IDHS - Division of Rehabilitation Services

PROJECT DESCRIPTION The purpose of the Older Individual Blind (OIB) Program is to provide services for individuals age 55 or older whose blindness or low vision makes competitive employment difficult to obtain but for whom independent living goals are feasible. Allowable services are used to provide independent living services, conduct activities that will improve or expand services for these individuals and conduct activities to improve public understanding of the problems of these individuals. Services are designed to help persons served under this program to adjust to their vision loss by increasing their ability to care for their individual needs. Individuals being serviced through this contractual agreement, who are also IDHS/DRS Vocational Rehabilitation customers, may receive services that provide information, instruction, and advocacy. However, services that provide equipment, devices and similar tangible items are not allowable. Services include: 1. Information and referrals. 2. Assistive technology devices and training. 3. Orientation and mobility services. 4. Communication skills training. 5. Independent living and personal management skills training. 6. Advocacy training or support network activities. 7. Individual counseling and support group meetings. 8. Community awareness events and activities to individuals. 9. Information and training to other professionals, general public, friends and relatives. Department of Human Service's and Division of Rehabilitation's funding priorities are centered on programs that will reach and assist the greatest number of individuals who are older blind throughout the state of Illinois while targeting underserved geographical locations. IDHS is working to counteract systemic racism and inequity, and to prioritize and maximize diversity throughout its service provision process. This work involves addressing existing institutionalized inequities, aiming to create transformation, and operationalizing equity and racial justice. It also focuses on the creation of a culture of inclusivity for all regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or ability.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title VII, Chapter 2; Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR Parts 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, and 97; Program Regulations in 34 CFR Parts 367 and selected sections of 34 CFR 364 and 365, listed in 34 CFR 367.4;

Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act [20 ILCS 2405]; 20 ILCS 2407; 89 ILCS 507; 89 ILCS509; 89 ILCS 511

NOT APPLICABLE

OBJECTIVES Provide DHS-DRS stated independent living (IL) services to older individuals who are blind that are described in 34-CFR § 367.3(b). Conduct activities that will improve or expand services for these individuals. Conduct activities to help improve public understanding of the challenges of these individuals.

Yes

DELIVERABLES This contract will be used to provide services to individuals who are blind or have low vision ages 55 and older: 1. Provide assistive technology devices and aids. As defined in Section 3(4) of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (Pub. L. 108-364), "assistive technology device means any item, piece of equipment, or product system whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities." Assistive technology devices may include such items as canes, slates, insulin units, CCTV's, computers, adaptive software, magnifiers, adaptive cooking items, adaptive recreational items, handwriting guides, Braillers, large button telephones, etc. 2. Provide assistive technology services and training. As defined in Section 3(5) of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (PL 108-364), "assistive technology service means any service that directly assists an individual with a disability in the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device." Services may include the evaluation of assistive technology needs of an individual, services related to acquisition of technology, costs of loan programs, maintenance and repair of assistive technology, training or technical assistance for the individual or professionals related to the use of assistive technology, programs to expand the availability of assistive technology, low vision therapy services related to the use of optical aids and devices, and other services related to the selection, acquisition, or use of an assistive technology device. 3. Provide community orientation and mobility *(O & M) services or travel training (i.e. learning to access public or private transportation and to travel safely and as independently as possible in the community with or without the use of mobility aids and devices). 4. Provide communication skills training (e.g. reading and writing Braille, keyboarding and computer literacy, computer skills training, using the telephone, handwriting guides, telling time, using readers, use of audio and tactile technologies for home, recreational or educational use; etc.). Training in the use of newspaper reading services and radio services. These activities can help individuals successfully restore and maintain their functional ability to engage in their customary life activities within their home environment. 5. Provide personal management and daily living skills training (e.g. training in the use of adaptive aids and assistive technology devices for personal management and daily living, blindness and low vision alternative techniques for food preparation, grooming and dress, household chores, medical management, shopping, recreational activities, etc.) 6. Provide supportive services (e.g. reader services, transportation, support service providers, interpreters, etc.) while actively participating in the program or attaining independent living goals. 7. Provide advocacy training or support network activities such as consumer organization meetings, peer support groups, etc. 8. Provide individual counseling and support group meetings in your location or in the community to assist them in adjusting to visual impairment and blindness. 9. Provide information and referral to other service providers, programs, and agencies (e.g. senior programs, public and private social service programs, faith-based organizations, consumer groups, etc.) to enhance adjustment, independent living, and integration. 10. Provide information and referral services to any individuals requesting information about low vision or blindness for whom this is the only service provided. 11. Provide awareness and community events throughout the fiscal year. Awareness events defined as occurring in the community (State, County and local fairs, Churches, Hospitals, Nursing Homes etc.) providing information about the program, about blindness and low vision, causes of low vision and blindness, impact of blindness on self, family members, friends, general public, professionals and others.) PERFORMANCE MEASURES 1. Number of individuals projected and served will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 2. Number of individuals and percentage of total served who received information and referrals to other service providers, programs, or agencies to enhance adjustment, independent living, and integration into the community will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 3. Number of requesting individuals and percentage of total served who received information about low vision or blindness for whom this is the only service provided will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 4. Assistive Technology: A. Number of individuals and percentage of total served who received assistive technology devices and aids will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. B. Number of individuals and percentage of those receiving assistive technology who regained, increased, or improved functional abilities previously lost due to vision loss will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 5. Number of individuals and percentage of total served who received assistive technology services and training and number who regained, increased, or improved functional abilities previously lost due to vision loss will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 6. Orientation Services: A. Number of individuals and percentage of total served who received home orientation and mobility services, and number who experienced functional gains or maintained their ability to travel safely and independently in their home environment will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. B. Number of individuals and percentage of total served who received community and travel orientation and mobility services, and number who experienced functional gains or maintained their ability to travel safely and independently in their community will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 7. Number of individuals and percentage of total served who received services or training in communication, alternative non-visual or low vision techniques will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 8. Number of individuals and percentage of total served who received support services toward independent living goals while participating in the program will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. A. Number of individuals and percentage of total served who can list one or more skills in activities of daily living and personal management that they have now that they didn't have before they received services will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. B. Number of individuals and percentage of total served that reported that they are in greater control and are more confident in their ability to maintain their current living situation as a result of identifying appropriate housing, accessible transportation and other support services will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 9. Number of projected and completed advocacy trainings and support network activities such as consumer organization meetings, peer group meetings, and etcetera will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 10. Number of projected and completed individual counseling sessions and support group meetings in your location or in the community to assist individuals in adjusting to vision loss and blindness will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 11. Number of projected and completed community events and public awareness activities targeting minorities and other older blind individuals who have traditionally been underserved will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 12. Number of projected and completed community awareness events and activities to groups and individuals for whom this was the only service provided such as information and training to other professionals, the general public, friends and relatives will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. 13. Number of projected and completed satisfaction surveys will be tracked for each quarter and the fiscal year. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS 1. At least 95% of individuals served from the amount projected for the Fiscal Year. 2. Recorded number of individuals and percentage of total served who received information and referrals to other service providers, programs, or agencies to enhance adjustment, independent living, and integration into the community. 3. Recorded number of individuals and percentage of total served who received information about low vision or blindness for whom this is the only service provided. 4. Assistive Technology. A. At least 80% of individuals received recommended assistive technology or low vision aids. B. At least 80% of individuals who received Assistive Technology services and training, regained, increased or improved functional abilities previously lost as a result of vision loss. 5. At least 80% served who received assistive technology services and training regained, increased, or improved functional abilities previously lost due to vision loss. 6. Orientation Services A. At least 80% of individuals who received home Orientation services experienced functional gains or maintained their ability to travel live safely and independently in their home environment. B. At least 80% of individuals who received community and travel Orientation and Mobility services experienced functional gains or maintained their ability to travel safely and independently in their community. 7. At least 80% of individuals who received services or training in communication, alternative non-visual or low vision techniques experienced functional gains or were able to successfully restore and maintain their functional ability to engage in their customary life activities within their home environment and community. 8. Support Services toward independent living goals. A. At least 80% of individuals can list one or more skills in activities of daily living and personal management that they have now that they didn't have before they received services. B. At least 80% of the individuals served reported that they are in greater control and are more confident in their ability to maintain their current living situation due to services. 9. At least 90% of the projected advocacy trainings and support network activities such as consumer organization meetings, peer group meetings, and etcetera were provided. 10. At least 90% of the projected individual counseling sessions and support group meetings to assist individuals in adjusting to vision loss and blindness were provided. 11. At least 90% of projected community events and public awareness activities targeting minorities and other older blind individuals who have traditionally been underserved were provided. 12. At least 90% of projected community awareness events and activities to groups and individuals for whom this was the only service provided such as information and training to other professionals, the general public, friends and relatives were provided. 13. At least 80% of the projected satisfaction surveys will be provided and at least 60% will be returned.

Nonprofit Organizations; For-Profit Organizations; Individuals; Government Organizations; Education Organizations;

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS A. Consistent with 34CFR Part 367, the State may make sub-awards to public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations; or contracts with individuals, entities, or organizations that are not public or private nonprofit agencies or organizations. B. The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-qualification and any other Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity prior to the due date of this application. If the applicant has not met the Prequalification and mandatory requirements, this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding. 1. Applicants must provide the following information via the Grantee Portal annually to be registered with the State of Illinois as an awardee: a. Organization name and contact information b. Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) c. Unique Identity Number (UEI) d. Organization type 2. Applicants must be prequalified; therefore, applications from entities that have not prequalified prior to and are not prequalified on the due date of this application will NOT be reviewed and will NOT be considered for funding. Items a) through e) below are the prequalification requirements. a. Unique Entity Identifiers and SAM Registration: Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or State awarding agency that is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR § 25.110(b) or (c), or has an exception approved by the Federal or State awarding agency under 2 CFR § 25.110(d)) is required to: i. Be registered in Sam.gov before the application due date. ii. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application. iii. Continue to maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration by the awarding agency. iv. The State Agency may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements. v. The State Agency may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award another applicant or applicants. b. Must be in "good standing" with the Illinois Secretary of State if the Illinois Secretary of State requires the entity's organization type to be registered.

PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES Older individuals who are blind, as defined in 34 CFR 367.5 of the ILOIB program regulations are the primary beneficiaries of assistance under this program. This term means "an individual aged 55 or older whose severe visual impairment makes competitive employment extremely difficult to obtain but for whom independent living goals are feasible."

Direct Payments for Specific Use

Human Services

2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.

NOT APPLICABLE

APPLICATION AND SUBMISSION INFORMATION 1. Application Package: A. The complete application package (this Notice of Funding Opportunity, including links to required forms) is available through the Illinois Catalog of State Financial Assistance and the DHS Grants website page. B. Each Applicant must have access to the internet. The Department's website will contain information regarding the NOFO and materials necessary for submission. Questions and answers will also be posted on the Department's website as described in this announcement (section 1 - Alpha section I) It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related to the NOFO. Mandatory Forms: • Program Narrative • Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance • Uniform Grant Budget in CSA • Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure • Federal Form W-9 (pdf) It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and to comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO. Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below. Applicants that do not include all the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding. 1. PROGRAM NARRATIVE: IMPORTANT: The program (proposal) narrative makes up the bulk of the application. If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your organization will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity. A. EXECUIVE SUMMARY (1 page maximum) – will serve as a stand-alone document for successful applicants providing a brief overview of each funded project to be shared with various stakeholders and those requesting program/service information. Applicants should be concise and direct in their description. Include: a. Agency name, mailing address, email address, phone number and contact person. b. Community and population served: Identify geographic area to be served; describe the population/individuals to be served. c. Brief description of the overall program model. d. Budget amount being requested for this program. B. NEED AND PROGRAM DESIGN (3 pages maximum) – provide a clear and accurate picture of the need for the proposed services within the targeted community; and how the applicant will address and meet these needs. a. Provide a detailed description of the overall program model and implementation design including associated outcomes (deliverables). b. Geographic service area – list the proposed service areas by county. c. Individuals to be served – describe the demographic characteristics of the individuals to be served including age (55 and older), income, race, ethnicity, diagnosis, etcetera; describe the barriers these individuals currently experience; describe how the agency will meet their needs and reduce barriers which will increase independence and quality of life. C. READINESS (2 pages maximum) – provide a clear and accurate picture of the physical readiness to provide proposed services within the targeted geographical area and targeted community/population. a. Equipment – describe the applicant’s physical readiness, including but not limited to the presence of existing medical equipment/tools, computers and telecommunication technology, fleet/pool vehicles, assistive devices and etcetera. Also briefly describe your inventorying system to monitor and maintain equipment, supplies, and the assistive devices. b. Space – describe the necessary space (office/community/clinic/exam/consultation/etc.) to carry out program services/activities. If applicable, describe whether this space is currently in use and is it owned, leased, being built, or if space is still in the process of being procured. c. Training – Describe any planned training that staff have had and/or will receive to ensure their current and ongoing ability to successfully perform required duties to meet program goals. D. CAPACITY (3 pages maximum, not including requested attachments) – describe the applicant’s capacity, qualifications, and ability to successfully implement an independent living services program for older individuals who are blind that will meet the requirements of this NOFO and will lead to self-reliance and independence in the individuals’ homes and communities. Include the following. a. Provide evidence that the applicant can carry out the proposed program including relevant examples of major accomplishments in services to this population. Include the number of years that the applicant has been providing these services. If specific staff have extensive related experience and success, this can be noted as well. b. All Staff/Personnel – i. list position titles and quantities of staff that will be utilized to provide the proposed program services and administrative duties, including if staff’s full-time employment (FTE) is split across programs or if staff are budgeted 100% to this proposed program. ii. Note if staff/personnel are employed by applicant organization or obtained through a contractual relationship. iii. If position is vacant, describe why it is vacant and how it will be filled within 30 days of the grant agreement start date. iv. Include the following attachments: organizational chart; position/job descriptions for each position funded by this program including required experience, required education, required certifications/licensure. c. Description of existing community partnerships that assist in providing services and resources essential to the development of independent living services to older individuals who are blind. Describe the services, roles and responsibilities expected from these partnerships. d. Governance – briefly describe the applicant’s governance structure. Include a list of the Board of Directors or other governing body including positions. Describe the role of the governing body in decision making processes and how they receive key program information to inform their responsibilities. E. QUALITY OF IMPLEMENTATION a. Describe the applicant’s referral, intake and needs assessment and plan development process. b. Describe how services will be individualized and evidence-based. c. Describe the applicant’s outreach to the community to ensure the community is aware of available services. d. Provide an estimated cost of services per older blind individual. e. Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement – i. Describe the applicant’s quality assurance process to gather data and ensure compliance with the stated programmatic design and goals (deliverables). ii. Describe how the program will utilize data collected to support continuous quality improvement. Provide at least one specific example of how the applicant has used data to drive improvement within their agency. 2. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance: The Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance is a three-page document used to formalize organization's request to apply for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization's authorized representative. This email address will be used for official communication between the Department and the applicant organization for matters regarding this application. The application can be obtained at IDHS Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance. 3. Budget and Budget Narrative a) Applicants must enter a budget electronically in the CSA system (Refer to Appendix A: CSA Budget Information for more information and a link to budget forms). The Budget entered into the CSA system must include a narrative or detailed description/justification for each line in the budget and will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how the applicant arrived at the particular amount. The CSA budget and included narrative should express and support the submitted program narrative. b) Please include cost allocations as necessary. This narrative must clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and match within each line item as appropriate. The Budget (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) should clearly describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities described in your plan. Attach a copy of your current approved Federal or State negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement if applicable. c) The budget should be prepared to reflect the full 12-month grant cycle and be consistent with the total amount requested. d) The Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA system. The Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer. e) IMPORTANT: Please be sure the budget status in CSA says "GATA Budget signed and submitted to program review." This status will appear after the budget is electronically signed by the agency CEO or CFO and submitted to IDHS. See IDHS CSA Tracking System webpage for additional information on CSA at IDHS: CSA Tracking System (state.il.us) f) The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrate that all proposed costs are: • Reasonable and necessary • Allocable, and • Allowable as defined herein and by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable. g) The budget and narrative must be entered and submitted into CSA tracking system by the same deadline of FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025 AT 5:00PM CENTRAL STANDARD TIME (CST). 4. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure - The grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure is a required for all grant award programs. The document requires agencies to identify actual or potential conflicts of interest. The form must be signed by a representative of the organization. The Conflict of Interest Disclosure can be found at Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form. 5. Federal Form W-9 – A completed federal form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification is required for all applicants. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND DEADLINES 1) The narrative portion must be organized in the format outlined below or points may be deducted. The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant. a) Program Narrative must include headers and not exceed maximum page allotments. Attachments must be included in the appropriate sections and will not be counted in page allotments. i) Executive Summary (1 page maximum) ii) Need and Program Design (3 pages maximum) iii) Readiness (2 pages maximum) iv) Capacity (3 pages maximum, not including attachments) v) Quality of Implementation vi) Budget and Budget Narrative (signed and submitted in CSA) b) 8 ½ x 11-inch paper using 12-point Arial font, black typeface on a white background, single spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides. c) The entire application must be sequentially numbered and submitted as a single word document. d) Each applicant must submit their budget through the CSA tracking system. 2) Each applicant must: a. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application. b. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) in its application; and c. Continue to maintain an active registration in SAM.gov with current information at all times during which it has an active award or an application or plan under consideration. d. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM requirements. e. The department may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied to requirements and use that determination as a basis to award to another applicant. 3) Applicants must be registered with the State of Illinois and Pre-qualified in the GATA portal prior to applying for Illinois awards. Instructions for creating an account and registering are located at the following link: Illinois GATA Grantee Portal. Additionally, detailed instructions for registration and prequalification requirements, including the expected amount of time for completion are located here: IDHS: Pre-Qualification Instructions and Resources 4) The methods for submitting the application: (1) Applicants must electronically submit the complete application as a single word document including all required narratives and attachments in the prescribed order: (a) Program Narrative and attachments. (b) Uniform-Application-for-State-Grant-Assistance.pdf (c) Budget (entered into the CSA system as described in section (4)(A)) (d) Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (e) Federal Form W-9 (2) The subject line of the email MUST state: Entity Name; Contact Name; and Funding Opportunity Number 444-30-0189 (contract unit confirms). (3) Applications must be sent electronically to Holly.Cunningham@illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. The Department will ONLY accept applications submitted by electronic mail sent to Holly.Cunningham@illinois.gov. Application submissions or delivery to any other email address or contact, including other IDHS offices or employees, will NOT be considered for review or funding. Applications will not be accepted if received by fax machine, hard copy, disk, or thumb drive. (4) The original sender of the application will receive an email to notify them that the application was received within 72 hours of receipt and will be notified if it was received by the due date and time. (5) For your records, please keep a copy of your email submission with the date and time the proposal was submitted, along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application materials were received on time at the location listed above. (6) Applicants are required to notify the Department within 48 hours of the deadline if they did not receive an email notifying them that their application was received. If the applicant does not receive an email and does not notify the Department within 48 hours, their application will be considered a late submission and will NOT be reviewed or scored. The applicant will NOT have the right to protest the submission/receipt of their application to the Department after the 48 hours. In the event of a dispute the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the email location listed above (and that the budget was submitted into the CSA system on time). ii) If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact: Holly Cunningham, Contract Project Officer Holly.Cunningham@illinois.gov 217-843-0659 iii) Full applications are due on the following date: FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025, AT 5:00PM CENTRAL STANDARD TIME (CST). iv) Missed Deadlines: (1) Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification. (2) For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced. (3) IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit the application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application. Submission of electronic documentation or unforeseen difficulties does not guarantee that the application will be reviewed. v) This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." APPLICATION REVIEW INFORMATION A. Applications that are received will be reviewed between May 2-5, 2025, to ensure they meet the criteria for consideration. Applications that do not meet the criteria in paragraph B (below) will be rejected and will not enter the Merit Review process. B. The following are the criteria that must be met for eligibility: 1. Applicant has a current registration with the State of Illinois in the Grantee Portal. 2. Applicant has an active Sam.gov public account. 3. Applicant has an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) with Sam.gov 4. Applicant is in "good standing" with the Secretary of State. 5. Applicant is not on the DHS Stop Payment List Service or the Illinois Stop Payment List. 6. Applicant is not on the Sam.gov Exclusion List. 7. Applicant is not on the Illinois Medicaid Sanctions (DHFS Provider Sanctions) List. C. Restrictions on eligibility for State awards are referenced in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.70. Program specific eligibility restrictions are referenced in this Notice of Funding Opportunity. D. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification.

Evaluation criteria is based upon 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.350 Merit Review of Applications and the IDHS Merit Review Manual. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider any factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a State of Illinois grantee, etc. While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information.

REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS 1. Evaluation criteria is based upon 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.350 Merit Review of Applications and the IDHS Merit Review Manual. 2. Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section C “Eligibility Information” will not be scored and/or consider for funding. 3. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be notified. This email will be sent to the email address provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification. 4. Applications will be evaluated based on applicant’s response to the program narrative and contents. Each section will be weighted as described below. SCORING CRITERIA MAXIMUM - 100 Points Executive Summary (1 page maximum) 5 points total Need and Program Design (3 pages maximum) •Program design (5 pts) •Geographic service area (5 pts) •Individuals to be served – meeting needs and reducing barriers (5 pts) 15 points total Readiness (2 pages maximum) •Equipment and inventorying (5 pts) •Space (5 pts) •Training (5 pts) 15 points total Capacity (3 pages maximum, not including requested attachments) •Evidence of ability to carry out proposal (5 pts) •Staff – percentage of time, job descriptions, etcetera (5 pts) •Community partnerships (5 pts) •Governance (5 pts) 20 points total Quality of Implementation (3 pages maximum) •Referral, Intake, Needs Assessment, Plan Development (10 pts) •Individualized and evidence-based services (5 pts) •Community outreach (5 pts) •Estimated cost per individual (5 pts) •Quality Assurance/Improvement (5 pts) 25 points total Budget and Budget Narrative – signed and submitted in CSA 20 points total 5. There will be one review team comprised of at least (3) three individuals representing IDHS. Applications will first be reviewed and scored individually. Then, team members will collectively review the application, their scores, and comments. Individual team members may choose to adjust scores to appropriately capture content that may have been missed initially. Scores will then be sent to the Application Review Coordinator to be compiled and averaged to produce the final application score. 6. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. The Department reserves the right to consider any factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a State of Illinois grantee, etc. While the recommendation of the review panel will be a key factor in the funding decision the Department maintains final authority over funding decisions and considers the findings of the reviewers to be non-binding recommendations. Any internal documentation used in scoring or awarding of grants shall not be considered public information. 7. In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one or more of the following options: a. Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or b. Partially fund each of the tied applications; or c. Not fund any of the tied applications. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc. RISK REVIEW A. Requirements: 1. IDHS conducts risk assessments for all awardees, prior to the award being issued. a. An agency wide Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) to be completed by the awardee within the Grantee Portal. The ICQ evaluates fiscal, administrative, and programmatic risk in the following categories: i. Quality of Management Systems ii. Financial and Programmatic Reporting iii. Ability to Effectively Implement Award Requirements iv. Awardee Audits b. A program specific Programmatic Risk Assessment conducted by the awarding agency to evaluate the following categories: i. Programmatic financial stability ii. Management systems and standards that would affect the program. iii. Programmatic audit and monitoring findings iv. Ability to effectively implement program requirements. v. External partnerships vi. Programmatic reporting c. Risk assessments are not intended to be punitive in nature, rather they are conducted in order to evaluate the support, technical assistance, and training that may be needed for the awardee and the level of monitoring that is needed for the award. d. Risk assessments may result in Specific Conditions being placed on the award to include more frequent monitoring or the implementation of a corrective action plan. AWARD NOTICES 1. Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the review and selection process will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA). The NOSA shall include: a. Grant award amount b. The terms and conditions of the award c. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative risk assessment (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA), and the Merit Review. 2. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be signed by the grants officer (or equivalent). This signature effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. The signed NOSA is the document authorizing the department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency signed NOSA must be remitted to the Department as instructed in the notice. 3. The notice is not an authorization to begin performance (to the extent that it allows charging to State awards of pre-award costs; pre-award costs are incurred at the non-State entities own risk unless they have received written prior approval to begin performance). 4. The authorizing document to begin performance is the fully executed Uniform Grant Agreement (UGA) signed by the grants officer, or equivalent. This is the official document that obligates funds. The UGA is sent to the non-State entity via the CSA system. The non-State entity will print and sign the signature page of the UGA and return signature page to DHS.OCA.SignaturePages@illinois.gov. A final signed copy of the UGA will be provided to the non-State entity via an upload into the CSA Tracking system. Note: The Department cannot issue an Agreement until the successful applicant has an approved budget entered into the CSA system. 5. Applicants who are not eligible due to registration or pre-qualification issues, or late applications will receive a Notice of Ineligibility prior to the Merit-Based Review. 6. Applicants who are not selected to receive an award following the Merit Review process will receive a Notice of Denial/Non-Selection. POST-AWARD REQUIREMENT AND ADMINISTRATION A. The agency awarded funds shall provide services as set forth in the IDHS grant agreement and shall act in accordance with all State and Federal statutes and administrative rules applicable to the provision of the services. B. Sample of the current IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement C. Payment Terms: 1. It is the policy of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) that this policy complies with 2 CFR 200.302, 2 CFR 200.305, 31 CFR 205 (Procedures implementing the Cash Management Improvement Act and Treasury State Agreement (TSA)) and 44 Ill. Admin. Code 7000.120 GOMB Adoption of Supplemental Rules for Grant Payment Methods. Three different award payment methods exist, namely Advance Payment, Reimbursement, and Working Capital Advance. D. Reporting upon execution of the grant agreement shall be in accordance with the requirements set forth in the UGA and related exhibits which include but is not limited to the following: 1. Periodic Financial Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist. 2. Periodic Programmatic Reports submitted electronically in accordance with instructions in the UGA no more frequent than quarterly and no less frequent than annually, unless unusual circumstances exist. 3. Close-out Performance Reports and Financial Reports as instructed in the UGA. 4. Other Unique Programmatic Reporting Requirements: additional annual performance data may be collected as directed by the Department and in the format prescribed by the Department. 5. If the State share of any State award may include more than $500,000 over the period of performance applicants are also subject to the reporting requirements reflected in Appendix XII to 2 CFR 200. Noncompliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop-Payment List

Deadline: Final application acceptance date is Friday, May 2, 2025 @ 5:00pm Central Standard Time (CST). Missed Deadlines: 1. Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. All applicants/applications determined to be non-compliant or otherwise determined to be disqualified from consideration will be separately notified in writing, by email, upon determination. This email will be sent to the email addresses provided in the application and will identify the reason for disqualification. 2. For your records, please keep a copy of your submission with the date and time the application was submitted along with the email address to which it was sent. The deadline will be strictly enforced. 3. IMPORTANT: It is strongly recommended that the applicant not wait until the last minute to submit an application in case they experience technical difficulties with the submission process. Applicants should keep copies of all documentation that that may prove their application was submitted to the correct location and that it was received by IDHS on or before the deadline. Applicants should also maintain all electronic documentation, including screen shots, email correspondence, help desk ticket numbers, etc. that would document any unforeseen difficulties the applicant may have encountered regarding the timely submission of the application.

AWARD DECISIONS Award decisions will be made within approximately 15 days from the application deadline. It is anticipated an announcement regarding Notice of State Awards (NOSA) will occur no sooner than May 15, 2025.

MERIT BASED REVIEW APPEAL PROCESS Only the Merit Based Review Process is subject to appeal. An appeal must be submitted in writing and received within 14 calendar days and must include the appealing party, the grant and reasons for the appeal. The Department will provide an acknowledgement within 14 calendar days of receipt and a response within 60 calendar days. 1. Competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be protested. Only be evaluation process is subject to appeal and shall be reviewed by IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO). A. Submission of Appeal to: Contact Name: Heather Speth Email address: Heather.Speth@illinois.gov Email Subject Line: APPEAL , NOFO #189-3045, Applicant/Agency Name, Contact Name An appeal must be submitted in writing to appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration. 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: 1. Name and address of the appealing party 2. Identification of the grant; and 3. Statement of the reasons for the appeal 4. Supporting documentation, if applicable B. Response to appeal 1. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within 14 calendar days from the date the appeal was received. 2. IDHS will respond to the appeal within 60 days or supply a written explanation to the appealing party as to why additional time is required. 3. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request C. Resolution 1. The ARO will make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information. 2. In determining the appropriate recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the competitive grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the State Agency. 3. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination. 4. The determination shall include, but not be limited to: 5. Review of the appeal; 6. Appeal determination; and 7. Rationale for the determination.

Successful applicants awarded under this NOFO may be eligible to receive two subsequent one-year grant renewals for this program. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on sufficient appropriation and performance criteria including, but not limited to: 1. Grantee has performed satisfactorily during the previous reporting period. 2. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division/Department. 3. No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.).

COST SHARING Applicants/Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match. State Requirements - Under section 752(f) of the Rehabilitation Act, the States must contribute $1 for each $9 of Federal grant funding received, in cash or in kind. MOE requirements are not applicable to this program. All awards issued will contain both federal funding and state match. The final award allocation between federal and state funds will be based upon the Division's operating needs.

USES & RESTRICTIONS • IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles. Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records. • Pre-award costs are not allowable. • Indirect Costs may be applied to this grant award. Indirect Cost rates must be approved through the Illinois Indirect Cost Rate Election System (ICRES) Indirect Cost Rate Requirements: 1. Negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of Illinois. This option requires an indirect cost rate proposal and supporting documentation to be developed by the grantee and submitted in the State of Illinois Centralized Indirect Cost System. A State of Illinois Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) will be accepted by all State of Illinois agencies for indirect cost rate reimbursement on State awards, provided the specific award is not subject to statutory restrictions, thresholds or ceilings that limit the indirect cost reimbursement amount. Specific Indirect cost restrictions can be located within the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for each award. A State of Illinois (NICRA) can only be used for State awards and will not be accepted by federal agencies for use on direct federal awards. 2. Elect the de minimis rate - 10% of modified total direct costs (MTDC). This option is available for grantees that has never received a negotiated indirect cost rate agreement in the past. Once elected, this rate may be used for indirect cost rate reimbursement on State awards, provided the specific award is not subject to statutory restrictions, thresholds or ceilings that limit the indirect cost reimbursement amount. Specific Indirect cost restrictions can be located within the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for each award. The de minimis rate of 10% (MTDC) can be used indefinitely by a grantee until such a time the grantee chooses to negotiate an indirect cost rate, which the grantee may do so at any time. Once an indirect cost rate is negotiated the de minimis rate of 10% (MTDC) option will no longer be available to the grantee. 3. Provide a copy of a current Federal Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA). This option is available to grantees that receive awards directly from a Federal awarding agency and have negotiated an indirect cost rate with its Federal cognizant agency for indirect costs. The current Federal NICRA will be accepted by all State of Illinois agencies for indirect cost rate reimbursement on State awards, provided the specific award is not subject to statutory restrictions, thresholds or ceilings that limit the indirect cost reimbursement amount. Specific Indirect cost restrictions can be located within the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for each award. 4. Elect to decline any indirect cost rate. This “no rate” option certifies to all State of Illinois agencies that the grantee will not seek indirect cost reimbursement from any State of Illinois award. Grantees that administer programs that are exempt from 2 CFR 200 Subpart E – Cost Principles may elect this option. • Awards cannot be used to pay for alcoholic beverages; and cannot be used to pay for entertainment, which includes costs for amusement, diversion, and social activities. A grantee hosting a meeting or conference may not use grant funds to pay for food for conference attendees unless doing so is necessary to accomplish the legitimate meeting or conference business. Grantees must receive written pre-approval to use grant funds to host a meeting or conference that includes food. Furthermore, all meeting or conference materials or publicity of any nature paid for with grant funds must include appropriate disclaimers, such as: • The contents of this (insert type of publicity or public action) must identify the Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services as the sponsoring agency and must not be released without prior written approval from the State's Authorized Representative. The publicity or public action must also include a provision that the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services nor is it an endorsement. For purposes of this provision, publicity includes: notices, informational pamphlets, press releases, research, reports, signs, and similar public notices prepared by or for the grantee individually or jointly with others, with respect to the program, publications, or services provided resulting from the grant agreement or subsequent amendments. • Costs of contributions and donations, including cash, property, and services are unallowable as is the cost of organized fund raising. Depreciation on equipment purchased by the State/Federal government directly or through a grant is an unallowable cost. Other prohibitions related can be found in the GATA Legislation 30 ILCS 708 and 2 CFR 200 Federal Uniform Guidance.

PROGRAM AND FINANCIAL REPORTING REQUIREMENT A. Time Period for Required Periodic Financial Reports. Unless a different reporting requirement is specified in Exhibit E, Grantee shall submit financial reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 10.1 and reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends. B. Time Period for Close-out Reports. Grantee shall submit a Close-out Report pursuant to Paragraph 10.2 and no later than 30 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination. C. Time Period for Required Periodic Performance Reports. Unless a different reporting requirement is specified in Exhibit E, Grantee shall submit Performance Reports to Grantor pursuant to Paragraph 11.1 and such reports must be submitted no later than 30 days after the quarter ends. D. Time Period for Close-out Performance Reports. Grantee agrees to submit a Close-out Performance Report, pursuant to Paragraph 11.2 and no later than 30 days after this Agreement's end of the period of performance or termination. PAYMENT TERMS IDHS will disburse payments to Grantee based on actual allowable costs incurred as reported in the monthly financial invoice. Grantees must submit monthly invoices in a format prescribed by Grantor. Invoices must include all allowable incurred costs for the first and each subsequent month of operations until the end of the Award term. Invoices must be submitted no later than 15 days following the end of any respective monthly invoice period, or as indicated in their UGA. As practicable, Grantor shall process payment within 30 calendar days after receipt of the invoice, unless the State awarding agency reasonably believes the request to be improper. Grantees may be required to submit additional supporting documentation for their requests at the request of and in a manner prescribed by the Grantor. Monthly Reporting: 1. A Monthly Grant Invoice (MGI), or alternate format provided by the Division, is required monthly to initiate payment. The MGI, or alternate format, will be provided by the DRS Contract Project Officer at the beginning of the contract period. Training and technical assistance on the completion of the form is available from the DRS Contract Project Officer. MGIs are to be sent by email to the DRS Contract Project Officer within 15 days following the end of any respective monthly invoice period, or as indicated in their UGA. Financial documentation (receipts, bills/invoices, travel logs, payroll register, ledgers, etc.) to support the MGI must be submitted each month along with the MGI. Failure to provide required or additional financial documentation when requested will suspend payment for services. 2. The Customer Tracking Report (CTR) will be provided by the DRS Contract Project Officer at the beginning of the contract period. Training and technical assistance on the completion of the form will be provided by the DRS Contract Project Officer. The documents are accepted by fax or email to the DRS Contract Project Officer within 15 working days of the beginning of the month for the previous month of service. The documents include customer demographic and service-related information. Additional data elements may be added during the contract period as deemed necessary to support reporting requirements. Grantees will be expected to comply with any added reporting fields on the documents for all customers. Quarterly Reporting: 1. The Periodic Financial Report (PFR) is a standard, uniform statewide financial reporting format used by all State agencies in Illinois to collect financial information from recipients of State grant awards. The PFR will be provided by the DRS Contract Project Officer at the beginning of the contract period. Training and technical assistance on the completion of the form is available from the DRS Contract Project Officer. PFR's are to be sent by email to the DRS Contract Project Officer within 15 calendar days of the beginning of the month for the previous three months of service. 2. The Periodic Performance Report (PPR) is a standard, uniform statewide performance progress reporting format used by all State agencies to in Illinois collect performance information from recipients of State grant awards. The PPR is based on existing federal forms and meets State and federal requirements under GATA. The PPR is to be submitted by the Grantee to the DRS Project Officer. PPR's are to be sent by email to the DRS Contract Project Officer within 15 calendar days of the beginning of the month for the previous three months of service. The report deadlines are as follows: • For the 1st Quarter: July 1 through September 30 – Due October 15 • For the 2nd Quarter: October 1 through December 31 – Due January 15 • For the 3rd Quarter: January 1 through March 30 – Due April 15 • For the 4th Quarter: April 1 through June 30 – Due July 15 Annually 1. A final PFR shall be required at the completion of the grant term. For final PFRs, the reporting period end date shall be the end date of the project/grant award. A Final Reconciliation is the final financial closeout of the award. The Financial Reconciliation will be provided by the DRS Contract Project Officer. Training and technical assistance on the completion of the form will be provided by the DRS Contract Project Officer. Financial Reconciliations will only be accepted by email to the DRS Contract Project Officer no later than July 15 of the current fiscal year. 2. 7-OB Annual Report. A 7-OB Form is a federally required report which measures and monitors financial and performance standards. The 7-OB data collection form(s) will be provided by the DRS Contract Project Officer. Training and technical assistance on the completion of the form will be provided by the DRS Contract Project Officer. The 7-OB Forms are accepted by email. The 7-OB must be completed by October 30th of the current fiscal year and submitted to the DRS Project Officer. Payments will be made in accordance with an approved Uniform Grant Budget, completion of all reporting requirements, and adherence to the minimum threshold for acceptable performance as outlined in the contract via the reimbursement method.

JCAR Title 44 Illinois Administrative Code 7000.90 Auditing Standards

JCAR Title 44 Illinois Administrative Code 7000.430 Record Retention. Generally, States and subgrantees, as well as the training and technical assistance grantee, must retain records related to grant funds and compliance for a period of 3 years.

0081 444 30 4900 05 00

This funding is a mixture of federal and state funds. The Department anticipates the availability of approximately $1,800,000.00 in total funding for the FY26 funding year of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Serices to make an award. Services may not be provided until a contract is fully executed by the Department and Notification of Services Award (NOSA) has been signed and submitted by the grantee.

12 awards averaging from $100,000.00 - $150,000.00 each.

2,680 people were served successfully through the Older Individual Blind Grant Program in FY24 in Illinois. We are working to continually improve our processes and outcomes.

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, Title VII, Chapter 2; Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR Parts 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, and 97; Program Regulations in 34 CFR Parts 367 and selected sections of 34 CFR 364 and 365, listed in 34 CFR 367.4; 2 CFR 200; 20 ILCS 2405; 20 ILCS 2407; 30 ILCS 70; 89 ILCS 507; 89 ILCS509; and 89 ILCS 511.

Statewide (Illinois)

Department of Human Services - Division of Rehabilitation Services Bureau of Customer and Community Blind Services 809 Commercial Street Springfield, Illinois 62703

https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32305

NOT APPLICABLE

NOT APPLICABLE

4/2/2025

FY 2019 : $1,173,466
FY 2020 : $1,164,784
FY 2021 : $1,155,730