Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery

Executive Summary FIRST is an evidence-based treatment model of coordinated specialty care (CSC) created by the Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) to help the early identification and treatment of first episode psychosis. CSC is a team-based, multi-disciplinary collaborative, recovery-oriented, model of shared decision-making that occurs between the team and the individual experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) adapted the BeST Center model to create FIRST.IL, a manualized, team-based, early intervention model that targets individuals between the ages of 14-40 who have experienced their first episode of psychosis within the last 18 months. Funding Purpose The general purpose of this program’s funding is to address early serious mental illness (ESMI) through a first episode psychosis program with the use of Coordinated Specialty Care teams The program is expected to make an early impact on the duration of untreated psychosis by reducing symptoms of psychotic illnesses, improving individual and family functioning, reducing the chance of psychotic relapse, promoting recovery and improving the long-term course of the illness, and decreasing the overall costs of treatment for the public good. Funding Priorities or Focus Areas 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.

Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services

59 Ill. Admin, Code 132 (Rule 132), Section 132.150g Mental Health Community Services Act (405 ILCS 30/ Section (f))

Illinois Administrative Code Part 7000 Grant Accountability and Transparency Act

Program Description The Grantee must implement the FIRST.IL model of Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) for Early Serious Mental Illness (ESMI) treatment consistent with evidence-based services for individuals experiencing ESMI. Performance Requirements The Grantee will: 1. Follow the rules and guidelines in the FIRST.IL Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode Psychosis Procedure Manual provided by DHS/DBHR. 2. Establish a Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) Team that at a minimum includes Prescriber, Team Leader, Individual Resiliency Training (IRT) Therapist, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Specialist-Supported Employment/Supported Education Specialist (SEE), Community Support Specialist, and Substance Use Specialist. The Team Leader is considered key personnel and shall be replaced only for compelling reasons. Successors to the Team Leader position must be approved by DBHR program staff, and such approval is contingent upon submission of appropriate information, including, but not limited to, a resume. 3. Conduct and document at least 5 outreach and community-based education activities per month (per funded site) on ESMI including Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, Affective Disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The outreach and education will utilize trusted messengers to assist in reaching diverse populations. Trusted messengers are defined as persons regarded by community members as credible sources of health information for individuals in making informed decisions regarding health maintenance and health seeking behavior. 4. Utilize marketing tools consistent with the DBHR marketing portfolio provided, including FIRST.IL brochures, reference cards, marketing and outreach briefs, and a PowerPoint presentation. Marketing should include efforts to target diverse populations within the community to be served. 5. After receipt of referral, make initial contact within 24 hours with the client or family member to determine if they are appropriate for FIRST.IL program. A Mental Health Assessment (MHA) is to be completed within 72 hours of completing the screening. Completion of these activities may be done onsite or in the community to ensure the timely completion of initial MHAs for individuals referred. Initial psychiatric evaluation performed by a prescriber approving eligibility into the program must take place within 14 days following completion of the MHA. After enrollment is approved, initial client data requested by DHS/DBHR and the Clinician Rated Symptoms of Psychosis Rating Scale (Psychosis Symptom Severity Scale), will be entered into the FEP Database within 10 business days. 6. Throughout the duration of client enrollment, update client data (requested by DHS/DBHR) and the Psychosis Symptom Severity Scale in the FEP Database every six months from the date of enrollment. All significant events such as hospitalizations and legal confinement must be entered into the FEP Database within 10 business days from occurrence. 7. Serve individuals identified as experiencing an ESMI with intent to decrease hospitalizations and begin a pathway to recovery, regardless of Medicaid eligibility status, Medicaid Managed Care assignment, or private insurance coverage limits. Non-reimbursable service costs for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured can be billed to the Grant. 8. Integrate the early intervention, shared decision making and CSC Team model features of the FIRST.IL model into their organization to the satisfaction of the program contact. 9. Participate in FIRST.IL trainings, learning collaborative teleconferences, CBT-p consultations, FEP fidelity training and reviews, provider-specific CSC team meetings and project meetings conducted by DHS/DBHR including Team Leader meetings. 10. Ensure FIRST.IL staff complete required FIRST.IL training within 30 business days. 11. One Grantee will act in a fiduciary capacity and provide the following services: a. Process payments for FIRST.IL training and conferences provided by credentialed FIRST.IL specialized training entity as prescribed by DBHR. b. Process payments for expenses agreed upon by DBHR and fiduciary. Performance Measures 1. Number of days in reporting period the Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) Team was fully staffed with positions including Prescriber, Team Leader, Individual Resiliency Training (IRT) Therapist, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Specialist-Supported Employment/Supported Education Specialist, Community Support Specialist and Substance Use Specialist. 2. Number of outreach events or community-based education on the symptoms of psychosis conducted by Team Leaders in partnership with trusted messengers and documented with a minimum of 5 per month in a format provided by DBHR. 3. Number of outreach efforts made to areas that are in catchment service area reaching more diverse populations. 4. Number of clients referred to the FIRST.IL program. 5. Number of referred clients who received a mental health screening. 6. Number of referred clients who received a phone screening within 24 hours of referral. 7. Number of clients who received a Mental Health Assessment (MHA) within 72 hours of the screening. 8. Number of clients assessed and determined to be eligible and appropriate for psychiatric evaluation. 9. Number of clients determined to be eligible and appropriate who received a psychiatric evaluation by a prescriber within 14 days of the MHA. 10. Number of clients determined eligible for enrollment into the FIRST.IL program by the prescriber. 11. Number of clients determined eligible for enrollment into the FIRST.IL program by the prescriber were enrolled in the program (defined as meeting with the team leader and choosing at least two services to participate in). 12. Number of enrolled clients entered into the FEP Database within 10 business days. 13. Number of significant events for enrolled clients, such as hospitalizations and legal confinement. 14. Number of significant events for enrolled clients, such as hospitalizations and legal confinement, entered into the FEP Database within 10 business days. 15. Total number of individuals currently enrolled meeting FIRST.IL eligibility criteria (i.e., not just number enrolled this quarter). 16. Number of DBHR team leader meetings attended by team leader or their designee. 17. Number of weekly CSC team meetings held. 18. Number of CSC team meetings held where at least 75% of team members attended. 19. Fiduciary Measure (For contract fiduciary Grantee only): Number of payments presented. 20. Fiduciary Measure (For contract fiduciary Grantee only): Number of payments presented, paid. Performance Standards 1. 75% of the days in reporting period the Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) Team was fully staffed with Prescriber, Team Leader, Individual Resiliency Training (IRT) Therapist, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Specialist-Supported Employment/Supported Education Specialist, Community Support Specialist and Substance Use Specialist. 2. Complete a Total of 15 or more outreach events or community-based educational activities completed with a minimum of 5 per month (15 per quarter) by Team Leaders in partnership with trusted messengers and documented each month in a format provided by DBHR. 3. 100% of referred clients received a phone screening within 24 hours of referral. 4. 100% of clients received a mental health assessment (MHA) within 72 hours of completing the screening. 5. 90% of clients determined to be eligible and appropriate who received a psychiatric evaluation by a prescriber within 14 days of the MHA. 6. 90% of clients determined eligible for enrollment into the FIRST.IL program by prescriber were enrolled into the program. 7. 100% of enrolled clients entered into the FEP Database within 10 business days. 8. 100% of significant events for enrolled clients, such as hospitalizations and legal confinement, entered into the FEP Database within 10 business days. 9. 3 DBHR team leader meetings attended by team leader or their designee. 10. 90% of CSC team meetings held had at least 75% of team members attend. 11. Fiduciary Standard (For contract fiduciary Grantee only): 100% of payments presented were paid. Cooperative Agreements Not Applicable.

Yes

(Grantor-Specific Terms) This Notice of State Award (NOSA) is not an agreement nor a guarantee of an agreement. IDHS will publish its agreements in the CSA Tracking System after the NOSA is accepted. A signed hard copy is not needed. You also have the option to decline. If your response(s) to the ICQ questions indicate a weakness in the identified area below, a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is required to be submitted to your cognizant agency. If IDHS is your Cognizant Agency, please send an email to DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov to begin communicating the direction and requirements of the CAP. If your score from the Merit Review indicates a weakness in the identified area below, a CAP is required to be submitted to DHS after execution of the grant agreement. Within 30 days of award, please send an email to DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov to begin communicating the direction and requirements of the CAP. (Program-Specific Terms) The eligibility and program requirements outlined in this funding opportunity must be adhered to as the funded project is implemented. Grantees must comply with the milestones and deliverables, performance standards, performance measures, performance data collection and specific conditions as reflected in the grant agreement, DBHR Attachment B and Program Manual. Additional terms and/or conditions may be applied to this award if outstanding financial or programmatic compliance issues are identified by IDHS.

Nonprofit Organizations; Government Organizations;

A. The applicant must meet the Registration, Pre-Qualification (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=149873), and any other Mandatory Requirements listed in this funding opportunity. 1. Applicants must provide the following information via the Grantee Portal (https://grants.illinois.gov/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 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 (https://sam.gov/content/home) before the application due date. ii. Provide a valid unique entity identifier (UEI) (https://www.fsd.gov/gsafsd_sp?id=kb_article_view&sysparm_article=KB0038428&sys_kb_id=3fcba40b1b0a01d40ca4a97ae54bcbd7&spa=1) 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 with all UEI and SAM requirements. v. The State Agency may determine that an applicant is not qualified if they have not complied with all 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. c. Must not be on the Illinois Stop Payment List. d. Must not be on the SAM.gov Exclusion List. e. Must not be on the Medicaid Sanctions List (https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/oig/Pages/SanctionsList.aspx) B. Successful Applicants will not receive an award if pre-award requirements (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=149875) are not met. Qualified status is re-verified nightly. If the entity’s status changes, an email notice is sent to the designated entity representative with a link to the Grantee Portal (https://grants.illinois.gov/portal) C. See Section Criteria Selecting Proposals (1 C) for funding restrictions. D. Other factors that would disqualify an applicant or application include: 1. Applications submitted for areas already covered by an FEP provider. E. Providers must be a Community Mental Health Center. F. Providers must provide mental health services to Adults and Children. G. Preference for Providers who have an IPS Program. H. Providers reflect services with Diversity in mind, urban and rural representation – our 16 FIRST.IL. Teams reflect this and geographically are spread throughout the State. I. Only Applications serving areas not already covered by an FEP provider will be accepted. Current funded providers and the geographic area they cover can be found here: IDHS: First Episode Psychosis (FEP) https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=92316 I.J. Limit on Number of Applications: More than one application per entity is permitted. Entities submitting more than one application must indicate the area they propose to serve in box 40 on page 2 of the grant application.

NA

Direct Payments for Specific Use

Human Services

Please see attached program manual (https://intranet.dhs.illinois.gov/oneweb/page.aspx?item=174739) for credential requirement of individual Coordinated Specialty Care team members.

A. Required Content of Application 1.Note: Only Applications serving areas not already covered by an FEP provider will be accepted. Current funded providers and the geographic area they cover can be found here: IDHS: First Episode Psychosis (FEP) https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=92316 1. Applications must include the required documents and demonstrate that the program eligibility requirements have been met. The Department will not contact applicants for missing items listed below. Applicants that do not include all the following documents will be considered substantially incomplete and will not be considered for funding. 2. Note: Only Applications serving areas not already covered by an FEP provider will be accepted. Current funded providers and the geographic area they cover can be found here: IDHS: First Episode Psychosis (FEP) https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=92316 B. Actions needed prior to applying: 1. Note: Only Applications serving areas not already covered by an FEP provider will be accepted. Current funded providers and the geographic area they cover can be found here: IDHS: First Episode Psychosis (FEP) https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=92316 2. 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 (https://grants.illinois.gov/portal). Additionally, detailed instructions for registration and prequalification requirements, including the expected amount of time for completion are located here: Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Requirements (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/OneNetLibrary/27896/documents/Grants/Grant Applicant Pre-Qualification and Pre-Award Requirements_041223.pdf). 3. Registration in CSA is required. The Community Service Agreements (CSA) Tracking System (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=61069) is the system the IDHS utilizes for approving budgets and issuing grant awards. It is strongly recommended that if an applicant entity is not already registered in the CSA Tracking System, they should begin the registration as soon as possible so they may submit a signed budget in CSA. Successful applicants will NOT be issued an award without a fully approved budget in the CSA Tracking System. 4. Unique Entity Identifier and System for Award Management (SAM.gov) a. Each Applicant Must: i. Be registered in SAM.gov before submitting its application; ii. Provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) in its application; and iii. 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. b. The Department may not make an award until applicant has fully complied to all UEI and SAM Requirements c. 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. d. If individuals are eligible to apply, they are exempt from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(b). e. If the agency exempts any applicants from this requirement under 2 CFR 25.110(c) or (d), a statement to that effect. C. Pre-application materials must be submitted as follows: 1. Not Applicable.

1. Address to Request 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 Mental Health Grants – FY 2026 website https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=170290 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 I (D) 2). It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor the website and comply with any instructions or requirements related to the NOFO. 2. Submission Dates and Times A. Full applications are due on 10/27/2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Time. B. Missed Deadlines i. 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. ii. 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. iii. 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. iv. LOCATION INFORMATION: Only Applications serving areas not already covered by an FEP provider will be accepted. Current funded providers and the geographic area they cover can be found here: IDHS: First Episode Psychosis (FEP) https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=92316 3. The Methods for submitting the application: Submission Instructions A. Applicants must electronically submit, via email, the complete application packet which includes the following materials as separate pdf documents: i. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance ii. Project Narrative iii. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure iv. Budget (entered into the CSA Tracking System as described in section (IV)(A)(4) v. Subcontractor Budgets, if applicable vi. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget IL444-4985 Form, submit as a separate attachment (no submission will result in default to Reimbursement Method). B. Applications must be submitted via email to DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov. The application will be electronically time-stamped upon receipt. 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. C. Include the following in the subject line: i. Your Entity Name ii. 510-FEPP-02R D. Documents must NOT include a password. E. Software or Electronic Capabilities i. 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. It is the responsibility of each applicant to monitor that website and comply with any instructions or requirements relating to the NOFO. F. 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 Tracking System on time). 4. If you are experiencing system problems or technical difficulties submitting your application, you may contact: A. Name: Barb Roberson B. Email: DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov 5. Intergovernmental Review A. This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” 6. Program Narrative Content and Attachments A. Program Narrative: The program narrative makes up the bulk of the application. Please provide a complete response as specified in Section VI Application Review Information. If the program narrative is missing from your application packet, your application will receive a score of zero points, and your agency will not meet the criteria to receive a grant under this notice of funding opportunity. B. Program Narrative Content and Attachments: If the applicant believes that the subject has been adequately addressed in another part of the application narrative, then provide the cross-reference to the appropriate part of the narrative. If a cross-reference is not included in the section, the reviewer will not consider content contained within that specific section. 7. Budget and Budget Narrative A. Applicants must enter an FY26 budget electronically in the CSA Tracking System. B. Budget must be electronically signed and submitted in the CSA Tracking System. Budget must be signed by the Provider's Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Financial Officer. C. IMPORTANT: Please be sure 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 (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=61069). A copy is not to be submitted along with the application packet. D. Only Applications serving areas not already covered by an FEP provider will be accepted. Current funded providers and the geographic area they cover can be found here: IDHS: First Episode Psychosis (FEP) https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=92316. E. A separate budget and budget narrative must be completed for entities submitting more than one application. The area the applicant proposes to serve must be clearly stated within the budget submission. Each proposed area for which you are applying will require a “Grant Suffix” number. Under the “Grant Suffix” Column in the CSA Tracking System use a suffix beginning with “001” for the first area. For a second area use “002” and so forth. F. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrate that all proposed costs are: i. Reasonable and necessary ii. Allocable, and iii. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2CFR 200), as applicable. G. Deadline for submission of the budget, in the CSA Tracking System, is the same as the application deadline. H. A Budget Template can be used as a tool to assist in determining expenses; however, the final budget must be completed in the CSA Tracking System. The pdf budget or paper copy will not be accepted. Applicants will NOT be issued an award without the applicant’s fully approved budget in the CSA Tracking System. I. NOTE: The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is now disabling external Illinois.gov IDs if they have not been used for 114 days. If you receive the error "HPDIA0309W This account is disabled," your ID has been disabled and cannot be re-activated by changing your password. You need to contact the DoIT HelpDesk at [217-524-DoIT (3648) or 312-814-DoIT (3648)] or their website at Report A Problem (https://doit.illinois.gov/support/rap-step1.html). Request that they create an incident to re-enable your external ID. You will need to provide your external ID (firstname.lastname@external.illinois.gov) and the error message (this account is disabled). Please be sure to Reset Your Password (https://cmsapps.illinois.gov/adimprod/Reset/GatherIdentity.aspx) every 3 months so your account is not disabled. J. There is space when preparing the budget on each line item for the budget narrative. For each line in the budget the applicant will describe why each expenditure is necessary for program implementation and how the amount was determined. Please include cost allocations as necessary. The Budget narrative (including MTDC base exclusions as appropriate) must clearly identify indirect costs, direct program costs, direct administrative costs, and describe how the specified resources and personnel have been allocated for the tasks and activities within each line item. The budget should be prepared to reflect 7 months. K. Instructions (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=84585) for the Budget Template L. Subcontractor budget(s), If applicable i. If applicant is planning to use a subcontractor, a pdf copy of the subcontractor budget must be submitted as a separate pdf document with the other application materials. Subcontractor budgets must be submitted for each application submitted as outlined above. ii. Subcontractor budgets shall be submitted on the Uniform Grant Budget Template (GOMBGATU—3002) (https://gata.illinois.gov/resources.html). iii. Subcontractor Agreement(s) and budgets must be pre-approved by the DBHR and on file with the DBHR. Subcontractors are subject to all provisions of this Agreement. The successful applicant Agency shall retain sole responsibility for the performance and monitoring of the subcontractor. 8. Required Forms A. 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. Applicants must apply for the area they propose to serve. A Suffix will need to be used when submitting your budget (under “NOFO Suffix” in CSA Tracking System). Details about this can be found in Section IV(A)(4) above. A separate application and Program Narrative must be submitted for each proposed area. For example, if an applicant applies for funding for areas, two applications and two narratives must be submitted, one associated with each propose area for the program. i. The document requires the electronic or wet(ink) 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. ii. Page one of the application is pre-populated with the appropriate information. Applicants must not complete anything on Page one. iii. On Page three, applicants will need to include the amount for the proposed area on each individual application which they are applying and sign. iv. The correct application must be used. B. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure - The grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=142947) 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. 9. Required Format A. The narrative portion must follow the page maximums where prescribed and must be organized in the format outlined or points may be deducted. A Program Narrative for each proposed area is required. The Narrative must clearly state what area applicant is proposing to serve. The Suffix for the particular area should also be included on the Narrative, as described in Section Application Procedures, 7 above. B. 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. C. Each Program Narrative shall not exceed 12 pages. If there are more than 12 pages, the remaining pages will not be reviewed or scored. D. All documents must be typed using Times New Roman 12-point type, 100% magnification and use black typeface on a white background, Except for letterhead. E. For charts and tables only, Times New Roman 10-point with color may be used. F. Each Program Narrative must be typed, single-spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides. G. Each submission must be on 8 1/2 x 11-inch page size using pdf. 10. Unallowable Costs A. All 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. B. 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 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1). C. Allowable costs are those that are necessary and reasonable based on the activity(ies) contained in the scope 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. D. Unallowable costs: Please refer to 2 CFR 200 - Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, PART 200 Subpart E - Cost Principles (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200?toc=1) to determine the appropriateness of costs. 11. Questions A. IDHS encourages inquiries concerning this funding opportunity and welcomes the opportunity to answer questions from applicants. Questions and IDHS/DBHR Responses “Q&A" (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item= 174891) will be posted to the website. B. Deadline for Questions is October 20, 2025, 12:00 PM (Noon) Central Time and must be sent to: 1. Barb Roberson only at: DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov C. Questions about this NOFO will ONLY be accepted via email to: DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov. D. The subject line of the email MUST state: 510-FEPP First Episode Presentation Program - Question(s) 12. Mandatory Forms and Submissions A. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item= 174738) B. Program Narrative C. Uniform Grant Budget Template (https://gata.illinois.gov/resources.html) submitted in CSA. Instructions can be found at (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=84585) D. Subcontractor Budget, if applicable submit as a separate attachment E. Grantee Conflict of Interest Disclosure (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=142947) submit as a separate attachment F. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget IL444-4985 Form, submit as a separate attachment (no submission will result in default to Reimbursement Method)

1. Responsiveness Review A. Applications that are received will be reviewed within 2 business days to ensure they meet the criteria for consideration. Applications that do not meet the criteria in paragraph B below will be rejected and not entered into the Merit Review process. B. The following are the criteria that must be met for eligibility: i. Applicant has a current registration with the State of Illinois in the Grantee Portal. ii. Applicant has an active Sam.gov public account. iii. Applicant has an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) with Sam.gov iv. Applicant is in “good standing” with the Secretary of State. v. Applicant is not on the DHS Stop Payment List Service or the Illinois Stop Payment List. vi. Applicant is not on the Sam.gov Exclusion List. vii. Applicant is not on the Illinois Medicaid Sanctions List. viii. Program specific eligibility restrictions a. Not Applicable. 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. 2. Review Criteria A. Evaluation criteria is based upon requirements set forth in 44 Ill Admin Code 7000.350 Merit Review of Applications and the IDHS Merit Review Manual. The review criterion and sub-criterion include the following: i. Label each section of the Program Narrative utilizing the format provided below. It must be organized in the format outlined below or points may be deducted. Information must be provided in the section in which it is requested. ii. Please see Section IV(A)(6) as you are preparing the Program Narrative for the required format. The Program Narrative shall not exceed 12 pages. If there are more than 12 pages, the remaining pages will not be reviewed or scored. iii. To be successful in the application process, applicants must submit the following information as part of the grant application process. Please provide a complete response to the following sections: a. Executive Summary – Not Scored b. Community Identification and Need – Point Value 15 1) Describe the geographic area the agency plans to serve, including the demographics of the catchment area and whether the area is rural, urban or a combination of both. 2) Describe the need for a FIRST.IL program in the catchment area. This should include facts and evidence that support the need for the grant program. 3) Describe the referral sources in the catchment area such as hospitals, crisis centers, call lines, mental health courts, outpatient clinics, other mental health agencies, high schools and churches and the agency’s relationship with them c. Capacity/Agency Qualifications - Point Value 40 1) Describe the agency’s experience utilizing multi-disciplinary treatment teams. 2) Describe the agency’s ability to establish a Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) Team that at a minimum includes the roles of Prescriber, Team Leader, Individual Resiliency Training (IRT) Therapist, Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Specialist-Supported Employment/Supported Education Specialist (SEE), Community Support Specialist, and Substance Use Specialist. 3) Describe the agency's experience providing services to individuals with early severe mental illness and serious emotional disturbances. 4) Describe the agency’s history conducting outreach and providing mental health services to diverse and underserved populations. 5) Describe the agency's administrative and fiscal capacity to operate a successful FIRST.IL program. 6) Describe how the agency will track time and effort for all staff working on the project, including those working less than full-time. 7) Describe the agency’s experience billing Medicaid for services and how it will ensure that IDHS is the payer of last resort. 8) Provide a copy of the agency’s organizational chart and include anticipated team members. Also, include brief descriptions for key personnel, and the services they will provide d. Quality - Description of Program Services - Point Value 30 1) Describe the agency’s staffing plan, including the plan to ensure a full-time commitment of a Team Leader to the project. 2) Describe the agency’s ability to ensure CSC team member participation in learning collaborative teleconferences, consultations, fidelity training and reviews, provider-specific weekly team meetings, and project meetings conducted by DHS/DBHR including monthly Team Leader meetings. 3) Describe how the agency will ensure that at least 75% of CSC team members attend weekly team meetings. 4) Describe the agency’s plan to ensure that initial and subsequent staff for the FIRST.IL team complete required trainings within 30 business days. 5) Describe any challenges the agency anticipates or support the agency would need to satisfy the requirements of the grant program. e. Data Collection, Evaluation and Reporting Criteria - Point Value 15 1) Describe the agency's plan for tracking required performance measures and standards. 2) Describe how the agency will address unmet performance measures and standards. 3) Describe internal processes for collecting data and monitoring service delivery and quality. B. All competitive grant applications are subject to merit review. C. Cost sharing will not be considered when evaluating the application. D. IDHS/DBHR staff familiar with the requirements of the program will score and review the application package. E. Review team members will have no conflicts of interest and will read and evaluate application packages independently. F. Applications that fail to meet the criteria described in Section II. Eligibility will not be scored and/or considered for funding. G. Applications must follow the instructions in Section V. Submission Requirements and Details. 3. Review and Selection Process A. The process for evaluation of the application is as follows: i. The numerical score may not be the sole award criterion. ii. The Department reserves the right to consider other factors such as: geographical distribution, demonstrated need, and agency past performance as a state awardee, etc. iii. 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. B. In the event of a tie with insufficient funding for all tied applications, the Department may choose to elect one of the following options: i. Apply one or more of the additional factors for consideration described above to prioritize the applications; or ii. Partially fund each of the tied applications; or iii. Not fund any of the tied applications. C. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with applicants to adjust award amounts, targets, deliverables, etc. These negotiations do not obligate IDHS to provide funding, nor should an applicant draw any conclusions about the Department's intentions to fund or not fund the application. 4. Risk Review A. IDHS conducts risk assessments for all awardees, prior to the award being issued. i. An agency wide FY26 Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) is to be completed by the awardee within the Grantee Portal (https://grants.illinois.gov/portal) prior to the deadline listed below. The ICQ evaluates fiscal, administrative, and programmatic risk in the following categories: a. Quality of Management Systems b. Financial and Programmatic Reporting c. Ability to Effectively Implement Award Requirements d. Awardee Audits ii. The deadline to submit the FY26 ICQ is the same as the application packet due date. iii. A program specific Programmatic Risk Assessment conducted by the awarding agency to evaluate the following categories: a. Programmatic financial stability b. Management systems and standards that would affect the program. c. Programmatic audit and monitoring findings d. Ability to effectively implement program requirements. e. External partnerships f. Programmatic reporting iv. 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. a. 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. B. Simplified Acquisition Threshold - Federal and State awards i. This award is not anticipated to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold defined in 48 CFR part 2, subpart 2.1 (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-48/chapter-1/subchapter-A/part-2/subpart-2.1)

The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Illinois Department of Human Services to make an award. Anticipated Start Date and Periods of Performance for new grant awards A. Subject to appropriation, the grant period will begin no sooner than 12/01/2025 and will continue through 06/30/2026. State Award Notices A. 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: i. Grant award amount ii. The terms and conditions of the award iii. 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. B. Note: The Department cannot issue a NOSA until the successful applicant has an FY26 approved budget entered into the CSA Tracking System. The applicant shall receive the NOSA through the Grantee Portal. The NOSA must be accepted/declined by the grants officer (or equivalent). This NOSA effectively accepts the state award amount and all conditions set forth within the notice. The NOSA is the document authorizing the department to proceed with issuing an agreement. The Agency NOSA must be remitted within the Grantee Portal. C. The NOSA 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). D. 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 Tracking 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. E. Applicants who are not eligible due to registration or pre-qualification issues, or late applications will be notified that they are ineligible for consideration when their application is processed. F. A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving an award following the Merit Review process. Administrative and National Policy Requirements 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. You can find a sample of the grant agreement at IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29741). C. Payment Terms i. 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 (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=140492). ii. Grantees selecting the Advance Payment Method, or the Working Capital Advance Payment Method must complete the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Template as described in the procedures above. In addition, please note: If you will be submitting the Advance Payment Request Cash Budget, it must be submitted with the application materials as a separate document. iii. The Monthly Invoice IL444-5257 Template must be used for all DBHR programs and submitted no later than 15 days after the end of the month. All invoices shall be HIPAA compliant and encrypted utilizing DHS approved encryption software and emailed to DBHR at the email address listed above. iv. Invoice and PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DBHR.QuarterlyReports@Illinois.gov v. Invoice and PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DBHR.WilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov vi. Invoice and PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.DBHR.ColbertInvoices@Illinois.gov D. Payment Forms i. Monthly Invoice (IL444-5257) (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=95429) ii. Advance Payment Request Cash Budget Form (IL444-4985) (https://intranet.dhs.illinois.gov/onenetlibrary/12/documents/Forms/444985-202405.pdf) submit as a separate attachment (no submission will result in default to Reimbursement Method).

The Department must receive the Full Application Packet: Due on 10/27/2025 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Central Time

60 - 90 days

Merit Review Appeal Process A. 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 IDHS' Appeal Review Officer (ARO). Submission of Appeal A. Appeals submission IDHS contact information: i. Name of Agency contact for appeals: Barb Roberson ii. Email of Agency contact for appeals: DHS.DBHR.GrantApp@Illinois.gov iii. Email Subject Line: Applicant Name - 510-FEPP First Episode Presentation Program - Appeal B. An appeal must be submitted in writing to the appeals submission IDHS contact listed above, who will send it to the IDHS Appeal Review Officer (ARO) for consideration. C. An appeal must be received within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published. D. The written appeal shall include at a minimum the following: i. Name and address of the appealing party ii. Identification of the grant iii. Statement of reasons for the appeal iv. Supporting documentation, if applicable Response to Appeal A. IDHS will acknowledge receipt of an appeal within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date the appeal was received. B. 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. C. The appealing party must supply any additional information requested by IDHS within the time period set in the request. Resolution A. The ARO shall make a recommendation to the Agency Head or designee as expeditiously as possible after receiving all relevant, requested information. B. 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. C. The Agency will resolve the appeal by means of written determination. D. The determination shall include, but not be limited to: i. Review of the appeal. ii. Appeal determination. iii. Rationale for the determination.

A. Applications for renewal of existing projects are eligible to compete with applications for new State awards. B. Successful applicants under this NOFO may be eligible to receive additional 12-month renewals for this program. C. Renewals are at the discretion of the Department and are based on sufficient appropriation and performance criteria including but not limited to: i. Grantee has performed satisfactorily during the previous reporting period. ii. All required reports have been submitted on time, unless a written exception has been provided by the Division/Department. iii. No outstanding issues are present (e.g., in good standing with all pre-qualification requirements and no outstanding corrective action, etc.).

Cost Sharing or Match Requirements A. Providers are not required to participate in cost sharing or provide match.

Pre-Award Costs A. Pre-award costs are not allowable. B. IDHS grants are governed by 2 CFR. Part 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles and 30 ILCS 708 which include information on allowable costs, audit requirements, and financial records. Indirect Costs A. Indirect Costs (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=151738) may be applied to this grant award. 1. Indirect Cost Rates (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=95073#a_IndirectCostRate) must be approved through the Centralized Indirect Cost Rate System (https://gata.illinois.gov/indirect-cost/centralized-indirect-cost-system.html). 2. During the FY25 contracting cycle the De-Minimis indirect cost rate was capped at 10%. For FY26, since Program 510-FEPP is either partially or fully Federally funded, per 2 CFR 200.414 (f) (https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-2/subtitle-A/chapter-II/part-200/subpart-E/subject-group-ECFRd93f2a98b1f6455/section-200.414), the De-Minimis rate will remain capped at 10%.

A. 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. 6. Non-compliance with any of the identified reports may lead to being placed on the Illinois Stop Payment List (SSPL). Grantee shall submit these reports to the appropriate email address listed below. Reported expenses should be consistent with the approved annual grant budget. Any expenditure variances require prior Grantor approval in accordance with Article VI of the UGA to be reimbursable. • PFR Email Address for General Grants: DHS.DBHR.QuarterlyReports@Illinois.gov • PFR Email Address for Williams Consent Decree: DHS.DBHR.WilliamsInvoices@Illinois.gov • PFR Email Address for Colbert Consent Decree: DHS.DBHR.ColbertInvoices@Illinois.gov • PPR and PRTP Email Address for All Grants: DHS.DBHR.QuarterlyReports@Illinois.gov 7. DBHR reporting templates and detailed instructions for submitting reports can be found in the Provider section of the IDHS website (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/?item=27893).

See JCAR Title 44 Illinois Administrative Code 7000.90 Auditing Standards

See JCAR Title 44 Illinois Administrative Code 7000.430 Record Retention

The source of funding for this program is Federal funds.

The Department expects to award approximately $394,890.

Number of Grant Awards a. The Department anticipates funding approximately 3 grant awards to provide this program. b. Only applications serving areas not already covered by an FEP provider will be accepted. Current funded providers and the geographic area they cover can be found here: IDHS: First Episode Psychosis (FEP). c. The source of funding for this program is Federal funds. Expected Dollar Amount of Individual Grant Awards a. The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards will be between $49,875.00 and $131,630. These amounts are based on a 7-month award period. Amount of Funding per Grant Award on average in previous years a. Previous funding amounts per grant award on average was $$260,705. b. The Department anticipates that the dollar amount of individual awards for the full year will be $225,650 in FY27.

NA

Title 59: Mental Health of the Administrative Code

NA

IL Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery

Program Websites • Mental Health FY26 Website https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=170290 • IDHS website: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/ • Community Service Agreements (CSA) Tracking System: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=61069 • Centralized Repository Vault (CRV): https://vault.dhs.illinois.gov/crvsecure/crv • GATA Learning Management System (LMS): https://gata.illinois.gov/training.html l

NA

NA

9/26/2025

FY 2021 : $2,307,284
FY 2022 : $2,367,722
FY 2023 : $4,852,078
FY 2024 : $5,194,127
FY 2025 : $5,238,633
FY 2026 : $4,171,279