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

Question: How do I add/submit the FY25 budget in the CSA Tracking System?
Answer: Applicants should refer to the IDHS CSA Tracking System webpage for information regarding the CSA Tracking System.

Question: Can I just submit a pdf or paper copy of my budget?
Answer: No, a PDF and/or paper copy of the budget will not be accepted. The budget must be completed and submitted within the CSA Tracking System. Applicants should refer to the IDHS CSA Tracking System webpage for information regarding the CSA Tracking System.

Question: When we log into the CSA system, should we check that the NOFO is not applicable or leave this unpopulated?
Answer: Since this NOFO is applicable for FY25, this box is to be left unpopulated.

Question: Are Resumes required for every employee at the CFC?
Answer: As defined in Personnel section of the NOFO, 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.

Question: Where does the CFC find specific information for performance measures and standards?
Answer: Performance measures and standards may be found in Section C of the NOFO. Additionally, Performance Award Methodology is also defined within B.5. of the NOFO.

Question: Where in the NOFO are Program Narrative content and format requirements defined?
Answer: This information is located within Section D.2. of the NOFO. Section D.2 provides specific content and page requirements/limitations. The Applicant should ensure the response addresses all elements outlined within the NOFO and any page requirements/limitations are followed.

Question: Are appendices allowed?
Answer: Yes, appendices are allowed and are described in the NOFO under Section D.2. Appendices do not count towards total pages.

Question: Is the Program Narrative Description of Need: (A) Program Narrative Agency Qualifications (B) Program Narrative Quality (C) an Executive Summary (D) separate from the TAPPM document?
Answer: (D) they are separate document types. The TAPPM is only for elements defined in Section C of the NOFO.

Question: In the Executive Summary sections, we are to give projected numbers to be served within each program component. What are the program components are being referenced?
Answer: The projected numbers refer to the potential number of participants served in the defined area of the agency's NOFO response to support the program components outlined in the "Supplies and/or Services Required" section of the NOFO.

Question: What amount should budgets be based from?
Answer: The amounts listed in Appendix I are amounts that have been awarded in the past. These amounts can be used as a guide for each region when creating a budget.

Question: What is required in the Technical Approach Program Plan Matrix (TAPPM)?
Answer: 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.

Question: Is there a specific matrix for the Technical Approach Program Plan Matrix (TAPPM)?
Answer: No, there is no specific matrix provided.

Question: The NOFO instructions state that we must provide the Unique Entity ID (UEI) in the application, but I don't see a place to enter it on the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance. Is there another location this is supposed to be listed?
Answer: Yes, the UEI should be listed in #19 on the application. The UEI replaces the DUNS number.