Syringe Service Program Supply Hub

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is offering funding through the Syringe Service Program Supply Hub opportunity, identified as SSPSH-26. IDPH, a state-level public health agency, administers programs aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing disease transmission across Illinois. This funding opportunity is part of the agency’s broader harm reduction strategy and is administered through its Office of Performance Management. The program reflects Illinois’ commitment to supporting public health infrastructure that addresses substance use and associated risks. The primary purpose of this grant is to establish and operate a centralized Syringe Services Program (SSP) Supply Clearinghouse. The selected grantee will manage a statewide system through which authorized SSPs can order harm reduction supplies such as syringes, gauze, and alcohol pads. In addition to procurement and distribution, the grantee will coordinate sharps disposal agreements, provide technical assistance to SSPs, and maintain communication with both program participants and IDPH. The project is designed to streamline supply distribution, improve access to essential materials, and support data collection related to harm reduction activities. Funding for this opportunity totals 1,500,000 dollars and will support a single awardee. The grant operates on a two-year cycle, with the first year awarded competitively and the second year potentially renewed non-competitively. Funds must be allocated across a range of allowable cost categories, including personnel, contractual services, supplies, training, and administrative costs. Notably, 75 percent of funding must be dedicated to supply purchasing and distribution, while up to 25 percent may support operational and administrative expenses. All expenditures must comply with state and federal cost principles and be necessary, reasonable, and allocable to the project. Eligibility for this funding is limited to nonprofit organizations and government entities that meet Illinois grant qualification standards. Applicants must complete the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) prequalification process, maintain active SAM registration and a Unique Entity Identifier, and demonstrate good standing with relevant regulatory bodies. Additional requirements include fiscal responsibility, absence from exclusion or sanction lists, and completion of risk assessments and internal control questionnaires. Applications must be submitted electronically through the IDPH Electronic Grants Administration and Management System (EGrAMS). Required components include a uniform state grant application, project narrative, detailed budget, and budget narrative. Applicants must also develop a comprehensive work plan with measurable objectives and provide detailed cost justifications. The review process is competitive and based on merit, with evaluation criteria including scope of work, work plan quality, and budget narrative. Applications are scored and ranked, with final selections made by IDPH. The application period opens on April 20, 2026 and closes on May 20, 2026 at 4:30 PM. A technical assistance session is scheduled for May 5, 2026, though attendance is not mandatory. Award notifications are expected following the review process, and the anticipated program start date is May 20, 2026. The program includes monthly reporting requirements and reimbursement-based funding disbursement. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact Nathan Schlindwein, Grant Coordinator, via email or phone as listed in the NOFO.

Focus on a detailed and realistic work plan with clear SMART objectives; ensure budget justification aligns with allowable costs and demonstrates reasonableness and allocability; clearly show capacity to manage statewide distribution and coordination