Illinois Grocery Initiative

Application Period: 09/10/2026 - 12/09/2026 : 5:00 PM

Technical Assistance: Offered : Yes; Mandatory : No; Date : 09/15/2026 : 2:00 PM; Registration link : https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r44e42f5545a6ee2e13ae4d844e46324e

Apply here: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/3295-4240.html

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Application Documents

FileView.aspx

State of Illinois Uniform Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Summary Information
Awarding Agency Name Commerce And Econ Opp
Agency Contact John O'Conner (CEO.GroceryInitiative@illinois.gov)
Announcement Type Initial
Type of Assistance Instrument Grant
Funding Opportunity Number FY27-1
Funding Opportunity Title Illinois Grocery Initiative
CSFA Number 420-35-3295
CSFA Popular Name Illinois Grocery Initiative
Anticipated Number of Awards 8
Estimated Total Program Funding $20,800,000
Award Range $500000 - $5200000
Source of Funding State
Cost Sharing or Matching Yes
Requirements
Indirect Costs Allowed Yes
Restrictions on Indirect Costs Yes : This grant has both Capital and Operational expenditures,
Indirect Costs are ONLY allowed on Operational Expenditures, Indirect
Costs ARE NOT allowed on Capital Expenditures.
Posted Date 09/10/2026
Application Date Range 09/10/2026 - 12/09/2026 : 5:00 PM
Grant Application Link Please select the entire address below and paste it into the browser...
https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/3295-4240.html
Technical Assistance Session Offered : Yes
Mandatory : No
Date : 09/15/2026 : 2:00 PM
Registration link :
https://illinois.webex.com/weblink/register/r44e42f5545a6ee2e13ae4d
844e46324e

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Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity
New Stores in Food Deserts
NOFO ID: 3295-4240
For information about grants please visit:
https://dceo.illinois.gov/dceo-grants.html
A. Program Description
1. 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 improve access to fresh food within food deserts by
providing incentives to establish grocery stores.
2. Program History
This program is authorized by Public Act 103-0561 as a component of the Illinois Grocery Initiative.
This is the third round of the New Stores in Food Deserts program. The first round was launched in the
Spring of 2024 and 4 awards were announced on October 3rd, 2024. The second round was launched in
October 2024 and 4 more awards were announced on May 15, 2025. An additional $20.8 million is
available for this round.
3. Program Description
The Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores in Food Deserts program, authorized by Public Act 103-0561, is
intended to address the challenge of food deserts. Food deserts are census tracts meeting specific
criteria related to poverty standards, population density, and limited fresh food accessibility. This program
aims to combat food insecurity by offering competitive grants to support the establishment of new grocery
stores in these areas by reimbursing successful applicants for eligible capital and non-capital
expenditures.
This round of New Stores in Food Deserts grants allows for the possibility of incorporating expenditures
associated with establishing a pharmacy at the new grocery store location into the scope of work.
Development of pharmacies within the new stores, where appropriate, will help to address the lack of
access to prescription medications and other services (such as access to flu shots and in-person
consultations with pharmacists) that confront some communities.
Applicants who possess the organizational capacity to successfully integrate pharmacy operations into a
new grocery store in a food desert and will be serving a location with a need for pharmacy services, are
encouraged to include a pharmacy in their projects. However, inclusion of a pharmacy is not a program
requirement, and applicants will not be penalized for not including a pharmacy in the scope of work.
Applicants should strive to submit strong applications tailored to their own strengths and the needs of the
community.
4. Cost Sharing or Matching
Applicants not incorporating a pharmacy into the grocery store location are required to provide at least
25% of total grant project costs, representing a 1:3 match. These matching funds can come from any
non-state sources such as local municipal funds, federal funds, or private investment (equity or debt).

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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
Applicants incorporating a pharmacy into the grocery store location are required to provide 15% of total
project costs. These matching funds can come from any non-state sources such as local municipal funds,
federal funds, or private investment (equity or debt).
Sources of funds shall be identified and documented in the application documents including the Uniform
Budget. Matching funds must be specific, verifiable, and available sources of funding; a strong
application will not rely on speculative sources of funding (e.g., a separate grant that may be pursued).
The match must be provided and explained in the Uniform Budget and shall adhere to 2 CFR 200
Uniform Administrative Requirements, Costs Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (“2
CFR 200,” with specific provisions relating to cost sharing at 2 CFR 200.306), the Grant Accountability
and Transparency Act (30 ILCS 708/1 et seq.) (“GATA”) and this NOFO. Verification of the availability of
the match required must be submitted with the application package and those applications that do not
provide support showing the availability of the match will not be reviewed. In-kind contributions and
expenditures incurred prior to receipt and acceptance of the NOSA cannot be counted towards the
matching requirement.
5. Allowable and Unallowable Activities
Grant funds can be used to support:
• Acquisition, construction, repair, and refurbishment of real property and durable equipment to
establish new grocery stores in food desert census tracts, and operation costs in the first two
years of operations.
6. Allowable and Unallowable Costs
The following expenditures will be eligible for reimbursement under this program:
• Real estate and related expenses
• Site development
• Construction of a new facility
• Renovations of an existing facility
• Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
• Working capital for the initial 24 months of store operations, including:
o Employee wages
o Utility costs
o Initial inventory of food
o Initial inventory of prescription medications
o Other operating expenses that support the retail sale of food or prescription medications. This
will not include expenditures on items unrelated to provision of fresh foods or prescription
medications (e.g., video poker machines, inventory of cleaning supplies for sale).
Grant funds cannot be used to purchase equipment, supplies, or inventory unrelated to the provision of
food. Examples include non-food initial inventory and equipment for lottery sales, etc.
Expenditures associated with provision of delivery services (e.g., vehicles and driver wages) are not
eligible for reimbursement.
6. Prior Incurred Costs
Allowable costs incurred from the date of the Notice of State Award ("NOSA") acceptance through the
period of performance start date are allowed to be charged to the grant as long as they meet the
requirements specified in 2 CFR 200, GATA, and this NOFO.
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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
Should the applicant be selected to receive an award, pre-award costs incurred prior to issuance of the
NOSA are not eligible for reimbursement.
7. Payment Methodology
Grant funding will be provided on a reimbursement basis, as grantees submit paid invoices for
expenditures consistent with the budget in the grant agreement. Upon receiving the NOSA, grantees
may request that an advance of up to two months' worth of expenditures be incorporated into the grant
agreement. Whether to include such an advance in the grant agreement will be determined on a case-
by-case basis and at the sole discretion of the Department.
8. Relevant Program-Specific Rules and Regulations
This program is authorized by Public Act 103-0561 as a component of the Illinois Grocery Initiative,
codified at 20 ILCS 750. The administrative rules governing the program are found at 14 Ill. Adm. Code
645.
9. Performance Goals and Measures
Grantees will be required to submit performance data to the Department on a quarterly basis.
Performance reporting may encompass both the implementation of projects supported by the grant and
impacts on the community. Performance measures may include, but will not necessarily be limited to:
1. New Store Project Milestones Completed
2. Quarterly food sales
3. Number of employees in full time equivalents
10. Other Information
DCEO has contracted with Western Illinois University (WIU) to provide technical assistance services and
guidance for Illinois Grocery Initiative applicants and grantees. Technical assistance can encompass
business and financial planning, but the providers cannot complete application documents for prospective
applicants. DCEO is planning to add another university technical assistance partner in the near future.
Applicants desiring assistance in preparing applications may contact WIU directly.
Western Illinois University
Sean Park
Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
217-248-0079
ms-park@wiu.edu
B. Funding Information
This grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by Public Act 104-0464 Total amount of funding
expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $20.8 million. Awards will range from $500,000 to $5.2
million. The Department expects to make 4-8 awards through this NOFO.
The period of performance is expected to be March 1, 2027 through June 30, 2030.
1. 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.
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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
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 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.
Indirect or administrative costs under this program can apply only to operational costs – that is, to first-
year working capital expenditures. Indirect costs cannot be applied to capital expenditures such as those
on land acquisition, site development, construction, renovation and equipment.
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 (https://sam.gov)
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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
• 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
• 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).
Currently, 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.
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.).
1. Eligible Applicants include:
• Corporation – For Profit
• Corporation – Not For Profit
• Limited Liability Company
• All Limited Partnerships
• Government Entity
• Sole Proprietor
• Special Act Corporation
This grant opportunity will be limited to the following types of entities:
• Units of local government
• Independent grocers or cooperatives with fewer than 500 employees and no more than four
grocery locations. This includes for-profit and nonprofit entities.
Prior recipients of New Stores in Food Deserts grants are not eligible to receive grants at the same
location.
Grocery locations must be consistent with all of the following to be eligible:
• The store will be best classified as a supermarket or other grocery retailer in the 2022 North
American Industry Classification System under code 445110, a meat retailer under code 44524, a
fruit and vegetable retailer under code 44523, or a fish and seafood retailer under 44525.
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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
• The store cannot derive more than 30% of its revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales.
• The store must contribute to diversity of fresh foods available in the community by selling fresh
foods such as meats, fruits and vegetables that have not been processed in any manner.
• The store will be required to take appropriate steps in preparation of accepting both SNAP and
WIC benefits when operational.
Eligibility for this program will be constrained by geographic location, characteristics of prospective store
and its ownership, and the intended offerings of the store.
Grants will be limited to projects that will result in a new grocery store establishment in a food desert. For
purposes of this round, a food desert is a census tract meets both low income and food access thresholds
as follows:
• Low Income Thresholds:
A. the census tract has a poverty rate of at least 15%; or
B. the census tract is not located within a metropolitan statistical area and has a median family
income that is less than the statewide median household income; or
C. the census tract is located within a metropolitan statistical area and has a median family
income that is less than the greater of (i) the statewide median household income or (ii) the
metropolitan area median family income
• Low Food Access Thresholds:
A. the census tract is a rural tract, and at least 33% of the population of the tract or at least 500
residents in the tract reside more than 10 miles from the nearest grocery store; or
B. the census tract is an urban tract, and at least 33% of the population of the tract or at least
500 residents in the tract reside more than one-half mile from the nearest grocery store.
Applicants located in a food desert census tract using either of the following food desert maps will be
considered eligible:
1. The USDA Food Access Research Atlas at this link: https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-
products/food-access-research-atlas/go-to-the-atlas/1
2. The Illinois Grocery Initiative Food Desert map at this link:
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/24899dd171bf458aa2e0558a019f22d8#
Additional locations may be eligible if the applicant can demonstrate that the census tract where the
proposed grocery store will be located meets the definition of a food desert using more recent or more
accurate data than that reflected in either of the maps noted above.
2. Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and System for Award Management (SAM)
Each applicant (unless the applicant is exempt from those requirements under 2 CFR 25.110 or has an
exception approved by the State) must:
• Be registered in SAM.gov. SAM.gov registrations must be set to “public.”
• Provide a valid UEI number in the GATA Grantee Portal registration.
• Continue to maintain an active SAM.gov registration with current information at all times during
which it has an active Federal, Federal pass-through or State award. DCEO 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 DCEO is ready to make a Federal pass-through or State award, the
DCEO 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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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
3. Other
Applicants may submit one application per location 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:
John O'Conner
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
1011 S. 2nd St.
Springfield, IL 62704
Tele: 217-782-6022
Email: CEO.GroceryInitiative@illinois.gov
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
o
Can be signed digitally
o
☐ 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
o
☐ Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Conflict of Interest Disclosure must be signed by the authorized signatory before

submission
Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
o
☐ Mandatory Disclosure

Mandatory Disclosure must be signed by the authorized signatory before submission

Can be printed, signed, and scanned
o
Can be signed digitally
o
This Notice of Funding Opportunity also requires the submission of the following other programmatic
specific items as part of a program application:
Program Application
☐
Supplemental Program Application (Only applicable if incorporating pharmacy operations)
☐
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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
Letters of Support. Applicants must provide at least two letters of support (LOS) from
☐
stakeholders in the community as part of their applications. LOS provided separately from the
application will not be considered. At least one LOS must come from an elected official (such as a
mayor, state legislator, or alderman) serving the area. Additional LOS may come from other
stakeholders such as community organizations, local businesses, and local residents.
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.
Documents stored in Google Docs or other cloud-based servers are not allowed.
3. Submission Dates and Times
Applications for this opportunity must be submitted by December 9th, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Application materials must be submitted to the Department via electronic form at
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/2727376085ae4da69bbe05b4ab3826e0.
The Department has 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.
4. Other Submission Requirements
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.
5. 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.
E. Application Review Information
1. Criteria
Grant proposals will be reviewed on a competitive basis. Each proposal will be scored on a 100% scale.
The Department shall consider the following criteria when evaluating the application submittal: Need,
Capacity, and Quality.
Need- Identification of stakeholders, facts, and evidence that demonstrate the proposal
supports the grant program’s purpose
Census Tract Poverty Rate (Points will be awarded per sliding scale, with 6 6 pts
points for poverty rates above 40%, 5 points for 35-40%, 4 points for 30-35%, 3
points for 25-30%, 2 points for 20-25%, 1 points for 15-20%, and 0 points for
less than 15%)
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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
Census Tract Median Family Income (Points will be awarded per sliding scale, 6 pts
with 6 points for less than $55,001; 5 points for $55,001-$64,000; 4 points
for$64,001-$73,000; 3 points for $73,001-$82,000; 2 points for $82,001-
$91,000;1 point for $91,001-$100,000, and 0 points for over $100,000)
Driving distance from the nearest existing store in miles (Points will be awarded 8 pts
per sliding scale: 8 points awarded for a closest driving distance of at least 2
miles in an urban census tract or 20 miles in a rural tract; 6 points for at least 1
mile in an urban tract or 10 miles in a rural tract; 4 points for at least 0.5 miles in
an urban tract or 5 miles in a rural tract; 2 points for at least .25 miles in an
urban tracts or 2 miles in a rural tract; 0 points for less)
Letters of Support from elected officials and other community stakeholders (4 10 pts
points for at least 1 LOS from an elected official for project location; an
additional 1 point apiece for up to 6 additional Letters of Support from
stakeholders, including private citizens. 1-2 points may be deducted if the LOS
come from narrow cross-section of community.)
Capacity- The ability of the applicant to execute the project according to requirements of the
grant program
Applicant has demonstrated expertise and experience of 5 pts
ownership/management team needed to successfully manage grants of this
nature.
Applicant has demonstrated ability/experience of ownership/management team 15 pts
needed to effectively launch and operate the store envisioned by the
application. Experience providing technical assistance or running stores will be
considered.
Applicant has demonstrated ability of ownership/management team to tailor 10 pts
services and offerings to needs in targeted community.
Quality- The totality of features and characteristics of the project that indicate its ability to
satisfy the requirements of the grant program
Business plan is clear, including robust assessment of local demands, 10 pts
workforce needs, supply chain requirements, energy efficiency and any notable
barriers to long term success of the store.
Scope of work for the project is clear, coherent, and well-aligned with the 10 pts
business plan.
Budget is clear and aligned with scope of work 5 pts
Budget is reasonable and supported by evidence 5 pts
Applicant provides convincing demonstration that store would alleviate lack of 10 pts
access to a variety of fresh foods for local residents.
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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
2. Feedback
The Department will conduct a preliminary review of applicant eligibility for all applications submitted by
November 25th, 2026 - 2 weeks before the application deadline. The Department will specifically assess
such applications for the following:

Prequalified status in GATA portal

Project is located in a food desert

All required documents are completed and included in application

Any other eligibility issues evident upon a cursory review

The Department will confirm apparent eligibility or identify application eligibility issues and/or application
deficiencies by December 2nd, 2026 - 1 week before the application deadline. Applicants will have the
opportunity to remedy deficiencies prior to the application deadline of December 9th, 2026 at 5:00 PM.
3. 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 by score in descending order until funds
are exhausted, presuming applicants receive average scores of 75 or higher.
The Department may depart from a strict ranking by score as needed to promote diversity and equity
across multiple dimensions, including regional balance across the state; an appropriate mix of urban,
suburban, and rural communities; a mix of ownership types (including local government-owned stores);
and coverage of areas with the greatest need. For example, the Department may opt to select only the
top-scoring project among several applicants in close proximity, and may choose to fund a project scoring
below 75 if an area of great need (as reflected by poverty rates and proximity to the nearest grocery
store) that would otherwise not receive an award.
Note: In assessing diversity and equity of awards across the state, the Department will consider all New
Stores in Food Deserts awards to date, not just those resulting from this round of awards).
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.
4. Anticipated Announcement and State Award Dates
After the application period is closed, the Department will conduct a merit 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.
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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
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 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 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.
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.
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
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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
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.
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 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
DCEO Grant Help Desk
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NOFO ID: 3295-4240
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Email: CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov
H. Other Information
The release of this NOFO does not obligate the Department to make an award.
Please visit the following website for instructional videos that guide applicants through each step of
applying for and administering a grant:
(https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/learning-library.html)
.
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