop and implement or maintain a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)/racial justice plan that:
         1. Reflects IDHS' commitment to advance equity and racial justice by enabling all to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, and disability.
         2. Demonstrates how the applicant organization's staff and board leadership reflect the community it serves.
         3. Outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as outcomes.
         4. Includes a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming.
         5. Includes an equity and racial justice training plan.
         6. Acknowledges the root causes of firearm violence, including historically racist systemic policies and practices where appropriate.
   4. Performance Measures
      At the end of each quarter, successful applicants will submit a periodic performance report (PPR). At the end of the year, successful applicants will submit a cumulative report. In addition to service data and activities, the PPRs will also include the following performance measures:
      1. Provision of the three required evidenced-based components: street outreach, case management, and victim advocacy services
      2. Projected vs actual number of individuals served through street outreach
      3. Percent CPIC Notifications with an in-person timely (60 min) response.
      4. Percent of successful case management referrals.
      5. Percent of individuals with a case plan who complete 50% or more of case plan goals.
      6. Percent of successful victim advocacy referrals
      7. Percent of RPSA Monthly and Emergency Response meetings attended
      8. Number of policies, practices and procedures that have been implemented, revised, or repealed to reduce racial disparities and/or expanded access to
         supports and opportunities.
      9. Percentage of timely and accurate periodic and final Financial Reports submitted.
      10. Percentage of timely and accurate periodic and final performance reports submitted.
      11. Percent of successful interruptions and mediations conducted.

   5. Performance Standards

      1. Minimum 3 required components will be delivered throughout the grant period. Street Outreach, Case Management & Victim Advocacy services. (Acceptable performance: 100% of the 3 required components delivered)
      2. Actual number of individuals served through street outreach compared to projected (Acceptable performance: 80%)
      3. Percent of agency assigned CPIC Notifications that were responded to by Street Outreach staff, in-person, within 60 min. (Acceptable performance: 90%)
      4. Percent of individuals referred by Outreach Workers or Victim Advocacy who have a case plan developed. (Acceptable performance: 75%)
      5. Percent of individuals with a case plan who complete 50% or more of case plan goals. (Acceptable performance: 75%)
      6. Percent of individuals referred for victim advocacy services who receive one or more victim services (Acceptable performance: 80%.)
      7. Percent of RPSA Monthly and Emergency Response meetings attended (Acceptable performance: 80% of convened meetings)
      8. Number of policies, practices and procedures that have been implemented, revised, or repealed to reduce racial disparities and/or expanded access to supports and opportunities. Reported in required performance reports. (Acceptable performance: One (1))
      9. 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. 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)
      10. 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)
      11. Number of mediations conducted compared to the number of mediations resulting in positive outcomes. (Acceptable performance: 65% of mediations resulting in positive outcomes).
   6. 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 continuous open funding opportunity for those applicants that meet eligibility criteria and submit a responsive application as defined in Section C.1, C.2., and C.3. subject to available funding and a maximum limit of six RPSA funded RVP grants per eligible Chicago service area.
   2. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) or the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) to make an award.
   3. IDHS anticipates funding up to six grant awards for each of the eligible Chicago community areas.  IDHS will regularly update the following website with the number of grant awards that remain open in each eligible community area. Before preparing the Letter of Intent to apply, please refer to: Eligible Service Areas to ensure that openings remain for the community area your organization is seeking to serve.
   4. IDHS anticipates making $25M available to fund up to six grant awards for each of the eligible Chicago community areas. Grant awards will be made for a project period that will commence upon execution of the award and continue through June 2024. Individual awards are projected to average $300,000 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. These awards will be funded with American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSFRF). These awards may also be partially funded with General Revenue Funds. Grantee is required to comply with, and is subject to, all requirements of the CSFRF and all related rules and guidance issued by Grantor and the U.S. Department of the Treasury ("Treasury"). Refer to: Recipient Compliance and Reporting Responsibilities | U.S. Department of the Treasury. Restrictions on use of these funds can be found at Federal Register CSLFRF.
   6. This grant does not require an in-kind or financial match requirement.
   7. Indirect costs are allowed. In order to charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate. Indirect costs charged to the grant may not exceed the approved rate. Refer to Section C. Eligibility and Grant Fund Use Requirements; 8e. Indirect Cost Requirements & Restrictions for more information.
   8. Subject to appropriation, the FY23 grant period will begin no sooner than the grant start date and will continue through 6/30/2023.
   9. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and the OFVP and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.
   10. 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.
   11. Sub-recipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Sub-recipients are subject to all provisions of this Agreement including eligibility as described below in Section C.1. and C.3. The successful applicant organization shall retain sole responsibility for the performance of the sub-recipients.
   12. 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.
       5. Refer to 2 CFR 200.209 Pre-award Costs for more information.  
   13. All funding is subject to sufficient appropriations.
3. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements
   1. Eligible Applicants
      This open funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements and are subject to limitations described below:
      1. Eligible applicants (and sub-recipients) are limited to those public and private nonprofit community-based organizations subject to 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) of the tax code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) or 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(4)) that are located in the city of Chicago. Eligible applicants (and sub-recipients) include units of local government inclusive of public schools, districts, etc.
      2. The applicant organization is an experienced violence prevention organization with trained violence prevention staff.
      3. The applicant organization is proposing to provide firearm violence prevention services, as required in this NOFO, in one or more eligible Chicago community areas. A current listing of eligible service areas can be found here, Eligible Service Areas.
      4. The applicant organization will be allowed to include sub-grantees to ensure delivery of all required program components provided that the applicant organization is providing at least one of the three primary components of the program.
      5. The applicant organization (and sub-recipients) has met the eligibility, prequalification and mandatory requirements listed in Section C.1., C.2 and C.3.
      6. Applicants eligible based on Section C.1., C.2. and C.3. may have limited eligibility based on the following:
         1. No applicant organization may receive RVPS funding to provide services in more than three eligible community areas.
         2. RVP-TTAS grantees will not be eligible to receive funding under this NOFO (23-444-80-2774).
      7. If an applicant is proposing to provide services in more than one eligible Chicago community area, the applicant must submit a separate application for each community area.
      8. Applicants are required to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) to Apply to DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov The Letter of Intent (LOI) must indicate the eligible service area for which the applicant is intending to apply. Refer to Section D.1 below for more information and required contents for the LOI.
         Refer to the link in Section A.2. for a listing of currently eligible service areas.
         Once the Letter of Intent is received:
         1. IDHS will review applicant's GATA prequalification status. If the applicant is not prequalified, IDHS will provide instructions on how to complete the prequalification process. Applications will not be accepted if the applicant is not GATA prequalified.
         2. Based on the information provided, IDHS will provide feedback to the applicant regarding eligibility under Section C.1. a. and b. (Note: these are not the only applicant eligibility criteria). If applicant does not provide sufficient evidence necessary to determine that applicant meets these eligibility requirements, applicant will be notified of such and reminded these are exclusionary requirements that will be verified at time of application.
         3. IDHS will verify if applications are still being accepted for the proposed Chicago Community Area and will notify applicant whether applications are being accepted.
         4. If applicant is applying for an eligible Chicago community area for which IDHS is still accepting applications, IDHS will email the complete application package, including this NOFO and all appendices to the primary contact person listed in the Letter of Intent. (The applicant may request to receive the application by mail if preferable.)
   2. Mandatory Requirements of Applicant/Application
      The Mandatory Requirements are essential items that must be met by the applicant. If any Mandatory Requirement is not met, the applicant's entire proposal will not be considered. If all responding applicants fail to meet a particular mandatory requirement, that mandatory requirement may, at the sole discretion of the State, be removed from the Mandatory Requirements so the evaluation process may continue. However, this does not obligate IDHS to make an award to any applicant that fails to meet all mandatory requirements.
      1. The application must propose to provide services in an eligible service area.
      2. The application must propose to provide all three primary program components described in this NOFO, either directly or through a primary grantee/sub-recipient partnership model.
      3. The application submitted must receive a minimum average Merit-Based Review score of 75 out of 100 or higher to be considered for award.
      4. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance must be completed, singed, and submitted as part of the application package.
      5. The Program Narrative must be completed and submitted, including all required attachments as described in Section D.5.B.
      6. A project budget must be completed and submitted in the IDHS CSA System
   3. GATA Registration and Prequalification
      Eligible applicant entities must be registered and prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, available here: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal Registration and prequalification are required annually.  Additionally, any sub-recipient must also be registered and prequalified through GATA upon application. 
      1. Registration
         The following information is required to complete registration in the Grantee portal:
         1.  Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). The UEI is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned to an entity by the federal System for Award Management (SAM). For additional information refer to Section System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier below.
         2. Entity'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. Entity name
         6. Entity mailing address
         7. Entity primary email address
         8. Entity primary phone number
         9. Entity fiscal year-end date
      2. Prequalification
         1. Once an entity is registered in the Grantee Portal, the system will automatically determine (within 24 hours) if an entity is prequalified to apply for an award. During prequalification, verifications are performed, including a check of federal Debarred and Suspended status on the Illinois Stop Payment List and good standing with the Secretary of State. An automated email notification is sent to the entity alerting them of "qualified" status or providing information about how to remediate a negative verification (e.g., not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and Suspended status cannot be remediated.
         2. For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedure, refer to Appendix C: IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance.
         3. Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding.
   4. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier
      Each applicant is required to:
      1. Each applicant organization must be registered in SAM before submitting an application.
      2. Upon registration, the entity will be assigned a unique entity identifier. The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) is a 12-character alphanumeric ID assigned to an entity by the federal System for Award Management (SAM). The UEI is now the primary means of identifying entities registered for federal awards government-wide in SAM. The UEI replaces the DUNS number.
      3. To view your UEI, the Federal Service Desk has posted instructions for finding the UEI in SAM here: How can I view my Unique Entity ID?
      4. Each applicant must 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.
         IDHS may not make an award to an applicant organization until the applicant has complied with all applicable SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time IDHS 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.
   5. Pre-Award Requirements
      1. The pre-award process includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) and a Programmatic Risk Assessment (PRA). The PRA must be completed for each separate grant for which an applicant intends to apply. The Department may NOT issue a Notice of Award or a Grant Agreement to any applicant that does not have a submitted and approved FY 23 ICQ and a submitted and completed FY 23 PRA. While these are NOT required prior to submitting the application, they are required prior to the Department issuing an award.
      2. Applicants that have not completed an FY23 ICQ and/or an FY23 PRA at the time of application will be contacted by the Department to complete these pre-award requirements.
      3. These grantee pre-award requirements are mandated by Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Grantees must complete these requirements prior to receiving a grant award from the State of Illinois.
   6. Registration in CSA
      1. The CSA Tracking System is where the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) expects all applicant entities to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and act on the proposed budget.
      2. Applicants must be registered in the CSA Tracking System to enable the applicant to 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, refer to Instructions on registering in CSA. 
      3. When submitting an application, the applicant entity's proposed budget must be entered into the CSA system. The completed budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system, and a printed copy of the signed and submitted budget must be included with the application. To do this, the following is required: at a minimum, the applicant organization's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or equivalent, or the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or equivalent must be registered in the CSA system to electronically sign the required budget documents prior to submission. Refer to Process for Adding GATA Budget Signoff Authority
      4. While registration in CSA is not part of the prequalification process, successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA System. Furthermore, if the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed, and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, 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
   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: SALARY TABLE 2022-ES (opm.gov)
      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
         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: Crowe Activity Review System (CARS)
         1. Indirect Cost Rate Election:
            1. Federally Negotiated Rate. Organizations that receive direct federal funding may have an indirect cost rate that was negotiated with the Federal Cognizant Agency. Illinois will accept the federally negotiated rate. The organization must provide a copy of the federal NICRA. (Refer to Section D. Application and Submission Information, 4. Other Submission Requirements for a list of required attachments)
            2. State Negotiated Rate. The organization must negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois by completing an indirect cost rate proposal in the CARS system if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate or elect to use the De Minimis Rate.
            3. De Minimis Rate. An organization that has never received a Federal or State Negotiated Rate may elect a De Minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct cost (MTDC). Once established, the De Minimis rate may be used indefinitely. The State of Illinois must verify the calculation of the MTDC annually in order to accept the De Minimis rate. If programs elect to use the De Minimis rate, it is critical that program budgets accurately calculate the MTDC base. Please see the regulation below and note the exclusions to MTDC.
               2 CFR § 200.68 Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC).
               MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and subawards and subgrants up to the first $25,000 of each subaward or subgrant (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards and subgrants 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 subgrant in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.
            4. "No Rate": Grantees have discretion not to claim payment for indirect costs. Grantees that elect not to claim indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs. The organization must record an election of "No Indirect Costs" into CARS.
         2. Crowe Activity Review System (CARS).
            CARS will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate, complete an indirect cost rate proposal (see State Negotiated Rate above), elect to charge the De Minimis rate (10%) of modified total direct costs (MTDC), or select that no reimbursement of indirect costs will be requested. Submission requirements are located on page 2 of the Uniform Budget Template as well as 2 CFR 200 Appendices IV, V & VII.
            Organizations which have not previously made an indirect cost rate election must submit an election (and indirect cost rate proposal, if necessary) immediately and no later than 3 months after receiving an award notification or invitation to the CARS system.
            Organizations that have previously established an indirect cost rate election must submit a new indirect cost rate election immediately and no later than 6 months after the close of their organization's fiscal year.
            Every organization must make an indirect cost rate election in CARS even if the organization is choosing De Minimis Rate or "no rate". Organizations that do not make an election or submission inside the CARS system within the required timeframes will not be allowed to claim indirect cost reimbursement.
            For more information, see GATA pages.
      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 offering services within 30 days of the contract start date. Organizations (sub-recipients) must offer all three required components of violence prevention services. Applicants will submit an implementation timeline as Attachment 4, which will include program milestones, hiring staff, training, start dates, etc.
         For new organizations and organizations with limited experience providing violence prevention services, additional "start-up" training and technical assistance may be required by the OFVP to assist with program development prior to beginning services. Additional training requirements will be based in part on the applicant's response on the program-specific questions on the Programmatic Risk Assessment. (Refer to Section C.4: Pre-Award Requirements for more information.)
      2. Technology: Organizations awarded funds through this funding notice must have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications for the purpose of utilizing any required IDHS web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of electronic program and fiscal information:
         1. Internet access, preferably high-speed
         2. Email capability
         3. Microsoft Excel
         4. Microsoft Word
         5. Adobe Reader
            The purchase of this technology would be an allowable expenditure under the grant and may be budgeted for as part of this application.
      3. Equity and Racial Justice
         IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize equity and diversity throughout its service provision process. This work 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. 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) that is 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.
      4. Program Evaluation Reporting Requirements: Providers will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the Department and/or its sub-recipient(s) and collect and report data accordingly. Data will be submitted in the format prescribed by the Department. Providers will be required to report quarterly regarding program performance measures and outcomes. Providers will be required to participate in Department directed Performance and Standards Assessment reviews. A year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report will also be required. Additional data and information may be requested throughout the year as determined by the Department.
      5. Site Visits: The applicant agrees to participate in site visits as requested by the Department or any designated individual/entity acting on behalf of the Department or the OFVP and agrees that program and collaborating partners may attend such site visits.
      6. Presentations: The applicant will be available as requested by the Department to present information regarding service deliverables, provide data updates, or to answer questions arising from the applicant's work.
      7. COVID Policies and Procedures: Provider organizations shall have written COVID policies and procedures that align with current guidelines put forth by the local Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
      8. Sectarian Issue: Provider organizations may not expend federal or state funds for sectarian instruction, worship, prayer, or to proselytize. If the Provider organization is a faith-based or a religious organization that offers such activities, these activities shall be voluntary for the individuals receiving services and offered separately from the program.
      9. Background Checks: Background checks are required for all program staff and volunteers who have the potential for contact with youth under 18. These background checks must be completed in advance of individuals working directly with youth. Such individuals will authorize such checks in writing and submit to fingerprinting when required. The agency shall retain the signed form authorizing the background check. All background check information, including the signed authorizing forms shall be maintained separately in a confidential file, apart from the employee's personnel records. Funded programs will be required to have a written protocol in place detailing the requirement for background checks; evidence of their completion; the protocol for reviewing and making determinations regarding results; etc. In no case shall a Person who has been indicated as the perpetrator of any of the child abuse/neglect allegations identified in 89 Ill. Adm. Code Section 385.50(a) be deemed fit for service that allows access to children.
      10. 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.
      11. 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.
      12. 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.).
      13. 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.
          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.
      14. Trauma-Informed Training:  The provider must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to developing/maintaining trauma informed capacity within the organization. The provider will demonstrate this commitment by providing upon request, a list of trauma trainings attended by staff, copies of trauma-informed policies, practices and procedures adopted by the organization, documentation of trauma-informed technical assistance received, etc.
          Training and technical assistance will be made available to successful applicants to achieve/maintain this status.
4. Application and Submission Information
   1. Address to Request Application Package
      To request a complete application package, Applicant must submit a letter of intent to apply to:
      Email Address: DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov
      Subject Line:  444-80-2774 RVPS Letter of Intent
      1. The Letter of Intent (LOI) must include:
         1. Applicant organization name and address
         2. Name and email address of primary contact person
         3. The following funding opportunity number: 23-444-80-2774
         4. The eligible Chicago community area applicant is proposing to serve
         5. Number of years of experience applicant organization has providing violence prevention services
         6. Number of staff at applicant organization who are trained to provide violence prevention services
         7. Name of subrecipient organization(s) applicant is proposing to use to provide one or more violence prevention services (if any.)
         8. Applicant must attach evidence of entity's status as a public or private 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofit community-based organization to the LOI.
      2. Once the Letter of Intent is received,
         1. IDHS will review applicant's GATA prequalification status. If the applicant is not prequalified, IDHS will provide instructions on how to complete the prequalification process. Applications will not be accepted if the applicant is not GATA prequalified.
         2. Based on the information provided, IDHS will provide feedback to the applicant regarding eligibility under Section C.1. a and b. (Note: these are not the only applicant eligibility criteria). If applicant does not provide sufficient evidence necessary to determine that applicant meets these eligibility requirements, applicant will be notified of such and reminded these are exclusionary requirements that will be verified at time of application.
         3. IDHS will verify if applications are still being accepted for the proposed Chicago Community Area and will notify applicant whether applications are being accepted.
         4. If applicant is applying for an eligible Chicago community area for which IDHS is still accepting applications, IDHS will email the complete application package, including this NOFO and all appendices to the primary contact person listed in the Letter of Intent. (The applicant may request to receive the application by mail if preferable.)
            Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's web site will contain information regarding this NOFO. 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.
   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 not be considered.
      Proposal Narrative Content
      Important: Applicants must submit a plan (proposal narrative) that covers a grant period through 6/30/24. 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 FY23 and a renewal opportunity 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 and possible disqualification, 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 Violence Prevention Services Executive Summary and include it at the beginning of your program narrative as Attachment 1. Applicants do NOT have to complete a separate narrative, only 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 in which eligible service area the applicant is proposing to provide violence prevention services.
         4. Indicate the location(s) of where proposed services will be performed in the proposed eligible community. Indicate if the location is a sub-recipient location.
         5. Indicate the funding amount requested under this application to provide the RVPS program for the full project period through June 2024 AND provide the amount of this that is being requested for the FY2023 portion through June 2023.
         6. Indicate number of years of experience the applicant organization has delivering violence prevention services consistent with the services described in this NOFO.
         7. Indicate number of years of experience the applicant organization (and sub-recipients) have delivering violence prevention services to individuals living in high-risk communities within the service area for which the applicant is applying.
         8. Indicate and briefly describe the type(s) of violence prevention services the applicant has provided or is currently providing (i.e., street outreach, advocacy, case management, housing, employment, etc.) Include the location(s) for these services.
         9. Briefly describe applicant's accomplishments and outcomes as a result of delivered violence prevention services within the service area for which the applicant is applying.
         10. Briefly describe the root causes of firearm violence in high-risk communities, including any specific causes of violence in the eligible community the applicant is applying for.
         11. Briefly describe the purposes, activities, and anticipated outcomes the applicant is planning to undertake to address firearm violence.
      2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity: (30 points)
         The purpose of this section is for the applicant organization (and its subrecipients) to present an accurate picture of their ability to implement this program as outlined in this NOFO. The applicant (and its subrecipients) must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
         1. Give a brief overview of the applicant agency (and its subrecipients), outlining its primary programs and services offered. Describe how the applicant's mission statement and goals align with the purpose of this funding opportunity.
         2. Describe the applicant agency's experience providing community violence prevention services to communities at risk and specifically the eligible community that the organization proposes to serve, include information about subrecipient partners as relevant. List the number of years of providing services, types of activities undertaken, successes and challenges, etc. Indicate where these services were provided. Provide the location(s) of any organization sites located in or near the community area for which violence prevention services are being proposed.
         3. Describe the applicant agency's experience engaging the community and developing partnerships/relationships with community leaders, schools, law enforcement, residents, and other stakeholders within the intended community area the agency is proposing to serve. In the description identify the stakeholder groups that the applicant agency has worked with and in what capacity. Indicate if these partnerships/relationships are current.
         4. Provide a description of the applicant agency's readiness for service provision commencing within 60 days of the contract start date, taking particular note of the following:
            1. Describe the applicant agency's plan for staffing to carry out and execute this program. Please include resumes and/or job descriptions of the staff responsible for implementing this program as Attachment 3: Job Description/Resume;
            2. Discuss the applicant agency's readiness in terms of the physical space where program activities will be carried out. If applicable, describe whether this is space the applicant 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 the applicant agency's readiness in terms of creating and implementing effective interventions based on the root causes of firearm violence in high-risk communities.
            4. Describe the training program staff have had and will receive to ensure their ongoing ability to successfully perform the duties of their position.
         5. Describe the applicant's experience managing state and/or federal grants.
         6. If the applicant plans to use a Sub-recipient to deliver services related to this program, describe how the applicant agency will monitor the Sub-recipient. Subgrant 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 individuals 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 as it relates to addressing and responding to firearm violence within their communities.
         3. Firearm violence within Chicago communities dramatically increased during the COVID-19 lockdown. Describe how the provision of violence prevention services will help to mitigate the negative effects of COVID on the community. Describe how these services 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 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. 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.
         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 provide violence prevention 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 describe how the organization will provide the following services and activities consistent with Section A: Program Description; 3. Required Services and Programming:
         1. Recruit individuals at the highest risk of harming someone or being harmed by firearm violence.
         2. Screen individuals through an intake process to determine risk and eligibility for further violence prevention services.
         3. Provide comprehensive evidence-based firearm violence prevention services. Organizations and its subrecipient partners MUST provide all three of the following elements: street outreach, case management, and victim services. Provide a full description of each evidence-based program/practice. Indicate if this will be a new program/practice or if applicant is already providing it. Indicate if the applicant agency will provide the services directly; sub-contract for services or refer youth to other RPSA-funded organizations for services.
            1. Street outreach: The street outreach program model employs street outreach workers who actively work to mediate conflicts and prevent retaliatory violence between those who are at risk to commit or become the victims of firearm violence. Describe the plan to provide on-call street outreach workers 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
            2. Case Management: Uses a case manager or case team to complete an intake assessment, develop a case plan and provide or connect the individual to identified resources and services.
            3. Victim Services: Helps victims of violence recover from physical and emotional trauma caused by the violence by empowering them with skills, services, and opportunities.
         4. Hold regular team staffings for participants. The case staffing team will include where appropriate, the street outreach worker, case manager, victim services advocate, etc.
         5. Develop, maintain, and leverage strong relationships with community residents, stakeholders, and law enforcement entities, etc. to support local violence reduction strategies. Describe how the organization will use those relationships to identify conflicts for recurring violence and build relationships with individuals who are most able to reduce conflicts
         6. Coordinate services with other organizations providing violence prevention services in their area.
         7. Recruit, train, maintain, and develop staff
         8. Participate in IDHS-approved training, technical assistance, and support (TTAS)
         9. Ensure that all programming is infused with trauma-informed principles
         10. Develop and implement or maintain a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)/racial justice plan
         11. 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-recipient to deliver services related to this program, describe the role and responsibilities of the Sub-recipient. Describe how the applicant agency will evaluate the performance of the Sub-recipient. Subgrant 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 through June 2024. However, applicants will be entering a budget into CSA for only the FY 23 grant period through June 2023.
            1. Applicants should provide a budget and a budget narrative for the entire grant period through June 2024. This budget should not exceed $300,000 per 12-month period. A PDF copy of this budget should be included in the application as Attachment 5: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (through June 2024)
               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 through June 2024. 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 23 portion of the grant through June 30, 2023. Instructions for FY24 renewal budget for successful applicants will be provided at a later date.
               The FY23 budget for the FY23 grant period through 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 FY23 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 6: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (through June 2023 printed from CSA)
               
               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 7: 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 at the time of application submission, the application will be rejected.
            3. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been submitted and approved through the CSA system. Revisions may be required.
            4. The applicant must submit Federal Form W9 as Attachment 8: Applicant Federal Form W9.
         2. Sub-recipients
            Sub-recipients must be registered in the GATA grantee portal and be pre-qualified. Refer to Section C.2. Prequalification above. If you plan to use sub-recipients, indicate amount of funds to be provided to the sub-recipients; include a budget narrative describing how sub-recipient will use funds. (See below for additional instructions regarding sub-recipient budgets.)
            Sub-recipient budgets must be pre-approved, and therefore must be submitted with this application. Sub-recipient budgets should NOT be submitted in the CSA system. Instead, Sub-recipient budgets should be completed using a PDF form of the Uniform Budget Template available in Appendix E: Uniform Budget Template. It can also be found via link on Appendix A: CSA Budget Information. If Sub-recipients will be used, also include the following:
            • Attachment 9 Program Contact Information Sub-recipient (Appendix F) and Additional Sub-recipient Information (Appendix G)
            • Attachment 10 Sub-recipient agreement (The Sub-recipient Agreement is generated by the applicant agency and is not an IDHS form.)
            • Attachment 11 Sub-recipient Uniform Budget (Refer to Appendix E), Federal Form W9 and approved NICRA - if applicable
      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. 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. The Attachments should be labeled accordingly and placed in the order listed in Section D.5. Other Submission Attachments. 
   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
         The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.ViolencePreventionServices@illinois.gov. Include the following in the subject line: RVPS 444-80-2774 your agency name
         Applications will be considered in the order they are received based on the submission time-stamp.
         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 should 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.
         If the applicant organization does not receive an email confirmation of receipt within 48 hours of their submission, the applicant organization will bear the full responsibility to follow-up with the IDHS NOFO contact as the application was NOT received. The applicant organization will be allowed to resubmit their application per the submission instructions in this NOFO. IDHS will record the date and time of receipt and send an email confirmation to the applicant organization as described above. Because the application submission date and time determines the order in which applications are considered for funding, the applicant organization will be afforded an opportunity to provide definitive proof of the original submission including date and time. If the provided documentation is accepted by IDHS, this will serve as the official date and time of receipt. If not accepted as definitive proof, the applicant organization will be directed to resubmit their application per the submission instructions above.
         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 notification will provide details regarding the reasons for non-acceptance. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason(s) for disqualification. Eligible applicants will be encouraged to remedy the identified issues and resubmit their application per this NOFO guidance provided that this NOFO and the service area targeted by the application has not closed.
      4. All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit the completed grant application 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.
   5. Content and 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, 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 limits.
         The entire application, including attachments, must be sequentially page numbered and compiled in the order specified below. The complete application should be compiled in a single PDF document and submitted as directed.
         Failure to adhere to proposal container and format requirements may impact application scoring but will NOT disqualify an application from consideration.
      2. ALL Applications MUST include the following mandatory forms/attachments in the order identified below. Any application that does not include the items in this section will be disqualified.
         1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Refer to Appendix B)
         2. Proposal Narrative
            1. Executive Summary (Appendix D) (Attachment 1)
            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 project period through June 30, 2024)
            7. Attachments to Your Application
               • Attachment 2 RPSA Violence Prevention FY 23 Application Checklist
               • Attachment 3 Job Description/Resume
               • Attachment 4 Implementation Timeline
               • Attachment 5 Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (through June 2024) (Refer to Appendix E)
               • Attachment 6 Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (through June 2023 printed from CSA)
               • Attachment 7 Applicant NICRA - if applicable
               • Attachment 8 Applicant Federal Form W9
                 If applicant is proposing to use Sub-Recipients, include the following attachments:
               • Attachment 9 Program Contact Information Sub-recipient (Appendix F) and Additional Sub-recipient Information (Appendix G)
               • Attachment 10 Sub-recipient agreement (The Sub-recipient Agreement is generated by the applicant agency and is not an IDHS form.)
               • Attachment 11 Sub-recipient Uniform Grant Budget (Refer to Appendix E), Sub-recipient Federal Form W9 and approved NICRA - if applicable
         3. Uniform Grant Budget - The FY23 proposed budget through June 2023 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 6 (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 and possible disqualification. The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.
   6. SAM Registration and Unique Entity Identifiers
      Refer to C.4 for information on SAM Registration and Unique Entity
   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 eligible 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" 1. Eligible Applicants, 2. Mandatory Requirements, and 3. GATA Registration and Prequalification will not be 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.
      Applicants proposing to serve more than one community area must submit a separate application for each community area. Applications will be scored separately.
      The Department will review, score, and make funding decisions separately for each eligible service area. Applications will be considered in the order in which they were received. The Department anticipates awarding up to six grants per eligible service 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 Government Public Service Interns under contract from the University of Illinois at Springfield. External reviewers are those individuals not employed by IDHS who have volunteered to review applications, have subject matter expertise and/or grant reviewing experience and have been screened for any potential conflict of interest.
      Eligible 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. Reviewer score sheets may be returned to the reviewer to improve legibility and completeness of comments. If this step reveals that there was the possibility of impropriety on the part of any reviewer, the Department reserves the right to remove from consideration the reviewer scores and comments from consideration. If this action results in fewer than 3 reviewers scoring the application, the Department will assign an alternate reviewer to the application. This reviewer will be afforded all the same guidance, instruction and time to complete the review task. A second review team meeting will then take place as described above and the process will resume as required.
      The Associate Director will present the compiled scores and recommendation to the Director of Family and Community Services.
      The Associate Director and the Director will discuss any concerns or identified issues and prepare funding recommendations for the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention that will include a summary review of verification of eligibility and mandatory requirements to be presented to the Assistant Secretary for consideration and final award determination.
      Scoring will be on a 100-point scale.
      Application Narratives will be evaluated on the following criteria:
      

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

      
      * IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. If the Uniform Grant Budget is not in this status at the time of application, the application will be rejected.
      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
      All applications will be reviewed upon receipt by IDHS staff to determine if eligibility and mandatory requirements are met as outlined in this NOFO. Those meeting these requirements will be reviewed as described in the Criteria section above. Scoring will be done by committee on a 100-point scale. If compiled average reviewer scores meets or exceeds a score of 75, the application will be put forward for funding consideration by service area. Applications will be considered in the order they were received until such time as the maximum number of funded RVPS grants in the identified service area is met (six) or available funding has been exhausted.
      If there is sufficient funding and the service area maximum number of awards has not yet been achieved, the Department will then review other RPSA awards made to the applicant organization to determine if the applicant organization continues to be eligible or if they have since exceeded the limitations outlined in Section C.1.f. and would then be subject to disqualification.
      While the score/recommendation of the review panel will be the primary factor in the funding determination, 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.
      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. 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 RVPS 444-80-2774 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). 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 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.
         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 IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement, please visit this IDHS Website. 
      The agency awarded funds through this Funding Notice must further agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including, but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.). Additional terms and conditions may apply.
   3. Reporting
      Upon execution of the grant agreement, reporting shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Uniform Grant Agreement and related Exhibits which includes, but is not limited to the following:
      1. Forms
         1. Periodic Financial Report (PFR)
            1. The Provider will submit monthly expenditure documentation and certification forms (EDCFs), quarterly and final Periodic Financial Reports (PFRs) in the format prescribed by the Department.
            2. 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 October 30th; 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
      It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that the Grant Payment Policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (procedures implementing Cash Management Improvement Act and the Treasury-State Agreement (TSA)), and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods). Three different award payment methods exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance.
      Grantees that desire advance payment will submit the required advance payment request form and supporting documentation. Grantees will be required to certify that they meet Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.302 Financial Management, and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods. Certification language will be located on the advance payment request form. Grantees who cannot or do not provide such certification will either (i) need to retain a Fiscal Agent who has provided such certifications to receive advance payments or (ii) will be paid through reimbursement. NOTE: Grantees paid through reimbursement may receive up to two months of working capital advance, at IDHS's discretion, pursuant to 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(3), and described above, at the beginning of the grant prior to being paid by reimbursement for the balance of the grant.
      Additional information regarding grant payments and the form to request same will be provided to successful applicants.
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 "RVPS" in the subject line of the email. 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.
8. Other Information, if applicable
   The following Appendices will be provided to the applicant as part of the application packet upon receipt of the Applicant's Letter of Intent.
   • Appendix A CSA Budget Information
   • Appendix B Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
   • Appendix C IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance
   • Appendix D Executive Summary
   • Appendix E Uniform Budget Template
   • Appendix F Program Contact Information--Sub-Recipient
   • Appendix G Additional Sub-Recipient Information
   • Appendix H RPSA Violence Prevention Application Checklist
9. Mandatory Forms - Required for grant program
   • Letter of Intent to apply (LOI) (Refer to Section D. Application and Submission Information, 1. Address to Request Application Package.)
   • Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Appendix B)
   • Project Narrative and Attachments (Refer to Section D. Application and Submission Information, 4. Other Submission Requirements)
   • Uniform Grant Budget entered into CSA system. (Refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information for more information on entering budgets in CSA).

• Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
• Uniform Grant Budget Template | Instructions
• Conflict of Interest Disclosure