State Electronic Data Collection Grant

The State Electronic Data Collection (SEDC) Grant, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), is a federally funded initiative designed to assist Illinois law enforcement agencies in transitioning from paper-based to electronic crash report submissions. This grant aligns with the national mandate under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), specifically Section 24108(d), which directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to establish a program supporting state-level crash data system upgrades. The primary goal of the SEDC grant is to improve data accuracy, timeliness, and accessibility by ensuring crash reports are submitted electronically, thereby supporting broader road safety initiatives. The current program targets law enforcement agencies in Illinois that still rely on paper crash report submissions. As of the grant announcement, 96% of crash reports are already submitted electronically, with the remaining 4% still using paper methods. Through this funding opportunity, IDOT seeks to eliminate that gap by enabling an estimated 10,500 additional electronic submissions. The funds will be used exclusively for the purchase of new laptops, which will be installed in patrol units of eligible agencies. These laptops must be equipped with crash report software provided by vendors approved on IDOT's XML vendor list. The grant is structured as a reimbursement program; agencies purchase the laptops upfront and submit invoices to IDOT for reimbursement. Eligibility is limited to Illinois county or municipal law enforcement agencies that currently submit at least 50 crash reports annually via paper and do not have an existing electronic reporting system. Agencies already contracted with third-party vendors for electronic submissions are not eligible. All grantees must comply with installation and reporting requirements. Each agency has one year from the purchase date to complete installations and begin electronic submissions. IDOT’s Law Enforcement Liaisons (LELs) will verify compliance through site visits. The application process requires several standardized components. Applicants must be registered in the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) portal and complete a Uniform Grant Application, the GATA ICQ for FY26, a Programmatic Risk Assessment, a Uniform Budget, and submit a Scope of Services. Additional required documents include the BoBS 2831 Conflict of Interest form and proof of an active Unique Entity ID (UEI) in SAM.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically by January 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time. Multiple applications are not permitted. Applications will be reviewed by IDOT’s Bureau of Data Collection (BDC) staff using a two-tiered review process. The initial score will be generated by BDC staff and averaged with a second review by IDOT program staff. Within 60 days of receiving funding, awardees must submit an implementation plan and participate in monthly progress calls or reporting with BDC staff. Awards range from $4,500 to $157,500, with a total program fund of $2,547,500. Up to 56 awards are anticipated. The grant was officially posted on November 3, 2025, and is categorized as a one-time competitive capital grant. No cost sharing or matching requirements are imposed, and indirect costs are not allowed. While no technical assistance session is being offered, applicants may direct inquiries to [email protected]. Notices of State Award will be issued via the GATA portal, and quarterly performance and financial reporting will be required using IDOT’s BoBS 2832 Reporting Form.

Agencies already submitting crash reports electronically or with existing vendor contracts are not eligible; ensure documentation proves current paper-only status.