Peacekeepers Program (24-444-80-3013-03) Notice of Funding Opportunity

URGENT MESSAGE: 

Dear Stakeholder:

Urgent Message: The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has rescinded the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) #24-444-80-3013-02 Peacekeeper's Program due to a material technical issue regarding the submission process. Applications that have been submitted under this NOFO will NOT be considered for funding.

This NOFO is being replaced by the IDHS: Peacekeepers Program (24-444-80-3013-03) Notice of Funding Opportunity (Below-this page)

Any applicant under the prior, rescinded, NOFO will need to re-submit under the new NOFO Peacekeepers Program (24-444-80-3013-03) if they wish to have their application considered.

Applications for this opportunity are due by noon on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Summary Information

1. Program Description
   1. Program Summary
      Firearm violence has deeply harmed neighborhoods, communities, and the entire State of Illinois, both through the immediate loss of life and the long-term, harmful effects of trauma experienced by victims, witnesses, and others. 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.
      Per RPSA, the OFVP's Firearm Violence Research Group identified 26 Chicago community areas as locations and 16 Greater Illinois Municipal service areas 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 and additional Greater Illinois Municipal service areas were selected by the OFVP, using further data-driven analysis. A complete list of Chicago and Greater Illinois communities and a full description of the process for identifying these communities with the highest concentration of firearm violence is available here: IDHS: Report of the IDHS Office of Firearm Violence Prevention, June - December 2021 (state.il.us). 
      Across these communities, families are facing a staggering array of economic demands and social challenges that have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic: devastating health concerns, lack of employment, education loss, mental health issues, social support disruption, and increased family and community violence. In Chicago, during the early months of COVID, firearm violence increased by over 50% from pre-pandemic levels. Since then, discrete neighborhoods in Chicago and Greater Illinois have been experiencing concentrated and perpetual firearm violence that has contributed to increased firearm homicide rates. Within these neighborhoods, firearm violence is highly concentrated among teens and young adults who have chronic exposure to violence, criminal legal system involvement, and related trauma.
      To reduce firearm violence, the OFVP has initiated the Peacemakers Program based on the FLIP (Flat Lining Violence Inspires Peace) model. The Peacekeepers Program uses a proven strategy to create a safe presence and has been implemented in Chicago's most highly impacted blocks during afternoon to late-night hours, mid-week, and through the weekend. The model advances street outreach work and develops a diverse and sustainable workforce by engaging young people who live in neighborhoods that are at a high risk for violence to serve as "Peacekeepers." These individuals are given a daily stipend and training to mediate and de-escalate conflict in their own communities. Peacekeepers leverage their relationships and training to intervene before violence erupts. By being physically present around hotspots 1 and through their own personal networks, Peacekeepers can reach people and conflicts that street outreach teams might not otherwise be able to due to capacity constraints. 2
      While serving as Peacekeepers, individuals are also provided with the supports and resources for professional growth. Peacekeeper supports will include job readiness training, GED support, other trainings such as financial literacy, expungement, domestic violence education, etc., as well as emergency supports.
      The IDHS Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) seeks to fund one or two applicants to reach each of the RPSA eligible communities in Chicago and Suburban Cook County to engage subrecipient organizations to implement and maintain the Peacekeepers program model year-round. 

   
   Chicago Communities:
   

   1. Ashburn
   2. Auburn Gresham
   3. Austin
   4. Burnside
   5. Chatham
   6. Chicago Lawn
   7. East Garfield Park

   8. Englewood

   9. Fuller Park

   10. Greater Grand Crossing

   11. Humboldt Park

   12. New City

   13. North Lawndale

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

   15. Riverdale

   16. Roseland

   17. South Chicago

   18. South Deering

   19. South Lawndale

   20. South Shore

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

   22. Washington Park

   23. West Englewood

   24. West Garfield Park

   25. West Pullman

   26. Woodlawn

   
   Suburban Cook County Communities: 
   

   1. Berwyn-Cicero Cluster
   2. Calumet City Cluster (Calumet City, Harvey, Dolton, Riverdale, South Holland, Markham, Lansing
   3. Chicago Heights Cluster (Chicago Heights, Park Forest, Sauk Village)
   4. Maywood-Bellwood

   In line with the White House's commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for people of color and communities across the country, IDHS and the OFVP share the goals of addressing systemic racism, which includes advancing equity and racial justice.
   

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   1 Hot spots are defined as intersections or streets within communities that experience high volumes and rates of shootings/violence within the host community. Hotspots have been identified and verified by street outreach professionals and/or by the local Police Department. 2 FLIP 2022 Midline Report; prepared by Northwestern Neighborhood & Network Initiative (N3).

   1. 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)).
      The OFVP seeks to fund one or two provider(s) that will subgrant with RPSA Violence Prevention Organizations to provide Peacekeeper programming in each of the RPSA eligible communities in Chicago and Suburban Cook County. The success of the Peacekeeper strategy has been achieved through a hub and spoke model and is considered best practice.
      Applicants must submit a proposal to serve all 30 RPSA eligible communities in Chicago and Suburban Cook County; however, OFVP may choose to make more than one award. If two awardees are chosen, a minimum of 10 communities will be assigned by OFVP. Final award amounts will be determined by the OFVP based on the number of assigned communities.
      Eligible applicants must be a current RPSA-funded violence prevention organization that demonstrates the following: 
      • Have a history of providing violence prevention services 
      • Have genuine and trusted relationships with community residents, stakeholders, and law enforcement entities in high-risk areas
      • Propose cost-effective and efficient programming
      • Have fiscal capacity and ability incur reimbursable program-related expenses (e.g., 30-60 days) in advance, in support of implementing Peacekeepers strategy across hot spot areas during peak periods (e.g., July, August)
   2. Required Services and Programming
      The successful applicant(s), or Provider(s) under this NOFO will:
      1. Engage subrecipient organizations to implement and maintain Peacekeepers programming in each of their assigned eligible Chicago and suburban Cook County communities (between 10-30 communities.) Subrecipients must be violence prevention organizations. 
         1. Selection of subrecipients: The selected Provider(s) will use the following criteria for selecting subrecipients: 
            1. Highest need community: As identified by shooting and homicide data (i.e., 2020; 2021); time of day and day of week incident analysis; hot spot and group analysis; etc.
            2. Capacity to implement: Subrecipient shall be willing to implement and locally manage strategy with fidelity; capacity to communicate and problem solve around project related concerns; and ability to implement while preserving integrity to other existing programming being implemented by subrecipient. 
            3. Capacity to manage individual acutely at-risk of being perpetrators or victims of violence: A demonstrated capacity to manage dozens of acutely at-risk individuals while implementing other pre-existing violence reduction programming
            4. Existing relationships with acutely at-risk individuals across hot spot areas: Existing relationships with potential Peacekeepers Program participants and/or relationships with acutely at-risk across hot need areas who may be candidates for Peacekeepers roles is required to manage and realize project goals and objectives.
            5. Local law enforcement support/buy-in required from high level (e.g., Commander).
            6. Fiscal and reporting capacities: Ability to manage and report on grant funds and in producing timely program reports (as required) and to ensure all project-related documentation (e.g., conflict mediation forms) is completed to aid project learnings.
            7. Commitment to engage in trainings, attend meetings (as required) and willingness to work with an evaluation partner as appropriate to refine strategy and understand the impacts of the Peacekeepers strategy over time.
         2. Ensure subrecipient Programming: The Provider will ensure the subrecipient(s) implements the Peacekeeper strategy within their respective community as follows:
            1. Peacekeepers: The subrecipient(s) will recruit and engage Peacekeepers from within their community.
               There are three critical Peacekeeper roles that are essential to implement strategy effectively. While the roles differ, all three roles are viewed as program participants (exhibit risk factors for violence), have credibility and influence with local groups/gangs/clicks, and are viewed as trusted insiders who are native to hot spots and community. This uniquely equips them to contribute to peace across war zones established as hot spots by engaging networks who engage in violence.
               1. Peacekeeper Supervisor ($150 daily stipend)- 1 Peacekeeper supervisor for sites with 4 hot spots; 2 per site with 8 hot spots
                  1. Participate in training and meetings
                  2. Conduct daily check-ins and debriefs with Peacekeeper teams (along w/subrecipient) at each hot spot including sharing shooting incidents or active conflicts that impact hot spots
                  3. Hot Spot Patrols: spend time visiting each assigned hot spot continuously throughout daily shift to ensure model fidelity
                  4. Provide updates to the subrecipient (Outreach team) in real time during shift and identify team needs (e.g., need uniform or public education)
                  5. Engage team leads at each hot spot and report emerging conflicts, threats, incidents of violence, police interactions immediately to subrecipient (Outreach Team); engagement with Team Leads affords channels of communication across rival hot spots for the purpose of maintaining peace
                  6. Participate in community events on hot spots with subrecipient
               2. Peacekeeper Team Lead ($120 daily stipend) Reports to Supervisor) - one lead per hot spot
                  1. Participate in training and meetings
                  2. Lead team of Peacekeepers on hot spot (typically 4 Peacekeepers) and lead deployments activities across hot spot (e.g., each hot spot on average is 4-6 blocks. Team Lead will guide deployment presence across 4-6 block geography during shift based upon need)
                  3. Provide regular updates in real time to Peacekeeper Supervisor including identifying team needs and reporting emerging conflicts, threats, incidents of violence, police interactions
                  4. Report/document conflict mediations for the hot spot for Peacekeeper team
                  5. Lead non-aggression agreement efforts along with Peacekeepers
                  6. Disseminate public education and participate in community events on hot spots with subrecipient
               3. Peacekeeper ($100 Daily Stipend) 0 at 4 per hot spot
                  1. Participate in training and meetings
                  2. Maintain presence and relentless engagement with individuals and groups across hot spot areas
                  3. Maintain peace across designated hot spot (includes maintenance of non-aggression agreements between hot spot groups)
                  4. Monitor social media for potential threats that may impact hot spots Engage in interruption efforts via conflict mediations
                  5. Report emerging conflicts, threats, incidents of violence, police interactions immediately in real time to Team Lead
                  6. Disseminate public education and participate in community events on hot spots with subrecipient
            2. Hotspots: The OFVP, the Provider(s) and the subrecipient(s) will specify the number and location of targeted-community hot spots where the Peacekeeper Program will be implemented. Hot spots are defined as intersections or streets within communities that experience high volumes and rates of shootings/violence within the host community. Hotspots will be identified and verified by street outreach professionals and/or by the local police Department. There will be a limit of eight hotspots per community unless determined otherwise by the OFVP.
               In similar programs, communities have typically had 4-8 hot spots with the following Peacekeeper deployment patterns:
               1. 8 Hot Spots (42 Peacekeepers)
                  • 2 Peacekeeper Supervisors (each engaging for 4 hot spots)
                  • 8 Peacekeeper Team Leads (1 per hot spot)
                  • 32 Peacekeepers (4 per hot spot)
               2. 4 Hot Spots (21 Peacekeepers)
                  • 1 Peacekeeper Supervisors (engaging for 4 hot spots)
                  • 4 Peacekeeper Team Leads (1 per hot spot)
                  • 16 Peacekeepers (4 per hot spot)
            3. Program Coverage: The subrecipient will deliver the following minimum program coverage of Peacekeepers Program teams and management:
               1. 4 days per week at 8-hour shifts (hours to match or overlap implementer street outreach schedule to ensure an outreach presence from subrecipient during implementation schedule)
               2. Coverage during the holidays (4th of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day, et al.)
            4. Service Provision: Peacekeeper services must be provided directly by the subrecipient.
            5. Peacekeeper Supports: The subrecipient will provide Peacekeeper Supports to engaged Peacekeepers, including but not limited to:
               1. Job readiness training (designed to provide basic knowledge and skill sets to prepare Peacekeepers for the workforce)
               2. GED support (support to prepare Peacekeepers to take and pass GED exam)
               3. Training support (e.g., financial literacy, expungement, Know Your Rights, Intimate Partner Violence-Domestic Violence education, etc.). Facilitators to be identified by provider and/or implementing partner.
               4. Emergency support (temporary relocation locally for safety 1-7 days which may be local hotel out of community, financial support towards funeral services and/or repast (burial costs, flowers, etc.)
            6. Stipends: The subrecipient will provide a daily stipend not to exceed:
               1. Peacekeepers Supervisor- $150
               2. Peacekeepers Lead- $120
               3. Peacekeepers- $100
      2. Serve as Fiscal and Monitoring Agent
         1. Monitoring: The Provider will develop and implement a plan to monitor all subrecipients at least quarterly to ensure adherence to all fiscal and programmatic requirements including, but not limited to, the program requirements listed above.
         2. The provider will serve as the fiscal agent for all subrecipients. Subrecipients will be required to track and manage their expenditures and report them to the provider.
         3. Ensure timely and accurate reporting
      3. Provide Training: The Provider will develop, implement and ensure violence reduction training for subrecipient organizations. OFVP will be monitoring to ensure that all subrecipients are working closely with the participants on designed program training. OFVP will also coordinate with pro bono consultant on any additional training needs that may arise or be deemed necessary.
      4. 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. Outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as outcomes.
         3. Includes a plan to identify and address implicit bias in all areas of the organization, including programming.
         4. Includes an equity and racial justice training plan.
         5. Acknowledges the root causes of firearm violence, including historically racist systemic policies and practices where appropriate.
      5. Collaboration: The OFVP will require Reimagine Peacekeepers Program providers to work with the service area's Reimagine Conveners and other Reimagine Public Safety Act violence prevention programs. The Reimagine Convener is an experienced violence prevention organization that work with the OFVP to help build capacity within the most impacted communities to reduce firearm violence by encouraging effective, collaborative working relationships across providers in such disciplines as violence prevention, mental health, and youth development.
         At a minimum, Peacekeepers Program providers will be required to:  
         1. Coordinate services with other services organizations in the service area. This includes referral and linkage processes with other organizations providing services in their area to ensure participants are connected to needed services. Referral policies and practices may be developed during the first 3 months of programs
         2. Submit a Peacekeepers Community Plan to community violence reduction stakeholders (e.g., local police district, Reimagine Convener, local violence reduction organizations, etc.). The Peacekeepers Community Plan identifies local hot spots covered, implementation schedule (including Holidays), uniforms to differentiate Peacekeepers, etc.
      6. Program Evaluation: The Provider will be required to participate in the formal evaluation of the program developed by the Department and OFVP and must cooperate in the collection of data for this purpose.
         Provider will ensure data will be collected and is available subrecipients. The required data elements are available here: Peacekeepers Program Evaluation Metrix
         Please note that some records and other information obtained by programs concerning the individuals served under this agreement may be confidential pursuant to state and federal statutes and/or administrative rules and shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure.
   3. Performance Measures
      1. Number of Chicago and Greater Illinois communities implementing the Peacekeepers Program
      2. Number of hotspots receiving coverage
      3. Percentage of Peacekeepers Program communities with a 20% or more reduction in total shooting victimizations (cumulative of fatal or non-fatal shooting victims) compared to FY23
      4. Percentage of Peacekeepers Program hotspots with zero shooting victims, per quarter, during implementation period
      5. Total number of mediations completed by Peacekeepers
      6. Percentage of completed mediations which were successfully resolved
      7. Number of nonaggression agreements established in Chicago and Suburban Cook; a nonaggression agreement is defined as an agreement established between groups in conflict with one another that they will no longer engage in any form of violence against each other.
      8. Number of non-aggression agreements which remain in active status in Chicago and Suburban Cook County
      9. Total number of Peacekeepers
      10. Percentage of Peacekeepers who are engaged. "Engaged" is defined by Peacekeeper participating/working at least 3 of 4 days weekly, or 12 days monthly (for a four-week period)--ascertained by attendance and stipends
      11. Percentage of Peacekeepers who complete prescribed training
      12. Percentage of Peacekeepers who receive supports, including but not limited to job readiness training, GED, trainings (e.g., financial literacy, conflict resolution, etc.), etc.
      13. Number of Program Evaluations completed as described in the submitted Program Plan
      14. Percentage of monthly expenditure documentation forms submitted on time with accurate information, in the format prescribed by the Department. The Expenditure Documentation forms must be submitted no later than the 15th of each month for the preceding month by email.
      15. Percentage of Quarterly periodic performance reports (PPR), submitted on time with accurate information, in the format prescribed by the Department. At the end of the year, the Provider will also submit a cumulative report.
      16. Percentage of Periodic Financial Reports (PFR), submitted on time with accurate information, in the format prescribed by the Department. At the end of the year, the Provider will also submit a cumulative report.
   4. Performance Standards
      1. Number of Chicago and Greater Illinois Communities implementing the Peacekeepers Program (Acceptable Performance: minimum of 26 for Chicago; minimum of 4 for Suburban Cook County)
      2. Number of hotspots receiving coverage (Acceptable Performance: minimum of 156 hot spots for Chicago; minimum of 16 hot spots for Suburban Cook County)
      3. Percentage of Peacekeepers Program communities with a 20% or more reduction in total shooting victimizations (cumulative of fatal or non-fatal shooting victims) compared to FY23 (Acceptable Performance: 80% of Peacekeepers communities achieve goal)
      4. Percentage of Peacekeepers Program hotspots with zero shooting victims, per quarter, during implementation period (Acceptable Performance: 70%)
      5. Total number of mediations completed by Peacekeepers (Acceptable Performance for the 14 continuing Peacekeepers communities: 1,100 annually; Number of mediations to be determined across expansion communities in conjunction with OFVP)
      6. Percentage of completed mediations which were successfully resolved (Acceptable Performance: 70% successfully resolved)
      7. Number of nonaggression agreements established in Chicago; a nonaggression agreement is defined as an agreement established between groups in conflict with one another that they will no longer engage in any form of violence against each other. (Acceptable Performance: minimum of 70 agreements) and Suburban Cook County (Acceptable Performance: minimum of 10 agreements)
      8. Number of non-aggression agreements which remain in active status in Chicago (49/70) and Suburban Cook County (7/10): (Acceptable Performance: minimum: 70% of agreements)
      9. Total number of Peacekeepers (Acceptable Performance: TBD by number of communities assigned multiplied by number of hotspots multiplied by minimum number of Peacekeepers.)
      10. Percentage of Peacekeepers who are engaged. "Engaged" is defined by Peacekeeper participating/working at least 3 of 4 days weekly, or 12 days monthly (for a four-week period)--ascertained by attendance and stipends. (Acceptable Performance: 80% of Peacekeepers who are engaged.)
      11. Percentage of Peacekeepers who complete prescribed training (Acceptable Performance: 90% of Peacekeepers)
      12. Percentage of Peacekeepers who receive supports, including but not limited to job readiness training, GED, trainings (e.g., financial literacy, conflict resolution, etc), etc. (Acceptable Performance: 60% of Peacekeepers who receive support)
      13. Number of Program Evaluations completed as described in the submitted Program Plan (Acceptable Performance: minimum of one Program Evaluation will completed as described)
      14. Percentage of monthly expenditure documentation forms submitted on time with accurate information, in the format prescribed by the Department. The Expenditure Documentation forms must be submitted no later than the 15th of each month for the preceding month by email. (Acceptable Performance: 80%)
      15. Percentage of Quarterly periodic performance reports (PPR), submitted on time with accurate information, in the format prescribed by the Department. At the end of the year, the Provider will also submit a cumulative report. (Acceptable Performance: 80%)
      16. Percentage of Periodic Financial Reports (PFR), submitted on time with accurate information, in the format prescribed by the Department. At the end of the year, the Provider will also submit a cumulative report. (Acceptable Performance: 80%)
   5. Authorizing Statutes
      Statutory Authority: These programs are authorized by the Reimagine Public Safety Act (RPSA) (430 ILCS 69/35) and implemented by Executive Order 2021-29.
2. Award and Funding Information
   1. This is a competitive funding opportunity.
   2. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) or the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) to make an award.
   3. The Department anticipates making approximately $30,000,000 available to fund one to two grant awards to engage subrecipients who will provide Peacekeepers Programs in each of the eligible Chicago Service communities and suburban Cook County communities. The Grant award is projected to be for a 12-month project period, (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.) Award amount will be based on approved budgets. Grant award 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.
   4. This award 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 in the Federal Register at Federal Register CSLFRF.pdf.
   5. This grant does not require an in-kind or financial match requirement.
   6. 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.
   7. Subject to appropriation, the FY24 grant period will begin no sooner than the grant start date and will continue through 6/30/2024.
   8. The grant start date is estimated to be July 1, 2023
   9. 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.
   10. Subrecipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subrecipients are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant organization shall retain sole responsibility for the performance of the subrecipient.
   11. Pre-award costs will be allowed under the following conditions:
       The applicant must:
       1. have received and accepted the Notice of State Award (NOSA)
       2. have a current, approved budget in the CSA system for this award
       3. have submitted any and all requested program plan and budget revisions per the NOSA
       4. NOT incur pre-award costs prior to the start date of the grant agreement, anticipated to be July 1, 2023.
   12. Refer to 2 CFR 200.209 Pre-award Costs for more information. 
   13. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and the OFVP and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.
   14. All funding is subject to sufficient appropriations.
3. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements
   1. Eligible Applicants
      This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements and are subject to limitations described below:
      1. Eligible applicants 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))
      2. In addition to the above non-profit community-based organizations, eligible applicants are inclusive of units of local government, public schools, districts, etc. that provide services within the eligible Chicago and Suburban Cook County community areas.
      3. The applicant has met the prequalification requirements and mandatory requirements below in Section 6: Mandatory Requirements of Applicant/Application. 
   2. 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 subrecipient 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.
   3. System for Award Management (SAM) and Unique Entity Identifier
      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.
   4. Pre-Award Requirements
      1. The pre-award process includes a financial and administrative risk assessment utilizing an Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ). 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 24 ICQ. 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 FY24 ICQ at the time of application will be contacted by the Department to complete these pre-award requirements.
      3. These grantee pre-award requirements are mandated by Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Grantees must complete these requirements prior to receiving a grant award from the State of Illinois.
   5. Registration in CSA
      1. The CSA Tracking System is where the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) expects all applicant entities to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and 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
   6. Mandatory Requirements of Applicant/Application
      The Mandatory Requirements are essential items that must be met by the applicant. If any Mandatory Requirement is not met, the responding applicant's entire proposal will not be considered. If all responding applicants fail to meet a particular mandatory requirement, that mandatory requirement may, at the sole discretion of the State, be removed from the Mandatory Requirements so the evaluation process may continue. However, this does not obligate IDHS to make an award to any applicant that fails to meet all mandatory requirements. 
      1. The Applicant must have at least three or more years of verifiable proof of their Violence Prevention work. Please provide verification of Violence Prevention Work as Attachment 10. Verification can be provided through Organization's Annual Report, Organization brochures (dated), attestations or other documentation
      2. The applicant must submit a proposal to serve all thirty RPSA eligible communities in Chicago and Suburban Cook County; however, the Office may choose to make more than one award. If that is the case, a minimum of 10 communities will be assigned to each successful applicant based on collaboration between the OFVP, law enforcement and a pro bono consultant. Final award amounts will be determined by the OFVP based on the number of assigned communities
   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 Required Services and Programming, 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.
      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)pdf.
         Restrictions on use of these funds can be found in the Federal Register at ARPA Federal Register CSLFRF.pdf 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: https://solutions.crowe.com/CARS/StateofIllinoisGOMB/Login.aspx
         1. Indirect Cost Rate Election:
            1. Federally Negotiated Rate. Organizations that receive direct federal funding may have an indirect cost rate that was negotiated with the Federal Cognizant Agency. Illinois will accept the federally negotiated rate. The organization must provide a copy of the federal NICRA. (Refer to Section D. Application and Submission Information, 4. Other Submission Requirements for a list of required attachments)
            2. State Negotiated Rate. The organization must negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois by completing an indirect cost rate proposal in the CARS system if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate or elect to use the De Minimis Rate.
            3. De Minimis Rate. An organization that has never received a Federal or State Negotiated Rate may elect a De Minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct cost (MTDC). Once established, the De Minimis rate may be used indefinitely. The State of Illinois must verify the calculation of the MTDC annually in order to accept the De Minimis rate. If programs elect to use the De Minimis rate, it is critical that program budgets accurately calculate the MTDC base. Please see the regulation below and note the exclusions to MTDC.
               2 CFR § 200.68 Modified Total Direct Cost (MTDC).
               MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and subawards and subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each subaward or subcontract (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards and subcontracts under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward and subcontract in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.
            4. "No Rate": Grantees have discretion not to claim payment for indirect costs. Grantees that elect not to claim indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs. The organization must record an election of "No Indirect Costs" into CARS.
         2. Crowe Activity Review System (CARS).
            CARS will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate, complete an indirect cost rate proposal (see State Negotiated Rate above), elect to charge the De Minimis rate (10%) of modified total direct costs (MTDC), or select that no reimbursement of indirect costs will be requested. Submission requirements are located on page 2 of the Uniform Budget Template as well as 2 CFR 200 Appendices IV, V & VII.
            Organizations which have not previously made an indirect cost rate election must submit an election (and indirect cost rate proposal, if necessary) immediately and no later than 3 months after receiving an award notification or invitation to the CARS system.
            Organizations that have previously established an indirect cost rate election must submit a new indirect cost rate election immediately and no later than 6 months after the close of their organization's fiscal year.
            Every organization must make an indirect cost rate election in CARS even if the organization is choosing De Minimis Rate or "no rate". Organizations that do not make an election or submission inside the CARS system within the required timeframes will not be allowed to claim indirect cost reimbursement.
            For more information, see the GATA Website. 
      6. Administrative Costs
         It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Program budgets and narratives will detail how all proposed expenditures are directly necessary for program implementation and will distinguish between Indirect/Direct Administrative and Direct Program expenses. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. At no time may the approved NICRA be exceeded under this agreement. Documentation will be required to verify the approved NICRA.
      7. Simplified Acquisition Threshold
         Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee must be aware of the following regarding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold as it will be applicable to any qualifying subaward:
         1. That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
         2. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that the awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;
         3. That the awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.
   9. Post Award Requirements of Applicant
      Successful applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Notice.
      1. Start Date: Applicants must be prepared to begin offering services within 60 days of the contract start date. (Contract start date is anticipated to be July 1, 2023.) Applicants will submit an implementation timeline as Attachment 5, which will include program milestones, hiring staff, training, start dates, etc.
      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 subrecipient(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.
      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.
4. Application and Submission Information
   1. Address to Request Application Package
      Application materials are provided throughout this announcement. Appendices will be made available in user/printer friendly format and may be found on the Illinois Department of Human Services web site Peacekeepers Program. Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the Department at the email address below.
      Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's web site will contain information regarding the NOFO and materials necessary for submission. Questions and answers will also be posted on the Department's website as described later in this announcement. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor that web site and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO.
      Email Address: DHS.FirearmViolencePrevention@illinois.gov 
      Subject Line:  24-444-80-3013-03 Peacekeepers Program Request
   2. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
      The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application. The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is available as Appendix B and must be included at the beginning of this application. (Refer to 5. Other Submission Requirements in this section for a full order of application contents.)
   3. Content and Form of Application Submission
      IMPORTANT: The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of your application. Please provide a complete response to the following sections. If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your application will receive a score of zero points and your agency will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.
      Proposal Narrative Content
      Important: Applicants must submit a plan (proposal narrative) that covers a grant period from 07/01/23 to 6/30/24 (12 months). Grant awards will be issued based on the State Fiscal Year and will be subject to performance, subject to 2 CFR 200 continuation application process, subject to GATA Compliance, and subject to sufficient State/Federal appropriation. Successful applicants under this NOFO will receive an award 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, and Uniform Budget are not included in the page limitation. If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will only consider content contained within that specific section. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below.
      If an applicant receives an award through this NOFO, the proposal will become the local program plan and budget unless revisions are required. The application/plan will be the basis for monitoring compliance by IDHS.
      Failure to provide an application in the format detailed throughout this section will result in the loss of points - also, refer to Section D.4. Other Submission Requirements.
      1. Executive Summary: (Appendix D, 10 points)
         The Executive Summary (provided as 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 Peacekeepers Program Executive Summary and include it at the beginning of your program narrative.
         Each of the following items must be included on Appendix D and must be answered/responded to on the Appendix D Form:
         1. List the name, address, FEIN, county, and website (if any) of applicant entity
         2. List name, phone number, and email address for the organization's authorized representative and for the contact person for this application
         3. Indicate funding amount requested under this proposal
         4. Indicate number of years of experience the applicant organization has delivering violence prevention services.
         5. Indicate number of years of experience the applicant organization has delivering a program model consistent with the Peacekeepers Program services described in this NOFO.
         6. Indicate number of years of experience the applicant organization has training providers to implement the program model
         7. Indicate number of years of experience the applicant organization (and sub-grantees) have collaborating with other community agencies to achieve a common goal.
         8. Briefly describe applicant's accomplishments as a result of delivered program model.
         9. Briefly describe applicant's proposed activities to achieve the purposes of this NOFO.
         10. Briefly describe applicant's anticipated outcomes as a result of delivered program model.
         11. 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.
      2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity: (30 points)
         The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of their ability to implement this program as outlined in this NOFO. The applicant must demonstrate evidence of linguistic and cultural competence throughout. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
         1. Give a brief overview of the applicant agency, outlining its primary programs and services offered. Describe how the applicant's mission statement and goals align with the purpose of this funding opportunity.
         2. Describe the applicant agency's experience providing violence prevention services to communities at risk and specifically the RPSA eligible communities. List the number of years of providing services, types of activities undertaken, successes and challenges, etc. Indicate where these services were provided.
         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 45 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. Include Applicant's Organizational Chart as Attachment 3. Please include resumes and/or job descriptions of the staff responsible for implementing this program as Attachment 4: Job Description/Resume
            2. Include an implementation timeline with milestones and deliverables as Attachment 5: Implementation Timeline. The timeline should cover the entire program period, beginning July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. (12 months) The Timeline should include dates the applicant is proposing to begin services in each community.
         5. Describe the applicant's experience managing state and/or federal grants.
         6. Describe how the applicant agency will monitor the Subrecipients. Sub-award 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 families impacted by firearm violence.
         2. Describe how the provision of Peacekeepers Program will help to mitigate the negative effects of COVID and firearm violence on the community. Describe how these services will assist populations and communities disproportionately impacted by COVID and firearm violence.
      4. Equity and Racial Justice: (10 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 Peacekeepers Program 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(s) 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 proposed services and activities consistent with Section A: Program Description; 3. Required Services and Programming.
         1. Describe how the applicant will select and engage Subrecipient organizations (Subrecipients) to implement and maintain Peacekeepers programming in all 26 RPSA eligible Chicago and 16 RPSA Greater Illinois communities. 
         2. Describe how the applicant will ensure the subrecipient implements the Peacekeeper program in a manner consistent the requirements delineated in Section A: Program Description; 3. Required Services and Programming including:
            1. Peacekeepers
            2. Identifying hotspots
            3. Program Dosage
            4. Service Provision
            5. Stipends
         3. Describe the activities the applicant will undertake to serve as fiscal and monitoring agent; what performance tools will the applicant use to ensure that funds are being expended as intended for fiscal year? How will the applicant ensure timely disbursement of the funds as it is outlined in the objectives of the programs?
         4. Describe how the applicant will develop and implement violence reduction training for subrecipient organizations.
         5. Describe how the applicant will develop and implement or maintain a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)/racial justice plan. How will the applicant commit to developing and foster diversity equity and inclusion initiative among the staff and in the community they serve.
         6. Describe how the applicant will facilitate partnerships for effective collaboration between agencies and stake holders that operate projects to be successfully executed.
         7. Describe applicant's commitment to participate in the formal evaluation of the program developed by the Department and OFVP; How will the applicant collect this data from subrecipients?
         8. Describe how the applicant agency will evaluate the performance of the subrecipients. Subrecipient Attachments will be described under the Budget Narrative Section and must be completed for each subrecipient. Complete Appendix N: List of Prospective Subrecipients and include as Attachment 11.
      6. Budget Narrative: (10 points)
         1. Applicant Budgets:
            1. Applicants should provide a budget narrative and a budget for the grant period (July 1, 2023 to June 30, 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.
               1. Budget Narrative: In this section of the program narrative, provide a detailed Budget Narrative of the items allocated within your proposed budget. 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.
                  Please note: For Applicant or Subrecipient Budgets, Peacekeeper Stipends should be entered under the "Grant Exclusive" line item, NOT "Personnel/Fringe." Stipends are not to exceed $150 per day (Peacekeepers Supervisor- $150 daily; Peacekeepers Lead- $120; Peacekeepers- $100).
               2. Budget: Applicants must enter their budget into CSA.
                  The FY24 budget for 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 FY24 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.
                  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.)
                  IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. If the Uniform Grant Budget is not entered, signed, and submitted in the CSA system by the application due date and time, 5 points will be deducted from the Budget Narrative section of the application.
                  A PDF copy of the budget should be included in the application as Attachment 6: Applicant Uniform Grant Budget. This should be printed from the CSA system.
            2. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been submitted and approved through the CSA system.
            3. If indirect costs are included in the budget, the applicant must submit a copy of their organization's approved NICRA as Attachment 7: Applicant NICRA
            4. The applicant must submit Federal Form W9 as Attachment 8: Applicant Federal Form W9.
         2. Subrecipients
            Subrecipients must be registered in the GATA grantee portal and be pre-qualified before entering into a subgrant. Refer to Section C.2. Prequalification above. If you plan to use subrecipients, indicate amount of funds to be provided to the subrecipients; include a budget narrative describing how subrecipient will use funds. (See below for additional instructions regarding subrecipient budgets.)
            Subrecipient budgets and agreements must be pre-approved, and therefore must be submitted to the OFVP. If the applicant has identified the subrecipient(s) prior to the due date of the application, include the subrecipient agreement and budget with the application. For subrecipients identified AFTER the application is submitted, submit the subrecipient agreement and budget to the OFVP prior to executing a subaward. Subrecipient budgets should NOT be submitted in the CSA system. Instead, Subrecipient budgets should be completed using a PDF form of the Uniform Budget Template (available as Appendix E.) This PDF template should only be used for Subrecipient budgets.
            If Subrecipients will be used, include the following for each subrecipient:
            • Attachment S1  Subrecipient Contact Information Form (available as Appendix H)
            • Attachment S2 Additional Subrecipient Information Form (available as Appendix I)
            • Attachment S3 Subrecipient Budget (Use the Uniform Grant Budget Template -available as Appendix E)
            • Attachment S4 Subrecipient Agreement (The Subrecipient Agreement is generated by the applicant agency outlining the scope of work/deliverables the subrecipient will be completing for this program.)
            • Attachment S5 Subrecipient Agency Federal Form W9
            • Attachment S6 Subrecipient Agency approved NICRA if indirect costs are included and Subrecipient Agency has a current approved Federal or State NICRA
      7. Attachments to Your Application Narrative (Not included in page Limits)
         Although this section is not scored individually, points will be deducted in the above sections if these items are not included as directed. The Attachments should be labeled accordingly and placed in the order listed in Section 5: Other Submission Requirements; b Attachments below. If any attachments are not applicable, a page labeled with the attachment number should be submitted and should include a statement explaining why the attachment was not applicable.
      8. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
         The Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure form (Appendix J) must be completed, signed, and submitted with your grant application materials as Attachment 9. If no actual or potential conflicts exist, the applicant should indicate "no conflicts." For conflicts that arise after application submission, submit this form to your designated grant program point of contact within 7 calendar days after the conflict has been identified. Refer to the Disclosure form for examples of potential conflicts.
   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.FirearmViolencePrevention@illinois.gov and received no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Wednesday, 06/07/2023.
         The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.FirearmViolencePrevention@illinois.gov Include the following in the subject line: Peacekeepers Program 24-444-80-3013-03 your agency name.
         Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will not be considered for review or funding. Applications will NOT be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk, or thumb drive. The electronic copy must be a complete single PDF file. If the applicant needs assistance creating a single PDF file, please reach out to contact person listed in this NOFO in advance of the Due Date and Time.
      3. Applicants will receive a receipt confirmation email within 48 hours of receipt notifying them that their application was received and the date and time it was received. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application. This receipt confirmation email is solely confirmation that the application has been received by the Department; it is not a confirmation of the applicant's eligibility; prequalification, etc. Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements, for more information on the applicant's eligibility.
         Applicants are required to notify the Department by 12:00 PM on Monday, June 12, 2023 if they did NOT receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and/or does not notify the Department by 06/12/2023 at 12:00 PM, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored.
         The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department after Monday, 06/12/2023 at 12:00 PM. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above.
         Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
      4. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
         IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application. PLEASE ensure that supporting documentation demonstrates these technical difficulties are the result of DHS/State systems and that they are documented prior to the application due date and time. This includes correspondence with DHS staff regarding same.
   5. Other Submission Requirements
      1. Proposal Container and Format Requirements
         All applications must be typed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch paper using 12-point type and at 100% magnification. With the exception of letterhead and stationery for letter(s) of support (not required), the entire proposal should be typed in black ink on white paper. The program narrative must be typed single-spaced, on one side of the page, with 1-inch margins on all sides. The program narrative must not exceed the page totals specified in the "Content and Form of Application Submission" section including the Executive Summary. Items included as Attachments are NOT included in the page limitations.
         The entire application, including attachments, must be sequentially page numbered and compiled in the order specified below. The complete application must be compiled in a single PDF document and submitted as directed.
      2. ALL Applications MUST include the following mandatory forms/attachments in the order identified below.
         1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Refer to Appendix B)
         2. Proposal Narrative
            1. Executive Summary (available as Appendix D)
            2. Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity
            3. Need - Description of Need
            4. Equity and Racial Justice
            5. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services
            6. Budget Narrative (Narrative should cover the entire 12-month grant award period, July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024)
            7. Attachments to Your Application
               • Attachment 1 Application Checklist (available as Appendix F)
               • Attachment 2 Contact Information Form (available as Appendix G)
               • Attachment 3 Organizational Chart
               • Attachment 4 Job Description(s)/Resume(s)
               • Attachment 5 Implementation Timeline
               • Attachment 6 Applicant Uniform Grant Budget (printed from CSA)
               • Attachment 7 Applicant NICRA
               • Attachment 8 Applicant Federal Form W9
               • Attachment 9 Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (available as Appendix J)
               • Attachment 10 Verification of Violence Prevention Work
               • Attachment 11 List of Prospective Subrecipients (available as Appendix N)
                 Include the following for each subrecipient:
               • Attachment S1  Subrecipient Contact Information Form
               • Attachment S2 Additional Subrecipient Information Form
               • Attachment S3 Subrecipient Budget (Use the Uniform Grant Budget Template - available as Appendix E)
               • Attachment S4 Subrecipient Agreement
               • Attachment S5 Subrecipient Agency Federal Form W9
               • Attachment S6 Subrecipient Agency approved NICRA
         3. Uniform Grant Budget - The FY24 proposed budget must be entered, signed, and submitted in CSA and is required for the application to be considered complete. A hard copy of this signed and submitted budget must be included with the application as Attachment 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. The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.
   6. Unique Entity Identifiers (SAM Registration)
      Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:
      1. Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date. To establish a SAM.gov registration, go to SAM.gov | Home and/or utilize this instructional link: "How To Register in SAM" Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application; and
      2. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency.
      3. For more information, refer to Section C: Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C: Eligibility Information and Grant Funding will not be scored and/or considered for funding.
   7. Intergovernmental Review
      This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."
   8. Funding Restrictions
      The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements as described in Section A. Program Description and in accordance with Section C. 6 Grant Funds Use Requirements.
5. Application Review Information
   All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review.
   1. Eligibility Review
      Program Staff will conduct an initial eligibility review to determine if an application meets the eligibility requirements published in this Notice and will advance to the next stage of the review process.
      An application is compliant if the applicant:
      • is an eligible organization (refer to Section C "Eligibility Information")
      • is GATA prequalified
      • submitted an application by the submission deadline
      • meets the mandatory requirements listed in Section C "Eligibility Information" 6: Mandatory Requirements.
        Reviewing for eligibility is intended to ensure that only those applications that are eligible for award are further reviewed. However, determinations of eligibility can take place at any point during the application review and selection process. Applicants that are determined to be ineligible will not receive an award.
        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 will compete against other applicants applying to serve the same eligible service areas. Applications proposing to serve both Chicago and Greater Illinois communities will receive one application score which will be used to rank the applicant in both service areas (Chicago and Greater Illinois.)
   2. Review and Selection Process
      1. Merit-Based Review
         1. The Merit Based Review will be conducted by a review team comprised of three or more internal and/or external reviewers. Internal reviewers are individuals employed by IDHS, contractual staff or individuals working as interns from an Illinois academic institution. 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 with their assigned applications.
         2. The review teams will be provided with a Merit Based Review Committee Member Orientation Session.
         3. After the orientation session, applications will be reviewed and scored individually. The Review Team scores will be compiled and averaged on a Merit Based Review Summary Score Sheet.
         4. The OFVP or designee will initiate Post-Merit Based Review Quality Assurance Process which must include the following:
            1. Initial review of the summary score sheet to identify scoring discrepancies
            2. Address and resolve scoring discrepancies during the Post-Merit Based Review Evaluation Committee Meeting (see Item v below.)
            3. Determine whether reviewers properly applied Merit Based Review steps as instructed
            4. Identify any obvious infractions of committee members' independence in the review process.
            5. Assess whether reviewers properly completed all section of the MBR Scoring Sheet. Reviewer score sheets may be returned to the reviewer to improve legibility and completeness of comments
            6. Determine whether all facets of the review and scoring process were adhered to and consistently applied by reviewers.
            7. If these steps reveal that there was the possibility of impropriety on the part of any reviewer, upon written request and with the approval of the Associate Director, the Department reserves the right to remove from consideration the reviewer scores and comments from consideration. This action must be documented in writing and must include the reason for removal
            8. If the removal of a reviewer scores and comments 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. Once completed, the process will resume as required.
         5. A post-merit based review committee meeting is required for all competitive merit based reviews and will be facilitated by a designee of OFVP. The following apply:
            1. Scoring disparities will be addressed and resolved. For each application, if a significant disparity exists between reviewer scores (based on a set formula), review team members will collectively review the application 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 also be discussed.
            2. Individual scores must be revised if a reviewer missed information in the application.
            3. Scoring revisions resulting from discussions must be documented on the respective scoring sheet with written commentary to support the revision.
         6. The OFVP designee will prepare funding recommendations for the Assistant Secretary for consideration and final award determination. In making a final funding determination, the Assistant Secretary may include consideration of other factors such as geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, agency past performance as a state grantee etc., and other items identified under Section A: Program Description; 2. Funding Priorities.
      2. Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria
         Scoring will be on a 100-point scale. Application Narratives will be evaluated on the following criteria:
         

         SECTION	POINTS
         Executive Summary	10 Points
         Capacity - Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity	30 Points
         Need - Description of Need	10 Points
         Equity and Racial Justice	10 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 by the application due date and time, 5 points will be deducted for the Budget Narrative section of the application.
         The application criteria to be reviewed and scored are found under each category in this announcement in Section D. Application and Submission Information, 2. Content and Form of Application Submission; Proposal Narrative Content.
         This award is not subject to Cost Sharing/Matching. 
      3. Selection Process
         As described in the Criteria section above, scoring will be done by committee on a 100-point scale. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department & the OFVP reserve the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, demonstrated community presence, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. and other factors identified under Section A: Program Description; 2. Funding Priorities.
         
         While the score/recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the OFVP maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the review panel to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
         In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options:
         • Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
         • Partially fund each of the tied applications
         • Not fund any of the tied applications or
         • Assign a new 3-person review team to review and score both applications to break the tie.
           The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
   3. Merit-Based Review Appeal Process
      1. Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO).
      2. Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
         Name of Agency contact for appeals: LaTanya Law
         Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.FirearmViolencePrevention@illinois.gov
         Email Subject Line: "agency name 24-444-80-3013-03 Appeal LaTanya Law"
      3. Submission of Appeal.
         1. An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.
         2. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
         3. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
            1. Name and address of the appealing party;
            2. Identification of the grant; and
            3. Statement of reasons for the appeal.
            4. Supporting documentation, if applicable
      4. Response to Appeal.
         1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
         2. IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required.
         3. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.
      5. Resolution
         1. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
         2. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency.
         3. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
         4. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
            1. Review of the appeal;
            2. Appeal determination; and
            3. Rationale for the determination.
   4. Simplified Acquisition Threshold
      Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold. Refer to Section C. 8. Grant Funds Use Requirements for more information.
6. Award Administration Information
   1. State Award Notices
      Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the above review and selection process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). The NOSA shall include:
      1. Grant award amount
      2. The terms and conditions of the award.
      3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA) and merit-based review.
         Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into CSA. Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information and Grant Funding Requirements, 6. Registration in CSA.
         The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. This signed NOSA is the document authorizing the Department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.
         Upon acceptance of the grant award, announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding agency to Grants.Illinois.gov
         A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award.
   2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements
      The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and shall act in accordance with all state and federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services.
      To review a sample of the FY23 IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement, please visit the IDHS Website at Fiscal Year 23 Uniform Grant Agreements (state.il.us)
      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 15th of each month for the preceding month by email.
            3. The quarterly reports must be submitted no later than the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30) is due October 15th; Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31st) is due - January 15th, Quarter 3 (January 1- March 31st) is due - April 15th, and Quarter 4 (April 1st -June 30th) is due - July 15th).
            4. The final (cumulative fiscal year) Periodic Financial report is due July 15th 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 15th of the month following the end of the quarter; Quarter 1 (July 1 - September 30) is due October 15th; Quarter 2 (October 1-December 31st) is due - January 15th, Quarter 3 (January 1- March 31st) is due - April 15th, and Quarter 4 (April 1st -June 30th) is due - July 15th).
            4. The final (cumulative fiscal year) Periodic Financial report is due July 15th of the next fiscal year.
         3. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Additional performance data will be collected as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department. (Refer to Peacekeepers Program Evaluation Metrix for a list of data elements.)
      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
      The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) payment policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (procedures implementing Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury-State Agreement (TSA)), and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods).
      The three award payment methods are described below:
      1. Advance Payment (Advance and Reconcile)
         • An initial payment will be processed in an amount equal to the first two months' cash requirements as reflected in the Advance Payment Requirements Forecast (Cash Budget) Form submitted with the Grantee's application. The initial payment will be processed upon execution of the grantee's Uniform Grant Agreement. Cash Budgets must be signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive's signature certifies that their entity complies with the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management) and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(i)(A) (Advance Payments).
         • Advance payments must be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the grantee in carrying out the purpose of the program.
         • Grantees must submit monthly invoices in the format and method prescribed in the Grantee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement. The first invoice is due within 15 days after the first month of the Award's term. Invoices must be submitted on or before the 15th calendar day following the end of each monthly invoice period Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the Grantee. For programs that have Grantee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
         • Subsequent monthly payments will be based on each monthly invoice submitted by Grantee to Grantor, and will be adjusted up or down, based on a comparison of actual cumulative expenditures to cumulative advance payments, to date.
         • Grantees that do not expend all advance payment amounts by the end of the Award term or that are unable to demonstrate that all incurred costs were necessary, reasonable, allowable, or allocable as approved in their respective budget, must return the funds within 45 days.
         • Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
         • Failure to abide by advance payment governance requirements may result in grantee losing their right to advance payments.
      2. Reimbursement
         • IDHS will disburse payments to Grantee based on actual allowable costs incurred as reported in the monthly financial invoice submitted for the respective month, as described below.
         • Grantees must submit monthly invoices in a format prescribed by Grantor. Invoices must include all allowable incurred costs for the first and each subsequent month of operations until the end of the Award term. Invoices must be submitted on or before the 15th calendar day following the end of each monthly invoice period. As practicable, Grantor shall process payment within 15 calendar days after receipt of the invoice, unless the State awarding agency reasonably believes the request to be improper.
         • Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
      3. Working Capital Advance
         • Grantees may request separate working capital advance payments. Requests must be submitted on the IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template (Cash Budget) to the respective grant Program Manager. The Cash Budget must include monthly cash requirements for every month of the grant term. Requests must be signed by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or the Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive's signature certifies the cash requirements are actual expected costs.
         • IDHS Grant Program Managers will advance working capital payments to the grantee to cover their estimated disbursement needs for an initial period not to exceed two months of grant expenses. Startup costs may be approved if determined by IDHS Grant Program Managers to be allowable.
         • Grantees must submit monthly invoices for each of the one or two months covered by the Working Capital Advance in the format and method prescribed by the Grantor. The first invoice is due 15 calendar days after the first month of the Award term. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the grantee. For grant programs that have grantee matching requirements, allowable costs are only reimbursable when matching costs have also been incurred.
         • Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
         • Working Capital Advance Payments are limited to a single occurrence per grant term.
         • Following the initial working capital advance payment, grantees will be paid via advance or reimbursement method as appropriate.
      4. The final payment from the Department under this Agreement shall be made upon the Department's determination that all requirements under this Agreement have been completed, which determination shall not be unreasonably withheld. Such final payment will be subject to adjustment after the completion of a review of the Applicant's records as provided in the Agreement.
      5. Stop Payment
         The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) protects the quality of grant programs by limiting fraud, waste and abuse. GATA specifically requires the Governor's Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) to maintain a "list of individuals and entities that are ineligible, either temporarily or permanently, to receive an award of grant funds from the State." 30 ILCS 708/60(a)(8). In response to this requirement, the State of Illinois has set policy known as the Grantee Compliance Enforcement System (GCES) based on established federal law and supporting guidance. The system, Stop Pay List Tracking System (SPLTS), will only be used to track non-compliance of grantees.
         Non-compliance issues are classified as follows:
         1. Temporary Stop Payment Status:
            1. Late performance or expense reporting;
            2. Failure to clear fiscal/administrative monitoring issue(s);
            3. Failure to submit a timely audit report;
            4. Failure to respond to audit report or monitoring review corrective action for deficiencies and material weaknesses;
            5. Failure to submit a required refund payment or a payment missing from the payment plan; or
            6. Factually based discretionary issue documented by the leadership within the awarding agency.
         2. Permanent Stop Payment Status
            1. Facts documented by the applicable state agency including but not limited to:
               1. Conviction of or civil judgment for commission of fraud or a criminal offense, violation of federal or state antitrust statutes, commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, tax evasion, or commission of any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that seriously and directly affects present responsibility.
               2. Violation of grant terms or a transaction so serious as to affect the integrity of the program such as a willful failure to perform in accordance with grant terms, a history of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance, or a willful violation of statutory or regulatory provisions or requirements application to a grant.
               3. Any other cause so serious or compelling in nature that it affects present responsibilities.
            2. Fraud documented by the Office of the Executive Inspector General and/or other Governmental entity's investigation.
      6. Repayment
         In the event payments made by the Department to the Applicant exceed the total amount of Applicant reported and Department authorized expenditures, the Applicant will be required to issue a repayment to the Department in an amount equal to the overpayment.
      7. Pre-Award Costs
         Pre-Award costs will be allowed under the following conditions: 
         The applicant must:
         1. have received and accepted the Notice of State Award (NOSA)
         2. have a current, approved budget in the CSA system for this award
         3. have submitted any and all requested program plan and budget revisions per the NOSA
         4. NOT incur pre-award costs prior to the start date of the grant agreement, anticipated to be July 1, 2023. date.
      8. Payment Forms
         • Expenditure Documentation & Certification Form
         • Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) (available as Appendix K)
7. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)
   1. Point of Contact
      Name:  LaTanya Law
      Email Address: DHS.FirearmViolencePrevention@illinois.gov
   2. Questions and Answers
      If you have questions relating to this NOFO, please send them via email to:
      DHS.FirearmViolencePrevention@illinois.gov with "Peacekeeper Program" in the subject line of the email. Beginning 06/02/2023, questions with their respective answers will be posted on the IDHS website at this link. Questions and answers will be updated frequently as new questions are received. Applicants are responsible for checking frequently as the responses provided may have an impact on their ability to submit a responsive application. Only written answers posted on the website will be considered valid and official.
      The final deadline to submit any written questions regarding this Funding Notice will be Friday; 06/02/2023. The Final listing of Q&A will be posted by End of Day on Monday, 06/05/2023
8. Other Information, if applicable
   To apply for state funding, organizations must be prequalified in accordance with the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA). Organizations can register and prequalify in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal at any point prior to applying for funding. If an organization is in the process of applying for a specific funding opportunity, prequalification must be completed prior to the application due date listed in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
   IDHS is offering several options for assistance to ensure that your organization is prequalified and therefore, eligible to apply for this opportunity. These assistance options are NOT MANDATORY and will not affect your application score. If your organization has not successfully applied for state funding previously, IDHS encourages organizations to take advantage of these options; there is no cost to participate.
   Please refer to Appendix C for detailed information regarding available technical assistance options.
9. Mandatory Forms - Required for grant program
   • Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Appendix B)
   • Project Narrative and Attachments (Refer to Section D. Application and Submission Information, 4. Other Submission Requirements for a list of required attachments)
   • Uniform Grant Budget
   • Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure