Section 950.110  Review of Grant Applications

a)         Those applications that are deemed complete under Section 950.100 by the Department will be sent to a Review Committee for the review of the grant applications.

b)         The Review Committee will meet and review and evaluate the applications in accordance with the criteria listed in this Section, as applicable:

1)         The project has a reasonable assurance of enhancing the value of agricultural products or will expand agribusiness in Illinois.

2)         Preliminary market and feasibility research has been conducted by the applicant or others and there is a reasonable assurance of a potential market.

3)         The applicant has demonstrated the ability to manage the business or commercialize the idea.

4)         There is favorable community support for the project.

5)         There are favorable recommendations from local economic development groups, university-based technical specialists, or other qualified service providers.

6)         The applicant demonstrates a personal commitment and a commercialization development plan.

7)         There is an adequate and realistic budget projection.

8)         The application meets the eligibility requirements and the project costs are eligible under the Act.

9)         The applicant has established a need for the grant.

10)         The economic impact of the project on the State's agriculture and agribusiness sector.  [505 ILCS 19/15(a)]

11)         Geographical location of project.

c)         Preference for grants will be given to, but is not limited to, the following:

1)         Proposals for industrial and nonfood production processes using Illinois agricultural products.

2)         Proposals for food, feed, and fiber products that use Illinois agricultural products and add to the value of Illinois agricultural products.

3)         Research proposals that have not been duplicated by other research efforts.

4)         Proposals that demonstrate that the applicant has invested his or her own funds, time, and/or other valued consideration in the project.

5)         Proposals that are reasonably expected to result in a viable commercial application.

6)         Proposals that have a positive economic impact on the State's agriculture and agribusiness sector.  [505 ILCS 19/15(b)]  Factors to be considered shall include:

i)          the numbers of farmers in the project;

ii)         the number of employees to be involved in the project; and

iii)         the primary and subsequent economic impact.

d)         If an applicant has received a grant in previous grant cycles and the Department experienced any problems with the applicant's handling of the grant, the Review Committee may evaluate an application based upon the applicant's previous grant performance in the areas of:

1)         Accountability;

2)         Timeliness; and

3)         Effectiveness.

e)         After the Review Committee has completed evaluating each application, the Review Committee will submit its recommendations for awarding the grants to the Director. The Director will determine whether an eligible applicant is awarded a grant, as outlined in Section 950.120.

f)          The Review Committee may also recommend to the Director that conditions be placed on certain grants deemed necessary by the Review Committee.

g)         The Committee may extend the time for consideration of an application until the next application period by advising the applicant in writing of the extension.