88

The Competitive Integrated Employment Capacity (CIEC) grant is intended to: • Result in a higher proportion of Individuals with I/DD obtaining and sustaining CIE • Enhance employment support service delivery through the training, certification and continued professional development of agency personnel who demonstrate competency in, and are responsible for, CIE activities • Create a consistent, accessible and sustainable pathway for agencies to start, grow and ultimately maintain successful CIE programs • Strengthen the connection and collaboration within the network of provider agencies through a Community of Practice focused on CIE

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N/A

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GOALS The CIEC grant is intended to: • Result in a higher proportion of Individuals with I/DD obtaining and sustaining CIE • Enhance employment support service delivery through the training, certification and continued professional development of agency personnel who demonstrate competency in, and are responsible for, CIE activities • Create a consistent, accessible and sustainable pathway for agencies to start, grow and ultimately maintain successful CIE programs • Strengthen the connection and collaboration within the network of provider agencies through a Community of Practice focused on CIE PERFORMANCE MEASURES Each quarter, successful applicants will submit a periodic performance report (PPR), which includes the following performance measures. At the end of the year, a cumulative report based on annual outcomes will be submitted: • Personnel & Agency o Number of personnel dedicated to CIE outcomes prior to the grant period o Number of new personnel (additional headcount) who are hired with the specific intent of reaching project outcomes o Number of existing applicant personnel whose roles / positions are modified to include a specific and primary responsibility of increasing community integration and inclusion, through CIE, for adults with I/DD (back bill of their current position is expected) o Total number of new or existing personnel that have completed the ACRE training (non-duplicative, must be 100%) o Total number of new or existing eligible personnel who have achieved CESP status (non-duplicative, must be 100% of eligible personnel) o Total number of new or existing personnel that have participated in the DDD/DRS training (must be 100%) o Total number of new or existing personnel that actively and consistently participated in the Community of Practice o Total number of CIE stakeholder engagement presentations and attendees o Overall ratio of CIE personnel to project participants in (should be no more than 1:15) ? Pre-employment activities (classroom education, on the job experiences, business exploration, evaluative or assessment activities) ? CIE employment supports (job coaching, job stability activities)

Yes

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Nonprofit Organizations;

1. Eligible Applicants This funding opportunity is open to any agency that can meet the following eligibility criteria: • Is a current provider of services to individuals who are funded by the HCBS Adults with Developmental Disabilities Waiver • Is not a current Division of Rehabilitation (DRS) Community Rehabilitation Provider (CRP) OR is a current DRS CRP but has outcome-based contracts of less than $100,001 annually. • Has completed all prequalification guidelines and application requirements. • Has submitted all information and data points as outlined and requested in this NOFO • Has demonstrated experience providing services and support to individuals with I/DD • Has demonstrated the ability to meet all program activities and outcomes described in this NOFO • Note: DDD Case Management agencies, aka Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agencies, are NOT eligible for this funding opportunity. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline will result in the return of the application without review, or, even though an application may be reviewed, will preclude the agency from receiving an award. Statewide Eligibility to Apply for a Grant – Pre-award and Prequalification PREQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS All entities are required to register with the State of Illinois through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal, www.grants.illinois.gov/portal, to be eligible to apply for a grant, How To Access The Grantee Portal. An Illinois.gov public account authenticates the relationship between the individual and the organization they represent, How to create an Illinois.gov Public Account. The following information is required to complete GATA Grantee Portal registration: 1) Organization’s Dun & Bradstreet number (DUNS); 2) Organization’s federal employer identification number (FEIN); 3) Organization type; 4) Illinois Secretary of State File ID (required for non-profits, for-profits and limited liability corporations); 5) Organization’s name 6) Organization’s mailing address; 7) Organization’s primary email address; 8) Organization’s primary phone number 9) Organization’s fiscal year-end date Entities are federally required to have an active SAM.gov entity registration, How to register with SAM.gov. Illinois uses SAM.gov automation to determine qualification status based on the entity’s registration. Refer to GATA Administrative Rules on Grantee Pre-qualification Status: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000A00700R.html. An entity may apply for a grant award prior to qualified status. The entity must be in “qualified status” based on the Grantee Portal by the Application Review Date. See #18 in the NOFO Transmittal. The Grantee Portal will indicate in red if a status is not qualified. Links for self-remediation help are provided in the Portal. 1) Current SAM.gov account; 2) Current FEIN; 3) Good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State (Illinois Secretary of State Business Services website): https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/business_services/corp.html 4) Not on the Illinois Stop Payment List; 5) Not on the SAM.gov Exclusion List; 6) Not on the DDD of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Sanctioned Party List. PRE-AWARD REQUIREMENTS State agencies are federally required to evaluate the risk posed by each applicant. Risk assessments are a pre-award requirement which means they are not required for the application but are required prior to the grant award. The risk assessments include two components: (1) fiscal and administrative and (2) programmatic. Illinois uses an Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ) to complete the fiscal and administrative component. Entities are required to access, complete and submit the ICQ through the Grantee Portal for the state fiscal year associated with the grant funding. The programmatic risk assessment (PRA) is distributed by the state awarding agency as part of the application process. Both the ICQ and the PRA must be accepted by the state and approved before a grant award can be executed.

N/A

Direct Payments for Specific Use

Human Services

Quarterly Reports PPR and PFR

N/A

D. Application and Submission Information 1. Address to Request Application Package All components of the application package can be accessed through the Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA). Since high-speed internet access is not yet universally available for downloading documents or accessing the electronic application, and applicants may have additional accessibility requirements, applicants may request paper copies of materials by contacting: Erica O’Neal Bureau of Reimbursement and Program Support, Division of Developmental Disabilities Illinois DDD of Human Services 600 East Ash, Building 400 Phone: 217-782-1354 Email: DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Application forms requirements : All applications must include the following mandatory forms/attachments: 1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Application link) 2. Program Plan/Narrative (as described below) 3. Grant Budget (Budget spreadsheet linked within application) 4. Indirect Cost Information (Indirect Cost Rate Information) Application content requirements: 1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance: Document used by all entities applying for a grant with IDHS. The document is used to formalize an applicant’s request for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization’s authorized representative. That email address will be used for official communication between IDHS and the applicant for matters regarding the application. The specific conditions related to this grant will be addressed in the exhibit sections of the grant agreement, but the same form will be used by each state agency. 2. Program Plan/Narrative: Applicants are required to submit a Program Plan/Narrative which includes the following items as described/outlined in Section (E)(1) below: description of need; organizational capacity; description and quality of programs/services; and budget. Each section of the Program Plan/Narrative must be completed. 3. Grant Budget: Applications must include a budget via the spreadsheet linked in this application. The Division's program and fiscal staff will work with awardees to negotiate a budget for the final grant award which will then need to be uploaded via the Uniform Grant Budget in the CSA System (link here). This will be required before the start of the grant period. The budget may need to be revised over the course of the grant process or during the ongoing award. 4. Indirect Cost Information: If indirect costs are included in the budget, and the applicant has a currently-approved NICRA, please ensure the NICRA has been uploaded in the State of Illinois Indirect Cost System if indirect costs are included in the proposed budget. This Notice of Funding Opportunity does not require the process of letters of intent or white paper submission. Application format requirements: Electronic submission is required. Preferred submissions should have all documents: (1) with a minimal font of 12-size; (2) with one-inch margins; (3) with pages displaying page numbers and (4) single spaced Other unique programmatic application requires: The application should be no more than 25 pages. 3. Unique Entity Identifier/Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and System for Award Management (SAM) Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal 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 specified application review date. To establish a SAM.gov registration, go to https://governmentcontractregistration.com/sam-registration.asp and/or utilize this instructional link: “How To Register in SAM” https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Resource%20Library/SAM-Registration.pdf (ii) Provide a valid DUNS number in its application. To a DUNS number, go to https://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html; and (iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency. The State awarding agency may not make a Federal pass-through or State award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the State awarding agency is ready to make a Federal pass-through or State award, the State awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal pass-through or State award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal pass-through or State award to another applicant. 4. Submission Dates and Times Applications with all required documentation must be received, via email, no later than 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 15, 2022. i. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal or State holiday, the reporting package is due the next business day. ii. What the deadline means: The date and time by which the State awarding agency must receive the application. iii. The effect of missing a deadline: Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. iv. To be considered, applications must be emailed by the date and time listed above. For your records, please keep a copy of your email 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. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the location listed above. Acknowledgement of receipt: Applicants will receive an email (within 72 hours of receipt or 120 hours if received on a non-business day) notifying them that their application was received and if it was received by the due date and time. This email notification will be sent to the original sender of the application. Submission Method: Acceptable Proof of Timely Submission: Email or Another Electronic Platform X Electronic time date and stamp US Postal Service Postmark date Personal/Courier Deliver Manual record of date and time received 5. Intergovernmental Review Not Applicable X This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” 6. Funding Restrictions Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information, 3. Indirect Cost Rate for Indirect Cost Rate Restrictions and Match Requirement details. The following funding restrictions apply (specify n/a for non-applicable items): • Unallowable activities dictated by the funding terms • Institution of Higher Education Indirect Cost Rate Restrictions • 2 CFR 200 – Subpart E Allowable/Unallowable Costs • Restrictions on Pre-award Costs • Other unique and regulatory programmatic restrictions 7. Other Submission Requirement The applicant must additionally submit the following: a. Program Plan/Narrative - The program narrative at a minimum must include the categories to be evaluated in the merit review process: i. Need: X ii. Capacity: X iii. Quality: X iv. Other: b. Budget i. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrates that all proposed costs are: 1. Reasonable and necessary 2. Allocable, and 3. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable. ii. the applicant must submit a budget using the appropriate IDHS designated template/system (presently CSA: IDHS: CSA Tracking System). c. Electronic and Other submission addresses: i. Email: DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.govWith respect to electronic methods for providing information about funding opportunities or accepting applicants' submissions of information, each State awarding agency is responsible for compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d).” E. Application Review Information All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review. Review criteria is based upon the requirements set forth in the following: • 44 IL Adm. Code 7000.350 – Merit Based Review of Grant Applications (http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000D03500R.html.) • the IDHS Merit Based Review Manual. As dictated by the authoritative references above, the following minimum review criteria apply: • Need: Identification of stakeholders, facts and evidence that demonstrate the proposal supports the grant program purpose. • Capacity: The ability of an entity to execute the grant project according to project requirements. • Quality: The totality of features and characteristics of a service, project or product that indicated its ability to satisfy the requirements of the grant program. • Other unique program criteria. Application is subject to Merit Based Review X Yes No 1. Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria The maximum total score is 100 points. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 25 POINTS The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for successful applicants that will be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description. Information in this section should include, but not be limited to, the following: • Identify the amount being requested under this proposal. • Identify target service areas/communities • Identify the number of individuals with I/DD who are projected to participate • Describe agency experience in providing services and supports, both generally and specific to CIE, to individuals with I/DD and their families • Briefly describe the reason the provider agency seeks to receive the CIEC grant and the impact on the individuals you seek to support in CIE. • Describe how the CIEC grant will help your organization build expertise in order to support individuals with I/DD to move into CIE. • Affirmation of commitment to participating in DDD/DRS training, Community of Practice • Affirmation of commitment to participation in ACRE training and or staff certification through CESP • Affirmation of commitment to becoming a DRS funded CRP and seeking accreditation from a nationally accredited organization • Affirmation, if applicable, to decreasing enrollment in Special Wage Certificate activities The ideal applicant will: • Clearly define the service area and target community or communities to be supported. • Provide data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating the potential impact of participation in the program. • Present a compelling vision for the agency transformation due to participation in the program. • Clearly affirm commitment to the key tenets of the program. PROGRAM PLAN/NARRATIVE 75 TOTAL POINTS Need (Description of Need) 20 POINTS The applicant’s proposal will be evaluated based on the following: • Analysis of the needs of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the proposed service area(s) and target community/communities and the agency’s plans for meeting those needs. • Data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating the ways that the proposed CIEC grant will impact the individuals being identified o Number of adults with DD you currently support engaged in: ? Residential Services ? Community Day Services ? Special Wage Certificate activity ? Facility-based work (Non-Special Wage Certificate) ? Facility based non work (in life skills / life enrichment) ? Non-Special Wage Certificate prevocational or employee development activity ? Non-Special Wage Certificate prevocational or employee development activity ? DDD Supported Employment Program ? Competitive Integrated Employment o Number of adults with DD you anticipate being interested in engaging in CIE o Number of agency personnel (paid or volunteer) with a primary job duty associated with: ? Special Wage Certificate Activity ? Facility-based work (Non-Special Wage Certificates ? Facility based non work (in life skills / life enrichment) ? Non-Special Wage Certificate prevocational or employee development activity ? Community based activity (volunteerism/exploration) ? DDD Supported Employment Program ? Competitive Integrated Employment o Number of agency personnel you would seek to employ to meet the CIEC program goals o If the agency is currently accredited, in Employment Services, by a national accreditation body, and if so, identify the accreditation body. The ideal applicant will: • Clearly define the individuals and communities to be supported. • Demonstrate the need in the provider’s community or service area(s). • Provide data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating the potential impact of participation in the program. Capacity (Agency Qualification/Organizational Capacity) 20 POINTS The applicant’s proposal will be evaluated based on the following: • Agency’s ability to be ready to begin participating in the CIEC activities by April 1, 2022. • Define the applicant’s strategies and approaches to identify and or recruit adults with I/DD to participate in the project. • Describe the applicant’s approach to engage stakeholders, businesses, families and other community partners to build a foundation of achievable, cohesive and sustained success in increasing community integration and inclusion of adults with I/DD. • Describe the applicants training plan (ACRE approved) and process to certify their employment staff (CESP) • Describe the agency’s plans to change internal culture to be employment focused. • Agency’s prior experience serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families. • Describe the protocols and processes necessary to collect, track, house and act upon data related to the outcomes of this project. • Define an program plan, including key performance indicators and maintenance strategies, for achieving the targeted increase in community integration and inclusion of adults with I/DD by the conclusion of the NOFO funding cycle. • Agency’s ability to execute the program according to the grant requirements. The ideal applicant will: • Provide a detailed and realistic program plan to establish the program within the organization. • Demonstrate ability to collect and analyze data. • Demonstrate that the agency has experience providing services and programs serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families with a specific focus on the program goals. Quality of Program/Services 20 POINTS The applicant’s proposal will be evaluated based on the following: • Describe the applicant’s intent to modify or enhance recruitment and retention strategies for staff which will support project funded programs. • Identify the professional development or formal certification of personnel who are assigned to assist adults with I/DD to increase community integration and inclusion. • Commit to participate in project evaluation activities, project meetings/webinars, technical assistance and training activities coordinated by the DDD or third-party training and technical assistance providers. • Identification the ACRE approved staff training and describe the rationale and fit for the organization in relation to individuals served. • Demonstration that the proposal, in total, is well articulated and in alignment with the program goals • Provides a detailed description as to how the agency will directly engage with potential and existing participants via education, outreach, and communication. • Provides a detailed summary of the agency’s quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with the program goals as well as Division, IDHS, and GATA requirements. The ideal applicant will: • Provide a detailed description that the agency has experience providing services and programs that serve individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families with a specific focus on the program goals. • Demonstrate demographically and culturally appropriate processes are in place to reach out to a wide variety of potential and existing Respite program participants to keep them engaged or to engage them, for the first time, in the program. • Ensure the agency has appropriate processes in place to measure quality assurance and make changes/updates as needed. BUDGET & COST JUSTIFICATION 15 POINTS The applicant’s proposal will be evaluated based on the extent to which the budget narrative provides the following: • Thorough and clear justification and narrative for all proposed line-item expenditures. • All expenditures and program costs are reasonable and allowable. • Financial Quotes for all proposed training and certification should be included with the proposal. • Administrative costs are no more than 10% of the proposed budget • Proposed staffing is sufficient to address customer projections (no higher than 1:15 staff ratio) • Where available, supplemental or companion funding is clearly identified. Is the award subject to Cost Sharing/Matching? Yes X No If yes, is cost sharing considered in the scoring criteria? Yes No 2. Review and Selection Process Review teams comprised of up to 3 individuals, with at least 1 reviewers being outside DDD. Each application will first be reviewed and scored individually. Then, review team members will collectively review the application, their scores, and comments. Individual review 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 single final application score. Application Review Date: February 16, 2022 – March 31, 2022 In accordance with Section C. Eligibility Information, an entity must be in qualified status as of the Application Review Date for their grant application to be considered by the state awarding agency. Merit-Based Review Appeal Process In accordance with GATA Administrative Rules, Section 350, Merit Based Review of Grant Applications, a merit-based application review is required for competitive (discretionary) Grants and Cooperative Agreements, unless prohibited by State or federal statute. http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000D03500R.html Under a competitive grant, the evaluation process may be subject to appeal. Evaluation scores or funding determinations/outcomes cannot be appealed. Refer to the Merit Based review Appeal Process as stated in GATA Administrative Rules, Section g: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000D03500R.html Appeals submission IDHS contact information: • Name of Agency contact for appeals: Erica O’Neal • Email of Agency contact for appeals: Erica.Oneal@illinois.gov, DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov 3. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates, if applicable. Anticipated Program Start Date: April 1, 2022 Anticipated Program End Date: June 30, 2024 Other announcement and award date information: March 2, 2022 F. Award Administration Information 1. State Award Notices Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the above review and selection process will receive a notice of award. The award notice shall include: a. The terms and conditions of the award. b. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA) and merit-based review. The announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding grantor to www.grants.illinois.gov. A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award. 2. Administrative Requirements Upon the receipt of an award, the successful applicant is obligated to comply with the following: a. The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708); b. The applicable requirements of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and; c. Any additional programmatic and administrative special conditions that may be required. The applicant awarded these 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 including indirect cost rate requirements in Section C – Eligibility, of the NOFO. The legal agreement between DHS and the successful applicant(s) will be the standard IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement. If selected for funding, the applicant will be provided a IDHS grant agreement for signature and return.

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D. Application and Submission Information 1. Address to Request Application Package All components of the application package can be accessed through the Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA). Since high-speed internet access is not yet universally available for downloading documents or accessing the electronic application, and applicants may have additional accessibility requirements, applicants may request paper copies of materials by contacting: Erica O’Neal Bureau of Reimbursement and Program Support, Division of Developmental Disabilities Illinois DDD of Human Services 600 East Ash, Building 400 Phone: 217-782-1354 Email: DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov 2. Content and Form of Application Submission: Application forms requirements : All applications must include the following mandatory forms/attachments: 1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance (Application link) 2. Program Plan/Narrative (as described below) 3. Grant Budget (Budget spreadsheet linked within application) 4. Indirect Cost Information (Indirect Cost Rate Information) Application content requirements: 1. Uniform Application for State Grant Assistance: Document used by all entities applying for a grant with IDHS. The document is used to formalize an applicant’s request for funding. The document requires the signature and email address of the organization’s authorized representative. That email address will be used for official communication between IDHS and the applicant for matters regarding the application. The specific conditions related to this grant will be addressed in the exhibit sections of the grant agreement, but the same form will be used by each state agency. 2. Program Plan/Narrative: Applicants are required to submit a Program Plan/Narrative which includes the following items as described/outlined in Section (E)(1) below: description of need; organizational capacity; description and quality of programs/services; and budget. Each section of the Program Plan/Narrative must be completed. 3. Grant Budget: Applications must include a budget via the spreadsheet linked in this application. The Division's program and fiscal staff will work with awardees to negotiate a budget for the final grant award which will then need to be uploaded via the Uniform Grant Budget in the CSA System (link here). This will be required before the start of the grant period. The budget may need to be revised over the course of the grant process or during the ongoing award. 4. Indirect Cost Information: If indirect costs are included in the budget, and the applicant has a currently-approved NICRA, please ensure the NICRA has been uploaded in the State of Illinois Indirect Cost System if indirect costs are included in the proposed budget. This Notice of Funding Opportunity does not require the process of letters of intent or white paper submission. Application format requirements: Electronic submission is required. Preferred submissions should have all documents: (1) with a minimal font of 12-size; (2) with one-inch margins; (3) with pages displaying page numbers and (4) single spaced Other unique programmatic application requires: The application should be no more than 25 pages. 3. Unique Entity Identifier/Dun and Bradstreet Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number and System for Award Management (SAM) Each applicant (unless the applicant is an individual or Federal 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 specified application review date. To establish a SAM.gov registration, go to https://governmentcontractregistration.com/sam-registration.asp and/or utilize this instructional link: “How To Register in SAM” https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/GATA/Documents/Resource%20Library/SAM-Registration.pdf (ii) Provide a valid DUNS number in its application. To a DUNS number, go to https://www.dnb.com/duns-number.html; and (iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award or an application or plan under consideration by a Federal or State awarding agency. The State awarding agency may not make a Federal pass-through or State award to an applicant until the applicant has complied with all applicable DUNS and SAM requirements and, if an applicant has not fully complied with the requirements by the time the State awarding agency is ready to make a Federal pass-through or State award, the State awarding agency may determine that the applicant is not qualified to receive a Federal pass-through or State award and use that determination as a basis for making a Federal pass-through or State award to another applicant. 4. Submission Dates and Times Applications with all required documentation must be received, via email, no later than 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on February 15, 2022. i. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal or State holiday, the reporting package is due the next business day. ii. What the deadline means: The date and time by which the State awarding agency must receive the application. iii. The effect of missing a deadline: Applications received after the due date and time will not be considered for review or funding. iv. To be considered, applications must be emailed by the date and time listed above. For your records, please keep a copy of your email 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. In the event of a dispute, the applicant bears the burden of proof that the application was received on time at the location listed above. Acknowledgement of receipt: Applicants will receive an email (within 72 hours of receipt or 120 hours if received on a non-business day) notifying them that their application was received and if it was received by the due date and time. This email notification will be sent to the original sender of the application. Submission Method: Acceptable Proof of Timely Submission: Email or Another Electronic Platform X Electronic time date and stamp US Postal Service Postmark date Personal/Courier Deliver Manual record of date and time received 5. Intergovernmental Review Not Applicable X This funding opportunity is NOT subject to Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs.” 6. Funding Restrictions Refer to Section C. Eligibility Information, 3. Indirect Cost Rate for Indirect Cost Rate Restrictions and Match Requirement details. The following funding restrictions apply (specify n/a for non-applicable items): • Unallowable activities dictated by the funding terms • Institution of Higher Education Indirect Cost Rate Restrictions • 2 CFR 200 – Subpart E Allowable/Unallowable Costs • Restrictions on Pre-award Costs • Other unique and regulatory programmatic restrictions 7. Other Submission Requirement The applicant must additionally submit the following: a. Program Plan/Narrative - The program narrative at a minimum must include the categories to be evaluated in the merit review process: i. Need: X ii. Capacity: X iii. Quality: X iv. Other: b. Budget i. The budget and narrative must tie fiscal activity to program objectives and deliverables and demonstrates that all proposed costs are: 1. Reasonable and necessary 2. Allocable, and 3. Allowable as defined by program regulatory requirements and the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), as applicable. ii. the applicant must submit a budget using the appropriate IDHS designated template/system (presently CSA: IDHS: CSA Tracking System). c. Electronic and Other submission addresses: i. Email: DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.govWith respect to electronic methods for providing information about funding opportunities or accepting applicants' submissions of information, each State awarding agency is responsible for compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794d).” E. Application Review Information All competitive grant applications are subject to merit-based review. Review criteria is based upon the requirements set forth in the following: • 44 IL Adm. Code 7000.350 – Merit Based Review of Grant Applications (http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000D03500R.html.) • the IDHS Merit Based Review Manual. As dictated by the authoritative references above, the following minimum review criteria apply: • Need: Identification of stakeholders, facts and evidence that demonstrate the proposal supports the grant program purpose. • Capacity: The ability of an entity to execute the grant project according to project requirements. • Quality: The totality of features and characteristics of a service, project or product that indicated its ability to satisfy the requirements of the grant program. • Other unique program criteria. Application is subject to Merit Based Review X Yes No 1. Criteria and Weighting of Each Criteria The maximum total score is 100 points. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 25 POINTS The Executive Summary will serve as a stand-alone document for successful applicants that will be shared with various state-level stakeholders and others requesting a brief overview of each funded project. Therefore, applicants should be concise and direct in their description. Information in this section should include, but not be limited to, the following: • Identify the amount being requested under this proposal. • Identify target service areas/communities • Identify the number of individuals with I/DD who are projected to participate • Describe agency experience in providing services and supports, both generally and specific to CIE, to individuals with I/DD and their families • Briefly describe the reason the provider agency seeks to receive the CIEC grant and the impact on the individuals you seek to support in CIE. • Describe how the CIEC grant will help your organization build expertise in order to support individuals with I/DD to move into CIE. • Affirmation of commitment to participating in DDD/DRS training, Community of Practice • Affirmation of commitment to participation in ACRE training and or staff certification through CESP • Affirmation of commitment to becoming a DRS funded CRP and seeking accreditation from a nationally accredited organization • Affirmation, if applicable, to decreasing enrollment in Special Wage Certificate activities The ideal applicant will: • Clearly define the service area and target community or communities to be supported. • Provide data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating the potential impact of participation in the program. • Present a compelling vision for the agency transformation due to participation in the program. • Clearly affirm commitment to the key tenets of the program. PROGRAM PLAN/NARRATIVE 75 TOTAL POINTS Need (Description of Need) 20 POINTS The applicant’s proposal will be evaluated based on the following: • Analysis of the needs of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in the proposed service area(s) and target community/communities and the agency’s plans for meeting those needs. • Data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating the ways that the proposed CIEC grant will impact the individuals being identified o Number of adults with DD you currently support engaged in: ? Residential Services ? Community Day Services ? Special Wage Certificate activity ? Facility-based work (Non-Special Wage Certificate) ? Facility based non work (in life skills / life enrichment) ? Non-Special Wage Certificate prevocational or employee development activity ? Non-Special Wage Certificate prevocational or employee development activity ? DDD Supported Employment Program ? Competitive Integrated Employment o Number of adults with DD you anticipate being interested in engaging in CIE o Number of agency personnel (paid or volunteer) with a primary job duty associated with: ? Special Wage Certificate Activity ? Facility-based work (Non-Special Wage Certificates ? Facility based non work (in life skills / life enrichment) ? Non-Special Wage Certificate prevocational or employee development activity ? Community based activity (volunteerism/exploration) ? DDD Supported Employment Program ? Competitive Integrated Employment o Number of agency personnel you would seek to employ to meet the CIEC program goals o If the agency is currently accredited, in Employment Services, by a national accreditation body, and if so, identify the accreditation body. The ideal applicant will: • Clearly define the individuals and communities to be supported. • Demonstrate the need in the provider’s community or service area(s). • Provide data, facts, and/or evidence demonstrating the potential impact of participation in the program. Capacity (Agency Qualification/Organizational Capacity) 20 POINTS The applicant’s proposal will be evaluated based on the following: • Agency’s ability to be ready to begin participating in the CIEC activities by April 1, 2022. • Define the applicant’s strategies and approaches to identify and or recruit adults with I/DD to participate in the project. • Describe the applicant’s approach to engage stakeholders, businesses, families and other community partners to build a foundation of achievable, cohesive and sustained success in increasing community integration and inclusion of adults with I/DD. • Describe the applicants training plan (ACRE approved) and process to certify their employment staff (CESP) • Describe the agency’s plans to change internal culture to be employment focused. • Agency’s prior experience serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families. • Describe the protocols and processes necessary to collect, track, house and act upon data related to the outcomes of this project. • Define an program plan, including key performance indicators and maintenance strategies, for achieving the targeted increase in community integration and inclusion of adults with I/DD by the conclusion of the NOFO funding cycle. • Agency’s ability to execute the program according to the grant requirements. The ideal applicant will: • Provide a detailed and realistic program plan to establish the program within the organization. • Demonstrate ability to collect and analyze data. • Demonstrate that the agency has experience providing services and programs serving individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families with a specific focus on the program goals. Quality of Program/Services 20 POINTS The applicant’s proposal will be evaluated based on the following: • Describe the applicant’s intent to modify or enhance recruitment and retention strategies for staff which will support project funded programs. • Identify the professional development or formal certification of personnel who are assigned to assist adults with I/DD to increase community integration and inclusion. • Commit to participate in project evaluation activities, project meetings/webinars, technical assistance and training activities coordinated by the DDD or third-party training and technical assistance providers. • Identification the ACRE approved staff training and describe the rationale and fit for the organization in relation to individuals served. • Demonstration that the proposal, in total, is well articulated and in alignment with the program goals • Provides a detailed description as to how the agency will directly engage with potential and existing participants via education, outreach, and communication. • Provides a detailed summary of the agency’s quality assurance processes to ensure compliance with the program goals as well as Division, IDHS, and GATA requirements. The ideal applicant will: • Provide a detailed description that the agency has experience providing services and programs that serve individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and their families with a specific focus on the program goals. • Demonstrate demographically and culturally appropriate processes are in place to reach out to a wide variety of potential and existing Respite program participants to keep them engaged or to engage them, for the first time, in the program. • Ensure the agency has appropriate processes in place to measure quality assurance and make changes/updates as needed. BUDGET & COST JUSTIFICATION 15 POINTS The applicant’s proposal will be evaluated based on the extent to which the budget narrative provides the following: • Thorough and clear justification and narrative for all proposed line-item expenditures. • All expenditures and program costs are reasonable and allowable. • Financial Quotes for all proposed training and certification should be included with the proposal. • Administrative costs are no more than 10% of the proposed budget • Proposed staffing is sufficient to address customer projections (no higher than 1:15 staff ratio) • Where available, supplemental or companion funding is clearly identified. Is the award subject to Cost Sharing/Matching? Yes X No If yes, is cost sharing considered in the scoring criteria? Yes No 2. Review and Selection Process Review teams comprised of up to 3 individuals, with at least 1 reviewers being outside DDD. Each application will first be reviewed and scored individually. Then, review team members will collectively review the application, their scores, and comments. Individual review 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 single final application score. Application Review Date: February 16, 2022 – March 31, 2022 In accordance with Section C. Eligibility Information, an entity must be in qualified status as of the Application Review Date for their grant application to be considered by the state awarding agency. Merit-Based Review Appeal Process In accordance with GATA Administrative Rules, Section 350, Merit Based Review of Grant Applications, a merit-based application review is required for competitive (discretionary) Grants and Cooperative Agreements, unless prohibited by State or federal statute. http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000D03500R.html Under a competitive grant, the evaluation process may be subject to appeal. Evaluation scores or funding determinations/outcomes cannot be appealed. Refer to the Merit Based review Appeal Process as stated in GATA Administrative Rules, Section g: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/044/044070000D03500R.html Appeals submission IDHS contact information: • Name of Agency contact for appeals: Erica O’Neal • Email of Agency contact for appeals: Erica.Oneal@illinois.gov, DHS.DDDBCR@illinois.gov 3. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates, if applicable. Anticipated Program Start Date: April 1, 2022 Anticipated Program End Date: June 30, 2024 Other announcement and award date information: March 2, 2022 F. Award Administration Information 1. State Award Notices Applicants recommended for funding under this NOFO following the above review and selection process will receive a notice of award. The award notice shall include: a. The terms and conditions of the award. b. Specific conditions, if any, assigned to the applicant based on the fiscal and administrative (ICQ), programmatic risk assessments (PRA) and merit-based review. The announcement of the grant award shall be published by the awarding grantor to www.grants.illinois.gov. A written Notice of Denial shall be sent to the applicants not receiving the award. 2. Administrative Requirements Upon the receipt of an award, the successful applicant is obligated to comply with the following: a. The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708); b. The applicable requirements of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), and; c. Any additional programmatic and administrative special conditions that may be required. The applicant awarded these 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 including indirect cost rate requirements in Section C – Eligibility, of the NOFO. The legal agreement between DHS and the successful applicant(s) will be the standard IDHS Uniform Grant Agreement. If selected for funding, the applicant will be provided a IDHS grant agreement for signature and return.

Application End date February 28, 2022

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PPRs and PFRs are due quarterly. They must be submitted no later than 15 days after the end period. First quarter reports are due by October 15; second quarter reports are due by January 15; third quarter reports are due by April 15; and fourth quarter reports are due by July 15.

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The Division of Developmental Disabilities Hotline 1-888-DD-PLANS (1-888-337-5267) (TTY: 1-866-376-8446) is available to persons and the family of people with developmental disabilities to answer questions on community programs, respite care, and other state services available to persons with a disability. More information is also available visit the Developmental Disabilities Web site.

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