Section 285.200  Notice of Funding Opportunity

a)         Each Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) under the Program shall specify the subset of eligible applicants targeted by the NOFO, the subset of charging stations targeted by the NOFO, eligible costs, and requirements that must be met for that particular grant opportunity.  In developing each NOFO, the Agency will consider beneficial impact, cost-effectiveness, funding amounts and requirements linked to the source of the funding, current equipment capabilities, degree of accessibility to charging stations in various geographical areas, and the experience level and financial resources necessary to implement and sustain the operation of charging stations.  These provisions may be in addition to those set forth in this Subpart, but they must be consistent with this Subpart and the Act.

b)         The Agency will specify in the NOFO the goals of the particular grant opportunity, such as installing charging stations in geographical locations with minimal charging infrastructure or locations not covered by other grant programs or encouraging certain types of applicants (e.g., municipalities) to apply.

c)         The Agency must specify in each NOFO the additional incentives that shall be awarded per port for charging stations installed in an eligible community and charging stations located to support eligible persons.  [20 ILCS 627/55(b)] Incentives shall include one or more of the following:  additional funding amounts up to $500 per port for Level 2 and up to $2,500 per port for Level 3, additional scoring points awarded, and project prioritization.  In deciding which incentive or incentives to include in a NOFO, the Agency will consider the geographic location, including attainment status for the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the existing network of Level 2 or Level 3 charging stations, and the type of eligible applicant (private or public organizations and companies).

d)         Each NOFO will specify the scoring criteria the Agency will use for that particular grant opportunity, in compliance with GATA.  Scoring criteria may include, for example, distance to the nearest existing charging station, traffic density, access to amenities, and project readiness.