Section 296.80  Appeals Process

a)         Those applicants whose grant applications are denied shall be notified by electronic mail.

b)         The applicant has 14 calendar days from the date of publication of the grant award to submit an appeal on an electronic form prescribed by the Office.  The appeal must include, at a minimum:

1)         The name and address of the appealing party;

2)         The name of the grant; and

3)         A statement of reasons for the appeal.

c)         Appeals by applicants are limited to the evaluation process.  Evaluation scores may not be protested.

d)         Appeals Review Officer (ARO). The State Fire Marshal or a designee may appoint one or more AROs to consider the grant-related appeals and make a recommendation to the State Fire Marshal or designee.

e)         The appeal of a denial of a requested grant may be accompanied by supporting documents and information not previously considered by the Committee.  The Office shall acknowledge receipt of the appeal within 14 calendar days after receiving the appeal.

f)         The Office shall respond to the appeal within 60 calendar days after receipt of the appeal. If additional time is required for review of the appeal, the applicant shall be notified in writing, which shall include an explanation of why additional time is required.

g)         Stay of Grant Agreement/Contract Execution

When an appeal is received, the execution of the grant in contention shall be stayed until either:

1)         The appeal is resolved; or

2)         The State Fire Marshal or designee determines that the needs of the State require that the grant program move forward despite the appeal. This determination, and its rationale, must be documented in writing.

h)         The ARO shall make a recommendation to the State Fire Marshal or designee as quickly as possible after receiving all relevant and requested information.

i)          In determining this recommendation, the ARO shall consider the integrity of the discretionary grant process and the impact of the recommendation on the Office.

j)          The Office shall resolve the appeal through a written determination. This determination shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1)         Review of the appeal;

2)         Appeal determination; and

3)         Rationale for the determination.

k)         Effect of Judicial Proceedings

If an action concerning the appeal has commenced in a court or administrative body, the State Fire Marshal or designee may defer resolution of the appeal pending the judicial or administrative determination.

l)          The Office shall maintain a file of the grantmaking process that includes the written determination of grant issuance, grant application and requirements. The grantmaking file shall be available for audit-related purposes.

(Source:  Amended at 50 Ill. Reg. 10950, effective August 1, 2026)