400 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) Call Center (25-444-22-2487-01)

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name Division of Mental Health
Agency Contact

Rob Putnam

DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov
Announcement Type Discretionary
Funding Opportunity Title 400 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) Call Center
Funding Opportunity Number 25-444-22-2487-01
Application Posting Date February 27, 2024
Application Closing Date March 27, 2024, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-22-2487
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name 400 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) Call Center
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) NA
Award Funding Source State
Estimated Total Program Funding $9,500,000
Anticipated Number of Awards 1
Award Range $9,500,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement No
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Technical Assistance Session Session Offered: Yes
Session Mandatory: No
Date/Time:  March 11, 2024, 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM CST
Registration Link

A. Program Description

1. Program Summary

  • The Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking to fund the development of a Statewide Crisis Call Center (CC). The CC will be expected to answer calls from phone numbers identified as registered to Illinois residents, providing primary coverage for geographic areas not covered by the six existing CCs as well as back-up coverage statewide.

2. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

  • IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing 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.

3. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

  • 59 Ill. Admin, Code 132 (Rule 132), Section 132.150g
  • Mental Health Community Services Act (405 ILCS 30/ Section (f))
  • Illinois Administrative Code Part 7000 Grant Accountability and Transparency Act

4. Project Description

  • The Department of Human Services/Division of Mental Health (DMH) is seeking to fund the development of a Statewide Crisis Call Center (CC). The CC will be expected to answer calls from phone numbers identified as registered to Illinois residents, providing primary coverage for geographic areas not covered by the six existing CCs as well as back-up coverage statewide. The Federal Communications Commission has assigned 988 as the new nationwide, 3-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (the Lifeline). The Lifeline is a network of crisis centers serving the entire country. The Lifeline's call routing is based on crisis center call capacity and availability. The Lifeline transitioned from a 1-800 number to 988 on January 16, 2022. All phone service providers must ensure all 988 calls are routed to the Lifeline. To continue the support of 988, develop an expanded crisis service system, and to increase in-state capacity to answer calls to the Lifeline, DMH is seeking an entity interested in becoming or expanding operations of a National Suicide Prevention Lifeline CC. The SAMHSA crisis tool kit: Crisis Services Meeting Needs, Saving Lives describes the critical role that CCs will serve in the expanded crisis continuum. These CCs operate 24/7/365, provide crisis intervention and offer "no wrong door" access to crisis services. CCs are expected to have the capacity to not only answer incoming crisis calls in real time, but to also triage calls and assess for additional needs providing linkage for callers to those services. CCs will also initiate referrals to mobile crisis response services offered under the DMH 590 - Crisis Care System Programs. Additional information on the operations of CCs can be located in the SAMSHA Crisis Tool kit, and any entity applying for the NOFO will need to refer to that document and utilize resources provided in it to complete a successful application.

     Entities seeking funding are required to ensure sufficient levels of staffing are maintained and new staff recruitment, hiring and training is completed working towards 100% capacity in following years . In addition, DMH expects that any CC location that is created will meet the minimum requirements of the Lifeline. Entities seeking funding are encouraged to incorporate trusted messengers and individuals with lived expertise of suicide attempts/ loss from suicide into their staffing plans.

5. Performance Requirements

  • Ensure management and oversight of all CC operations by a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as defined in IL Adm Code 59 Part 132.25 who serves as CC supervisor and serves as the primary liaison with the DMH for planning purposes. Management and oversight may be face to face or virtual, and include group supervision as well as supervision by teleconference and videoconference. Any change in key personnel related to the management and oversight of CC operations must be immediately communicated to DMH.
  • Must have an existing contractual agreement with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) to serve as a CC with the designated primary coverage area and a back-up coverage area as defined by the contract with the NSPL.
  • Maintain a secure CC location where staff can engage in phone conversations with Lifeline callers ensuring the protection of clients' rights consistent with the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disability Confidentiality Act and any additional expectations of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The CC's phone system must meet these minimum requirements:
    • The ability to return a true busy signal (also known as a network or carrier busy signal once the estimated wait time reaches a predetermined length),
    • Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Compatibility,
    • Note: Centers utilizing Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) technology, which places callers into an internal queue at the CC if counselors are not immediately available, will be required to implement what Lifeline calls Active Answer procedures. With Active Answer, call counselors at the CC will need to press "1" in order to accept a Lifeline call. This process provides some assurance that Lifeline callers are not automatically being placed in long queues at CCs and will allow the Lifeline to re-route calls to backup centers if the center using an ACD system is unable to answer within a specified timeframe. DTMF compatibility is needed in order to implement Active Answer and pass Lifeline automated Quality Assurance (QA) test calls. This means that the center will need to have a phone system that is capable of sending DTMF tones or keypad tones to be technologically compatible with the Active Answer and automated test call features. Centers that do not have DTMF tones will not be able to implement Active Answer or pass the QA test calls and will need to work with their phone providers to modify their current telephony systems or will not be eligible to participate.
    • The center cannot use an automated attendant or voice mail on the termination line receiving the Lifeline/988 calls.
    • The center may not use an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system or any other phone automation/branching technology whereby a caller would need to select certain options to determine where their call is handled at the center level.
    • The center may not forward Lifeline /988calls to cell phones or automatically to other organizations.
    • The center must utilize Lifeline's technology platform (currently PureConnect) when answering Lifeline/988 crisis chats. This system is provided at no cost to centers.
    • The center must also ensure a stable internet connection for accessing Lifeline's chat platform and shall (optimally) utilize the Chrome web browser when accessing Lifeline's chat platform.
  • Develop and maintain an Operations Plan to include policies and procedures to ensure the successful operations of the CC, including policies and procedures for providing referrals and access to resources for callers. Maintain referral system and listings as well as assure linkages to the caller's local community crisis services and supports. Referrals and resources should be consistent with the cultural and linguistic needs of callers including veteran appropriate resources. Any disruptions in Operations must be immediately communicated to DMH.
  • Establish and maintain a comprehensive set of personnel policies and procedures, minimally addressing hiring, training, evaluation, disciplining, termination, and other personnel matters to ensure 24/7 staffing sufficient to respond to the call/text/chat volume anticipated by the Lifeline. The plan must be sufficient to adequately answer a minimum of 90% of calls, texts and chats.
  • All call takers must have access to a QMHP who is available for immediate consultation and supervision of CC operations. Access may be face to face or virtual.
  • Participate in any required National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network evaluation activities.
  • Conduct a continuous quality improvement process that includes ongoing call monitoring of Lifeline calls to ensure quality.
  • Provide a feedback mechanism for all callers to the CC to report concerns and grievances.
  • Provide monthly data to DMH including, but not limited to:
    • Call volume and answer rates.
    • Average speed to answer calls.
    • Caller disposition categories.
    • Number of calls by suicide experience categories (i.e., loss survivor, attempted survivor, suicide attempt in progress, suicide ideation etc.)
    • Number of calls that resulted in emergency dispatch (991, CARES, etc.)
    • Number by category of how callers learned about the Lifeline.
    • Number of callers from outside of the center's primary coverage area.
  • Maintain a call answer rate of 90% or higher for all calls, chats and texts.
  • Maintain a Speed to Answer rate of 95% within 20 seconds.
  • Maintain an Abandonment rate of less than 5%.
  • Provide follow-up services based on lifeline best practices and guidelines.

6. Performance Measures

  • Number of CC lead staff employed.
  • Number of CC lead staff to function as the liaison between the CC and DMH.
  • Number of contracts entered between the entity and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Center (Network Agreement Signed).
  • Designated primary coverage area county and/or zip code agreed upon with the Lifeline and reported to DMH.
  • Number of CC physical locations developed meeting the privacy and security requirements of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, and the technical system requirements of the Lifeline.
  • Policy and procedure manual provided to DMH program manager within three months of development and reviewed annually thereafter.
  • Number of staff working in the CC.
  • Number of staff working in the CC who have completed all required training.
  • Number of months that required submission of reports.
  • Number of monthly reports submitted.
  • Number of evaluation activities completed to promote quality assurance activities.
  • Number of Lifeline calls provided.
  • Number of silently monitored Lifeline calls.
  • Number of silently monitored lifeline calls where feedback was provided to the crisis counselor.
  • Number of reported concerns, grievances or feedback received from callers.
  • Number of reported concerns, grievances or feedback were implemented.

7. Performance Standards

  • 100% employment of CC lead staff to function as liaison between the CC and DMH.
  • At least one contract entered between the entity and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Center.
  • Coverage area identified by county and/or zip code as agreed upon with the Lifeline and reported to DMH.
  • At least one CC physical location developed meeting the privacy and security requirements of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, and the technical system requirements of the Lifeline.
  • Policy and procedure manual was developed and provided to the DMH program manager within three months of development and reviewed annually.
  • 100% of staff working in the CC have completed required training.
  • 100% submission of required reports.
  • 5% Silently monitored Lifeline calls where feedback was provided to the crisis counselor.
  • 100% implementation of the feedback, concerns, or grievance received from callers.

B. Funding Information

1. Total Amount of Funding

  • The Department anticipates the availability of approximately $9,500,000 in funding.
  • The source of funding for this program is State funds.

2. Number of Grant Awards

  • The Department anticipates funding 1 grant award to provide this program.

3. Expected Amounts of Individual Grant Awards

  • The Department anticipates that the grant award will be $9,500,000.

4. Amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years

  • Previous funding amount for this grant award was $9,455,427.

5. Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards

  • Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than July 1, 2024, and will continue through June 30, 2025.

6. Renewal or Supplementation of existing projects eligibility

  • Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards.
  • Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on performance and sufficient appropriation.

7. Type of Assistance Instrument

  • This is a discretionary grant award funding opportunity.

8. Procurement Contract Allowability

  • Subcontract Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the Subcontractor.
  • The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

  • This discretionary funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements:

2. Prequalification

  • Applicant entities will not be eligible to apply for a grant award until they have prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. Registration and prequalification are required annually. During prequalification, verifications are performed including a check of federal Debarred and Suspended status on the Illinois Stop Payment or the Illinois Debarred and Suspended 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., inactive UEI, not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and Suspended status cannot be remediated.
  • For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedure, refer to IDHS GATA Prequalification Assistance.
  • 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.
  • The following information is required to complete registration:
    • Organization's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI); For additional information on UEI, refer to Section Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) below;
    • Organization's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN);
    • Organization type;
    • Illinois Secretary of State File ID (required for non-profits, for-profits and limited liability corporations);
    • Organization's name;
    • Organization's mailing address;
    • Organization's primary email address;
    • Organization's primary phone number;
    • Organization's fiscal year-end date
  • Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met. See Section D for more information.
  • Funding Restrictions - See Section D for funding restriction impacting eligibility.

3. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

  • Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.
  • Serves as Maintenance of Effort to the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Community Mental Health Block Grant.

4. Indirect Cost Rates

Indirect Cost Requirements and Restrictions

  • In order to charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate.
  • Every organization that receives a state award must make an indirect cost rate proposal or election in the State of Illinois Grantee Portal, Centralized Indirect Cost Rate Election System, including organizations that are choosing not to claim payment for indirect costs.
  • Indirect Cost Rate Election:
    • 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 and submit an Indirect Cost Rate Proposal in the Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System.
    • 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 Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate and would like to negotiate a rate with the State of Illinois.
    • De Minimis Rate: An organization may elect a De Minimis rate of 10% of modified total direct cost (MTDC)**. Once established, the De Minimis rate may be used indefinitely. 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 subrecipient s up to the first $25,000 of each subaward or subcontractor (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards and subrecipients 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 subcontractor 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.

    • 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 the Indirect Cost Rate Election System.
    • State Funded Universities/Institutions: Maximum reimbursement for indirect costs is restricted to 10% Off Campus and 20% On Campus with MTDC base.
  • The Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate or complete an indirect cost rate proposal (see State Negotiated Rate above). 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. If the organization elects to submit a Federally Negotiated Rate or a State Negotiated Rate, they will receive an invitation to submit their proposal in the Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System.
  • Organizations that have previously established an indirect cost rate election and would like to continue with a Federal or State Negotiated Rate must submit a new indirect cost rate election immediately and no later than 6 months after the close of their organization's fiscal year.
  • Organizations that do not make a submission inside the Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System within the required timeframes will not be allowed to claim indirect cost reimbursement.
  • For more information, see:

5. Registration in CSA

  • The Community Service Agreements (CSA) Tracking System is the system the IDHS utilizes for approving budgets and issuing grant awards. It is strongly recommended that if an applicant entity is not already registered in the CSA Tracking System, they should begin the registration as soon as possible so they may submit a signed budget in CSA. 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.

6. Limit on Number of Applications

  • More than one application per entity is not permitted.

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

  • The complete application package (including links to required forms) is available throughout this opportunity.
  • Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website 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 website and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO.
  • Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the Division of Mental Health by emailing DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Required Content

  • Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below. Applicants that do not include all the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding.
  • All Application Materials should be submitted in one email (size permitting), as separate pdf documents:
    • Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
    • Program Narrative
    • Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure
    • Subcontractor Budgets, if applicable
    • Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form, if applicable

Program Narrative

  • IMPORTANT: Each applicant is required to submit a Program Narrative. The Program Narrative makes up the bulk of the application. If the Program Narrative is missing from your application package, 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.
  • The maximum possible score is 100 points. All submissions will be reviewed, evaluated, and based on the Criteria listed below.

Program Narrative Content and Attachments

  • 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.
  • Label each section of the Program Narrative utilizing the format provided below. Information must be provided in the section in which it is requested.
  • To be successful in the application process, applicants must submit the following information as part of the grant application process. Please provide a complete response to the following sections.

    • Community Identification and Need (not to exceed 2 pages) - 20 points:

      The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a clear and accurate picture of how the proposed project will address the needs of Illinoisans statewide. To successfully respond to this section, the applicant will need to describe an understanding of the call volume projection, the demographics of the population to be served, and identification of resources and supports needed by those who will be served by the call center.

    • Capacity/Agency Qualifications (not to exceed 2 pages) - 40 points:

      The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of the agency's ability to meet the program requirements. The applicant will need to include their experience in developing the physical space, personnel, and training required to start or expand a call center or similar program, and how they will apply those experiences to the development/expansion of all aspects of their call center. Highlight existing resources and relationships that the organization will utilize to implement a call center or develop utilizing the grant to support the program goals and objectives.

      Include a comparison of current technology in use by the agency with the minimum requirements of the Lifeline and describe steps necessary to come into compliance with all required operational standards.

      Identify current staff that have the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the program and describe how additional staff will be recruited and hired to ensure sufficient capacity to respond to the volume of calls anticipated.

      Describe your organization's plan to successfully implement culturally and linguistically responsive services that reflect the culture, racial, ethnic and linguistic characteristics of the population. Describe how organizational and interpersonal bias are addressed within the organization.

      Describe the agency's experience collaborating with community-based governance structures and any existing community-based governance structure or boards that will be responsible for ensuring successful implementation of the local crisis system of care Infrastructure. Identify other serving systems that will be involved in the proposed project. Describe previous experience developing similar partnerships.

    • Quality - Description of Program Services (not to exceed 2 pages) - 40 points:

      The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a detailed, clear and accurate picture of the intended program design with goals and measurable objectives.

      Include a staffing plan demonstrating the required supervisory structure, 24/7/365 operation and training requirements. Describe any strategies for incorporating individuals with lived expertise/other trusted messengers into operations.

      Provide a maximum six-month timeline depicting the process to engage in development and/or enhance Call Center capacity.

      Describe the method for monitoring the work of call takers to ensure compliance with operational standards, provide feedback to call takers and ensure continuous quality improvement. Include a proposed percentage of calls that will be monitored and provide description for how this will occur.

      Provide a detailed description of the agency's experience collecting and analyzing the type of data required for this program. Data that will be reported under this funding opportunity includes but is not limited to the information provided in the Program Standards and Measures. Because the larger Crisis System is still in development entities funded under this grant may be required to conduct needs assessments, participate in surveys, or develop strategic plans. Describe the agency's experience in participating in these activities via a community collaborative process.

Required Forms

  • 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.
  • Page one of the application is pre-populated with the appropriate information. Applicants must not complete anything on Page one. The correct application must be used.
  • On Page three, applicants will need to include the amount for which they are applying and sign.
  • The applicant submission email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.

Required Format

  • The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below or points may be deducted.
    • The Program Narrative shall not exceed 6 pages. If there are more than 6 pages, the remaining pages will not be reviewed or scored.
    • All documents must be typed using Times New Roman 12-point type, 100% magnification and use black typeface on a white background, Except for letterhead.
    • For charts and tables only, Times New Roman 10-point with color may be used.
    • The Program Narrative must be typed, single-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides.
    • The submission must be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch page size using pdf.
  • Attachments: If attachments are required as part of this NOFO, they must be submitted at the time of the application.

Budget Requirements

  • Deadline for submission of the budget, in the CSA Tracking System, is the same as the application deadline.
  • The CSA Tracking System is where the IDHS requires all applicants to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and take action on the proposed budget. The CSA Tracking system requires that you have different credentials than what you have for the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.
  • A budget and budget narrative need to be completed, electronically signed, and submitted in the CSA tracking system with the status as "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review". A copy is not to be submitted along with the application packet. There is space when preparing the budget on each line item for the budget narrative. For each line in the budget the applicant will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how the amount was determined. Please include cost allocations as necessary. The Budget narrative (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) must clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities within each line item. See instructions for the CSA Tracking System and Budget Information. The budget should be prepared to reflect 12 months.
  • A Budget Template can be used as a tool to assist in determining expenses; however, the final budget must be completed in the CSA Tracking System. The pdf budget or paper copy will not be accepted. Applicants will NOT be issued an award without the applicant's fully approved budget in the CSA System.

Subcontractor budget(s)

  • If applicant is planning to use a subcontractor, a pdf copy of the subcontractor budget must be submitted as a separate pdf document with the other application materials.
  • Subcontractor budgets shall be submitted on the GATA Uniform Grant Budget Template (GOMBGATU-3002).

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.
  • Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity(ies) contained in the scope of work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.
  • 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:
    • 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)
    • Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
    • Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
    • 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).
    • Deposits for items, services, or space

Pre-Award Requirements

  • All successful applicants are required to complete a risk assessment prior to execution of a grant award. The Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) is the instrument used to assess risk of grantees by identifying an organization's potential weaknesses. The ICQ is accessed through the Grantee Portal.
  • The deadline to submit the ICQ is April 3, 2024, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time

3. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration

  • Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:
  • Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date.
  • Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application.
  • 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.
  • The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied with all UEI and SAM requirements.
  • The Department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied with requirements and use that determination as a basis to award another applicant.

4. Application Submission Dates and Times

Application Due Date and Time

  • The Department must receive the Full Application:
    • Due on March 27, 2024 at Noon Central Time.
  • Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments.
  • Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.
  • Include the following in the subject line:
    • Your Agency Name
    • 400 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) Call Center
  • 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.
  • Applicants will receive an email to notify them that the application was received. Applications and Program Narratives received after the due date and time listed in the NOFO Summary above will NOT be considered for review or funding. There will be no exceptions.
  • Applicants are required to notify the Department within 48 hours of the deadline, 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 within 48 hours, 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 the 48 hours. 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.

Missed Deadlines

  • 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. 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 may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.

5. Intergovernmental Review

  • Not applicable to Illinois State Awards.

6. Funding Restrictions

Pre-Award Costs

  • Pre-award costs are not allowable.
  • IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records.

7. Other Submission Requirements

Electronic Submission

  • Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.
  • Documents must NOT include a password nor be encrypted.
  • Contact DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov in the event of technical difficulties.
  • IDHS/DMH is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above requirements.

8. Questions

  • IDHS encourages inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcomes the opportunity to answer questions from applicants. Questions and IDHS/DMH Responses "Q&A" will be posted to the Mental Health Grants - FY25 website and updated periodically.
  • Questions about this NOFO, must be sent via email to DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.
  • The subject line of the email MUST state:
    • 400 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) Call Center - Question(s).
  • Questions will ONLY be accepted electronically. Deadline for Questions is March 20, 2024, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time.

9. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosures

  • Every grantee and subcontractor must disclose in writing any actual or potential Conflict of Interest as part of the grant application packet using the Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form IL444-5205.
  • Grantee Conflicts of Interest include, but are not limited to:
    • Grantee has an employee, board member, trustee, or immediate family member who: ?
      • Holds an elected or appointed office in Illinois. ?
      • Holds a seat in the Illinois General Assembly. ?
      • Is an officer or employee of any State board, commission, authority, or holds an elected or appointed position or is employed in any of the offices or agencies of State government.
    • Grantee has a financial interest, including ownership of stocks or bonds, in a firm which is a vendor or contractor.
    • Grantee has outstanding financial commitments to any vendor or contractor.
    • Grantee has a close personal relationship. such as a spouse, dependent child, or member of the technical advisor's household, that may compromise or impair the fairness and impartiality of the technical advisor and grants officer during the solicitation development, proposal evaluation, award selection process, and management of an award.
    • Grantee has any negotiation of employment with current or potential subcontractor or vendor.
  • Additional examples of Grantee Conflicts of Interest can be found in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Website Resource Library.

E. Application Review Information

1. Criteria

  • All discretionary grant applications are subject to merit review.
  • Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C "Eligibility Information" will not be scored and/or considered for funding.
  • Applications must follow the instructions in Section D "Application and Submission Information."

2. Review and Selection Process

  • The process for evaluation of the application is as follows:
    • IDHS/DMH staff familiar with the requirements of the program will score and review the application package.
    • Review team members will have no conflicts of interest and will read and evaluate application packages independently.
    • The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion.
    • The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a state awardee, etc.
    • While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.
  • In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options:
    • Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
    • Partially fund each of the tied applications; or
    • Not fund any of the tied applications.
  • The Department reserves the right to negotiate with applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc. These negotiations do not obligate IDHS to provide funding, nor should an applicant draw any conclusions about the Department's intentions to fund or not fund the application.

3. Merit Review Appeal Process

  • Discretionary 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).

Submission of Appeal

  • Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
    • Name of Agency contact for appeals: Robert Putnam
    • Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov
    • Email Subject Line: Applicant Name - 400 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) Call Center - Appeal
  • An appeal must be submitted in writing to the appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send it to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration.
  • An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
  • The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
    • Name and address of the appealing party
    • Identification of the grant
    • Statement of reasons for the appeal
    • Supporting documentation, if applicable Response to Appeal
  • IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
  • 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.
  • The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.

Resolution

  • The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
  • 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.
  • The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
  • The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
    • Review of the appeal.
    • Appeal determination.
    • Rationale for the determination.

4. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State Awards

  • 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 200.1 Definitions). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold and related requirements.
    • IDHS prior to making an award with a total amount 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);
    • 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 a State or Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;
    • IDHS 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 State and Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in § 200.206.
    • (From 2 CFR 200.1 Definitions): Simplified Acquisition Threshold means the dollar amount below which a non-Federal entity may purchase property or services using small purchase methods (see § 200.320). Non-Federal entities adopt small purchase procedures in order to expedite the purchase of items at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. The simplified acquisition threshold for procurement activities administered under Federal awards is set by the FAR at 48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1. The non-Federal entity is responsible for determining an appropriate simplified acquisition threshold based on internal controls, an evaluation of risk, and its documented procurement procedures. However, in no circumstances can this threshold exceed the dollar value established in the FAR (48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1) for the simplified acquisition threshold. Recipients should determine if local government laws on purchasing apply.

F. 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). This notification is sent to the main contact listed in the Grantee Portal; therefore, it is important to keep contact information in the Grantee Portal updated. The NOSA shall include:
    • Grant award amount
    • The terms and conditions of the award
    • Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative risk assessment (ICQ) and merit-based review.
  • Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into CSA. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be Accepted or Declined by the grants officer (or equivalent). This acceptance of the NOSA effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. This accepted NOSA is the document authorizing the Department to proceed with issuing a grant agreement. The NOSA must be Accepted or Declined through the Grantee Portal. A hard copy is not required.
  • The NOSA is NOT an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs at the non-State entity's own risk).
  • After the Uniform Grant Agreement is published in the CSA Tracking System, it must be signed, and the signature page submitted to the Office of Contract Administration at DHS.DHSOCA@Illinois.gov.
  • An award is NOT considered to be fully executed until both parties have signed the grant agreement. IDHS/DMH is not obligated to reimburse applicants for expenses or services incurred prior to the complete and final execution of the grant agreement and filing with the Illinois Office of the Comptroller.
  • A written Notice of Non-Selection 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.
  • You can find a sample of the FY25 grant agreement at IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.

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:
    • Periodic Financial Reports.
    • Close-out Reports.
    • Periodic Performance Reports.
    • Close-out Performance Reports.
    • Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.
  • If the State share of any State award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance, applicants are also subject to the reporting requirements reflected in Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.
  • Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List (SSPL).
  • Grantee shall submit these reports) to the appropriate email address listed below. Reported expenses should be consistent with the approved annual grant budget. Any expenditure variances require prior Grantor approval in accordance with Article VI of the UGA to be reimbursable.
  • DMH reporting templates and detailed instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the IDHS website.

4. Payment Terms

  • Grantees will receive payment by one of the three payment methodologies (Advance Payment, Reimbursement or Working Capital Advance). Grantees will automatically be paid via Reimbursement Method unless a request for Advance Payment Method or Working Capital Advance Method is made using the IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template (Cash Budget).

  • Advance Payment Method (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.
    • Grantees must submit monthly invoices in the format and method prescribed in the Grantee's executed Uniform Grant Agreement. Invoices must be submitted no later than 15 days following the end of any respective monthly invoice period, or as indicated in their UGA Exhibit F - Payments. 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.

  • Reimbursement Method

    • 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 no later than 15 days following the end of any respective monthly invoice period, or as indicated in their UGA Exhibit F - Payments. As practicable, Grantor shall process payment within 30 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.

  • Working Capital Advance Method

    • 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. Invoices must be submitted no later than 15 days following the end of any respective monthly invoice period, or as indicated in their UGA Exhibit F - Payments. 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.
  • Grantees selecting the Advance Payment Method, or the Working Capital Advance Payment Method must complete the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template as described in the procedures above. In addition, please note: If you will be submitting the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget, it must be submitted with the application materials as a separate document.
  • The Monthly Invoice IL444-5257 Template must be used for all DMH programs and submitted no later than 15 days after the end of the month. All invoices shall be HIIPA compliant and encrypted utilizing DHS approved encryption software and emailed to DMH at the email address listed above.
  • Invoice and PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@illinois.gov
  • Invoice and PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov
  • Invoice and PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@illinois.gov

Payment Forms

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

H. Other Information

I. Mandatory Forms