SSJF State Opioid Action Plan - Bid-53695 SPO approve.pdf

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DHS SS for State Opioid Action Plan
Solicitation number
27-444DHS-ALCHS-B-53695
Issued by
Illinois

About this file

This is a Sole Source Justification Form from the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery, for a contract award to Advocates for Human Potential (AHP) for State Opioid Action Plan services. The contract is valued at $938,125 and will run from September 30, 2026, through September 29, 2027, with no renewal options specified. The services required include strategic planning, comprehensive evaluation of service programs, management of the State Overdose Crisis Response Advisory Council and its six subcommittees, management of the Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board and its committees, oversight of the Opioid Steering Committee chaired by Lt. Governor Stratton, and implementation reporting of the State Overdose Action Plan to guide the state's efforts in preventing opioid overdoses and deaths. The need was identified on July 22, 2026, with services required by September 30, 2026. No public hearing was held for this sole source determination, and the State Purchasing Officer approved the award on September 14, 2026.

The contract is funded through federal sources via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment State Opioid Response (SOR) grant (FAIN TI-087748), with total federal SOR funding of $36,714,994 annually. IDHS justifies the sole source award based on AHP's previous performance under multiple prior contracts dating back to 2017, with recent contracts valued at $1,117,500 (FY24), $838,125 (FY25), and $938,125 (FY25). The current contract cost breakdown includes Personnel ($592,457), Fringe Benefits ($203,509), Travel ($5,368), Miscellaneous Costs ($14,427), and Indirect Costs ($122,364). IDHS asserts that AHP is the only viable vendor because it authored the State Overdose Action Plan in 2022, has established efficient data collection and reporting systems, maintains relationships with all SOR providers, and was specifically named in the SAMHSA-approved grant application; switching providers would jeopardize compliance with federal grant requirements and the state's ability to implement ongoing overdose prevention initiatives. The agency notes that Illinois achieved a 30 percent decrease in overdose deaths in 2024 (2,419 deaths), the lowest number since 2016.

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Text version

Sole Source Justification Form

Version 7.01 Page 1 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 27-444DHS-ALCHS-B-53695

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Human Services

Sole Source Justification Form - Part I Section I - General Information

Department/Bureau/Section: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery

Need Identified Date: Jul 22, 2026 Supply/Service Need By Date: Sep 30, 2026

Project Title: State Opioid Action Plan

Vendor: Advocates for Human Potential

Provide a description of the supplies or services required:

Support to Department of Human Services (IDHS) for strategic planning, service program comprehensive evaluation, management of State Overdose Crisis Response Advisory Council and its subcommittees; management of Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board and its subcommittees, management of Opioid Steering Committee and its subcommittees, and reports on implementing State Overdose Action Plan to guide the work of the state in preventing opioid overdoses and deaths in Illinois.

Value: Estimated Value of Initial Term, this Change Order or Amendment: 938,125

Will this Sole Source amend a Professional or Artistic Services contract? Yes No

*Sole Source may not be used for amendments for Professional or Artistic Services if the amendment would increase the value by more than 5% of the initial award or extend the term by more than 60 days.

Type: New Sole Economically Feasible Source

Section II - Proposed Term

One-Time Purchase Term Contract

Estimated Contract Begin Date: Sep 30, 2026

Estimated Contract End Date: Sep 29, 2027

Number of Potential Renewals:

Length of Each Renewal in Months:

Total Value of All Renewals:

If a Term Contract, does the term, including renewals, exceed 12 months? Yes No

Section III - Funding Source Select the type of funding to be used (Check all that apply): State Appropriate Funds Federal Funds Other (Explain):

Section IV - Sole Source Justification

This purchase is economically only available from a single source primarily because it is: (If "Other" explain in one sentence)

Vendor is most fiscally and programmatically feasible to complete the work based on previous achievements and grant implementation

Are there secondary justification(s) for this sole source? Yes No

Version 7.01 Page 2 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 27-444DHS-ALCHS-B-53695

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Human Services

Section V - Purchase History

Has the Agency or University Purchased these supplies or services in the past? Yes No

Term Term From Term To Value Description Contract Number Type

1 6/29/2017 6/30/2018 430,000 Strategic Plan 43VDASAAHP Sole Source

2 7/1/2018 7/30/2018 30,000 Small Purchase 43CXCAHP19 Small Purchase

3 8/7/2018 9/30/2018 60,000 Small Purchase 43CXCAHP20 Small Purchase

4 10/5/2018 9/30/2019 610,000 Strategic Planning for the Opioid Crisis 43CXZAHP21 Sole Source

5 10/31/2019 12/31/2019 87,500 Opioid - SOR strategic planning and process evaluation 43CYZAHP23 Small Purchase

6 1/1/2020 9/29/2020 262,500 Opioid - SOR strategic planning and process evaluation 43CYZAHP29 Sole Source

7 1/8/2021 9/29/2021 587,325 Opioid - SOR strategic planning and process evaluation 43CZZAHP21 Sole Source

8 11/16/2021 11/30/2021 97,888

SUPR State Opioid Response strategic planning, process evaluation, and creation of a new State Opioid Action Plan

24100150017 Small Purchase

9 12/16/2021 9/29/2022 342,606

State Opioid Response strategic planning, process evaluation, and creation of a new State Overdose Action Plan for SUPR

24100151813 Sole Source

10 11/7/2022 9/29/2023 450,000

Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council and its subcommittees;

implementing new State Overdose Action Plan.

4100168438 Sole Source

If more than 10, or if other comments, explain:

FY24 sole source procurement was 9/30/2023- 9/29/2024 for $1,117,500 for SOR Strategic Planning and Evaluation and Implementation of State Overdose Action Plan on contract 4100184864.

FY25 sole source procurement was 9/30/2024 - 9/29/2025 for $838,125 for State Opioid Response Strategic Planning, Comprehensive Evaluation, IORAB and Steering Committee Management, and Implementation of State Overdose Action Plan on contract 4100202036.

FY26 sole source procurement was 9/30/2025 - 9/29/2026 for $938,125 for State Opioid Response Strategic Planning, Comprehensive Evaluation, IORAB and Steering Committee Management, and Implementation of State Overdose Action Plan.

Section VI - Business Rationale

Version 7.01 Page 3 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 27-444DHS-ALCHS-B-53695

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Human Services

1. Provide a detailed explanation of the need for the supplies or services:

IDHS received funds from the federal agency Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) for the State Opioid Response grant, FAIN TI-087748. The purpose of the SOR grant is to support a range of prevention, treatment, recovery support, public education and infrastructure required to address the overdose crisis in Illinois.

The IDHS-DBHR application named Advocates for Human Potential (AHP) to provide support to IDHS in the areas of strategic planning and evaluation of the many programs being implemented as part of the SOR grant. In addition, AHP finalized the State Overdose Action Plan (SOAP) in early 2022 and AHP is now the lead in assisting the state to manage and implement the SOAP. AHP manages all advisory councils and subcommittees associated with implementation of the SOAP. AHP manages the State Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council on behalf of IDHS-DBHR and works with each of its six subcommittees to implement recommendations and strategies included in the SOAP. In addition, AHP manages the Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board and its committees, whose work must also align with the SOAP and the SOR grant. Lastly, AHP manages the opioid Steering Committee, chaired by Lt. Gov. Stratton, and all of its work. These last two boards are subject to the open meetings act.

2. Provide a list and describe in detail the specifications required to satisfy the need:

See attachment - "SSJF Response - Section VI Question 2".

3. Provide detail explaining the justification selected in Section IV to explain why the requested supplies or services are the only ones available that can satisfy the agency or university requirements?

In the 3rd of 3 years of the SOR IV SAMHSA grant, IDHS named Advocates for Human Potential (AHP) to provide Advisory Council meeting staffing support, to conduct an evaluation of the multiple programs supported by the SOR grant, and to implement the State Overdose Action Plan for the State. The IDHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) developed the application for the formula grant award and the budget was approved by the IDHS clearance process. DBHR submitted a SAMHSA approved continuation application for the SOR-IV Grant year 3 that funds AHP. AHP has successfully provided many of these services in support of previous SOR grants that were previously awarded to IDHS-DBHR. Any new provider would be required to create a system to track all SOR IV data, including performance measurement metrics. They would need to be able to make changes to the data tracker on short notice as AHP is able to. Additionally, another provider would be required to work with all SOR IV grantees to ensure data is entered correctly and in a timely fashion. As AHP has created an efficient data collection and reporting system and maintained relationships with all SOR providers,they are the most sensible choice to continue this work. AHP wrote the SOAP that was released in early 2022 and is now the best choice to manage continuous analysis and implementation of the SOAP through various agencies, councils, and boards in the state whose work must align with the SOAP.

4. What are the unique features of the supplies or services that are not available in any other product or by any other vendor? Provide specific quantifiable factors/qualifications:

The Illinois SOR grant application references the Illinois Statewide Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council which has been convening since January 2017 to speak to the numerous initiatives and programs across the State that have been implemented by various units of local government, healthcare systems, community-based organizations, and human services nonprofits. In addition to a need to coordinate these several initiatives, a comprehensive strategy and plan was required to address gaps in opioid-related treatment and prevention services that are noted in the SOR grant application and are identified through the State Overdose Action Plan, and the various needs assessment activities supported by the SOR grants. The need for evaluation for service programs supported by the SOR grant is of critical importance in support of decisions regarding the future design and funding of these services. The SOR grant funds services for persons with opioid and stimulant disorder, including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, and it is critical that IDHS- DBHR evaluate these new services to determine their importance and usefulness. Given its extensive familiarity with the development of these service programs, and its successful experience in developing strategic programs and plans, AHP is in a unique position to evaluate the SOR grant programs, and to monitor and manage all aspects of the implementation of the State Overdose Action Plan.

Additionally, AHP has been managing meetings of all boards and subcommittees working on overdose prevention in the State including the Council, the IORAB, and the Steering Committee. An award to AHP to continue in this capacity will allow for a seamless transition of these services.

5. Has the Agency or University considered alternative supplies or services to satisfy their need? Yes No

Version 7.01 Page 4 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 27-444DHS-ALCHS-B-53695

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Human Services

5a. If no, why weren't alternatives evaluated?

The federal funder of the SOR grant, SAMHSA, requires that states implement services as quickly as possible following notice of an award, within four months at the latest in the first year of the grant. In years 2 and 3, services are expected to start immediately upon award. Advocates for Human Potential was named in the SOR grant proposal to SAMHSA. If IDHS-DBHR was required to find alternative providers/competitive bid for the contract, the SOR grant would be out of compliance, as AHP is able to start services immediately upon award.

From its experience with SOR and prior grants, IDHS-DBHR knew of AHP's capabilities to successfully provide the needed strategic planning, meeting staff support, process evaluation, and monitoring and report writing services that are critically needed to successfully implement the SOR grant evaluation and implement the SOAP within the 4 month implementation timeline required by SAMHSA.

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

Yes No N/A

7. What efforts were made to get the best possible price (i.e. did the agency/university negotiate) and how did you determine the price for this purchase is considered fair and reasonable?

IDHS-DBHR names AHP in the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant application. As SOR 4 is entering the final fiscal year (3/3), AHP is the most appropriate vendor to continue the previous work. AHP has continually met the fiscal requirements of the SOR grant. AHP continues to meet all milestones and deliverables for their contract. The price for the service was determined by funding limitations and the historical cost of the work in prior years. The AHP contract funds the following cost categories at the following totals: Personnel - $592,457, Fringe Benefits - $203,509, Travel - $5,368, Miscellaneous Costs - $14,427, Indirect Costs - $122,364. Total - $938,125.

8. Will this purchase obligate the State to this vendor for future purchases such as maintenance, licensing or continuing need?

Yes No

9. What will be the financial or other impact to the State if this sole source is not approved and a competitive bid is required?

IDHS-DBHR will not be in compliance with the SOR grant. The SOR funds which total $36,714,994 for each of three years will be in jeopardy, as well as additional funding that might be available from SAMHSA. Additionally, the work of the IORAB, the council and the Opioid Steering Committee is ongoing. Switching providers now would severely impact the State's ability to manage and coordinate the work of the various subcommittees and boards needed to comply with the various federal and state requirements, including executive orders, to utilize opioid settlement funds and SOR funds.

10. Is there any additional information you would like to add to justify this sole source?

In 2024 there were 2,419 deaths due to overdose in IL, representing a 30% decrease in overdose deaths from any drug in Illinois, the lowest number of overdose deaths since 2016 according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The serious impact of the ongoing overdose crisis affects the residents of the state of Illinois in profound ways. It is incumbent upon us to make the most timely and efficient use of the resources that are available to address this crisis. IDHS-DBHR's request for sole source approval to award funding in support of AHP's work assisting IDHS-DBHR with managing the overarching work of the SOAP, the SOR, the boards and councils, and the opioid settlement funds is critical to enabling us to meet the state's goal of further reducing overdose deaths. This is an ongoing crisis, and AHP has been deeply involved in much of the success we have had in fighting this crisis.

Version 7.01 Page 5 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 27-444DHS-ALCHS-B-53695

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Human Services

Section VII

Requesting Department Representative

Requesting Department Signature Required

I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed.

Date Sep 14, 2026

Printed Name Brian Harter E-mail Address brian.harter@illinois.gov

Phone Number 815-751-6090

State Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director Approval and Signature Required

I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed. (All prior form fields will lock once this e-signature is completed)

E-mail Address jean.sandstrom@illinois.gov

Phone Number 217-557-9298 Date Sep 14, 2026

Printed Name Jean Sandstrom

Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director and Not a Designee

SPO Approval and Signature Required

I have reviewed and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and agree with the State Agency or University determination.

I have reviewed and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and do not agree with the State Agency or University determination. As a result, the State Agency or University must explore other sourcing methods to satisfy their need.

State Purchasing Officer Signature Phone Number 217.836.6172 Date Sep 14, 2026

Printed Name Shea Firebaugh E-mail Address shea.firebaugh@illinois.gov

Version 7.01 Page 6 of 6

Bulletin Reference Number 27-444DHS-ALCHS-B-53695

Requesting Agency/University Illinois Department of Human Services

Sole Source Justification Form - Part II Section I - General Information

Project Title State Opioid Action Plan

Vendor Advocates for Human Potential

Initial Date of Procurement Bulletin Posting

Was a Sole Source hearing held per 30 ILCS 500/20-25?

Yes - Complete Section II and III below (Section II will only be visible when this option is selected)

No - Section II not required, go to Section III below Section III - CPO Approval and Signature Required

Based on my review, I authorize the Agency/University to proceed in accordance with the published Notice referenced above.

Based upon my review, I authorize the Agency/University to proceed with the following Changes.

Based on my review, the Agency/University is not authorized to proceed with this sole source as presented and my recommendation is that it be cancelled.

Other

CPO Signature CPO Phone 217-558-2231

Printed Name Ellen H. Daley Date

CPO E-mail Ellen.H.Daley@illinois.gov

Version 7.01 Page of Sole Source Justification Form - Part I Section I - General Information Will this Sole Source amend a Professional or Artistic Services contract?

If yes, what was the original contract value?

*Sole Source may not be used for amendments for Professional or Artistic Services if the amendment would increase the value by more than 5% of the initial award or extend the term by more than 60 days.

Section II - Proposed Term If a Term Contract, does the term, including renewals, exceed 12 months?

If yes, provide a detailed justification including any economic benefit received for agreeing to a multi-year term:

Section III - Funding Source Select the type of funding to be used (Check all that apply):

Section IV - Sole Source Justification Are there secondary justification(s) for this sole source?

Section V - Purchase History Has the Agency or University Purchased these supplies or services in the past?

Term Term From Term To Value Description Contract Number Type Section VI - Business Rationale

1. Provide a detailed explanation of the need for the supplies or services:

2. Provide a list and describe in detail the specifications required to satisfy the need:

3. Provide detail explaining the justification selected in Section IV to explain why the requested supplies or services are the only ones available that can satisfy the agency or university requirements?

4. What are the unique features of the supplies or services that are not available in any other product or by any other vendor? Provide specific quantifiable factors/qualifications:

5. Has the Agency or University considered alternative supplies or services to satisfy their need?

5a. If yes, name the alternative vendors whose supplies or services were evaluated:

5b. If yes, what were the alternatives for each vendor and why were they unacceptable? Be specific with regard to features, characteristics, requirements, capabilities and compatibility:

5c. Explain how the market evaluation was conducted?

*This evaluation is to determine available options within a market. If the evaluation is to determine quality or best suited option, this is not the appropriate source selection. Under no circumstances shall the evaluation consist of testing alternative options. These activities must be conducted in a competitive transparent environment (i.e. IFB or RFP).

5a. If no, why weren't alternatives evaluated?

6. Are there resellers or distributors?

7. What efforts were made to get the best possible price (i.e. did the agency/university negotiate) and how did you determine the price for this purchase is considered fair and reasonable?

8. Will this purchase obligate the State to this vendor for future purchases such as maintenance, licensing or continuing need?

8a. If yes, please provide details regarding future obligations and/or needs:

9. What will be the financial or other impact to the State if this sole source is not approved and a competitive bid is required?

10. Is there any additional information you would like to add to justify this sole source?

Section VII Requesting Department Signature Required I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed.

State Agency Bureau/Division Head or University Purchasing Director Approval and Signature Required I know and understand the contents of this Sole Source Justification and attest that all statements are true and correct and the fairness and reasonableness of the price was adequately confirmed. (All prior form fields will lock once this e-signature is completed) SPO Approval and Signature Required Sole Source Justification Form - Part II Section I - General Information Was a Sole Source hearing held per 30 ILCS 500/20-25?

Section II - Sole Source Hearing Details The State posted to the Illinois Procurement Bulletin a description of the State's need, the justification for the sole source decision, and information regarding the opportunity to submit comments and testify at a public hearing. Notice of the hearing was also posted outside of the hearing room 48 hours prior to the hearing.

The public hearing was conducted for the purpose of receiving testimony regarding the sole source determination. The Hearing Officer recommends the following:

The following relevant documents are attached:

Section III - CPO Approval and Signature Required 9.0.0.2.20101008.1.734229 Ellen.H.Daley@illinois.gov

BulletinNum: 27-444DHS-ALCHS-B-53695
Requesting: Illinois Department of Human Services
CurrentPage:
PageCount:
Department: Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery
NeedIdentifiedDate: 2026-07-22
NeedbyDate: 2026-09-30
ProjectTitle: State Opioid Action Plan
ProjectTitle: State Opioid Action Plan
Vendor: Advocates for Human Potential
Vendor: Advocates for Human Potential
Description: Support to Department of Human Services (IDHS) for strategic planning, service program comprehensive evaluation, management of State Overdose Crisis Response Advisory Council and its subcommittees; management of Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board and its subcommittees, management of Opioid Steering Committee and its subcommittees, and reports on implementing State Overdose Action Plan to guide the work of the state in preventing opioid overdoses and deaths in Illinois.
ValueIs: Estimated
ValueofInitialTerm: 938125.00000000
P-Ayes:
P-Ano:
P-AValue:
ThisIsA: New Sole Economically Feasible Source
One-Time:
Term:
BeginDate: 2026-09-30
EndDate: 2027-09-29
NumberofRenewals:
RenewalLength:
RenewalValue:
ExceedingYes:
ExceedingNo:
TextField3:
StateFunds: 0
FederalFunds: 1
FundingOther: 0
TextField4: Strategic Plan
DropDownList1: Vendor is most fiscally and programmatically feasible to complete the work based on previous achievements and grant implementation deadlines.
DropDownList1: Sole Source
DropDownList1: Small Purchase
DropDownList1: Small Purchase
DropDownList1: Sole Source
DropDownList1: Small Purchase
DropDownList1: Sole Source
DropDownList1: Sole Source
DropDownList1: Small Purchase
DropDownList1: Sole Source
DropDownList1: Sole Source
Justify:
PastYes:
PastNo:
DateTimeField20: 6/29/2017
DateTimeField19: 6/30/2018
NumericField8: 430000.00000000
TextField5: 43VDASAAHP
DateTimeField18: 7/1/2018
DateTimeField17: 7/30/2018
NumericField9: 30000.00000000
TextField10: Small Purchase
TextField11: 43CXCAHP19
DateTimeField16: 8/7/2018
DateTimeField15: 9/30/2018
NumericField10: 60000.00000000
TextField16: Small Purchase
TextField17: 43CXCAHP20
DateTimeField14: 10/5/2018
DateTimeField13: 9/30/2019
NumericField11: 610000.00000000
TextField22: Strategic Planning for the Opioid Crisis
TextField23: 43CXZAHP21
DateTimeField12: 10/31/2019
DateTimeField11: 12/31/2019
NumericField12: 87500.00000000
TextField28: Opioid - SOR strategic planning and process evaluation
TextField29: 43CYZAHP23
DateTimeField10: 1/1/2020
DateTimeField9: 9/29/2020
NumericField13: 262500.00000000
TextField34: Opioid - SOR strategic planning and process evaluation
TextField35: 43CYZAHP29
DateTimeField8: 1/8/2021
DateTimeField7: 9/29/2021
NumericField14: 587325.00000000
TextField40: Opioid - SOR strategic planning and process evaluation
TextField41: 43CZZAHP21
DateTimeField6: 11/16/2021
DateTimeField5: 11/30/2021
NumericField15: 97888.00000000
TextField46: SUPR State Opioid Response strategic planning, process evaluation, and creation of a new State Opioid Action Plan
TextField47: 24100150017
DateTimeField4: 12/16/2021
DateTimeField4: 2026-09-14
DateTimeField4: 2026-09-14
DateTimeField3: 9/29/2022
NumericField16: 342606.00000000
TextField52: State Opioid Response strategic planning, process evaluation, and creation of a new State Overdose Action Plan for SUPR
TextField53: 24100151813
DateTimeField2: 11/7/2022
DateTimeField1: 9/29/2023
NumericField17: 450000.00000000
TextField58: Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council and its subcommittees; implementing new State Overdose Action Plan.
TextField59: 4100168438
IfMoreThan10: FY24 sole source procurement was 9/30/2023- 9/29/2024 for $1,117,500 for SOR Strategic Planning and Evaluation and Implementation of State Overdose Action Plan on contract 4100184864.

FY25 sole source procurement was 9/30/2024 - 9/29/2025 for $838,125 for State Opioid Response Strategic Planning, Comprehensive Evaluation, IORAB and Steering Committee Management, and Implementation of State Overdose Action Plan on contract 4100202036.

FY26 sole source procurement was 9/30/2025 - 9/29/2026 for $938,125 for State Opioid Response Strategic Planning, Comprehensive Evaluation, IORAB and Steering Committee Management, and Implementation of State Overdose Action Plan.

Q1Answer: IDHS received funds from the federal agency Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) for the State Opioid Response grant, FAIN TI-087748. The purpose of the SOR grant is to support a range of prevention, treatment, recovery support, public education and infrastructure required to address the overdose crisis in Illinois. The IDHS-DBHR application named Advocates for Human Potential (AHP) to provide support to IDHS in the areas of strategic planning and evaluation of the many programs being implemented as part of the SOR grant. In addition, AHP finalized the State Overdose Action Plan (SOAP) in early 2022 and AHP is now the lead in assisting the state to manage and implement the SOAP. AHP manages all advisory councils and subcommittees associated with implementation of the SOAP. AHP manages the State Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council on behalf of IDHS-DBHR and works with each of its six subcommittees to implement recommendations and strategies included in the SOAP. In addition, AHP manages the Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board and its committees, whose work must also align with the SOAP and the SOR grant. Lastly, AHP manages the opioid Steering Committee, chaired by Lt. Gov. Stratton, and all of its work. These last two boards are subject to the open meetings act.
Q2Answer: See attachment - "SSJF Response - Section VI Question 2".
Q3Answer: In the 3rd of 3 years of the SOR IV SAMHSA grant, IDHS named Advocates for Human Potential (AHP) to provide Advisory Council meeting staffing support, to conduct an evaluation of the multiple programs supported by the SOR grant, and to implement the State Overdose Action Plan for the State. The IDHS Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) developed the application for the formula grant award and the budget was approved by the IDHS clearance process. DBHR submitted a SAMHSA approved continuation application for the SOR-IV Grant year 3 that funds AHP. AHP has successfully provided many of these services in support of previous SOR grants that were previously awarded to IDHS-DBHR. Any new provider would be required to create a system to track all SOR IV data, including performance measurement metrics. They would need to be able to make changes to the data tracker on short notice as AHP is able to. Additionally, another provider would be required to work with all SOR IV grantees to ensure data is entered correctly and in a timely fashion. As AHP has created an efficient data collection and reporting system and maintained relationships with all SOR providers,they are the most sensible choice to continue this work. AHP wrote the SOAP that was released in early 2022 and is now the best choice to manage continuous analysis and implementation of the SOAP through various agencies, councils, and boards in the state whose work must align with the SOAP.
Q4Answer: The Illinois SOR grant application references the Illinois Statewide Opioid Crisis Response Advisory Council which has been convening since January 2017 to speak to the numerous initiatives and programs across the State that have been implemented by various units of local government, healthcare systems, community-based organizations, and human services nonprofits. In addition to a need to coordinate these several initiatives, a comprehensive strategy and plan was required to address gaps in opioid-related treatment and prevention services that are noted in the SOR grant application and are identified through the State Overdose Action Plan, and the various needs assessment activities supported by the SOR grants. The need for evaluation for service programs supported by the SOR grant is of critical importance in support of decisions regarding the future design and funding of these services. The SOR grant funds services for persons with opioid and stimulant disorder, including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, and it is critical that IDHS-DBHR evaluate these new services to determine their importance and usefulness. Given its extensive familiarity with the development of these service programs, and its successful experience in developing strategic programs and plans, AHP is in a unique position to evaluate the SOR grant programs, and to monitor and manage all aspects of the implementation of the State Overdose Action Plan. Additionally, AHP has been managing meetings of all boards and subcommittees working on overdose prevention in the State including the Council, the IORAB, and the Steering Committee. An award to AHP to continue in this capacity will allow for a seamless transition of these services.
altYes:
altNo:
Q5aAnswer: The federal funder of the SOR grant, SAMHSA, requires that states implement services as quickly as possible following notice of an award, within four months at the latest in the first year of the grant. In years 2 and 3, services are expected to start immediately upon award. Advocates for Human Potential was named in the SOR grant proposal to SAMHSA. If IDHS-DBHR was required to find alternative providers/competitive bid for the contract, the SOR grant would be out of compliance, as AHP is able to start services immediately upon award.

From its experience with SOR and prior grants, IDHS-DBHR knew of AHP's capabilities to successfully provide the needed strategic planning, meeting staff support, process evaluation, and monitoring and report writing services that are critically needed to successfully implement the SOR grant evaluation and implement the SOAP within the 4 month implementation timeline required by SAMHSA.

Q5bAnswer:
Q5cAnswer:
Q6Yes:
Q6No:
Q6NA:
Q7Answer: IDHS-DBHR names AHP in the State Opioid Response (SOR) grant application. As SOR 4 is entering the final fiscal year (3/3), AHP is the most appropriate vendor to continue the previous work. AHP has continually met the fiscal requirements of the SOR grant. AHP continues to meet all milestones and deliverables for their contract. The price for the service was determined by funding limitations and the historical cost of the work in prior years. The AHP contract funds the following cost categories at the following totals: Personnel - $592,457, Fringe Benefits - $203,509, Travel - $5,368, Miscellaneous Costs - $14,427, Indirect Costs - $122,364. Total - $938,125.
Q8y:
Q8n:
Q8aAnswer:
Q9Answer: IDHS-DBHR will not be in compliance with the SOR grant. The SOR funds which total $36,714,994 for each of three years will be in jeopardy, as well as additional funding that might be available from SAMHSA. Additionally, the work of the IORAB, the council and the Opioid Steering Committee is ongoing. Switching providers now would severely impact the State's ability to manage and coordinate the work of the various subcommittees and boards needed to comply with the various federal and state requirements, including executive orders, to utilize opioid settlement funds and SOR funds.
Q10Answer: In 2024 there were 2,419 deaths due to overdose in IL, representing a 30% decrease in overdose deaths from any drug in Illinois, the lowest number of overdose deaths since 2016 according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The serious impact of the ongoing overdose crisis affects the residents of the state of Illinois in profound ways. It is incumbent upon us to make the most timely and efficient use of the resources that are available to address this crisis. IDHS-DBHR's request for sole source approval to award funding in support of AHP's work assisting IDHS-DBHR with managing the overarching work of the SOAP, the SOR, the boards and councils, and the opioid settlement funds is critical to enabling us to meet the state's goal of further reducing overdose deaths. This is an ongoing crisis, and AHP has been deeply involved in much of the success we have had in fighting this crisis.
SignatureField1:
TextField63: Brian Harter
TextField63: brian.harter@illinois.gov
TextField63: jean.sandstrom@illinois.gov
TextField63: Jean Sandstrom
TextField64: 815-751-6090
TextField65: 217-557-9298
Approve:
denied:
Comments:
Phone: 217.836.6172
Date: 2026-09-14
PN: Shea Firebaugh
Email: shea.firebaugh@illinois.gov
InitialPostingDate:
HearingYes:
HearingNo:
HearingDate:
HearingTime:
HearingLocation:
No: 0
Members: 0
recommends:
WrittenComments: 0
DecisionMemo: 0
HearingMinutes: 0
Other: 0
OtherComments:
HearingOfficerSignature:
Authorize:
AuthorizeWChanges:
Cancel:
CPOComments:
CPOSignature:
CPOTelephone: 217-558-2231
CPOPrintedName: Ellen H. Daley
CPOEmail:

File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .