FY28 NG9-1-1 Expenses Grant Program

The Illinois State Police Office of the Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator (hereafter “Administrator”) seeks NG9-1-1 Expenses Grant Proposals as defined in 50 ILCS 750/30(b)(1)(E) with priority given to 9-1-1 Authorities that provide 9-1-1 service within the territory of a Large Electing Provider as defined in Section 13-406.1 of the Public Utilities Act for NG9-1-1 Expenses Grants. 9-1-1 Authorities outside of municipalities with a population over 500,000 shall be eligible to apply.

Applicants must submit proposals in compliance with the Act.

The goals in administering this program are to support the continued reliability, resiliency, and sustainability of Illinois’ NG9-1-1 system by defraying costs associated with the modernization and maintenance of essential NG9-1-1 capabilities. Funding priorities include the implementation, replacement, or upgrade of i3-capable call handling systems, NG9-1-1 multimedia recording systems, and GIS data improvements necessary to support accurate location validation, geospatial call routing, and statewide interoperability. The purpose of this program is to support the implementation and maintenance of baseline operational functionality required to comply with applicable technical and operational standards for the provision of 9-1-1 services in the State of Illinois, while promoting consistent, reliable, and interoperable service delivery statewide.

Grants will be funded, in whole or in part, with funds appropriated to the Illinois State Police (ISP) under the Act from the Statewide 9-1-1 Fund.

The ISP shall administer the program and award grants based on criteria that include but is not limited to the following:

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• NG9-1-1 i3-CAPABLE CALL HANDLING SYSTEMS

Grant funding is available for the implementation, replacement, or upgrade of NG9-1-1 i3-capable call handling systems. Eligible projects must have been completed during the previous State of Illinois Fiscal Year or be completed during the current State of Illinois Fiscal Year.

For purposes of this grant program, Baseline Functionality means the core NG9-1-1 call handling capabilities necessary to receive, process, manage, transfer, and document emergency voice and text communications in a standards-compliant environment. Only costs directly attributable to baseline functionality are eligible for reimbursement under this program.

For purposes of this grant, a hosted or cloud-based solution is one which the primary call handing applications and processing infrastructure are maintained in an off-premises data center or cloud environment rather than relying primarily on servers located at the PSAP.

Eligible solutions must demonstrate appropriate network connectivity, system redundancy, resiliency, cybersecurity protections, and continuity of operations.

Traditional on-premises call handling systems that incorporate remote vendor monitoring, maintenance, or management do not qualify as hosted or cloud-based solutions solely on that basis.

Eligible Projects:

-Implementation of hosted, cloud-based, or on-premise NG9-1-1 i3-capable call handling solutions that upgrade or replace a Primary PSAP's existing call handling solution that has been placed into production and operational service for a minimum of five (5) years. Eligible costs include system implementation, installation, configuration, migration, testing and acceptance activities associated with baseline functionality. For hosted or cloud-based solutions, eligible costs include implementation and a maximum of twenty-four (24) months of recurring subscription, hosting, software licensing, technical support, and vendor-managed service fees associated with baseline functionality of the NG9-1-1 call handling system.

-Implementation of necessary upgrades or configurations to support redundant NG9-1-1 network connectivity. Eligible costs may include switches, routers, firewalls, session border controllers (SBCs), and related hardware, software, configuration, validation, testing, and cutover activities necessary to ensure operational readiness and standards-compliant service delivery.

-Implementation of necessary upgrades or configurations to enable integrated text-to-911 functionality through an NG9-1-1 i3-capable call handling solution for a primary PSAP, including software, licensing, configuration testing, and deployment activities required to receive, process, and manage text communications within the call handling platform.

Eligible Baseline Functionality:

• The following capabilities shall be considered baseline functionality and are eligible for funding under this program:
• NG9-1-1 i3-compliant call processing and SIP call handling.
• ESInet and NGCS interoperability.
• Call answer, hold, transfer, conference, and disconnect functionality.
• Caller location display, location updates, and GIS-based location presentation.
• Text-to-9-1-1 call handling and text session management.
• Call routing, queue management, and overflow management.
• Telecommunicator call-taking workstation functionality.
• User administration, permissions, and system configuration.
• Standard operational reporting and system monitoring.
• Voice, text, and call-event logging and recording.
• Cybersecurity protections, authentication, encryption, and system security monitoring.
• System resiliency, redundancy, failover, and continuity of operations capabilities.
• Integration required for standard NG9-1-1 operations and interoperability.
• System hosting and cloud infrastructure services.
• Software updates, patches, technical support, and vendor-provided monitoring services.

Up to twenty-four (24) months of subscription, hosting, software licensing, and technical support costs directly associated with baseline functionality for hosted or cloud-based systems.

Ineligible Functionality:

• The following functionality is not eligible for funding under this program:
• Enhanced reporting, analytics, business intelligence, and performance dashboards beyond standard operational reporting.
• Quality assurance (QA), workforce optimization, employee evaluation, coaching, and performance management software.
• Advanced recording management, evidence management, or recording-sharing platforms beyond operational recording requirements.

Stand-alone remote call-taking systems, dedicated remote workstation deployments, or alternate worksite programs not included as part of the vendor's baseline call handling system.
Multimedia capabilities, including video, image processing, multimedia messaging, or supplemental media workflows beyond required NG9-1-1 baseline functionality.
Telecommunicator training environments, simulation platforms, or training-specific software.
Real-time AI transcription services.
AI-powered language translation services.
AI-generated call summaries or narrative generation.
Automated non-emergency call handling or triage systems.
Commercial caller intelligence, data enrichment services, or supplemental third-party information services.
Predictive analytics, workforce forecasting, or operational modeling tools.

NG9-1-1 i3-CAPABLE MULTIMEDIA RECORDING SYSTEMS
Grant funding is available for the replacement, upgrade, or implementation of NG9-1-1 i3-compliant multimedia recording systems. Eligible projects must have been completed during the previous State of Illinois Fiscal Year or be completed during the current State of Illinois Fiscal Year.

For purposes of this grant program, baseline recording functionality means the core recording, storage, retrieval, logging, and evidentiary capabilities necessary to capture, preserve, manage, and export NG9-1-1 communications in associated event date in a standards-compliant environment. Only costs directly attributable to baseline recording functionality are eligible for reimbursement under this program.

Eligible projects include:
-Procurement and implementation of hosted, cloud-based, or on-premises NG9-1-1 i3-capable recording systems that upgrade or replace a primary PSAP's existing recording system that has been placed into production and operational service for a minimum of five (5) years. Eligible costs include implementation of an i3-compatible multimedia recording system supporting the capture, storage, retrieval, retention, and export of emergency communications, including voice, text, RTT, call metadata, and associated system activity; standards-based integration with NG9-1-1 systems; necessary installation, configuration, testing, data migration, cybersecurity enhancements, and operational training. For hosted or cloud-based systems, eligible costs include implementation and a maximum of twenty-four (24) months of recurring subscription, hosting, software licensing, support, and vendor-managed service fees associated with the baseline functionality of the NG9-1-1 recording system.

Eligible Baseline Recording Functionality

The following capabilities shall be considered baseline functionality and are eligible for funding under this program:

• NG9-1-1 i3-compliant multimedia recording functionality.
• Recording of SIP-based voice communications.
• Recording and retention of Text-to-9-1-1 communications.
• Recording and retention of Real-Time Text (RTT) communications.
• Recording and retention of multimedia attachments, including images, video, and supported data objects.
• Recording of call events, system events, metadata, and transaction logs associated with NG9-1-1 operations.
• Integration with NG9-1-1 call handling equipment.
• Integration with ESInet and NGCS components utilizing standards-based interfaces.
• Secure storage, retention, retrieval, playback, and export of recordings and associated metadata.
• User administration, permissions, and system configuration.
• Standard operational reporting and system monitoring.
• Audit logging and chain-of-custody functionality.
• Cybersecurity protections, authentication, encryption, and system security monitoring.
• Storage capacity required to meet applicable statutory retention requirements or documented local retention policies.
• Up to twenty-four (24) months of subscription, hosting, software licensing, and technical support costs directly associated with baseline functionality.

Ineligible Functionality
The following functionality is not eligible for funding under this program:

• Advanced analytics, sentiment analysis, keyword spotting, behavioral analytics, or AI-driven insights.
• Workforce optimization software.
• Quality assurance (QA), quality improvement (QI), employee evaluation, coaching, and performance management software.
• Optional dashboards, visualization tools, or reporting suites beyond standard operational reporting.
• Predictive analytics, workforce forecasting, or operational modeling tools.
• Real-time AI transcription services.
• AI-powered language translation services.
• AI-generated call summaries, narrative generation, or automated documentation tools.
• Screen capture recording and playback functionality.
• FOIA, subpoena, and records request management functionality.
• Multimedia analysis platforms beyond the baseline recording, storage, and retrieval requirements of NG9-1-1 operations.
• Commercial caller intelligence, data enrichment services, or supplemental third-party information services.

NG9-1-1 GIS DATA
Grant funding is available for the creation, development, enhancement, validation or standardization of Geographic Information System (GIS) data necessary to support NG9-1-1 geospatial call routing, location validation, and statewide interoperability. Eligible projects must have been completed during the previous State of Illinois Fiscal Year or be completed during the current State of Illinois Fiscal Year.

For purposes of this grant program, Baseline NG9-1-1 GIS Functionality means the core GIS data development, maintenance, quality control, validation, and standardization activities necessary to establish and maintain accurate, complete, and authoritative GIS datasets in accordance with Illinois NG9-1-1 GIS Data Standards and applicable NENA standards, including state-directed schema migration.

Eligible Projects
Eligible projects include:
-Maintenance of required NG9-1-1 GIS data layers, including road centerlines, address points, PSAP boundaries, emergency service boundaries (ESB), and provisioning boundaries, in accordance with Illinois NG9-1-1 GIS Data Standards.

-Validation, verification, and correction of GIS datasets, including attribute errors, topology issues, boundary gaps and overlaps, spatial misalignments, and discrepancies between GIS, MSAG, ALI, and other authoritative data sources.

-Modification, restriction, conversion, and validation of existing GIS datasets necessary to meet current Illinois NG9-1-1 Data Standards, including state-directed migration to the NENA NG9-1-1 GIS Data Model Version 3.

Ineligible Costs
The following costs are not eligible for reimbursement under this program:

• Travel, lodging, meals, and other living expenses.
• Personnel salaries, overtime, backfill staffing, or employee benefits.
• Consultant or vendor travel expenses.
• Extended warranties beyond the approved grant period.
• Subscription, hosting, technical support, or licensing costs exceeding twenty-four (24) months.
• Recurring operational expenses not expressly identified as eligible in this program.
• Features, modules, or services that exceed baseline functionality and are not specifically identified as eligible under this grant category.

1.NG9-1-1 i3 CAPABLE CALL HANDLING EQUIPMENT
Implementation of necessary upgrades or configurations of existing NG9-1-1 i3 capable call handling equipment necessary to support redundant NG9-1-1 network connectivity and integrated Text-to-9111 functionality funding shall be given first to 1st time 9-1-1 Authority grant applicants that provide 9-1-1 service within the territory of a Large Electing Provider as defined in Section 13-406.1 of the Public Utilities Act for NG9-1-1 expenses.

Implementation of Hosted (preferred) NG9-1-1 i3 capable Call Handling Equipment that upgrades or replaces a primary PSAPs legacy call handling equipment or NG9-1-1 i3 capable call handling equipment that has been operational for 5 or more years funding shall be given first to 1st time 9-1-1 Authority grant applicants that provide 9-1-1 service within the territory of a Large Electing Provider as defined in Section 13-406.1 of the Public Utilities Act for NG9-1-1 expenses.

Implementation of Hosted (preferred) NG9-1-1 i3 capable Call Handling Equipment that upgrades or replaces a primary PSAP's legacy call handling equipment, or NG9-1-1 i3 capable call handling equipment that has been operational for 5 or more years. Funding shall be given to 1st time 9-1-1 Authority grant applicants that provide 9-1-1 service within all other territories.

1. NG9-1-1 i3-CAPABLE MULTIMEDIA RECORDING SYSTEM
2. NG911 NG9-1-1 GIS DATA PROJECTS

Details

• Awarding Agency: Illinois State Police
• CSFA Number: 493-60-1652
• CSFA Popular Name: NG9-1-1 Expenses Grant Program
• Funding Opportunity Number: 28-493-NG9-1-1E
• Announcement Type: Initial Announcement
• Award Type: Competitive
• Total Funding Available: $7,000,000.00
• Funding Sources: State
• Indirect Costs Allowed: No
• Posted Date: November 6, 2026
• Award Period: July 1, 2027 – June 30, 2028

Funding Source Description

FUNDING INFORMATION
This award is utilizing state funds. As defined in 50 ILCS 750/30(b)(1)(E) from each surcharge collected and remitted under Section 20 of the ETSA, until June 30, 2028, $0.05 shall be used by the Department for grants for NG9-1-1 expenses, with priority given to 9-1-1 Authorities that provide 9-1-1 service within the territory of a Large Electing Provider as defined in Section 13-406.1 of the Public Utilities Act.

The total amount of funding that the Administrator expects to award is $7,00,000.00.

The start date and period of performance for new awards will be July 1, 2027-June 30, 2028.
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FUNDING RESTRICTIONS
Funds will NOT be awarded for the following budget categories:

4 - EQUIPMENT
Every effort should be made to secure a hosted i3 capable NG9-1-1 call handling equipment solution. Funds will not be awarded for Esri ArcGIS Pro licenses. Call Handling and Recording System Equipment funded from previous grant awards are not eligible for reimbursement.

6 – CONTRACTUAL SERVICES
For i3 capable call handling equipment and multimedia recording systems funds will be awarded for installation, system configuration and testing only.

For GIS Projects funds will be awarded for agreements with 3rd Party GIS Services providers.

11 – TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Funds will be awarded for non-recurring one-time NG9-1-1 System Provider costs and up to twenty-four (24) months of subscription, hosting, licensing, and technical support costs directly associated with baseline functionality, if applicable.

12 – TRAINING AND EDUCATION
Funds will be awarded for training related to the NG9-1-1 call handling or multimedia recording system equipment.

NG9-1-1 Expenses Grant funds can be used in conjunction with other funding as necessary to complete projects but tracking and reporting must remain separate and kept in compliance with the requirements of the Act.

Funding Restrictions

Funds WILL NOT be awarded for the following expense budget categories: Personnel, Fringe Benefits, Travel, Supplies, Consultant, Construction, Occupancy, Research and Development, Direct Administrative Costs, Other or Miscellaneous Costs.

State Award Notices

Anticipated announcement no later than June 1, 2027. State Award Date no later than June 30, 2027.

Administrative and National Policy Requirements

1. Administrative and National Policy Requirements.

An 'Application APPROVED' email will be received from 'AmpliFund Administrator'.

1. State Award Notices.

The successful applicant can expect to receive a Grant Agreement to electronically sign in Section 1.6 - Signatures.

Reporting

The Illinois State Police will require the successful Applicant to submit to monitoring of the Project. The Applicant will be required to prepare a detailed budget indicating expenses for commodities, equipment, and materials, as well as to submit quarterly performance and financial reports. Details regarding the budget and quarterly financial and performance reports will be outlined in the grant agreement.

The start date and period of performance for new awards will be July 1, 2027-June 30, 2028.

Submission Timeline

• Submission Opens: November 6, 2026
• Submission Closes: February 1, 2027
• Submission Timeline: One Time
• Application Review Start / Pre-Qualification Deadline: February 2, 2027

Question Submission

• Questions Open: November 6, 2026
• Questions Close: February 1, 2027
• Questions Email: alicia.atkinson@illinois.gov

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS CONTACT
Questions regarding problems with eligibility requirements are directed via email to: isp.grants@illinois.gov

STATE AWARDING AGENCY CONTACT
Questions regarding the application process are directed via email or phone to:

Alicia Atkinson
Statewide 9-1-1 Administrator
801 South 7th Street – 300S
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: C: (217) 843-7175 / O: (217) 557-9387
Email: alicia.atkinson@illinois.gov

AND

Brooke Doggett
Technical Support Manager
801 South 7th Street – 300S
Springfield, IL 62703
Phone: O: (217) 524-5523
Email: brooke.n.doggett@illinois.gov

Apply on AmpliFund: https://il.amplifund.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/3205cf42-85fd-4264-92e1-e08d769984b5