Question: Do we have to apply for this if we have a treatment grant?
Answer: Organizations with gambling treatment grants are required to engage in community intervention efforts as part of that grants deliverables (staff time at these efforts can still be billed through DARTS using CI). Due to the recent separation of outreach and treatment services, outreach materials will not able to be reimbursed under the treatment grants. The Gambling Public Awareness provider and Helpline provider will be assisting organizations with materials and so organizations may not have to purchase materials if items are ordered from the website or obtained from one of these providers.
Question: If we previously submitted applications under CFSA #444-26-0730 should we now (for FY24) be responding to Fixed Rate Substance Use Disorder and Gambling Disorder Services (FY24-444-26-0724-01)? If our organization applies for the Gambling Disorder Outreach Services being NOFO'ed (24-444-26-2841-01), would these be brand new services, and a brand new contract?
Answer: The treatment services/DARTS services previously delivered under 0730 are now provided under 0724. The outreach/marketing/voucher based services previously provided under 0730 are now under 2841 and are being NOFOed for SFY24. The contract will be new since the two services are being split, but the services covered will be the same as previously funded/supported under 0730 and are not a new service or new funding category.
Question: Are outreach plans and conflict of interest forms part of the application package?
Answer: Conflict of Interest forms and Outreach plans will be required with the application as noted at the end of the NOFO. These items can be accessed here: Outreach Plan, Conflict of Interest Form pdf. Outreach plans are to describe the activities/materials which applicants will seek reimbursement for that are vouchered/expense based. As an example, an applicant may request reimbursement for expenses paid related to a billboard or radio campaign focused on gifting responsibly.
Question: The gambling outreach NOFO deliverables seem to exceed the scope of outreach, ex. #4, #8, #12, #16.
Answer: Each of the items can be interpreted to apply to outreach and treatment services alike. #4 refers to the appropriate and timely submission of documentation as required by various SUPR manuals and guidelines. #8 refers to the provision of services that meet confidentiality standards and requirements. #16 refers to connecting individuals with recovery support services as determined by the patient. #12 refers to hiring at least a part-time person which is a standing requirement of the grant and can be met through the Outreach NOFO or through the Treatment Services/DARTS billing of Community Intervention.
Question: Within the performance measures section, are agencies able to alter those numbers for presentations/events based on what fits our community in our outreach plans or are those numbers required?
Answer: These numbers should be considered the minimums for the respective measure. Agencies are able to increase those numbers to match their local area. If an agency chooses to submit numbers below those listed, significant justification must be made in both the narrative portion and the budget request.
Question: Is there a recommendation of outreach budget Percentage as it relates to the treatment budget?
Answer: Historically speaking, outreach budgets have averaged 30% of the treatment budget. However, this is only a guideline and budgets above or below this number will be considered. Budgets significantly above the 30% mark will need significant justification in the narrative.
Question: What is the program code for CSA?
Answer: The program code for this Gambling Outreach grant is SA00-060-0010. Providers will need this code to enter a budget in CSA.
Question: My organization has worked with IHS/SUPR for years, do we need to complete the entire application package?
Answer: Organizations should complete the full application as if you are unknown to SUPR. The application review process may use reviewers that are not familiar with gambling disorder service providers. In addition, to be considered for funding, applicants must demonstrate experience, or a process to obtain experience, with the service areas described in the application.
Question: Does the outreach plan count toward the 10-page maximum?
Answer: The outreach plan is a separate document and is not part of the 10-page narrative. Applicants should fully complete the outreach plan according to the NOFO requirements using any space necessary.
Question: Our organization would like to continue everything as is with the exception of adding an outreach person for a particular area. What is your advice as to how best handle this?
Answer: If you provide both treatment and outreach services, then the outreach position should be reflected in Community Intervention billing under section 15 Grant Exclusive Line Item of the budget in CSA. If you are an outreach only organization, then the outreach position should be added into the NOFO application. Either way, as noted in the NOFO, the Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, to meet Department budgetary requirements.
Question: Is the Letter of Intent (LOI) required and once submitted, what is the next step in the application process?
Answer: First, it is important to note the letter of intent (LOI) is optional and not a required step in the submission process. If an LOI is submitted, the next step is to submit the full application package including all information and supporting documents noted in the NOFO. Please note, applications missing required information and/or supporting documents will not be scored as noted in the NOFO.
Question: Is this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) stating that only having completed the 30-hr training I am eligible to apply for this NOFO or must 1 or more staff have the PCGC?
Answer: An applicant does not have to have certified PCGC staff at the time of application for gambling disorder services as noted in the deliverables section (A.2) of the NOFO: staff with Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor (PCGC) certification, International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC) certification, or have completed the IDHS/SUPR 30-hour Gambling Disorder training and meet the professional qualifications outlined in the Contract Policy Manual and in Administrative Rule 2060 consistent with the standards of the Illinois Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association (IAODAPCA) are eligible to provide gambling services. CRSS and other certifications are also able to provide limited services once the 30-hour training has been completed.
Question: Will there be additional opportunities to apply for gambling service funding?
Answer: IDHS/SUPR continually reevaluates the need for gambling disorder service funding. Related NOFOs are announced each year after the governors budget address, generally in February. Treatment service funding expansion/application requests will be considered in the second and third quarter of the SFY. Potential applicants are encouraged to revisit this website for upcoming opportunities periodically throughout the year.
