78-1

Small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) face two key workforce challenges: 1) attracting and developing the next generation of skilled workers 2) creating structured upskilling programs for their employees. The combination of limited resources and staff capacity for HR and training, time constraints, and the absence of structured training and career pathway systems create the challenges. This program will implement two interconnected approaches that include a structured internship support program and a Learning Management System (LMS) to build a strong manufacturing workforce pipeline.

N/A

30 ILCS 105/5.493; 20 ILCS 605/605-420

N/A

The intent is to invest non-capital resources to provide funding for programs aimed at supporting small and medium sized manufacturers address workforce attraction and retention challenges.

Yes

N/A

Nonprofit Organizations;

Applicant must be a nonprofit based in Illinois that serves as the U.S. Department of Commerce NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership center.

N/A

Project Grants

Economic Development

N/A

Standard State of Illinois grant requirements.

Submission of application materials via link provided in the Notice of Funding Opportunity

Criteria and selection process are outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity

Applications will be reviewed and scored using the Merit Review Process specified in Section E.1 in the Notice of Funding Opportunity. 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 based on an evaluation committee’s merit review of the applications and development of a funding recommendation. Decisions to award grants and the funding levels will be determined based on the applicant’s response and compliance with the requirements of the NOFO. Selected applications will enter into negotiations with the Department for a grant. The purpose of negotiations will be to arrive at acceptable grant terms, including budget and scope of work revisions, at which time the final decision to make a grant award will be made. The Department reserves the right to request additional information from applicants for evaluation purposes. At its sole discretion, the Department reserves the right to reject all applications, reject individual applications for failure to meet any requirement, award in part or total, and waive minor defects and non-compliance

30 Days from NOFO Posting Date

30

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 from the date of the denial letter. 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.

Extension as needed

N/A

Uses and Restrictions are outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Quarterly reporting using PPR and PFR

N/A

N/A

552-42045-4900-0700

FY25 expenditures of $2.6M

$2,600,000.00

The goal of this program is to support interns and small and medium sized manufacturers. For interns the program will support them to build a foundation for skill-building, allowing interns to track their progress , which enhance both their career readiness and the company’s talent pool. For Manufacturers: The LMS ensures consistency and quality in training, reducing the strain on limited resources while enabling interns and employees to develop skills aligned with company goals.

N/A

N/A

555 W Monroe St, 12th Floor Chicago, IL 60661, 1011 S 2nd St Springfield, IL 62704, 1020 S Spring St Springfield, IL 62704

N/A

EV Battery Manufacturing Fast Track Training Support; Fast Track - Workforce Training Support

N/A

FY 2025 : $2,600,000