27-0343-19 Local Agency Impaired Driving Prevention DRE Training Program

27-0343-19 Local Agency Impaired Driving Prevention DRE Training Program

Impaired Driving Prevention- SFST/ARIDE/DRE Training and Criminal Justice Program Overview:

I. INTRODUCTION

The Impaired Driving Prevention Program (IDP) is an initiative of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) that promotes the safety and well-being of all people using Illinois’ roadways. This program is preventative in nature by focusing on SFST, ARIDE and DRE training to create awareness, increase enforcement, and reduce alcohol and drug-impaired driving and enforcing criminal justice through enforcement and training of critical non-enforcement stakeholders to help prevent impaired driving.

New this year is the optional Traffic Safety Resource Investigator (TSRI) component. Applicants may include funding for TSRI activities that directly support SFST/ARIDE/DRE training and the investigation and prosecution of impaired-driving cases- especially drug-impaired driving. A TSRI is an experienced traffic and/or impaired-driving investigator (typically a current or former law enforcement officer) who works in coordination with the State DRE Coordinator and BSPE to support training delivery, provide technical assistance, develop practical resources, and strengthen the use of DRE, ARIDE, and/or SFST evidence in court.

The grant funding opportunities under NOFO 27-0343-19 may be funded both by the State of Illinois and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The State of Illinois has designated the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) BSPE the federally-required State Highway Safety Office (SHSO) in Illinois.
The Grantee shall also adhere to all Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (P.L. 117-58, previously referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)) rules and regulations under the criteria specific to their particular grant safety program. Any questions regarding the IIJA rules and regulations must be sent electronically to DOT.TSgrants@illinois.gov.

II. PROJECT GOAL

To incorporate multidisciplinary criminal-justice support activities that strengthen the use of SFST, ARIDE, and DRE evidence in successful DUI prosecutions.

A. Project Goal for SFST/AIRDE/DRE Training Only

To create a coordinated effort to address alcohol and drug-related traffic fatalities and serious injuries through enforcement and criminal justice by supporting the proper training and ongoing proficiency of law enforcement officers in SFST, ARIDE, and DRE through training, certification, and implementation.

B. Project goal for SFST/ARIDE/DRE Training and TSRI

To create a coordinated effort to address alcohol and drug-related traffic fatalities and serious injuries through enforcement and criminal justice training and implementation through multidisciplinary criminal justice to support activities that strengthen the use of SFST, ARIDE, and DRE trainings and implementation in addition to providing the use of SFST, ARIDE, and DRE evidence in to assist with increasing successful DUI prosecutions and other related criminal justice matters throughout the state.

III. TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS FOR SFST/ARIDE/DRE CLASSES

Note: This award may also support an optional Traffic Safety Resource Investigator (TSRI) component where TSRI activities are directly tied to approved SFST/ARIDE/DRE training deliverables and coordinated with the State DRE Coordinator and BSPE.

A. Purpose and Scope

This award supports grant applicants in training, certifying, and deploying officers as Drug Recognition Experts (DREs), delivering Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training, and in delivering Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) training. All activities funded under this award must be coordinated with the Illinois State DRE Coordinator (“State DRE Coordinator” or “ISC”) and must follow national and state standards.

B. Role of the State DRE Coordinator

The State DRE Coordinator is responsible for the overall administration and quality control of the Illinois DRE and ARIDE programs. Applicant agencies agree that the State DRE Coordinator will guide and approve all DRE and ARIDE training activities conducted under this grant.

C. Optional TSRI Component (Traffic Safety Resource Investigator – TSRI)

If proposed, TSRI activities must be coordinated in advance with the State DRE Coordinator and must align with current NHTSA/IACP DEC Program standards, Illinois Enhanced Standards, and the requirements of this NOFO. TSRI activities are intended to complement (not replace) the State DRE Coordinator’s oversight and to strengthen the quality and defensibility of drug- and alcohol-impaired driving cases statewide.

• Support and co-deliver SFST, ARIDE, and/or DRE trainings (including instructor development) in coordination with the State DRE Coordinator.
• Provide technical assistance to the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP), prosecutors and multidisciplinary partners on DRE/ARIDE/SFST evidence (e.g., report/video review, warrant development, case preparation for DUI and DUI crash cases).
• Develop and disseminate practical statewide tools (e.g., checklists, templates, quick-reference guides) that improve documentation and successful prosecution of impaired driving cases.
• Provide courtroom-focused support (e.g., consultation on defense challenges to DRE evidence). Any testimony must be allowable, appropriate to the case, and pre-approved by the grantee and BSPE.
• Coordinate with the State DRE Coordinator to identify training gaps, prioritize outreach, and target support to jurisdictions with demonstrated need.

Minimum/Preferred Qualifications (TSRI):

• 8–10+ years of traffic and impaired-driving investigative experience (DUI enforcement and/or serious injury/fatal crash investigations preferred).
• Current SFST credentials; ARIDE and/or DRE certification strongly preferred (where applicable).
• Demonstrated experience instructing adult learners and providing technical assistance; experience working with prosecutors and testifying in court preferred.
• Ability to travel statewide as needed to deliver trainings and on-site technical assistance.

Records and Reporting (TSRI):

Grantees budgeting TSRI activities must maintain documentation of TSRI deliverables (trainings delivered, technical assistance requests supported, resources developed/distributed, and jurisdictions reached) and must include TSRI activity summaries with required monthly/quarterly grant reporting.

• Before scheduling, advertising, or hosting any DRE school or ARIDE class using grant funds, grantees will contact the State DRE Coordinator to discuss the need, timing, location, and proposed instructors.
• The State DRE Coordinator and BSPE have the authority to approve, modify, combine, or cancel proposed DRE schools or ARIDE classes to ensure program integrity and efficient use of statewide resources.
• All grantees shall adhere to the FFY2027 DRE Information document attached to the application package.

D. Standards and Curriculum

Grantees will use only the current NHTSA/IACP-approved DRE and ARIDE curricula and will follow the International Standards for the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program and the Illinois DRE Program Enhanced Standards. Local changes to course content, length, or format are not allowed unless the State DRE Coordinator gives written approval.

• All DRE and ARIDE instructors must be approved by the State DRE Coordinator and must be in good standing with the Illinois DRE Program.
• Any use of DRE or ARIDE material outside of standard training (for example, special projects or pilots) must be cleared in advance with the State DRE Coordinator.

E. Hosting DRE Schools

If TSRI activities are funded, grantees shall also maintain TSRI activity logs sufficient for reimbursement and reporting (e.g., training dates/topics/attendance, technical assistance requests and resolution summaries without confidential case details, resources produced, and travel associated with approved TSRI deliverables).

If an applicant agency should wish to host their own stand-alone DRE school (DRE-School, seven-day classroom, and/or field certifications), the following conditions apply:

Request approval in writing from the State DRE Coordinator before announcing or opening enrollment for a DRE school. The request will include proposed dates, location, course manager, instructor team, and estimated number of candidates.

Use the statewide DRE application process managed by the State DRE Coordinator. Grantees may help identify candidates, but all applications must ultimately be screened and approved by the State DRE Coordinator.

Agree that DRE candidates must meet all national and Illinois prerequisites (including SFST training, impaired-driving experience, and courtroom testimony experience) before being admitted into the school.

Agree to a minimum class size of fifteen (15) qualified officer candidates for any stand-alone DRE school hosted by the grantee. This minimum can be met by combining state or local law enforcement agency officers, as coordinated by the State DRE Coordinator.

If the agency cannot meet the minimum class size for a stand-alone DRE school, they agree that their officers will be enrolled, at the direction of the State DRE Coordinator, into DRE schools coordinated through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) or other DRE schools designated by the State DRE Coordinator. BSPE can also determine an agency does not meet the requirements to hold DRE courses and, in such an event, work with the State DRE Coordinator on getting the enrolled officers into an appropriate class alternative.

All DRE field certifications, certification sign-offs, and instructor recommendations connected to a DRE school must be handled in the manner and on the forms required by the State DRE Coordinator. Certification packages will be routed through the State DRE Coordinator for final approval.

F. Hosting ARIDE Classes

Grantees are expected to use ARIDE strategically to support their impaired-driving enforcement and to build a pipeline of officers who understand drug-impaired driving and can recognize when a certified DRE is needed.

• Coordinate all ARIDE classes with the State DRE Coordinator before dates and locations are finalized.
• Use only State DRE Coordinator–approved instructors (typically DRE instructors or SFST instructors who are also certified DREs where allowed by national standards).
• Provide class rosters, completion lists, and any requested evaluation forms to the State DRE Coordinator within the timeframe and in the format requested.

• If TSRI activities are funded, report the number of TSRI-supported trainings delivered (topic/date/location), the number of prosecutors/justice partners trained, and the number of jurisdictions reached.
• If TSRI activities are funded, report the number and general type of technical assistance requests supported (e.g., evidence review, warrant consult, trial preparation support) and summary outcomes/feedback where available (no confidential case details).
• If TSRI activities are funded, report resources developed/updated/distributed (e.g., checklists, templates, quick guides) and how they were disseminated.

• Allow the State DRE Coordinator or designee and BSPE staff to observe and audit ARIDE classes as needed.

Applicants proposing TSRI activities are encouraged to include at least one performance measure tied to TSRI outputs (e.g., number of jurisdictions served, number of prosecutor/partner trainings delivered, number of technical assistance requests supported, post-training knowledge gains, and participant satisfaction).

ARIDE-trained officers will be instructed on how to contact a DRE, how to document drug-impaired and drug-and-alcohol-impaired driving investigations, and how their role fits into the Illinois DEC/DRE Program.

G. Records, Reporting, and Data

Grantees shall maintain basic records for each DRE and ARIDE class funded by this grant. At a minimum, this includes dates, locations, instructors, rosters, and completion status for each officer.

When requested, the grantee will share these records with the State DRE Coordinator and the BSPE to support statewide reporting, program evaluation, and future planning.

H. Reimbursement and Non-Compliance

To be eligible for reimbursement, DRE and ARIDE activities must follow the requirements in this section and must have the prior involvement and approval of the State DRE Coordinator.

• Training events that are NOT coordinated with or approved by the State DRE Coordinator may be deemed ineligible for reimbursement.

• OPTIONAL TSRI SUPPORT IS ELIGIBLE under this NOFO when TSRI activities are directly tied to SFST/ARIDE/DRE training deliverables and/or criminal-justice support activities that strengthen the defensibility and successful prosecution of impaired-driving cases. This optional TSRI component does NOT constitute funding a stand-alone TSRP, JOL, DUI Court, or community outreach program.
• Allowable TSRI costs may include: (1) personnel salary/wages and fringe (hourly) for TSRI time charged to the grant; (2) contractual/professional services for TSRI support if subcontracted; (3) in-state travel necessary to deliver TSRI trainings/technical assistance; (4) training delivery costs (materials/printing/room rental/AV) directly tied to approved TSRI-supported trainings; and (5) reasonable operating costs necessary for statewide coordination and resource dissemination, consistent with all state and federal requirements.
• All TSRI staffing and activities must be described in the application narrative and budget narrative, must be pre-approved by BSPE, and must be coordinated with the State DRE Coordinator where TSRI activities intersect with DRE/ARIDE/SFST standards, instructor approvals, or DRE program integrity.
• Repeated or serious non-compliance may result in changes to the scope of this grant, suspension of DRE/ARIDE-related activities under the grant, or termination of funding for those activities.

The goal of these requirements is not to create extra paperwork but to ensure that the grantees and the State DRE Coordinator are working together to build a strong, consistent, and defensible DRE and ARIDE program for Illinois.

IV. PROGRAM DELIVERABLES

TSRI is an eligible position under this NOFO if the proposed work directly supports approved SFST/ARIDE/DRE training and related technical assistance activities described in this document. TSRI costs must be budgeted in hourly format, and the narrative must describe specific deliverables, coordination with the State DRE Coordinator, and the statewide/regional service area to be supported.
These program deliverables must be accurately recorded and reported to IDOT on a monthly or quarterly basis as stated in the grant agreement. The applicant agency may request to add grant-specific deliverables in addition to those set forth as part of the IDP SFST/ARIDE/DRE program.
• Provide data on number of events, trainings, attendees successfully completing the courses, number of courses planned, officers attending the courses, number of instructors present

V. PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Performance Measures are quantifiable specific pieces of information used to determine if a grant program is working towards achieving it’s intended goal. This typically involves collecting and analyzing data to evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of projects. IDOT also encourages grant applicants to set a clear objectives and metrics, as part of or in addition to the required program deliverables, as part of an internal process to help meet the goal.

In order to address these goals, grant applicants must submit a minimum of two (2) performance measures. Grant applicants must also submit a minimum of one (1) project objective. To assist with creating these two requirements, grant applicants may use Performance Measure Worksheet document made available within the application package to assist with the creation and determination of these performance measures and an objective.

VI. PROJECT FUNDING GUIDANCE

In-state travel for TSRI activities (e.g., statewide/regional training delivery and on-site technical assistance) is allowable when directly tied to approved TSRI deliverables and consistent with the FFY2027 Travel Information document.

Funding for these types of programs is limited; current/past funding of a program does not guarantee future funding. Program applicants must provide clear data supporting the community need and specific ways this program and funding will improve problem areas. Program applicants must also demonstrate how their request will help meet the IDOT’s performance measures.

• IDOT will not reimburse for paid media campaigns. (ex. Radio and/or TV PSA/media spots/development of a PSA/advertisement).
• This NOFO is strictly for SFST, ARIDE, and/or DRE training; therefore, grant applicants for DUI Courts, TSRP and/or JOL, and grants involving community outreach, employer programs, criminal justice, and responsible alcohol services shall not apply under this NOFO.
• Alcohol and drugs for training purposes are not allowed for purchase.
• Please be aware that these grants are designed to be seed grants and funding programs indefinitely should not be expected.

Allowable budget items are listed in this NOFO. Some also have pre-determined costs. Please use the pre-determined costs when completing the budget, if applicable.

Special Note Regarding Travel: All applicants should adhere to the budget guidance and refer to the FFY2027 Travel Information document for all requirements regarding regular travel or travel that may not yet have a selected destination or dates, in-state or otherwise. All grantees, whether performing routine travel or otherwise, shall adhere to the information within their awarded budget as well as the FFY2027 Travel Information document. This FFY2027 Travel Information document is attached under the Question Submission Information section in this NOFO posting.

Special Note Regarding Personnel (Salaries and Wages): 1) All salaries are to be broken down into an hourly rate; no annual or monthly salary amounts are allowed per NHTSA requirement. 2) All applicant employees listed under Salary and Wages are eligible for a standard 4% annual cost of living raise so long as the applicant agency approves such pay increases. Other raise requests will require the agency policy regarding raises and may be denied or not funded the full requested amount. 3) Unless otherwise approved by BSPE, agencies should adhere to the FFY2027 Pay Raise Information document. This FFY2027 Pay Raise Information document is attached under the Question Submission Information section in this NOFO posting.

VII. BUDGET DETAILS

1. Personnel (Salaries and Wages)*
• Must be in an HOURLY format. NHTSA does not allow yearly or monthly salary reimbursements.
• Include narrative for each position including their role in the program.

• Unfilled positions can be listed as TBD under the Name column.

2. Fringe Benefits

• Must be broken down by each individual employee or position as they appear in the Personnel (Salaries and Wages) page.

If total fringe amounts are used, put the break-down of each total in the narrative. (e.g., total fringe is 7.65% should be listed in narrative as Social Security 6.2% gross wages and Medicare 1.45% gross wages

• Only the employee directly being paid by the grant may have their fringe benefits reimbursed.

o Unallowable: spousal, dependent or other fringe benefits not directly going towards the grant-covered employee listed in Salary or Wage.

3. Travel

• Regular mileage required by the position
• Hotel stays required for the position
• Travel for Professional/Instructor trainings
• Tolls/Parking
• Regular travel per diem
• Rental Car for regular in-state travel
 Rental (compact car only unless otherwise approved by BSPE)
 Fuel
o Unallowable: Additional insurance and other coverage, add-ons, upgrades resulting in additional rental costs
• DRE Training Field Certification Instructor Mileage
• DRE Training Field Certification Instructor Per Diem
• DRE Training Field Certification Instructor Lodging

• IACP Impaired Driving & Traffic Safety Conference (for DRE instructors, State DRE Coordinator, and TSRI only)
-Airfare $700 round-trip
-Per Diem $90/day
-Hotel $200/night pre-taxes and fees OR at the conference hotel at the conference rate
-Uber/Lyft/Taxi $150 to and from airport

• NASID Conference (for DRE instructors, State DRE Coordinator, and TSRI only)
-Airfare $700 round-trip
-Per Diem $90/day
-Hotel $200/night pre-taxes and fees OR at the conference hotel at the conference rate
-Uber/Lyft/Taxi $150 to and from airport

o Registration fees for Conferences should be listed under Training and Education
o Rates used are based on FFY2026 rates or best estimates- final allowable costs may differ. All rates should be pre-approved by BSPE prior to the first day of travel.
o Unallowable: additional expenditures for conferences such as early bird boarding, voluntary upgraded seating or rental vehicle size resulting in higher costs, vehicle rental and parking for out-of-state conferences that require airfare, or additional baggage fees; valet parking, unless pre-approved by IDOT; and airfare for travel outside of the IACP and NASID Conferences.

4. Equipment

o Unallowable under this grant unless otherwise approved by BSPE

5. Supplies

• Office Supplies
• Printing
• Postage (General)
• Postage (Shipping)
• Laptop (up to $999)
• Intoximeters/PBTs
• Intoximeter mouth pieces
• Student Manuals
• Binders
• Pen lights
• Matrix Cards
• Nitrile or Vinyl Gloves
• Oral Digital Thermometer
• Thermometer Prove Covers
• UB Pen Light
• Stethoscope kit
• Sphygmomanometer
• USB Storage Device
• Equipment Bag
• Clipboard
• Round Pupilometer
• Blood Collection Kit
• Urine Collection Kit

 Remember to have the State DRE Coordinator approve all equipment prior to purchasing

6. Contractual Services*

• Room Rental for classes
• Additional Room Rental (wet lab)
• DRE Training and Certification Supplemental Instructor Services

7. Consultant Services and Expenses

A. Consultant Services (Fees)

o Unallowable under this grant unless otherwise approved by BSPE

B. Consultant Expenses (Items)

o Unallowable under this grant unless otherwise approved by BSPE

8. Construction

o Unallowable under this grant unless otherwise approved by BSPE

9. Occupancy

o Unallowable under this grant unless otherwise approved by BSPE

10. Research & Development

o Unallowable under this grant unless otherwise approved by BSPE

11. Telecommunications

o Unallowable under this grant unless otherwise approved by BSPE

12. Training & Education

o Conference Registration Fee(s)

13. Direct Administrative Costs

o Unallowable under this grant unless otherwise approved by BSPE

14. Other and Miscellaneous Costs

o Unallowable under this grant unless otherwise approved by BSPE

15. Grant Exclusive Line-Item

o Unallowable under this grant unless otherwise approved by BSPE

* Traffic Safety Resource Investigator (TSRI) professional services (if subcontracted), including training support, technical assistance, and resource development as described in Section III TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS FOR SFST/ARIDE/DRE CLASSES.

Note: TSRI professional services are allowable when they represent program staffing support tied to approved TSRI deliverables (budgeted under Personnel or Contractual Services as appropriate). General consultant service fees remain unallowable under this grant program unless otherwise approved by BSPE.

TSRI-related registration fees for approved instructor development or impaired-driving/traffic-safety technical trainings may be allowable when directly tied to TSRI deliverables and pre-approved by BSPE (and where applicable, the State DRE Coordinator).

VIII. SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT GRANT PAYMENTS

IDOT/NHTSA funded grants are reimbursement grants meaning reimbursements are issued after expenditures are incurred. Due to the time it takes to review, approve and process reimbursement requests as well as the time it takes the Illinois Comptroller to issue payments, grantees should be prepared to fund sixty (60) days of operations prior to receiving reimbursement.

IX. REIMBURSEMENT

A. Claims for reimbursement submitted by the Grantee will be for expenses that have been incurred to complete the scope of services/responsibilities in the Agreement. If the Grantee’s claims for reimbursement are deemed by the Grantor or auditors to not be sufficiently documented for supplies and equipment purchased or other services rendered, the Grantor may require further records and supporting documents to verify the amounts, recipients and uses of all funds invoiced pursuant to the Agreement. Furthermore, if any of the deliverables or milestones in the Agreement are not satisfactorily completed, the Grantee will refund payments made under the Agreement to the extent that such payments were made for any such incomplete or unsatisfactory deliverable.

The Grantee shall submit all claims for reimbursement on the Highway Safety Claim (non-STEP) claim form (BSPE 600). Claims for reimbursement are due within thirty (30) days of the end of the service period being reimbursed. The Grantee may request an extension of time to submit claims for reimbursement, along with required supporting documentation. Extension requests must be submitted to the Grantor in writing. The grantor must provide a written approval or denial of a time extension.

Final claims for reimbursement and all reports, including final reports, are due to the Grantor by 5 p.m. on Monday, November 1, 2027. Claims submitted to the Grantor by the November 1, 2027, due date will be reviewed and processed immediately for payment. If the Grantee cannot meet the November 1, 2027, deadline for submitting any final claims for reimbursement, the Grantee may request a time extension for submitting these documents. Time extension requests must be submitted to the Grantor in writing. Grantor must provide a written approval or denial of any time extension requests. Any approved time extension will be limited in nature to ensure the Grantor is able to request federal reimbursement.

Any expenditure made prior to the Agreement start date is the responsibility of the Grantee.

The Grantee must submit the BSPE 600 claim form and supporting documentation to the Grantor pursuant to the Agreement via email at:

DOT.BSPE.Claims@illinois.gov

If issues arise in submitting the BSPE 600 claim form, please contact the Grantor Contact listed in the Agreement or the assigned BSPE staff as assigned by BSPE.

B. All claims and supporting documents shall be signed and dated electronically by either the project director or the authorized representative of the Grantee. The claim must include:

1. The Agreement Number.
2. Requests for reimbursement must be requested on the Grantor’s designated BSPE 600 claim form.
3. Back up documentation, which may include invoices and receipts for expenditures, must be submitted with each claim.

C. Review and Approval

1. Upon submittal of a claim, the assigned Grantor Contact listed in the Agreement or the assigned BSPE staff as assigned by BSPE reviews and checks:

a. Mathematical accuracy of the claim.
b. That requested reimbursement is consistent with items included in the approved budget.
c. That total amount requested for reimbursement is proportional to the total amount budgeted.
d. That expenditures for each line item are less than or equal to the budgeted amounts and are allowable.
e. Completion of the work.

2. Failure to provide a complete claim may delay or prevent reimbursement. If there are problems with the claim, the assigned Grantor Contact listed in the Agreement or the assigned BSPE staff as assigned by BSPE will contact the Grantee to resolve the issue so that payment can be made, assuming all expenses are allowable. This may include submission of a new or corrected claim by the Grantee.

3. The assigned Grantor Contact listed in the Agreement or the assigned BSPE staff as assigned by BSPE will review and approve or reject the claim within thirty (30) days of the Grantee’s submittal. If rejected, the claim will not be processed for payment until revisions are approved by the Grantee.

D. Manager Approval

Once a claim is approved for payment, the Grantor’s Finance Unit processes the claim for payment by the Comptroller.

E. Send Payment

Once approved, the Comptroller forwards payment either via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) or by mailing a check to the Grantee’s Remittance Address listed on the Agreement.

F. Indirect Cost Rate Eligibility

1. Indirect cost rate shall be referred to as indirect cost rate or rate(s) throughout the language of the Agreement.

2. The Grantee is only eligible to receive an indirect cost rate if requested on the grant application, and the following stipulations are met:

a. The Grantee has a finalized indirect cost rate for the corresponding fiscal year wherein the expenses are allowable under the Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) or other applicable Agreement between the agency and an appropriate third party; If this is the first time for negotiating an indirect cost rate, the Grantee has the option to request a 15% provisional De Minimis rate until the rate is finalized.

b. The Grantee is eligible to claim a provisional rate at the commencement of the Agreement should the rate for the corresponding fiscal year not yet be finalized;

c. The Grantee adheres to the requirements for receiving an indirect cost rate including, but not limited to, have appropriate approval to receive indirect cost funds and finalizing the indirect cost rate that has been provisionally offered in a timely manner (timeliness is at the discretion of the Grantor).

3. Indirect Cost Rates are based on the Grantee’s fiscal year, therefore, other restrictions and deadlines may apply. The Grantee must work with the Grantor’s Support Services Manager to determine such additional restrictions. The Grantor’s Support Services Manager may be reached by emailing DOT.TSgrants@illinois.gov.

4. The Grantee acknowledges that provisional rates are not guaranteed for the duration of the Agreement. The rate shall be finalized prior to the end of the Agreement on Thursday, September 30, 2027.

a. Indirect cost rates finalized at a differing rate from the provisional rate may result in having an amendment to the Agreement.

b. Any overpayment of indirect costs on reimbursement submittals from the Grantee paid under the provisional rate shall be deducted by the Grantor from the total amount owed on remaining reimbursement submittals once the rate is finalized even in the event that the amendment has not been issued or executed. The Grantee will be responsible for repaying to the Grantor any indirect cost overpayment that cannot be recouped from remaining reimbursement submittals.

c. If provisional indirect cost rates are not finalized by September 30, 2027, the Grantor may recollect all indirect costs that were issued under the provisional rate. These funds will be recollected through remaining reimbursement submittals, or if no further expenditures are submitted for reimbursement, the Grantor will issue a recollection statement to the Grantee.

5. The Grantee is fully aware and in understanding of the Illinois Grant Funds Recovery Act as listed in Article XXII subsection 22.11 of the Agreement.

6. The Grantee acknowledges that the rate may be denied, altered, or otherwise amended outside the scope of rate requirements listed in Part III subsection VI of the Agreement.

7. All state university grant recipients shall adhere to the 20% on-campus/10% off-campus rate as per the memorandum issued January 24, 2020, to Grantor grant and program staff from the Grantor's Acting Chief Financial Officer.

X. CERTS AND ASSURANCES

Grantees shall also follow the NHTSA Certs and Assurances that will be included in the Agreement. The NHTSA Certs and Assurances document is also attached under the Question Submission Information section in this NOFO posting.

Any agency that issues a sub-award via grant, contract, or any other means of distributing the funds in order to assist the agency receiving funds directly from IDOT are required to have all such sub-awardees sign the NHTSA Certs and Assurances. The signed certs and assurances must then be submitted to the Grantor Contact listed in Exhibit C of the Agreement.

XI. APPLICATION SCORING CRITERIA

The grant applicant agency’s risk levels and project proposal information. There are 100 points in total. The grant applications will be scored as follows:

• Risk Level – 30 points
• Application Agency Information – 2 points
• Agency Experience and Qualifications – 20 points
• Problem Statement – 15 points
• History or Background Impact on Problem Statement – 5 points
• Data and Method of Evaluation – 10 points
• IDOT Planning and Assessment Documents – 6 points
• Objective(s) – 5 points
• Performance Measures – 5 points
• Deliverables – 2 points

XII. ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2027 OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: Some of these funding line-items may be unallowable for this specific grant program NOFO. Rather, this is guidance regarding all BSPE-issued FFY 2027 NHTSA program grants. All grant applicants should review the allowable grant budget line-items in previous sections to determine which of the below information’s guidance and requirements are applicable.

A. EMPLOYEES PERCENTAGE OF WORK

Full-time employees that work a percentage of their time on a grant, shall be paid on an hourly rate instead of a percentage of the overall salary. Percentages of time is not acceptable.

B. EMPLOYEES WITH MONTHLY OR ANNUAL SALARIES

Full-time employees that work on this grant cannot be paid their monthly or annual salaries. NHTSA requires all salaries to be broken down by hourly rates.

C. PART-TIME EMPLOYEES

Part-time employees shall be paid on an hourly rate. Percentages of time is not acceptable. Part-time grant funded personnel will not be eligible for leave time reimbursement.

D. EMPLOYEE RAISES

Special Note Regarding Personnel (Salaries and Wages): 1) All salaries are to be broken down into an hourly rate; no annual or monthly salary amounts are allowed per NHTSA requirement. 2) All applicant employees listed under Salary and Wages are eligible for a standard 4% annual cost of living raise so long as the applicant agency approves such pay increases. Other raise requests will require the agency policy regarding raises and may be denied or not funded the full requested amount. 3) Unless otherwise approved by BSPE, agencies should adhere to the FFY2027 Pay Raise Information document. This FFY2027 Pay Raise Information document is attached under the Question Submission Information section in this NOFO posting.

E. FRINGE FOR NON-ENFORCEMENT PART-TIME EMPLOYEES

Fringe can be paid for non-enforcement staff members based on their hours of work associated with the specific grant. Example: If a staff member works five hours for the grant, IDOT will reimburse up to the fringe rate for the five hours worked at the hourly rate.

F. TRAVEL

Special Note Regarding Travel: All applicants should adhere to the budget guidance and refer to the FFY2027 Travel Information document for all requirements regarding regular travel or travel that may not yet have a selected destination or dates, in-state or otherwise. All grantees, whether performing routine travel or otherwise, shall adhere to the information within their awarded budget as well as the FFY2027 Travel Information document. This FFY2027 Travel Information document is attached under the Question Submission Information section in this NOFO posting.

G. PROGRAMMATIC INCOME/IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS

Program Income will no longer be collected unless the grant applicant submits a proposal to BSPE and then received written approval for the collection and use of program income/in-kind contributions.

If approved, program income/in-kind contributions funds must be treated as federal dollars and must abide by all state and federal guidelines. These funds are to be expended in the grant year they were collected.

H. INVENTORY CONTROL

1. Any items purchased over $1,000, are required to be tracked and monitored by both the Grantee's agency and IDOT. This inventory will be monitored throughout the grant program. This inventory list must contain name of item, location of item, and unique identifier number for each item. How this is established is up to the Grantee's discretion but must have the required information described above.

2. If equipment above $1,000 is replaced with a new item and the previous was purchased with federal funds, the previous item will need to be turned into IDOT or disposed of properly. IDOT must be informed of what was disposed of and when. Then inventory control lists must reflect this change. If it is not returned or disposed of properly the new item will not be reimbursed.

3. The Safety Grant Administrator will inspect annually any item purchased more than $1,000. Equipment purchased with grant funds of $10,000.00 or more will have the BSPE 36 Major Equipment Inventory Inspection form completed and put in the project file.

4. Equipment Monitoring:

a. All pieces of equipment will be monitored until disposed of. Grantees are required to keep detailed information on where the equipment is and must present it when requested by IDOT. Equipment is only to be disposed of when it is no longer useful and IDOT must be informed of the disposal.

I. TECHNOLOGY GUIDELINES FOR GRANTEES

1. Personal/Home Internet:

a. The Illinois Department of Transportation will not provide salary stipends, expense reimbursements, payments on behalf of grantees, or any reimbursement (via Purchasing Card or direct bill) to cover costs associated with use of personal/home internet services used while performing business related activities.

2. Computers/Laptop/Tablet Purchases:

a. If computers/laptops/tablets are approved in the Grantee's budget, prior approval from the Grantor Contact listed in Exhibit C of the Agreement is required before making the purchase. Computing devices/laptops/computers have a limit of $999 dollars.

b. If the Grantee is replacing a computing device and the previous computing device was purchased with federal funds, it must be returned to the Grantor after the new computing device is received.

c. Any purchase request over $999 requires justification with required documentation submitted to their Safety Grant Administrator prior to purchase. After reviewing, the Grantor Contact listed in Exhibit C of the Agreement will deem it allowable or denied.
 
d. Computer charges must meet the same fundamental standards as all other charges to federal awards. Criteria for approval determination of a computing device include:

i. They must be reasonable.
ii. There must be an informed, prudent decision regarding the cost, utility, and value to the project.
iii. They must be allowable.
iv. They must be directly allocable.
v. The primary/principal use of the computer and related costs must be directly allocable to the purpose, goals, and activities of the funded projects.
vi. They must be necessary for the project.
vii. Computers must be essential for project activities and use should be sufficiently tracked to be adequately justified in the event of audit.

J. LINE-ITEM/BUDGET REVISIONS/AMENDMENTS TRANSFERS

Grantor requires the Grantee to provide prior written notification of any intended line-item transfers or other updates to the Agreement budget, regardless of dollar amount. Grantees must submit the intended updates to the Grantor Contact listed in Exhibit C of the Agreement using the Budget Revision Request & Approval BSPE 02 form. No changes to the budget are allowed without prior approval from the Grantor. Non-approved changes will not be eligible for reimbursement.

Details

• Awarding Agency: Department Of Transportation
• Departments: Highway Safety Grants - Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering -
• CSFA Number: 494-10-0343
• CSFA Popular Name: NHTSA Section 402, Section 405, and 1906 funds and State of Illinois funds
• Funding Opportunity Number: 27-0343-19
• Assistance Listings Number: 20.600, 20.616, 20.611
• Announcement Type: Initial Announcement
• Award Type: Competitive
• Total Funding Available: $800,000.00
• Expected Number of Awards: 40
• Funding Sources: Federal Or Federal Pass Through, State
• Capital Grant: No
• Indirect Costs Allowed: Yes
• Posted Date: 2026-02-24
• Award Period: 2026-10-01 – 2027-09-30

Funding Source Description

The grants funding opportunities under this NOFO may be funded both by the State of Illinois and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Therefore, the Grantee shall have an acceptable accounting system in existence capable of identifying the federal-related costs separately from their general operating costs. The Grantee shall also adhere to all Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) (P.L. 117-58, previously referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)) rules and regulations under the criteria specific to their particular grant safety program. Funding Sections 402 and all 405 sections in addition to 1906 funds depending on the specific grant objectives. Any questions regarding the IIJA rules and regulations must be sent electronically to DOT.TSgrants@illinois.gov

Allowable Budget Items: Personnel, Fringe, Travel, Equipment, Supplies, Contractual Services and Sub Awards, Consultant, Occupancy, Research and Development, Telecommunications, Training and Education, Direct Administrative Costs, Miscellaneous Costs, and Indirect Costs.

Funding Restrictions

See funding source description

Indirect Cost Description

All applicants must provide documentation that there is an acceptable accounting system in place that is capable of identifying project related costs separate from general operating costs prior to applying for this application.

2 CFR 200

Please see Question Submission Information section for the IDOT University Indirect Cost Policy Memo as referenced in the Citation Governing Indirect Cost Restriction section.

Restrictions on Indirect Costs

Yes

Citation Governing Indirect Cost Restriction

Allowed. “The following State University F and A Rate and Base will apply to all State issued awards that contain either Federal pass-through funding or State funding: RATE: 20% Rate for awards or programs administered On-Campus 10% Rate for awards or programs administered Off-Campus BASE: Base approved in the State Universities’ current Federally Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA) *Criteria for utilization of the On/Off Campus rate is located within the general terms and conditions of Federal NICRA for each State University. If not clearly defined, State awarding agencies and officers will make final determination based upon the purposes of the grant scope.” (See attached University Indirect Cost Rates Memorandum, January 2020). 2 CFR 200

State Award Notices

Awards should be issued prior to the grant start date.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

This NOFO is restricted by policies set forth in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL P.L. 177-58)

Reporting

The Periodic Financial Report is required at a minimum of four (4) times per year but may be required more frequently. Each Grantee's final reporting frequency shall be in the Agreement.

Performance Plan Reports are due monthly within Euna.

In addition, the Grantee's assigned Grantor Contact in Exhibit C of the Agreement may have monitoring meetings throughout the grant year.

Additional Information

https://idot.illinois.gov/programs-and-projects/safety-programs/safety-grants.html

Information posted in this Notice of Funding Opportunity is also posted on the IDOT Traffic Safety website for ease of use at:

https://idot.illinois.gov/programs-and-projects/safety-programs/safety-grants.html.