Federal Grant Support Program

Application Period: General announcement open for a period of time with no specific due dates for applications.

Technical Assistance: No

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Application Documents

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State of Illinois Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Summary Information
Awarding Agency Name Commerce And Econ Opp
Agency Contact Chad Phillips (CEO.FedGrantMatch@illinois.gov)
Announcement Type Initial
Type of Assistance Instrument Grant
Funding Opportunity Number FY26-1
Funding Opportunity Title Federal Grant Support Program
CSFA Number 420-35-3073
CSFA Popular Name Federal Grant Support Program
Anticipated Number of Awards 30
Estimated Total Program Funding $16,900,000
Award Range $10000 - $2000000
Source of Funding State
Cost Sharing or Matching Yes
Requirements
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Posted Date 09/16/2025
Application Date Range General announcement open for a period of time with no specific due
dates for applications.
Grant Application Link Please select the entire address below and paste it into the browser...
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b3ff5cbb2c0142969fc8e7d34fdf807
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Technical Assistance Session No

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Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Federal Grant Support Program
NOFO ID: 3073-3149
For information about grants please visit:
https://dceo.illinois.gov/dceo-grants.html
A. Program Description
Notice of Funding Opportunity Intent
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing
this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to set forth the requirements of the Department’s Federal
Grant Support Program. The Department administers grant programs designed to promote and enhance
economic development as specified by the Department’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget Public Act 104-0003
enacted by the Illinois General Assembly.
Program Description
The State of Illinois benefits economically when federal funds are invested in Illinois. However, Illinois
receives less funding in federal grants per person (or per capita) than the average state, as well as states
similar in population size.
Federal grant funding is distributed by discretionary and non-discretionary grants. Discretionary federal
grants typically require a match, which is the non-federal share of the project costs that a grantee must
contribute to achieve the purposes of the award. In some instances where there is no formal matching
requirement, the percentage of the match provided by the grantee is used as a metric for evaluating the
competitiveness of an application.
The Department’s Federal Grant Support Program will make up to $16.9 million available to Illinois-
based proposals seeking competitive federal grants. The Department may provide a grant up to
$2,000,000 that entails up to a 1:1 match of the applicant’s cash contribution towards the project. This
matching grant program is intended to encourage more Illinois-based applicants to apply for federal grant
opportunities, provide critical assistance to meet the minimum match eligibility requirements, increase the
competitiveness of applications, and provide the State of Illinois with an opportunity to make a firm
commitment and demonstration of support for projects that are well aligned with the State’s economic
development goals and priorities.
Projects not aligned with the State’s economic development goals and projects with the primary purpose
of transportation, parks, social services, or housing are not eligible. An exception will be made for projects
with the primary purpose of transportation, parks, social services, or housing seeking funding from the
U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Eligible applicants will apply for this program while they are preparing an application for a federal grant
and at least three (3) weeks prior to the associated federal program submission deadline. Applications
received less than three (3) weeks prior to the associated federal program submission deadline
will not be considered. The Department anticipates sending an award decision three (3) weeks after the
application is received. Successful applicants will then receive a letter of commitment that they will be
awarded a Federal Grant Support Program Grant from the Department, contingent on receiving a federal
award.
Program History
This is the second round of funding made available under the Department’s Federal Grant Support
Program.
Performance Goals and Measures

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Award recipients will be required to report quarterly on performance measures that align with the goals,
priorities, and performance measures identified in the State’s economic development plan: 1) focus on
high growth sectors and continue overall business climate improvements; 2) advance comprehensive
economic development efforts for business growth and attraction; 3) promote equitable growth by
empowering workers, entrepreneurs and communities; and/or 4) build out the New Clean Energy
Economy. All projects will be required to report on the following details:
• Funds and investment either contributing directly to the project or raised as a result of the project,
by source (e.g. local government, private equity, or venture capital, etc.)
• Number of Illinois residents directly employed due to the project, either as permanent staff for an
ongoing initiative and/or as temporary jobs for a capital or pilot project
• Completion of key milestones/deliverables
In addition, the following performance measures will be required, when applicable.
• Illinois residents, companies, or organizations receiving services, by type of service (e.g. training,
business support services)
• R&D spending
• Startups created, and associated number of jobs
• Patents
• Total exports
• Other, as warranted
Other Information
N/A
B. Funding Information
This grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by Public Act 104-0003. Total amount of funding
expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $16,900,000. Awards will range from $10,000 to
$2,000,000. The Department expects to make 30 awards through this NOFO.
The period of performance is expected to be October 1, 2025 through October 1, 2027.
Eligible projects may include capital and non-capital costs. We ask that applicants specify in their
application if a proposed project is a capital-only project.
A portion of grants provided for this program may originate from Rebuild Illinois capital funds that are
subject to Bondability Guidelines (see guidelines at the same webpage where this NOFO is posted).
Eligible expenses for Rebuild Illinois Capital funds include:
• architectural planning and engineering design;
• land and building acquisition;
• costs related to site selection, preparation, and improvement;
• utility work;
• new construction of buildings and structures;
• reconstruction or improvement of existing buildings or structures; and
• original furnishings and durable equipment, including scientific instruments and apparatuses
with a long useful life.
The Department’s award is contingent upon receiving the federal award associated with the applicant’s
proposal.
Applicants will be required to notify the Department of their federal award and provide supporting
documentation within a specified timeframe in order to receive their award:
• If awarded, applicants will receive a commitment letter from the Department stating that they
will receive an award, contingent upon receiving the federal award associated with their
application. This letter may be included in the applicant’s proposal to the federal government.
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• Upon receiving the federal award, grantees shall notify the Department and provide proof of
the federal award including the full application that was approved, and the Department will
enter into a grant agreement with the grantee.
• Applicants should notify the Department if they do not receive the federal award or if there is
a change in the grant status, such as a delay in the federal government’s review and
selection process.
• Initial commitments are good for up to 120 days from the date of the Department’s approval
letter – at the end of 120 days, grantees must have notified the Department that they
received the federal award to start the grant agreement process. Failure to notify the
Department and receive confirmation from the Department regarding next steps to process a
grant agreement or receive an extension may result in termination of the Department’s
commitment to provide an award.
• The Department’s commitment may be extended once for an additional 120 days under
certain circumstances (e.g., the federal government has not made an award decision) –
applicants must have submitted an extension request to the Department within the initial 120-
day commitment period and received an approved extension from the Department.
The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Department to make an award.
C. Eligibility Information
An entity must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal,
https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/, at the time of grant application. The portal will verify that the entity:
• Has a valid FEIN number (https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-
employed/get-an-employer-identification-number)
• Has a current SAM.gov registration (https://sam.gov). SAM.gov registrations must be marked as
“public” to allow the GATA Grantee Portal to expedite the review of the federal information;
• Has a valid UEI number (https://sam.gov)
• Is not on the Federal Excluded Parties List (verified at https://sam.gov)
• Is in Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, as applicable
(https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/business_services/corp.html)
• Is not on the Illinois Stop Payment list (verified once entity is registered in GATA Grantee Portal);
and
• Is not on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services Provider Sanctions list
(https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/oig/Pages/SanctionsList.aspx)
Entities on the Illinois Stop Payment List and/or the Federal Excluded Parties List at time of application
submission will not be considered for an award.
An automated email notification to the entity alerts them of “qualified” status or informs how to remediate
a negative verification (e.g., not in good standing with the Secretary of State). A federal Debarred and
Suspended status cannot be remediated.
At this time, federal memo M-21-20 allows entities to apply for grant awards without a valid UEI number.
The UEI number must be obtained prior to grant execution. The State of Illinois has adopted this
guidance for the issuance of state awards also.
Pursuant to the policy of the Illinois Office of the Comptroller, to receive grant funds from the State of
Illinois, a grantee must be considered a regarded entity by the IRS for federal income tax purposes.
Disregarded entities will not be eligible to receive grant funds.
1. Eligible Applicants include:
1. Local Governments
2. Nonprofit Organizations
3. For-Profit Organizations
4. Small Businesses
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5. Educational Organizations
Eligible applicants include eligible entities that also meet the following guidelines:
1. Applicant must be the primary applicant on a federal award application being submitted
directly to a grant-making federal agency.
2. If applicant is an Illinois-based organization or business1 or commits to becoming an
Illinois-based organization or business upon receiving the federal award, at least 51% of
the total project must consist of activities that occur in Illinois.
3. If applicant is NOT an Illinois-based organization or business and does NOT commit to
becoming an Illinois-based organization or business upon receiving the federal award, at
least 90% of the total project must consist of activities that occur in Illinois.
4. Project must be eligible for a specified federal grant program, for which the applicant
intends to apply within 120 days of applying to this state program.
5. Applicant must commit to providing a financial contribution (cash) towards the project,
which will be used to determine the State’s eligible matching award.
Projects not aligned with the State’s economic development goals and projects with the primary
purpose of transportation, parks, social services, or housing are not eligible. An exception will be
made for projects with the primary purpose of transportation, parks, social services, or housing
seeking funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
Applicants for federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business
Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I awards are ineligible for this funding opportunity. Please
reference Department’s separate Phase I SBIR/STTR Matching Grant Program. Applicants for
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
initial Phase II awards are ineligible for this funding opportunity.
Applicants for federally funded opportunities offered by institutes within the Manufacturing USA
network are eligible for this funding opportunity.
The Department complies with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations
pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity including,
but not limited to: The Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq.), The Public Works
Employment Discrimination Act (775 ILCS 10/1 et seq.), The United States Civil Rights Act of
1964 (as amended) (42 USC 2000a-and 2000H-6), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(29 USC 794), The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC 12101 et seq.), and The Age
Discrimination Act (42 USC 6101 et seq.).
2. Cost Sharing or Matching.
The applicant must:
1. Provide a financial contribution (cash) towards the project, which will be used to
determine the State’s eligible matching award. In-kind contributions and funding from
other state agencies will not be used to determine the State’s eligible matching award.
2. The state’s award will be up to a 1:1 match of the applicant’s cash contribution, but
cannot exceed the federal award amount.
3. The applicant must provide letters or other documentation stating the amount,
contributing entity, and source of the applicant’s cash contributions towards the project.
An authorized representative from each entity providing a cash contribution towards the
applicant’s matching requirement must provide a signed letter confirming their
commitment, identifying their source of the funds, and certifying their ability to make the
financial contribution to the project.
1 An “Illinois-based organization or business,” for the purposes of this NOFO, is defined as an organization or
business whose principal place of business is Illinois, or whose officers direct, control, and coordinate the
organization’s activities from Illinois.
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Any reduction in the applicant’s cash contributions to the project after receiving the federal award
may result in a reduction in the Department’s award.
For the purposes of this program, the applicant’s required cash contribution must be associated
with expenditures specific to the proposed project. These cash contributions may include, but are
not limited to new personnel costs, fringe costs, supply and equipment costs, indirect costs, and
other direct costs. Third party in-kind contributions will not be counted as part of the applicant
match and encompass contributions to the project that do not involve a payment or represent
donated services such as those of already salaried personnel.
Applicants are directed to 2 CFR § 200.306 for standard definitions related to cost sharing and
matching requirements.
To further illustrate some examples of cost sharing requirements, see below.
• If a federal match is required:
Ex. The federal grant requires a 25% match, and the total project is $1 million.
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Therefore, the federal government may fund up to $750,000, and the applicant must
provide matching funds of at least $250,000. The applicant intends to provide the
minimum match amount ($250,000). The applicant will provide $125,000, and the
State of Illinois’ matching grant may be up to $125,000, or 50% of the applicant’s
total cash match.
Ex. The federal grant requires a 20% match, and the total project is $1 million.
o
Therefore, the federal government may fund up to $800,000, and the applicant must
provide matching funds of at least $200,000. However, the applicant is proposing to
contribute $400,000 towards the project (40%) to make the application more
competitive. The applicant will contribute $200,000, and the State of Illinois’ matching
grant may be up to $200,000, or 50% of the total match.
Ex. The federal grant requires a 50% match, and the total project is $14 million. This
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makes the total required match $7 million. The maximum award amount from the
State of Illinois’ matching grant is $2 million. Therefore, the total amount that the
grantee must contribute is $5 million to fully fund the project, and Illinois may provide
a matching grant of up to $2 million.
• If a federal match is not required:
Ex. The applicant’s total project is $1 million, and the applicant would like to provide a
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total of $400,000 towards the project. The applicant will provide $200,000 in cash,
and the State of Illinois’ matching grant may be up to $200,000, or a 1:1 match of the
applicant’s cash contributions.
Ex. The applicant’s total project is $10 million. The maximum federal award amount is
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$4 million, and the grantee’s remaining portion is $6 million. The State of Illinois’
matching grant may be up to $2 million, and the applicant must be able to contribute
the rest ($4 million).
3. Indirect Cost Rate.
In order to charge indirect costs to a grant, the applicant organization must have an annually
negotiated indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA). There are three types of NICRAs:
a) Federally Negotiated Rate. Organizations that receive direct federal funding, may have an
indirect cost rate that was negotiated with the Federal Cognizant Agency. Illinois will accept the
federally negotiated rate. The organization must provide a copy of the federally NICRA.
b) State Negotiated Rate. The organization may negotiate an indirect cost rate with the State of
Illinois if they do not have a Federally Negotiated Rate. If an organization has not previously
established in indirect cost rate, an indirect cost rate proposal must be submitted through State of
Illinois’ centralized indirect cost rate system no later than three months after receipt of a Notice of
State Award (NOSA). If an organization previously established an indirect cost rate, the
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organization must annually submit a new indirect cost proposal through CARS within six to nine
months after the close of the grantee’s fiscal year, depending on the grantee’s audit type
requirements.
c) De Minimis Rate. An organization may elect a de minimis rate of 15% of modified total direct
cost (MTDC). Once established, the De Minimis Rate may be used indefinitely. The State of
Illinois must verify the calculation of the MTDC annually in order to accept the De Minimis Rate.
All grantees must complete an indirect cost rate negotiation or elect the De Minimis Rate to claim
indirect costs. Indirect costs claimed without a negotiated rate or a De Minimis Rate election on
record in the State of Illinois’ centralized indirect cost rate system may be subject to disallowance.
Grantees have discretion and can elect to waive payment for indirect costs. Grantees that elect to
waive payments for indirect costs cannot be reimbursed for indirect costs. The organization must
record an election to “Waive Indirect Costs” into the State of Illinois’ centralized indirect cost rate
system.
The following State University Facilities & Administration 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.
4. Freedom of Information Act/Confidential Information.
Applications and accompanying materials are subject to disclosure in response to requests
received under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). Information
that could be proprietary, privileged, or confidential commercial or financial information should be
clearly identified as such in the application materials. The Department will maintain the
confidentiality of that information only to the extent permitted by law.
5. Other, if applicable.
Applicants may submit multiple applications for this opportunity.
D. Application and Submission Information
1. Address to Request Application Package.
Grant application forms are available at the web link provided in the “Grant Application Link” field
of this announcement or by contacting the Program Manager:
Chad Phillips
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
555 W. Monroe St., Suite 12, Chicago, IL 60661
Chicago, IL 60661
Tele: 312-209-9764
Email: ceo.fedgrantmatch@illinois.gov
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2. Content and Form of Application Submission.
A standard application package must be submitted and reviewed by the Department. Each
package should contain the following items:
Uniform Grant Application in fillable PDF format.
☐
 Signature page must be signed by the authorized signatory before submission
Can be printed, signed, and scanned
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Can be signed digitally
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Uniform Budget utilizing the template provided by DCEO for this project.
☐
 The entire Excel document with all the tabs included, even if the tabs are not
relevant to the grant opportunity, must be submitted.
 Do not send a restricted version of the Uniform Budget.
 Certification page must be signed by the authorized signatory before submission
Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
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Conflict of Interest Disclosure.
☐
 Conflict of Interest Disclosure must be signed by the authorized signatory before
submission
Can be printed, signed, and scanned
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Can be signed digitally
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Mandatory Disclosure.
☐
 Mandatory Disclousure must be signed by the authorized signatory before
submission
Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
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This Notice of Funding Opportunity also requires the submission of the following other
programmatic specific items:
Program Application
☐
Please note there is a maximum upload of 10 documents in the web form that you submit the
application, so combining files may be necessary.
3. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) 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. To establish a SAM registration, go to www.SAM.gov and/or utilize this
instructional link: How to Register in SAM from the www.grants.illinois.gov Resource Links
tab. SAM.gov registrations must be “public.”
(ii) Provide a valid UEI number in the GATA Grantee Portal registration.
(iii) Continue to maintain an active SAM 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 UEI 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.
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4. Submission Dates and Times.
Applications for this opportunity must be submitted at least 3 weeks prior to the associated
federal application submission deadline.
Application materials must be submitted to the Department via electronic form at
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b3ff5cbb2c0142969fc8e7d34fdf8073.
The Department is under no obligation to review applications that do not comply with the above
requirements. Failure to meet the application deadline may result in the Department returning
application without review or may preclude the Department from making the award.
5. Intergovernmental Review, if applicable.
N/A
6. Funding Restrictions.
This opportunity does not allow reimbursement of pre-award costs. Other restrictions can be
found in Sections A., B., and C.
7. Other Submission Requirements.
Documents stored in Google Docs or other cloud-based servers are not allowed.
The applicant can receive a copy of their submitted application by checking the “Send me a copy
of my responses” box at the bottom of the application submission form.
Applicants may confirm receipt of the application and documents by contacting the program
contact listed in this NOFO.
E. Application Review Information.
1. Criteria.
Grant proposals will be reviewed on a competitive basis. Each proposal will be scored on a 100-
point scale (or on a percentage scale). The Department shall consider the following criteria when
evaluating the application submittal: Need, Capacity, and Quality.
Need (30 points)- The applicant demonstrates that a state grant is required, without
which the project would not occur, and/or would significantly increase the
competitiveness of the applicant’s federal proposal.
The federal grant requires a cost-share/matching component 5
The federal grant requires a cost-share/match specifically from a public sector 5
entity or the State
Applicant demonstrates that the project will likely not occur, or the applicant will 5
not be able to submit the proposal without Department support
Applicant demonstrates that Department support will significantly increase the 5
competitiveness of the federal proposal
The project is located in, or its impacts will be concentrated in, an underserved 10
area or low-income community.
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Capacity (25 points)- The applicant demonstrates the ability to successfully complete
the project and comply with grant requirements.
Applicant demonstrates that the applicant and any necessary partners are 5
committed to the project
Applicant demonstrates that the applicant and any necessary partners have the 5
experience, knowledge, and expertise required to successfully complete the
project
Applicant demonstrates that the applicant and any necessary partners have the 5
staffing and organizational capacity to successfully complete the project
Applicant demonstrates access to the necessary equipment and facilities 5
required to successfully complete the project
Applicant’s budget and backing documentation show that the applicant and 5
partners have the resources required to successfully meet funding
commitments for the project
Quality (45 points)- The applicant’s proposal clearly identifies strong alignment with the
State’s economic development plan, and the proposed project has the potential to have
a significant and durable impact on economic development in Illinois.
The project is clearly aligned with one or more of the State’s economic goals, 25
as laid out in the five-year economic plan
(https://dceo.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dceo/documents/ilinois-2024-
economic-growth-plan.pdf):
• to Focus on High Growth Sectors and Continue Overall Business
Climate Improvements
• to Advance Comprehensive Economic Development Efforts for
Business Growth and Attraction.
• to Promote Equitable Growth by Empowering Workers,
Entrepreneurs and Communities
• to Build Out the New Clean Energy Economy.
The project has the potential to have a significant and durable impact on 20
economic development in Illinois. Examples for factors that will be
considered include the quantity and quality of projected outcomes (e.g., amount
of federal and/or private investment, exports, patents, business creation, job
creation and/or retention, average wages or wage growth, etc.); impact on one
or more of the State’s Key Industries, as outlined in the five-year plan;
significant alignment with State economic development legislation and/or
activities (e.g., CEJA, REV, MICRO, etc.); significant impact on underserved
populations or communities; and R&D or start-up ecosystem activities in areas
that are defined as a national critical and emerging technology areas2.
2. Review and Selection Process.
Applications will be graded using the Merit Review Process and scored on the criteria specified in
Section E.1. The Department will designate an Evaluation Committee to grade each application
received for this funding opportunity. The final score of each Committee member will be
calculated and an average of all scores will be the final applicant score. Grants will be awarded
on a rolling basis, with the Evaluation Committee scheduled to meet twice per month to review
2 The current National Science and Technology Council list can be found at: Critical and Emerging Technologies List
Update (whitehouse.gov) - https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/02-2022-Critical-and-
Emerging-Technologies-List-Update.pdf
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applications. All applicants with a merit review score that exceeds 70 will receive a
recommendation for an award. After recommendations have been made, grants will be awarded
in order from highest score to lowest score until funding is exhausted. The Evaluation Committee
may also prioritize issuing awards based on: awards that require a match; awards that require a
match specifically from a public sector entity or the State; the number of awards an entity has
already received under this program (i.e., an entity that has not received any awards may be
prioritized over an entity which has already received 1 or more awards); geographic dispersion of
awardees; and location in an underserved area.
The Merit Based Review process is subject to appeal per
https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/meritappreview.html. However,
competitive grant appeals are limited to the evaluation process. Evaluation scores may not be
protested. Only the evaluation process is subject to appeal. The appeal must be submitted
through the merit review appeal request form
(https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/6444bed39ef140c589f002f53b9bc092) within 14 calendar
days after the date that the grant award notice has been published.
3. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates, if applicable.
After the application period is closed, the Department will conduct a merit based review of eligible
applications. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of State Award (NOSA) to initiate the
grant agreement phase. During this phase, you will be contacted by a grant manager to develop a
grant agreement, which can be a months long process depending on complexity, cooperation,
and conformity with all applicable federal and state laws.
The Department reserves the right to issue a reduced award, or not to issue any award.
F. Award Administration Information
1. State Award Notices.
The Notice of State Award (NOSA) will specify the funding terms and specific conditions resulting
from the pre-award risk assessments and the merit based review process. The NOSA must be
accepted in the GATA Portal by an authorized representative of the grantee organization. The
NOSA is not an authorization to begin performance or incur costs.
2. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.
Subrecipients and Subcontractors: Agreement(s) and budget(s) with subrecipients and
subcontractors must be pre-approved by and on file with DCEO. Agreements can be submitted
to DCEO when available. Subcontractors and subrecipients are subject to all applicable
provisions of the Agreement(s) executed between DCEO and the grantee. The successful
applicant shall retain sole responsibility for the performance of its subrecipient(s) and/or
subcontractor(s).
Grant Uniform Requirements: The Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708/1
et seq.) (and its related administrative rules, 44 Ill. Admin. Code Part 7000), was enacted to
increase the accountability and transparency in the use of grant funds from whatever source and
to reduce administrative burdens on both State agencies and grantees by adopting federal
guidance and regulations applicable to those grant funds; specifically, the Uniform Administrative
Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200).
Procurement: Grantees will be required to adhere to methods of procurement per the
Procurement Standards (2 CFR 200.317 – 2 CFR 200.327).
Business Enterprise Program: For grant awards of $250,000 or more, grantees will be
required to comply with the Business Enterprise Program for Minorities, Females, and Persons
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with Disabilities Act (30 ILCS 575/0.01 et seq.), which establishes a goal for contracting with
businesses that have been certified as owned and controlled by persons who are minority, female
or who have disabilities. The Department will work with the grantees to ensure compliance prior
to the establishment of the grant agreement as well as through the life of the grant.
Environmental Review Requirements: Capital grants will be reviewed to determine
environmental review requirements. Based on the scope of the project, the grantees may be
required to complete additional environmental approvals before a grant agreement can be
initiated.
Required for grants appropriated by the capital budget- Illinois Works Jobs Program Act
(30 ILCS 559/20-1 et seq.): For grants with an estimated total project cost of $500,000 or more,
the grantee will be required to comply with the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative (30 ILCS
559/20-20 to 20-25) and all applicable administrative rules. The “estimated total project cost” is a
good faith approximation of the costs of an entire project being paid for in whole or in part by
appropriated capital funds to construct a public work. The goal of the Illinois Apprenticeship
Initiative is that apprentices will perform either 10% of the total labor hours actually worked in
each prevailing wage classification or 10% of the estimated labor hours in each prevailing wage
classification, whichever is less. Grantees will be permitted to seek from the Department a waiver
or reduction of this goal in certain circumstances pursuant to 30 ILCS 559/20-20(b). The grantee
must ensure compliance for the life of the entire project, including during the term of the grant and
after the term ends, if applicable, and will be required to report on and certify its compliance.
Required for grants appropriated by the capital budget- Prevailing Wage Act (820 ILCS
130/0.01 et seq.): Applicants that are awarded grants shall comply with all requirements of the
Prevailing Wage Act, including but not limited to, inserting into all contracts for construction a
stipulation to the effect that not less than the prevailing rate of wages as applicable to the project
shall be paid to all laborers, workers, and mechanics performing work under the award and
requiring all bonds of contractors to include a provision as will guarantee the faithful performance
of such prevailing wage clause as provided by contract. Grantees will be required to report on
Prevailing Wage Act compliance on a monthly basis.
Required for grants appropriated by the capital budget- Employment of Illinois Workers on
Public Works Act (30 ILCS 570/0.01 et seq.): All grantees will be required to comply with the
Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act (30 ILCS 570/0.01 et seq.) (the “Act”), which
provides that whenever there is a period of excessive unemployment in Illinois (as defined by the
Act), if the Grantee is using Grant Funds for (1) constructing or building any public works, or (2)
performing the clean-up and on-site disposal of hazardous waste for the State of Illinois or any
political subdivision of the State, then the Grantee shall employ at least 90% Illinois laborers on
such project. Illinois laborers refers to any person who has resided in Illinois for at least 30 days
and intends to become or remain an Illinois resident. Grantees may receive an exception from
this requirement by submitting a request and supporting documents certifying that Illinois laborers
are either not available, or are incapable of performing the particular type of work involved. The
certification must: (a) be submitted to the grant manager within the first quarter of the Award
Term; (b) provide sufficient support that demonstrates the exception is met; (c) be signed by an
authorized signatory of the Grantee; and (d) be approved by DCEO in consultation with the Illinois
Department of Labor. In addition, every contractor on a public works project or improvement or
hazardous waste clean-up and on-site disposal project in this State may place on such work no
more than 3 (or 6 in the case of a hazardous waste clean-up and on-site disposal project) of the
contractor’s regularly employed non-resident executive and technical experts.
3. Reporting.
Periodic Performance Report (PPR) and Periodic Financial Report (PFR)
Grantees funded through this NOFO are required to submit in the format required by the Grantor,
at least on a quarterly basis, the PPR and PFR electronically to their assigned grant manager.
The first of such reports shall cover the first three months after the award begins. Pursuant to 2
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CFR 200.328, Periodic Financial Reports shall be submitted no later than 30 calendar days
following the period covered by the report. Pursuant to 2 CFR 200.329, Periodic Performance
Reports shall be submitted no later than 30 calendar days following the period covered by the
report. Any additional reporting requirements will be disclosed in the NOSA. Grantees are
required within 45 calendar days following the end of the period of performance to submit a final
closeout report in the format required by the Grantor (See 2 CFR 200.344).
Monitoring
Grantees funded through this NOFO are subject to fiscal and programmatic monitoring visits by
the Department in accordance with 2 CFR 200.337. They must have an open-door policy
allowing periodic visits by Department monitors to evaluate the progress of the project and
provide documentation upon request of the monitor. Program staff will also maintain contact with
participants and monitor progress and performance of the contracts. The Department may modify
grants based on performance.
Audit
Grantees shall be subject to Illinois’ statewide Audit Report Review requirements. Terms of the
Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 USC 7501-7507), Subpart F of 2 CFR Part 200, and
the audit rules set forth under the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act Admin Rules shall
apply (See 44 IL Admin Code 7000.90).
G. State Awarding Agency Contact(s)
Grant Help Desk
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Email: CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov
H. Other Information, if applicable
N/A
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