Gambling Disorder Helpline and Website FY26-444-26-2841-01

I. Basic Information (CSFA Data Section)

Awarding Agency Name (I-A)	Illinois Department of Human Services
Agency Division Name	Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Agency Contact	Jim Wilkerson Jim.Wilkerson@illinois.gov
Announcement Type (I-C)	Competitive, Initial Announcement
Funding Opportunity Title (I-B)	Gambling Helpline and Website
Funding Opportunity Number (I-D)	26-444-26-2841-01
Application Posting Date	03/03/2025
Application Closing Date	04/02/2025
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number	444-26-2841
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name	Gambling Disorder Helpline and Website
Assistance Listing Number(s) (I-E)	Not Applicable
Awarding Source	State
Estimated Total Program Funding Amount	$800,000
Anticipated Number of Awards	1
Award Range	$600,000-800,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement?	No
Indirect Costs Allowed?	Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs?	No
Technical Assistance Session Offered	No

I. Basic Information Continued - Section F through I

1. Funding Details.
   1. Total Amount of Funding
      1. The Department expects to award approximately $800,000.
      2. The source of funding for this program is state funds.
   2. Number of Grant Awards
      1. The Department anticipates funding approximately #1 grant award 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 $800,000.
   4. Amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.
      1. Previous funding amounts for this grant award program on average was $600,000.
   5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility.
      1. Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects 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. Procurement Contract Allowability
      1. Subcontractor Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the subcontractor.
   7. Funding restrictions
      1. Pre-Award Costs
         1. Pre-Award costs are not allowable for this award.
         2. IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles.
         3. 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: 03/03/2025.
   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 04/02/2025 at 4pm CST.
   4. Anticipated Award Date: 05/15/2025.
   5. Anticipated Start Dates and Periods of Performance for new grant awards.
      1. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than July 1, 2025, and will continue through June 30, 2026.
3. Executive Summary: The Illinois Department of Human Services/Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) through this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is seeking applicants to staff, host, and monitor a 24/7 helpline and public facing website for individuals with gambling disorder (GD). Applicants will have counselors experienced in GD treatment to provide crisis counseling, resources, and referral assistance to callers or website visitors. In SFY26, the IDHS/SUPR anticipates the availability of $800,000 in total funding (funding source split among the gambling initiative and Illinois Lottery). The grant period will begin July 1, 2025 and will end on June 30, 2026, with the option to renew for an additional two full years, if funding is available. Services may not be provided until a contract is fully executed by the IDHS/SUPR.
4. Agency Contact Information.
   1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact Jim Wilkerson, Jim.Wilkerson@illinois.gov. 
   2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website. Questions submitted up to 14 business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website.

II Eligibility

i. Eligible Applicants.

1. The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are: private or public, non-profit or for-profit entities, including local governments, academic institutions, or other community-based organizations.
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 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. Eligibility factors for the principal investigator or project director if any: 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 I(F) for funding restrictions (or no funding restrictions).
6. Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include: lack of physical office or staff located in Illinois.
7. Limit on number of applications: 1.

ii. Cost Sharing:

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

III. Program Description

This section contains the full program description of the funding opportunity.

i. This section MUST include the following:

1. The general purpose of the funding is to make an award to an organization to assist the IDHS/SUPR in addressing its expressed goals around serving persons, and their families, in need of referrals to intervention and treatment services and who are diagnosed or may be diagnosed with a GD or co-occurring GD disorder.
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. The IDHS/SUPR is seeking organizations with a history of coordinating and managing a statewide helpline and website within the State of Illinois. Organizations must have experience managing a gambling helpline and website within the State. Organizations with recent experience overseeing an SUD helpline in Illinois are preferred. Services must be available statewide to the citizens of Illinois 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and have the availability of interpreter services in multiple languages (e.g., Spanish, Polish, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Korean). Monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting of service metrics including an electronic dashboard (via Tableau or Power BI) will be required.
   3. The goals and objectives and deliverables of this program are:
      1. General items:
         1. Operate the gambling disorder helpline and website 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year (24/7/365), supported by the gambling initiative and the Illinois Lottery.
         2. The helpline will have the capacity to accommodate 12,000 calls and 1,200 text/chat messages per year with staff on duty solely for the purpose of answ ering helpline calls and/or virtual messaging with individuals in their preferred language. Applicants should employ multi-lingual (voice and text) staff when possible.
         3. Identify a staff person who will act as coordinator of the helpline. This person will serve as the liaison between IDHS/SUPR, and intervention, treatment, and recovery support providers. This person will be the primary point of contact for information regarding project implementation and outcomes.
         4. Ensure that a report is completed for each call and/or virtual message received. Enter helpline call and text/chat message information into agreed upon database(s ).
         5. Provide assistance whether the caller is insured, underinsured, or uninsured.
         6. Develop, maintain, and utilize a comprehensive directory of treatment and related recovery support services and resources that are available to callers (i.e., SUPR-funded providers, SUPR-licensed providers, Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-Anon, Alcoholics Anonymous, other resources as needed). This directory will be based upon SUPR-provided data, and existing statewide and local directories and will be published in searchable format on the public facing website.
         7. Provide services according to policies and procedures outlining the confidentiality of service recipients' protected health information according to State and Federal laws and regulations.
         8. Provide IDHS/SUPR, the Illinois Lottery, ICPG, and NCPG with monthly Tableau or Microsoft Power BI reports so that project monitoring and evaluation can take place, based on metrics communicated by IDHS/SUPR.
         9. Participate with IDHS/SUPR in the development and implementation of quality improvement processes for the helpline and website services.
         10. Solicit feedback from callers regarding program services and make programmatic adjustments as necessary for quality improvement. The caller feedback sought will include satisfaction with the service providers to which they are referred. A summary of feedback received, and specific action(s) taken as a result will be included in the monthly reports.
         11. Hire 1 FTE or sub-contract for outreach services for the helpline and website in the State of Illinois through coordination with the gambling marketing provider, and by participating in health fairs, community events, and through communication with local agencies, advocacy groups, hospitals, schools, physician groups, recovery organizations, harm reduction organizations, the gaming industry, and other appropriate venues.
         12. Design and monitor the statewide GD website which will include but is not limited to: screening instruments for individuals; a search function leading individuals to treatment resources; connection to live chat resources for individuals; links to other resources, data and statistics on GD, gaming, internet gambling, and sports betting; and training resources for providers.
         13. Ensure the website meets end users' expectations in terms of ease of use, navigation, connection, etc., and report metrics monthly (ex. customer effort score, first response time, etc.).
         14. Maintain services in accordance with current evidence-based practices and standards and seek innovative tools and techniques to accomplish the objectives of IDHS/SUPR regarding GD services. Implementation of innovative tools and techniques shall include research into the effectiveness of such items via approved third-parties.
         15. Participate in technical assistance with IDHS/SUPR and the provision of training to agencies providing GD services on the helpline and website structure, communication points, and outcomes. This will also include participation in IDHS/SUPR's effort to incorporate a system of performance measures and quality indicators.
         16. Engage, negotiate, and contract (as appropriate) with NCPG, ICPG, and other organizations to ensure continued use of the helpline phone numbers, text numbers, chat numbers, and website URLs.
         17. Administer IDHS approved subcontracts in compliance with all GATA regulations, with organizations or individuals selected to assist with meeting the goals and objectives of the Illinois Department of Human Services' Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
      2. Information and Referral Services
         1. Provide information to callers and/or virtual messaging to individuals seeking guidance and assistance in navigating the gambling treatment and recovery system themselves or on behalf of others.
         2. Identify the nature of the presenting problem and the service and support needs of the caller, making the caller's safety and clinical issues the top priority including suicide screening using an evidence-based screening tool and protocol approved by SUPR.
         3. Use American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Patient Placement Criteria to identify the level of care that matches the needs of individual callers.
         4. Use the EDGE SBIRT to screen individuals for gambling disorder.
         5. Obtain basic information from the caller and consent to call back if disconnected and to check on the caller in a few days. The caller's granting of this consent shall be documented.
         6. Make every effort to provide callers with at least three (3) service provider options. The number of service provider referrals will be determined by the caller's personal preferences, available resources, and the characteristics of the service system in the caller's local area. In the event that a caller who is referred to treatment or other recovery services is not offered at least three (3) provider options, documentation shall reflect the reason(s) that prevented doing so.
         7. Assist callers with scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, make three-way calls with the service providers to ensure a warm handoff to needed services whenever possible.
         8. Provide assistance to physicians and other GD providers who request information on specialty care providers in their area or other recovery support services they may request on behalf of their patients and clients.
         9. Assist callers with Assist callers with answering questions and concerns for which the caller's insurance company or Managed Care Organization (MCO) is unable to assist.
      3. Health Crisis Services
         1. Attain and maintain accreditation by the American Association of Suicidology or Contact USA and accept calls from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.
         2. Accept calls from the network of other IDHS and other state and national consumer information lines, as well as consumer information lines operated by local agencies and jurisdictions within the State of Illinois.
         3. Ensure all Helpline staff complete a training program approved by relevant accrediting bodies and be supervised for a minimum of 15 hours before working independently.
         4. Provide services according to a written code of ethics, to be based on standards outlined by the National Association of Social Workers and other professional groups that address gambling crisis issues.
         5. Eligibility of individuals served is outlined in the Administrative Rule 2060, the IDHS/SUPR SFY2025 Contractual Policy Manual, and this NOFO.
   4. The award will contribute to achieving the program's goals and objectives by hosting and monitoring a 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks per year, helpline and public facing website for individuals seeking assistance with or referrals for gambling disorder. Services will be designed to support and inform individuals with potential gambling problems, their friends/family members, gambling or non-gambling relevant service providers, and residents of Illinois. Services will be provided in the caller/user's preferred language at the time of the call.
   5. The expected performance goals, indicators, targets, baseline data, data collection, and other outcomes the agency expects recipients to achieve are the following:
      1. Provider will be expected to operate helpline and website 24 hours per day, maintaining a system up time of 99%.
      2. Provider will be expected to achieve outcomes as defined in this NOFO (see Performance Standards).
      3. Provider will comply with all data gathering requirements and is expected to participate in any additional IDHS/SUPR required activities that will be associated with the development, implementation, and functioning of this program.
      4. Provider will seek caller/user satisfaction with services as defined in this NOFO (see Deliverables) and maintain at least 95% satisfaction level.
      5. Provider will link 100% of completed callers/users to services needed or resources requested .
      6. Provider will collaborate with clinical providers to increase impressions of the gambling hotline and website by 30 %.
      7. Other performance measures to be identified by provider in collaboration with IDHS/SUPR as part of the application process.
      8. Examples of measures for hotline effectiveness and efficiency:
         1. Calls dropped
         2. Calls shorter than 90 seconds
         3. Average call time
         4. Average wait time
         5. Calls linked to counselor
         6. System uptime
         7. Helpline counselor training time
         8. Staffing by shift
         9. Calls by shift
         10. Calls by day of the week
         11. Caller demographics, as currently reported
         12. Callers referred to AreYouReallyWinning.com website
         13. Special trends in the call time/day (Superbowl, March Madness events, world series)
      9. Examples of measures for website effectiveness and efficiency:
         1. Total users
         2. Total screens (individuals completing survey)
         3. Total time on site
         4. Clicks to other resources
         5. Number of days since last website maintenance
         6. Chats initiated
         7. Texts initiated
         8. System uptime
         9. Average load time
         10. New vs returning users
         11. Pages per session
         12. Sessions per user
         13. Page views.
         14. Referred by demographics
         15. Bounce rate
         16. Special trends in the website traffic (Superbowl, March Madness events, world series).
   6. Copies of all subcontracts identifying the duties and responsibilities of the subgrantees.
   7. Monthly reports documenting the activities related to the gambling helpline and website can be included in the electronic dashboard noted above.
   8. Four (4) Quarterly reports corresponding to the four quarters of the fiscal year in action on the activities and progress being made towards the provision of helpline intervention services.
   9. Provide an annual report that summarizes and evaluates the activities and efforts of the program plan. The report is due 30 days after the end of the fiscal year.
   10. Submit monthly documentation for 100% of all deliverables submitted for reimbursement within 15 days of the end of each month.
3. Proposed budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by IDHS. Successful applicants will NOT receive a grant agreement until after their budget has been approved through the Community Service Agreement tracking system (CSA) system.
4. Subcontractor Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the Department and on file with the Department. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the subcontractor.
5. For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have are (or are located): N/A.
6. Specific unallowable costs for this program include the following: N/A.
7. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements: N/A.
8. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following: The Substance Use Disorder Act (20 ILCS 301/5), Illinois Lottery Law (20 ILCS 1605/10.7), Illinois Gambling Act (230 ILCS 10/1), Rule 2060, Rule 2059, and all other applicable administrative rules and regulations.

IV. Application Contents and Format.

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 V (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 score of zero points and your agency 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.
      3. Program Plan and Narrative (10 pages maximum) - The program narrative at a minimum must include the categories to be evaluated in the merit review process:
         1. Need (30 points): The purpose of this section is to describe the characteristics of the persons who will be served through the proposed services.
            1. Describe how your organization provides training that addresses known issues of health disparities that allow people to live lives of meaning and purpose. Describe how the organization will consider cultural norms and differences in the provision of gambling services. Identify how your organization implements culturally and linguistically responsive services that reflect the culture, racial, ethnic and linguistic characteristics of the populations you proposed to serve. Include how the organization will ensure the provision of services in multiple languages via the helpline and website.
            2. Describe how organizational and interpersonal bias are addressed in your organization through language and action.
            3. Describe unique considerations for serving adults, young adults , and youth, persons with gambling disorder, and persons with co-occurring disorders in this environment. Include how the program will work with potentially suicidal individuals and will help to reduce suicide rates among the populations served.
         2. Capacity (30 points): The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a description of the organization's experience and qualifications generally, and specific to the provision of the proposed services.
            1. Describe the organization's history, mission, purpose, vision, values, goals, and achievements especially as they relate to gambling services.
            2. Provide a description of the full array of services provided by your organization. Provide information about existing contracts for programs of similar scope, including location, funder, persons served, reported metrics and outcomes, and years in operation. Be sure to emphasize experience managing a helpline, website, and providing gambling disorder services within the State of Illinois.
            3. Describe what resources and other knowledge, skill, and abilities, relevant to the objectives of IDHS/SUPR regarding gambling disorder services, the applicant lacks and how will the applicant acquire the resources. If the applicant will deliver services via subcontracts, then describe the results of such business relationships and how goals and objectives were accomplished.
            4. Include a description of the staff members that will be responsible for the delivery of the gambling services including their educational background, years of experience, gambling related certifications and training (e.g., state 30-hour gambling training, PCGC, ICGC), and other relevant information. Describe the applicant's plans to maintain and enhance its staff's knowledge, skill, and abilities over time related to gambling disorder services, suicide prevention, culturally diverse service provision, implicit bias, racial equity and other key areas.
            5. Provide a narrative of the proposed staffing model including: anticipated staffing levels; calls-to-staff ratios; client-to-staff ratios; estimated calls handled per hour or per day that can be handled with logic supporting this estimate (population, prior experience, region, etc.). Indicate whether crisis counselors will be licensed clinicians or paraprofessionals. Include the role, if any, for peer support specialists and recovery coaches. Describe your organization's Supervisor's qualifications and supervisory plan, and your ongoing training and professional capacity building plan.
            6. Describe your organization's policy and approach to adherence to best practices and awareness of emerging trends in service delivery.
            7. Provide a summary of existing linkages with external community resources and services. Provide a summary of your organization's involvement with recovery support services that may include, but not limited to: outpatient treatment organizations, debt relief groups, housing groups, vocational training, and self-help groups.
         3. Quality (10 points):
            1. Describe your capacity and commitment to collect and report the service and performance data specified in this NOFO. Do you collect data manually or have a monitoring system that collects data or other electronic collection mechanisms?
            2. Describe how you have shared information (measures and results) with other organizations and stakeholders for planning, service provision and evaluation purposes.
            3. Describe measurable data you will collect and outcomes you will report monthly for both the helpline and website.
            4. Describe your experience in designing and implementing quality improvement activities to improve the provision of services.
         4. Other (30 points): Provide the following information regarding the proposed services that will be delivered in the identified geographic service area(s).
            1. Describe in this section the overall approach to managing and monitoring the contract and how you intend to ensure that management objectives and contract deliverables are accomplished. Description should encompass approaches to management of a 24 hour 7-Day per week statewide gambling crisis helpline and website. Include the unique features and characteristics of how the organization will approach the delivery of the services identified in this NOFO that sets them apart from other applicants.
            2. How does the applicant develop and promote the helpline and website services to providers and others in the state? How does the applicant coordinate services and resources offered by the helpline with community-based providers, the state marketing provider, the state training provider, and other helpline providers in the state? How does the applicant maintain up-to-date information on providers, including licensing, locations, and services provided?
            3. Include the location of facilities, and whether the call center will be co-located with other services or will serve other states/organizations. Provide consideration of the utilization and ability to operate a remote workforce, and whether full remote work will impact any aspect of operations. Include equipment and telecom platform that will be used.
            4. Describe the organization's experience with and ability to provide text and chat support. Include an explanation of the structure of text and chat support.
            5. Indicate how your organization will seek accreditation for its call center and whether you plan to be affiliated with any local, state, or national organizations (ex. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) to assure adherence to best practices and awareness of emerging trends in service delivery.
            6. How does the applicant collect and access research and data that can be provided and shared with providers to enhance their abilities to provide services?
   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 by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable.
   5. Required Forms
      1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance: The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application. IL444-5262 - UNIFORM APPLICATION FOR STATE GRANT ASSISTANCE (.pdf)
      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. IL444-5205 - GRANTEE CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE (.pdf)
   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.

ii. Within each of the categories above, this subsection MUST include, where relevant:

V. Submission Requirements and Deadlines.

i. 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 I - I (Roman Numeral I, 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.

1. ii. 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.
2. iii.  Submission Instructions. This subsection addresses how the applicant will submit the application. It must include the following:
   1. Actions needed prior to applying:  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 (IV)(A)
      2. Applications must be sent electronically to DHS.SUPR.Grant.Implementation@Illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to DHS.SUPR.Grant.Implementation@Illinois.gov. Include the following in the subject line: Your Organization Name, 26-444-26-2841-01, Jim Wilkerson. 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: software the allows the applicant to communicate with callers via chat and text, software to generate a public facing website to support the helpline, software to run the helpline including off-site staff.
      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: Jim Wilkerson
      2. Email: Jim.Wilkerson@illinois.gov

iv. Submission Dates and Times.

1. Full applications are due on the following date 04/02/2025 at the following time 4:00pm (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. If the funding opportunity is a general announcement that is open for a period of time with no specific due dates for applications, this section should say so.
5. Missed Deadlines:
   1. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.
   2. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced.
   3. IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.

v. Intergovernmental Review.

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

VI. Application Review Information.

i. Responsiveness Review. This section includes information on the criteria that make an application or project ineligible. These are sometimes referred to as "responsiveness" criteria, "go-no-go" criteria, or "threshold" criteria.

1. Applications that are received will be reviewed on/between 04/03/2025 and 04/25/2025 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 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.

ii.  Review Criteria. This section MUST address the review criteria that the agency will use to evaluate applications for merit. This information includes the merit and other review criteria evaluators will use to judge applications, including any statutory, regulatory, or other preferences that will be applied in the review process. These criteria are distinct from eligibility criteria that are addressed before an application is accepted for review and any program policy or other factors that are applied during the selection process, after the review process is completed. The intent is to make the application process transparent so applicants can make informed decisions when preparing their applications to maximize the fairness of the process.

1. Review Criteria (This section MUST include the following)
   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).
   2. If criteria vary in importance, the relative percentages, weights, or other means used to distinguish them should be listed here.

Scoring will be on a 100-point scale.

Criteria	Points Allowed
Need - The purpose of this section is to describe the characteristics of the persons who will be served through the proposed services.	20
Capacity - The purpose of this section is for the applicant to provide a description of the organization's experience and qualifications generally, and specific to the provision of the proposed services. This may include a history of providing similar services in Illinois.	20
Quality - The purpose of this section is to describe the data collection, sharing, and quality improvement structure.	10
Other - The purpose of this section is to provide information regarding the proposed services that will be delivered in the identified geographic service area(s).	50
Total	100

iii. Review and Selection Process.

1. The process for evaluation of the application is as follows:_An internal team of subject matter experts, NOFO trained staff, interns, and others will complete the merit-based review process as outlined in GATA to recommend awardees. 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.
2. 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.
3. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates: 05/15/2025.
4. 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: Jim Wilkerson
            2. Email address: Jim.Wilkerson@illinois.gov
            3. Email Subject Line: 444-26-2841, Appeal, Jim Wilkerson
         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.
            1. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
            2. 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

1. 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

iv. Risk Review.

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

VII. Award Notices.

This section must address what a successful applicant can expect to receive following selection.

i. It must include the following:

1. State Award Notices
   1. Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the review and selection process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). The NOSA shall include:
      1. Grant award amount
      2. The terms and conditions of the award
      3. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA), and the Merit Review.
   2. Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into the CSA system. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. The signed NOSA is the document authorizing the department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice.
   3. The notice is not an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs; pre-award costs are incurred at the non-State entities own risk unless they have received written prior approval to begin performance).
   4. The authorizing document to begin performance is the fully executed Uniform Grant Agreement (UGA) signed by the grants officer, or equivalent. This is the official document that obligates funds. The UGA is sent to the non-State entity via the CSA system. The non-State entity will print and sign the signature page of the UGA and return signature page to DHS.OCA.SignaturePages@illinois.gov. A final signed copy of the UGA will be provided to the non-State entity via an upload into the CSA Tracking system.
   5. Applicants who are not eligible due to registration or pre-qualification issues, or late applications will be notified that they are ineligible for consideration by 05/15/2025. A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving an award following the Merit Review process.

VIII. Post-Award Requirements and Administration.

i. Administrative and National Policy Requirements. Providing information on administrative and policy requirements lets a potential applicant identify any requirements with which it would have difficulty complying. This section MUST include the following:

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. Provide a link to a sample of the current IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
3. Successful applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this Funding Notice and in the Contract Policy Manual.
4. 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.

ii. Reporting.

This section includes information needed to understand the post-award reporting requirements. Highlight any special reporting requirements for awards under this funding opportunity that differ from what the agency's awards usually require. For example, differences in report type, frequency, form, format, or circumstances for use. This section MUST include the following:

1. Reporting upon execution of the grant agreement shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the UGA and related exhibits which include but is not limited to the following:
   1. Periodic Financial Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than monthly.
   2. Periodic Programmatic Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist.
   3. Close-out Performance Reports and Financial Reports as instructed in the UGA.
   4. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: additional monthly and annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in the format prescribed by the Department.
   5. 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. The purchase of this technology would be an allowable expenditure under the grant and may be budgeted for as part of this application:
      1. Internet access, - Recommend high-speed Internet capacity/access (800 Mbs or more); Upload speeds: up to 20 Mbs or more
      2. Email capability
      3. Microsoft Excel
      4. Microsoft Word
      5. Microsoft Teams
      6. Microsoft Power BI or Tableau
      7. Adobe Reader
   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, curriculums, innovative techniques, data, analyses, marketing materials including videos, toolkits, flyers, and any and all materials related to marketing campaigns, and policy recommendations are the property of the Department and will not be published or distributed except as 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

IX. Other Information.

i. This section MAY include any additional information to help potential applicants.

1. Program Exhibit Language

Terms	Definitions
1.800.GAMBLER:	The current IDHS/SUPR gambling helpline which provides crisis counseling and information to gamblers and others requesting assistance via phone call, text, or chat.
AreYouReallyWinning.com:	The current IDHS/SUPR public awareness campaign slogan and gambling treatment information website.
American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria:	The ASAM Criteria is a comprehensive set of guidelines for placement, continued stay, transfer, or discharge of patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions. Formerly known as the ASAM patient placement criteria.
At-risk gamblers:	People who engaged in gambling in the past month and had at least 1 or more adverse consequences due to gambling.
Co-Occurring Disorder:	The existence of multiple primary conditions or chronic diseases. People with substance use disorders are at particular risk for co-occurring mental health, primary health conditions or chronic diseases.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM):	The standardized manual published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952 to classify mental disorders in the United States. The 5th edition of the DSM was published in 2013.
Gambling Disorder (GD):	Defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), 5th Edition (Section 312.31) as: Persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.
Health Disparities:	Preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that are experienced by socially disadvantaged populations.
International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC):	International certification of gambling counselors and mentors.
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG):	A national organization founded in 1972 that advocates for comprehensive policy and programs for those affected by problem gambling.
Outreach:	Engagement with the community by providers to raise awareness, educate, and screen individuals for substance use issues and disorders, gambling issues and potential gambling disorder.
Problem and Compulsive Gambling Certified Counselor (PCGC):	Encompasses problematic gambling behavior that is characterized by a preoccupation with gambling, negative consequences due to gambling behavior, gambling-related disruptions in relationships and occupational responsibilities.
Video Gaming:	Electronic games, typically poker, keno, blackjack or slots, played on a video screen for money.
Eisenberg Disordered Gambling Emphasized SBIRT Pre-screen and Screen (EDGE SBIRT)	The IDHS/SUPR authorized screening instrument for gambling disorder. Any other instrument must be approved in writing. Currently available in English, Spanish, Simple Chinese, and Polish.

1. Related Programs:
   1. Gambling Public Awareness Campaign (Substance Use Disorder and Gambling Disorder Public Awareness Campaigns 444-26-0730)
   2. Gambling Treatment Services (Fixed Rate Substance Use Disorder and Gambling Disorder Services 444-26-0724)
   3. Gambling Outreach Services and Gambling Helpline (Expense Based Substance Use Disorder and Gambling Disorder Services 444-26-2841)
   4. Gambling Center of Excellence (Training & Evaluation Grants Subject to NOFO & Merit Based Review 444-26-2379)
2. Existing webpages:
   1. AreYouReallyWinning.com
   2. State gambling services webpage
   3. NOFO questions and answers
3. Mandatory Forms and Submission:
   1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance
   2. Proposal Narrative
   3. Uniform Grant Budget in CSA
   4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure