Strategic Economic Development Program

Application Period: 04/08/2026 - 05/08/2026 : 5:00 PM

Technical Assistance: No

Apply here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/3fb457862d634824a2323c9de28a7c87

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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 Lisa Clemmons Stott (Lisa.clemmonsstott@illinois.gov)
Announcement Type Initial
Type of Assistance Instrument Grant
Funding Opportunity Number FY26-4
Funding Opportunity Title Strategic Economic Development Program
CSFA Number 420-45-3219
CSFA Popular Name Strategic Economic Development Program
Anticipated Number of Awards 1
Estimated Total Program Funding $12,000,000
Award Range Not Applicable
Source of Funding State
Cost Sharing or Matching No
Requirements
Indirect Costs Allowed No
Restrictions on Indirect Costs No
Posted Date 04/08/2026
Application Date Range 04/08/2026 - 05/08/2026 : 5:00 PM
Grant Application Link Please select the entire address below and paste it into the browser...
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/3fb457862d634824a2323c9de28a7
c87
Technical Assistance Session No

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Agency-specific Content for the Notice of Funding Opportunity
Strategic Manufacturing Training Academy Capital Grant
NOFO ID: 3219-4249
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 support the development and improvement of an existing
facility to enhance an advanced manufacturing academy.
Program Description
The goal of this program is to support the comprehensive renovation of an existing extension structure
into a permanent manufacturing training academy located in McLean County. The strategic repurposing
must utilize existing structural foundations and utilities. In addition to renovation, capital expenses can be
utilized for the professional relocation of training aids and heavy-duty equipment, along with other
fundamental infrastructure. Eligible applicants must be a for-profit business entity with an active REV Tier
2 Agreement, located in McLean County, Illinois.
Program History
N/A
Performance Goals and Measures
Applicants are expected to relate financial and performance data on a quarterly basis:
1. Demonstrate the progress of the renovation of the facility, including all costs associated
with it.
2. Provide costs associated with the relocation of the machinery and equipment from the
current training facility to the renovated space, and the purchase of any new machinery
and equipment.
3. Validate the onboarding of 1000 new hires over the life of the grant.
4. Validate the upskill training of 300 employees over the life of the grant.
Other Information
N/A
B. Funding Information
This grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by Illinois General Assembly. Total amount of
funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is $12,000,000. The Department expects to make
one award through this NOFO.
The period of performance is expected to be April 20, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
Eligible activities include capital expenses for the renovation of an existing structure into a permanent
training academy, utilizing the existing structural foundations and utilities, required infrastructure
improvements, and for the professional relocation of training aids and heavy-duty equipment. Only costs
that meet the bondability guidelines are allowable.
https://dceo.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dceo/communitydevelopment/documents/bondability-
guidelines-rebuild-il.pdf

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NOFO ID: 3219-4249
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:
Eligible applicants must be:
• A for-profit business entity,
• Holder of a REV Tier 2 Agreement,
• Located in McLean County, and
• Manages an existing workforce development program that includes an apprenticeship
program and relationships with local community colleges and workfroce groups.
Applicants that do not meet this criterion are ineligible.
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.).
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NOFO ID: 3219-4249
2. Cost Sharing or Matching.
This grant opportunity does not have a match requirement.
3. Indirect Cost Rate.
This grant opportunity is limited to capital improvement expenses. The grant will not compensate
for indirect costs, overhead or administrative expenses associated with the execution of the
program.
For grants that allow indirect costs – 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
organization must annually submit a new indirect cost proposal through CARS (Crowe Activity
Review System) 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
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NOFO ID: 3219-4249
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 one (1) application 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:
Joy Wolfe
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
555 W. Monroe, Floor 12
Chicago, IL 60661
Tele: 217-558-2474
Email: CEO.OBD@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
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NOFO ID: 3219-4249
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 program
specific items as part of the application:
Program Application
☐
• Detailed explanation as to how this project benefits McLean County and the
State of Illinois.
• Detailed explanation of how this project is necessary for the future success of the
applicant.
• Comprehensive scope of work detailing the renovations of the existing structural
foundation and utility systems, including a detailed description of planned
activities, timelines, and details specific to the rehabilitation of the existing facility.
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 https://sam.gov and/or utilize
this instructional link: How to Register in SAM from the gata.illinois.gov Resource Library
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.
4. Submission Dates and Times.
Applications for this opportunity must be submitted by May 8th, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Application materials must be submitted to the Department via electronic form at
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/3fb457862d634824a2323c9de28a7c87.
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.
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NOFO ID: 3219-4249
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- Identification of stakeholders, facts, and evidence that demonstrate the proposal
supports the grant program’s purpose
Applicant is a for-profit business entity located in McLean County, IL. 10
Applicant is a REV Tier 2 Agreement holder 10
Applicant or project is located in a State-designated Enterprise Zone, 10
Underserved Area, Opportunity Zone, or Energy Transition Area?
Applicant has an existing workforce development program that includes an 10
apprenticeship program and relationships with local community colleges and
workforce groups.
Capacity- The ability of the applicant to execute the project according to requirements
of the grant program
The applicant has demonstrated how the project will benefit McLean County 15
and the State of Illinois.
Applicant has clearly demonstrated that this project is crucial for the companies 15
future success.
Quality- The totality of features and characteristics of the project that indicate its ability
to satisfy the requirements of the grant program
The applicant provided a comprehensive scope of work, including a detailed 15
description of planned activities, timelines, and details specific to the
rehabilitation of the existing facility.
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NOFO ID: 3219-4249
The applicant provided a detailed budget, including a breakdown of the 15
reconstruction expenses, infrastructure expenses, and all machinery and
equipment-related expenses necessary to facilitate the renovation project.
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 to
the highest scoring applicant.
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 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 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).
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NOFO ID: 3219-4249
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.
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.
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NOFO ID: 3219-4249
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(s)
Grant Help Desk
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Email: CEO.GrantHelp@illinois.gov
H. Other Information, if applicable
This is a one-time initiative designed to provide capital to support the comprehensive renovation of an
End-of Line extension membrane structure into a permanent training academy for a REV Tier 2
Agreement holder, located in McLean County. This notice does not obligate the State of Illinois to make
any state awards.
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