The Illinois Department of Public Health, through the Regional Implementation Group (RIG), allocates federal and state HIV prevention funds for high-impact, targeted prevention initiatives. This includes targeted and routine HIV screening, STI and viral hepatitis testing, behavioral interventions, and linkage to care and medication for those most at risk or living with HIV/AIDS. PHIMC serves as the lead agent for Region 8, Suburban Cook County.
On September 1, 2026, a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) was released for providers of HIV prevention services within Illinois Region 8 — Suburban Cook County, excluding the City of Chicago — from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Proposals are due Thursday, October 1, 2026 by 5:00 p.m., and only organizations that submit the Intent to Apply Form by Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. will be considered.
Bidder’s Conference Recording
Click here to download the slides from the Bidder’s Conference
The following answers to NOFO questions were updated on September 17, 2026.
Click each link to see the questions and answers in that category.
Surveillance Based Services (SBS)
Budget
Is the budget submitted final?
Organizations may be awarded up to the requested amount. Final award amount will consider the number of awarded applicants and any identified gaps in the geographic areas or service categories in the regional service plan. Final budgets and scopes may require further negotiation upon award. Contracted agencies are allowed up to 3 budget revisions during the grant period.
Peers
Is there an age restriction on hiring Youth Ambassadors as Peers under this grant?
Peers allocated to the grant under Capacity Building – Black/Latiné MSM Peer Hiring and Training must be at least 18 years of age and meet all requirements in the Capacity Building Billing Guidelines and Allowable Costs document.
Scopes
Are there IDPH tools or information available to help agencies applying for Surveillance Based Services estimate the number of SBS cases are typical for a region or geographic area?
No, as it varies based on the uptake of testing in a certain area.
Supplies
What Harm Reduction supplies are allowable under RIG?
The following Harm Reduction (HR) supplies are allowable under RIG. Agencies can only purchase HR Supplies in accordance with the amount of HR scopes they have been assigned in their contract.
Overdose Prevention & Drug Checking
- Naloxone/Narcan – nasal spray only. The Lead Agent can also guide agencies through the process of registering as a Drug Overdose Prevention Program to order Naloxone/Narcan directly from the manufacture at no cost.
Safer Use Supplies
- Syringes – various sizes and gauges.
- Single-use sterile cookers, sterile water ampoules and tourniquets.
- Inhalation Gear – Glass stem pipes, push sticks, foils, and disposable straws to promote safer smoking practices.
- Preparation Materials -Alcohol swabs for cleaning injection sites and hands prior to use.
Safer Sex & Hygiene
- Safer Sex Products – Latex and latex-free external condoms, internal condoms, and personal lubricant are provided for free through this grant. Other specialty items may be purchase with prior approval.
- Hygiene kits are not allowable.
Disposal & Wound Care
- Sharps Containers: Biohazard disposal units in multiple sizes for the safe collection of used syringes.
- Wound Care Supplies: Gauze, bandages, medical tape, sterile swabs, and antibacterial ointments in small foil packets.
Surveillance Based Services (SBS)
Is Surveillance Based Services (SBS) a stand-alone intervention not requiring additional IDPH approved interventions like ARTAS and CLEAR?
SBS is a stand- alone intervention. IDPH does not require approved interventions as identified in the HIV Testing & Intervention Policies and Procedures Manual to be implemented, although agencies may choose to integrate those interventions into their SBS work.
Does IDPH require the provision of a specific individual behavioral intervention for Surveillance Based Services (SBS)?
IDPH does not require the provision of specific individual behavioral interventions for SBS.
Is HIV Navigation Services (HNS) an allowed, optional intervention to aid in the implementation of Surveillance Based Services (SBS)?
HNS is allowed as an intervention to aid in the implementation of SBS.
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Learn more here or download the full NOFO.
Questions will be accepted through Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Proposals are due on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
