Section 20 ILCS 700/3525 - Manufacturing and Export Base Services(a) The Department may, subject to available appropriated funds, establish a program of statewide assistance to the manufacturing and services export base of the State serving the sector-wide needs of small and medium-sized companies.(b) The Department may provide grants, cost share funds, or reimbursements: to State or substate programs providing better access to information; to reduce the impediments to the flow of technical information; and to provide Illinois manufacturers, producer firms, and export services firms with better or more timely access to the State's and the nation's technology base, including industrial and engineering consulting practices, university and research laboratory based engineers, private commercial product vendors, and other sources of technology or non-technology services.(c) The Department may provide grants to those private, public, and non-profit research institutions and organizations that agree to serve as an intermediary to achieve the purpose set forth in this Section that continues to ensure Illinois' economic vitality and competitiveness.(d) The Department may seek out applicants that may be considered for a grant, and may provide an award based on the qualifications and expertise of organizations undertaking the effort, the applicants understanding of the requirements and needs of the target groups served, and the likelihood that the proposed project will improve the State's future economic potential. P.A. 91-476, eff. 8/11/1999.