Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Earnfare (26-444-80-0705-01)

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 Workforce Development
Bureau of Employment & Training
Agency Contact Charles Hopkins
Charles.Hopkins@illinois.gov
(217) 299-8295
Announcement Type (1-C) Competitive 
Funding Opportunity Title (1-B) Supplemental Assistance Program-Earnfare
Funding Opportunity Number (1-D) 26-444-80-0705-01
Application Posting Date March 24, 2025
Application Closing Date April 23, 2025
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-80-0705
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name SNAP Earnfare
Assistance Listing Number(s) (1-E) 10.561
Awarding Source Federal, Federal Pass-Through,& State Match
Estimated Total Program Funding Amount $737,500.00
Anticipated Number of Awards 15
Award Range $50,000 to $170,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement? No
Indirect Costs Allowed? Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs? No
Technical Assistance Session Offered Yes
April 15, 2025 9:00 a.m. (CST)
Registration Link

1. - Basic Information Continued - Section F through I

  1. Funding Details
    1. Total Amount of Funding
      1. The Department expects to award approximately $737,500.00
      2. The source of funding for this program is Federal and State funds
    2. Number of Grant Awards
      1. The Department anticipates funding approximately 15 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 $50,000 to $170,000 .
    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 $104,000.00.
    5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility.
      1. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are/are not 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 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. 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
  2. Key Dates
    1. Application Posting Date March 24, 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 23, 2025 at 11:59 pm CST
    4. Anticipated Award Date May 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, 2027.
  3. Executive Summary: Earnfare is an employment and training program which offers eligible participants an opportunity to gain work experience and earn cash assistance. Participation is limited to adults who receive non-assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and who volunteer.
    Participants work off the value of their SNAP benefits at the state or federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, up to a maximum number of hours per month before earning additional cash assistance. The Department may contract with private sector businesses, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, community and faith-based organizations and governmental agencies to administer the Earnfare program. The providers recruit, orient and assess individuals, recruit employers, and refer individuals to appropriate employers. The Department's FCRC's may also refer individuals to these providers
  4.  Agency Contact Information.
    1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact the E&T NOFO mailbox at 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.
  5. Indirect Costs (for more information, refer to Indirect Costs)

2. - Eligibility

  1. Eligible Applicants. 
    1. The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are: private, not-for-profit community-based organizations that are incorporated and have been granted 501C(3) status, public community- based organizations, including units of local government.
    2. 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 and on 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. Applicants should be able to:
          1. Demonstrate the ability to begin services immediately upon execution of the uniform grant agreement.
          2. Demonstrate strong connections with local or regional employers and the community to identify appropriate sites of operation and perform outreach to participants. (Refer to "Quality" section in program narrative).
          3. Have demonstrated compliance with IDHS performance, financial and reporting standards (Refer to "Capacity" section in program narrative).
          4. Applicants should be located in or plan to offer services within community areas with high rates of poverty and unemployment. (Refer to "Needs" section in the Program Narrative)
          5. The applicant must have a minimum of 5(five) years of experience providing similar services.
    3. Eligibility factors for the principal investigator or project director if any.
      1. N/A
    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.  N/A
    7. Limit on number of applications.
      1. 1 per organization
  2. Cost Sharing:  
    1. Providers are not required to provide in-kind and/or financial match.

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 to provide required employment and training services (E&T) to SNAP program participants in accordance with Federal and state SNAP guidelines to low-income individuals. Participation in SNAP E&T Earnfare enables participants to gain work skills and work experience to meet the federal work requirement, and to improve self-sufficiency. 
    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 will prioritize applications from eligible applicants who provide services in geographic regions where other SNAP E&T services are not offered and who are able to support employment, employment retention, or contribute to greater economic stability for SNAP recipients .
    3. Goals and objectives of the Program.
      1. To offer individuals (voluntary or court ordered) who participate and are receiving SNAP benefits an opportunity to participate in Work-Based Learning, gain work experience and earn a stipend for a portion of their hours each month in which they participate. This program will accomplish this through grants and a third-party reimbursement model, which consists of contractual partnerships between the State of Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and community-based organizations (CBOs)
    4. Program Deliverables
      1. Earnfare Providers are expected to serve on and engage a specific number of customers monthly during the period July 1 through June 30. The total annual number of subsidized positions will depend on the number of customers allotted to the Provider during the award process.
      2. The Provider is expected to ensure that:
        1. Participants are adequately supervised at work sites and training facilities and that the physical environment is appropriate and meets all applicable standards set by State and Federal laws, rules and regulations
        2. Earnfare participants do not work more than 40 hours per week, eight (8) hours per day, unless the Providers standard work shift exceeds eight (8) hours per day. All Earnfare participants are limited to 40 hours of work per week
        3. All Earnfare assignments begin and end on the hour or half hour each day and are completed within the calendar month
        4. Earnfare participants will participate for cash assistance no more than six (6) months in any fiscal year (consecutive 12-month period from July through June) as indicated in the Providers Agreement
        5. Earnfare participants are expressly prohibited from delivering or maintaining their own attendance records.
        6. Earnfare is a SNAP E&T program and therefore grantees must ensure that an initial employability assessment is done, an Employment Plan is developed, and that case management is provided along with the Earnfare and Transitional Jobs components to customers. Documentation of the assessment, Employment Plan and case management sessions should be kept in customer's case files
          1. The Employment Plan should outline what employment related skills will be developed at the work site supported by work site and grantee staff through daily supervision and case management respectively. As program participants are those with significant barriers to regular employment, the skills to be developed should be soft skills or foundational skill related to improving employability; such as: timeliness, communication, being presentable for work, work appropriate behavior, taking instructions, and other soft skills that may not be listed.
        7. Program participants must be offered supportive services to assist in their participation of this program. From their assessment any barriers to participation should be identified and supportive services issued to remediate these barriers
          1. Common barriers are: transportation, such as gas cards or minor vehicle repair appropriate clothing or uniforms and any tools or equipment that may be needed
        8. Grantees are expected to recruit to fill their programs if they do not receive adequate referrals from their local FCRC to fill their target number of program slots
    5. Performance Measures and Standards
      1. Grantees must track and report to IDHS regarding:
        1. The number of SNAP customers recruited, assessed, and enrolled.
        2. Customer names, case numbers, activities in which they are enrolled, attendance record, progress toward Employment Plan goas, and any change in services.
        3. Customers who gain measurable skills, credentials, or complete activities/education courses
        4. Customers who gain employment, employer information, industry, wage, and employment verification documentation.
        5. Customers who exit the program, the reason for exit and program outcomes
      2. 100% of the total annual subsidized positions are utilized and not exceeded.
      3. 100% of all Earnfare assignments are completed within the calendar month.
      4. 100% of all Customers do not exceed the number of permissible hours per week.
      5. 100% of all Expenditure Documentation Forms (EDF's), Periodic Performance Reports (PPR's) and Periodic Financial Reports (PFR's) are received on time.  EDF's are due on the 15th of the following month and PPR's and PFR's are due 30 days after the completion of each fiscal quarter.
      6. 100% of all work sites and training facilities are adequately supervised.
      7. 100% of all sites and facility locations meet all applicable State and Federal laws, rules and regulations for physical environment standards.
      8. As needed, Corrective Action Plans will be initiated to address unmet Performance Standards which may result in a reduction or termination of funding.
    6.  For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have are (or are located) N/A.
    7. Specific unallowable costs for this program include the following: N/A.
    8. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements: active SNAP case with the State of Illinois and meets SNAP E&T eligibility criteria..
    9. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: 305 ILCS 5/Art. IV..

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 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: 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. (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. Agency history
            2. A Brief overview of the services that will be delivered
            3. Service Area
            4. Need for services
            5. Capacity to provide the services and
            6. Projected umbers to be served within each program component
          2. Need (2 pages maximum) 10 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. 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 evidence if the service area is being described as a transportation desert
              3.  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) 40 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 transportation services
            2. Provide a description of each required service component in the selected grant type. Include process for initiating services, eligibility criteria, identification of service needs and service planning
            3. Describe how your pickup and drop off sites are selected and how they meet participant needs. Where are drop off sites. How many people do drop off sites (employer sites) employ and how many (estimate if needed) are low income
            4. Describe how the program design has direct correlation to the needs identified in the needs section of the application. Include identification of the underserved populations that are being targeted for outreach and services and how services are promoted to those people
            5. Describe what resources and other knowledge, skills, or abilities are available to implement quality programming
            6. Describe your program staff's qualifications and training. Include education and/or experience, initial and ongoing training, staff supervision, training budget, certifications
            7. Describe how your program will achieve the targeted performance standards. List any additional outcomes your program will target to achieve. Customer satisfaction must be included in performance metrics.
      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 (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). 
    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
      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: Charles.Hopkins@illinois.gov
  4. Submission Dates and Times. 
    1. Full applications are due on the following date April 23, 2025 at the following time 11:59 pm (CST).
    2. Other submissions required before the award (separate from the full application) include: N/A.
    3. 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 May 1, 2025 and May 30, 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 include: N/A
    3. 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: (list the individual criterion and sub-criterion).
        1. Applications will be evaluated based applicant's response to the program narrative described in Section 4.i.3 Program Narrative and Contents. Each section will be weighted as described below
      2. Criteria and weighting of each criterion 
        1. Executive Summary - 5 points
        2. Description of Need - 10 points
        3. Agency Qualifications/Organizational Capacity - 40 points
        4. Quality - Description of Program Design and Services - 35 points
        5. Budget and Budget Narrative - 10 points
      3. Statutory, regulatory, or other preferences
        1. Start Date: Applicants must be in a position to begin offering services on July 1, 2025
        2. Technology: Agencies awarded funds through this funding notice should have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications for the purpose of utilizing any required IDHS web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of electronic program and fiscal information
          1. Internet Access, preferably high-speed
          2. Browser software meeting the following criteria:  Google Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Internet Explorer 11 or newer
          3. Email Capability
          4. Microsoft Excel
          5. Microsoft Word
          6. Adobe Reader
          7. Printer/scanner
        3. Site Visits: The applicant agrees to participate in site visits/quality reviews as requested by the Department
        4. Emergency Policies and Procedures: Provider organizations shall have written emergency (including pandemic) policies and procedures that align with current guidelines put forth by the local Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and/or the Center for Disease Control
        5. Hiring and Employment Policy: It is the policy of the Department to encourage cultural diversity in the work environment and to promote employment opportunities through its programs. The Department philosophy is that the program workforce should appropriately reflect the populations to be served, with special attention given to hiring individuals indigenous to those communities. Consistent with Department policy, whenever a position becomes available, funded programs are encouraged to consider SNAP clients for employment, contingent upon their qualifications in the areas of education and work experience
        6. Publication of Studies, Reports or other Program Products: The applicant agrees that products produced for the Department under this award, including, but not limited to research reports, data, analyses, and policy recommendations are the property of the Department and will not be published or distributed except as prescribed by the Department
        7. Trauma Informed: The provider may demonstrate an ongoing commitment to developing/maintaining trauma informed capacity within the organization as this is a best practice emerging in Human Services. The provider can demonstrate this commitment by providing upon request, a list of trauma-informed trainings attended by staff, copies of trauma-informed policies, practices and procedures adopted by the organization, documentation of trauma-informed technical assistance received, etc
        8. Equity and Racial Justice: Services provided under this NOFO must reflect IDHS' commitment to advance equity and racial justice by enabling all to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, and ability. This includes but is not limited to having leadership (board and/or executive staff) that is reflective off the community/population being served. If no equity and racial justice efforts are currently being pursued, the organization can indicate their intention to develop and implement, including a timeline of activities
      4. Cost Sharing will not be considered in the review process. 
      5. Information regarding Applicant-nominated reviewers: N/A.
    2. Additional Information (This section is optional):
      1. Merit Reviewers
        1. Agency personnel will be selected from positions knowledgeable in program policy, implementation, program history, and/or contract awards
      2. The number of people on an evaluation panel and how it operates, how reviewers are selected, reviewer qualifications, and how conflicts of interest are avoided.
        1. Evaluation of the application will be done by a review team comprised of up to 3 individuals
  3. Review and Selection Process.
    1. The process for evaluation of the application is as follows:
      1. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of up to 3 individuals selected from agency personnel. Reviewers will independently score applications then submit scoring to Agency Leadership. Reviewers may also convene to discuss application contents during review
    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: May 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: Charles Hopkins, Interim Bureau Chief 
            2. Email address: DHS.ETNOFO@illinois.gov
            3. Email Subject Line: APPEALS - 26-444-80-0705
          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.
          4. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
          5. Review of the appeal;
          6. Appeal determination; and
          7. Rationale for the determination.
  4. Risk Review.
    1. Requirements:
      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

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. 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. Periodic Financial Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist
      2. Periodic Programmatic Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist
        1. On a monthly basis Provider is expected to submit the following on the Periodic Performance Report (PPR) all performance measures outlined in the Performance Measures section above
      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. Proposal Narrative
      3. Uniform Grant Budget in CSA
      4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure
      5. W-9 form