Section 1327.200  Application and Receipt of Grant Program Funds

a)         The law requires the consolidation of 9-1-1 Authorities and PSAPs outside of municipalities with a population in excess of 500,000.  Subject to an appropriation of necessary funds, the Administrator, with the advice and recommendation of the Advisory Board, shall administer the Grant Program to defray or offset nonrecurring costs associated with 9-1-1 system consolidation.

b)         The Administrator shall review the funding purposes of the Grant Program set forth in ETSA Section 15.4b and invite eligible 9-1-1 Authorities to submit proposals for grants to consolidate systems through a request for grant proposal (RFGP) process.  Based on ETSA Section 15.4b and the proposals received in response to the RFGP, the Administrator shall select proposals for Grant Program funding.

c)         The Administrator, with the advice and recommendation of the Advisory Board, shall develop an RFGP based on the following criteria:

1)         the purposes, goals and objectives of ETSA Section 15.4b(a);

2)         requirements imposed on the Administrator and potential recipient 9-1-1 Authorities by applicable law and regulations;

3)         the nature and complexity of the consolidation plans;

4)         the analysis of the needs of eligible 9-1-1 Authorities and available resources that already address those needs; and

5)         current research findings and demographic, criminal justice and statistical data that is relevant to 9-1-1 consolidation.

d)         RFGPs developed under subsection (c) shall include:

1)         the purposes, goals and objectives of the Grant Program;

2)         requirements that applicant 9-1-1 Authorities must meet, and adhere to, such as eligibility, reporting and fiscal requirements;

3)         certifications required by State and federal law, including, but not limited to, the State of Illinois Drug-Free Workplace certification, State and federal debarment certifications, and State bribery and bid-rigging certifications;

4)         weighted criteria by which the Administrator will select proposals for funding; these such criteria shall include, but are not be limited to:

A)        reducing the number of transfers of a 9-1-1 call;

B)        reducing the infrastructure required to adequately provide 9-1-1 network services;

C)        promoting cost savings from resource sharing among 9-1-1 Authorities;

D)        facilitating interoperability and resiliency for the receipt of 9-1-1 calls;

E)        reducing the number of 9-1-1 Authorities or reducing the number of PSAPs within a 9-1-1 system;

F)         cost saving resulting from 9-1-1 Authorities' consolidation;

G)        expanding E9-1-1 service coverage as a result of  9-1-1 Authorities' consolidation affecting areas without E9-1-1 service; and

H)        whether the 9-1-1 Authority is required to consolidate under ETSA Section 15.4a;

5)         the deadline by which, and location where, proposals must be received by the Administrator;

6)         the total amount of funding available for distribution through the RFGP process, and the maximum amount of funding that eligible 9-1-1 systems may apply for through the submission of a proposal;

7)         the anticipated time period of the consolidation projects that may be funded; and

8)         funding priorities as described in ETSA Section 15.4b.

e)         The Department will post a link on its website for the electronic submission of proposals for Grant Program funds in response to an RFGP.  Proposals shall include a copy of the consolidation plan, as required by ETSA Section 15.4b(b).

f)         On January 2 each year, the Administrator shall post an RFGP for Grant Program funds available during the current granting period.

g)         The Advisory Board shall recommend the award of grant funds, based on the criteria set forth in the RFGP, as described in subsection (d). Advisory Board recommendations shall be made and reported at public meetings conducted in conformance with the Open Meetings Act [5 ILCS 120].

h)         By June 30 each year, the Administrator shall award funds under the Grant Program.  The Department will enter into a Grant Agreement with each grant recipient specifying the terms and conditions under which the 9-1-1 consolidation projects are to be conducted and the funds are to be received.  The terms and conditions shall include, but are not limited to, reporting requirements that reflect fiscal expenditures and progress toward program objectives, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, maintenance of financial and program records beyond the expiration of the Grant Agreement, and audit procedures as described in ETSA Section 40 and the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) [30 ILCS 708].