Offshore Wind Business Development Grant Program

Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure Program

Fiscal Year 2023 Application Form
Welcome

The Maryland Energy Administration (“MEA”) announces the Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure Program ( “Program”) for Fiscal Year 2023, which is funded through the Maryland Offshore Wind Business Development Fund, established by Md. Code Ann., State Gov’t, § 9-20C-03. The Program is a non-competitive grant program that assists new or existing businesses enter the offshore wind supply chain in Maryland by offsetting their capital expenditure investments. Proposed projects must provide goods and services to the offshore wind industry in Maryland, while also intending to serve the larger U.S. offshore wind market and related industries.

MEA will consider applications from new or existing emerging businesses, including minority-owned emerging businesses, seeking to enter the offshore wind industry. MEA will also consider applications from businesses willing to relocate or expand into Maryland contingent upon receiving a grant award.

A total budget of $1,600,000 for Fiscal Year 2023 is anticipated to be available. The amount awarded may vary depending on the quantity and quality of applications received and MEA’s available resources within the fiscal year. MEA calculates grant awards as 50 percent of the total project costs. Grant awards may not exceed $400,000. Applicants must contribute at least 50 percent of the total project costs as matching funds or in-kind services. Matching funds may include, but are not limited to, finance/loan agreement, cash on hand, a business line of credit, and other grant awards (state, federal, or private).
Eligible Activities
Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure grant funds are provided to awardees to offset the costs of entering the offshore wind supply chain. Proposed projects must provide a positive net economic benefit to the state and local communities through job opportunities and commit to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in their business operations. Proposed projects should also be designed to serve the larger U.S. offshore wind market and related industries.

Grant funds may be used to offset capital expenditures such as:
- Business expansion including relocation costs, new construction of real property, and renovations to existing real property; and,
- Purchase and installation of new or manufacturer refurbished equipment at a new or existing real property.
Grant funds may not be used to offset operating expenditures or capital expenditures such as:
- Purchase of new or existing real property; however, the 50 percent of the total project costs provided by the Applicant as matching funds may be used for this purpose; and,
- Relocation costs for the Applicant’s employees or personnel including, but not limited to, housing, travel, and groceries/dining.
Questions Can be Directed to:

Interested applicants may submit questions, comments, concerns, and suggestions to the following MEA Program Manager:

Emma Stoney

wind.mea@maryland.gov

410-382-1605

Eligible Applicants
The Program is open to emerging businesses, including minority-owned emerging businesses located in, or relocating to Maryland. For purposes of the Program, an “Emerging Business” is defined, pursuant to Md. Code Ann., State Gov’t § 9-20C-01(e), as “a business that is at least 51 percent owned and controlled by an individual or individuals who are certified to have a personal net worth, as defined in §14-301 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, that does not exceed $6,500,000 as adjusted each year for inflation according to the Consumer Price Index.”

To be considered an Emerging Business, all business applicants are required to submit a notarized Personal Net Worth (PNW) Statement Form for each business owner.

Applicants that do not submit this documentation or do not meet the Emerging Business definition are not eligible to receive grant funding from this program.

Minority Participation

MEA strongly encourages Emerging Businesses representing and working to empower Maryland’s underserved communities (including minorities, women, and people with disabilities) and veterans of the United States Armed Forces to apply to the Program.

Application Package Checklist
Before starting the application form, please verify you have the Project Narrative and Supporting Documents listed below ready as they are required to be uploaded to submit the application form. NOTE: Failure to submit these required documents may result in your application being rejected. *

Applicant Contact Information
Business Name*
Authorized Representative*

First NameMiddle NameLast NameSuffix
Position Title*
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Mobile Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Business Website*

Project Location
Project Location Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
US Congressional District Number*
Maryland State Delegate District Number*
Maryland State Senator District Number*
Does the Project include the purchase or lease of real property?*

YesNo
Does the Project include new construction or renovation of real property?*

YesNo
Does the Project include the purchase and installation of equipment?*

YesNo
If You Do Not Know Your Congressional or Maryland Legislative District, you can search it at http://mdelect.net

Project Description
In 500 words or less, please provide a short description of the proposed project.*

0/500
How Many Existing Jobs will the Project Support?*
In Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
How Many Estimated New Jobs will the Project Create?*
In Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
Estimated Time to Complete Project*
Example - 1 year 8 months
Total Project Cost*
Round to the nearest dollar
Total Grant Request*
Round to the nearest dollar
Matching Funds Secured*
List all sources and amounts
Cost Share*
Percentage (Grant Request divided by Total Cost)
Will the project move forward if applicant is selected to receive only a portion of the grant funds requested?*

YesNoMaybe/Not Sure

Documentation and Attachments

Please upload the Project Narrative, Project Work Plan and Budget Narrative with All Supporting Documents.
Project Narrative as described in the FOA.*

Browse Files
A Project Narrative as described in the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) found on the Program Webpage, including: an Applicant Overview, Project Location and Facility, Historic Successes, Needs Assessment, Sustainability Statement, and Economic Development Opportunities, including Projected Employment, Employee Earnings, Projected Economic Output, and Projected Value Add of the Project. Cancelof
Project Work Plan as described in the FOA.*

Browse Files
A Project Work Plan as described in the FOA found on the Program Webpage including the following: Project Scope Statement, Detailed Project Timeline, List of Project Partners, a Marketing Plan, and List of Potential Challenges and Mitigation Strategies. Cancelof
Budget Narrative as described in the FOA.*

Browse Files
A Project Budget Narrative as described in the FOA found on the Program Webpage, including the following: Total Project Budget, Calculated Return on Investment, Leveraged Funds. All In-Kind Services, and a Proof of Funds Letter. Cancelof
Certificate of Status.*

Browse Files
Certificate of Status: Applicants must provide a certificate of status from the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) showing the applicant is in good standing with the State of Maryland. Certificates of status can be ordered from SDAT online. Cancelof
Business Ownership Documents.*

Browse Files
Business Ownership Documents: Applicants must provide documents that demonstrate which individual(s) owns and controls at least 51 percent of the business. These documents include, but not limited to, Articles of Incorporation, Corporate Charter, or Shareholder Reports. Cancelof
Personal Net Worth (PNW) Attestation.*

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Personal Net Worth (PNW) Attestation: A Business applicants must provide an attestation that they are an emerging business, pursuant to Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 9-20C-01(e). Cancelof
IRS Form W-9.*

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IRS Form W9: Applicants must provide an US Internal Revenues Service (IRS) Form W9 for the Applicant Organization. The Applicant Organization name and address provided on the IRS Form W9 must match the Applicant Organization name and address provided in the Application Form submitted through the online application portal. IRS Form W9 can be requested from the IRS. Cancelof
Specification Sheets.*

Browse Files
Specification Sheets: Applicants must provide product manuals or specification sheets for all equipment included in the proposed project. Cancelof
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Certifications.*

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Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Certifications: Applicants must provide equipment certifications provided by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) participating in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) NRTL Program for all equipment included in the proposed project. A list of current OSHA NRTLs can be found on OSHA’s website. Cancelof
Letters of Support.

Browse Files
Letters of Support: Applicants should provide a letter of support from each project partner which details the commitment(s) made by the project partner. Unsigned letters of support will not be accepted. Applicants may include additional letters of support from local businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, and government agencies. Cancelof

Program Terms, Conditions, and Requirements

Applicants must certify under penalty of perjury that the information provided in Application Form, Project Narrative, Project Work Plan, Project Budget, and All Supporting Documents are complete, accurate, and true. Applicants must further certify that they are authorized to submit the Application on behalf of the Organization and to agree to the terms, conditions, and requirements stated below:
Grant Program General Provisions:

MEA grant programs are covered by general provisions that apply to all energy programs, the most current version of these General Provisions is v.3, February 2022. The latest approved version of this document will be incorporated into all FY23 grant agreements issued by MEA.

Program-Specific Requirements:
In addition to the general provisions, the following funding qualification applies to this Program:
- MEA at its discretion may obligate all, some, or none of the FY 2023 Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure Program budget, based on the number, quality, and eligibility of submitted applications.
- MEA at its discretion may extend the application deadline of the FY2023 Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure Program should the program experience technical difficulties or if MEA receives a large number of uncompetitive applications.
- Applicants that are an Emerging Business or a Non-Profit must demonstrate they are registered and in good standing with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) by submitting a Certificate of Status. Certificates of Status may be ordered online from SDAT.
- To receive grant funding for a project, the successful applicant must enter into a Grant Agreement with MEA by May 30, 2023 unless an extension is given in writing (email) by MEA.
- A grant award will not be made for any work completed before the effective date of the Grant Agreement with MEA.
If applicable, Grantees shall ensure all equipment meets certain safety criteria including:

Be certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) participating in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) NRTL Program;
Be in compliance with all applicable building, electric, and fire codes.

Program Changes:
Any update (e.g, extension of a deadline) or clarification about the Program and any corrections to inadvertent errors in the Program information will be available on the Program webpage. In addition, MEA will communicate clarifications and updates made after the application deadline directly to applicants or grantees, as applicable, by letter or e-mail. The final grant amount for each Grantee will be made after review of all proposals received and is subject to funding availability for the Program and any relevant statutory requirement applicable at that time.
I certify that I have read, understand, and agree to the Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure Program's Terms, Conditions, and Requirements specified above.*

I Agree
I certify that I am authorized to submit this application package on behalf of my employer to the Maryland Energy Administration's Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure Program.*

I Agree
Please sign your name below*

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Maryland Offshore Wind Capital Expenditure Program

Eligible Activities

Eligible Applicants

Application Package Checklist

Applicant Contact Information

Business Information

Project Location

Project Description

Documentation and Attachments

Program Terms, Conditions, and Requirements