Special Education - EI Child & Family Connections (25-444-84-2880-01)

Summary Information


Awarding Agency Name	Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name	Early Childhood
Agency Contact	Katie Jacobs Katie.Jacobs@Illinois.gov 217-299-7158
Announcement Type	Competitive
Funding Opportunity Title	Special Education - Grants for Infants and Families - Early Intervention Child and Family Connections
Funding Opportunity Number	25-444-84-2880-01
Application Posting Date	April 26, 2024
Application Closing Date	May 26, 2024
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-84-2880
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name	EICFC
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s)	N/A
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s)	N/A
Award Funding Source	State
Estimated Total Program Funding	Initial 12-month award FY25: $50,000,000.00 $60,000,000.00 Renewal Option 1 FY26 (12 months):$50,000,000.00 $60,000,000.00 Renewal Option 2 FY27 (12 months): $50,000,000.00 $60,000,000.00
Anticipated Number of Awards	25
Award Range	N/A
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement	No
Indirect Costs Allowed	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs	Yes State Funded universities -indirect cost rate and base is capped at (attached) On-Campus 20% and MTDC base Off-Campus 10% and MTDC base Local Education Agencies (ROE's, School Districts, etc.): * Restricted to ISBE negotiated unrestricted rate - https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Indirect-Cost-Rate-Plan.aspx
Technical Assistance Session	Session Offered: No Session Mandatory: No Date/Time: N/A Registration Link: N/A

A. Program Description

Program Summary
- Introduction to the funding opportunity:
  - Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Early Childhood (DEC) Bureau of Early Intervention (EI) seeks agencies located within Illinois to serve as the Child and Family Connections (CFC) offices for designated geographic areas.
- Description of the purpose and scope:
  - CFC offices are the regional intake entities defined in state statute (325 ILCS 20) and rule (89 IL Admin. Code 500 Section 500.45) as IDHS's designated entity responsible for implementation of the EI Program within its designated geographic area. IDHS is required to assure the designation of regional points of entry to accomplish consistent and equitable intake and service coordination throughout the State, with services defined in 89 IL Admin. Code 500 Section 500.45.
  1. Program Overview
    1. Background and Context:
      - The EI Program is a statewide program for the evaluation and assessment of eligible children under 36 months of age; Any child under the age of 3 who is the subject of a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect as defined in the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and in Illinois Act (325 ILCS 20/3) (from Ch. 23, par. 4153); or children engaged with Extended Services with any of the following conditions:
        
        Qualifying disability or diagnosis;
        
        30 percent delay in development in one or more of the five developmental domains;
        
        A physical or mental condition that has a high probability of resulting in a developmental delay;
        
        At risk of having substantial developmental delays, according to informed clinical opinion;
        
        A parent who has been medically diagnosed as having a mental illness or serious emotional disorder defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual V that has resulted in a significant impairment in the client's level of functioning in at least one major life functional area or a developmental disability; o three or more of the following risk factors:
        
        current alcohol or substance abuse by the primary caregiver;
        
        primary caregiver who is currently less than 15 years of age;
        
        current homelessness of the child;
        
        chronic illness of the primary caregiver;
        
        alcohol or substance abuse by the mother during pregnancy with the child;
        
        primary caregiver with a level of education equal to or less than the 10th grade, unless that level is appropriate to the primary caregiver's age.
      - Children and families in Illinois access Early Intervention (EI) services through the network of 25 Child and Family Connections (CFC) offices. These offices are mandated by state statute and rule to serve as the designated regional intake entities for the EI Program. The services provided by CFC offices are essential for ensuring timely and appropriate access to EI services statewide. CFC offices are integral to the delivery of EI services, providing a crucial point of entry for families seeking support for their children's developmental needs.
    2. Importance and Impact:
      - By maintaining consistent and equitable points of entry throughout the state, CFC offices ensure that eligible children and families receive timely access to EI services regardless of their geographic location. The impact of CFC offices extends beyond initial intake, as they play a key role in coordinating services and resources to support children's developmental progress and family well-being. Through this notice of funding opportunity, IDHS seeks to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of EI services statewide, ultimately improving outcomes for children and families across Illinois
  2. Program Goals, and Objectives
    1. Supplies and/or Services Required:
      1. The CFC office shall select, train, and supervise qualified staff to carry out the following tasks within the EI Program's specified time frames. The CFC, whenever possible, shall recruit and select qualified staff that reflect the communities being served. Service Coordinators and Parent Liaisons will complete required training within 90-calendar days of receiving their temporary credentials.
      2. The CFC office shall receive referrals from primary referral sources and contact the family within two-business days after the date that the referral is received to schedule an intake meeting with the family.
      3. Contact with the family shall be in the family's native language or, with respect to an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, or for an individual with no written language, means the mode of communication that is normally used by that individual
      4. The CFC office shall provide service coordination activities, including the following:
        
        Conduct intake meetings, which is the process of meeting in-person or virtually with the family to explain the EI Program and to complete all initial steps required prior to beginning the necessary evaluations and/or assessment
        
        Assist any and all parents of infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities in equitably obtaining access to needed EI services and other services identified in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), including making referrals to EI providers for needed services and assisting in scheduling appointments for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities and their families
        
        Coordinate the provision of EI services and other services (such as educational, social, and medical services that are not provided for diagnostic or evaluation purposes) that the child needs or is being provided;
        
        Coordinate initial evaluations with a minimum of two evaluator-credentialed EI providers to determine if the child is eligible for EI services and assessments to identify the child's unique strengths and needs and any EI services appropriate to meet those needs. Evaluations and/or assessments of five developmental domains are required to determine the child's level of functioning and/or unique strengths and needs in each domain prior to writing the initial IFSP;
        
        Facilitate and participate in the development, review, and evaluation of IFSPs, including facilitating the development of the initial IFSP within 45 days after the initial date of referral and distributing copies of the IFSP to the family, EI providers and other entities identified in the IFSP as soon as possible and no more than 15-business days after the IFSP meeting
        
        Conduct referral and other activities to assist families in identifying available and culturally reflective EI providers
        
        Coordinate, facilitate, and monitor the delivery of EI services to ensure that the services are initiated as soon as possible but not later than 30 calendar days after consent of the parent or guardian has been obtained for the IFSP
        
        Conduct follow-up activities to determine that appropriate Part C services are being provided. Communicate monthly with the family using a variety of in-person, telephone, written correspondence, Live Video Visit (teletherapy), or other methods approved by the EI Bureau, including team meetings, to ensure that the family is well informed, functioning as an active participant in the implementation of the IFSP and to monitor the provision of needed evaluations and/or assessments and services
        
        Inform families of their Part C rights, procedural safeguards and available advocacy services
        
        Coordinate the funding sources for EI services required including collecting income verification for family participation fees and confirming use of private or public insurance use under this part
        
        Facilitate the development of a transition to preschool, school, or, if appropriate, other services
        
        The CFC office shall establish/maintain Local Interagency Council(s) (LIC)., as defined in the chart found in Appendix I. The LIC shall assist the CFC through the development of local needs assessments and planning efforts. The needs assessments may be performed, using an equity lens, through engagement with community representatives at LIC meetings, outreach specific to individual community stakeholders, surveys or any available communication with representatives from those receiving, providing or referring to the EI Program to help coordinate the needs and provide those, along with potential strategies to the CFC Program Manager. LICs are designed to identify and resolve local access issues; conduct collaborative child find activities; coordinate public awareness initiatives; coordinate local planning and evaluation; assist in the recruitment of specialty personnel; develop plans for facilitating transition and integration of eligible children and families into the community; and facilitate conflict resolution at the local level. Members of each LIC shall reflect the community being served, and shall include, but not be limited to the following: parents; representatives from coordination and advocacy service providers; local education agencies; Home Visiting providers and representatives; other local public and private service providers; representatives from State agencies at the local level; and others deemed necessary by the local council. CFC offices must identify a LIC coordinator(s) responsible for ensuring that each LIC is established and maintained. The LIC Coordinator, with assistance from the CFC, will participate in reporting of activities on an IDHS-approved template on a quarterly basis.
        
        The LIC will assist the CFC in ensuring the following activities are conducted:
        
        Development of collaborative agreements between local service providers, diagnostic and other agencies providing additional services to the child and family;
        
        Development of agreements related to transition and integration of eligible children and families into the community when leaving EI;
        
        Identify and resolve local access issues to EI services using diverse and equitable outreach strategies for all eligible children in the community;
        
        Focused recruitment efforts, using local community stakeholders, to support equitable access to the EI program and, to the maximum extent possible, identify and engage professionals that are reflective of the community being served, to serve all children eligible for EI services within the CFC's geographic area.
        
        Development of an annual report, per CFC, identifying compliance of the above responsibilities, to be submitted to the Bureau for presenting to the Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention (IICEI).
        
        The CFC office shall provide culturally appropriate/responsive Parent Liaison activities that include development and provision of direct support services to families and provision of consultation/resources to team members and other service providers regarding family perspectives on practices and policies for services and system development. CFC offices must have a credentialed Parent Liaison(s) to ensure that parent liaison activities are provided. The Parent Liaison, with assistance from the CFC, will participate in reporting of activities on an IDHS-approved template on a quarterly basis.
        
        The CFC office shall provide Infant Mental Health components that include, at a minimum, an Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant (formerly referred to as Social Emotional Consultant).The Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant (IECMHC) provides professional development, clinical consultation, and systems support to infuse relationship-based, reflective practice throughout the EI process. IECMHCs will build capacity at all levels of the system to promote foundational relationships. Primary responsibilities of the IECMHC include reflective consultation to the CFC Program Manager, individual and group case consultation, and coordination of components including overseeing the implementation of SE screening and specialized assessment, and linkages to resources. IECMHCs will work with systems partners to advocate and sustain best practices. The IECMHC with assistance from the CFC, will participate in reporting activities on an IDHS-approved template on a quarterly basis.
        
        The CFC office will contract for Developmental Pediatric Consultation (DPC) services with an unbiased and ethical non-employee of the CFC and ensure quality assurance activities such as periodic (as needed) participation in IFSP meetings, consultation on requests for IFSP service changes, technical assistance and training to EI providers to address local and system needs, Service Coordinator's training tailored to needs identified pursuant to reviews and assisting CFC office with Child Find with the medical community. The CFC will participate in reporting of activities on an IDHS-approved template on a quarterly basis. Other quality assurance activities include:
        
        Per request of the CFC or through periodic involvement, review of medical records, which may provide an explanation for a child's status and thus avoid duplicative medical diagnostic evaluations.
        
        Review evaluations and/or assessments and listen to the Service Coordinator's discussions of their observations of the child to assist in identifying signs of Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Autism, Verbal and Motor Apraxia, Sensory Regulatory Disorder or other diagnoses that have not been previously addressed in either evaluation/assessment or treatment activities.
        
        Discuss the specific medical diagnosis with the Service Coordinator and the impact that a disease or syndrome may have on a child and family. Make suggestions for a better approach to the family.
        
        Assist with IFSP development for consistency with EI principles, best practices, EI philosophy and any and all policy and procedures.
        
        NOTE: Clinical developmental pediatric professionals include the following: Pediatrician, Advanced Practice Provider, Developmental Pediatrician, or EI Provider with strong developmental background that can provide a global perspective. To ensure opinions are unbiased, the entity selected cannot be an employee of the fiscal agent and should be used as a consultant and used on a regular basis. A copy of the contract must be provided with the submission of the NOFO and annually based on each fiscal year's budget using a timeline developed by IDHS.
        
        The CFC office shall comply with public and private insurance and family participation fee policies and procedures as set by IDHS.
        
        The CFC office shall participate in public awareness and Child Find activities by disseminating information to primary referral sources and working through and with LICs. In its public awareness and Child Find activities, the CFC will prioritize communities for which it has evidence of lower rates of participation, or communities whose knowledge of and information about the EI Program may be constrained.
        
        The CFC office shall maintain a directory of non-EI financial resources and support services for use with families. The CFC shall assist families in accessing non-EI financial resources and support services by making appropriate referrals while the child is enrolled with the EI Program and at transition. Children found ineligible should be offered referrals for non-EI community resources prior to case closure.
        
        The CFC office shall facilitate IFSP team discussions for every child to determine his/her status relative to each of the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) identified child outcomes and document the ratings in the statewide data system.
        
        The CFC office shall monitor that the use of Part C funds are the "payor of last resort" to the extent allowed by law. This includes assistance in accessing resource supports including, but not limited to, the Division of Specialized Care for Children (Title V). And, with the parent's or guardian's informed consent, Medicaid (Title XIX), the State's Children's Health Insurance Program (Title XXI), and private insurance.
        
        The CFC office shall enroll, if it wishes, as an "All Kids agent" in order to complete the All Kids application as authorized under Section 22 of the Children's Health Insurance Program Act.
        
        The CFC office shall develop, maintain, and process the permanent EI case record in accordance with policies set forth by IDHS.
        
        The CFC office shall maintain administrative and programmatic contact with all EI providers in the service area.
        
        The CFC office shall participate in routine monitoring and technical assistance activities as required by IDHS, including on-site or virtual monitoring, data collection and reporting obligations, record reviews, financial audits, due process investigations received by the Bureau of EI, and investigations initiated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
        
        The CFC will participate and assist in publicizing consumer satisfaction surveys developed by the Bureau of EI or its partners.
        
        The CFC office shall designate a CFC Program Manager who is employed by the CFC. The CFC Program Manager will be responsible for hiring all Service Coordinators. All Service Coordination activities will be the responsibility of the CFC and cannot be subcontracted to another entity.
        
        The CFC office shall have a toll-free number and appropriate Internet access to support staff to access the IDHS systems, as needed.
        
        The CFC office shall purchase/maintain required equipment upon IDHS specifications.
        
        The CFC office shall provide an annual budget in the format and timeline required by IDHS and make necessary adjustments throughout the year when necessary.
        
        The CFC office shall be in compliance with the Child and Family Connections Procedure Manual (including CFC support services, recordkeeping, due process, referrals to CFCs, intake, eligibility determination, public and private insurance use determination, family participation fees, IFSP creation and implementation, transition, and transfer and case closure) at http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32263
        
        The CFC office shall participate in training sessions, as required by IDHS including, but not limited to training for implicit bias and/or racial equity training such as those offered by the EI Training Program.
        
        The CFC office shall comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), specifically the Security Rule and the HIPAA Transactions and Code Sets Rule, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
        
        The CFC office shall comply with the confidentiality of Early Intervention Records pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 617(c) and 642, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq., and Part C regulations in 34 CFR 303.401-303.417, all in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 1232g and 34 CFR Part 99.
  3. Expected Performance Goals, Indicators, Targets, Outcomes, Baseline Data, and Data Collection
    1. Performance Measures and Standards
      - The CFC office shall be subject to the following performance measures and standards, which are collected through the EI data system and reported to and approved by the OSEP. These performance measures and standards may change as OSEP requirements for the Illinois State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report are updated.
        
        Infants and toddlers will receive the EI services identified on their IFSPs within 30 days. Standard: Percent of children who receive EI services on their IFSPs in a timely manner goal is 100%.
        
        Children with active IFSPs will have their services provided predominately in the home or a community setting as measured client data entered daily into the data system. Standard: Percent of children receiving services in home or community setting goal is 97%.
        
        Children will demonstrate improved: positive social-emotional skills; acquisition and use of knowledge and skills; and use of appropriate behaviors. Standard: Of those infants and toddlers who entered or exited EI below age expectations in each outcome, the percent who substantially increased their rate of growth by the time they turn 3 years of age or exited the program are: 67.25% for positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships); 75.55% for acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/ communication); and 73.65% for use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs. The percent of infants and toddlers who were functioning within age expectations in each outcome by the time they turn 3 years of age or exited the EI program are: 51.45% for positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships); 42.35% for acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/ communication); and 47.35% for use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs.
        
        Families will report EI services have helped families: know their rights; effectively communicate their children's needs; and help their children develop and learn. Standard: 69.97% of respondent families participating in Part C will report that EI services have helped the family know their rights; 77.35% of respondent families participating in Part C will report that EI services have helped the family effectively communicate their children's needs; 76.57% of respondent families participating in Part C will report that EI services have helped the family help their children develop and learn.
        
        The percent of children under age one (1) served in Illinois through an IFSP as determined using client data entered daily into the data system and annual Census population estimates. Standard: EI under age one (1) participation rate goal is 1.4%.
        
        The percent of children under age three (3) served in Illinois through an IFSP as determined using client data entered daily into the data system and annual Census population estimates. Standard: EI under age three (3) participation rate goal is 4.2%.
        
        New Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs) will be initiated within 45 days of referral as measured by client data entered daily into the data system. Standard: Percent of IFSPs within 45 days goal is 100%.
        
        A transition conference will be held at least 90 days and no more than nine (9) months before the child turning age three (3) for 100% of children potentially eligible for Part B and whose families have consented to participate in a transition meeting, as measured by client data entered daily into the data system. Standard: Percent of transition meetings held goal is 100%.
        
        The CFC office will submit biannual child find screening calendars of upcoming screening events in the local service area.
        
        The CFC office shall assist and coordinate with the implementation of State Systemic Improvement Plan (SSIP) strategies and targeted objectives.
        
        The CFC office shall engage in community cross-sector initiatives including Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, IDHS Family and Community Resource Centers and other state-led early childhood service team members as outlined within IDHS initiatives.
    2. Technical Approach Plan:
      1. The Applicant shall provide a detailed narrative description (Technical Approach Narrative (TAN)) of how the applicant plans to address each requirement as specified in the Supplies and/or Services Required section, so that all the State's requirements are provided in a timely and cost-effective manner. Descriptions must be fully responsive to each service requirement. The TAN, in combination with the information provided in the Technical Approach Program Plan Matrix (TAPPM), should provide a clear picture of how each deliverable will be accomplished. Applicants must identify any deviations from the stated requirement(s) that cannot be satisfied. Any deviations from the stated requirements or any requirements that the Applicant cannot satisfy will affect the evaluation of the offer and may disqualify the Applicant.
      2. As part of the TAN, if the Applicant provides EI services other than Service Coordination and Parent Liaison activities, the Applicant must be able to detail strategies to ensure that the referral function and location of the CFC office would not result in a conflict of interest or violate confidentiality and security requirements of FERPA/HIPAA.
      3. As part of the TAN, the Applicant shall be able to provide a transition plan that will result in full operation beginning July 1, 2024, with the establishment of an adequate location(s) within the CFC service area for the delivery of Service Coordination functions. This would not apply to a current grant holder for a specified region as there would be no need for transition.
      4. The Applicant shall provide a TAPPM with action steps needed to provide the deliverables as specified in the Program Description section. Supplies and/or Services Required. The TAPPM must identify each requirement, the related action steps necessary to satisfy the requirement, timelines, staff responsible, and the percent (%) of staff time to be allocated to each deliverable. Elements that are in place should be listed in the matrix as completed action steps.
    3. Technical Experience:
      1. The Applicant shall provide information and support to demonstrate an understanding of EI philosophy and services.
      2. The Applicant shall provide information and support to demonstrate at least five (5) years of experience providing service coordination/case management and as a primary responsibility, with relevant experience working with children and their families.
      3. The Applicant shall provide information and support to demonstrate by a history of service delivery within a significant portion of the CFC service area.
      4. The Applicant shall provide information and support demonstrating its history and ability to establish relationships within the CFC area, with resources, direct service EI Providers, home-visiting providers and community agencies and groups and have an ability to link children and families to needed community services and resources.
      5. The Applicant shall provide information and support to demonstrate the number of years of experience and the level of technical experience that appropriately reflects the ability to perform the scope of work.
      6. The Applicant shall provide information and support to demonstrate relevant experience with businesses or government entities.
      7. The Applicant shall provide information and support to demonstrate that the placement of the CFC office in the Applicant's organization is appropriate and supports the Applicant's capacity to provide the types of services specified in Section A.1.Supplies and/or Services Required.
      8. The Applicant shall provide information and support to demonstrate at least five (5) years of experience in grant administration.
      9. The Applicant shall provide information and support to demonstrate a working knowledge of fiscal and accounting concepts and practices commensurate to those required by federal and state financial and regulatory reporting in relation to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) (30 ILCS 708/). This also includes sufficient knowledge to apply concepts relating to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
    4. Personnel:
      1. The Applicant shall provide resumes for all key personnel, including the CFC Manager, fiscal employees and all who will be involved in providing the services contemplated by this NOFO. A description for recruitment and selection of additional qualified staff should be provided, if needed. Resumes must include the full name, education background, years of experience, and employment history particularly as it relates to the scope of services specified herein. For Service Coordinators, instead of resumes the Applicant may provide a list of names with corresponding EI-credential status, if available, or the name of the relevant bachelor's degree or higher. The information provided should indicate that key personnel meet or exceed staffing specifications stated below and that staff resources are adequate to implement the required Technical Approach Plan. The Applicant shall provide information that demonstrates how staff reflects the racial/ethnic diversity of the families served by the EI Program in the CFC service area.
      2. The Applicant shall be able to demonstrate that key personnel meet or exceed the staff specifications and present an acceptable plan for recruitment and selection of additional qualified staff, when needed.
      3. The Applicant shall provide a staffing plan which includes Service Coordinators all of which have at least a bachelor's degree or higher in a human service, behavioral science, social science or health-related field, or a current license as a Registered Nurse, with exceptions made for Service Coordinators who hold an EI Service Coordinator's credential based upon former standards.
      4. In addition to the requirements listed for Service Coordinators, the CFC Manager shall have and be able to validate at least two (2) years direct experience working with children with disabilities, with supervision experience preferred.
      5. Parent Liaisons shall have and be able to validate at least a high school diploma or equivalent and must be a parent or guardian of a child with special needs.
      6. IDHS recommends that the Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant have all or most of the following skills and education/work experiences in order to perform the duties of the position: Master's Degree in child development, special education, psychology, social work, counseling or a related field; supervised clinical experience with children and families; knowledge of and training in infant development: typical and atypical, attachment theory, family systems theory, psychopathology in infancy and toddler-hood, diagnosis of mental health disorders in infancy (DC: Zero to Three and or DSM IV-TR), impact of stress and trauma in infancy, assessment of parent/child relationship, intervention to support parent/child relationship, and assessment of adult mental health disorders; deep understanding of philosophy and practice of relationship-based EI; knowledge of consultation process and experience in providing consultation regarding parenting and child development and team process; knowledge about and skill in providing reflective supervision and consultation; capacity to plan and provide in-service education to service providers and practitioners; compatibility with the CFC Manager predictive of the formation of a trusting relationship between IECMHC and the CFC Manager and staff; and experience in the EI Program providing direct services to infants and toddlers and their families. Special consideration will be given to those IECMHC Consultants who hold the Infant Mental Health (IMH) certification or the Illinois Association of Infant Mental Health (ILAIMH) certification.
      7. The Applicant shall possess competencies and expertise sufficient in accounting and or bookkeeping to allow for submission of complete and accurate financial and performance measure data, including periodic financial reports, periodic performance measure reports, budgets, indirect cost calculations and application of indirect cost rates, to ensure compliance with the requirements set forth in the state GATA (30 ILCS 708/) and the federal Uniform Guidance (UG) (2 CFR 200). Preference shall be given to Certified Public Accountant designations and/or fiscal experience with federal or state grants awarded under UG or GATA.

2. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas
1. 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.
  1. Equitable Staffing and Recruitment:
    1. Prioritize the selection, training, and supervision of staff that reflect the diversity of the communities being served.
    2. Recruit and select qualified staff from diverse backgrounds to ensure inclusivity and cultural competency in service provision.
  2. Cultural and Linguistic Competence:
    1. Ensure that all interactions with families are conducted in their native language or preferred mode of communication.
    2. Provide culturally responsive service coordination activities to meet the unique needs of families from diverse backgrounds.
  3. Community Engagement and Representation:
    1. Establish and maintain Local Interagency Councils (LICs) with diverse membership reflective of the community being served.
    2. Conduct local needs assessments with an equity lens, engaging community representatives and stakeholders from marginalized groups.
  4. Equitable Access to Services:
    1. Implement diverse and equitable outreach strategies to address local access issues and ensure all eligible children have access to EI services.
    2. Prioritize communities with evidence of lower rates of participation or constrained knowledge of the EI Program in public awareness and Child Find activities.
  5. Cultural Responsiveness in Service Provision:
    1. Provide culturally appropriate/responsive Parent Liaison activities to support families from diverse backgrounds.
    2. Integrate IECMH components into EI services to address the diverse social and emotional needs of children and families.
  6. Data Collection and Reporting:
    1. Collect and report performance measures and standards with a focus on equity and diversity in service provision.
    2. Participate in community cross-sector initiatives to address systemic barriers and promote inclusive early childhood services.
3. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations
1. The Applicant agrees to act in accordance with all state and federal statutes, guidelines, procedures, rules, regulations, and executive orders applicable to the provision of services, including, but not limited to:
  
  Federal Rules
  1. 34 CFR 99: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA);
  2. 2 CFR 200 Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards;
  3. 34 CFR 303: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title I, Part C;
  4. 42 CFR 430 et seq.: Medicaid provisions of Title XIX of the Social Security Act and its rules;
  5. 42 CFR 431.300 - 431.307: Medicaid provisions of the Title XIX of the Social Security Act and its rules, specifically provisions regarding "Safeguarding Information on Applications and Recipients"
  6. 45 CFR Parts 160, 162 and 164 (Security standards only) Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)
  Federal Statutes
  1. 20 U.S.C. 1232g: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
  2. 20 U.S.C. 1431: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C
  3. 42 U.S.C §§ 396 et seq.: Medicaid provisions of Title XIX of the Social Security Act and its rules
  4. 42 U.S. Code 5101 et seq.: Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 1996
  5. Public Law 104-191: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
  Executive Orders
  1. Executive & Administrative Orders
  Illinois Administrative Code:
  1. Administrative Code
  2. Illinois Constitution (Adopted 1970 Article 1, sec. 17, No Discrimination in Employment and the Sale of Rental of Property)
  3. SAMS (Section 11) - Expenditure Authority (pg. 392)
  4. SAMS Procedure 15.20.95 - Contract Signatures (pg. 665)
  State Rules:
  1. Title 89 Illinois Administrative Code
  2. Part 500: Early Intervention Program
  3. Part 507: Audit Requirements of DHS
  4. Part 509: Fiscal/Administrative Recordkeeping and Requirements
  5. Part 511: Grants and Grant Funds Recovery
  State Statutes:
  1. 30 ILCS 705: Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act
  2. 30 ILCS 708 Grant Accountability and Transparency Act
  3. 325 ILCS 20: Early Intervention Services System Act
  Other Pertinent Documents:
  1. Child and Family Connections Procedure Manual and the EI Provider Handbook http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32263

B. Funding Information

Award and Funding Information
1. Source of Funding:
  1. State funding
    1. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new awards.
    2. Successful applicant(s) will receive a Grant
    3. Subawards and Subcontractors
      1. Subawards as defined in in 2 CFR 200.92 are not allowed. Each regional intake entity is unilaterally responsible for the deliverables and other requirements set forth in this NOFO. Any contractual instruments that might be entered into by the CFC that results in the classification of a subrecipient as defined by 2 CFR 200.331 are not allowed.
      2. Except as otherwise prohibited in this NOFO, subcontractors/contracts as defined in 2 CFR 200.331 are allowed. An applicant must identify subcontractors expected to receive $50,000 or more annually under the grant agreement and submit a copy of the agreement to the Bureau of EI in conjunction with the budget prepared in the CSA. All said copies of such agreements must be submitted by email to the Bureau at DHS.EIFiscal@Illinois.gov
      3. All service coordination activities will be the responsibility of the CFC office and cannot be subcontracted.
      4. Any subcontracts entered into prior to award of the grant are done at the sole risk of the Offeror and subcontractor(s).
2. Renewals:
  1. Award Period and Available Funds: Initial award period is July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 with two (2) optional one (1) year renewals from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 and July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027.
3. Payment Terms:
  1. 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).
    1. Advance and Reconcile
      1. 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.
      2. 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 30 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.
      3. Subsequent monthly payments will be based on each monthly invoice submitted to the grant program, and will be adjusted up or down, based on a comparison of actual cumulative expenditures to cumulative advance payments, to date.
      4. Grantees that do not expend all advance payment amounts by the end of the grant term or that are unable to demonstrate that all incurred costs were necessary, reasonable, allowable, or allocable as approved in their respective grant budget, must return the funds or be subject to grant funds recovery.
      5. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
      6. Failure to abide by advance payment governance requirements may result in grantee losing their right to advance payments.
    2. Reimbursement
      1. 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.
      2. 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.
      3. 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 Method
      1. 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.
      2. 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.
      3. Grantees may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor.
      4. Working Capital Advance Payments are limited to a single occurrence per grant term.
      5. Following the initial working capital advance payment, grantees will be paid via reimbursement method unless an IDHS Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template is submitted for Advanced Payment Method.
  2. All requests for authorization to receive advance payment, working capital advance and reimbursement must be submitted on forms prescribed and approved by the Department as set forth in IDHS Administrative Directive 01.07.01.070 - Grant Payments and the executed grant agreement (Exhibit C). Additional data may be requested by the Department.
  3. Funding is contingent upon and subject to the availability of funds and amendments to awards may be necessary within the grant cycle.
  4. Late Payment: Payments, including late payment charges, will be paid in accordance with the State Prompt Payment Act and rules when applicable.
  5. 30 ILCS 540; 74 Ill. Adm. Code 900. This shall be Vendor's sole remedy for late payments by the State. Payment terms contained in Vendor's invoices shall have no force or effect. .
4. Funding Sources:
  1. This award utilizes general revenue funds, Medicaid Reimbursements, State Treasurer investment income and family fee collections to fund this award. The instrument of assistance will be dependent upon the organizational structure of the entity and will be in the form of state grant.
5. Performance Award Methodology:
  1. Service Coordination Payments:
    1. The amount earned for service coordination is a base award amount calculated based on the highest combined number of children with active IFSPs and intake in any one month within the previous fiscal year.
    2. The combined caseload will be divided by 45 to determine the number of funded Service Coordinators. Each service coordination position is allocated $68,513.98 to cover the Service Coordinator position. The resulting annualized base funding for service coordination will be divided by four (4) to arrive at the quarterly service coordination base award amount.
  2. Operational Funding:
    1. Operational funding is designed to support the operational aspects necessary for effective delivery of CFC services. These funds are allocated to ensure that CFC offices can uphold rigorous oversight and accountability standards while striving to meet program goals and objectives.
    2. These funds are calculated based on a percentage model set at 4% of the calculated service coordinator grant base amount.
  3. Local Interagency Council Coordination:
    1. Quarterly award amounts will include funds for Local Interagency Council Coordination, as set forth in the Child and Family Connections Procedure Manual. A minimum grant of $22,000 will be made for basic coordination activities. LIC funding is based on caseload count from service coordination and multiplied by $20 per case. One-fourth of this funding will be included with each quarterly award amount.
  4. Parent Liaison Activities:
    1. Quarterly award amounts will include funds for Parent Liaison activities, as set forth in the Child and Family Connections Procedure Manual. A minimum annual grant will be made of $19,000. PL funding is based on caseload count from Service Coordination and multiplied by $45 per case. One-fourth of this funding will be included with each quarterly award amount.
  5. Developmental Pediatrics Consultation:
    1. Quarterly award amounts will include funds to purchase specialized consultation in developmental pediatrics. An annual grant will be made based on the caseload count from Service Coordination and multiplied by $79.64 per case, with a minimum annual grant of $25,000. One fourth of this funding will be included with each quarterly award amount.
  6. Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (Formerly Social Emotional Consultants):
    1. Quarterly award amounts will include funds to hire an Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant (IECMHC). A minimum annual grant will be made of $37,500. IECMHC funding is based on caseload count from Service Coordination and multiplied by $80 per case. One-fourth of this funding will be included with each quarterly award amount.
  7. Fiscal Responsibility of Components:
    1. Funding will not be awarded in excess of the total Performance Award Methodology for all EI services. Total awarded funds are available to expend across Performance Award categories to meet contract requirements. The funded grant amount for each category within the Performance Award Methodology serves as a guideline of estimated costs. EI CFCs should report actual expenditures, per service category, on required supporting documentation to demonstrate usage on a recurring basis.
6. Method of Submission:
  1. Invoicing: By submitting an invoice via the Monthly Grant Invoice (MGI) (monthly)/Periodic Financial Report Form (PFR) (quarterly), Vendor certifies that the supplies or services provided meet all requirements of this contract, and the amount billed, and expenses incurred are as allowed in this contract.
7. Supporting Documentation Requirements:
  1. Invoices for supplies purchased, services performed, and expenses incurred through June 30 of any year must be submitted to the State no later than July 15 of that year; otherwise Vendor may be required to seek payment through the Illinois Court of Claims. 30 ILCS 105/25. All invoices are subject to statutory offset. 30 ILCS 210.
    1. Send invoices to:
      1. IDHS, Division of Early Childhood Bureau of Early Intervention
      2. 823 E. Monroe St. Springfield, IL 62701
      3. Email to: DHS.EIFISCAL@Illinois.gov
8. Where Services are to be Performed:
  1. The Applicant must provide adequate, accessible space/facilities to store permanent child records, house staff, and hold stakeholder meetings. The space/facilities should be FERPA/HIPAA compliant, with adequate space to maintain confidentiality/security. Electronic storage is allowed in accordance with IDHS electronic storage procedures.
  2. Appendix I identifies each CFC area, the county(s) and/or Zip Code(s) it serves, the LIC that it is responsible for, including what counties or areas are served by the LIC, calculated based on the highest combined number of children with active IFSPs and intake in any one month within the previous fiscal year, on which funding estimates for each region are based.
Total Amount of Funding
1. The Department anticipates the availability of approximately funding to vary between $50,000,000.00 - $60,000,000.00.
2. The source of funding for this program is State funds.
Number of Grant Awards
1. The Department anticipates funding approximately 25 grant awards to provide this program.
Expected Amounts of Individual Grant Award
1. The Department anticipates that grant awards will be based on CFC size and range from $500,000 - $7,000,000.
Amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years
1. Previous funding amounts for this grant award program on average varied from $300,000 - $6,000,000.
Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards.
1. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than July 1, 2024 and will continue through June 30, 2025.
2. Other announcement and award date information:
  1. Initial award period is July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 with two (2) optional one (1) year renewals from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 and July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027
Renewal or Supplementation of existing projects eligibility
1. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards.
Type of Assistance Instrument
1. This is a competitive grant award funding opportunity.
Procurement Contract Allowability
1. Subcontractor 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.
2. 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 sufficient appropriation and performance criteria including, but not limited to:
  1. Grantee has performed satisfactorily during the previous reporting period
  2. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division/Department
  3. No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.)
3. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award.

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants
- This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements:
  - The types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are: Government Organizations, Education Organizations and Nonprofit Organizations.
  - The applicant has met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
  - 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.
  - Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met.
  - Funding restrictions-See Section D for funding restriction impacting eligibility or no funding restrictions.
Cost Sharing or Match Requirements
1. Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.
Other
1. N/A there are no other eligibility criteria that would make an applicant ineligible for this grant award

D. Application and Submission Information

Address to Request Application Package
1. The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance and the DHS Grants website page.
2. 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.
Content and Form of Application Submission
1. Required Content
  1. 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.
  2. Each applicant will be required to submit a Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance, program narrative, Uniform Grant Budget and Grantee Conflict of Interest Form. The application template and all related requirements for format and content may be found on the Illinois Department of Human Services website.
2. Program Narrative
  1. IMPORTANT: The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of the 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.
    1. Program Narrative: Description of Need (2-page maximum)
      - The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services and benefits gained. State and describe the service area, the target population and the need for services in your community. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
        
        Identification of catchment/service area. Include description and demographics of communities served.
        
        Description of accessibility and availability of services in all of your service areas.
        
        Identification of proposed or established partnerships with other agencies which may provide additional services to meet the program's needs.
        
        Describe current trends or issues, gaps or unmet needs of the focus of this project and proposed plan to fill the gaps/unmet needs.
    2. Program Narrative: Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity (5-page maximum - attachments do not count toward page number)
      - The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of the agency's capacity, qualifications and ability to provide the program as described in this Funding Notice. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
        
        Convincing evidence that the applicant agency is capable of carrying out the proposed project, including fiscal, administrative and programmatic ability to manage grant. This should include experience, staffing patterns and qualifications to comply with GATA fiscal and administrative requirements. Highlight any recent changes in policies and procedures to improve fiscal, administrative or programmatic capacity. Include evidence that your agency maintains adequate staff coverage and supervision to meet the requirements of the grant.
        
        An organizational chart of the applicant's agency showing where the program is located within the agency and how staff are associated with each role.
        
        Identify key staff positions that will be responsible for the program and their relevant experience, expertise, and qualifications to implement the program deliverables.
        
        A description of your agency's current programs and activities relevant to the services described in this NOFO.
        
        Describe the capacity of your program to meet the needs of the target populations you will be serving and respond to emerging community needs including equitable access and diverse stakeholder engagement.
        
        Describe agency oversight and available resources for fiscal, administrative, and programmatic areas to support the requirements of this project.
        
        As applicable, describe the resources, knowledge, skills and other abilities that your agency is able to leverage for this project. These may include, but are not limited to, the availability of private or other government funding, technology, bilingual staff, interpreters, translators, culturally competent/ informed staff, staff with the capacity to utilize an equity lens, a commitment to addressing racial disparities in service provision, community accessible meeting rooms, volunteers and an established presence in the community. Please list any such leveraged resources in the form of additional funds or in-kind services.
    3. Program Narrative: Quality - Description of Program Design and Services (7-page maximum)
      - The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a comprehensive, clear and accurate picture of its intended program design. At a minimum, the proposal must address each of the following components:
        
        Provide an overview of service delivery model or standards for providing EI CFC's and connected services. Describe how the program design has direct correlation to the needs identified in the needs section of the application. Include how your program staffing, curriculum, materials, and outreach reflects the needs of participants and the community.
        
        Describe program process for identification of service needs, service planning, and initiating services.
        
        Describe outreach, education, and systems advocacy efforts and community partnerships including how your program would address racial disparities in access to services.
        
        Describe your staff development plan, including initial and ongoing training, staff supervision, and training budget.
        
        Describe how your program will achieve the targeted performance standards. Include any additional outcomes or evaluation efforts that demonstrate using an equity lens.
        
        Describe your program's quality assurance process to ensure compliance with states programmatic design, achievement of deliverables, Administrative Code 89, Part 500, 2 CFR 200 and IL Adm 7000.
    4. Executive Summary: (2-page maximum)
      - The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for the successful applicant that will describe the ability of the applicant to successfully support the funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description and provide an overview of the services proposed with these funds and the outcomes that will be achieved. The description should provide a clear understanding of how these services will be delivered using an equity lens, the process and how the services will be individualized. Describe services to be provided, need for the services, area to be served, capacity to provide the services and the projected numbers to be served within each program component.
3. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments
  1. 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.
4. Budget and Budget Narrative
  1. Applicants must enter a budget 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 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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. See IDHS CSA Tracking System webpage for additional information on CSA
  4. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrate that all proposed costs are:
    1. Reasonable and necessary
    2. Allocable, and
    3. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
5. Required Forms
  - The 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
  - Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
  - The grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure is a required for all grant award programs. The document requires agencies to identify actual or potential conflicts of interest. The form must be signed by a representative of the organization.
6. Required Format
  1. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined below or points may be deducted.
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 (UE) 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 to all UEI and SAM requirements
  - The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant.
Application Submission Dates and Times
1. Application Due Date and Time
  1. The Department must receive the Preliminary Submission materials (Letter of Intent, etc.)
    1. Not applicable
  2. The Department must receive the Full Application
    1. Due on May 26, 2024 at 5:00pm CST.
  3. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order.
  4. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.EIFiscal@Illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.EIFiscal@Illinois.gov. Include the following in the subject line: NOFO number and 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
  5. 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.
2. Missed Deadlines
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
Funding Restrictions
1. Pre-Award Costs
  1. Pre-Award Costs are allowed subject to the discretion, review, and prior approval of the IDHS Budget Committee. Pre-Award Costs must be identified as such in the IDHS Uniform Grant Budget Narrative. Pre-award costs are allowable.
  2. 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.
2. Indirect Costs
  - Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award. Approved indirect cost rates must be approved.
    1. Indirect Cost Rate
      1. Annually, each organization receiving an award from a State grant making agency is required to record an indirect cost rate election through the Grantee Portal or negotiate an indirect cost rate through the Indirect Cost Rate System. Indirect costs cannot be compensated without an election or a negotiated rate on file with the State of Illinois.
      2. The following elections for indirect costs to State and federal pass-through grants are available through the Grantee Portal: A) Report a Federal Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA); B) Elect the de minimis rate of 10% of Modified Total Direct Costs; or C) Elect not to charge indirect costs.
      3. An indirect cost rate may be negotiated through the Indirect Cost Rate System.
      4. Refer to the Indirect Cost Rate Election and Negotiation Manual for technical assistance.
      5. The awardee shall make an election or negotiate a rate that all State agencies must accept unless specific federal or State program limitations, caps or supplanting issues apply.
3. Statutory or Regulatory Restrictions/Limitations
  - N/A
Other Submission Requirements
1. Electronic Submission
  1. Applications must be submitted electronically to DHS.EIFiscal@Illinois.gov with the subject line including:
    1. Provider's Organization Name/Funding Opportunity # 25-444-84-2880-01/Program Contact Name
    2. For example: ABC Company/Funding Opportunity # 25-444-84-2880-01/John Doe
  2. Documents must not include a password.
  3. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal or State holiday, the reporting package is due the next business day.
  4. Any application not fully submitted by the Application End Date will not be considered.
  5. To be considered, application materials must be emailed by the designated date and time listed above. For your records, please keep a copy of your email 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.
  6. Contact DHS.EIFiscal@Illinois.gov in the event of technical difficulties.

E. Application Review Information

All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review.

Criteria
1. Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C "Eligibility Information" will not be scored and/or considered for funding.
2. All applicants / applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
3. Evaluation criteria is based upon requirements set forth in 44 IL Admin Code 7000.350 Merit Review of Applications and the IDHS Merit Review Manual. The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications:
  1. Cost sharing will not be considered in the evaluation.

Review and Selection Process

- The process for evaluation of the application is as follows: The Department will adhere to the Merit Based review process set forth in the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200/). The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a state grantee, etc. 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:
  1. Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications
  2. Partially fund each of the tied applications
  3. Not fund any of the tied applications.The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.
  - The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc.

Application Review Information

Review teams will be comprised of up to three (3) individuals. Review team members will be required to sign a Merit Based Review Confidentiality Agreement and Conflict of Interest Disclosure to ensure that team members do not have any conflicts of interest or apparent conflicts of interest with the evaluation for which a grantee has submitted an application, or if they represent an entity that has submitted and application.
Applications will first be reviewed and scored individually by each team member. Upon completion of the individual scoring process, the team members will collectively review the scores and comments to ensure team members have not missed items within the scoring criteria that the other team members have addressed. Based on the group discussion, individual team members will be given the opportunity to adjust scores to appropriately capture new information or the other factors and elements that might be considered.
Based on the scoring and other documented factors and elements, final award determinations will be made by the Director of Division of Early Childhood, or an appropriate designee, at the recommendation of the Chief of the Bureau of Early Intervention.
Selection of Grantee
The State may award to the most Responsive/Responsible Offeror whose Offer best meets the below criteria.
The State determines how well Offers meet the Responsiveness requirements. The State ranks Offers, without consideration of Price, from best to least qualified using a point ranking system (unless otherwise specified) as an aid in conducting the evaluation.

The chart below shows the elements of Responsiveness that the State evaluates, their relative weights in point format. The total number of points for Responsiveness is 100.

Responsive Elements

Criterion	Weighting	Description
Objective Alignment	25 Points (25%)	Evaluation of how well the proposal aligns with the goals and objectives outlined in the funding opportunity. Clarity of Goals and Objectives: 10 points Alignment of Activities with Objectives: 8 points Connection between Outcomes and Objectives: 7 points
Personnel	20 Points (20%)	Assessment of the qualifications and experience of key personnel involved in the implementation of the program. Educational Background and Credentials: 8 points Relevant Experience in Early Intervention: 7 points Demonstrated Skills and Expertise: 5 points
Organizational Capacity	20 Points (20%)	Evaluation of the organization's experience in delivering early intervention services and the availability of qualified staff and resources. Past Experience in Delivering Similar Services: 10 points Availability of Qualified Staff: 6 points Access to Necessary Resources: 4 points
Budget Justification	10 Points (10%)	Evaluation of the reasonableness and justification of the proposed budget, including its alignment with program objectives. Clarity and Detail of Budget Explanation: 4 points Alignment of Budget with Program Objectives: 4 points Evidence of Cost-Effectiveness: 2 points
Past Performance	15 Points (15%)	Analysis of past performance, if the organization has previously conducted similar programs, including successes, challenges, and lessons learned from similar initiatives. Documented Successes and Outcomes: 5 points Identification and Mitigation of Challenges: 5 points Implementation of Continuous Improvement Efforts: 5 points
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice	10 Points (10%)	Assessment of how well the proposal integrates principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice, as well as the demonstrated commitment to promoting racial justice. Proposal promotes equitable access to services: 3 points Clarity in how the proposal addresses the needs of diverse populations: 4 points Detail in how proposal addresses systemic barriers to inclusion and justice: 3 points
Total	100 Points	100 Points possible

- Review and Selection Process: Scoring will be applied in accordance with the 100-point scale set forth in the above table. In the review and selection process, IDHS reserves the right to consider other factors or elements, other than the merit criteria noted in this section when making a final determination on selecting applications for State award. Other factors may include, but are not limited to, geographical dispersion, program balance, diversity, current staffing levels available to have timely services available at grant start date, etc.

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).
  1. Submission of Appeal
    1. Appeals submission IDHS contact information:
      1. Name of Agency contact for appeals: Katie Jacobs
      2. Email of Agency contact for appeals: Katie.Jacobs@Illinois.gov
    2. 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.
      1. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
      2. 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
  2. Response to Appeal
    1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.
      1. 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.
      2. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request.
  3. Resolution 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.
  4. Resolution
    1. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
      1. 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.
      2. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
      3. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
        
        Review of the appeal;
        
        Appeal determination; and
        
        Rationale for the determination.

Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal Awards and State Awards
1. It is anticipated that this grants under this award may receive over $250,000. 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). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold and related requirements.
2. 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);
3. 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
4. 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. ~

F. Award Administration Information

State Award Notices
1. 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.
2. 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 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.
3. The notice 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).
4. A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award.
Administrative and National Policy Requirements
1. 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.
2. To review a sample of the current IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.
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. Periodic Financial Reports
  2. Close-out Reports
  3. Periodic Performance Reports
  4. 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 2CFR200. Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List (SSPL)
Payment Terms
1. It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that this 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). Three different award payment method exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance.

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact DHS.EIFiscal@Illinois.gov
A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website. Questions submitted up to two business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website.

Special Education - EI Child & Family Connections (25-444-84-2880-01)

Summary Information

A. Program Description

Program Summary

Introduction to the funding opportunity:

Description of the purpose and scope:

Program Overview

Background and Context:

Expected Performance Goals, Indicators, Targets, Outcomes, Baseline Data, and Data Collection

Technical Experience:

Personnel:

2. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

Equitable Staffing and Recruitment:

Cultural and Linguistic Competence:

Community Engagement and Representation:

Equitable Access to Services:

Cultural Responsiveness in Service Provision:

Data Collection and Reporting:

3. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

Federal Rules

Federal Statutes

Executive Orders

Illinois Administrative Code:

State Rules:

State Statutes:

Other Pertinent Documents:

B. Funding Information

Award and Funding Information

Source of Funding:

Total Amount of Funding

Number of Grant Awards

Expected Amounts of Individual Grant Award

Amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years

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

Renewal or Supplementation of existing projects eligibility

Type of Assistance Instrument

Procurement Contract Allowability

C. Eligibility Information

Eligible Applicants

Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

Other

D. Application and Submission Information

Address to Request Application Package

Content and Form of Application Submission

Required Content

Program Narrative

Program Narrative: Description of Need (2-page maximum)

Program Narrative: Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity (5-page maximum - attachments do not count toward page number)

Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments

Budget and Budget Narrative

Required Forms

Required Format

Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration

Application Submission Dates and Times

Application Due Date and Time

Missed Deadlines

Funding Restrictions

Pre-Award Costs

Indirect Costs

Statutory or Regulatory Restrictions/Limitations

Other Submission Requirements

Electronic Submission

E. Application Review Information

Criteria

Review and Selection Process

Application Review Information

Selection of Grantee

Merit-Based Review Appeal Process

Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal Awards and State Awards

F. Award Administration Information

State Award Notices

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

Reporting

Payment Terms

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

H. Other Information, if applicable I. Mandatory Forms

Links

H. Other Information, if applicable

I. Mandatory Forms