Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) FY26-444-26-2841-02

I - Basic Information (CSFA Data Section)

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

Awarding Agency Name (I-A) Illinois Department of Human Services
Agency Division Name Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Agency Contact

Johanna Gonzalez

Johanna.Gonzalez@illinois.gov
Announcement Type (I-C)

Competitive

Initial Announcement
Funding Opportunity Title (I-B) Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC)
Funding Opportunity Number (I-D) 26-444-26-2841-02
Application Posting Date 03/03/2025
Application Closing Date 04/17/2025 11:59pm CST
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Number 444-26-2841
Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA) Name Recovery Oriented System of Care
Assistance Listing Number(s) (I-E) 93.959
Awarding Source Federal
Estimated Total Program Funding Amount $6,000,000
Anticipated Number of Awards 45
Award Range $75,000-$150,000 dependent on number of ROSC councils or number of counties covered
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement? No
Indirect Costs Allowed? Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs? No
Technical Assistance Session Offered Applicants are encouraged to review the GATA Grantee Portal, where they can access the GATA Learning Management System (LMS). This website provides important information and resources related to the grants management process in Illinois.

I - Basic Information Continued - Section F through I

F. Funding Details.

  1. Total Amount of Funding
    1. The Department expects to award approximately $6,000,000.00.
    2. The source of funding for this program is state general revenue funds.
  2. Number of Grant Awards
    1. The Department anticipates funding approximately #45 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 $75,000.00-$150,000.00.
  4. Amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years.
    1. Previous funding amounts for this grant award program on average was $167,525.00.
  5. Renewal or Supplementation of Existing Projects Eligibility.
    1. Applications for renewal existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards.
    2. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on sufficient appropriation and performance criteria including, but not limited to:
      1. Grantee has performed satisfactorily during the previous reporting period.
      2.  All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division/Department.
      3. No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.).
  6. 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. Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records.
    2. Indirect Costs
      1. Indirect Costs pdf 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.

G. Key Dates

  1. Application Posting Date 03/03/2025.
  2. The Department strongly encourages the submission of a Letter of Intent by 03/17/2025 at 11:59pm CST.
  3. The Department must receive the Full Application: Due on 04/17/2025 at 11:59pm CST.
  4. Anticipated Award Date 06/01/2025
  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. The grant agreement is subject to two renewals pending appropriation of funding.

H. Executive Summary:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 48.5 million aged 12 and older (17.1% of the population) met the DSM-5 criteria for a substance use disorder (SUD). Of these, 73.1% about 22.2 million people reported that they were in recovery from their drug or alcohol use.

The report also highlighted mental health recovery, with 66.6% of the 64.4 million adults who had ever experienced a mental health issue 42.7 million people considering themselves to be in recovery or fully recovered from their condition.

Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery Division (IDHS/SUPR) introduced recovery-oriented values, principles, and services into its system upon implementation of the federally funded Access to Recovery (ATR) program in 2004. Since then, IDHS/SUPR has made progress in reorienting the system of care in Illinois from focusing solely on traditional acute care to a chronic care approach. IDHS/SUPR has utilized the Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) framework to shift the entire system (i.e., prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services) to embrace recovery principles.

The central focus of a ROSC is to create an infrastructure or system of care with the resources available to effectively address the full range of substance use and/or co-occurring disorders within a community. IDHS/SUPR continues to commit to building and sustaining a recovery infrastructure that supports a Recovery Ready Illinois for people using substances, those actively treating their substance use and/or co-occurring disorders and those in recovery.

In 2018, Illinois launched Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) Councils across the state to foster the development of strong recovery-focused care systems in local areas. These councils have achieved significant success in creating person-centered, accessible, and easy-to-navigate support networks within their communities. Actively engaged in local initiatives, the councils also participate in the Statewide ROSC Learning Collaborative. Their membership encompasses representatives from various community sectors, with the size and structure determined by each ROSC Council. While leadership and organizational approaches may differ, they typically involve leaders or "champions" who have lived or current experience, guiding and shaping the council's efforts.

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to build upon the work of the previous ROSC Councils and establish new ROSC Councils across the state. A ROSC Council is a local collaboration of stakeholders that seek to improve the support that their community provides to individuals who are on a pathway to recovery.

I. Agency Contact Information.

  1. If you have questions about this NOFO, please contact Johanna Gonzalez Johanna.Gonzalez@illinois.gov
  2. A frequently asked Question and Answer page is posted on the DHS website. Questions submitted up to 10 business days prior to the end of the NOFO posting period, will be posted on the website.

II - Eligibility

  1. Eligible Applicants.
    1. The specific types of applicants that may apply for the grant award are: private or public non-profit, 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.
    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 I number 7 for funding restrictions (or no funding restrictions).
    6. Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include: N/A
    7. Limit on number of applications.
      1. There is no limit as to the number of applicants.
  2. Cost Sharing:
    1. Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.

III - Program Description

General Purpose of Funding

The purpose of this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is to continue the work of the ROSC Councils across the state. A ROSC Council is a local collaboration of organizations that seek to improve the support that their community provides to individuals who are on a pathway to recovery. Through their work in the community, ROSC Councils will:

  1. Promote a culture that nurtures recovery.
  2. Build capacity and infrastructure to support a recovery-oriented system of care.
  3. Develop a commitment to implement, enhance and sustain a recovery-oriented system of care.

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.

Grants awarded through IDHS/SUPR for ROSC Councils are intended to establish community level system change that combats stigma and identifies places where system change can broaden the support and increase access to resources for people in recovery.

The goals of each Illinois ROSC Council will include:

  1. Reducing stigma
  2. Promoting Medication Assistance Recovery and other evidence-based practices
  3. Promoting harm reduction
  4. Ensuring effective service delivery
  5. Prioritizing equity

ROSC Councils will identify 2-3 challenges in their communities that can be solved during the three-year grant period by the ROSC Council. This may include, but not limited to these projects:

  1. Creating a recovery-oriented system of care for the re-entry population
  2. Addressing NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) stigma issues in communities related to recovery residences
  3. Establishing warm hand-offs between treatment organizations and recovery organizations
  4. Launching a Recovery Community Organization (RCO)
  5. Addressing transportation issues for treatment and recovery services
  6. Building a supportive network of services for those seeking jobs
  7. Work with local crisis teams to ensure knowledge of SUD and connection for those in crisis to SUD crisis services
  8. Work with law enforcement to establish alternatives to arrest for those with SUD

ROSC Council will set goals and objectives to develop and grow a ROSC in their community whose goal will be to address the challenges identified. These goals will be specific to the needs of the community and will be defined in a strategic plan. ROSC Councils should consider how they will demonstrate progress to IDHS SUPR towards achieving their goals. ROSC Councils will be expected to utilize the following steps to operationalize the recovery-oriented system change.

  1. Assessment: Using a strength-based community needs assessment, identify community issues that prevent a seamless recovery-oriented system of care.
  2. Capacity: Mobilize and build capacity to change the condition that contributes to the specific identified issue
  3. Planning: Develop a comprehensive 12-month action plan and three-year strategic plan to address the identified issue and create sustained change.
  4. Implementation: Implement the action plan through building community relationships, educating the community on the plan, reducing stigma and building in sustainability and self-sufficiency.
  5. Evaluation: Collect data, monitor and improve efforts and strategies as needed. Data that is collected will specifically demonstrate progress towards the identified goals.

ROSC Councils will collaborate with key leaders in the community to foster a supportive recovery environment. Depending on the issue identified by the ROSC Council the following stakeholders may be included in the ROSC Council.

  1. Person with lived expertise in SUD or Co-occurring disorder
  2. Treatment organizations
  3. Recovery Community Organizations (RCO)
  4. Local Businesses
  5. Criminal Justice (law enforcement, courts, probation, etc.)
  6. Religious/Fraternal institutions
  7. HealthCare professional or organization (FQHC, Hospital, etc.)
  8. School (primary, secondary, higher education)
  9. State or local government agency with an interest in substance use and co-occurring disorder recovery

ROSC Councils will determine the communities they plan to serve, using neighborhoods, counties, and other boundaries as criteria. They should be realistic about the scope of the area they aim to cover. Multiple ROSC Councils may not operate in the same areas unless there is documented evidence of collaboration between the two councils and different focused community projects.

ROSC Councils will be expected to employ one (1) FTE as a ROSC Council Coordinator to oversee all administrative responsibilities associated with the council. This includes, but is not limited to, scheduling meetings, reporting activities, building relationships with stakeholders, and effectively implementing the strategic plan. ROSC Councils may hire up to 1 additional FTE if they can justify the additional staff in their budgets. Key personnel are staff members who must be part of the project regardless of whether or not they receive a salary or compensation from the project. These staff members must make a substantial contribution to the execution of the project. Organizations receiving funding may not exceed 100 percent level of effort for any program staff member (Key Staff or otherwise) across all funded sources. If during the project period, the recipient changes key personnel, the position requires prior approval by IDHS/SUPR after review of credentials of staff and job descriptions. Key personnel and staff selected for the project should reflect the diversity in the geographic catchment area.

ROSC Council will participate in a larger, networked Statewide ROSC Learning Collaborative (SRLC). Councils will send representatives to semi-annual statewide Learning Collaborative meetings in-person and participate in monthly virtual Learning Collaborative calls.

ROSC Councils will receive mentoring and support as needed from the Statewide ROSC Leadership Center.

ROSC Councils will be expected to complete a comprehensive strategic plan that outlines the assessment, capacity, planning, implementation, and evaluation outlined in an earlier paragraph for each goal. ROSC councils will be required to submit quarterly reports that document progress towards their established SMART goals (clear, measurable goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and community impact. These goals will be tailored to address the unique needs reflected in the strategic plan, focusing on 2 to 3 community challenges. ROSC Councils will follow a structured process to implement and operationalize these recovery-oriented system changes. Goals must be achievable during the grant period. ROSC Councils may identify and submit their own data points for measuring success. These data points will be agreed upon by IDHS SUPR.

  1. The expected performance goals, indicators, targets, baseline data, data collection, and other outcomes the agency expects recipients to achieve are the following:
  2. Measures:
    1. ROSC Councils will hold monthly meetings. These meetings will be posted on the statewide ROSC Council website.
    2. ROSC Councils will submit expenditure vouchers monthly by the 15th of the following month.
    3. ROSC Councils will submit ROSC reports quarterly which will include top focused community projects by the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter
    4. ROSC Councils will submit periodic performance report by the 30th of the month following the end of the quarter reporting progress on deliverables
    5. ROSC Councils will submit all annual reporting by the 30th of the month following end of the fiscal year.
  3. Standards:
    1. ROSC Councils will hold monthly meetings. These meetings will be posted on the statewide ROSC Council website. They will be hosted and posted 100% of the time.
    2. ROSC Councils will submit expenditure vouchers monthly by the 15th of the following month 100% of the time.
    3. ROSC Councils will submit ROSC reports quarterly which will include progress on top focused community projects by the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter100% of the time.
    4. ROSC Councils will submit periodic performance report by the 30th of the month following the end of the quarter 100% of the time.
    5. ROSC Councils will submit all annual reporting by the 30th of the month following end of the fiscal year 100% of the time.
  4. For cooperative agreements, the "substantial involvement" that the State agency expects to have are (or are located): N/A.
  5. Specific unallowable costs for this program include the following: N/A
  6. Program beneficiaries or program participants must meet the following requirements: N/A.
  7. Authorizing statutes and regulations for the funding opportunity include the following:
    1. Illinois Administrative Rule, Part 2060: https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07702060sections.html
    2. Illinois Administrative Rule, Part 2090: https://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/077/07702090sections.html
    3. Illinois Substance Use Disorder Act: https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=232&ChapterID=5

ii. IV - Application Contents and Format.

A. Content and Form of Application Submission

  1. The Department strongly encourages the submission of a Letter of intent by 03/17/2025 at 11:59pm CST.
  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.
  4. The narrative provides the applicant an opportunity to present a comprehensive overview of their experience and qualifications, outlining their SMART goals, objectives, and the strategies needed to ensure the successful implementation of a ROSC Council. It should highlight the applicant's capacity to effectively organize the ROSC Council, advocate for a holistic, inclusive approach to recovery that embraces diverse pathways, and support the integration and expansion of evidence-based practices such as Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR) and harm reduction. Additionally, the narrative should demonstrate the applicant's commitment to ensuring equitable service delivery, reducing stigma associated with substance use and recovery, and prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities.
  5. Capacity and Experience: (25 points)
    1. Describe the history of your organization, council, or coalition and the impact it has already had on the recovery-oriented system of care.
    2. Describe your community's demographics, overdose rates, challenges, available resources, and other pertinent data related to your top 2 to 3 focused community projects.
    3. Describe your organization's experience with state and federal grants, community development, coalition building, and organizational oversight.
    4. Describe partnerships and collaborations or stakeholder involvement that plan to support the mission and vision of the ROSC Council.
  6. Project Description: (35 points)
    1. Provide an overview of the 2 to 3 focused community projects your ROSC Council will focus on. Specify which of the five ROSC goals your community project is related to (i.e., reducing stigma, increasing MAR access, promoting harm reduction, increasing service delivery, or prioritizing equity)
    2. Describe how the targeted community focused projects align with the needs outlined in the previous section (Experience). What existing initiatives are already addressing these issues, and how does your ROSC Council plan to collaborate with them?
    3. How will your ROSC Council's work on the focused community projects help your community become recovery ready?
    4. What are the potential obstacles or challenges that could impact the success of the targeted top 2 to 3 focused community projects? Describe how you plan to overcome these obstacles.
    5. Describe the responsibilities and functions your organization anticipates for the 1 FTE ROSC Coordinator. If included, how will the additional 1 FTE be allocated, and what specific role or job title will this position encompass?
  7. Performance reporting/Monitoring and Evaluation: (20 points)
    1. Describe measurable data you will collect and outcomes you will report quarterly. Explain how the progress, effectiveness, efficiency, and success of the project will be measured (e.g., through metrics, surveys, evaluations).
    2. 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?
    3. Describe other projects or grants that you were required to report data and how you fulfilled that requirement.
  8. Sustainability Plan (20 points)
    1. Explain how the ROSC's impact will be sustained over time. This may involve securing additional resource (grants, donations), building operational continuity, and ensuring leadership development, creating partnerships, or ensuring continued engagement.
    2. Explain mitigation strategies for potential staff turnover, including cross-training, offering competitive compensation and benefits, and fostering a recovery ready workplace.
  9. Budget and Budget Narrative

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.

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.

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)

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.
  2. 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)
  3. 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:

  1. The narrative portion must not exceed 8 single-spaced pages and organized in format outlined below.
  2. Text in the narrative should be 12-point Calibri font. Tables should be 10-point font.
  3. Number each page including cover letter. Hand-numbering is acceptable.
  4. Use 8.2 x 11 paper size and one-inch margins.
  5. For each new section, include a header that is underlined.
  6. Attachments requested do not count towards the total number of pages allowed for the narrative.
  7. Any documents that require signatures may be scans of original or electronic.
  8. If any activity/requirements will be completed by third-party information such as references, letters of support, or letters of commitment to the project must be included with the application packet.
  9. Images, figures, tables, or graphs should not equate to more than 25% of the narrative.
  10. If applicable, proprietary information must be designated in advance otherwise it may be subject to potential FOIA release. Proprietary information must be identified by highlighting the information in yellow in all spaces in the application. A second redacted version of the application may also be submitted (include the term "Redacted" in the file name).

V - Submission Requirements and Deadlines.

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

Submission Instructions.

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 (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: NOF 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: N/A
    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: Johanna Gonzalez
    2. Email: Johanna.Gonzalez@illinois.gov

Submission Dates and Times.

  1. Full applications are due on the following date 04/17/2025 at the following time 11:59pm (CST).
  2. Any preliminary submissions, such as letters of intent, white papers, or pre- applications are due on the following date 03/17/2025 at the following time11:59pm (CST)
  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.
  6. Intergovernmental Review. This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs".

VI - Application Review Information.

i. Responsiveness Review.

  1. Applications that are received will be reviewed on/between (04/18/2025-05/09/2025) 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

  1. A. 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. Scoring will be on a 100-point scale. Application narratives will be evaluated for the following criteria:
      1. Section Points
        Capacity and Experience 25
        Project Description 35
        Performance Reporting/Monitoring and Evaluation 20
        Sustainability Plan 20
        TOTAL 100
    3. If criteria vary in importance, the relative percentages, weights, or other means used to distinguish them should be listed here.
    4. For statutory, regulatory, or other preferences, an explanation of those preferences with an explicit indication of their effect should be listed here (for example if additional points are being assigned).
    5. Cost Sharing will not be considered in the review process. If cost sharing will be considered explain how it will be considered. Do not include any statements that cost sharing is encouraged without providing clarity about what that means.
    6. The relevant information if the agency permits applicants to nominate reviewers of their applications or suggest those they feel may be inappropriate due to a conflict of interest.
  2. This section COULD include the following:
    1. The types of people responsible for evaluation against the merit criteria. For example, peers external to the agency or agency personnel.
    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.

iii. Review and Selection Process.

  1. The process for evaluation of the application is as follows:  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. 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: Johanna Gonzalez
          2. Email address: Johanna.Gonzalez@illinois.gov
          3. Email Subject Line: FY26 ROSC NOFO-Johanna Gonzalez
        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
      2.  Response to appeal
        1. i. 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. c. Resolution
        1. i. The ARO will make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.
          1. 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.
          2. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
          3. The determination shall include, but not be limited to:
            1. Review of the appeal;
            2. Appeal determination; and
            3. Rationale for the determination.

IV - Risk Review.

  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 
      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.

  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 05/01/2025.
    6. 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.

  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.
  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.

ii. Reporting.

  1. Reporting upon execution of the grant agreement shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the UGA and related exhibits which include but is not limited to the following:
    1. Periodic Financial Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than monthly.
    2. Periodic Programmatic Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist.
    3. Close-out Performance Reports and Financial Reports as instructed in the UGA.
    4. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in the format prescribed by the Department.
    5. If the State share of any State award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance applicants are also subject to the reporting requirements reflected in Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200. Noncompliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop-Payment List

IX - Other Information - Optional.

  1. 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