Energy Transition Navigators Program NOFO 2023

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Background

This Notice of Funding Opportunity sets forth the requirements for funding for the Energy Transition Navigators Program as specified by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA, Public Act 102-0662). The Energy Transition Navigators Program will provide outreach and recruitment for the CEJA workforce and contractor programs. 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, once they have been selected, to coordinate outreach and recruitment activities. Navigator Teams will also engage with local employers, industry leaders, unions and more to help facilitate job placement and identify training needs. 

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Program Design
​Through this NOFO, the Department will award funding to Navigator Teams to serve the 13 regional workforce hub regions of the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program:  1) Chicago South Side, 2) Chicago Southwest and West Sides, 3) Waukegan, 4) Rockford, 5) Aurora, 6) Joliet, 7) Peoria, 8) Champaign, 9) Danville, 10) Decatur, 11) Carbondale, 12) East St. Louis, and 13) Alton. Navigator Teams will provide outreach and recruitment services (including activities and events) to eligible populations in the 13 regional workforce hubs and surrounding areas. Outreach and recruitment will be prioritized for those eligible to participate in the Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program and the Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program.

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, once they have been selected, to coordinate outreach and recruitment activities. If your organization is interested in applying to deliver the CEJA Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program, please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity for this program.

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.

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.  This information will be used to prioritize training program offerings, curricular modifications, career pathway support, and job placement for equity investment eligible persons.

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Funding Information

​The total amount of funding expected to be awarded through this NOFO is up to $6,000,000 annually, subject to appropriation in funding.  Awards will range from $250,000 to $600,000 annually. The Department expects to make at least 13 awards through this NOFO.


Eligibility

Eligible applicants are community-based providers, defined as not-for-profit organizations that have a history of serving low-wage or low-skilled workers or individuals from economically disadvantaged communities. Community colleges and counties are not included in this definition. Navigator Teams must demonstrate:

  1. A history of providing education, outreach, and recruitment activities to low-wage or low-skilled workers or individuals from economically disadvantaged communities.
  2. The ability to reach and recruit from equity focused populations.
  3. Relationships with relevant stakeholders including Small Business Development Centers, economic development organizations, local employers, labor unions, trade groups, educational institutions or organizations working with equity focused populations, environmental justice organizations, and any other entities that provide jobs, including businesses and other nonprofit organizations.
  4. The ability to effectively serve diverse and underrepresented populations in communities prioritized by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
  5. The ability to engage with CEJA workforce and contractor program managers once they are selected.

Submission Details
​A standard application package must be submitted to and reviewed by DCEO. Each package must contain the following items:

  • Uniform Grant Application in fillable PDF format. Signature page must be printed, signed, scanned and submitted with application.
  • Uniform Budget utilizing the template provided by DCEO for this project. The entire budget with all worksheets included, even if the worksheets are not relevant to the grant opportunity must be submitted with the application materials. Signature page must be printed, signed, scanned and submitted with application.
  • An executive summary and technical proposal, with details about the program activities and outcomes that will be supported by this grant.
  • Proposed workplan and staffing plan, including resumes of key staff and any Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs).
  • Conflict of Interest Disclosure
  • Mandatory Disclosures

For detailed information about the funding opportunity and instruction on how to submit an application, see the full NOFO, as well as required documents, linked under NOFO Materials.

Hub Regions Currently Accepting Applications: Waukegan, Joliet, Aurora, Peoria, Champaign, Decatur, Danville, Alton, East St. Louis.

Round 2 application deadline: February 23, 2024.

For your application to be considered, your entity must be pre-qualified. For resources on pre-qualification and other grant topics, please visit this DCEO page.

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Notice of Intent to Apply
​The Department requests that applicants submit a Notice of Intent to Apply (optional) by July 27 at 5:00pm.:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/81819251ad124f489fd607b6e0a0f530

The Notice of Intent to Apply should include the name of the lead applicant and region(s) served.

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Award Timeline

​Applications are due by August 15, 2023 at 5:00pm.  The Department anticipates sending Notices of State Award (NOSA) 11 to 15 weeks after the application period is closed.

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Information Sessions
DateTimeTopicRegistration/Resources
6/13/23
3:00pm
Bidder's conference
6/22/233:00pmCEJA Ecosystem Webinar
​7/17/23
​1:00pm
​Writing an Effective Proposal
​7/21/23
​10:00am
​GATA Training
​1/5/24
​12:00pm
CEJA Workforce Network Hubs and Energy Transition Navigator Programs: Apply for Funding, Round 2​
​1/12/24
​12:00pm
​Developing a CEJA Program Budget: Avoiding Pitfalls
  • Recording - forthcoming​
​1/19/24
12:00pm​​Rolling Back the Curtain: What CEJA Grant Reviewers are Looking For
  • Rerording - forthcoming​

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NOFO Technical Assistance Office Hours
​Applicants are invited to sign up for Technical Assistance Office Hours (via Zoom) to receive one-on-one assistance to prepare their proposals. These Office Hours provide an opportunity to ask questions and get feedback on proposal drafts and ideas. Office hours will begin July 31 and continue into August. Sign up here:
https://calendly.com/ceja_officehours/nofo_support
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Regional CEJA Networking Fairs
​Attend a Regional CEJA Workforce Networking Fair this summer at locations throughout Illinois to connect with people interested in applying for CEJA funding or partnering with another organization to deliver one of the CEJA workforce programs.