Award Phase


Award Negotiation
​Once the evaluation team completes the application review process, the Award Negotiation Phase begins. The final award decisions rest solely in the hands of the DCEO Director / Designee  with fiduciary responsibility and legal authority to enter binding agreements. An evaluation team reviews and makes award recommendations based on the programmatic and financial reviews of the applications. These recommendations are reviewed to ensure high-quality, fair, and unbiased decisions.  The evaluation team may make a "conditional recommendation" of an application based on any programmatic, technical or budget concerns identified in the review process.

Mandatory Disclosure and Conflict of Interest
​During the Award Phase, the Mandatory Disclosure and Conflict of Interest forms are sent to the organization to be completed.

Program Risk Assessment
​The Department will also send a link for the applicant to complete the Program Risk Assessment that is an on-line survey to identify potential risks in the administration of the proposed project.  Any issues and concerns are documented and must be addressed in the Notice of State Award and Grant Agreement.

Notice of State Award (NOSA)
​Once the final award decisions are made, a Notice of State Award (NOSA) is sent through the grantee portal to the entities selected for funding. The entity must accept the NOSA in the GATA portal before the Award can be issued by the Department.

Grant Agreement (GA)

The GA is the official, legally binding issuance of the award. When you or your organization accepts the grant (i.e., by signing the grant agreement) you become legally obligated to carry out the full terms and conditions of the grant.

As an award recipient, you are also subject to federal statutory and regulatory requirements and policies. Reference the Grant Policies section.