250 Housing and Health Integration Pathway Program (HHIP) (25-444-22-3459)

Summary Information

Awarding Agency Name Illinois Department of Human Services
Awarding Division Name Division of Mental Health
Agency Contact Barb Roberson DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov
Announcement Type Exception/Award is issued in totality to Housing Forward
Funding Opportunity Title 250 Housing and Health Integration Pathway Program (HHIP)
Funding Opportunity Number 25-444-22-3459
Application Posting Date November 1, 2024
Application Closing Date November 30, 2024, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-22-3459
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name 250 Housing and Health Integration Pathway Program (HHIP)
Assistance Listing (CFDA Number) NA

A. Program Description

1. Program Summary

Housing and Health Integration Pathway (HIP) is a state-funded, pilot initiative designed to provide immediate housing and comprehensive support services to unhoused individuals with any mental health illnesses. The program focuses on bridging the gap between homelessness and stable housing for individuals being discharged from Madden Mental Health center or those identified through community street outreach.

Participants will receive a bridge housing, mental health and case management services while working towards permanent housing placement. The program supports participants for up to 12 months with services aimed at securing sustainable income, building long term support networks, and connecting to ongoing community-based mental health care. Housing and Health Integration Pathway aims to significantly reduce homelessness among individuals by providing both immediate support and the resources necessary for long term housing and mental health stability and well-being.

2. Project Description

The Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health is instituting the Housing and Health Integration Pathway (HIP) pilot program. The purpose of this program is to support the housing and service needs of unhoused persons living with mental illness. Participants will be identified pre-discharge from the Madden Mental Health Center or through street outreach efforts in the community. Specifically, this program will provide individuals with temporary "bridge housing", case management, mental health services, and pre-tenancy support during the housing location process. The participants will then receive up to 12 months of assistance in stable housing while working to secure sustainable income support and establishing linkages to community based mental health providers.

The program will target individuals with any mental illnesses who are either a) preparing to discharge from inpatient treatment at Madden Mental Health Center or b) are actively living unsheltered in the community.

3. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas

  • IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.

4. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

  • 59 Ill. Admin, Code 132 (Rule 132), Section 132.150g
  • Mental Health Community Services Act (405 ILCS 30/ Section (f))
  • Illinois Administrative Code Part 7000 Grant Accountability and Transparency Act
  • Executive Order 2021-21; Public Act 103-0269
  • Senate Bill 251, Public Act 103-0589, Section 155, page 504

5. Performance Requirements:

The Grantee, directly, or through a contracted partner entity, will:

  1. Develop a process for identifying eligible individuals before discharge from Madden Mental Health Center at the start of their inpatient care and who do not have a stable discharge location identified.
  2. Establish safe transitional discharge option for participants to recover post-hospitalization with support and encouragement to follow up with recommended mental health services.
  3. Connect individuals to community-based mental health providers.
  4. Provide case management to connect individuals with resources and support to achieve stable housing.
  5. Provide a safe shelter option to unsheltered individuals experiencing any mental illnesses identified by the street outreach staff with support and encouragement to begin positive mental health practices (medication and/or therapy) and recover from time unsheltered.
  6. Will hire triage workers to assess individuals at Madden Mental Health Center and through active street outreach in the surrounding communities.
  7. Identify community resources for the participants and build relationship with potential partners such as Loyola Street Medicine, Live4Lali, the Night Ministry, etc. to support the street outreach efforts and identification of potential participants.
  8. Develop a triage process which will determine if a potential participant is:
    1. Interested in working with a case manager to receive services AND if so, is:
    2. Experiencing serious mental illness and eligible for the Housing is Recovery pilot program (HIR) resulting in an HIR referral as opposed to enrollment in Housing and Health Integration Pathway program, OR
    3. Experiencing any mental illnesses and eligible for Housing and Health Integration Pathway program, AND
    4. Recently or currently precariously housed and may be eligible for Homeless Prevention funds or Rapid Rehousing services, AND/OR
    5. Needing longer-term housing supports, AND/OR
    6. Requiring a respite recovery period post-hospitalization or to provide relief from street health conditions and/or needing "bridge housing" while connecting to mental health supportive services.
    7. Participants determined capable of retaining their own housing-either independently or with the support of Homeless Prevention funds-and deemed clinically able to recover independently at home will be discharged. These participants will receive case management support to connect with community mental health services.
  9. Will provide short-term, master-leased "bridge housing" either directly upon enrollment or after completing respite. The short-term bridge will be for a period of up to 6 months. If a participant cannot resolve during the initial program enrollment period, which includes their time in respite and in short-term bridge, an evaluation will be done, and an extension may be granted for up to an additional 6 months. During the short-term housing period, the focus will shift from participant mental health to achieving housing stability. Participants will be assessed for housing needs and be matched to the corresponding level of housing assistance. If a participant requires more intensive support the case manager will explore alternative supported living solutions. During this period case management will continue to ensure engagement with community mental health services.
  10. During the short-term housing period, the focus will shift from participant mental health to achieving housing stability. Participants will be assessed for housing needs and be matched to the corresponding level of housing assistance. If a participant requires more intensive support the case manager will explore alternative supported living solutions. During this period case management will continue to ensure engagement with community mental health services.
  11. Will hire a housing navigator to support the program by securing "bridge housing" units and locating permanent housing units. Additionally, If the participant exits to permanent housing that does not provide housing location services, and/or does not cover move-in costs, the housing navigator will:
    1. Certify eligibility, resolve barriers, and submit completed application packages for participants.
    2. Identify and navigate affordable housing stock through relationship-building with landlords and property management companies.
    3. Help participants identify appropriate housing units.
    4. Accompany participants on housing searches for potential housing units, including providing transportation, and showing multiple units meeting their preferences when necessary.
    5. Pay application fees, security deposits, move-in fees, utility deposits, and landlord incentives as necessary for program consumers to secure a housing unit.
    6. Pay the ongoing monthly rental subsidy amount, calculated based on the consumer paying 30% of their income towards the rental amount, by the prescribed due date.
    7. Pay ongoing utility costs or provide utility allowance to program consumers each month as appropriate.
    8. Pay for basic household supplies and furnishings when reasonable and necessary and no other funding source exists.
    9. Assist program consumers with physically moving their possessions into their housing units
  12. Assist program consumers with applying for the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Statewide Referral Network (SRN) and Section 811 housing waitlists and maintain accurate consumer information on the waitlist.
  13. Assist program consumers with applying for and transitioning to permanent housing vouchers through local Public Housing Authorities and other sources.
  14. Record consumers' income from all sources at program entry, minimally at each annual recertification, and at exit to determine increases in income.
  15. Provide additional wraparound support in conjunction with these engagement services, including linkage to mental health or substance use recovery support services if the consumer is open to receiving such linkage.
  16. Support the consumer with engagement services regardless of their engagement in mental health or substance use disorder treatment and whether they are abstinent from substance or alcohol use.
  17. Educate the consumer on the rights and responsibilities of tenancy, including helping them to understand the terms of their lease and any associated documents or supports.
  18. Record consumer destinations at program exit to determine those who are successfully exiting the program to permanent and stable housing destinations.
  19. Will assist participants who do not have income with completing disability benefit applications using the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model. Participants must be offered assistance with SOAR applications within six months of receiving the subsidy.
  20. Ensure the consumer is enrolled in all benefit programs for which they are eligible, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and other state or federal programs.
  21. The total of 30 individuals will be served during a fiscal year by moving through the 90-day respite period, if needed, and 6 months thereafter.
  22. Track and report demographic information on program participants (including age, race, gender identity, and primary language) to IDHS using the prescribed template on a monthly basis if required.
  23. Participate in DMH staffing or consultations as needed.
  24. will maintain complete files on all consumers, including those served by a subcontractor or subrecipient. Closed files will be retained for the greater of five years or the time frame put forth in the Grantee agency file destruction policy. If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration period, the records must be retained until all litigation, claims, or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.
  25. Will be responsible for establishing all applicable bank accounts in compliance with DMH requirements and to provide all applicable tracking and reporting of funds transferred to their organization.

Where clinically appropriate and medically necessary, the Grantee must bill Medicaid for engagement and recovery services that align with Medicaid-covered tenancy support services once in place, and Medicaid community-based mental health and substance use treatment services, including case management. The Grantee cannot bill both Medicaid and the Housing and Health Integration Pathway pilot program grant for the same service, and grant funds should be the payer of last resort for engagement services. The Grantee may be reimbursed through the Housing and Health Integration Pathway pilot program grant for services delivered that are not reimbursed through Medicaid.

6. Performance Measures

  1. Total number of unduplicated individuals who received 90-day respite during the current fiscal year.
  2. Total number of unduplicated individuals who received short-term bridge assistance during the current fiscal year.
  3. Number of unduplicated individuals referred from Madden MHC.
  4. Number of unduplicated individuals identified as eligible from Madden.
  5. Number of unduplicated individuals enrolled this quarter in 90-day respite from Madden.
  6. Number of unduplicated individuals enrolled this quarter in short-term bridge assistance from Madden.
  7. Number of unduplicated individuals referred from street outreach.
  8. Number of unduplicated individuals identified as eligible from street outreach.
  9. Number of unduplicated individuals enrolled this quarter in 90-day respite from street outreach.
  10. Number of unduplicated individuals enrolled this quarter in short-term bridge assistance from street outreach.
  11. Number of unduplicated individuals identified as eligible and referred from Madden and street outreach to Housing is Recovery program.
  12. Number of unduplicated individuals enrolled in 90-day respite or short-term bridge assistance who are interested in receiving mental health and/or support services.
  13. Number of unduplicated individuals enrolled in 90-day respite or short-term bridge assistance who are referred to mental health and/or support services when interested.
  14. Number of unduplicated individuals who are eligible for SSI/SSDI.
  15. Number of unduplicated individuals who are eligible are assisted with completing disability benefit applications using the SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery (SOAR) model within 6 months.
  16. Number of unduplicated individuals who exited the program.
  17. Number of unduplicated individuals who exited the program went to a permanent, stable housing situation.

7. Performance Standards

  1. 75% of unduplicated individuals identified as eligible from Madden are enrolled in 90-day respite or short-term bridge assistance.
  2. 75% of unduplicated individuals identified as eligible from street outreach are enrolled in 90-day respite or short-term bridge assistance.
  3. 95% of unduplicated individuals enrolled in 90-day respite or short-term bridge assistance are referred to mental health and/or support services when interested.
  4. 75% of unduplicated individuals who are eligible for disability benefits are assisted with completing applications using the SOAR model within 6 months.
  5. 80% of unduplicated individuals who exited the program went to a permanent, stable housing situation.

B. Funding Information

1. Total Amount of Funding

  • The Department anticipates the availability of approximately $670,000 in funding but no more than $1,000,000.
  • The source of funding for this program is State funds.

2. Number of Grant Awards

  • The Department will be funding 1 grant award in totality to Housing Forward to provide this program.

3. Expected Amounts of Individual Grant Awards

  • The Department anticipates that grant awards will be between $670,000 but no more than $1,000,000.

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

  • Not applicable.

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

  • Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than November 4, 2024, and will continue through June 30, 2025.

6. Renewal or Supplementation of existing projects eligibility

  • This program will be awarded as an 8-month term agreement.
  • IDHS/DMH expect there will be 2 one-year renewals.
  • Continued Funding of this Program is at the sole discretion of IDHS and is contingent on meeting the follow criteria:
    • Applicant has performed satisfactorily during the most recent past funding period.
    • All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division.
    • No outstanding issues are present (i.e., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements); and
    • Funding for the budget year has been appropriated in the state's approved fiscal year budget.

7. Type of Assistance Instrument

  • This is a non-discretionary funding opportunity.

8. Procurement Contract Allowability

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

C. Eligibility Information

1. Eligible Applicants

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

  • The type of applicant for the grant award is a Nonprofit Organization and the award will be issued in totality to Housing Forward
  • The applicant has met the Prequalification and Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.

2. Prequalification

  • Applicants will not be eligible to apply for a grant until they have prequalified through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. Registration and prequalification are required annually. During prequalification, verifications are performed including a check of federal Debarred and Suspended status on the Illinois Stop Payment or the Illinois Debarred and Suspended List and good standing with the Secretary of State. An automated email notification is sent to the entity alerting them of "qualified" status or providing information about how to remediate a negative verification (e.g., inactive UEI, not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and Suspended status cannot be remediated.
  • For assistance navigating government application prequalification procedure, refer to Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Requirements (state.il.us) (pdf).
  • Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed until applicant is prequalified.
  • The following information is required to complete registration:
    • Organization's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI); For additional information on UEI, refer to Section Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM) below;
    • Organization's Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN);
    • Organization type;
    • Illinois Secretary of State File ID (required for non-profits, for-profits and limited liability corporations);
    • Organization's name;
    • Organization's mailing address;
    • Organization's primary email address;
    • Organization's primary phone number;
    • Organization's fiscal year-end date
  • Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met. See Section D for more information.
  • Funding Restrictions - See Section D for funding restriction impacting eligibility.

3. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

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

4. Indirect Cost Rates

  • Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award. Indirect cost rates must be approved.

Indirect Cost Requirements and Restrictions

  • In order to charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate.
  • Every organization that receives a state award must make an indirect cost rate proposal or election in the State of Illinois Grantee Portal, Centralized Indirect Cost Rate Election System, including organizations that are choosing not to claim payment for indirect costs.
  • Indirect Cost Rate Election:
  • In order to charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a Federal or State annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the De Minimis Rate.
  • Every organization that receives a state award must make an indirect cost rate proposal or election in the State of Illinois Grantee Portal, Centralized Indirect Cost Rate Election System, including organizations that are choosing not to claim payment for indirect costs.
  • The Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System will allow your organization to document your already established federally approved indirect cost rate or complete an indirect cost rate proposal (see State Negotiated Rate above). Submission requirements are located on page 2 of the Uniform Budget Template as well as 2 CFR 200 Appendices IV, V & VII.
  • Organizations which have not previously made an indirect cost rate election must submit an election (and indirect cost rate proposal, if necessary) immediately and no later than 3 months after receiving an award notification. If the organization elects to submit a Federally Negotiated Rate or a State Negotiated Rate, they will receive an invitation to submit their proposal in the Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System.
  • Organizations that have previously established an indirect cost rate election and would like to continue with a Federal or State Negotiated Rate must submit a new indirect cost rate election immediately and no later than 6 months after the close of their organization's fiscal year.
  • Organizations that do not make a submission inside the Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System within the required timeframes will not be allowed to claim indirect cost reimbursement.

5. Registration in CSA

  • The Community Service Agreements (CSA) Tracking System is the system the IDHS utilizes for approving budgets and issuing grant awards. It is strongly recommended that if an applicant entity is not already registered in the CSA Tracking System, they should begin the registration as soon as possible so they may submit a signed budget in CSA. While registration in CSA is not part of the prequalification process, successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA System.

6. Limit on Number of Applications

  • More than one application per entity is not permitted

D. Application and Submission Information

1. Address to Request Application Package

  • The complete application package (including links to required forms) is available throughout this opportunity.
  • Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding the materials necessary for submission.
  • Additional copies may be obtained by contacting the Division of Mental Health by emailing DHS.DMHGrantApp@illinois.gov.

2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Required Content

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

Required Forms

  • The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative.
  • Page one of the application is pre-populated with the appropriate information. Applicants must not complete anything on Page one. The correct application must be used.
  • On Page three, applicants will need to include the amount for which they are applying and sign.
  • The applicant submission email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.

Budget Requirements

  • Deadline for submission of the budget, in the CSA Tracking System, is the same as the application deadline.
  • The CSA Tracking System is where the IDHS requires all applicants to enter their GATA Budget information. It is also where IDHS staff will review and take action on the proposed budget. The CSA Tracking system requires that you have different credentials than what you have for the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal.
  • A budget and budget narrative must be completed, electronically signed, and submitted in the CSA tracking system with the status as "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review". A copy is not to be submitted along with the application packet.
  • There is space when preparing the budget on each line item for the budget narrative. For each line in the budget the applicant will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how the amount was determined. Please include cost allocations as necessary. The Budget narrative (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) must clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities within each line item. See instructions for the CSA Tracking System and Budget Information. The budget should be prepared to reflect 8 months.
  • A Budget Template can be used as a tool to assist in determining expenses; however, the final budget must be completed in the CSA Tracking System. The pdf budget or paper copy will not be accepted. Applicants will NOT be issued an award without the applicant's fully approved budget in the CSA System.
  • Instructions for the Budget Template

Subcontractor budget(if applicable)

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

Grant Fund Use Requirements

  • All applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal statutes, regulations and the terms and conditions of any applicable federal awards.
  • Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs.
  • Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity(ies) contained in the scope of work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.
  • Unallowable costs: Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS:
    • Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438).
    • Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439).
    • Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439).
    • Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445).
    • Deposits for items, services, or space.

Pre-Award Requirements

  • All applicants are required to complete a risk assessment prior to execution of a grant award. The Internal Controls Questionnaire (ICQ) is the instrument used to assess risk of grantees by identifying an organization's potential weaknesses. The ICQ is accessed through the Grantee Portal.

3. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration

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

4. Application Submission Dates and Times

Application Due Date and Time:

  • The Department must receive the Full Application:
    • Due on November 30, 2024, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time.
  • Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments.
  • IDHS cannot guarantee a start date if application submissions are received after the due date referenced in the Program Summary above.
  • Emails into this box are electronically date and time stamped upon arrival. For your records, please keep a copy of your email submission with the date and time it was submitted, along with the email address to which it was sent. The email of the original sender of the application will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application.
  • Applicants will receive an email to notify them that the application was received. The email reply will be sent to the original sender of the application materials.
  • The subject line of the email MUST state:
    • Housing Forward
    • Program 250 Housing and Health Integration Pathway Program

5. Funding Restrictions

Pre-Award Costs

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

6. Other Submission Requirements

Electronic Submission

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

7. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosures

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

E. Application Review Information

1. Project Narrative

  • A Project Narrative is required to support the Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (GA) for non-competitive grants. The purpose of the Project Narrative is to describe the organization's program activities and design for implementing and administering the program for the upcoming State Fiscal Year (SFY). This Project Narrative will include information that is specific to your organization's proposed program services and be considered part of your grant agreement. Submission of this Project Narrative is required to fulfill contractual obligations.

2. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State Awards

  • It is anticipated that 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 Definitions). Therefore, the grantee is subject to Simplified Acquisition Threshold and related requirements.
  • IDHS prior to making an award with a total amount greater than the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
  • (From 2 CFR 200.1 Definitions): Simplified Acquisition Threshold means the dollar amount below which a non-Federal entity may purchase property or services using small purchase methods (see § 200.320). Non-Federal entities adopt small purchase procedures in order to expedite the purchase of items at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. The simplified acquisition threshold for procurement activities administered under Federal awards is set by the FAR at 48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1. The non-Federal entity is responsible for determining an appropriate simplified acquisition threshold based on internal controls, an evaluation of risk, and its documented procurement procedures. However, in no circumstances can this threshold exceed the dollar value established in the FAR (48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1) for the simplified acquisition threshold. Recipients should determine if local government laws on purchasing apply.

F. Award Administration Information

1. State Award Notices

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

2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

  • The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and shall act in accordance with all state and federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services.
  • You can find a sample of the FY25 grant agreement at IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.

3. Reporting

  • Upon execution of the grant agreement, reporting shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the Uniform Grant Agreement and related Exhibits which includes, but is not limited to the following:
    • Periodic Financial Reports.
    • Close-out Reports.
    • Periodic Performance Reports.
    • Close-out Performance Reports.
    • Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: Additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in a format prescribed by the Department.
  • If the State share of any State award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance, applicants are also subject to the reporting requirements reflected in Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200.
  • Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List (SSPL).
  • Grantee shall submit these reports) to the appropriate email address listed below. Reported expenses should be consistent with the approved annual grant budget. Any expenditure variances require prior Grantor approval in accordance with Article VI of the UGA to be reimbursable.
  • The Grantee must submit quarterly Periodic Performance Report (GOMBGATU-4001 (N-08-17)) and the Periodic Performance Report Template by Program (PRTP) to the appropriate email address below. Reporting templates and instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the DHS website.
  • DMH reporting templates and detailed instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the IDHS website.

4. Payment Terms

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

Payment Forms

G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)

H. Other Information

  • Related Programs:
    • 225 Housing is Recovery Program. This is a similar program but differentiates based on the following:
      • There is no requirement or minimum number of stays for inpatient treatment or other institutional engagement.
      • The threshold for mental illness is lower, accepting any mental illnesses as opposed to only those with Serious Mental Illness (SMI).
  • Program Websites

I. Mandatory Forms