Site Improvements

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is administering this Site Improvements grant as part of its State Fiscal Year 2026 Grants Management Initiative. DCEO’s mission centers on improving the quality of life for residents across Illinois by supporting infrastructure and capital improvement projects that address community needs and enhance public facilities. This initiative is authorized under the Build Illinois Bond Act (30 ILCS 425) and is funded through state bond proceeds allocated by the Illinois General Assembly under Public Act 104-0003. The program provides targeted support for capital improvements that meet bondable requirements, emphasizing the importance of direct, tangible community benefits. The grant’s purpose is to finance infrastructure upgrades such as playground renovations, fencing installations, and gym bleacher improvements at or near 4120 South Wheeler Road in Pembroke Township, Illinois. Eligible costs are limited to those allowable under the Build Illinois Bond Act, which specifies permissible direct capital expenditures. The funding is strictly for bondable construction or improvement costs; indirect costs, administrative expenses, or operational overhead are explicitly ineligible. The project aims to promote equitable development, support local construction employment, and improve recreational and educational facilities within Kankakee and Iroquois Counties. This is a competitive, one-time grant opportunity with a total program funding of $500,000 and an anticipated single award. Applicants must be school districts within Kankakee or Iroquois Counties with jurisdiction over the project site. All applicants are required to be registered and pre-qualified in the Illinois GATA Grantee Portal, which verifies good standing with the Illinois Secretary of State, federal and state debarment lists, and current registration in SAM.gov. Only qualified entities will be considered for funding. Compliance with the Business Enterprise Program for Minorities, Females, and Persons with Disabilities, the Illinois Works Apprenticeship Initiative, and prevailing wage requirements is mandatory for projects meeting applicable thresholds. Applications must be submitted electronically by November 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CT. The application package includes a uniform grant application, project narrative, detailed budget, conflict of interest disclosure, and required certifications such as a W-9 and IRS letter. All forms are available through the DCEO website. Pre-award costs incurred after the posting date of this notice are allowable. The Department reserves the right to return incomplete applications or those received after the deadline without review. All submissions should be emailed to CEO.OGMgrants@illinois.gov. Proposals will be evaluated based on four main criteria totaling 100 points: capacity (40 points), economic impact (30 points), need (15 points), and quality (15 points). Awards will be determined through a merit-based review conducted by a DCEO evaluation committee. Notices of State Award are expected within approximately three months following the application deadline, pending environmental and compliance reviews. Grantees must submit quarterly financial and performance reports and comply with fiscal monitoring, procurement regulations, and audit requirements in accordance with the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act. For assistance or inquiries, applicants should contact David E. Parr at the Office of Grants Management, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, 1011 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62704-3004; phone 217-685-1197; or email CEO.OGMgrants@illinois.gov. This NOFO represents a single, non-recurring opportunity specifically for capital improvements consistent with legislative appropriations and state economic development objectives.

Ensure all required attachments are complete and properly signed; confirm SAM.gov and GATA status before submission; only bondable costs are allowable; indirect costs not reimbursable.