403 Suicide Prevention Call Center Expansion Cook County (26-444-22-3101-01)

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 Non-Discretionary/Exception
Funding Opportunity Number 26-444-22-3101-01
Application Posting Date March 11, 2025
Application Closing Date April 9, 2025, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-22-3101
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Popular Name 403 Suicide Prevention Call Center Expansion Cook
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Number(s) 93.243
Award Source Federal

A. Funding Details

1. Total Amount of Funding

  1. The Department expects to award approximately $2,316,454.
  2. The source of funding for this program is Federal funds.

2. Number of Grant Awards

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

3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards

  1. The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of this individual award will be $2,316,454

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

  1. Previous funding amount for this grant award was $2,316,454.

5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility

  1. a. This program will be awarded as a 12-month term agreement.
  2. Continued Funding of this Program is at the discretion of the Department and is 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.).

6. 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.

7. Funding Restrictions

  1. Pre-Award Costs
    1. Pre-Award costs are not allowable for this award.
    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
    1. Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award. Indirect Cost rates must be approved through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES).

B. Key Dates

1. Application Posting Date

  1. 03/11/2025

2. The Department must receive the Full Application Packet:

  1. Due on04/09/2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Time

3. Anticipated Award Date

  1. 07/01/2025

4. Anticipated Start Date and Periods of Performance for grant awards

  1. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than 07/01/2025 and will continue through 06/30/2026.

C. Executive Summary

The purpose of this funding is to improve local response to 988 calls originating in the identified areas of Cook County by: (1) recruiting, hiring and training behavioral health workforce to staff LCC to respond, intervene, and provide follow-up to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis; (2) engaging Lifeline crisis centers to unify 988 response across Illinois; and (3) expanding the crisis center staffing and response structure needed for the successful implementation of 988. It is expected that this grant will: (1) ensure all calls originating in the state first route to a local, regional or statewide Lifeline crisis call center; (2) improve state response rates to meet minimum key performance indicators; and (3) increase state capacity to meet 988 crisis contact demand.

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.

D. Agency Contact Information

  1. If you have questions about this funding opportunity, please contact:
    1. Barb Roberson
    2. Email: DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov

II. Eligibility

A. Eligible Applicants

  1. The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are:
    1. Nonprofit Organization
  2. The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification, and any other Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
  3. Applicants must provide the following information via the Grantee Portal annually to be registered with the State of Illinois as an awardee:
    1. Organization Name and Contact Information
    2. Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN)
    3. Unique Identity Number (UEI)
    4.  Organization Type
  4. 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. Items i) through v) below are the prequalification requirements.
    1. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration. Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to:
      1. Be registered in SAM.gov before the application due date.
      2. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application.
      3. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by the awarding agency.
      4. The State Agency may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements.
      5. The State Agency may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award another applicant or applicants
  5. Must be in "good standing" with the Illinois Secretary of State if the Illinois Secretary of State requires the entity's organization type to be registered.
  6. Must not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List.
  7. Must not be on the SAM.gov Exclusion List.
  8. Must not be on the Medicaid Sanctions List.
  9. Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements are not met. Qualified status is re-verified nightly. If the entity's status changes, an email notice is sent to the designated entity representative with a link to the Grantee Portal.
  10. See Section number I(A)(7) for funding restrictions.
  11. Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include:
    1. Not Applicable.
  12. Must continue to maintain a contract with Vibrant, operator of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline within contract period..
  13. This funding opportunity is limited to those who currently have an award for this program.
  14.  Limit on Number of Applications: More than one application per entity is not permitted.

B. Cost Sharing

  1. Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.

III. Program Description

The Suicide Prevention Call Center Expansion for Cook (SPCC) program will develop infrastructure and workforce to operate a local call center to add to Illinois' current Lifeline Crisis Call Center (LCC) network to assume primary routing responsibility for Cook County not covered through the statewide backup center.

It is expected that LCC workforce will be hired, trained, and equipped to answer live calls identified by Vibrant, operator of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Lifeline) as originating from the assigned coverage areas in Cook County.

The purpose of this funding is to improve local response to 988 calls originating in the identified areas of Cook County by: (1) recruiting, hiring and training behavioral health workforce to staff LCC to respond, intervene, and provide follow-up to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis; (2) engaging Lifeline crisis centers to unify 988 response across Illinois; and (3) expanding the crisis center staffing and response structure needed for the successful implementation of 988. It is expected that this grant will: (1) ensure all calls originating in the state first route to a local, regional or statewide Lifeline crisis call center; (2) improve state response rates to meet minimum key performance indicators; and (3) increase state capacity to meet 988 crisis contact demand.

The Federal Communications Commission has assigned 988 as the nationwide, 3-digit number for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (Lifeline). The Lifeline is a network of crisis centers serving the entire country. The Lifeline's call routing is based on crisis center call capacity and availability. With the addition of the short code, volume has increased across the LCCs. To increase in-state capacity to answer calls to the Lifeline, SPCC will support the creation of a local LCC for workforce capacity and related development and infrastructure expenditures.

The SAMHSA crisis tool kit describes the critical role that LCCs serve in the expanded crisis continuum. These LCCs operate 24/7/365, provide crisis intervention and offer "no wrong door" access to crisis services. LCCs are expected to have the capacity to not only answer incoming crisis calls in real time, but to also triage calls and assess for additional needs providing linkage for callers to those services. LCCs are also required to work directly with DMH and the DMH 590 - Crisis Care System Programs to coordinate, link and refer to those programs when emergent or urgent needs of callers are identified.

Required activities include:

  1. Develop a staffing and operations plan to provide 16 hours a day/7/365 availability (4:00pm to 8:00am Central Time). The staffing plan should include: 12 call takers (6 for each of 2 shifts), 2 Supervisors (1 each of 2 shifts), 1 LCC Site Supervisor, and 1 QMHP Trainer. Another LCC provides coverage from 8:00am to 4:00 pm Central Time.
  2. Expand the LCC's ability to respond to sudden and large spikes in call volumes following a public service announcement, disaster, or other type of traumatic event.
  3. Evaluate current initiatives and develop a plan for implementing or increasing follow-up services in the LCC coverage area by the end of the project period. The plan should include outreach for those identified at imminent risk of suicide and referred to emergency intervention (911/police/crisis intervention team referral, mobile crisis outreach, etc.).
  4. Develop and implement a quality improvement plan focusing on policies, first contact, assessment, referral, and access to local care to ensure there is a comprehensive and coordinated response to individuals at imminent risk for suicide.
  5. Participate in local and regional planning activities related to Illinois' Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA) and other service coordination and protocol development processes.
  6. Develop and implement a technical plan to address requirements for bidirectional communication with Illinois' emergency response systems.
  7. Collect and report monthly data on contacts that result in emergency rescue, suicide attempts in progress, and/or mobile crisis outreach referrals.
  8. Collaborate throughout the grant with the Illinois DMH administrator or representative on crisis center processes and response rates to align Lifeline network key performance indicators with individual center outcomes.
  9. Ensure veterans, service members, or their families attempting to connect to or request Department of Veteran Affairs services are appropriately linked to the Veterans Crisis Line.
  10. Ensure crisis workforce receives training on working with populations at higher risk of suicide in their communities, including awareness of referral options for high-risk population-specific services.
  11. Participate in timely and ongoing communication meetings with all Illinois LCCs as a part of a learning collaborative. The LCC will have the ability to attend community meetings locally, in-person at times, as required, in partnering with city of Chicago service providers, for regional local planning purposes.

Grantee will ensure sufficient levels of staffing are maintained and new staff recruitment, hiring and training is completed within the first six months of funding, and any LCC operational changes or expansion meet the minimum requirements of Vibrant/Lifeline. Grantee is encouraged to incorporate trusted messengers and individuals with lived expertise of suicide attempts/ loss from suicide into their staffing plans. Grantee will ensure they maintain multiple phone lines for call routed by the Vibrant system. These phonelines will not receive any other types of calls that are not directly routed from Vibrant. Grantee will ensure call takers are not responsible for answering calls from any local support lines.

A.  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.

B.  Performance Requirements

  1. Ensure management and oversight of all LCC operations by a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) as defined in IL Adm Code 59 Part 132.25 who serves as LCC supervisor and serves as the primary liaison with the DMH for planning purposes. Management and oversight may be face to face or virtual and include group supervision as well as supervision by teleconference and videoconference. Any change in key personnel related to the management and oversight of the LCC must be immediately communicated to DMH.
  2. Initiate a contractual agreement with Vibrant to serve as a LCC with the designated primary coverage area as defined by the contract with the Lifeline.
  3. Develop, expand, and maintain a secure LCC location where staff can engage in phone conversations with Lifeline callers ensuring the protection of clients' rights consistent with the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disability Confidentiality Act and any additional expectations of the Lifeline. The LCC's phone system must meet these minimum requirements:
    1. The ability to return a true busy signal (also known as a network or carrier busy signal once the estimated wait time reaches a predetermined length),
    2. Dual Tone Multi-Frequency (DTMF) Compatibility,
    3. Note: Centers utilizing Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) technology, which places callers into an internal queue at the LCC if counselors are not immediately available, will be required to implement what Lifeline calls Active Answer procedures. With Active Answer, call counselors at the LCC will need to press "1" in order to accept a Lifeline call. This process provides some assurance that Lifeline callers are not automatically being placed in long queues at LCCs and will allow the Lifeline to re-route calls to backup centers if the center using an ACD system is unable to answer within a specified timeframe. DTMF compatibility is needed in order to implement Active Answer and pass Lifeline automated Quality Assurance (QA) test calls. This means that the center will need to have a phone system that is capable of sending DTMF tones or keypad tones to be technologically compatible with the Active Answer and automated test call features. Centers that do not have DTMF tones will not be able to implement Active Answer or pass the QA test calls and will need to work with their phone providers to modify their current telephony systems or will not be eligible to participate.
    4. The center cannot use an automated attendant or voice mail on the termination line receiving the Lifeline/988 calls.
    5. The center may not use an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system or any other phone automation/branching technology whereby a caller would need to select certain options to determine where their call is handled at the center level.
    6. The center may not forward Lifeline /988calls to cell phones or automatically to other organizations.
    7. In addition, the center's phone system must be capable of handling multiple calls occurring at the same time.
  4. Maintain and develop new policies and procedures necessary to ensure the successful operations of the LCC, including policies and procedures for providing referrals and access to resources for callers. Maintain referral system and listings as well as assure linkages to the caller's local community crisis services and supports. Referrals and resources should be consistent with the cultural and linguistic needs of callers including veteran appropriate resources.
  5. Maintain and revise as applicable a comprehensive set of personnel policies and procedures, minimally addressing hiring, training, evaluation, disciplining, termination, and other personnel matters to ensure 16/7/365 staffing specifically for the hours of operation of 4:00 pm to 8:00 am Central Time.
  6. All call takers must have access to a QMHP who is available for immediate consultation and supervision of LCC operations. Access may be face to face or virtual.
  7. Participate in any required Lifeline network evaluation activities.
  8. Participate in periodic calls with DMH staff regarding Vibrant-reported performance metrics and contact data described below.
  9. Conduct a continuous quality improvement process that includes ongoing call monitoring of Lifeline calls to ensure quality.
  10. Provide a feedback mechanism for all callers to the LCC to report concerns and grievances.
  11. Provide monthly contact data (calls, text, chat) to DMH including, but not limited to:
    1. Contact volume and answer rates, by contact type
    2. Average speed to answer contact, by contact type
    3. Abandonment rate, by contact type
    4. Direct/rollover transfer to backup centers, by contact type
    5. Contact disposition categories, by contact type
    6. Number of contacts by suicide experience categories (i.e. loss survivor, attempted survivor, suicide attempt in progress, suicide ideation etc.), by contact type
    7. Number of contacts that resulted in emergency dispatch (911, CARES, Call4Calm, etc.), by contact type
    8. Number by category of how contactors learned about the Lifeline, by contact type
    9. i. Number of contacts from outside of the center's primary coverage area, by contact type
  12. Provide follow-up services based on Lifeline best practices and guidelines.

C. Performance Measures

  1. Number of contracts maintained between the entity and Vibrant (Network Agreement Signed).
  2. Number of LCC lead staff employed at 1.0 FTE to oversee the LCC.
  3. Number of LCC lead staff to function as the liaison between the LCC and DMH.
  4. Number of people supported by these funds in the mental health and related workforce trained in mental health-related practices/activities that are consistent with the goals of the grant.
  5. Number of individuals referred to mental health or related services, as a result of the grant.
  6. Number of individuals screened for mental health or related interventions.
  7. Number of individuals receiving mental health or related services after referral.
  8. Number of organizations that entered into formal written/intra-organizational agreements (e.g., MOUs, MOAs) to improve mental health related practices/activities that are consistent with the goals of the grant.
  9. Number of LCC locations.
  10. Number of operational LCC locations established consistent with privacy and Lifeline contractual requirements.
  11. Number of LCC locations developed meeting the privacy and security requirements of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, and the technical system requirements of the Lifeline.
  12. Updated or revised program and procedure manual provided to DMH program manager within three months of development and reviewed annually thereafter.
  13. Number of staff working in the LCC.
  14. Number of staff working in the LCC who have completed all required training.
  15. Number of evaluation activities completed to promote quality assurance activities.
  16. Number of Lifeline calls provided.
  17. Number of silently monitored Lifeline calls.
  18. Number of silently monitored lifeline calls where feedback was provided to the crisis counselor.
  19. Number of reported concerns, grievances or feedback received from callers.
  20. Number of reported concerns, grievances or feedback from callers responded to within 30 days.

D. Performance Standards

  1. One or more contracts maintained between the entity and Vibrant.
  2. 100% employment of LCC lead to function as liaison between the LCC and DMH.
  3. 100% of operational LCC locations established consistent with privacy and Lifeline contractual requirements.
  4. One or more LCC physical location developed meeting the privacy and security requirements of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, and the technical system requirements of the Lifeline.
  5. Program and procedure manual was developed and provided to the DMH program manager within three months of development and reviewed annually.
  6. 100% of staff working in the LCC have completed all required training.
  7. 5% Silently monitored Lifeline calls where feedback was provided to the crisis counselor.
  8. 100% of implementation of the concerns, grievance or feedback from callers responded to within 30 days.

E. Cooperative Agreements

1. Not Applicable.

F. Unallowable Costs

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

G. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Not Applicable.

H. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

  1. 59 Ill. Admin, Code 132 (Rule 132), Section 132.150g
  2. Mental Health Community Services Act (405 ILCS 30/ Section (f))
  3. Illinois Administrative Code Part 7000 Grant Accountability and Transparency Act
  4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Projects of Regional and National Significance

IV. Application Contents and Format

A.  Content and Form of Application Submission

1. Required Content of Application

  1. Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. Refer to Section V. Submission Requirement and Deadlines for details.

2. Project Narrative Content and Attachments

  1. The 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.

3.  Budget and Budget Narrative

  1. Applicants must enter a FY26 budget electronically in the CSA Tracking System.
  2. Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA Tracking System. 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 at IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us). A copy is not to be submitted along with the application packet.
  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. Deadline for submission of the budget, in the CSA Tracking System, is the same as the application deadline.
  6. 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 Tracking System.
  7. NOTE: The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is now disabling external Illinois.gov IDs if they have not been used for 114 days. If you receive the error "HPDIA0309W This account is disabled," your ID has been disabled and cannot be re-activated by changing your password. You need to contact the DoIT HelpDesk at [217-524-DoIT (3648) or 312-814-DoIT (3648)] or their website at Report A Problem. Request that they create an incident to re-enable your external ID. You will need to provide your external ID (firstname.lastname@external.illinois.gov) and the error message (this account is disabled). Please be sure to Reset Your Password every 3 months so your account is not disabled.
  8. 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. The budget should be prepared to reflect 12 months.
  9. Instructions for the Budget Template
  10. Subcontractor budget(s), If applicable
    1. 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 must be submitted for each application submitted as outlined above.
    2. Subcontractor budgets shall be submitted on the GATA Uniform Grant Budget Template (GOMBGATU-3002).
    3. For more information see Section I(A)(6)

4. Required Forms

  1. 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.
    1. The document requires the electronic or wet(ink) 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.
    2. Page one of the application is pre-populated with the appropriate information. Applicants must not complete anything on Page one.
    3. On Page three, applicants will need to include the amount for which they are applying and sign.
    4. The correct application must be used.
  2. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure - The grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure is required for all grant award programs regardless if the grantee has identified a potential conflict or not. The document requires agencies to identify actual or potential conflicts of interest. The form must have a printed name and be signed by a representative of the organization.

V. Submission Requirements and Deadlines

A. 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 Mental Health Grants - FY26.
  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 in this announcement (Section I(D)(2). It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related to the NOFO.
  3. A PDF copy may be obtained by emailing the Division of Mental Health at DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov.

B. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM.gov)

  1. Each Applicant Must:
    1. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application;
    2. Provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in its application; and
    3. Continue to maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration.
  2. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied with all UEI and SAM Requirements.
  3. If individuals are eligible to apply, they are exempt from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(b).
  4. If the agency exempts any applicants from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(c) or (d), a statement to that effect.

C. Submission Instructions

  1. Actions needed prior to applying:
    1. Applicants must be registered with the State of Illinois and Pre-qualified in the GATA portal prior to applying for Illinois awards. Instructions for creating an account and registering are located at the following link: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. Additionally, detailed instructions for registration and prequalification requirements, including the expected amount of time for completion are located here: Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Requirements (pdf)
    2. Registration in CSA is required. The IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us) 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. Successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA Tracking System.
  2. The Methods for submitting the application:
    1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application packet which includes the following attachments as separate pdf documents:
      1. Project Narrative
      2. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
      3. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
      4. Budget (entered into the CSA Tracking System as described in section (IV)(A)(3)
      5. Subcontractor Budgets, if applicable
      6. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form, if applicable
    2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. 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.
      1. Include the following in the subject line:
        1. Your Agency Name
        2. 403 Suicide Prevention Call Center Expansion Cook
      2. Documents must NOT include a password.

      3. Software or Electronic Capabilities

        1. Each applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding this funding opportunity and materials necessary for submission.
  3. Pre-application materials must be submitted as follows:
    1. Not Applicable.
  4. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact:
    1. Name: Barb Roberson
    2. Email: DHS.DMHGrantApp@Illinois.gov

D. Submission Dates and Times

  1. Full applications are due on 04/09/2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Time.
  2. Missed Deadlines
    1. IDHS cannot guarantee a start date of July 1, 2025, if application submissions are received after the due date referenced in the Program Summary above.
    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.

E. Intergovernmental Review

  1. This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs."

VI. Application Review Information

A.  Responsiveness Review

  1. The following are the criteria that must be met for eligibility:
    1. Applicant has a current registration with the State of Illinois in the Grantee Portal.
    2.  Applicant has an active SAM.gov public account.
    3. Applicant has an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) with SAM.gov
    4. Applicant is in "good standing" with the Secretary of State.
    5. Applicant is not on the DHS Stop Payment List Service or the Illinois Stop Payment List.
    6. Applicant is not on the SAM.gov Exclusion List.
    7. Applicant is not on the Illinois Medicaid Sanctions List.
    8.  Program specific eligibility restrictions
      1. Not Applicable.
  2. Restrictions on eligibility for State awards are referenced in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.70. Program specific eligibility restrictions are referenced in this funding opportunity.

B. Risk Review

  1. IDHS conducts risk assessments for all awardees, prior to the award being issued.
    1. An agency wide Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) is to be completed by the awardee within the Grantee Portal prior to the deadline listed below. The ICQ evaluates fiscal, administrative, and programmatic risk in the following categories:
      1. Quality of Management Systems
      2. Financial and Programmatic Reporting
      3. Ability to Effectively Implement Award Requirements
      4. Awardee Audits
  2. The deadline to submit the FY26 ICQ is April 16, 2025, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time
  3. A program specific Programmatic Risk Assessment conducted by the awarding agency to evaluate the following categories:
    1. Programmatic financial stability
    2. Management systems and standards that would affect the program.
    3. Programmatic audit and monitoring findings
    4. Ability to effectively implement program requirements.
    5. External partnerships
    6. Programmatic reporting
  4. Risk assessments are not intended to be punitive in nature, rather they are conducted in order to evaluate the support, technical assistance, and training that may be needed for the awardee and the level of monitoring that is needed for the award.
  5. Risk assessments may result in Specific Conditions being placed on the award to include more frequent monitoring or the implementation of a corrective action plan.
  6. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State awards
    1. It is anticipated that grants under this award may receive an award over the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (as defined in 48 CFR part2, subpart 2.1; the dollar amount set by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), currently at $250,000 (with some exceptions)). Potential grantees under this notice of funding opportunity may receive an award in excess $250,000. Therefore, the grantee is subject to the simplified acquisition threshold and related requirements.
      1. Prior to making an award with a total amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, IDHS is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM. (Currently FAPIIS) (See 41 U.S.C. 2313).
      2. That an applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that a State or Federal awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.
      3. 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 applicants' integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under State and Federal awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200.206.

VII. Award Notices

A.  State Award Notices

  1. Applicants recommended for funding under this Non-Competitive funding opportunity 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 risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA), and the Merit Review.
  2. Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved FY26 budget entered into the CSA Tracking System. 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. The 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 NOSA is NOT an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs; pre-award costs are incurred at the non-State entities own risk unless they have received written prior approval to begin performance).
  4. The authorizing document to begin performance is the fully executed Uniform Grant Agreement (UGA) signed by the grants officer, or equivalent. This is the official document that obligates funds. The UGA is sent to the non-State entity via the CSA Tracking System. The non-State entity will print and sign the signature page of the UGA and return signature page to DHS.OCA.SignaturePages@Illinois.gov. A final signed copy of the UGA will be provided to the non-State entity via an upload into the CSA Tracking system.
  5. Applicants who are not eligible due to registration or pre-qualification issues, or late applications will be notified that they are ineligible for consideration when their application is processed.

VIII. Post-Award Requirements and Administration

A.  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. You can find a sample of the grant agreement at IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement.
  3. 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 the 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 methods exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. Invoice and PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@Illinois.gov
    5. Invoice and PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov
    6. Invoice and PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@Illinois.gov
  4. Payment Forms
    1. Monthly Invoice (IL444-5257)
    2. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) Only if requesting an advance payment

  • B. Reporting

  1. Reporting upon execution of the grant agreement shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the UGA and related exhibits which include but is not limited to the following:
    1. Periodic Financial Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist.
    2. Periodic Programmatic Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist.
    3. Close-out Performance Reports and Financial Reports as instructed in the UGA.
    4. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in the format prescribed by the Department.
    5. 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.
    6. Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop-Payment List.
    7. 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.
      1. PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@Illinois.gov
      2. PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DMHWilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov
      3. PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.Colbert.Invoices@Illinois.gov
      4. PPR and PRTP Email Address for All Grants: DHS.DMHQuarterlyReports@Illinois.gov
    8. DMH reporting templates and detailed instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the IDHS website.

IX. Other Information

A. Program Websites

  1. Mental Health Grants - FY26
  2. IDHS Grants
  3. IDHS website

 B. Mandatory Forms and Submissions

  1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
  2. Project Narrative
  3. Uniform Grant Budget Template (Submit in CSA) | Instructions
  4. Subcontractor Budget, if applicable submit as a separate attachment
  5. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure submit as a separate attachment
  6. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) submit as a separate attachment (no submission will result in default to Reimbursement Method)