The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law November 15, 2021. Subsequently, the Arizona IIJA Task Force was formed in April 2022 to enhance collaboration among experts, agencies, tribes and community members to strategically address high-priority infrastructure issues in Arizona.
IIJA Webinar Series
To help inform executives and practitioners working to advance the state’s infrastructure using IIJA funds, the Arizona Commerce Authority is offering a series of webinars to help communities better understand how to dissect the federal discretionary grants process. Looking through the lens of a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), the IIJA: Anatomy of a NOFO® series is offered in the two tracks listed below.
Executive Track Mondays
The Executive Track, held on Monday afternoons in February, is geared toward the state’s community and government decision-makers to ask good questions and make informed decisions when determining whether to pursue IIJA funding opportunities. In three one-hour sessions, this track will broadly address:
- Identifying a pipeline of shovel worthy projects
- Compelling storytelling to increase an application’s competitiveness
- Understanding federal requirements that govern IIJA awards
Planning
Understand the importance of planning to identify and demonstrate need; how to develop a pipeline of projects that meet key IIJA provisions; and determine “best fit” when making decisions on whether to pursue IIJA funding opportunities.
The Federal Application Process: Telling your story
With a reviewer’s mindset, understand the eligibility and evaluation criteria of a NOFO and where to find them. We’ll do a high-level review to determine “best fit” and the ability to link your project’s story in a way that is authentic and speaks to the federal agency’s program criteria.
Federal Funds Management and Project Delivery
Understand the regulations that govern your IIJA awards, and the importance of the awarding agency’s risk assessment before the release of funds.
Practitioner Brown Bag Lunch Tuesdays
Held at lunchtime on Tuesdays in February, this series is geared toward anyone who wants to apply for an IIJA grant. Whether you’re a professional grant writer, a government employee, or work for a non-profit, this series will tackle key elements of a NOFO that will help you determine whether to apply, how to increase competitiveness, and whether your organization has the capacity to manage federal funds and deliver the project according to federal requirements.
In three one-hour sessions, this track will help you understand and explain at an introductory level:
- How to identify shovel worthy projects to submit for funding
- How to write a compelling story to increase an application’s competitiveness
- Which federal regulations govern your IIJA awards
Planning
The importance of thinking big. How do I plan for and identify a Pipeline of Projects to maximize opportunities under IIJA? What is the difference between "Shovel Ready" and “Shovel Worthy?” Understand the above in the context of your project(s). Bring your ideas, active or dormant project(s), and follow along with interactive practice activities after learning content.
The Federal Application Process: Telling Your Story
With a reviewer’s mindset, understand the eligibility and evaluation criteria of a NOFO and where to find them. We’ll do a high-level review to determine “best fit” and the ability to link your project’s story in a way that is authentic and speaks to the federal agency’s program criteria.
Federal Funds Management and Project Delivery
Understand the regulations that govern your work and the importance of the awarding agency’s risk assessment before the release of federal funds.
Get Informed
For updates, future webinars, and assistance regarding IIJA, fill out the form below to reach IIJA's representative, Keith Watkins.