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The Energy Transition Navigators Program will provide outreach and recruitment for the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) workforce and contractor programs. The Department seeks to contract with the community-based provider(s) (“Navigator Teams”) to connect people to the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. Navigator Teams will provide outreach and recruitment services to eligible populations to ensure they are aware of and engaged in the statewide and local workforce and contractor development programs.

N/A

The Energy Transition Navigators Program 20 ILCS 730/5-35, as specified by the Energy Transition Act as part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, PA 102-0662

DCEO Admin Rule

Navigator Teams will partner with organizations that manage the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and the Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program in their region to coordinate outreach and recruitment activities. Outreach and recruitment efforts will include providing information and consultation to eligible individuals on various training opportunities and supportive services available through CEJA and other statewide and local workforce development programs. Navigator Teams will support those applying for these programs and help them access Energy Transition Barrier Reduction services. They will provide guidance to these individuals on training and career opportunities in the emerging clean energy economy. The Navigator Teams will also direct individuals interested in starting or growing their business to the Clean Energy Contractor Incubator and the Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Programs in their region. These programs provide services including, but not limited to, business consulting, business planning, regulatory compliance, marketing, training, accessing capital, government bid and certification assistance. Navigator Teams will also help to connect people with local Small Business Development Centers and Procurement Technical Assistance Centers. In coordination with the organizations that administer the Clean Jobs Workforce Network and the Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Programs in their region, Navigator Teams will refer individuals to local workforce innovation boards and other relevant organizations, if those individuals are not interested in the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. Together with the teams that manage the Clean Jobs Workforce Network and Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Programs in their region, Navigator Teams will engage with local employers, industry leaders, and unions to identify the skill and hiring needs of the local clean energy industry.

Yes

Applicants must follow the terms and conditions outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Nonprofit Organizations; Other;

Eligible applicants are community-based providers defined as a not-for-profit organization that has a history of serving low-wage or low-skilled workers or individuals from economically disadvantaged communities.

This NOFO will support the administration of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act programs that will benefit economically disadvantaged communities, equity investment eligible communities, equity investment eligible persons, and eligible (equity focused) populations as defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Project Grants

Economic Development

The applicant organization is required to have a history of serving low-wage or low-skilled workers or individuals from economically disadvantaged communities. See the NOFO for the complete requirements.

Prior coordination is not required

The application procedures are outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity

The complete criteria for selecting proposals is outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity under the general categories of need, applicant capacity, project quality and cost effectiveness.

The awards under this NOFO will be selected using a merit-review process.

The application due date will be outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity

45-60 Days

The Merit Based Review process is subject to appeal. 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 in writing to the Department within 14 calendar days after the date that the grant award notice has been published. The written appeal shall include the name and address of the appealing party, the identification of the grant and a statement of reasons for the appeal. To file an appeal, applicants must submit the appeal in writing and in accordance with the Merit-Based Application Review Appeals Process listed on the Grant Opportunities page of the DCEO website: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/AboutDCEO/GrantOpportunities/Pages/MeritAppReview.aspx.

Grants may be renewed for two years

Matching funds are not required

The grant funds will support the allowable activities that are outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Quarterly PPR and PFR, Program Reports as Directed by DCEO Staff

N/A

N/A

TBD

TBD

$250,000 to $600,000 annually

TBD

https://dceo.illinois.gov/climateandequitablejobs

TBD

500 East Monroe Springfield, IL 62701 and 555 W Monroe St, 12th Floor Chicago, IL 60661

https://dceo.illinois.gov/climateandequitablejobs

Illinois Climate Works Preapprenticeship Program

N/A

FY 2022 : $1
FY 2023 : $6,000,000
FY 2024 : $1