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NOFO: OTTAC

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NOFO Table of Contents

About the NOFO

The NOFO has a total of 11 sections.

Section A. includes an executive summary and funding information.
Section B. describes eligibility criteria and restrictions.
Section C. describes program details, including its purpose, priorities, and relevant statutes and regulations.
Section D. includes details on the required content and format for the application.
Section E. describes how to submit the application materials and registration requirements.
Section F. details the review and risk assessment process and criteria.
Section G. describes the notification process.
Section H. details requirements for subrecipient organizations after they have been awarded.
Section I. includes information relevant to the application, including TA and relevant definitions.
Section J. lists mandatory forms for submission.
Section K. consists of citations throughout the funding notices.

A. Basic Information

A.1. Executive Summary

This new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) sets forth the requirements for applications to establish a statewide Opioid Training and Technical Assistance Center (OTTAC) in Illinois.

The goal of OTTAC is to strengthen the healthcare and behavioral health workforce in Illinois. To accomplish this goal, the recipient of OTTAC funding will:

  • Provide training and technical assistance (TTA) to healthcare sites, providers, and organizations that increases access to culturally responsive and culturally humble prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) or OUD co-occurring with mental health conditions (co-occurring disorders [COD]). Communities disproportionately impacted by opioid overdoses and multigenerational harms associated with structural racism and health inequities should be prioritized.
  • Administer professional workforce development (PWD) opportunities that facilitate growth in the number of certified/licensed behavioral health professionals in the state. These opportunities must include clinical supervision of individuals seeking licensure or certification, as well as internships, fellowships, and other paid training experiences (PTE).

One organization will be awarded funds to fulfill the requirements of the subaward.

Services provided under this NOFO should reflect the Illinois Department of Human Services’ (IDHS) commitment to advancing equity and racial and social justice by enabling all to thrive, regardless of race, zip code, and disability.

A.2. Funding Information

  • All materials, links, and resources related to this NOFO are available at the Illinois Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA) websitevia the Funding Opportunities page. This is a new competitive subaward opportunity. The release of this NOFO does not obligate IDHS or the RCCA to make an award.
  • The total amount of funds available is estimated to be $12,000,000 to be awarded over three (3) years. An estimate of up to $9,000,000 is available for Task 1, Task 2, and Task 3, and up to $3,000,000 is available for Task 4. All tasks are required. Details are described in Section C.3. Scope of Services.
  • The RCCA anticipates one award. Programs may apply for less funding.
  • Funding is estimated to span from March 1, 2025–June 30, 2026. Identification of the Period of Performance in this subaward does not commit the State awarding agency to fund the award beyond the currently approved budget period. See 2 CFR 200.332; 44 Ill Admin Code Section 7000.370. The execution of a subaward agreement shall not create any expectation of a subaward renewal. Renewals at the completion of the period of performance specified in the subaward agreement of this project are at the discretion of the RCCA and IDHS, based on performance and sufficient appropriations. Continued funding is subject to appropriations and release of funds by IDHS.
  • Funding periods are not equivalent to the period of performance. The period of performance means the total estimated time interval between the start of an initial award and the planned end date, which may include one or more funded portions, or budget periods. Identification of the period of performance in this subaward does not commit the IDHS or the RCCA to fund the award beyond the approved current fiscal year budget period. The period of performance shall end on June 30, 2026. If the subaward agreement is renewed, the period of performance shall continue from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, unless the agreement is terminated or appropriations are no longer available.
  • The source of funding for this program is the Illinois Opioid Remediation State Trust Fund: Illinois Opioid Settlements Initiative (ilopioidsettlements.com).
  • Applicants with existing IDHS awards are eligible to compete with applications for new state awards.
  • If awarded, award amounts will be based on IDHS’ RCCA-approved budgets. Budgets must be sufficiently detailed and justified to be approved by the RCCA.

 

Summary

a Funding Opportunity Title Opioid Training and Technical Assistance Center (OTTAC)
b Posting Date October 25, 2024
c Period Application Open 45 calendar days
d Questions Submission Due Date November 22, 2024, by 5:00 PM CST
e Application Closing Date and Time December 9, 2024, at 5:00 PM CST

Applications will not be accepted after this time.

f Anticipated Notification Date January 31, 2025
g Anticipated Period of Performance Begin Date March 1, 2025
h Funding Opportunity Number O-08-OTTAC-24
i Awarding Entity RCCA as established by IDHS (cite applicable state identifier for RCCA)
j Contact for Assistance Randi Moberly, Ph.D.

312-386-7505

RCCA Help Desk

k Announcement Type Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (Subaward)
l Average Prior Award n/a
m Source of Funding Illinois Opioid Remediation State Trust Fund:   Illinois Opioid Settlements Initiative (ilopioidsettlements.com)
n Estimated Total Program Funding $12,000,000 million over 3 years (up to an estimated $4,000,000 million per year); prorated in initial funding period
o Funding Periods There are two funding periods associated with this award. Subrecipients may be eligible to receive up to one subsequent grant renewal for this program, depending upon availability of funds. Renewals are at the discretion of the RCCA and IDHS, based on performance and sufficient appropriations. The anticipated funding periods for this award are as follows:

(1) March 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025 – up to an estimated $1,333,333 (approximately $1,000,000 for Tasks 1, 2, and 3; approximately $333,333 for Task 4)

(2) July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 – up to an estimated $4,000,000
(approximately $3,000,000 for Tasks 1, 2, and 3; approximately $1,000,000 for Task 4)

 

p Funding per Period of Performance Up to an estimated $5,333,333 for this award over two funding periods
q Anticipated Number of Awards One
r Cost-Sharing or Matching Requirement No
s Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
t Restrictions on Indirect Costs Indirect costs are allowed. Indirect Cost Rate must be approved. See Section C.5 Funding Details. Also see restrictions to indirect costs in accordance with the appropriate sections of Ill Admin Code 44 Part Sec 7000, et. al., and 2 CFR §  200, et. al. All subrecipients, excluding local educational agencies (as defined in 34 CFR § 77.1) must make an indirect cost election during the application process.
NOTE: Release of this NOFO does not obligate the RCCA or IDHS to make an award.

 

B. Eligibility

B.1. Eligible Applicants

This competitive funding opportunity is limited to applicants that meet the following requirements:

  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 Section E.2. Application Instructions.
  7. Applicants must complete award requirements described in Section G.3. Award Conditions.

 

Only applicants that meet the above criteria will be considered for funding. 

 A non-profit, for-profit, or tax-exempt entity may only submit one application under this funding opportunity.  For example, multiple individuals in one organization cannot submit multiple applications; a parent company cannot submit an application and a subsidiary submit a 2nd application for the same funding opportunity.

Cost sharing is not required.

C. Program Description

Section C. List of Acronyms

Advocates for Human Potential (AHP)

Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC)

Clinical Supervision Activities (CSA)

Co-occurring Disorder (COD)

Electronics and Information Technology (EIT)

Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)

Modified Total Direct Costs (MTDC)

Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA)

Office of Opioid Settlement Administration (OOSA)

Opioid Training and Technical Assistance Center (OTTAC)

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Paid Training Experience (PTE)

Professional Workforce Development (PWD)

Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA)

Statement of Work (SOW)

Subject Matter Experts (SMES)

Substance Use, Prevention and Recovery (SUPR)

Training and Technical Assistance (TTA)

C.1. Background

In 2013, 1,072 people in Illinois died of an opioid overdose.[1] By 2020, the number of fatal overdoses surpassed 3,000.[2] The opioid overdose epidemic has accelerated nationwide.[3] To hold companies responsible for their roles in the opioid crisis, the Illinois Attorney General has engaged in multiple investigations, lawsuits, and settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and chain pharmacies. The funds from the settlements will support recovery in communities hardest hit by the opioid crisis and throughout the state.

The Illinois Office of Opioid Settlement Administration (OOSA) is the entity responsible for planning, administering, and managing fifty-five percent (55%) of the funds received from opioid settlements according to the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement and Executive Order 2022-19. The established processes ensure transparency and consideration of regional needs such as overdose rates, disparities created for specific populations, and resources to address opioid-related harms. OOSA is housed within IDHS’ Substance Use, Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) division.

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 disorders, 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.

Funding Source

The Office of the Illinois Attorney General has certified—and the Governor’s Opioid Overdose Prevention and Recovery Steering Committee has approved—the use of up to $12 million over three (3) years from the Illinois Opioid Remediation State Trust Fund (Fund) for establishing OTTAC in accordance with the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement and the Fund allocation process. In April 2023, IDHS/SUPR awarded Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. (AHP) a grant to serve as the RCCA. The RCCA administers subawards with organizations providing prevention, intervention, treatment, and harm reduction services for people with substance use disorders in accordance with state-approved strategies.

C.2. Need

The funds from the settlements will support prevention efforts in communities hardest hit by the opioid crisis and throughout the state. Fund distributions must be used equitably in service areas disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis as outlined in the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement, for example, areas with the following characteristics:

  • High opioid fatality rates, including
    • Counties other than Cook County with a crude rate of 1.8 or greater per 100,000 people and
    • Zip codes within Cook County with more than 100 overdoses (fatal and nonfatal) within the most recent year included in the Illinois Opioid Data Dashboard, http://idph.illinois.gov/opioiddatadashboard/
  • Concentrated poverty, including
    • Counties other than Cook County with a poverty rate greater than 12 percent and
    • Zip codes within Cook County with a poverty rate greater than 12 percent, per the U.S. Census Bureau, https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/map/IL/
  • Concentrated firearm violence, including communities eligible for Reimagine Public Safety Act funding, https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=144282
  • Other conditions that hinder the communities from reaching their full potential for health and well-being, including counties other than Cook with a crude nonfatal overdose rate of 4.0 or greater per 100,000 people, as listed in the Illinois Opioid Data Dashboard, http://idph.illinois.gov/opioiddatadashboard/

 

Over the last 5 years, Illinois has experienced increases in fatal opioid overdoses, as well as in the number of individuals reporting significant symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder.[4] The ability to meet the urgent needs of the populace is hampered by a shortage of healthcare and behavioral health workers. Of the state’s 102 counties, all but 5 are designated as a mental health professional shortage area.[5] Only 21 percent of the need is being addressed.[6]

In 2023, Illinois established the Behavioral Health Workforce Center (BHWC) to expand access points for both practitioners and patients through numerous initiatives. In January 2024 testimony to the House Mental Health & Addiction Committee and the Senate Behavioral Health Committee, BHWC recommended expanding:

  • Pathway and mentorship programs to increase the number of people interested in careers in behavioral health and facilitate their progression through the educational and certification process.
  • Clinical training for the behavioral health workforce by creating new training programs and training sites across the state.
  • Programs to improve the knowledge and skills of existing behavioral health workforce and primary care providers in evidence-based treatments.

 

Pursuant to these goals, IDHS/SUPR recommended development of an opioid TTA center to strengthen the healthcare and behavioral health workforce across the continuum of care, expand professional development opportunities, enhance programmatic collaboration, and diversify the workforce.

C.3. Funding Purpose and Scope of Services

One organization will be awarded OTTAC funding to strengthen the healthcare and behavioral health workforce in Illinois. To accomplish this goal, OTTAC will accomplish the following objectives:

  • Provide TTA to healthcare sites, providers, and organizations to increase access to culturally responsive and culturally humble prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services for individuals with OUD/COD. Communities disproportionately impacted by opioid overdoses and multigenerational harms associated with structural racism and health inequities should be prioritized.
  • Administer PWD opportunities to facilitate growth in the number of certified/licensed behavioral health professionals in the state. These opportunities must include clinical supervision of individuals seeking licensure or certification, as well as internships, fellowships, and other PTE.

 

The tasks required and associated performance measures, standards, and potential metrics to be collected are as follows:

Task 1. Award Administration

The subrecipient must fulfill administrative and reporting obligations detailed in Section H.8. Reporting and Grants Administration Requirements, including the following:

  1. Complete an organizational needs assessment survey.
  2. Complete and update an implementation and sustainability plan (ISP), which informs the performance metric used for program activities.
  3. Develop and implement an equity and racial justice plan.
  4. Complete program performance reporting.
  5. Complete program fiscal reporting.
  6. Participate in program status meetings and TTA as prescribed.

Task 2. Program Administration and Infrastructure

The subrecipient must establish and maintain program leadership and staffing, operations, information technology, and other administrative infrastructure required to support program activities pursuant to administrative and legislative requirements.

The following deliverables are required:

Task 2.a. Identify Program Staff

The subrecipient must allocate or hire sufficient staff to support the delivery of the tasks. A minimum of 1.5 – 2 FTE, including a program director/manager and assistant, whose primary responsibilities are to lead and manage OTTAC program activities, would be expected. If new staff will be hired, interim staff must be available at the beginning of the period of performance. Program leadership must be supported by administrative, finance, and legal staff to ensure program operations comply with legislative and administrative requirements pursuant to the subaward agreement.

Task 2.a.i. Performance Measures

Submit a program organizational chart detailing assigned staff (or designated to-be-hired), their roles, and matrixed supports within 15 days of the beginning of the period of performance. This organizational chart should include a list of names and emails of all individuals assigned to work on the program in any capacity.

Task 2.b. Oversee Procurement and Monitoring of Subcontracts and Subawards

The subrecipient must administer procurement and monitoring procedures in accordance with the authorizing statues and regulations in Section C.6.

Task 2.b.i. Performance Measures

Submit a program administration manual that details procurement and monitoring procedures within ninety (90) days of the beginning of the period of performance.

Task 2.c. Establish a Code of Ethics

The subrecipient must deliver services in accordance with a written code of ethics based on standards outlined by the relevant accrediting bodies and other professional groups that address substance use disorder issues.

Task 2.c.i. Performance Measures

Submit written code of ethics within 120 days of the beginning of the period of performance.

Task 2.d. Develop Communications and Electronics and Information Technology (EIT) Plan

The subrecipient must produce a communications and EIT plan that details products and tools planned to support OTTAC activities and implementation timelines for each, as well as the marketing and outreach strategies planned to increase awareness of and engage participants in OTTAC activities. At a minimum, this includes help desk/support procedures, an OTTAC website, a learning management system or alternative, and virtual meeting platforms. Technology needs of staff and subject matter experts (SMEs) who develop and deliver TTA may also be factored into the plan.

Task 2.d.i. Performance Measures

Submit a draft communication and EIT plan within 30 days of the beginning of the period of performance.

Task 2.e. Develop Website

The subrecipient must launch a website to serve as the primary platform to obtain information about and access OTTAC activities, TTA materials, and training schedules and registration.

Task 2.e. Performance Measures

Task 2.e. performance measures include the following:

  1. Design concept plan, which should include proposed domain names, logo, styles, and other relevant assets (60 days).
  2. Website wireframes (90 days).
  3. Website content review (120 days).
  4. Beta website (150 days).
  5. Production website (180 days).

Task 2.f. Implement and Monitor Communications and EIT Plan

The subrecipient must implement and monitor supporting EIT tools, products, and platforms needed to deliver OTTAC and monitor activities. These must include, but are not limited to, a learning management system or other web-based platform to access and monitor asynchronous training activities, and other platforms to facilitate communications and virtual training activities.

Task 2.f. Performance Measures

The subrecipient must maintain and provide ongoing support related to use of the EIT throughout the period of performance as follows:

  1. Launch EIT products within 120 days of the beginning of the period of performance.
  2. Reply to requests for assistance from individuals, organizations, and AHP within 2 business days.
  3. Report the number of individuals requesting and receiving technical support, website/IT downtime, the amount of time to resolve technical issues, and ongoing issues/concerns on the monthly Program Performance Report (PPR).

Task 2.g. Produce Annual Report

The subrecipient must produce an annual summary report of OTTAC TTA and PWD opportunities.

Task 2.g. Performance Measures
  1. Submit draft summary report draft no later than May 15, 2025.
  2. Submit final summary report no later than July 15, 2026.

Task 3. Statewide TTA

The subrecipient must assess statewide TTA needs; establish an SME panel; and oversee the development, delivery, and evaluation of TTA activities. The following deliverables are required:

Task 3.a. Conduct Statewide Needs Assessment

The subrecipient must conduct a needs assessment, including focus groups, surveys, and other assessments, to determine providers’ TTA needs related to (a) preventing opioid misuse and overdoses and (b) providing evidence-based services to individuals with OUD/COD. Minimally, the assessment must capture insight from providers and other healthcare sites (e.g., hospitals, federally qualified healthcare centers) on the following:

  • Specific challenges to providing evidence-based services for prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services, particularly in communities disproportionately impacted by the opioid/overdose crisis.
  • Target audiences for TTA and strategies for engagement.
  • Preferred TTA delivery (e.g., workshops, webinars, in-person training sessions, phone consultations, site visits, online (asynchronous) learning).

 

The subrecipient must then produce a statewide needs assessment plan that builds upon the findings of the needs assessment and describes the actions needed to address identified gaps in healthcare sites and systems, provider skills, and organizational capacity across the state. The plan should detail TTA standards, modalities, content areas, resources acquisition and management, and monitoring processes.

Task 3.a.i. Performance Measures

Submit a Needs Assessment Findings Report within 60 days of the beginning of the period of performance.

Task 3b. Develop a TTA Plan

The subrecipient must develop a TTA plan based on needs assessment findings and outlining specific modalities, SMEs, topics, evaluation procedures, and anticipated timelines.

TTA Modalities: The following modalities are anticipated to be included in the OTTAC TTA catalog. Other innovative approaches are acceptable if a third party evaluates them.

  • Online asynchronous trainings (introductory and advanced topics).
  • Instructor-led training and/or virtual instructor-led training sessions, which may include workshops, webinars, or hybrid sessions.
  • Learning collaboratives/communities.
  • Toolkits and other online materials that support virtual or hybrid training.

 

TTA Content Areas: Minimally, TTA content areas must include:

For healthcare sites, such as hospitals, federally qualified healthcare centers, and medical practices:

  • Set-up and operation of a medication assisted recovery (MAR) program.
  • OUD and opioid prescriber education.

 

For providers:

  • Treatment (including MAR), prevention, and recovery services and supports.
  • Specific populations (e.g., individuals recently released from custody, pregnant and post-partum people and their families, people with COD and complex needs, youth, people experiencing homelessness).

 

For organizations:

  • Collaboration-building practices between organizations and opioid treatment programs (e.g., establishing or improving warm handoffs, making referrals to care/linkages, establishing data-sharing agreements).
  • Funding and sustainability strategies to increase the number of recovery and harm reduction-focused community providers in historically marginalized communities (e.g., South Side and West Side of Chicago), including best practices for grant application clarification, development, and submission.
  • Navigating social determinants of health and systemic barriers to recovery, such as housing and other basic needs
  • Training for potential RCCA applicants and RCCA subrecipients on best practices for grant applications, including content clarification, development, and submission.

 

The following table provides a sample of TTA content areas that align with the approved Opioid Abatement Approved Uses. The complete list of Abatement Uses is listed in Appendix B of the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement. Other abatement uses may also be relevant.

Approved Abatement Use ID Description
A8 Provide training on MAR for healthcare providers, first responders, students, or other supporting professionals, such as peer recovery coaches or recovery outreach specialists, including tele-mentoring to assist community-based providers in rural or underserved areas.
A13 Disseminate web-based training curricula, such as the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry’s Provider Clinical Support Service–Opioids web-based training curriculum and motivational interviewing.
A14 Develop and disseminate new curricula, such as the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry’s Provider Clinical Support Service for Medication–Assisted Treatment.
B4 Provide access to housing for people with OUD/COD, including supportive housing, recovery housing, housing assistance programs, training for housing providers, or recovery housing programs that allow or integrate U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved mediation with other support services.
C3 Provide training and long-term implementation of SBIRT in key systems (health, schools, colleges, criminal justice, and probation), with a focus on youth and young adults when transition from misuse to opioid disorder is common.
C6 Provide training for emergency room personnel treating opioid overdose patients on post-discharge planning, including community referrals for MAR, recovery case management or support services.
D7 Provide training on best practices for addressing the needs of individuals with OUD/COD who are involved with the criminal justice system to law enforcement, correctional, or judicial personnel or to providers of treatment, recovery, harm reduction, case management, or other services offered in connection with any of the strategies described in this section.
E3 Provide training for obstetricians or other healthcare personnel who work with pregnant and postpartum people and their families regarding treatment of OUD/ COD.
E5 Provide training to healthcare providers who work with pregnant or parenting people on best practices for compliance with federal requirements that children born with neonatal abstinence syndrome get referred to appropriate services and receive a plan of safe care.
F2 Training for healthcare providers regarding safe and responsible opioid prescribing, dosing, and tapering patients off opioids.
F4 Providing support for non-opioid pain treatment alternatives, including training providers to offer or refer to multi-modal, evidence-informed treatment of pain.
G6 Supporting community coalitions in implementing evidence-informed prevention, such as reduced social access and physical access, stigma reduction—including staffing, educational campaigns, support for people in treatment or recovery, or training of coalitions in evidence-informed implementation, including the Strategic Prevention Framework developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
K1 Provide funding for staff training or networking programs and services to improve the capability of government, community, and not-for-profit entities to abate the opioid crisis.
Task 3.b.i. Performance Measures

Submit a comprehensive statewide TTA plan within ninety (90) days of the beginning of the period of performance.

Task 3.c. Establish SME Panel

The subrecipient must establish, by hiring or subcontracting, a panel of SMEs who are qualified to inform TTA materials development and to provide individualized TTA on the continuum of services (prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services) to community-based organizations. SMEs with experience working in communities disproportionately impacted by opioid overdoses and multigenerational harms associated with structural racism and health inequities will receive priority. SMEs residing within or outside of Illinois may be considered.

Task 3.c.i. Performance Measures

Within 120 days of the beginning of the period of performance, submit and maintain a list of SMEs, detailing names, credentials, and experience.

Task 3.d. Develop Content and Deliver TTA

The subrecipient must develop content and deliver TTA in accordance with the following standards:

  • Develop TTA content based upon current evidence-based and evidence-informed practices and standards, including innovative approaches to preventing opioid misuse and overdose, and seek to update outdated practices and standards.
  • Deliver TTA using innovative materials and approaches. These innovative modalities must be evaluated by independent third parties.
  • Incorporate language and practices that reduce stigma of substance use into TTA materials and delivery.
  • Ensure TTA materials and delivery methods are accessible for all individuals, including those with different levels of language comprehension and electronically posted/transmitted documents.
  • Ensure asynchronous training is supported by access to additional coaching or interpersonal resources.
  • Accredit training programs and obtain professional continuing education hours from the relevant accrediting bodies when possible.
  • Ensure confidentiality of service recipients’ protected health information according to State and Federal laws and regulations.
Task 3.d. Performance Measures
  1. Deliver eighty percent (80%) of TTA activities as estimated in the ISP.
  2. Report on new and updated materials and TTA activities in the monthly PPR.

Task 3.e.: Monitor TTA

The subrecipient must monitor program activities through continuous quality improvement processes, which must include:

  • Data collection and reporting:
    • Minimally, data points should include participant satisfaction and measures of knowledge gain/skills improvement for each TTA session. Data should be entered or compiled in an agreed-upon database(s) or learning management system. The data should be summarized and reported as part of the monthly PPR.
  • Evaluation
    • The subrecipient should engage one or more independent third parties to research the effectiveness of innovative tools and techniques.
  • Accreditation
  • The subrecipient must attain and maintain accreditation for training programs by relevant accrediting bodies.
Task 3.e.i. Performance Measures

Report TTA performance data and improvement initiatives in the monthly and quarterly PPRs.

Task 4. Professional Workforce Development Opportunities

The subrecipient must establish mechanisms to promote and administer PWD opportunities that facilitate clinical supervision activities (CSA) and support internships, fellowships, and other PTE.

CSAs may be facilitated for those seeking licensure or certification as a:

  • Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS)
  • Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)
  • Certified Alcohol and other Drug Counselor (CADC)
  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Certified Prevention Specialist (CPS/CSPS)

 

For more information on professional certification, go to the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.

PTE participants include, but are not limited to:

  • entry-level and early career clinicians,
  • peer support specialists,
  • harm reduction providers, and
  • individuals working toward licensure or certification within an organization licensed and funded by SUPR, or licensed by SUPR.

 

The following deliverables are required:

Task 4.a. Develop a PWD Opportunities Plan

The subrecipient must develop an implementation plan that includes the development of the application, recruitment, coordination, and monitoring processes required to facilitate CSA and support PTE.

Task 4.a.i. Performance Measures

Submit the implementation plan no later than 90 days after the beginning of the period of performance.

Task 4.b. Establish partnerships and formalize relationships with relevant organizations and SMEs

The subrecipient must establish memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with relevant organizations and recruit sufficient SMEs to facilitate and support PWD opportunities.

Task 4.b. Performance Measures
  1. Submit and maintain list of partner organizations within 120 days after the beginning of the period of performance.
  2. Submit MOUs prior to the initiation of PWD activities.
  3. Recruit and/or sub-contract with a sufficient number of SMEs to deliver clinical supervision services within 150 days after the beginning of the period of performance.

Task 4.c. Facilitate and monitor clinical supervision for licensure or certification

The subrecipient must engage with SMEs to provide clinical supervision or consultation to the workforce and be prepared to facilitate and monitor CSA activities in a timely manner.

Task 4c. Performance Measures
  1. Initiate CSA within 150 days after the beginning of the period of performance.
  2. Facilitate a minimum of eighty percent (80%) of CSA based upon the ISP.
  3. Collect data and report on CSA. Minimally, data points should include number of activities (by type), the number of participants (by type), and participant satisfaction. The data should be summarized and reported on as part of the monthly PPR.

Task 4.d. Support and monitor internships, fellowships, and other PTE

The subrecipient must be prepared to support and monitor PTE in a timely manner.

Task 4.d. Performance Measures
  1. Initiate PTE within 150 days of the period of performance.
  2. Support a minimum of eighty percent (80%) of PTE based upon the ISP.
  3. Collect data and report on PTE activities. Minimally, data points should include number of facilitated experiences (by type), number of participants (by type), and participant satisfaction. The data should be summarized and reported on as part of the monthly and quarterly PPR.

C.4. 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, unless otherwise specified. Standards for activities refer to percentages of those described in the project plan.

Task 1. Award Administration

Deliverable Standard Metric – activity Metric – time/criteria
a)      Organizational needs assessment survey 100% Complete survey 15 days after distribution
b)      Implementation and sustainability plan 100% Submit plan 30 days after distribution
100% Update plan 340 days
c)      Equity and racial justice plan 100% Conduct organizational assessment 90 days
100% Submit draft plan 180 days
100% Submit final plan 240 days
d)      Program performance Report 80% Submit report Monthly; 15th
75% Submit report Quarterly; 15th
e)      Program fiscal report 80% Submit report Monthly; 15th
75% Submit report Quarterly; 15th
f)        Program status meetings and TTA 80% Coordinate meetings Bimonthly (2 per month)
75% Participate in TTA Quarterly or as prescribed

Task 2. Program Administration and Infrastructure

Deliverable Standard Metric – activity Metric – time/criteria
(a)    Staff identification 100% Submit organizational chart and list of staff 15 days
(b)    Procurement and monitoring oversight 100% Submit program administration manual 90 days
(c)    Code of ethics 100% Submit code 120 days
(d)    Communications and EIT plan 100% Submit plan 30 days
(e)    Website 100% Submit design concept 60 days
100% Submit website wireframes 90 days
100% Submit website content 120 days
100% Publish beta website 150 days
100% Launch website 180 days
(f)      Communications and EIT plan implementation and monitoring 100% Launch comms and EIT products 120 days
80% Respond to requests # 2 business days
80% Submit report Report monthly: # of requests

# days to respond

# days to resolve

(g)    Annual report 100% Submit report 380 days

Task 3. Statewide TTA

Deliverable Standard Metric – activity Metric – time/criteria
(a)    Statewide needs assessment 100% Submit findings report 60 days
(b)    TTA plan 100% Submit TTA plan 90 days
(c)    SME panel 100% Submit list # of SMEs (by type)
75% Update list Quarterly (15th)
(d)    TTA development and delivery 80% Report TTA content and TTA delivery Report monthly:

# materials (by type, content area)

# trainings (by type, content area)

# TA activities (by type, content area)

(e)    TTA monitoring 80% Submit report Report monthly:

# participants (role, satisfaction, feedback)

Task 4. Professional Workforce Development Opportunities

Deliverable Standard Metric – activity Metric – time/criteria
(a)    PWD opportunities plan 100% Submit plan 90 days
(b)    Partnerships and formal relationships with relevant organizations 100% Submit list of partners

 

120 days
100% Submit MOUs 140 days
(c)    CSA for licensure or certification 100% Initiate activities 150 days
80% Facilitate activities Report monthly (number, type)
(d)    Support and monitoring of internships, fellowships, and other PTE 100% Initiate experiences 150 days
80% Support experiences Report monthly and quarterly (number, type)

C.5. Funding Details

The following sections discuss allowable and unallowable costs for this funding opportunity. 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.

Allowable Costs

Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity contained in the statement of work (SOW), are justified in the Budget Narrative, and are allowable under 2 CFR §§  200.400-476. 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, et. al. and “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

Indirect Cost Rate

To charge indirect costs to this grant, the applicant organization must: (1) have a federal annually negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA), or

(2) elect to use the de minimis rate and what percentage up to fifteen percent (15%) the applicant chooses.

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. Organizations must notify the RCCA of any changes to their previously established NICRA no later than six (6) months after the close of the organization’s fiscal year.
  • de minimis Rate: An organization may elect a de minimis rate of up to fifteen (15) 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 § 200.1, Modified Total Direct Costs, means “all direct salaries and wages, applicable fringe benefits, materials and supplies, services, travel, and up to the first $50,000 of each subaward (regardless of the period of performance of the subawards 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 in excess of $50,000. 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 request 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.

C.6. Authorizing Statutes and Regulations

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

D. Application Contents and Format

D. Application Contents and Format

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. You may also add collaborators to assist with application development. The individual submitting the application must attest within the application that they are authorized to submit the application on the organization’s behalf. Once the application is submitted, no further changes can be made. The link to the application is available at the IL RCCA website.

D.1. Contents and Point Distribution

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. Individual questions can be referenced on the NOFO Prepare to Apply page.

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 Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA). 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. 20
Section 7. Experience and Capacity How your organization’s work, approach, and experience are aligned with the intent of the project requirements. 35
Section 8. Quality The implementation approach and anticipated outcomes of the proposed activities to be funded by this notice. 35
Section 9. Project Budget Project budget and advance payment request. 5
  100

D.2. 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 Resumes / CVs of program leadership* Demonstrates experience of planned leadership.
H Project Plan* Describes the applicant’s plan to execute the award over the period of performance. This should include a timeline of project activities.
I Website Concept Plan* Provides visual concept of website
J Budget Workbook* Demonstrates spending plan for subaward
K References* Provide three references that describe history and quality of work related to the goals of the funding opportunity (preferably two from previous grant funders)

E. Submission Requirements and Deadline

E. Submission Requirements and Deadline

The RCCA is now accepting applications for a single organization to establish and maintain OTTAC for ensuring healthcare and behavioral health workforce competencies, use of evidence-based promising practices, and community-responsive programming support.

Applications will only be accepted through the online application available at the Illinois RCCA website via the Funding Opportunities page.

E.1. Application Availability

All application materials are available at the Illinois RCCA website on the Funding Opportunities page. Copies of all materials may be obtained by any of the following means:

    • Advocates for Human Potential Regional Care Coordination Agency, 1021 West Adams Street, Suite 303, Chicago, IL 60607

E.2. Application Instructions

Per Federal Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200, et. al.) and GATA (44 Ill Admin Code Sec. 7000.70(f)), 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, and
  • Not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List.

 

If your organization does not meet these qualification requirements, your organization cannot receive funding for this award.  Please take this into consideration before you take the time and effort to apply for this funding opportunity.

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

Step Requirement Link
1. Register with the State of Illinois Be actively registered with the Illinois Secretary of State. Illinois Secretary of State website
2. Obtain a FEIN/EIN number Obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN/EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). IRS FEIN/EIN application website
3. Register for a SAM.gov account and obtain a UEI. Register for and maintain an active SAM.gov account and obtain a 12-digit UEI. https://sam.gov/content/home

Applicants must complete the online application narrative questions and upload attachments as described herein. 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 Budget Workbook and Conflict of Interest Disclosure, are linked in Section J. Mandatory Forms.

The applicant must develop a budget consistent with program requirements as described in Section C. Program Description and in accordance with Section F.2. Grant Funds Use Requirements.

E.3. Submission Dates and Times

The online application must be completed in full and submitted electronically at http://www.ilrcca.com/ by December 9, 2024, at 5:00 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 entire application and any attachments have been successfully submitted and received. Upon submission, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Please check your email and spam folder. In the event of technical difficulty during submission or if you do not receive a confirmatory email within 48 hours of your submittal, please contact Randi Moberly at the IL RCCA Help Desk.

E.4. Other Submission Requirements

None.

E.5. Submission Tips

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 Section 2 and Section 3, which may require additional time.
    • Section 2 reports your organization’s pre-qualification status. Initiate or verify pre-qualification status as soon as possible if you are not already pre-qualified.
    • Section 3 aligns closely with the State of Illinois Internal Controls Questionnaire (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 on the “Prepare to Apply” page.
3 Access technical assistance resources.
  • Register for the Technical Assistance session.
  • Ask questions and review answers submitted by others.
4 Complete attachments and forms.
  • Download and complete the budget workbook.
  • Download and complete the IDHS Conflict of Interest form.
  • Complete all other attachments.
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: Answers to the questions cannot be formatted 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.
  • PLEASE NOTE: You must submit the application in its entirety by selection the green “submit” button.

F. Application Review Information

F.1. Responsiveness Review

The Responsive Review, also called a “threshold” review, is a preliminary review which determines whether an application meets specified completion and eligibility levels. During this phase, each application will be reviewed for completion and eligibility, as defined in Section B. Eligibility. Budgets will be reviewed to ensure costs are allowable, reasonable, and linked to the described objectives in Section C. Program Description. All applicants that have submitted applications that are determined to be noncompliant or ineligible will be notified by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses the applicant provides in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.

F.2. 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 and state statutes, regulations, and the terms and conditions of the subaward agreement.

State and Federal Laws or Regulations

In addition to the statutes and regulations listed in Section C.6. Authorizing Statutes and Regulations, every entity that is awarded funds through this NOFO must 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:

 

Additionally, the entity must comply with the following:

 

Compliance with Funding Sources

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

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.

F.3. Review Criteria

The scoring will be based on need, as described in Sections C2 and C3 above, capacity, quality of the organization’s work, and other grant-specific criteria. Points available are detailed in Section D.1. Contents and Point Distribution, and associated questions are available on the OTTAC Prepare to Apply page.

F.4. Review and Selection Process

Merit-Based Review

All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review, as described in Appendix A Sections 5-9, in accordance with 44 Ill. Admin Code Sec 7000.350. A clear description of each criterion and sub-criterion is found in Appendix A Sections 5-9.

An applicant will only be accepted for a merit-based review upon meeting the Eligibility Criteria stated in Section B Eligibility.

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 scores the evaluation criteria based on funding priorities and the point allocations for each section of the application as indicated in Appendix A.

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. The RCCA will then present recommendations of award finalists to IDHS/SUPR staff.

Finalist Recommendations

While the recommendation of the merit-based 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 advisory, 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 as described in Sections C2 and C3. 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.

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).

Appeal decisions are final.

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 fourteen (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 fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received.

  • The RCCA will respond to the appeal within sixty (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 reviewing all relevant 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:
    • Review of the appeal.
    • Appeal determination.
    • Rationale for the determination.

F.5. Risk Review

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 NOIA and are described in Section G.3. Award Conditions. 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 TTA needs and if Specific Conditions are needed.

Additional risk review involved:

  • Because this grant is not a simplified acquisition procurement, prior to making a subaward, the RCCA is required to review and consider any information about the applicant that is in the responsibility/performance records available in gov (see 41 U.S.C. § 2313(e)(2)(A)).
  • An applicant, at its option, may review and comment on its information in the responsibility/performance section of gov.
  • The RCCA will consider any comments by the applicant and other information in the responsibility/performance section of gov before making decisions in the risk review.

G. Award Notices

G.1. Anticipated Announcement of Award

The announcement of this award is anticipated by January 31, 2025.

G.2. Notice of Intent to Award

NOTE: The Notice of Intent to Award (NOIA) does not constitute a contract or an agreement to receive grant funds and is not an authorization to begin performance on the project.  Execution of the Subaward Agreement by both parties is the authorizing document and that agreement indicates when the subrecipient’s performance can begin.

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

  • The grant award amount.
  • The terms and conditions of the award.
  • 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.

Upon receipt of the NOIA, selected applicants should review and make an informed decision about whether to accept the funds. The NOIA 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 NOIA is the document authorizing the RCCA to proceed with issuing an agreement. The signed NOIA must be remitted to the RCCA, as instructed in the NOIA.

The NOIA is not an authorization to begin performance. The period of performance begins upon execution of the subaward agreement.

Applicants not receiving this award will be notified with a Notice of Non-Award letter via email which will be sent to the contacts identified in the application at the same time the NOIA letters are sent.

G.3. Pre-Award Costs

Pre-award costs are not allowed. Beginning performance prior to the execution of the subaward agreement is at the applicant’s risk and expense.

 

G.4. Subaward Agreement

Upon receipt of acceptance of award, the RCCA will initiate the development of the subaward agreement and the SOW.  The Subaward Agreement and the SOW attachment will include information such as:

  • Activities to be performed.
  • Time schedule.
  • Applicable policies and requirements
  • The terms and conditions of the Subaward Agreement.
  • The dollar limitation of the agreement.

The primary point of contact for the selected 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.5. 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 Sec. 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 the RCCA’s approval for advance payment, an initial payment will be processed in an amount equal to the first two (2) 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 forty-five (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 Sec. 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 NOIA 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 fifteenth (15th) 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 thirty (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 Sec.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 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.

If approved, 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 (1) or two (2) 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 the Reimbursement Section above.

H. Post-award Requirements and Administration

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

Reporting of Matters Related to Recipient Integrity and Performance

Applicants receiving at Least $500,000 in grant funding must:

“(b) submit the required information about each civil, criminal and administrative proceeding that—

“(i) Is in connection with the award or performance of a grant, cooperative agreement, or procurement contract from the Federal Government;

“(ii) Reached its final disposition during the most recent five-year period; and

“(iii) Is one of the following—

“(A) A criminal proceeding that resulted in a conviction;

“(B) A civil proceeding that resulted in a finding of fault and liability and payment of a monetary fine, penalty, reimbursement, restitution, or damages of $5,000 or more;

“(C) An administrative proceeding that resulted in a finding of fault and liability and your payment of either a monetary fine or penalty of $5,000 or more or reimbursement, restitution, or damages in excess of $100,000; or

“(D) Any other criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding if—

“(1) It could have led to an outcome described in paragraph (b)(1)(iii)(A) through (C);

“(2) It had a different disposition arrived at by consent or compromise with an acknowledgment of fault on your part; and

“(3) The requirement in this award term to disclose information about the proceeding does not conflict with applicable laws and regulations.

“(c) Reporting Procedures. Enter the required information in SAM.gov for each proceeding described in paragraph (b) of this award term. You do not need to submit the information a second time under grants and cooperative agreements that you received if you already provided the information in SAM.gov because you were required to do so under Federal procurement contracts that you were awarded.”  (See 2 CFR § 200, Appendix XII.)

H.1. Award Specific 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 2 CFR § 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 2 CFR § 200.211, Information contained in a Federal award.
  • When an applicant or recipient is not otherwise responsible.

 

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

  • Requiring payments as reimbursements rather than advance payments.
  • Withholding authority to proceed to the next phase until receipt of evidence of acceptable performance.
  • Requiring additional or more detailed financial reports.
  • Requiring additional project monitoring.
  • Requiring the recipient or subrecipient to obtain technical or management assistance.
  • Establishing additional prior approvals.

 

More restrictive conditions may be imposed based upon the criteria set forth in 44 Il Admin Code Sec.7000. 340.

The RCCA will remove the conditions once it has determined that issues have been corrected.

H.2. Start Date

Applicants must be prepared to begin grant activities starting March 1, 2025.

H.3. Site Visits

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

H.4. 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.
  • 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.

H.5. 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 for employment individuals who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, contingent upon their qualifications (i.e., education and work experience).

H.6. 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.

H.7. 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.

H.8. Administrative and National/State 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 herein may apply.

H.9. Uniform Guidance (2 CFR § 200, et.al.) Requirement Revision, Effective October 1, 2024

  • 200.113 Mandatory disclosures.

 

“An applicant, recipient, or subrecipient of a Federal [or State] award must promptly disclose whenever, in connection with the Federal [or State] award (including any activities or subawards thereunder), it has credible evidence of the commission of a violation of Federal criminal law involving fraud, conflict of interest, bribery, or gratuity violations found in Title 18 of the United States Code or a violation of the civil False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3729-3733). The disclosure must be made in writing to IDHS, the agency’s Office of Inspector General, and pass-through entity [RCCA] (if applicable). Recipients and subrecipients are also required to report matters related to recipient integrity and performance in accordance with Appendix XII of this part. Failure to make required disclosures can result in any of the remedies described in § 200.339. (See also 2 CFR part 18031 U.S.C. 3321, and 41 U.S.C. 2313.)” 2 CFR  § 200.113

 

H.10. Reporting and Grants Administration Requirements

Subrecipients shall comply with any and all federal or state reporting requirements. Subrecipients shall share certain OTTAC project data with the Opioid Abatement Strategies Effectiveness Evaluator (OASEE). Reports should be submitted electronically as prescribed by the RCCA.

Upon execution of the Subaward Agreement, subrecipients will fulfill the requirements outlined below. Additional periodic and annual performance and evaluation data may be collected as directed by the RCCA and in a format prescribed by the RCCA.

Task 1.a. Organizational Needs Assessment Survey

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

Task 1.b. Implementation and Sustainability 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 four (4) weeks of the beginning of the period of performance. The implementation plan must be maintained throughout the period of performance.

Task 1.c. 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.
  • Includes an equity and racial justice training plan.

Task 1.d. Program Performance Reports (PPRs)

Subrecipients must submit regular PPRs, as follows:

  • Monthly Performance Reports: Subrecipient shall submit monthly performance reports no later than fifteen (15) days after the month ends.
  • Quarterly Performance Reports:Subrecipient shall submit quarterly performance reports no later than 15 days after the quarter ends. Quarters end September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30.
  • Closeout Performance Reports:Subrecipient shall submit a close-out performance report no later than fifteen (15) days after the end of the period of performance or termination.

Task 1.e. Program Fiscal Reports

Subrecipients must submit regular program fiscal reports, as follows:

  • Monthly Fiscal Reports:Subrecipient shall submit monthly performance reports no later than 15 days after the month ends.
  • Quarterly Fiscal Reports:Subrecipient shall submit quarterly performance reports no later than 15 days after the quarter ends. Quarters end September 30, December 31, March 31, and June 30.
  • Closeout Fiscal Reports:Subrecipient shall submit a close-out financial report no later than 15 days after the end of the period of performance or termination.

Task 1.f. TTA Participation

Subrecipients must 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:

Webinars and Coaching Calls

Subrecipients must participate in individual and/or regional coaching calls and webinars in accordance with the program deliverables described in Section C. Program Description 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 TTA 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.

H.11. 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.

H.12. Awarding Agency Contacts

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

I. Other Information

I.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 the provision of funding, nor should an applicant draw any conclusions from these negotiations about the RCCA’s intentions to fund or not fund the proposed grant award.

I.2. Definitions

Approved abatement strategies: Those measures to address and remediate opioid-related issues that are set forth in opioid-related settlements between the State of Illinois, its participating local governments, and certain companies that market, promote, distribute, dispense, or supply opioids.

Clinical supervision: A structured, clinically focused experience in which a more experienced professional directs and guides a less experienced professional through individual and group discussions and case consultations about treatment strategies and decision making.

Cultural humility: Entering a relationship with the intention of honoring the other person’s beliefs, customs, and values. [7]

Culturally responsive: Acknowledging cultural difference during care encounters and demonstrating respect for culturally informed care preferences. [8]

Fellowship: A stipend-bearing opportunity usually offered to individuals with graduate degrees who seek deeper knowledge of a particular field of work or advancement to a specific goal.

Harm reduction: An approach to substance use treatment that involves a set of practical techniques that are openly negotiated with clients around what is most likely to be achieved. The focus is reducing the negative consequences and risky behaviors of substance use; it neither condones nor condemns any behavior. By incorporating strategies on a continuum from safer drug use to managed substance use up to abstinence, harm reduction practice helps clients affect positive changes in their lives (National Health Care for the Homeless Council).

Internship: A paid learning experience, usually directed to students or trainees, to gain work experience in a trade or occupation.

Mental health condition: Mental illness or emotional disturbance and an impaired level of functioning based on a mental health assessment.

National Opioid Settlement Agreement: Settlement agreement reached by involved state attorneys general that defines the parameters of use for settlement funds.

Opioid use disorder: A problematic pattern of opioid use that causes significant impairment or distress. OUD is a treatable, chronic disease that can affect anyone, regardless of race, gender, income level, or social class. A diagnosis of OUD is based on specific criteria, such as unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use or failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home, among other criteria. It can lead to overdose and death.17

Paid training experience: A structured experience through which individuals gain hands-on practice and learn practical skills while receiving financial compensation for their work.

Peer: A person with lived experience/expertise in recovery from substance use and/or mental health conditions.

Prevention: An interactive process of individuals and families; schools; religious organizations; communities; and regional, state, and national organizations to reduce the prevalence of substance use disorders; prevent the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of legal drugs by persons of all ages; prevent the use of alcohol by minors; build the capacities of individuals and systems; and promote healthy environments, lifestyles, and behaviors. (Illinois General Assembly. Substance Use Disorder Act.)

Recovery support: Services that assist a person in their recovery, including peer coaching; employment training and coaching; social, spiritual, and life skills support; transportation assistance; health and wellness coaching; harm reduction; referrals and linkage; and community outreach and engagement.

Substance use disorder: Recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs that causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).

Technical assistance: Tailored support to help an individual, organization, or entity build its capacity to address challenges or implement a new technology, practice, program, or policy. Ultimately, technical assistance bridges the gap between evidence and practice. [9]

Training: Structured learning to enhance employee capabilities and improve their skills.

Treatment: Services “provided according to Administrative Rule: Title 77: Public Health Chapter X: Department of Human Services Subchapter D: Licensure Part 2060 Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Treatment and Intervention Licenses Section 401 Levels of Care.” Treatment is “offered in varying degrees of intensity based on the level of care the patient is assessed in need/placed and the subsequent treatment plan developed for that patient. The level of care provided shall be in accordance with that specified in the [most current American Society of Addiction Medicine] Patient Placement Criteria” and Administrative Rule 2060.24

I.3. Applicant Technical Assistance

Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Resources

IDHS Pre-Qualification Instructions and Resources provide helpful information about the completion of pre-qualification and pre-award activities.

TA Session

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

Submit Questions and Review Answers

Submit questions at our Help Desk no later than November 27, 2024, at 5:00 PM CST.

I.4. Relevant Websites

J. Mandatory Forms

J.1. Budget Workbook

Subrecipients must use the Budget Workbook Template to submit their project budget and advance payment request. 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).

J.2. Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosures

Conflict of Interest. 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 Sec. 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.

Financial or Other Interests. 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.

K. References

[1] IDPH. Opioid Data Dashboard. http://idph.illinois.gov/opioiddatadashboard/

[2] Ibid.

[3] State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan. (March 2022). https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27896/documents/By_Division/SUPR/State-of-Illinois-Overdose-Action-Plan-March-2022.pdf

[4] Behavioral Health Workforce Center. (January 25, 2024). Behavioral Health Workforce Shortage. https://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/103Documents/HMEH/Book%20-%20Behavioral%20Health%20Workforce%20Shortage%201-25-24.pdf

[5] Rural Health Information Hub. (Accessed August 6, 2024). Health Professional Shortage Areas: Mental Health, by County, July 2024 – Illinois. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/charts/7?state=IL

[6] KFF. (April 1, 2024). Mental Health Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) https://www.kff.org/other/state-indicator/mental-health-care-health-professional-shortage-areas-hpsas/?currentTimeframe=0&selectedRows=%7B%22states%22:%7B%22illinois%22:%7B%7D%7D%7D&sortModel=%7B%22colId%22:%22Percent%20of%20Need%20Met%22,%22sort%22:%22asc%22%7D

[7] Tervalon, M., & Murray-García, J. (1998). Cultural Humility Versus Cultural Competence: A Critical Distinction in Defining Physician Training Outcomes in Multicultural Education. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved 9(2), 117-125. https://dx.doi.org/10.1353/hpu.2010.0233.

[8] Markey, K., Macfarlane, A., & Manning, M. (2023). Time to re-envisage culturally responsive care: Intersection of participatory health research and implementation science. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 79, 4228–4237. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15821.

[9] Maley, M. (2016, April). Best practices for technical assistance: What does the evidence tell us? Ithaca, NY: Act for Youth Center of Excellence.