General

1. 75% of youth need to work or go back to school, right?
   
   
   Applicants that are funded should meet their goals that are established during the grant negotiation process and included in the grant agreement.  The 75% Performance Standard is established to hold the grantee harmless if they do not meet 100% of their goals.  In the grant agreement the Department can determine if there is disallowed cost based on any performance that is less than 75% of the goal.
   

   
   
2. Are partner organizations allowed to apply for and/or be lead organizations in more than one JTED grant application?
   
   
   Organizations may be included in multiple applications, provided there is a clear contractual or subrecipient scope of work and budget that relates to an allowable service outlined in the JTED Notice of Funding Opportunity. However, organizations may not provide the same service across different applications or partnerships. If multiple grants are recommended for funding that include the same subcontractor, DCEO would work with the grantee to ensure the subcontractor has the capacity to deliver services to multiple grantees and that funds remain under the correct grant. 
   
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3. Are promotional items used to recruit participants an eligible expense?
   
   
   Yes, and should be placed under the marketing line item.
   

   
   
4. Are the participants required to be unemployed, underemployed, or under-represented AND (regardless of the employment status) must also be low-income or moderate income?
   
   
   For eligibility they need to be either unemployed, underemployed or underrepresented. An individual who is unemployed or underemployed can also be underrepresented. Underrepresented consists of those that live in or receive services in a QCT or DIA or have a risk factor that is listed in the resources. To be eligibly they must also be either low or moderate income which is defined on page 3 of the NOFO.​
   
   
5. Are we allowed to pay wages to youth, or are stipends only allowed? Please explain.
   
   
   Please see pages 11 and 12 from the NOFO for page wages. 
   

   
   
6. Can an organization apply to just do barrier reduction for the DCEO Grant?
   
   
   The projects must include all elements outlined in the NOFO. All applications will be scored using the criteria and questions outlined in the NOFO.  Applicants are not required to use JTED grant funds to pay for all the elements of a project as they are allowed to leverage other funding sources, however, all proposals will be evaluated using the same criteria outlined in the NOFO.
   

   
   
7. Can an organization/institution submit more than one proposal covering different regions, populations, program types, etc.
   
   
   No. Each agency may submit only one proposal.
   

   
   
8. Can funds be used for youth stipends?
   
   

   Yes. JTED funds may be used for participant stipends, including youth, provided the stipends are tied to allowable program activities , such as training milestones, work-based learning, or meeting program milestones. All stipends must be clearly documented, reasonable,  and aligned with the approved budget and narrative. Transactions must comply with grantee's local policy and follow any applicable federal or state regulations. ​
   
   

9. Can grantees apply for both adult and youth programs?
   
   
   No. Grantees must choose either adult OR youth—they cannot apply for both.
   
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10. Can someone provide an example of training that would apply to public works for this funding?
    
    
    The project scope must be determined by your organization based on NOFO requirements. The State cannot provide specific program examples. Refer to the NOFO for guidelines.
    Link: https://www.illinoisworknet.com/jtednofo2025
    

    
    
11. Can you apply for the same training programs as you did in JTED2 for the JTED 3 application? The healthcare industry continues to challenged with filling critical vacancies that is impacting our healthcare system and vulnerable population.
    
    
    Yes, if you stay with industry sectors identified as in demand/growth sectors as defined in the NOFO. 
    

    
    
12. Can you clarify what constitutes unduplicated participants, particularly when participants receive training through one grant and case management through another?
    
    
    Individual participants cannot be counted twice in the same outcome.
    

    
    
13. Can you clarify what is the difference between Training and Business partners?
    
    
    Training partners are organizations that deliver the actual instruction or training programs. Business partners, on the other hand, typically offer employment opportunities or provide other supportive services that align with and strengthen your program.
    

    
    
14. Can you further delineate the difference between Question 3 in Section 1 "Capacity" (How has the applicant previously worked with...) and Question 1 in Section 2 "Need" (Describe your experience with...)
    
    
    • Capacity: Focuses on the applicant's organizational ability to manage the grant. This includes prior experience administering similar programs, systems in place for oversight, and evidence of institutional expertise. It is about demonstrating that the agency has the infrastructure and track record to successfully deliver the proposed project.
    • Need: Focuses on why the target population was selected. Applicants must use data to justify the need, show alignment with employer/industry sector demands, and explain how the project addresses those needs. This section is about the rationale for the proposed work and how JTED funding (along with leveraged resources) will integrate services effectively.
      
      
15. City College is accredited for any training that they offer through JTED?
    
    
    The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) is the coordinating body for the state's higher education system, overseeing all public and private colleges and universities.  Programs offered through these systems are eligible as long as they are providing training to industry sectors identified as in demand/growth sectors as defined in the NOFO. 
    

    
    
16. City Colleges of Chicago said it takes 5-6 months to get a MOU approved by their legal team. Can we use a letter of support, instead?
    
    
    A letter of support is better than having no documentation at all; however, there is no guarantee that substituting it for an MOU won’t have an impact during the scoring process. 
    

    
    
17. Do all training providers need to be certified? If a primary provider is certified but a secondary provider (e.g., forklift training) is not, can the non-certified provider be included?
    
    
    ALL trainings must be approved through PBVS unless they are a college/university.
    

    
    
18. Do nursing and healthcare career-focused programs qualify for this NOFO under "Life Sciences?"
    
    
    Yes. Healthcare and nursing pathways qualify under the Life Sciences sector, provided the training leads to industry-recognized credentials and aligns with employer demand in the region.
    
    
    
19. Do we need to report other state funds?
    
    
    This grant does not require matching funds.
    

    
    
20. Do you have any guidance on best practices?
    
    
    Here is a short video with information: 20. Illinois DCEO Grantee Training: Common Missteps in the Grant Application Process
    
    
21. Does a non-profit provider need approval from IBHE PVS to offer soft skills job readiness training?
    
    
    No. PBVS - PBVS Applications System
    
    
22. Does an agency need to be GATA certified if we are not claiming indirect costs?
    
    
    Yes. All applicants must be pre-qualified before applying.
    

    
    
23. Does culinary training fall under the agriculture priority?
    
    

    You can search for the SOC code dependent on what the occupation is. See the information below regarding culinary and agriculture.

    Culinary arts are closely related to agriculture, as they involve the preparation and presentation of food, which is a significant part of the food industry. Agriculture serves as the foundation for food production, and culinary arts play a crucial role in the food service industry, where chefs and cooks prepare meals for consumers. The integration of culinary arts with agriculture highlights the interconnectedness of these fields in the broader context of food production and consumption.​​

    
    

24. Does our skilled training have to align with the 5 categories listed in the RFP? We have a construction and a culinary/hospitality program which do not seem to align in the new plans.
    
    
    “Target Industries" must be in-demand industries identified in the Governor's 5-year Economic Plan (https://dceo.illinois.gov/econplan2024.html), the State's WIOA Unified Plan (https://www.illinoisworknet.com/WIOA/Resources/Documents/Illinois​WIOAStatePlan​) or any relevant local or regional level plans. Be sure to include data and the source that supports your proposed sector. 
    
    
    
25. Does the youth category need to focus on specific sectors, or is that requirement only for the adult category?
    
    
    The required sectors are for youth and adult. 
    

    
    
26. Does your organization need to have IBHE PBVS approval?
    
    
    Only if your organization is providing occupational training directly. If training is provided by a partner who is already PBVS-approved, the lead applicant does not need its own PBVS approval.​
    
    
    
27. For grant language, is it important to specifically identify underrepresented populations (e.g., justice-impacted individuals), or should it remain general?
    
    
    Yes, it is important to mention what population you are serving. Everything should be specific and clear in your application.

    ​​
    

28. For targeted industries, is there any requirement related to the industry NAICS code? For example, some clean energy–related training may fall under manufacturing or construction NAICS codes.
    
    
    There are no required NAICS codes for clean energy-related training. The training could fall under manufacturing or construction.
    

    
    
29. For the Section A - indirect page, I am not seeing how to get the “Check for Accuracy (Must equal zero)” cell to equal zero. We have a negotiated indirect rate of 60% of salaries and wages.
    
    
    The indirect page will only equal zero if you are using the de minimis amount, which is 15%. Please put a narrative at the bottom explaining any differences.
    

    
    
30. For the signature page on the budget, we typically use DocuSign to obtain signatures from officials who are often off campus, which requires a flattened PDF of the budget forms. Is this allowable? If not, how do you recommend collecting signatures?
    
    
    The signature page should be sent as a separate document and uploaded.  Please make sure that you submit the budget as an excel file and the signature page as a PDF.
    

    
    
31. How do IWT employees at an employer qualify for JTED as under-employed, if the sector targeted is high-growth?
    
    
    Both definitions must be met. The employer must qualify under the IWT definition (250 or fewer employees), and the job opportunity must meet the high-growth definition.
    

    • IWT Definition: Employee trainees must be under-employed or have received notices of termination/layoff. IWT is designed to help avert layoffs or provide skills necessary to retain employment (e.g., digital skills, machinery training), enabling promotions and creating backfill opportunities.
    • High-Growth Definition: The targeted industry must be identified as in-demand in the Governor's 5-Year Economic Plan, the State's WIOA Unified Plan, or relevant local/regional plans.​

    
    
32. How do we get GATA certified?
    
    
    Guidance is available through the DCEO Learning Library.
    Link: https://dceo.illinois.gov/aboutdceo/grantopportunities/learning-library.html
    

    
    
33. How does an agency provide proof or documentation of indirect costs for reimbursement?
    
    
    Documentation requirements are outlined in the NOFO and DCEO's grant guidelines.
    

    
    
34. How should a federal policy exception (SAM.gov application in progress or UEI not yet received) be indicated in GATA when the system shows an organization is not in good standing or pre-qualified?
    
    
    There’s no need to document this on your end. We have full access to the system and can verify your status internally. Please keep in mind that your organization must be in good standing for the grant to be established if your agency is selected.
    

    
    
35. How should an organization indicate that it has no indirect costs in the budget form?
    
    
    You must check the appropriate box on the ICI tab in the budget. 
    

    
    
36. I am having issues downloading the grant application documents. IllinoisWorkNet.com is requesting my login credentials. Do I need to create an account to download the documents?
    
    

    If you are prompted to log in to Illinois workNet, you will need to download the file to your computer before you can view or edit it.

    Note: If you are using Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari, you must save the file before opening it (this issue does not occur in Internet Explorer). To download the file:
    

    • Right-click the file name
    • Select "Save Link As" (or "Download File As" in Safari)
    • Save the PDF to your computer
    • Open and complete the form using the Adobe application installed on your device​
      

    
    
37. I’m having trouble copying the page or adding a page at the end of the PIP, I believe, due to the permission of the document. What do you advise?
    
    
    We recommend completing a second PIP if necessary. Please label them clearly as “PIP 1" and “PIP 2" when submitting.
    

    
    
38. If a project involves multiple employers, is it acceptable to work with multiple trainers rather than a single training entity?
    
    
    Yes
    

    
    
39. If a training partner is listed as WIOA certified under one program (i.e. medical assisting,) are they also certified to provide training in another area (i.e. phlebotomy)? Midwestern Career College fits this example.
    
    
    If the training provider is a Private Business Vocational School, all of their training programs must be approved by IBHE.  This is also a requirement for WIOA approved training providers.
    

    ​
    
40. If JTED grant funds are used to purchase equipment and supplies specifically for training purposes, including OJT, are there restrictions on how that equipment may be used?
    
    
    Generally speaking, equipment that is purchased with workforce development grant funds must be used for the purpose of providing the workforce training and other allowable activities outlined in the grant scope of work. 
    

    
    
41. If our organization is currently in the reimbursement/reporting stage of a different DCEO grant, can we still apply?
    
    
    Yes. Organizations with active DCEO grants may apply as long as they remain in good standing.
    

    
    
42. If submitting two different programs (for example, healthcare and manufacturing), do we need two separate budgets?
    
    
    The grantees only submit one budget, but they should include and define the costs of each program. 
    

    
    
43. If the equipment is used during OJT, may participants perform diagnostic tests on actual patients when those tests are billable, or must all grant funded equipment and consumables be used exclusively for non billable training activities?
    
    
    The use of the equipment as a part of the OJT could be allowable; however, the primary purpose and use of equipment must be directly related to accomplishing the workforce development objectives outlined in the project scope of work and project workplan.  Applicants should consider leveraging private funding to support equipment and supplies that are generally required as a cost of doing business.
    
    Please see § 2​00.313 Equipment.​
    
    See also § 200.439.
    
    
44. If we are proposing a program with Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) with an employer partner as well as an industry association, does the employer partner need to have fewer than 250 employees to qualify?
    
    
    Yes. As stated in the NOFO, Incumbent Worker Training (Category 1) provides services only to employers with 250 or fewer employees.
    
    
    
45. If we propose to serve youth, is it required that our program serve all youth ages 16-24? Or may we focus on a sub-population, such as high school youth, as long as the high school youth meet all of the other outlined eligibility criteria?
    
    
    You may focus on a sub-population within the 16–24 age range, such as high school youth, as long as all participants meet the JTED eligibility requirements. It is not required to serve the entire 16–24 range.
    
    
    
46. If we will be offering wages to youth for both their training and their work experience, should wages go under the Supportive Services section of the budget?
    
    
    • Paid work experience wages should be budgeted under the Work-Based Learning tab.
    • If the wages are provided through a subcontract, they should be listed under the Subcontract tab, with details clearly spelled out.
    • Stipends (not wages) should be budgeted under Supportive Services or Barrier Reduction tabs, and must align with your local policy for s Supportive Services and Barrier Reduction.
      ​
      
47. In the Uniform Budget (Section B), there is a section for “Non-State of Illinois Funds.” We are a public university and have State of Illinois funds. Do we need to include those as examples of grantee match funds?
    
    
    This grant does not require matching funds. 
    

    
    
48. Is GATA certification the same as having a SAM Cage Code?
    
    
    No. These are separate requirements.
    

    
    
49. Is it acceptable to leave the grant number field blank in the budget for now?
    
    
    Yes, you do not have a grant number. 
    

    
    
50. Is it required that youth have authorization to work in the U.S. to be enrolled in the program? If not, may we still provide gift cards or stipends for youth who do not have work authorization who participate in a work-based learning experience?
    
    
    Authorized to work is an eligibility requirement.  No services can be provided if the participate is not eligible to work in Illinois.
    
    
51. Is there a character or word count limit for question responses?
    
    
    No, there is no set limit. That said, longer isn’t always stronger. Focus on providing a clear, detailed explanation of your plan, while keeping your response concise and on point.
    
    
    
52. Is there a character/word limit for the narrative responses?
    
    
    No specific character or word limit is stated in the NOFO. However, applicants should provide clear, concise responses and ensure answers fully address each question.​
    
    
    
53. Is there a list of approved certifications that would count toward the credentialing portion of the grant performance metric?
    
    
    There is no formal “approved list” of credentials. Participants must earn an industry‑recognized credential within their chosen sector from a PBVS‑approved training provider. Credentials are typically issued or overseen by the professional organization that delivers the training or by the entity that owns the credential—for example, the Secretary of State for a CDL. Credentials may come from educational institutions, PBVS providers, state agencies, or other professional organizations that administer the credential.
    
    
    
54. Is there a mandatory stipend amount, or can applicants choose the amount?
    
    
    Applicants choose the amount.
    

    
    
55. Is there a minimum number of participants we should apply to serve or an expectation regarding the number of participants we should look to serve?
    
    
    There is no required minimum number of participants. However, all proposed enrollments and associated costs must be reasonable, well-justified, and aligned with the scope of the grant. Grantees should ensure that the number of participants served reflects both the available funding and the intended impact of the program.
    

    
    
56. Is there an intended cost per client?
    
    
    No.
    

    
    
57. Is there an intended cost per client? The average appears to be around $10,000, but we wanted to confirm.
    
    
    There is no required cost per client but all costs should be reasonable.
    

    
    
58. My organization teaches soft skills, job readiness, digital/financial literacy. We don't provide credentials to participants, and don't have target industries. But we have partners that do. Would we be eligible for this JTED grant?
    
    
    Your partners may provide the required credentials, as long as they are formally included in your application and supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Your proposal must still align with and utilize the designated target industries outlined in the JTED grant.
    

    ​
    
59. On page 1 of the Program Implementation Plan, the Program Details section asks for the “Proposed Number Served.” Is this number tied to the Performance Goals on page 4? If so, is it the number of "Enrolled in the Program" or one of the other numbers?
    
    
    To clarify, “Enrolled in the Program” refers to the number of participants you plan to enroll, and “Proposed Number Served” refers to the number of participants who will receive services through your program. In practice, these numbers should be the same.
    

    
    
60. On the PIP, under the section credentials, is that staff credentials?
    
    
    The “credentials" section is asking about the credentials your participants are expected to earn through your program.
    

    
    
61. Once we complete the application where do we upload it or send it to? I didn't see either option.
    
    
    Upload everything to the Smartsheet 0513-3185 JTED Round 3
    
    
62. Our Chief Financial Officer is questioning the requirement that only the first $25,000 of contractual services can be included in the indirect cost base for JTED Round 3. Can you give me an explanation for this?
    
    
    For contractual services, you may claim the first $50,000 from each contractor. This amount was recently updated from $25,000 to $50,000 and is a federal guideline. This is reflected in 2 CFR 200, which was last revised and went into effect on 10/01/2024. It only applies if you are taking the 15% MTDC. 
    

    
    
63. Our credential is a Professional Educator License (PEL). Do the CIP and SOC codes need to be specific to the type of teacher (CTE)?
    
    
    The CIP and SOC codes should be specific to the type of PEL that will be obtained at program completion. 
    

    
    

64. Our program serves youth ages 18–24 through a 16-week Transitional Jobs model. Is it allowable to apply under the Youth focus area, even though TJ is listed for adults only? Or would it be more appropriate to apply under the Adult focus area?
    
    
    If you serve 18 and above, please apply as an adult program. 
    

    
    
65. Our training providers are universities and CDL providers, not PVBS. How should that be noted in the application?
    
    
    If the training provider is exempt from having PVBS, we will know and there's nothing to note. Public community colleges and public universities are exempt. Anything outside of that will need PVBS approval.
    CDL would need to be approved here: https://apps.ilsos.gov/dslistings/trainingschools.jsp
    

    
    
66. PBVS registration is required except for exempt community colleges or universities. How should this exemption be indicated in the application?
    
    
    There’s no need to indicate the exemption in the application. We already know which institutions are exempt.
    

    
    
67. Should I include my GATA ID somewhere in the application? Or will pre-qualification be verified directly through the portal?
    
    
    You do not need to include proof of Pre-Qualification in your application package. The reviewers will check the GATA Grantee Portal directly to verify your eligibility.
    

    
    
68. Should our fiscal agent or main training partner be the main partner that submits the application?
    
    
    The lead applicant should be the organization that will:​
    

    • Hold the contract
    • Manage fiscal and program responsibilities
    • Oversee reporting, compliance, and partner coordination

    
    

    ​This is typically the fiscal agent or largest administrative partner, but the applicant team may choose whichever entity is best equipped to manage the grant.​​
    

    
    

69. Some sections seem to have questions that repeat a lot. Can you add guidance on differences, or should we repeat our content on our plans around addressing barriers in order to be fully responsive to all three questions?
    
    
    You should respond to each question exactly as it is written. It's perfectly acceptable if some of your answers end up repeating similar information, as long as you are fully addressing what each question asks. However, you should not use phrases like “see above"; each response should stand on its own.
    

    
    
70. The application includes fields for congressional district and senator. Can applicants be based outside the state if they have strong ties to the state?
    
    
    They must be able to transact business in the State and be registered with the Secretary of State to do so, as well as registered in the GATA portal.  To provide job training services, the entity and its training programs would also have to be approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education as a Private Business and Vocational School (unless it meets one of the exceptions). 
    ​
    
71. The NOFO cites federal memo M-21-20 allowing applications without a valid UEI if obtained before execution. Is an assigned UEI with an in-progress SAM.gov registration sufficient at application, even if showing incomplete in GATA?
    
    
    It won’t affect your application submission. However, if you are awarded, you must have your SAM.gov registration fully active before your agreement can be executed.
    
    
72. The training section states that providers must apply to the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). Can you confirm if this applies to us? We serve youth experiencing homelessness and provide in-house job readiness training.
    
    
    Yes, that is correct. All training providers must be PBVS certified when operating outside of educational institutions.
     
    You can find more information and submit an application through IBHE at the following link:
    
    https://www.ibhe.org/pbvsapplications.html
     
    Since IBHE is an external partner, we do not have a way to check application status. All submissions and updates are handled directly through them.
    
    
    
    
    
73. We are looking at a potential training opportunity with our partners at the Chicago City Colleges and are wondering if that training would be able to count as an apprenticeship if we provided wages during the course of training?
    
    
    JTED funds may be used to provide participant stipends, including for youth, as long as those stipends are tied to allowable program activities—such as achieving training milestones, participating in work‑based learning, or meeting other program requirements. All stipends must be well‑documented, reasonable, and consistent with your approved budget and narrative. Stipends cannot be paid simply for seat time. For definitions of work‑based learning and apprenticeships, refer to page 11 of the NOFO.
    
    
    
74. We are obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing from the IL Secretary of State, which requires additional registrations. If it remains in progress at submission, would an in-progress certificate be acceptable if completed prior to award execution?
    
    
    The Illinois Secretary of State must be in good standing when the application is submitted. It cannot show “in progress”. 
    

    
    
75. We are wondering if we could frame the implementation plan as a chart or do you prefer just a narrative format.
    
    
    You may present your implementation plan in whichever format you prefer. Just keep in mind that multiple reviewers will be evaluating your application, so your responses should be clear, concise, and fully address each question.
    

    
    
76. We had a DCEO grant 5+ years ago and used the GATA system. Is that account still active?
    
    
    Agencies should verify their status in the GATA portal and update or renew registration as needed.
    

    
    
77. We have 4 partners working to support participants. If each partner is to be funded through this grant, should they be listed under sub-awards and sub-contracts or the line that most closely reflects the work they will be doing?
    
    
    If a partner is receiving funds through the grant, they must be listed as either a:
    

    • Sub-award (sub-recipient)  if they deliver programmatic services tied directly to outcomes
    • Sub-contractor (vendor)  if they provide a specific service or deliverable

    ​

    ​List each partner in the category that best reflects their role and responsibilities.

    
    

78. We have a highly successful supportive employment program for low income adults with mental illness. We do not provide credentials to participants and do not use target industries. Would we be eligible for this JTED grant?
    
    
    The JTED program recommends that industry recognized credentials are offered, however it does not restrict an organization from being eligible as there are other options that result in employment like work based learning that does not offer credentials.  Training and placement must be in-demand industries identified in the NOFO.
    

    
    
79. We have a number of employment partnerships within our existing program; however, historically partners are not willing to sign MOU agreements. Are we required to have signed MOUs for employment partners in addition to training and recruitment partners?
    
    
    Yes. MOUs are required and each MOU must include a date that falls within the official grant period. 
    

    
    
80. We have contracts with 100+ training providers and would recommend reviewing with the City and hiring employers before finalizing providers and signing MOUs for this grant. Is it acceptable if providers are not named in the application?
    
    
    MOUs are required as part of the grant application. Applying without them will result in a weaker overall score. Additionally, including too many N/As or TBD responses can also weaken your application.
    
    
    
81. We intend to include eight occupations/training programs in our application. There are only tables for six. Will DCEO modify the template to include tables for the additional two programs?
    
    
    If you're unable to add additional rows to the table, you should still list the remaining programs in the narrative section of your application. You may also briefly note in the narrative that the template did not provide enough space to include all programs.

    
    

82. We're partnering with a post-secondary education institution to offer occupational skills training. Do all instructors need to be from that institution, or may high school teachers provide the training without needing IBHE PBVS approval?
    
    
    The credential(s) must come from a post-secondary education institution and instruction from a post-secondary education institution.  
    

    
    
83. What are acceptable Barrier Reduction Fund expenditures? Is this defined in the application?
    
    
    Yes. Allowable uses are defined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
    Link: https://www.illinoisworknet.com/jtednofo2025
    

    
    
84. What are the deliverable on the grant? Like how many enrolled or what percentage that get certifications? What are the expected goals and targets?
    
    
    Deliverables include:
    

    • Number of individuals enrolled in the program
    • Number of individuals completing the program
    • Number of individuals obtaining credential(s)
    • Number of individuals that achieve a measurable skill gain
    • Number of individuals placed in post-secondary education
    • Number of individuals placed in unsubsidized employment
      
    • Number of individuals retained in unsubsidized employment for 6 and 12 months
    • Number of individuals experiencing a wage/benefit increase

    
    

    Each applicant must set their goals based on the training programs they plan to offer. When establishing these goals, you should evaluate the average cost per training for each proposed program, especially if you intend to provide training across multiple sectors.
    
    Your targeted goals must be realistic, achievable, and aligned with your overall program design. The grant agreement includes a Performance Standard stating that “acceptable performance for a competitive application is set at 75% of the planned performance."
    
    

    While the expectation is that you strive to meet 100% of your goals, the program allows for a variance: you will not be penalized as long as your actual performance reaches at least 75% of the planned goal.​
    

    
    

85. What are the job placement and retention requirements under JTED Category 2 - Youth Focus?
    
    
    Follow-up services and job placement requirements are outlined on page 14 of the NOFO. It is up to your agency to establish your own performance goals.  For youth programs the final outcome is usually placed in secondary or post-secondary education unless the program is designed to place youth in jobs, then the job placement measure should be used.
    

    
    
86. What are the qualifying accreditation programs for the grant, specifically for non-profit workforce development agencies?
    
    
    Accreditation is required only if your organization directly provides occupational training that falls under IBHE PBVS rules. Qualifying accreditations include: Non-profit workforce agencies do not need accreditation if they are not the training provider.
    
    
    
87. What does JTED stand for?
    
    
    JTED refers to the Job Training and Economic Development.​
    
    
88. What option should we select if our agency is not claiming any indirect costs?
    
    
    On the ICI tab of the budget, there is an option indicating that your organization is not taking indirect costs.
    

    
    
89. What portion of the development, and ramp-up would we be allowable to bill to the grant?
    
    
    You may bill up to 10% of the total grant award as an allowable advance to cover development and ramp-up costs. This advance must be documented and charged within the approved grant period.
    

    
    
90. What qualifies a grantee to use the "moderate" income threshold, and does that need to be communicated in the application?
    
    
    Yes, this information should be clearly communicated in the application. If your participants meet the definitions of moderate income and are from targeted communities—such as Qualified Census Tracts or Disproportionately Impacted Areas—they are considered eligible. The specific definitions for these categories are provided in the NOFO. 
    

    
    
91. Where should stipends be placed in the budget?
    
    
    Stipends go under a supportive service which has subline on the Direct Training budget line.
    

    
    
92. With a two-year funding period, is the expectation one year of programming and one year of follow-up? If not, please explain the expectation. Also, do we submit a two-year budget? Is the funding range ($250k–$750k) for the full two-year budget?
    
    
    The grant covers 2 years and the program design and budget should be structured to cover the 2 years.  A year of follow-up is not always attainable dependent on when the participant is placed in employment and when the grant ends.  The department will be working with IDES to track longer term results related to employment and wages.  Each organization has the flexibility to structure its program timeline in the way that best fits its model. Each organization should design the flow across the two-year period as seen appropriate while meeting the outcomes.
    

    
    
93. With a youth program focused on the 17 career clusters, is it sufficient if a partner community college offers secondary education across all sectors, given the program serves as a bridge to college or careers?
    
    
    The participants MUST be in one of the 17 career clusters for training through this program. It’s not enough to say, the institution provides these trainings, but the participant will do a training outside of the 17 careers. 
    

    
    
94. Would you be able to elaborate on the distinction between funds for barrier reduction and those for supportive services?
    
    
    Please see this link for all definitions: https://www.illinoisworknet.com/W​IOA/Documents/JTED%20Round%203%20NOFO%202025/appendix-a-jted-definitions-0513-3185-jted-round-3.pdf 
    
    "Barrier Reduction Funding" means flexible funding through a complementary grant agreement, contract, or budgetary line to increase family stability and job retention by covering accumulated emergency costs for basic needs, such as housing-related expenses (rent, utilities, etc.), transportation, child care, digital technology needs, education needs, mental health services, substance abuse services, income support, and work-related supplies that are not typically covered by programmatic supportive services. [20 ILCS 605/605-415(b)]
    
    "Supportive services" means services such as transportation, childcare, dependent care, housing, and needs-related payments, that are reasonable, necessary and approved by the Department, to enable an individual to participate in activities authorized under the Job Training and Economic Development Grant Program.