Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative - Formerly Known as Community Equity Grassroots E&T Initiative (26-444-80-2459-01)

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 and Community Services Office of Workforce Development Bureau of Employment and Training
Agency Contact	Charles Hopkins DHS.ETNOFO@illinois.gov (217) 299-8295
Announcement Type (1-C)	Competitive
Funding Opportunity Title (1-B)	Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative
Funding Opportunity Number (1-D)	26-444-80-2459-01
Application Posting Date	April 16, 2025
Application Closing Date	May 15, 2025
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-80-2459
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name	Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative
Assistance Listing Number(s) (1-E)	93.667
Awarding Source	Federal
Estimated Total Program Funding Amount	$3,000,000.00
Anticipated Number of Awards	8 - 12
Award Range	$150,000.00 - $850,000.00
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement?	No
Indirect Costs Allowed?	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs?	No
Technical Assistance Session Offered	No

1. - Basic Information Continued - Section F through I

6. Funding Details
   1. Total Amount of Funding
      1. The Department expects to award approximately $3,000,000.00
      2. The source of funding for this program is Federal funds
   2. Number of Grant Awards
      1. The Department anticipates funding approximately 8 - 12 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 $150,000.00 - $850,000.00.
   4. Average amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.
      1. Average funding amount for this grant award program in previous years was $428,571.42.
   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 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. 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 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)
   8. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award
7. Key Dates
   1. Application Posting Date April 16, 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 by May 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm CST
   4. Anticipated Award Date July 1st, 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 1st, 2025 and will continue through June 30, 2026.
8. Executive Summary: The Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative will work with non-profit community based and/or faith-based organizations in economically disadvantaged historically marginalized communities to help program participants acquire education, training, and employment related skills to assist in finding and maintaining employment.
   • The priority of this program is also to serve anchor institutions within the above-mentioned communities that have local relationships and a positive reputation as being centers of support and assistance for individuals struggling with all manner of personal problems. Employment services is the focus of this program but the local community-based institutions that DHS is targeting for these grants should be trusted organizations in the community that offer assistance directly or through referral and linkage for all manner of personal, psychosocial emotional, and /or financial challenges facing individuals in their local community.
   • The initiative must also ensure equitable access to services for individuals with justice system involvement, including those reentering the community after incarceration, recognizing the importance of connecting these individuals with trusted support systems that address barriers to employment, stability, and self-sufficiency.
9.  Agency Contact Information.
   1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact  DHS.ETNOFO@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.
10. Indirect Costs (for more information, refer to Indirect Costs)

2. - Eligibility

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 for non-profit community based and faith-based organizations in economically disadvantaged, historically marginalized communities to help program participants acquire education, training, and employment related skills to assist in finding and maintaining employment. Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative is expected to achieve certifications through education and training that will assist in leading customers to self-sufficiency for individuals and it is expected to achieve self-sufficiency for the public good.
      1. The program is designed to support and enhance the employment and training programs being offered by deeply rooted organizations in economically hard-hit communities that are seen as anchor organizations and are well established as places that community members come to get assistance and support.
      2. The program must ensure equitable access to services for individuals with justice system involvement, including those reentering the community after incarceration, recognizing the additional barriers they may face in securing employment and educational opportunities.
      3. Participants will earn a weekly stipend for participation in the program and will receive supportive services while participating in the program. Employment and Training services will be provided to low-income individuals who are currently unemployed or underemployed. Services will be provided by organizations located in the same hard-hit areas as the program participants they will be serving.
   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.
      2. IDHS intends to fund Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that will provide employment and training related programming in an effort to increase economic sustainability consistent with the TANF state plan. IDHS will prioritize applications from eligible applicants who provide services in geographic regions where other TANF E&T services are not offered and who are able to contribute to skills gains, employment or greater economic stability for TANF recipients.
      3. IDHS intends to prioritize applications from eligible applicants who provide services in geographic regions where other services are not offered and/or are in high need areas, having a disproportionate amount of economic hardship or food insecurity.
      4. IDHS is also focused on removing barriers that exist for Returning citizens/reentry programs that connect formerly incarcerated individuals with career pathways.
      5. IDHS will also prioritize funding programs that provide language access and cultural competence to meet the needs of all populations. 
   3. Goals and objectives of the Program.
      1. The goals and objectives of this program are for low-income participants to participants acquire education, training, and employment related skills and to assist low skilled & low-income job seekers in finding and maintaining employment.
   4. Program Deliverables
      1. Providers will operate the Community Access and Workforce Readiness Initiative Program under the Illinois Department of Human Services, Office of Workforce Development as outlined in the Program Manual. Time spent in activities must be documented appropriately along with case notes to assure compliance with state regulations. Participants must be engaged in one or a combination of the following countable activities including but not limited to:
         1.  a. soft skills training, interviewing and resume writing skills, support in job search, GED test practice or other needed Adult Basic Education, job skills training (vocational education), financial literacy, and case management. Other elements may be offered as needed with the approval of the Department.
      2. Weekly reporting of participant attendance and activity.
      3. Provide follow-up services and job coaching for a 90-day retention period after employment.
      4. Issuing supportive services to address employment barriers, including transportation, childcare, or other needs.
      5. Communication with IDHS is critical to ongoing case management.
      6. Participant eligibility for the program is equivalent to household SNAP eligibility or to be unemployed and have a current household income of up to 250% of the federal poverty level.
      7. Grantees are expected to:
         1. Recruit participants for the program
         2. Determine eligibility of potential program participants
         3. Administer an employability assessment upon entering the program which should include at a minimum:
            1. Basic skill levels
            2. Aptitudes
            3. Interests
            4. Employment history
            5. Education history
            6. Employment barriers
            7. Career goals/interests
            8. Supportive service needs
         4. Create an Employment Plan for each participant which should contain at a minimum:
            1. Career goals
            2. Education & Skills
            3. Abilities and Aptitudes
            4. Familial Obligations
            5. Any other employment related assets and barriers
            6. Grantees must provide participants with information that explains program basics and client responsibilities at intake.
         5. Assist participants in applying for other DHS services, such as SNAP and Medical benefits if participants are eligible
         6. Distribute stipends to participants in the amount of $300 per week
         7. Maintain weekly attendance records
         8. Track and monitor the hours that each participant completed
         9. Track the stipends and supportive services distributed to each participant and in the case of supportive services identify and document what the funds distributed were needed for.
            1. Stipends:
               1. The number of paid stipend weeks a grantee can offer as part of their program to a participant is a maximum of 8 weeks, with 6 weeks being the recommended duration.
               2. The stipend period offered (6 - 8 weeks) must be decided and communicated to grantees' DHS staff liaison prior to the start of the program.
               3. The grantee's stipend duration must be consistent within a grantee's program and all participants must be offered the same stipend period whether it is 6, 7 or 8 weeks.
               4. Make sure each participant does not receive a stipend beyond the maximum weeks allowed.
               5. The stipends are program participation incentives and are issued to participants based on participation in the program.
               6. The number of program hours required to receive the stipend are at least 20 hours of training or work experience per week.
               7. An individual can participate in programming and receive services either prior to or after the stipend period of the program if participants require more training, experience, or services in order to be job ready, but may only receive a participation stipend for the maximum stipend period as outlined above. Individuals who have participated in the program and received a stipend for a full 4 weeks cannot participate in the program again (neither with the same nor a different provider) until one year has elapsed from their program exit date. Nor may a participant repeat the program with the same or another provider offering Employment and Training until the year has elapsed. Stipend may be resumed from where the participant left off if the participant needed to take a temporary leave from the program.
            2. Identify supportive services needs and issue any needed supportive services to promote continued participation in the program and to engage in a productive job search:
               1. Supportive services may continue to be offered to individuals in the program during or after the stipend period ends if they are still in the program receiving training, participating in work experience or other program activities for a minimum of 20 hours per week or if they have started a job within the past 60 days after participating in the program.
         10. Provide quality case management services that are documented in the customer's case file to ensure that customer engagement is documented through a permanent record of all services and contact with the program participant;
             1. Case files at a minimum must include:
                1. a copy of the Employability Assessment and Employment Plan
                2. program participation time sheets
                3. amount of stipend earned, and sign off or other verification which indicates receipt of the stipend funds
                4. receipts and participant sign off or verification of receipt and cost of any supportive services the participant received
                5. case notes referrals or linkage services that the customer was connected to (such as application for SNAP, etc.)
                6. job search record and outcomes of job searches
                7. employment verification, starting wage and name and location of hiring employer
                8. 90 day follow up after placement to verify continuing employment and any changes.
             2. Files must be available for DHS review up to the file retention limit indicated in the standard UGA contract, or up to 3 years whichever is greater. Grantee should expect that program monitoring will occur annually.
         11. Grantee will maintain a Resource Guide to support participants in connecting to resources needed such as: mental health, domestic violence, housing, literacy, etc. Grantee will provide follow-up summary for each participant to report their progress throughout the fiscal year. This summary is due 30 days after the end of the fiscal year.
      8. Employment Placement and Retention
         1. Providers are required to assist customers in gaining permanent employment which provides at least minimum wage (federal or state whichever is more). Employment criteria include:
            1. Employment is defined as a job for which a participant is hired by a private employer for which no federal, state, or municipal funds are used to supplement job costs/salary.
            2. A minimum of 22 hours/week at or above Federal or State minimum wage (whichever is higher) for at least 12 consecutive weeks) will be considered a successful placement.
         2. Some customers may prefer temporary employment to meet short-term needs, the Grantee's primary focus should be to collaborate with customers to develop an individualized employment plan that is designed to lead to long term career pathways and employment goals.
         3. Customers may be placed in jobs with federal, state, or municipal entities in which the source of payment and employment activities are in accordance with personnel procedures and policies that pertain to all employees of the agency.
         4. To ensure alignment with labor market demands, Providers should prioritize placements which align with high-growth industries as defined by the Illinois Demand Occupations Training List.
         5. Grantees are expected to offer Job Retention services to all customers who have gained employment for up to 90 days. Job Retention includes case management and supportive services to assist newly employed individuals with retaining employment.
   5. Performance Measures and Standards
      1. The Grantee is expected to achieve and report every month:
         1. The number of participants enrolled and active for the month, disaggregated by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and justice system involvement (including reentry from incarceration, probation, or parole).
         2. The number of participants served who are returning residents or otherwise involved in the justice system, and the types of services provided to them.
         3. The number of participants that completed an employability assessment.
         4. The number of participants that received which type of service and whether they are still active, have completed, or are not active.
         5. The number of participants that were referred into another employment and training/educational program.
         6. Number of participants that have been newly enrolled in IDHS services
         7. Number of participants that have been referred to another needed service: housing supports, Mental Health services, etc.
         8. The number of participants that received employment. (If participants obtain employment, must report who the employer is, position and the start date of their new job.)
         9. Report the number of participants who enrolled in/obtained GED after program completion.
         10. Report on outcomes 60 days after participants complete program.
      2. Grantees are expected to ensure:
         1. 100% of the participants are eligible for the program as defined by the eligibility criteria in Exhibit B.
         2. 100% of the participants will be offered digital literacy during their first week of the program to address use of technology knowledge deficits, i.e.: how to participate in Zoom or other remote meetings, filing out online applications, etc.
         3. 100% of the participants will complete an employability assessment.
         4. 100% of the participants will receive financial literacy/financial education.
         5. 100% of the participants will receive soft skills or job search training skills.
         6. 100% of participants who compete 20 hours per week of program will receive 100% of their weekly participation stipend.
         7. 100% of participants receive any needed transportation assistance and appropriate supportive services are offered to participants.
         8. 100% of participants who are eligible for SNAP, Medical or Childcare assistance are enrolled in those programs.
         9. 100% of all participants will be adequately supervised and supported during program hours.
         10. 100% of participants have a case file and that all required documents indicated in Exhibit B are included.
         11. 80% of participants will complete the full term of the program.
         12. 100% of participants will obtain at least 5 job leads by program completion; documentation indicating what employers leads are obtained and results of applications and interviews will be included in participant's case file.
   6. For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have are (or are located) : N/A
   7. Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval from IDHS:
      1. Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438)
      2. Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
      3. Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment which materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
      4. Food, and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee's employees, contractors, or consultants of the grantee unless authorized as per diem under the State of Illinois Governor's Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445).
      5. Deposits for items, services, or space
      6. Simplified Acquisition Threshold: Potential grantees under this funding announcement may receive an award in excess of the Simplified Acquisition Threshold, currently $250,000 (Refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the grantee must be aware of the following regarding the Simplified Acquisition Threshold as it will be applicable to any qualifying subaward:
         1. That the grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently FAPIIS) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313);
         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 the awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM;
         3. That the awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant's integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in §200.205 awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants.
   8. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: (Equivalent to household SNAP eligibility or to be unemployed and have a current household income of up to 250% of the federal poverty level.
   9. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: N/A

4. - Application Contents and Format.

This subsection must identify the required content of an application and the forms or formats an applicant must use. If any requirements are stated elsewhere, this section should refer to where those requirements may be found. This section also should include required forms or formats as part of the announcement or state where the applicant may obtain them.

1. Content and Format requirements:
   1. Content and Form of Application Submission
      1. Pre-applications, letters of intent, or white papers or 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: Please provide a complete response to the following sections. If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will only consider content contained within that specific section. (Include program specific instructions/questions for the narrative portion of the application here; at a minimum, each nofo must include a section for need, capacity and program design.)
            1. Executive Summary (2 - Page Maximum) - 5 Points
               1. The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for the successful applicant that will be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of the funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description and provide an overview of the services proposed with these funds and the outcomes that will be achieved
               2. The description should include:
                  1. Agency history
                  2. A brief overview of the services that will be delivered
                  3. Service area
                  4. Need for the services
                  5. Capacity to provide the services and;
                  6. Projected numbers to be served within each program component.
            2. Need (2 Pages Maximum) 15 points
               1. The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for these services and benefits gained. State and describe the service area, the target population and the need for services in your community.
               2. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
                  1. Identification of service area. Include description and demographics of communities served.
                  2. Description of accessibility and availability of services that reflect your client and communities' needs. Include
                  3. evidence if the service area is being described as a transportation desert. Identification of unserved, underserved or inadequately served populations and any special needs in the service area. Explain how they were identified.
                  4. Identification of proposed or established partnerships with other agencies providing services to underserved populations. Describe the nature of the partnership, i.e. subawards, Memorandum of Understanding or linkage agreements and highlight collaborative efforts.
                  5. Describe current trends or issues, service gaps or unmet needs in the community or target population.
            3. Capacity (9 pages - maximum attachments do not count toward page maximum) 35 Points
               1. The purpose of this section is for the applicant to present an accurate picture of the agency's capacity, qualifications, and ability to provide the program as described in this Funding Notice. Information in this section should include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following:
                  1. Convincing evidence that the applicant agency is capable of carrying out the proposed program, including fiscal, administrative and programmatic ability to manage grant. This should include experience, staffing patterns and qualifications to comply with GATA fiscal and administrative requirements. Highlight any recent changes in policies and procedures to improve fiscal, administrative, or programmatic capacity.
                  2. An organizational chart of the applicant organization, showing where the program and its staff will be placed. If subawards will be used, include the relationship with those organizations in the chart. (Label Attachment A).
                  3. Identify key staff positions that will be responsible for the program and their qualifications to implement the program deliverables.
                  4. A description of your agency's current programs and activities relevant to the services described in this NOFO.
                  5. Describe the capacity of your program to meet the needs of the target populations you will be serving and respond to emerging community needs. Describe your program's strategy to enhance services to unserved, underserved and inadequately served populations in the service area. At a minimum, staffing and linkage/working agreements or collaborations with community partners that primarily serve these populations and the leadership role played by those representing and serving the underserved populations in question.
                  6. Identify service locations, hours of operation, service type and staffing. (Attachment B)
                  7. Detail service provision numbers or estimates. (Attachment C)
                  8. Describe agency oversight by Board of Directors and available resources for fiscal, administrative, and programmatic areas.
                  9. Describe the agency capacity to provide a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environment.
                  10. Describe the means by which the grantee will provide meaningful access for limited English proficient individuals.
                  11. Describe the means by which the grantee will provide meaningful access and effective communication for individuals with disabilities.
            4. Quality (9 pages maximum) 35 points
               1. Provide an overview of service delivery model or standards for providing employment and training services.
               2. Provide a description of each required service component for TANF E&T that will be provided to program participants. Include process for initiating services, eligibility criteria, identification of service needs and service planning.
               3. Describe the process by which your worksites are selected and what experience they offer participants. Describe the potential for participants to gain permanent employment at selected worksites or their ability to refer them to other employers who do.
               4. Describe how the program design has direct correlation to the needs identified in the needs section of the application. Include how your program provides culturally appropriate: staffing, materials, outreach, etc. Include identification of the underserved populations that are being targeted for outreach and services that address their specific needs.
               5. Describe how the program provides transportation assistance.
               6. Describe what strategies your organization employs to ensure quality programming.
               7. Describe your program staff's qualifications and training. Include education and/or experience, initial and ongoing training, staff supervision, training budget, certifications, etc.
               8. Describe how case management will be delivered and by who. What linkages, referrals, or coordination with other community services does your program offer.
               9. Describe how your program will achieve the targeted performance standards. List any additional outcomes your program will target to achieve. Detail how participation in the program results in industry recognized credentials, vocational or education gains, and or employment placement.
               10. Describe your relationships with employer partners in high growth industries and detail the training to employment placement flow and the logic behind program offerings.
      4. Budget and Budget Narrative (10 Points) 
         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 Appication for State Grant Assistance (pdf): 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. W-9 form
      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. Address to Request Application Package.
   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). This subsection must state the requirements for unique entity identifiers and registration in SAM.gov. It must include the following:
   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. This subsection addresses how the applicant will submit the application. It must include the following:
   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)
         5. W-9 Form (pdf)
      2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.ETNOFO@illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.ETNOFO@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 : internet access, preferably high-speed, and browser software meeting the following criteria: Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Internet Explorer 11 or newer.
      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
   4. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact:
      1. Name: Charles Hopkins
      2. Phone: (217)- 299-8295
      3. Email: DHS.ETNOFO@illinois.gov
4. Submission Dates and Times
   1. Full applications are due on the following date  May 15, 2025 at the following time 11:59 pm (CST).
   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 (separate from the full application) include: N/A
   4. 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. 
   1. This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs".

6. - Application Review Information.

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 awar
         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. 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 receive a Notice of Ineligibility prior to the Merit Based 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. Program Evaluation Reporting Requirements: Providers will be required to participate in evaluation efforts as directed by the Department and/or its subcontractor(s) and collect and report data accordingly. Data will be submitted in the format prescribed by the Department. Providers will be required to participate in Department directed Performance and Standards Assessment reviews. A year-end program and performance measures and outcomes report will also be required. Additional data and information may be requested throughout the year as determined by the Department.
      2. The Grantee is expected to report the following on a monthly basis via submission of the GATA required Periodic Performance Report (PPR's).
         1. All metrics outlined in the Performance Standards and Measures section above.
      3. 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.
      4. 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.
      5. Close-out Performance Reports and Financial Reports as instructed in the UGA.
      6. 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.
      7. 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 Grant Assistance (pdf)
      2. Proposal Narrative
      3. Uniform Grant Budget in CSA
      4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
      5. W-9 form