NOFO#3242-0526 NCHIP Live Scan Equipment
🏛 Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
✓ Free, no account · Source: Illinois GATA Catalog (CSFA) · Last verified Jul 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Illinois justice system agencies that need modern fingerprinting equipment. Eligible applicants include local law enforcement, state law enforcement, courts, the Illinois Department of Corrections, and other correctional agencies in Illinois.
Agencies currently using paper-based fingerprinting processes or outdated live scan hardware are prioritized. The grant supports purchasing live scan devices, installation, training, customer support, warranties, subscriptions, customized reporting, and maintenance.
All equipment must be compatible with Illinois State Police live scan requirements. Applicants must obtain three written quotes from certified vendors before submitting their grant application.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
ICJIA has made available $1,699,455 in FFY23 National Criminal History Improvement Program (NCHIP) funding to support live scan fingerprinting equipment grants for Illinois justice system agencies. Associated installation, training, customer support, warranty, subscription, customized reporting, and/or maintenance costs that are incurred during the grant performance period may also be supported.
This funding opportunity will support Illinois justice system agencies in procuring live scan fingerprinting equipment to improve the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of criminal history records submitted by agencies. Justice system agencies may include local law enforcement agencies, state law enforcement agencies, Courts, the Illinois Department of Corrections, and other correctional agencies in Illinois.
Illinois is in the early stages of extensive planning to improve statewide firearm prohibitor records. In conjunction with long-term planning and solutions, Illinois seeks to address core reporting infrastructure gaps by providing live scan technology to agencies that still use paper-based processes or obsolete live scan hardware and software. As arrest record submissions improve, so will disposition information subsequently added through live scan to the Illinois State Police (ISP) and then the FBI for inclusion in National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) records.
Through this funding opportunity, Illinois justice system agencies that submit criminal history records through paper-based processes or using obsolete hardware and software will apply to be awarded grants for purchasing live scan equipment.
Live scan is an inkless electronic system designed to capture an individual’s fingerprint images and demographic data, such as name, sex, race, date of birth, in a digitized format that is transmitted to ISP for processing. Once received, ISP electronically forwards the inquiry to the FBI for further processing. All of this occurs within minutes and results in a biometric identification of an individual with little to no human intervention.
ISP is responsible for certification and licensure of Illinois live scan vendors (225 ILCS 447/31-5)., Once installed by a justice system agency, ISP is responsible for certifying the device to facilitate fingerprint submission to the Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) System.
Applicants will be required to obtain three written quotes from live scan vendors. Applicants should obtain these quotes to provide accurate budget projections. Agencies selected for funding will be required to submit quotes before execution of the grant agreement. Quotes may be obtained via outreach to vendors (e.g., website, email, phone) or from published online or hard copy catalogues or price lists. Along with the price, the quotes may contain other terms and conditions, all of which may be considered when comparing offers. More information on the Federal FY 2023 National Criminal History Improvement Program Supplemental Funding can be found at this link https://bjs.ojp.gov/funding/opportunities/o-bjs-2023-171464.
All expenses must reasonable, necessary, and allocable to the program. The following is a list of services, activities, goods, and other costs that can be supported through this NOFO:
•Live scan devices purchased through a vendor that has demonstrated product compatibility with the Illinois State Police live scan requirements. See Appendix A for a list of vendors that meet this requirement. The Illinois State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation require electronic fingerprint submission specifications, which can be found at this link: Electronic Fingerprint Submission Specifications (illinois.gov). Applicants may request up to $25,000 per live scan device.
•Live scan devices may include the following non-exhaustive list of hardware:
o Scanners
o Computer
o Keyboard
o Monitor
o Cabinet
o Camera
o Foot Switch
•Associated installation, training, customer support, warranty, subscription, customized reporting, and/or maintenance costs that are incurred during the grant performance period are potentially allowable. Any associated costs must be a one-time expense made at the time of the equipment purchase. Federal Assistance Listing: 16.554. Administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 546-00-3242).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Three written quotes from ISP-certified live scan vendors
- Project narrative describing current fingerprinting process and gaps
- Detailed budget with vendor quotes and cost breakdown
- Implementation timeline including installation and training dates
- Agency authorization or resolution approving the application
- Proof of cost-sharing commitment
Program contact
- 👤 Michael Lynch
- 📧 Michael.Lynch@Illinois.gov
- 📞 312-793-8550
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 16.554 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$10,000,000
-
$7,500,000
-
$6,728,300
-
$6,012,113
-
$5,792,877
-
$4,685,176
-
$4,626,714
-
$4,456,510
-
$4,329,172
-
$4,162,203
Top States by Funding
- VA 7 awards $21.5M
- CT 6 awards $16.7M
- FL 5 awards $15.7M
- CA 5 awards $15.2M
- NE 4 awards $14.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
What agencies are eligible to apply for this grant?
Illinois justice system agencies including law enforcement, courts, corrections departments, and other criminal justice entities. Only agencies in Illinois can apply.
What equipment and services can the grant cover?
Live scan devices (up to $25,000 per device), plus installation, training, customer support, warranties, maintenance, and customized reporting. Associated costs during the grant period are eligible.
What is required before submitting an application?
Obtain three written quotes from ISP-certified live scan vendors. These quotes must be included with your application to provide accurate budget projections.
Is there a cost-sharing requirement?
Yes, cost-sharing is required. The grant covers specific equipment costs, but you must verify the matching percentage requirement with the funder.
What makes an application competitive?
Clearly demonstrate your agency's reliance on paper processes or outdated technology. Show how live scan will improve reporting timeliness and accuracy. Provide realistic quotes and detailed implementation plans.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Get all three vendor quotes early, even before writing your application. Quotes take time and delays can hurt your competitiveness.
- Verify that your chosen vendors appear on the Illinois State Police certified vendor list. Appendix A contains approved vendors; equipment from uncertified vendors will not be accepted.
- Document your current fingerprinting process in detail. Show the specific gaps, delays, or accuracy issues caused by paper or outdated systems.
- Plan your implementation timeline carefully. Include installation dates, staff training schedules, and ISP certification timelines in your project narrative.
- Budget for all associated costs, not just equipment purchase price. Factor in installation labor, staff training time, warranties, and first-year maintenance.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when they use uncertified vendors or equipment that doesn't meet Illinois State Police specifications. Include only approved vendors in quotes. Incomplete budget justifications lacking vendor quotes, installation costs, or training expenses are frequently rejected. Weak needs statements that don't explain current paper-based processes or obsolete system limitations reduce competitiveness.
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