Supportive Housing Program 26-444-80-0658-01

1. - Basic Information (CSFA Data Section)

Items 1(A) - 1(E) are in the CSFA Data Table Below:

Awarding Agency Name (1-A) Illinois Department of Human Services
Agency Division Name Family & Community Services
Office of Housing Stability
Agency Contact Charlotte Flickinger
Charlotte.D.Flickinger@illinois.gov
630-222-0636
866-324-5553(TTY)
Announcement Type (1-C) Competitive
Initial Announcement
Funding Opportunity Title (1-B) Supportive Housing Program
Funding Opportunity Number (1-D) 26-444-80-0658-01
Application Posting Date March 26, 2025
Application Closing Date April 24, 2025
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-80-0658
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name Supportive Housing Program
Assistance Listing Number(s) (1-E) N/A
Awarding Source State
Estimated Total Program Funding Amount $25,000,000
Anticipated Number of Awards 80-120
Award Range $20,000 -$1,500,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement? Yes
Indirect Costs Allowed? Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs? No
Technical Assistance Session Offered

Offered: Yes
Mandatory: No
Date: 4/2/25
Time: 11:00 a.m.

Virtual TA Session

1. - Basic Information Continued - Section F through I

  1. Funding Details
    1. Total Amount of Funding
      1. The Department expects to award approximately $25, 000,000, subject to sufficient approption of funds.
      2. The anticipated sources of funding for this program is the State General Revenue Fund and the Health and Human Services Medicaid Trust Fund.
    2. Number of Grant Awards
      1. The Department anticipates funding approximately 80-120 grant awards to provide this program
    3. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards
      1. The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be $20,000 - $1,500,000 .
    4. Average amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.
      1. Previous (FY25) grant awards averaged $225,679 with wide variance between the lowest ($20,762) and highest ($1,193,138) award.
    5. 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
      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. For renewals, the Department will incorporate the following performance criteria to determine the amount of the renewal term award; where multiple criteria below are not met, the Department may adjust the renewal amount to a level in keeping with past performance.
        1. Grantee has met at least 80% of anticipated performance outcomes during the prior grant term(s) under this program
        2. Grantee has met at least 85% of fund utilization goals during the prior grant term(s) under this Program;
        3. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division/Department. Where this condition is not met, the Applicant will be required to submit a detailed workflow and plan for improved performance as alternate documentation for consideration by the Department/Division;
        4. No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.) and
        5. Submission of a comprehensive plan for enhanced/increased partnerships and provision of or referrals to supportive services beyond basic Program requirements
    6. Sub-Recipient Agreements 
      1. Sub-Recipient Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department.  Sub-recipients are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility  for the performance and monitoring of the sub-recipient.
    7. 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.
        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/may not) be applied to this grant award. Indirect Cost rates must be approved through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES)
    8. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award
  2. Key Dates
    1. Application Posting Date March 26, 2025
    2. The Department must receive the Preliminary Submission materials (Letter of Intent, etc.): Not applicable
    3. The Department must receive the Full Application: Due on April 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM CST
    4. Anticipated Award Date June 15, 2025
    5. 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, 2025 and will continue through June 30, 2026.
  3. Executive Summary: 
    The State of Illinois is coordinating agency strategies and investments, partnering with the community to build a strong safety net and permanent housing for Illinoisans facing homelessness and housing insecurity. In coordination with Illinois' Coordinated Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness, the Supportive Housing Program ("SHP" or "Program") provides grants to qualified applicants ("Recipients", "Providers", or "Grantees") to serve formerly homeless individuals and families, those in danger of becoming homeless, and/or people with chronic disabilities ("Participants"). Created in 2009, the goal of the Program is to help Participants obtain or maintain independent living arrangements in community-based housing.
    Required services for all Participants include ongoing case management, advocacy, and counseling. Additional Participant-tailored services must include accessing applicable mainstream public benefits. Other supportive services may include alcohol and substance use counseling; mental health programming; job training; transportation; childcare; and others selected by the Participant to achieve maximum self-sufficiency. All services must be necessary to enhance Participants' ability to maintain independent living arrangements.
    Eligible Recipients include governmental units, community-based organizations, not for profit organizations, and entities that develop or operate supportive housing developments. Eligible housing types include transitional facilities where occupancy is limited to no greater than 24 months; and permanent housing options such as Single Room Occupancy (SRO) apartments, family housing developments, and all other types of community-based permanent housing that meet required quality standards and provide tenants with optional supportive services.
  4.  Agency Contact Information.
    1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact Charlotte.d.flickinger@illinois.gov .
    2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website. Questions submitted up to 5 business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website. 

2. - Eligibility

  1. Eligible Applicants. This subsection must identify the following:
    1. The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are: governmental units; community-based organizations; not for profit organizations; and entities that develop and operate supportive housing developments.
    2. To be eligible, applicants must provide at least one permanent or transitional supportive housing option as described in 1(H) to couple with the proposed supportive services during the grant term the applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification and any other Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity.
      1. 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
      2.  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 a) through e) 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.
        2. 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.
        3. Must not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List
        4. Must not be on the Sam.gov Exclusion List
        5. Must not be on the Medicaid Sanctions List
      3. Additional Mandatory Requirements
        1. N/A
    3. Eligibility factors for the principal investigator or project director if any.
      1. Eligibility factors for the principal investigator or project director: while no specific certifications are required for key staff, applications must include evidence of capacity to administer the grant, which may be illustrated with resumes of key program staff; descriptions of successful past projects and consistency in meeting performance metrics and reporting requirements; along with other documentation selected by the applicant to illustrate adequate capacity to administer the grant
    4. Successful 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.
    5. See Section number 1(F) for funding restrictions, if applicable.
    6. Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include:
      1. Applicant failure to submit a complete application in keeping with requirements stated here and in the Program Application - Attachment A
    7. Limit on number of applications.
      1. N/A
  2. Cost Sharing:  
    1. Recipients are required to provide in-kind and/or financial match.
    2. All contracts approved for funding under the Supportive Housing Program will include leveraged funding from other sources equal to or greater than 25% of the grant request.
      1. Of the 25% match, at least one half (12.5%) must be cash (e.g., fundraising, donations, ESG, United Way, EHP, FEMA).
      2. The remaining one half (at least 12.5%) may be cash, in-kind services, or property from sources other than the funds granted through the SHP program
        1. Volunteer services at $10.00 per hour (maximum) and other in-kind contributions may be applied toward meeting the non-cash match requirement
        2. If a Recipient chooses to apply volunteer services and in-kind contributions toward the match requirement, the minimum records to document the contributions are
          1. For volunteer services, the name and address of the volunteer and documentation of the dates and hours of service, as well as a description of the service provided
          2. For contribution of personal or real property, whether in title or in usage, a written description of the property and the value of the property. The contribution will be valued at fair market value at the time of the contribution
      3. Documentation of the required 25% match must be submitted with the grant application.

3. - Program Description

This section contains the full program description of the funding opportunity

  1. Required Information:
    1. The general purpose of the funding is provide people with zero to low income who are homeless, formerly homeless, and/or living with chronic disabilities with case management, advocacy, counseling, and other supportive services; and it is expected to achieve housing stability for a portion of these vulnerable populations, thereby reducing excess demand for emergency services and strengthening communities for the public good. 
    2. The State agency's 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
    3. The goals and objectives of this program are to provide zero to extremely low-income families and individuals appropriate supportive services on site to enhance their ability to maintain independent living arrangements, which will contribute to the State's goals of decreasing homelessness and unnecessary institutionalization in Illinois, improving health and human services outcomes for people who experience homelessness, and strengthening the safety nets that contribute to housing stability.
    4. Program Deliverables
      1. The award will contribute to achieving the program's goals and objectives by funding qualified Recipients to administer the Program in service areas with identified need
    5. Performance Measures and Standards
      1. Deliverables. All Recipients will be required to perform the following tasks for each Participant. These will be detailed in the Grant Agreement and Annual Funding Plan required to be submitted as a condition of award in a form prescribed by the Department. These deliverables will be regularly monitored by the Department through on-site field monitoring, quarterly reporting, and interim status reports that the Department may request, and include
        1. All Participants are provided with case management, advocacy, and counseling services within five days of admittance to the program. All Participants must also have documented access, when applicable, to other supportive services
        2. All Participants will have a service plan developed for implementation within the first week of admittance to the program. The individual service plan must detail monthly outcomes as well as ongoing goals to be accomplished by the Participants with the assistance of the Recipient
        3.  All Participants will have access to case management services outside of normal business hours of operation including, but not limited to, evening case management service hours.
        4. All Participants will have a completed intake and assessment done upon entry into the program on forms approved annually as part of the annual Funding Application
        5. All progress and supportive services for Participants will be tracked and progress reported within each Participant's case file that includes, at a minimum, a record of the Participant's supportive services, case management, progress, and benefit assistance
        6. All Recipients will have a community outreach plan which includes a detailed description for notifying the community of the program, hours of operation, and admittance/eligibility requirements for the program(s) they administer for the Department. The purpose of the outreach plan is to educate the wider community about available services and coordinate service provision, to the extent practicable. It must detail intended outreach to and engagement with other community service agencies, the local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC), and other pertinent organizations within the community such as local government administrators and others identified by the Recipient
        7. In the event that Grant Funds are used in whole or in part to produce any written publications, announcements, reports, flyers, brochures or other written materials, the Recipient must obtain Prior Approval for the use of those funds (2 CFR 200.467) and must include in these publications, announcements, reports, flyers, brochures and all other such material, the phrase "Funding provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services."
        8. All Recipients will have a written agreement or Memorandum of Understanding with all partners, including referrals to other social service agencies. The agreement or memorandum must include:
          1.  a description of the type(s) of service to be provided
          2. a description detailing how referrals will be handled by each entity; and
          3. a description of any follow-up actions
            The outcome will be verified through on-site field monitoring, and/or Annual Funding Plan review.
        9. All Recipients will have a referral process that assists program Participants with enrollment into mainstream public benefit programs such as TANF, SNAP, All Kids, medical assistance, disability assistance, as well as other resources that address the needs of the program Participants
        10. All Recipients will have the ability to download the IDHS SNAP application and distribute it to eligible households
        11. All Recipients will accurately report outcomes and submit reports to IDHS within the designated time frames utilizing the web-based reporting system. The outcome will be verified through on-site field monitoring, and/or quarterly reporting
      2. Performance Measures.. The anticipated outcomes for these following metrics will be submitted by the Recipient and reviewed by the Department quarterly to measure Recipient performance:
        1. Households
        2. Households with children
        3. Shelter nights
        4. Shelter meals (TH Only)
        5. Supportive services issued
        6. Number of individuals exiting Supportive Housing Program for permanent or transitions housing
        7. Number of participants enrolled in education,  job prep, vocational training or employment services
      3. Recipients will be required to report quarterly on progress toward these performance measures, as well as Participant demographical information included in the Illinois Homeless Reporting Portal or another form prescribed by the Department.
    6.  For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have are N/A.
    7. Specific unallowable costs for this program include the following:
      1. Payment of Behalf of the Client
      2. Liability Insurance
      3. Ren-Equipment
      4. Rent-Space
      5. Utilities
      6. Cell Phone Purchase
      7. Property Acquisition
      8. Major Renovation
      9. participant Lap Top Computers
      10. Payments for Property Management Functions
    8. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements: Participants must be zero to low-income persons residing in permanent housing units who are formerly homeless or at risk of becoming homeless; homeless persons residing in transitional facilities who are prepared to move into permanent housing; and/or persons with chronic disability(ies).
    9. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: 305 ILCS 5/12.

4. - Application Contents and Format. 

  1. Requirements:
    1. Content and Form of Application Submission
      1. Pre-applications, letters of intent, or white papers are not required.
      2. Required Content of Application
        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. Refer to Section 5 (iii)B for details.
      3. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments
        1. Program Narrative: 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 significantly reduced score the applicant organization will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity.
        2. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments:  The narrative portion of the application is organized into the following sections and further detailed in Attachment A, a required submission. Maximum points and page limits for each section are also noted here
          1. Executive Summary (5 points)
          2. Capacity/Agency Qualifications (30 points-3 pages)
          3. Quality/Description of Program Services, Design and Implemetation (Provider Program Plan) (30 points-5 pages)
          4. Justification of Budgeted Costs (15 points-2 pages)
        3. Attachment A is a mandatory submission; it must be fully completed and submitted with the Application
        4. Proposal Narrative Content and Attachments: If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will 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 at IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us)
        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 herein and by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
      5. 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. 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. 
        2. 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.
        3. Supportive Housing Program Application (Attachment A) - This is a Program-specific required submission consisting of:
          1. Application Checklist - A list of required submissions, including eligibility documentation for different types of eligible entities
            1. Not-for-Profit or Community-based Organization: 501(c)(3) determination letter from IRS
            2. Governmental Unit: Governmental exemption letter from IDOR
            3. Project Site(s) Owner: Documented ownership and occupancy readiness for Program site(s)
              See Attachment A-Application Checklist is mandatory; it must be fully completed and submitted with the Application.
          2. Applicant and Project Details - this form includes information about cost-sharing (match) and is required
          3. Narrative Sections described in 4(i)(A)(3)(b)(1-5) above.
          4. Prior Award Utilization - completion of form is required; applicants who have not utilized at least 85% of a Program award may not be approved or, if approved, may not receive the full amount requested
          5. Authorization- must be signed by an authorized signatory of the applicant for the application to be considered for award
            Application submissions that do not include a required item above or include partially completed items above may result in a reduced score or disqualification of the application
      6. Required Format
        1. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined or points may be deducted.
        2. 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.

5. -  Submission Requirements and Deadlines.

  1. Full application materials may be found at: Gata Website.  Address to request Application Package: DHS.HomelessServices@illinois.gov
    1. Actions Needed Prior to Applying:
      1. The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of Financial Assistance and the IDHS Grants Website Page located: IDHS: Grant Funded Programs (state.il.us)
      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 1 - Alpha section I). It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related to the NOFO.
  2. Unique entity identifier 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 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.
      4. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements
      5. 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.
    2. If individuals are eligible to apply, they are exempt from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(b).
    3. If the agency exempts any applicants from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(c) or (d), a statement to that effect.
  3.  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: Pre-Award Requirements
    2. The methods for submitting the application:
      1. Applicants must electronically submit the complete application including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order:
        1. Program Narrative
        2. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
        3. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
        4. Budget (entered into the CSA system as described in section (4)(A)
      2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.HomelessServices@illinois.gov . The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.HomelessServices@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.
      3. Documents must include the following password N/A.
      4. Software or electronic capabilities required are as follows:
        1. Access to Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) software that complies with HUD's data collection, management, and reporting standards as further described
        2.  Access to the Coordinated Entry System employed by applicant's partner Continuum of Care 
      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 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 (and that the budget was submitted into the CSA system on time).
    3. Pre-application materials must be submitted as follows: N/A. Pre-application materials: there are no required Pre-application materials. Though not required, applicants are encouraged to confirm their Pre-qualification status at any time prior to the application deadline by accessing the GATA portal or, no later than 10 days prior to the application deadline, by emailing charlotte.d.flickinger@illinois.gov  with the request.
    4. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact:
      1. Name: Charlotte flickinger
      2. Phone: 630-222-0636
      3. Email: Charlotte.d.flickinger@illinois.gov
  4. Submission Dates and Times.
    1. Full applications are due on the following date April 24, 2025 at the following time 5:00 PM (CST). Technical assistance will not be available after 5:00 PM on this day.
    2. Any preliminary submissions, such as letters of intent, white papers, or pre- applications are due on the following date: N/A
    3. Other submissions required before the award: N/A.
    4. This funding opportunity is NOT a general announcement. Refer to the due date above.
    5. 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.
  5. Intergovernmental Review. This section must include the following:
    1. This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs".

6. - Application Review Information.

  1. Eligibility Review. 
    1. Applications that are received will be reviewed on/between April 14, 2025 and April 21, 2025 to ensure they meet the criteria for consideration. Applications that do not meet the criteria in paragraph B below will be rejected and not entered into the Merit Review process.
    2. 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 (DHFS Provider Sanctions) List.
      8. Program specific eligibility restrictions - Applicants who are eligible through ownership of a supportive housing development. This will be evidenced by:
        1. Commitment from the Illinois Housing Development Authority targeted to supportive housing, such as the Low Income Housing Tax Credit or Permanent Supportive Housing Program
        2. Executed Statewide Referral Network (SRN) Agreement 
        3. Written agreement or subcontract with service provider named in the SRN agreement
        4. Certificates of Occupancy for units identified in application
    3. Program specific eligibility restrictions are outlined in this Notice of Funding Opportunity and Attachment A. Restrictions on eligibility for State awards are referenced in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.70. Program specific eligibility restrictions are referenced in this Notice of Funding Opportunity.
    4. 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.
  2.  Review Criteria.
    1. Review Criteria 
      1. Evaluation criteria is based upon requirements set forth in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.350 Merit Review of Applications and the IDHS Merit Review Manual. The review criterion and sub-criterion include the following: (as further detailed in Attachment A) 
        1. Executive Summary (up to 5 points)
        2. Capacity/Agency Qualifications (up to 30 points)
        3. Community Identification/Description of Need (up to 20 points)
        4. Quality/Description of Program Services, Design and Implementation (Provider Program Plan) (up to 30 points)
        5. Budget & Cost Justification (up to 15 points)
      2. Criteria vary in importance, as noted by the relative weights (points) above, as further detailed in Attachment A.
      3. Preference is required by the enabling statute (305 ILCS 5/12-4.5), as follows: "the Department of Human Services shall give priority for services to residents of housing developments which have been funded by or have a commitment of funds from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)." As such, preference for up to two points is provided for supportive housing developments funded by IHDA in review criterion 6(ii)(A)(1)(c), Community Identification/Description of Need, fully described in Attachment A. There are no other statutory, regulatory, or other preferences in the criteria 
      4. Cost Sharing is required as described in this Notice of Funding Opportunity.  See 2(ii) and Attachment A.
  3. Review and Selection Process.
    1. The process for evaluation of the application is as follows: applications that meet mandatory requirements will be evaluated by the merit review committee, which will consist of a minimum of three subject matter experts employed by IDHS. The merit review committee will disclose conflicts of interest and refrain from reviewing any application where such conflict exists. The merit review committee will convene and initial meeting to establish a minimum threshold score, then evaluate each application and assign a numerical score. The merit reviewers will meet to discuss any applications with a scoring variance of 10% or greater and may revise their score as a result of that discussion. The final average of all merit reviewer scores will be the application's score. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion.
      The Department reserves the right to consider any factors such as: geographical distribution; applicant capacity, demonstrated need, agency past performance and funding utilization as a State of Illinois 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
    2. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider any factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a State of Illinois 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.
    3. In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one or more of the following options:
      1. Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or
      2. Partially fund each of the tied applications; or
      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.
    4. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates: June 15, 2025
    5. Merit Based Review Appeal Process
      1. Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only be 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. Contact Name: Charlotte Flickinger
            2. Email: Charlotte.d.flickinger@illinois.gov
            3. Email Subject Line: Submission of Appeal
          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.
          3. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
          4. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following:
            1. Name and address of the appealing party
            2. Identification of the grant; and
            3. Statement of the reasons for the appeal
            4. Supporting documentation, if applicable
        2. Response to appeal
          1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within 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
          1. The ARO will make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
          2. 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.
          3. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
            1. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
              1. Review of the appeal;
              2. Appeal determination; and
              3. Rationale for the determination.
  4. Risk Review.
    1. This section must include the following:
      1. IDHS conducts risk assessments for all awardees, prior to the award being issued.
        1. An agency wide Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) to be completed by the awardee within the Grantee Portal. 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. 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
        3. 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.
        4. 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.
      2. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State awards
        1. This award is not anticipated to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold defined in 48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1 (OR)
        2. 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.: Potential grantees under this notice of funding opportunity may receive an award in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold. 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

7. - Award Notices.

  1. This section must address what a successful applicant can expect to receive following selection. 
    1. State Award Notices
      1. Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the 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 risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA), and the Merit Review
      2. Note: The Department cannon issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into the CSA 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 notice 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 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. Note: The Department cannot issue an Agreement until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into the CSA 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 that determination is made, prior to the conclusion of merit review.
      6. Applicants who are not selected to receive an award following the Merit Review process will receive a Notice of Denial/Non Selection.

8. - Post-Award Requirements and Administration.

  1. 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. Sample of the current 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. 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 monthly 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. Noncompliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop-Payment List

9. - Other Information - Optional

  1. Additional Information (This section MAY include any additional information to help potential applicants.  For example, the section could include the following)
    1. Mandatory Forms and Submission
      1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (pdf)
      2. Attachment A-Program Application
      3. Uniform Grant Budget in CSA
      4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure