NOFO: WARM
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
All materials, links, and resources related to this notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) are available at the Illinois Regional Care Coordination Agency website via the Funding Opportunities page.
| 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 | $6 million over 3 years ($2 million per year) | Source of Funding | Illinois Opioid Remediation State Trust Fund |
| Award Range | $250,000 – $300,000 for each funding period | Indirect Costs Allowed | Yes |
| Number of Awards | A minimum of 7 | Cost-Sharing or Matching Requirement | No |
| Funding Periods | The anticipated funding periods for this award are as follows: (1) October 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 (2) July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 This NOFO is for two funding periods. Subrecipients may be eligible to receive up to one 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 (NOFO) sets forth the requirements for program applications to fund peer recovery support services delivered using a warm handoff model to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) or polysubstance use disorder who are experiencing a housing transition.
A.1. Authorizing Statutes or Regulations
Awardees are required to adhere to the requirements outlined in the following:
- Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA), 30 ILCS 708
- Illinois Administrative Code, Government Contracts, Title 44, Part 7000
- Grantmaking, Procurement, and Property Management, and federal regulations under Grants and Agreements, 2 CFR 200
- The requirements and policies outlined in the Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) Contractual Policy Manual
A.2. Background
In 2013, 1,072 people in Illinois died of an opioid overdose.[1] In 2020, the number of fatal overdoses reached 2,000, and in 2021 and 2022, 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 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. The OOSA is housed within IDHS/SUPR.
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 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/
Individuals with OUD experiencing homelessness or housing transitions have disparate rates of overdose death and challenges with maintaining continuity of care that may make it difficult to maintain treatment. For example,
- People with an opioid use disorder are at an increased risk of overdose death following discharge from a hospital setting.[4]
- Overdose is the leading cause of death for people exiting incarceration.[5]
- Individuals who receive medication-assisted recovery (MAR) services while incarcerated often fall through the cracks upon release for numerous reasons, such as unexpected early release, lack of transportation, lack of phone, lack of insurance, lack of photo identification, and low treatment engagement. [6]
- Overdose has been identified as a leading cause of death among people experiencing homelessness.[7] Most overdose deaths among people experiencing homelessness involve opioids and they are significantly more likely to die from an overdose death when compared to the general population.[8]
- Additionally, continuity of care can become complicated for individuals receiving shelter-based MAR services when they unexpectedly move into housing in the community.[9]
These risks highlight the need to link this population to evidence-based opioid overdose prevention strategies like Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution and opioid use disorder treatment including Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR).
Peer engagement and warm handoffs have been shown to improve a variety of outcomes for person with OUD and polysubstance disorders. Peer-based teams can improve continuity of care across various transitions, including individuals treated in a hospital for an opioid overdose,[10] individuals receiving a first dose of buprenorphine during an emergency department visit,[11] and individuals beginning MAR in jails.[12] The National Association of Counties has determined the warm handoff, defined as “a transfer of care between service providers through face-to-face, phone, or video interaction in the presence of the person being helped,”[13] to be a best practice in responding to the opioid epidemic.
Despite the body of research indicating effectiveness, warm handoffs are not uniformly used in jails, prisons, homeless services, and hospitals. For example, a 2020 Illinois Public Health Institute study of opioid treatment services in Chicago revealed that hospitals studied over-relied on referrals, rather than warm handoffs, and that the wider opioid treatment system over-relied on informal partnerships, rather than cross-sector collaboration.[14]
A.4. 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 $6 million over three years from the Illinois Opioid Remediation State Trust Fund (Fund) for Warm Handoff and Recovery Support Services for priority populations 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) grant to serve as the Regional Care Coordination Agency (RCCA). The RCCA administers subawards with organizations providing prevention, intervention, treatment, and harm reduction services for people with SUDs in accordance with state-approved strategies.
The RCCA is now accepting applications to fund programs to provide Warm Handoff and Recovery Support Services (WARM). Applications will only be accepted through the online application available at the Illinois Regional Care Coordination Agency website via the Funding Opportunities page.
A.5. Scope of Services
WARM programs must provide peer recovery support services using a warm handoff model to individuals with OUD or polysubstance use disorder (including opioids), who are in housing transition, including:
- Pending or recent discharge from a jail, prison, hospital, or inpatient treatment.
- Transition within the justice system (e.g., monitored community release or completing probation or parole).
- Current homelessness or transition from homelessness into a housing setting.
- Exiting a recovery residence (e.g., peer-run recovery residence or recovery home).
Services shall be designed for a population disparately affected by the opioid crisis, and no person shall be denied service because of ongoing substance use or a return to use.
IDHS/SUPR has promoted two potential models for warm handoff initiatives, and these may be used to support the development of program service delivery models. Alternatives may be proposed.
- In co-located warm handoff services, peer recovery support specialists employed by an outside agency work within a setting such as a hospital, jail, or shelter, where they establish a relationship with individuals with OUD, engage them in SUD treatment, and provide ongoing recovery supports. An advantage of this model is that a single program can serve multiple sites, but staff coverage must be sufficient to ensure all discharges are accommodated, and privacy concerns must be addressed.
- In integrated warm handoff services, a jail, hospital, or shelter conducts Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment, hiring and training peer recovery support specialists to transition individuals who screen positive for OUD to community-based care.
IDHS/SUPR also developed workflows and a checklist for conducting warm hand-offs as part of its 2021 MAR toolkit that may be used to inform development of the program model. For example, best practices include:
- When warm handoffs to MAR are made, it is critical that key information, such as physical exam results and lab results, are communicated to the MAR provider.
- The person facilitating the warm handoff should offer harm reduction services, such as naloxone and information about preventing infectious disease.
- In addition to screening, counseling, and transmitting information, transportation to the initial meeting is a key element of warm handoffs.
The IDHS/SUPR toolkit focused on transitions from hospitals. However, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) toolkit on transition from jail or prison makes similar recommendations about warm handoffs, including the need for transportation and face-to-face introductions. However, transition from correctional settings may require earlier contact to address issues such as enrollment in health coverage.
Task 1. Fulfill Award Administration Requirements
The subrecipient must fulfill obligations outlined in section G. of the NOFO, Award Administration Information, including
- a) Organizational needs assessment,
- b) Implementation and sustainability plan development,
- c) Equity and racial justice plan development,
- d) Performance reporting,
- e) Fiscal reporting, and
- f) Participating in training and technical assistance (TTA).
Task 2. Coordination and Collaboration
The subrecipient must establish relationships, agreements and protocols to implement the model. Relationships should include, as aligned with the proposed model, the following:
- a) One or more hospital, jail, prison, or provider of homelessness services; and
- b) MAR providers, other community-based SUD treatment providers, homelessness Continuums of Care, providers of housing/homelessness services, overdose education and naloxone distribution programs, recovery community organizations (RCOs), and harm reduction groups.
The subrecipient must complete the following activities:
- a) Within 60 days, submit a coordination plan detailing the population of focus, including:
- demographic information and geographic area to be served,
- the existing or planned partnerships
- the warm handoff model (integrated, co-located, or an alternative approach),
- the protocols to be established, including
- Transportation to an initial community-based MAR appointment and (if desired) accompany the individual to the initial appointment.
- Data and information sharing that include the subrecipient providing results of recent examination, medical history, recent lab results, and other information pertinent to the initiation of community-based MAR. All information sharing must follow the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and 42 C.F.R. Part 2.
- Transportation and accompaniment to other clinical treatment for OUD, including mental health and/or SUD treatment, as indicated and desired by the individual.
- b) Within 90 days, submit the necessary memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
Subrecipients must also participate, when available, with local groups dedicated to substance use or homelessness. These may include regional coalitions facilitated by the RCCA, local ROSC councils (if any), and other relevant community coalitions. At a minimum, subrecipients must
- c) Actively participate in regional coalitions coordinated by the RCCA
Task 3. Outreach, Engagement, and Education
Subrecipients must, within 90 days, be prepared to conduct outreach, engagement, and education activities as follows:
- a) Within 60 days, hire at least 1 FTE staff member who is a CRSS or CPRS or working towards certification during their employment with the program;
- b) Within 90 days, initiate outreach activities to members of the priority population using motivational interventions designed to increase engagement in MAR and other clinical services; and
- c) Deliver the following outreach and engagement services for at least 12 months to program participants:
- a) Peer support services, including emotional support, promotion of drug-free leisure activities, and practical support with adjusting to new housing;
- b) Linkages to RCOs, harm reduction organizations and service providers in the community; and
- c) Linkages to needed community supports that promote self-sufficiency, including workforce agencies and childcare providers.
Task 4. Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution (OEND) Services
Subrecipients must, within 90 days, be prepared to offer overdose education and naloxone kits to all program participants. Specifically, subrecipients must
- a) Enroll (if not currently enrolled) in the IDHS/SUPR Drug Overdose Prevention Program; and
- b) Offer naloxone kits and naloxone education to all individuals in transition contacted by the program, whether or not the individual is interested in engaging otherwise with treatment or recovery supports.
Task 5. Warm Handoff Services
Subrecipients must, within 90 days, be prepared to offer warm handoff services. This includes education, offering warm handoffs, and conducting warm handoff services in accordance with the program model to treatment and recovery support services. Subrecipients must
- a) Educate participants about treatment options, including
- MAR and its role in reducing risk of overdose, identifying options for MAR in the client’s area including local OTPs offering methadone and prescribers offering buprenorphine;
- Other clinical treatment services
- b) Offer warm handoffs to MAR and other clinical treatment services, including mental health and/or SUD treatment; and
- c) Conduct warm handoffs to MAR and other clinical treatment services in accordance with model protocols.
Task 6. Housing Supports
Subrecipients must, within 90 days, initiate delivery of housing support services to participants. Specifically, subrecipients must
- a) Assist with obtaining housing, including, but not limited to
- Searching for housing;
- Applying for subsidized housing (e.g., filling out applications);
- Completing application for Coordinated Entry systems; and
- Assisting with moving in;
- b) Paying first month’s rent or other associated move-in fees; and
- c) Providing “welcome home kits” of hygiene supplies, clothing, furniture, and other basic household items for people transitioning into housing.
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 | Coordination and Collaboration | (a) Develop a coordination plan that reflects community and population needs | 100% | Coordination plan developed (60 days) |
| (b) Develop or maintain MOUs with partners | A minimum of 3 | # MOUs or agreements created (90 days) | ||
| (c) Attend RCCA coalition meetings | 75% | # RCCA meetings attended (quarterly) | ||
| T3 | Outreach, Engagement, and Education | (a) Hire at least 1 FTE peer staff member | 100% | # FTE hired (60 days) |
| (b) Initiate outreach services | 100% |
Services are available (90 days)
# outreach contacts (by demographic) |
||
| (c) Deliver ongoing outreach and engagement services to participates for 12 months |
80%
50% |
# encounters (by demographic) Retention rate at 12 months |
||
| T4 | OEND Services | (a) Enroll in OEND | 100% | Program enrollment completed |
| (b) Offer naloxone kits and naloxone education | 85% |
% of participants offered kits # kits distributed |
||
| T5 | Warm Handoff Services | (a) Educate participants about treatment options | 85% | # of individuals educated on treatment options (by type) |
| (b) Offer warm handoffs | 85% | # of individuals offered warm handoffs | ||
| (c) Conduct warm handoffs | 50% |
% individuals receiving warm handoff to MAR (by type) % individuals receiving warm handoff to other clinical services (by type) |
||
| T6 | Housing Supports | (a) Assist with obtaining housing | 80% | # participants offered housing assistance |
| (b) Provide financial assistance with initial rent or move-in expenses | 50% | % of eligible individuals with housing within 30 days of transition | ||
| (c) Provide “welcome home kits” | 80% | # individuals receiving welcome home kits when moving into housing | ||
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 $6,000,000 to be awarded over 3 years.
- The RCCA anticipates making up to 7 awards in the amount of $250,000–$300,000 each. The maximum award applied for should be $300,000 for the initial period of performance.
- Funding period 1 will span October 1, 2024–June 30, 2025, and funding period 2 will span July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. Renewals of this program are at the discretion of the RCCA, based on performance and sufficient appropriations. Continued funding is subject to appropriations and release of funds by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
- The source of funding for this program is the Illinois Opioid Remediation State Trust Fund.
- 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.
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:
- Applicants must be a non-profit, for-profit, or tax-exempt entity located in Illinois.
- Applicants must be able to fulfill the scope of services detailed in this funding notice.
- Applicants must have the capacity to comply with the legal, fiscal, reporting, and programmatic requirements as described in this funding notice.
- Applicants proposing the use of program funds to provide services that require state or federal licensure must be actively licensed.
- All entities must be qualified to do business with the State of Illinois.
- Applicants must complete the pre-qualification process described in this section.
- 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
| Step | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carefully review this document with your stakeholders. |
Consider these questions:
|
| 2 | Prepare to apply. |
|
| 3 | Access technical assistance (TA) resources. |
|
| 4 | Complete attachments and forms. |
|
| 5 | Complete the online application and supplemental materials. |
|
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 grant activities starting October 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
| Step | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carefully review this document with your stakeholders. |
Consider these questions:
|
| 2 | Prepare to apply. |
|
| 3 | Access technical assistance (TA) resources. |
|
| 4 | Complete attachments and forms. |
|
| 5 | Complete the online application and supplemental materials. |
|
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 Illinois Regional Care Coordination Agency (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
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 | 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 June 28, 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 August 18 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
Drug Overdose Prevention Program: a program managed by IDHS/SUPR that allows organizations to register to distribute naloxone in Illinois.
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.
SAMHSA defines harm reduction as a practical and transformative approach that incorporates community-driven public health strategies—including prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion—to empower people who use drugs (PWUD) and their families with the choice to live healthy, self-directed, and purpose-filled lives. Harm reduction centers the lived-living experience of PWUD, especially those in underserved communities, in these strategies and the practices that flow from them.
Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR): the use of Food and Drug Administration-approved medications to treat SUD. Currently, medications approved to treat OUD include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 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 even lead to overdose and death.
Outreach: Outreach is the encouragement, engagement, or re-engagement of individual(s) who are at risk into treatment through community institutions such as churches, schools, and medical facilities (as defined by the community) or through IDHS consultation.
Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution: an evidence-based overdose prevention intervention that involves teaching people about how to recognize the signs of an overdose and supplying them with naloxone to be administered in response to a suspected opioid overdose. Such programs may also provide education about risk factors for overdose and safer-use strategies that can reduce overdose risk.
Peer: a person who has lived experience/expertise in their own recovery from substance use and/or mental health challenges
Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC): a coordinated network of community-based services and supports that is person-centered and builds on the strengths and resiliencies of individuals, families, and communities to achieve recovery and improved health, wellness, and quality of life for those with or at risk of substance use and/or mental health challenges. The central focus of a ROSC is to create an infrastructure, or “system of care,” with the resources to effectively address the full range of substance use problems within communities.
Recovery Support Services: services that assist a person in their recovery, including recovery and peer coaching, employment training and coaching, spiritual support, transportation, health and wellness, harm reduction, recovery and life skills, social support, referral and linkage, and community outreach and engagement.
Warm Handoff: as defined by the National Association of Counties, “a transfer of care between service providers through face-to-face, phone or video interaction in the presence of the person being helped.”
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
- 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 TA session (recommended, but not required) at the Illinois RCCA Website.
Submit Questions and Review Answers
Submit questions at our Help Desk or via email to ilrcca@ahpnet.com with the subject line “WARM” no later than June 17, 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 the IL RCCA Funding Opportunities page.
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.
References
[1] Illinois Opioid Data Dashboard. http://idph.illinois.gov/opioiddatadashboard/
[2] Ibid.
[3] State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan. https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27896/documents/By_Division/SUPR/State-of-Illinois-Overdose-Action-Plan-March-2022.pdf
[4] King, C., Cook, R., Korthuis, P. T., Morris, C. D., & Englander, H. (2022). Causes of Death in the 12 Months After Hospital Discharge Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder. Journal of addiction medicine, 16(4), 466–469.
[5] Binswanger, I. A., Blatchford, P. J., Mueller, S. R., & Stern, M. F. (2013). Mortality after prison release: opioid overdose and other causes of death, risk factors, and time trends from 1999 to 2009. Annals of internal medicine, 159(9), 592–600. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-159-9-201311050-00005
[6] Stopka, T. J., Rottapel, R. E., Ferguson, W. J., Pivovarova, E., Toro-Mejias, L. D., Friedmann, P. D., & Evans, E. A. (2022). Medication for opioid use disorder treatment continuity post-release from jail: A qualitative study with community-based treatment providers. The International Journal on Drug Policy, 110, 103803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103803
[7] Baggett, T. P., Hwang, S. W., O’Connell, J. J., Porneala, B. C., Stringfellow, E. J., Orav, E. J., Singer, D. E., & Rigotti, N. A. (2013). Mortality among homeless adults in Boston: shifts in causes of death over a 15-year period. JAMA internal medicine, 173(3), 189–195. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.1604
[8] Fine, D. R., Dickins, K. A., Adams, L. D., De Las Nueces, D., Weinstock, K., Wright, J., Gaeta, J. M., & Baggett, T. P. (2022). Drug Overdose Mortality Among People Experiencing Homelessness, 2003 to 2018. JAMA network open, 5(1), e2142676. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.42676
[9] Chatterjee, A., Obando, A., Strickland, E., Nestler, A., Harrington-Levey, R., Williams, T., & LaCoursiere-Zucchero, T. (2017). Shelter-based opioid treatment: Increasing access to addiction treatment in a family shelter. American Journal of Public Health, 107(7), 1092–1094. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2017.303786
[10] Treitler, P., Crystal, S., Cantor, J., Chakravarty, S., Kline, A., Morton, C., Powell, K. G., Borys, S., & Cooperman, N. A. (2024). Emergency Department Peer Support Program and Patient Outcomes After Opioid Overdose. JAMA network open, 7(3), e243614. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.3614
[11] Bogan, C., Jennings, L., Haynes, L., Barth, K., Moreland, A., Oros, M., Goldsby, S., Lane, S., Funcell, C., & Brady, K. (2020). Implementation of emergency department-initiated buprenorphine for opioid use disorder in a rural southern state. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 112S, 73–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2020.02.007
[12] Pourtaher, E., Gelberg, K. H., Fallico, M., Ellendon, N., & Li, S. (2024). Expanding access to Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) in jails: A comprehensive program evaluation. Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, 161, 209248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.josat.2023.209248
[13] Carroll, J. J. (March 29, 2024). Warm hand-offs: A NACo opioid solutions strategy brief. National Association of Counties. https://www.naco.org/resource/osc-warm-hand-offs
[14] Illinois Public Health Institute. (August 2020). Responding to opioid overdoses and treating opioid use disorder: A landscape analysis of Chicago’s west and south sides. https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/cdph/CDPH/Healthy%20Chicago/LA_Full_Report_IPHI.pdf