1. General

1. Should we send in a one-year budget or 3-year budget?
   
   
   Page 5 of the NOFO states the following: “The grant term/performance period is determined on a project-specific basis. It is anticipated that this grant will be awarded for 24 months with one 12-month renewal option." However, page 6 of the NOFO states the following: “Anticipated start date for award is June 1, 2025. The period of performance is expected to be June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026 with a renewal option of an additional 24 months based on the grantee performance." Please note that it is the Department's intent is to award one grant under this NOFO that will successfully administer this program for up to three years. For the purpose of this NOFO, applicants are requested to submit a one-year budget. The Project Workplan should include Participant Outcomes (Attachment 2) and Goal & Activity Timeline (Attachment 6) for the first year of the grant.
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2. The NOFO states “This funding opportunity is available to Illinois-based public or private organizations that meet the requirements outlined in this NOFO”. Can you please clarify this requirement:
   
   

   All applicants must be registered in the GATA portal at https://grants.illinois.gov/portal/, at the time of grant application..  Part of this registration includes the confirmation that corporations that do business in Illinois are legally registered with the Illinois Secretary of State and authorized to transact business in Illinois.  Applicants that meet the GATA registration requirements must also meet at least one of the following to be considered “Illinois-based" for purposes of eligibility:

   • Principal Place of Business:  The business's main office or headquarters is physically located in Illinois.
   • Significant Operations in Illinois: The business conducts substantial operations (e.g., manufacturing, service delivery, administration) within the state.
   • Workforce Presence: A majority of the company's employees or workforce is based in Illinois.
   • Tax Obligations: The business files and pays applicable Illinois state taxes, including business income and employment taxes.

   ​​​In addition, all program activities must take place in Illinois and applicants must describe the proposed Illinois program locations in their applications.  To be considered eligible, applicants must describe in their application how their entity meets this definition of “Illinois-based."
   

3. Will SMR Nuclear, Hydrogen and Carbon Capture for energy production be considered for this grant?
   
   
   No. As stated on page 1 of the NOFO, this program is designed to support employment in the electric industry, including electricians and electric line installers and repairers throughout the State of Illinois.​​