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NOFO: PACSS

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NOFO Table of Contents

About the NOFO

The NOFO has a total of 10 sections.

  • The Summary, Section A, and Section B describe information about the program, including the scope of services and funding information.
  • Section C outlines applicant eligibility criteria and requirements, including allowable direct and indirect costs.
  • Section D describes policy requirements for subrecipient organizations.
  • Section E explains how to apply, including required attachments and recommendations for preparing the application.
  • Section F describes the merit-based review process.
  • Section G details what applicants can expect once selections have been made and the requirements for organizations receiving funding.
  • Section H includes other requirements relevant to the program and links to helpful websites or resources.
  • Section I lists the mandatory forms applicants must submit.

Summary

PACSS programs will develop and implement education campaigns that align with Public Act 101-0027 Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act requirements, paying special attention to individuals who are at highest risk of substance use and communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. These education campaigns should aim to prevent or delay initial substance use, reduce, prevent, or delay the misuse of substances, minimize stigma associated with substance use disorder (SUD), treatment, and recovery, and/or reduce harms associated with substance use and misuse, including overdose.

Non-profit, for-profit, and tax-exempt organizations throughout Illinois whose missions align with this funding opportunity are encouraged to apply.

Funding Information
Awarding Agency Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA) Type of Funding Competitive Subaward
Agency Contact Randi Moberly, Ph.D. ilrcca@ahpnet.com 312-386-7505
Total Program Funding $9,000,000 over 3 years ($3,000,000 per year, subject to renewals) Source of Funding Public Act 101-0027 Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
Award Range $500,000-$3,000,000 per year, depending on number of awards Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Number of Awards 1 – 4 Cost-Sharing or Matching Requirement No
Funding Periods The anticipated funding periods for this award are as follows: (1)    July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 (2)    July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 (3)    July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 This NOFO is for funding period 1. Subrecipients may be eligible to receive up to two subsequent grant renewals for this program, depending upon availability of funds. Renewals are at the discretion of the RCCA, based on performance and sufficient appropriations. Restrictions on Indirect Costs Restrictions to indirect costs in accordance with Title 44 Part 7000. All subrecipients, excluding local educational agencies (as defined in 34 CFR 77.1) must make an indirect cost election during the application process.
The release of this NOFO does not obligate the RCCA to make an award.

A. Description of Funding Opportunity

This Notice of Funding Opportunity sets forth application requirements for the planning, development, and implementation of Illinois Public Awareness Campaigns on Substance Use and Supports, which will provide education on substance use, including but not limited to cannabis, as well as on availability of support services for individuals at risk of or misusing substances. All application materials are available on the Overview page at the Illinois Regional Care Coordination Agency website.

A.1. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations

Awardees are required to adhere to the requirements outlined in the following:

A.2. Background

Effective January 1, 2020, Public Act 101-0027, Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (the Act), provides that the purchase, possession, and use of cannabis as stipulated in the Act are lawful and shall not be a criminal or civil offense under State law, the law of any political subdivision of this State or be a basis for seizure or forfeiture of assets under State law for persons 21 years of age or older. Illinois was the first state to legislate retail cannabis sales, and the Act includes several equity-driven provisions to mitigate the impact of the war on drugs. The Act also provides for labeling and advertising restrictions and the separation of cultivation and dispensing activities, to reduce potential harms to specific populations such as youth and pregnant people. Provisions within the Act may help reduce the number of individuals jailed for petty marijuana offenses, which may disrupt the prison pipeline for Black and Brown communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs and mass incarceration.

One of the equity-driven provisions to mitigate the impact of the war on drugs is a call for “scientifically and medically accurate public education campaigns educating youth and adults about the health and safety risks of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drug use (including prescription drugs), and cannabis, including use by pregnant women.” PACSS is intended to fulfill this public education requirement.

About IDHS/SUPR

The mission of IDHS/SUPR is to provide a recovery-oriented system of care along the continuum of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support where individuals with substance use disorder (SUD), those in recovery, and those at risk are valued and treated with dignity and where stigma, accompanying attitudes, discrimination, and other barriers to recovery are eliminated.

IDHS/SUPR is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work addresses existing institutionalized inequities, aims to create transformation, and operationalizes equity and racial and social justice. It also focuses on creating a culture of inclusivity for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.

A.3. Need

The primary goal of the public awareness campaigns is to prevent, reduce, and delay the initial use of substances for youth. More than 1.8 million youth (over age 12) and adults in Illinois have an SUD.[1] Experimentation is common during adolescence and emerging adulthood, and individuals who initiate substance use at a young age (less than 17 years) are more likely to develop problematic substance use behaviors and psychosocial problems, reinforcing the need for early education and prevention.[2]

This, coupled with the legal availability of alcohol, vaping, and cannabis at age 21, underscores the need for interventions to prevent and reduce substance use among this population, with particular attention to the following groups:

  • Non-Hispanic Black youth and emerging adults, due to the high overdose fatality rate in this racial group.
  • Youth who may be at risk due to other factors, such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), mental health symptoms or conditions, familial history of SUD, and neurodivergence (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder).

Additionally, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act calls for public education regarding substance use by pregnant people. There are significant correlations between 1) substance use and unintended pregnancies , 2) substance use and intimate partner violence, and 3) intimate partner violence and unintended pregnancies, so an effective public education campaign must acknowledge the intersections of these issues and provide information on relevant resources and harm reduction strategies (e.g., birth control, the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline).

Moreover, 80 percent of those classified as needing substance use treatment in Illinois do not receive it. According to national findings of the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than half of the people surveyed cited “not knowing how or where to get treatment” as a reason for not receiving treatment and one-third cited “did not think treatment would help them.”[3] Awareness of treatment, treatment options, and support are critical.

A.3. Section References 

[1] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration. (2024, February 15). 2021-2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: State-specific tables. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-2022-nsduh-state-specific-tables

[2] Poudel, A., & Gautam, S. (2017). Age of onset of substance use and psychosocial problems among individuals with substance use disorders. BMC Psychiatry, 17(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-1191-0

[3] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP23-07-01-006, NSDUH Series H-58). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-annual-national-report

A.4. Funding Source

The funding source for this NOFO is Public Act 101-0027, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. Implementation funding of $3,000,000 is anticipated in the State Fiscal Year 2025, subject to appropriation. If grantee(s) awarded are successful in meeting their annual deliverables, the grant(s) may be renewed annually for up to 2 additional years.

In April 2023, IDHS/SUPR awarded Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) a grant to manage the Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA). The RCCA administers sub-awards with organizations providing prevention, intervention, treatment, and harm reduction services for people with SUDs in accordance with State-approved strategies.

RCCA Is now accepting applications to fund PACSS campaigns. Applications will only be accepted through the online application available at the Illinois Regional Care Coordination Agency website.

A.5. Scope of Services

PACSS subrecipients will develop and implement public education campaigns that align with Public Act 101-0027 Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act requirements. Special attention should be paid to individuals who are at highest risk of substance use and communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs.

By increasing awareness and understanding of impacts and resources, the public education campaign(s) should aim to

  • Prevent or delay initial substance use;
  • Reduce, prevent, or delay misuse of substances;
  • Minimize stigma associated with SUD, treatment, and recovery; and/or
  • Reduce harms associated with substance use and misuse, including overdose.

All campaigns will provide the following:

  • Education on harms associated with alcohol, tobacco, illegal drug use (including prescription drugs), and cannabis; root causes of their misuse through a trauma-informed lens; strategies for avoidance or responsible use; and social media influences on substance use and access.
  • Information on accessing support services (e.g., Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances) and harm reduction strategies for individuals with potential or existing substance use problems, their friends/family members, and substance use or other social service providers.

In developing the campaign, subrecipients are expected to do the following:

  • Consider that marginalized communities have historically had a disproportionate number of liquor stores and advertisements for substances, and subsequently identify areas that are disproportionately impacted by substance use through a combination of public health data and input from community stakeholders for the strategic placement of public awareness campaign materials to reach communities at highest risk of substance use.
  • Promote equity by actively involving populations of focus (“nothing about us without us”), fairly compensating them for their time. Their input should be used to develop effective and population-specific campaigns, determine how to strategically place campaign materials, and adjust campaign messaging for quality improvement.
  • Collaborate with relevant organizations to inform on outreach to and engagement of specific populations.
  • Promote evidence-informed and scientifically/medically accurate messaging on preventing and reducing substance use.
  • Use engaging content formats, such as interactive quizzes, video testimonials, and live question-and-answer (Q&A) sessions.
  • Incorporate anti-stigma messaging regarding SUD into campaign materials.
  • Disseminate campaign materials in locations where focus audiences are likely to encounter messaging (e.g., social media, youth-serving organizations, eating establishments, music venues, beauty and barber shops prior to proms and graduations).

All applicants must fulfill Tasks 1, 2, 3, and 6. Applicants may request funding for the following:

  • Both Task 4 and Task 5; the subrecipient should address all populations listed in Task 5
  • Only Task 4
  • Only Task 5; applicants may choose to focus on one or more of the specified populations

Task 1. Fulfill Award Administration Requirements

The subrecipient must fulfill obligations outlined in section G. of the NOFO, Award Administration Information, including

  • Completion of an organizational needs assessment provided by the RCCA,
  • Development of an implementation and sustainability plan specific to completing the milestones of this project,
  • Development of an organizational equity and racial justice plan,
  • Performance reporting (monthly),
  • Fiscal reporting (monthly), and
  • Participating in training and technical assistance (TTA).

Task 2. Identify a Campaign Coordinator

The subrecipient must

  • identify a staff person to coordinate the campaign(s).

This person will serve as the liaison between RCCA, substance use prevention providers, and other key stakeholders, and be the primary point of contact for information regarding project implementation and outcomes.

Task 3. Conduct Needs Assessment and Design Campaign

The subrecipient must conduct a needs assessment based on public health data and solicit input from stakeholders in communities disproportionately impacted by substance use to inform a campaign plan. The campaign plan should strongly emphasize equitable and trauma-informed practices, and detail the audience of focus, messaging concepts and strategies, and campaign evaluation and quality improvement approach.

The subrecipient must

  • Submit a report on the needs assessment findings, and
  • Submit a campaign plan based on the needs assessment that meets the requirements of the relevant task(s).

Task 4. Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Statewide Initiative

Subrecipient(s) proposing to develop and implement a comprehensive statewide initiative for the general public must

  • Develop and maintain a public-facing website,
  • Develop and produce campaign materials,
  • Strategically disseminate campaign materials, and
  • Communicate and collaborate with substance use prevention providers, particularly during high visibility events (e.g., National Prevention Month), to maximize impact of campaign.

Task 5. Develop and Implement Population-focused Statewide Campaigns

Subrecipient(s) proposing to develop statewide population-focused campaigns must focus on at least one of the following:

5.1. Youth in, or aging out of, the child welfare system.

5.2. Emerging adults (18–25), with campaign materials to be developed and disseminated in conjunction with schools, colleges, and universities.

5.3. Adults 21+ who can legally use cannabis and live in communities that are disproportionately impacted by substance use.

5.4. Pregnant and postpartum people, with campaign materials to (1) include information on the intersection of unintended pregnancies, substance use, and intimate partner violence, and (2) be developed and disseminated in conjunction with maternal and child health organizations that use medically accurate and person-centered interventions to support people before and after giving birth, as well as community-based organizations for victims of intimate partner violence.

For each population of focus, subrecipients must do the following:

  • Collaborate with organizations serving that specific population to inform development and the dissemination plan.
  • Develop and produce campaign materials.
  • Strategically distribute campaign materials.

Task 6: Evaluate Campaign(s)

The subrecipient must evaluate campaign strategies in accordance with current evidence-based/evidence-informed practices and standards and seek to update campaigns in response to emerging substance use issues, as well as feedback from populations of focus, IDHS/SUPR, cannabis project evaluators, and others as prescribed by RCCA.

The subrecipient should use the Strategic Prevention Framework as the process for ongoing assessment, capacity building, planning, implementation, and evaluation of activities, embedded with cultural humility and sustainability.

The subrecipient must do the following:

  • Produce quarterly reports on program activities. The report is due 30 days after the end of each quarter.
  • Produce an annual summary report on the effectiveness, outcomes, and differences in impact of each campaign. This report is due 30 days after the end of the fiscal year.

A.6. Deliverables and Performance Measures

The following table details (a) the deliverables required according to the scope of services and (b) associated performance measures, standards, and potential metrics (subject to change) to be collected by task. Time periods refer to the days from the beginning of the period of performance. Standards for activities refer to percentages of those described in the project plan.

Deliverables Performance Measures Standards Metrics
T1 Award administration requirements (a) Complete organizational needs assessment survey 100% Needs assessment survey completed (30 days after distribution)
(b) Complete implementation and sustainability plan 100% Implementation and sustainability plan created (45 days) Sustainability plan update (submitted with final monthly reports)
(c) Implement equity and racial justice plan 100% Organizational assessment completed (90 days) Plan drafted (120 days) Plan finalized (160 days)
(d) Report performance information 100% Activities and services metrics reported (10th of each month, 10th following each quarter unless otherwise prescribed)
(e) Report fiscal information 100% Fiscal performance reported (10th of each month)
(f) Participate in TTA 75% # Monthly cohort meetings (initiated within 15 days) # TTA sessions attended (quarterly or as prescribed)
T2 Identify a Campaign Coordinator (a) Hire or identify dedicated staff 100% # Full-time equivalent (FTE) hired/assigned (30 days)
T3 Conduct Needs Assessment and Design Campaign (a) Conduct needs assessment 100% Needs assessment draft report (60 days)
(b) Develop campaign plan 100% Campaign plan draft submitted (60 days) Campaign plan finalized (90 days)
T4 Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Statewide Initiative (a)    Develop and maintain a public-facing website 100% 85% Website published in accordance with campaign plan Website updated in accordance with campaign plan
(b)    Develop and produce campaign materials 85% # Materials produced, by type
(c)     Disseminate campaign materials 85% # Locations disseminated, by location
(d)    Maximize impact through engagement with organizations 85% # Organizations engaged
T5 Develop and Implement (a)    Collaborate with organizations serving that specific population 85% # Organizations engaged
(b)    Develop and produce campaign materials 85% # Materials produced, by type
(c)     Disseminate campaign materials 85% # Locations disseminated, by location
T6 Evaluate Campaign(s) (a) Produce quarterly reports on program activities 100% Report completed (30 days after end of quarter)
(b) Produce annual program evaluation reports 100% Report completed (30 days after end of year)

B. Funding Information

  • This is a new competitive subaward opportunity. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the RCCA to make an award.
  • The total amount of funds available is $9,000,000 to be awarded over 3 years. Up to four organizations may receive an award.
  • The maximum award range applied for should be $3,000,000 for the initial period of performance, if proposing all tasks. Programs may apply for less funding.
  • The initial funding period is expected to be 12 months. This period is expected to be July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025.
  • Subrecipients may be eligible to receive up to two subsequent grant renewals for this program, depending upon availability of funds. Renewals are at the discretion of the RCCA, based on performance and sufficient appropriations.
  • The source of funding for this program is the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act .
  • Applications for renewal or supplementation of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new state awards.
  • Award amounts will be based on RCCA-approved budgets. Budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by the RCCA. Successful applicants will not receive a Notice of Award (NOA) until after their budget has been approved.

C. Eligibility

Applicant organizations should have a history of coordinating and managing campaigns within Illinois or a state similar in size and population. 

C.1. Eligible Applicants

This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements and are subject to limitations described below:

  1. Applicants must be a non-profit, for-profit, or tax-exempt entity located in Illinois.
  2. Applicants must be able to fulfill the scope of services detailed in this funding notice.
  3. Applicants must have the capacity to comply with the legal, fiscal, reporting, and programmatic requirements as described in this funding notice.
  4. Applicants proposing the use of program funds to provide services that require state or federal licensure must be actively licensed.
  5. All entities must be qualified to do business with the State of Illinois.
  6. Applicants must complete the pre-qualification process described in this section.
  7. Applicants must complete pre-award requirements described in this section.

 

Each application will be reviewed for completion and eligibility, and budgets will be reviewed to ensure costs are allowable, reasonable, and linked to the described objectives. Only applicants that meet these criteria will be considered for funding. All applicants that have submitted applications determined to be noncompliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be 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.

C.2. Pre-Qualification

Per Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200) and GATA, all applicants must be qualified to receive an award. An eligible organization must

  • Have an active System for Award Management (gov) public account,
  • Have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number,
  • Not be on the SAM.gov Exclusion List,
  • 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),
  • Not be on the Illinois Medicaid Sanctions List,
  • Not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List, and

To obtain the information required to achieve qualified status, complete the steps detailed in the following table.

Pre-Qualification Requirements

StepStepRequirementLink
1Register with the State of IllinoisBe actively registered with the Illinois Secretary of State.Illinois Secretary of State website
2Obtain a FEIN/EIN numberObtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).IRS FEIN/EIN application website
3Register for a SAM.gov account and obtain a UEI.Register for and maintain an active System for Award Management (SAM.gov) account and obtain a 12-digit Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).SAM.gov website

UEI and SAM

Each applicant is required to be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application and provide a valid UEI in its application. If your organization does not yet have a UEI, request one.

Each applicant is also required to maintain an active SAM registration with current information when it has an active award, an application, or plan under consideration.

The RCCA may not make an award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable UEI and SAM requirements. If an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the RCCA is ready to make an award, the RCCA may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive an award and use that determination as a basis for making an award to another applicant.

C.3. Pre-Award Requirements

Per 2 CFR 200.332(b), the RCCA must evaluate each subrecipient’s risk of noncompliance with Federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward for purposes of determining the appropriate subrecipient monitoring. These possible conditions are included in the Notice of Award and are described in Section G.1. The pre-award process includes establishing a risk profile through risk assessment of the organization’s financial stability, management systems and standards, history of performance, audit reports and findings, and ability to implement requirements of the award. This risk assessment is carried out with the aid of the following information:

  • Administrative, fiscal, and internal controls information entered in Sections 1–4 of the online application
  • Organizational and programmatic information detailed in Attachments B, C, and E.

The RCCA may also request additional information during the pre-award process.

Note: Risk assessments do not preclude entities from becoming grantees. Risk assessments are used to identify subrecipient TA needs.

C.4. State and Federal Laws or Regulations

Every agency that is awarded funds through this NOFO must also agree to comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment, and equal employment opportunity, including but not limited to

  • The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1–101 et seq.),
  • The Public Works Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.),
  • The U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a– and 2000H–6),
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 USC 794),
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and
  • The Age Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.).

 

Additionally, the agency must comply with the following:

  • 45 CFR Parts 93 and 94
  • The Adult Protective Services Act

C.5. Cost Sharing or Matching

Cost sharing is not required.

C.6. Indirect Cost Rate

To charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must have a federal annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or must elect to use the de minimis rate.

Indirect Cost Rate Election

  • Federally Negotiated Rate: Organizations that receive direct federal funding may have an indirect cost rate that was negotiated with a federal cognizant agency. The organization must provide a copy of the federal NICRA.
  • De Minimis Rate: An organization may elect a de minimis rate of 10 percent of modified total direct cost (MTDC).** Once established, the de minimis rate may be used indefinitely. If programs elect to use the de minimis rate, it is critical that program budgets accurately calculate the MTDC base. Please see the regulation below and note the exclusions to MTDC.

 

**2 CFR § 200.68 [MTDC] states, “MTDC means all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and subawards and subcontracts up to the first $25,000 of each subaward or subcontract (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards and subcontracts under the award). MTDC excludes equipment, capital expenditures, charges for patient care, rental costs, tuition remission, scholarships and fellowships, participant support costs and the portion of each subaward and subcontract in excess of $25,000. Other items may only be excluded when necessary to avoid a serious inequity in the distribution of indirect costs, and with the approval of the cognizant agency for indirect costs.”

  • “No Rate”: Subrecipients have discretion not to claim payment for indirect costs. Subrecipients that elect not to claim indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs. The organization must record an election of “No Indirect Costs” in the budget workbook.

 

Organizations must notify the RCCA of any changes to their previously established NICRA no later than 6 months after the close of the organization’s fiscal year.

C.7. Other Eligibility Requirements

An applicant is permitted to submit only one application in response to this funding notice.

C.8. Grant Funds Use Requirements

All awarded applicants will use grant funds according to the guidelines, conditions, and parameters set forth in this funding notice and in compliance with federal statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of any applicable federal awards.

Please refer to 2 CFR 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Part 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs in addition to the information in the following sections.

Allowable Costs

Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity contained in the Statement of Work, are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under Subpart E of 2 CFR 200. It is expected that administrative costs, both direct and indirect, will represent a small portion of the overall program budget. Any budget deemed to include inappropriate or excessive administrative costs will not be approved. Program budgets and narratives must detail how all proposed expenditures are necessary for program implementation.

Unallowable Costs

Refer to 2 CFR 200 – Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Part 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles to determine the appropriateness of costs. In addition, and specific to this grant, the following costs will be unallowable without specific prior written approval:

  • Entertainment costs, except where specific costs that might otherwise be considered entertainment have a programmatic purpose and are authorized in the approved budget (2 CFR 200.438)
  • Capital expenditures for general purpose equipment, including any vehicle regardless of cost, buildings, and land (2 CFR 200.439)
  • Capital expenditures for improvements to land, buildings, or equipment that materially increase their value or useful life (2 CFR 200.439)
  • Food and other goods or services for personal use of the grantee’s employees, contractors, or consultants unless authorized as per diem under the Illinois Governor’s Travel Control Board (2 CFR 200.445)
  • Deposits for items, services, or space
  • Dues to societies, organizations, or federations

Meetings or conventions, unless directly related to the program and approved in advance by the RCCA

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Cash payments to intended recipients of services
  • Purchase or repair of vehicles
  • Lobbying, political contributions, or compensation of a government body
  • Fundraising

Bad debt, fines, or penalties

  • Personal-use items, including expenses related to personal use of vehicles
  • Unallowable relocation expenses
  • Related-party transactions
  • Any other costs not approved in the plan and budget

Simplified Acquisition Threshold

Potential subrecipients under this funding announcement may receive an award more than the simplified acquisition threshold, currently $250,000 (refer to 2 CFR 200 Section 200.88). Therefore, the subrecipient must be aware of the following regarding the simplified acquisition threshold, as it will be applicable to any qualifying subaward:

  • The grantee agency, prior to making a subaward with a total amount of funds greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM (currently, the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System) (see 41 U.S.C. 2313).
  • An applicant, at its option, may review information in the designated integrity and performance systems accessible through SAM and comment on any information about itself that the awarding agency previously entered and is currently in the designated integrity and performance system accessible through SAM.
  • The awarding agency will consider any comments by the applicant, in addition to the other information in the designated integrity and performance system, in making a judgment about the applicant’s integrity, business ethics, and record of performance under awards when completing the review of risk posed by applicants as described in 2 CFR 200 §200.205.

Pre-Award Costs

Pre-award costs are not allowable.

Compliance with Funding Sources

The agency awarded funds shall act in accordance with all conditions related to relevant funding sources outlined in the following:

  • Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act
  • Applicable regulatory requirements such as the Illinois Substance Use Disorder Act
  • Any other relevant state statutes

Third-Party Contractual Requirements

Any third-party contracts paid for using grant funds are subject to GATA requirements and the terms and conditions of the award. The subrecipient is required to include language supplied by the RCCA in contractual documents. Subcontractor agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the RCCA. The subrecipient shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the subcontractor.

Sectarian Issue

Applicant may not expend federal or state funds for sectarian instruction, worship, prayer, or to proselytize. If the applicant is a faith-based or a religious organization that offers such activities, these activities shall be voluntary for the individuals receiving services and offered separately from the program.

D. Post-Award Requirements

Successful applicants agree to provide program services as described throughout this funding notice.

Start Date

Applicants must be prepared to begin offering services starting July 1, 2024.

Site Visits

The applicant agrees to participate in site visits/quality reviews as requested by the RCCA.

Technology

Agencies awarded funds through this funding notice should have a computer that meets the following minimum specifications for the purpose of using any required web-based reporting system and the receipt/submission of the electronic program and fiscal information:

  • Internet access, preferably high-speed
  • Email capability
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • WebEx
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader

The purchase of this technology would be an allowable expenditure under the grant and may be included in the budget as part of this application.

Hiring and Employment Policy

The RCCA encourages cultural diversity in the work environment and to promote employment opportunities through its programs. The program workforce should appropriately reflect the populations to be served, with special attention given to hiring individuals indigenous to those communities. Whenever a position becomes available, funded programs are encouraged to consider Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) clients for employment, contingent upon their qualifications (i.e., education and work experience).

COVID-19 Policies and Procedures

Applicant shall have written COVID-19 policies and procedures that align with current guidelines from their local health department, IDPH, and/or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Publication of Studies, Reports, and Other Program Products

The applicant agrees that products produced for the RCCA under this award, including but not limited to research reports, data, analyses, and policy recommendations are the property of the RCCA and will not be published or distributed except as prescribed by the RCCA.

E. Application and Submission Information

The following steps are recommended to successfully submit this application.

Step

Name

Description

1

Carefully review this document with your stakeholders.

Consider these questions:

·         Does our organization meet all the applicant eligibility criteria?

·         Is our organization able to effectively use these funds?

2

Prepare to apply.

·         Identify who is going to work on the different parts of the application. Take note of Sections 2 and Section 3, which may require additional time.

o   Section 2 reports your organization’s pre-qualification status. Initiate or verify pre-qualification status as soon as possible as outlined in Section C.2. of the NOFO if you are not already pre-qualified.

o   Section 3 aligns closely with the State of Illinois ICQ. If you are an existing grantee in the State of Illinois and are pre-qualified for the current fiscal year, you can reference your current ICQ to obtain the answers to that section. If not, a fiscal staff member at the organization will likely need to provide guidance on that section.

·         Develop a timeline for how to respond to the NOFO and submit on time.

·         Create a document to develop your answers to the questions in NOFO Appendix A.

3

Access technical assistance (TA) resources.

·         Register for the Technical Assistance Session.

·         Ask questions and review answers submitted by others.

4

Complete attachments and forms.

·         Download and complete the Prevention budget workbook.

·         Download and complete the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Conflict of Interest form.

·         Complete all other attachments listed I Section E.2.

5

Complete the online application and supplemental materials.

·         Complete Sections 1–9 of the online application. It is helpful to have all answers prepared to copy and paste into the application. Please note, you are not able to format answers to the questions within the application, so simple headings are helpful to organize your responses.

·         Upload all required and applicable attachments.

·         Review and submit the application. Once submitted, no changes may be made to your application.

E.1. Address to Request Application Package

This document contains comprehensive instructions for application submission. Additional application materials, such as mandatory forms, are available at the IL RCCA website. Copies of all materials may be obtained by any of the following means:

  • Submit a request at the IL RCCA help desk
  • Emailing a request to ilrcca@ahpnet.com
  • Calling Randi Moberly at 312.386.7507
  • Mailing a request to:
    • Advocates for Human Potential Regional Care Coordination Agency 1021 West Adams Street, Suite 303 Chicago, IL 60607

E.2. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applicants must complete the online application narrative questions and upload attachments as described in this section. Detailed application questions and associated evaluation criteria are available at the IL RCCA website.

Project attachments should be PDF documents, except for the project budget, which is an Excel workbook.

Mandatory forms, including the Prevention Budget Workbook and Conflict of Interest Disclosure, are linked in Section I., Mandatory Forms.

Online Application Narrative

The NOFO application is contained in an online fillable form, hosted by SurveyMonkey Apply. Applicants must have access to the internet. Use the application link to access the online application as early as possible to make sure you can log in. Instructions to complete the fillable form are included in the online application. You will be able to work on your online application, save your work, and return to it at your convenience. However, once the application is submitted, no further changes can be made. The link to the application is available at the IL RCCA website.

The online application includes 9 sections. Sections 1–4 contain information about your organization, including fiscal, administrative, and internal controls questions. Sections 1–4 are not scored as part of the merit-based review process but are used to fulfill pre-qualification and risk assessment criteria. Sections 5–9 are scored for a total of 100 possible points.

Please answer questions truthfully and completely and be sure to cite the source of any data included.

Section Title

Description

Points

Section 1. Organization Information

Basic administrative and fiscal information about your organization.

0

Section 2.
Pre-qualification

Organizational information and attestations that verify eligibility to receive an award.

0

Section 3. Internal  Controls

Administrative and management controls that inform the risk assessment that must be completed prior to NOA.

0

Section 4. Organization Attestations

Attestations verifying capacity and truthfulness of information in the application.

0

Section 5.
Executive Summary

An overview of your organization and the services you plan to deliver if awarded funding.

5

Section 6.
Need and Opportunity

How the proposed work will contribute to the purpose of the project.

30

Section 7.
Experience and Capacity

How your organization’s work, approach, and experience are aligned with the intent of the project requirements.

30

Section 8.
Quality

The implementation approach and anticipated outcomes of the proposed activities to be funded by this notice.

30

Section 9.
Project Budget

Project budget and advance payment request.

5

 

100

 

Attachments (*Required)

#

Item

Description

A

Approved NICRA (if applicable)

Defines an organization’s federally negotiated indirect cost rate

B

Organizational Chart*

Describes the reporting structure and roles at the organization

C

Organizational Budget*

Describes organizational revenues and expenditures for current fiscal year

D

Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Certification*

Verifies TIN

E

Single Federal Audit or Financial Statement Audit (if available)

Provides assurance of internal controls to maintain grant compliance

F

Conflict of Interest Disclosure*

Discloses actual or potential conflicts of interest

G

Project Plan*

Describes the applicant’s plan to execute the award over the period of performance

H

Prevention Budget Workbook*

Demonstrates spending plan for subaward

I

Work Samples

Demonstrates examples of prior work.

E.3. Submission Dates and Times

The online application must be completed in full and submitted by May 20, 2024, at 3:00 PM CST. The deadline will be strictly enforced. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding.

It is the applicant’s sole responsibility to ensure that their application has been successfully submitted and received. Upon submission, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application.

E.4. Intergovernmental Review

Not applicable.

E.5. Funding Restrictions

The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements as described in Description of Funding Opportunity and in accordance with Section C.6. Grant Funds Use Requirements.

E.6. Other Submission Requirements

None.

F. Application Review Information

F.1. Criteria

The scoring will be based on need, capacity, quality of the organization’s work, and other grant-specific criteria. Points available for each section are detailed in Section E.2. The points assigned to each question are available in Appendix A.

F.2. Review and Selection

All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review in accordance with 44 Ill. Admin Code 7000.350.

F.3. Evaluation Committee

Evaluation of the application will be conducted by a review committee comprising a minimum of three individuals with relevant subject matter expertise and including persons with lived experience. The committee will independently and confidentially review applications and assign a numerical rating to the questions in Sections 5–9. The scoring tool will reflect the evaluation criteria and funding priorities. Note: Evaluation committee members will not have any conflicts of interest or apparent conflicts of interest.

RCCA leadership will compile the review committee scores, facilitate communication with the review committee on any variances, document any revisions, weigh funding priority criteria, and verify that applicants have completed all pre-qualification and pre-award requirements. RCCA will then present recommendations of award finalists to IDHS/SUPR staff.

F.4. Finalist Recommendations

While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision, the RCCA maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The RCCA reserves the right to consider other factors, such as geographic distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a state grantee. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.

In the event of a tie, with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the RCCA may choose one of the following options:

  • Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications.
  • Partially fund each of the tied applications.
  • Not fund any of the tied applications.

F.5. Appeal

Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by the RCCA’s Appeal Review Officer (ARO).

Submission

Appeals submission contact information:

  • Name of agency contact for appeals: Regional Care Coordination Agency
  • Email address of agency contact for appeals: ilrccaARO@ahpnet.com
  • Email Subject Line: NOFO Review Appeal

An appeal must be submitted in writing to the appeals submission contact listed above.

An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.

The written appeal shall include, at a minimum, the following:

  • Name and address of the appealing party
  • Identification of the grant
  • Statement of reasons for the appeal
  • Supporting documentation, if applicable

Response

The RCCA will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within 14 calendar days from the date the appeal was received.

  • The RCCA will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party of why additional time is needed.
  • The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by the ARO within the time the ARO sets in their request.

Resolution

The ARO shall make a recommendation to the RCCA Project Director or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information.

  • In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the RCCA.
  • The RCCA will resolve the appeal by means of written determination.
  • The determination shall include but not be limited to
    • Review of the appeal,
    • Appeal determination, and
    • Rationale for the determination.

F.6. Anticipated Announcement and Award

The announcement of this award is anticipated by June 10, 2024.

G. Award Administration Information

G.1. Award Notices

Applicants recommended for funding following the review process and budget approval will receive a NOA via email to the contacts identified in the application. The NOA shall include:

  • The grant award amount,
  • The terms and conditions of the award, and
  • Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on risk assessments and merit-based review.

 

NOTE: The initial budget submitted at the time of application might not be approved due to unallowable costs, errors in budget, or a difference between requested award amount and approved final award amount. The RCCA will inform the organization point of contact if the proposed budget is rejected. The RCCA cannot issue a NOA until the successful applicant has an approved budget.

Upon receipt of the NOA, selected applicants should review and make an informed decision about whether to accept the funds. The NOA must be signed by the applicant’s grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. This signed NOA is the document authorizing the RCCA to proceed with issuing an agreement. The signed NOA must be remitted to the RCCA, as instructed in the NOA. The NOA is not an authorization to begin performance.

Applicants not receiving the award will be notified.

Award Conditions

Per 2 CFR 200.332(b), the RCCA must evaluate each applicant’s risk of noncompliance and must impose additional specific award conditions as needed, based on an analysis of the following factors:

Based on the criteria set forth in §200.206, Federal awarding agency review of risk posed by applicants

When an applicant or recipient has a history of failure to comply with the general or specific terms and conditions of a federal award

When an applicant or recipient fails to meet expected performance goals as described in §200.211, Information contained in a federal award

  • When an applicant or recipient is not otherwise responsible

 

Per 2 CFR §200.208, these conditions may include items such as the following:

Requiring additional project monitoring

Requiring technical or management assistance

Establishing additional prior approvals

Requiring additional, more detailed financial reports

  • Requiring payments as reimbursements rather than advance payments

 

Withholding authority to proceed to the next phase until receipt of evidence of acceptable performance within a given period of performance

More restrictive conditions may be imposed based upon the criteria set forth in Ill. Admin. Code tit. 77 § 2030.40.

The RCCA will remove conditions upon subrecipient request once it has determined that issues have been corrected.

Subaward Agreement

Upon receipt of acceptance of award, the RCCA will initiate the development of the subaward agreement and statement of work (SOW) that includes the following:

  • The activities to be performed
  • The time schedule
  • Applicable policies and requirements (flowthrough requirements)
  • Other policies and procedures to be followed
  • The dollar limitation of the agreement
  • Allowable costs

 

The primary point of contact for the organization will receive an email notification that the agreement is ready for review and signature. The signature should be returned to the RCCA as prescribed.

G.2. Payment Terms

Payments will be in accordance with Administrative Directive 01.07.01.070 Grant Payments, 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (procedures implementing Cash Management Improvement Act and the Treasury-State Agreement (TSA)), and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 (Governor’s Office of Management and Budget Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods). Three different award payment methods exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance.

Advance Payment Method (Advance and Reconcile)

Upon program approval for advance payment, an initial payment will be processed in an amount equal to the first two months’ cash requirements as reflected in the submitted Advance Payment Requirements Forecast (Cash Budget) Form.

Subrecipients must submit monthly invoices in the format and method prescribed in the grantee’s executed Subaward Agreement. The first invoice is due after the first month of grant operations. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the grantee.

Subsequent monthly payments will be based on each monthly invoice submitted to the grant program and will be adjusted up or down based on a comparison of actual cumulative expenditures to cumulative advance payments to date.

Subrecipients that do not spend all advance payment amounts by the end of the grant term or that cannot demonstrate that all incurred costs were necessary, reasonable, allowable, or allocable as approved in their respective grant budget must return the funds within 45 days or be subject to grant funds recovery.

Subrecipients may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the RCCA. 

  • Failure to abide by advance payment governance requirements may result in the subrecipient losing their right to advance payments. 

 

Reimbursement Method

Subrecipients will be paid via the reimbursement method when they do not meet the requirements of 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(2), or upon a subrecipient’s request to use the reimbursement method of payment, or as stipulated in a specific condition. Subrecipients that have specific conditions noted in their NOA or Subaward Agreement for any of the following items must be paid using the reimbursement method:

  • Fiscal and administrative high risk (weak internal controls)
  • A history of failure to comply with general or specific terms and conditions of grant awards
  • Failure to meet expected performance goals as described in 2 CFR 200.211 or their program deliverables as stated in their applicable Subaward Agreement
  • Otherwise not responsible

 

The RCCA will disburse payments to the subrecipient based on actual allowable costs incurred as reported in the monthly financial invoice submitted for the respective month, as described below.

Subrecipients must submit monthly invoices in a format prescribed by the RCCA in the method prescribed in the Subaward Agreement. Invoices must include all allowable incurred costs for the first and each subsequent month of operations until the end of the grant term. Invoices will be submitted to the RCCA on or before the 10th day following the end of any respective monthly invoice period. Programs must process all payments to ensure that payments can be made (subject to appropriation, cash availability, and processing by the Office of the Comptroller) within 30 calendar days after receipt of the invoice, unless the RCCA reasonably believes the request to be improper.

Working Capital Advance Method

For subrecipients that cannot meet the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management), 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(1)(A)(i and ii) (Advance Payments) and other requirements as described in this Directive, if the RCCA determines that reimbursement is not feasible because the subrecipient lacks sufficient working capital, the RCCA may, in its sole discretion, provide a working capital advance to the subrecipient.

Subrecipients may request separate working capital advance payments for each grant program awarded by the RCCA. Requests must be submitted to the RCCA on the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget tab within the Prevention Budget Workbook (Cash Budget). The Cash Budget must include monthly cash requirements for every month of the grant term. A separate request must be submitted for each grant program application. The Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or the Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the subrecipient entity must attest upon award that the cash requirements are actual expected costs.

The RCCA will advance working capital payments to the subrecipient to cover their estimated disbursement needs for an initial period not to exceed 2 months of grant expenses. Startup costs may be approved if determined by the RCCA to be allowable.

  • Subrecipients must submit monthly invoices for each of the one or two months covered by the Working Capital Advance in the format and method prescribed in the subrecipient’s executed Subaward Agreement Exhibits. The first invoice is due after the first month of grant operations. Invoices must include only allowable incurred costs that have been paid by the subrecipient.
  • Subrecipients may be required to submit supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the RCCA.
  • Working Capital Advance Payments are limited to a single occurrence per grant term.
  • Following the initial period, the RCCA must reimburse the grantee for its actual cash disbursements as described in section II of this Administrative Directive.

G.3. Administrative and National Policy Requirements

The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the Subaward Agreement and shall act in accordance with all state and federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services. The Subaward Agreement will be modeled on the IDHS FY24 Grant Agreement and CSA Attachment C. Additional terms and conditions not specified in this section may apply.

G.4. Data and Reporting

Subrecipients shall comply with any and all federal or state data reporting requirements. Additionally, upon execution of the Subaward Agreement, subrecipients will submit the following reports as prescribed by the RCCA:

Monthly Reports

  • Financial Reports: Subrecipient shall submit monthly financial reports no later than 10 days after the month ends.
  • Performance Reports: Subrecipient shall submit monthly performance reports no later than 10 days after the month ends.

Quarterly Reports

  • Performance Reports: Subrecipient shall submit quarterly performance reports no later than 10 days after the quarter ends. Quarters end September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30.

Close-Out Reports

  • Financial Reports: Subrecipient shall submit a close-out financial report no later than 10 days after the end of the period of performance or termination.
  • Performance Reports: Subrecipient shall submit a close-out performance report no later than 10 days after the end of the period of performance or termination.

Other Reporting Requirements

Additional periodic and annual performance and evaluation data may be collected as directed by the RCCA and in a format prescribed by the RCCA.

G.5. Monitoring

Subrecipients funded through this NOFO are subject to fiscal and programmatic monitoring in accordance with 2 CFR 200.332. Subrecipients must provide the RCCA access to subaward records pursuant to 2 CFR 200.337. For projects that are having delays or difficulties, monitoring will be more frequent or detailed to ensure technical assistance is provided and any issues are resolved. The RCCA may modify subawards based on performance.

G.6. TTA Participation

Participants will participate in TTA and support as identified by the RCCA, with a goal of supporting successful program implementation and promoting sustainability after the conclusion of the funding period. The TTA opportunities will be specified by the RCCA throughout the grant period and, at a minimum, will include the following:

Needs Assessment

Upon grant award, subrecipients will complete an organizational needs assessment related to funding requirements to help identify gaps and areas for growth. The RCCA will distribute the survey within 4 weeks of the beginning of the period of performance.

Implementation Plan

Subrecipients must develop an implementation plan as prescribed by the RCCA to identify specific objectives, action steps, timelines, assigned personnel, planned outcomes, and internal performance measures. The RCCA will initiate TTA to grantees for the development of their implementation plan within 4 weeks of the beginning of the period of performance. The implementation plan must be maintained throughout the period of performance.

Equity and Racial Justice Plan

Subrecipients must develop and implement or maintain a diversity, equity, and inclusion/racial justice plan that

  • Reflects IDHS’s commitment to advance equity and racial justice;
  • Outlines how the organization ensures equity in access to its supports/services as well as outcomes;
  • Includes a plan to identify and address institutional oppression and racial bias in all areas of the organization, including programming; and
  • Includes an equity and racial justice training plan.

Webinars and Coaching Calls

Subrecipient organizations will participate in individual and/or regional coaching calls and webinars in accordance with the program deliverables described in Section A of this NOFO and as specified in the Subaward Agreement.

TTA topics will include (at a minimum) the following:

  • Subcontracting
  • Invoicing
  • Reporting, data collection, and performance measures
  • Implementation plans
  • Equity and racial justice plans
  • Topical areas of relevance to subrecipients
  • Special TA as requested by individual subrecipients and/or as authorized by the RCCA

Other TTA Activities

Other TTA opportunities, such as learning collaboratives, may be required as specified in the Subaward Agreement.

G.7. Awarding Agency Contacts

For information about this NOFO, contact the RCCA Support Team at ilrcca@ahpnet.com.

H. Other Information

H.1. Obligation of Award

The release of this NOFO does not obligate the RCCA to make an award.

The RCCA reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc. These negotiations do not obligate provision of funding, nor should an applicant draw any conclusions from these negotiations about the RCCA’s intentions to fund or not fund the application.

H.2. Definitions

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – Potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood, can include violence, abuse, and growing up in a family with mental health or substance use problems. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance use in adulthood.[1]
  • Birthing People – This term is inclusive of mothers and people who give birth, regardless of their gender identity.
  • Disproportionately Impacted Communities – Communities that have been historically marginalized and underserved, influencing a higher rate of substance use in certain populations.
  • Equity – The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups.
  • Harm Reduction – “Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies that includes safer use, managed use, abstinence, meeting people who use drugs ‘where they’re at,’ and addressing conditions of use along with the use itself.”[2] A key component of harm reduction is increasing access to naloxone to prevent overdose deaths.
  • Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances – The Helpline (https://helplineil.org/app/home) is the only statewide, public resource for finding substance use and problem gambling treatment and recovery services, in Illinois. The Illinois Helpline refers to hundreds of treatment and recovery providers across Illinois, and we don’t operate any treatment programs. The Illinois Helpline services are always free and confidential.
  • Messaging – The process of creating key written words or phrases, based on research, that target audiences find persuasive focused on increasing knowledge (informing) and/or changing attitudes or behaviors.
  • Neurodivergent – describes people whose brain differences affect how their brain works, meaning they have different strengths and challenges than people whose brains are not marked by those differences. Examples of conditions that may be considered neurodivergent include but are not limited to the following: autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Down syndrome, Dyslexia, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety, etc.[3]
  • Public Awareness – Building recognition of a problem through media, messaging, and an organized set of communication tactics, targeting a large number of people over a specific period of time to try and generate specific outcomes or achieve pre-determined goals.
  • Support Services – Emergency hotlines, counseling, and treatment options for help with substance use disorders.

 

H.2. Section References

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/aces/index.html

[2] https://harmreduction.org/about-us/principles-of-harm-reduction/

[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent

H.3. Applicant TA

The following resources provide information on TA, guidance on the process of completing the application process, and developing the services funded by this funding notice.

Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Resources

TA Session

  • Attend or listen to the TA session (recommended, but not required) at the Illinois RCCA Website.

Submit Questions and Review Answers

Submit questions by email to ilrcca@ahpnet.com with the subject line “PACCS” no later than May 10, 2024, at 5:00 PM CST.

Questions and answers will be posted on the Illinois Opioid Settlements Initiative website. Questions will be updated weekly by Friday at 3:00 PM CST. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor that website and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO.

H.4. Relevant Websites

I. Mandatory Forms

I.1. Budget Workbook

Subrecipients must use the Budget Workbook Template to submit their project budget and advance payment request. The required tables in the budget are available for reference on the Budget: PACSS page. The Workbook file is available at http://www.ilrcca.com.

The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and must demonstrate that all proposed costs are reasonable and necessary, allocable, and allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable.

Verification of final approved budgets will be required by either the Chief Executive Officer (or equivalent) or Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent) for the entity. The executive must certify that their entity complies with the requirements set forth in 2 CFR 200.302 (Financial Management) and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120(b)(i)(A) (Advance Payments).

I.2. Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosures

Subrecipients must immediately disclose in writing to the RCCA any actual or potential conflict of interest as soon as it becomes known, in accordance with 30 ILCS 708/35, 30 ILCS 708/60(a)(5), 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.330(f) and the Subaward Agreement. This disclosure must be submitted for the Grantee and all subrecipients or pass-through entities, whenever an actual or potential conflict may exist. Subrecipients have a continuing obligation to disclose to the RCCA financial or other interests (public, private, direct, or indirect) that may be a potential conflict of interest or could prohibit the subrecipient from entering or continuing the programs for which the grant is intended. The IDHS Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure must be completed, signed, and returned by all subrecipient organizations.