Attachment 1.pdf

ATTACHMENT 1 – GRANT AGREEMENT

Maryland Energy Administration Grant Agreement General Provisions Attachment A v.3 February 2022

ATTACHMENT A

General Provisions

1. Definitions

A. “Grant Agreement” means a written agreement between MEA and a grantee with respect to a grant.

B. “Grantee” means a recipient of a grant under an MEA grant program.

C. “Environmental Standards” means all applicable environmental laws, rules, or regulations set by federal, state, or local jurisdictions that are applicable to a Project and related directly to the performance of the Grantee’s obligations pursuant to a Grant Agreement.

D. “MEA Program Manager” means the individual specified in writing as the MEA representative for a Program or other person designated in writing by MEA to act on behalf of MEA regarding the Grant Agreement.

E. “Program” means an MEA grant program identified and detailed on the MEA website.

F. “Project” means an activity or undertaking that is consistent with the requirements of an MEA Program and for which a Grant has been awarded. A project includes all activities specified in the Scope of Work and all reporting required in the Grant Agreement except for submitting invoices.

G. “Project Site” means the location of a Project or a portion of a Project.

2. MEA Grant Timeframes

A. Unless the MEA Program Manager approves an extension in writing, a Grant Agreement executed by the Grantee(s) shall be received by MEA no later than ten business days from the date MEA electronically transmits the Grant Agreement to the Grantee for execution. If the properly executed Grant Agreement is not received by MEA within the required time as indicated above, the Grant Award will automatically be revoked.

B. The Effective Date of a Grant Agreement is the date that the fully executed Grant Agreement is received by MEA, as determined by the official MEA date stamp on the first page of the Grant Agreement.

C. To be eligible for reimbursement, all reimbursement requests for Project costs pursuant to a Grant Agreement must be received no later than 60 days after the completion of the Project, unless the MEA Program Manager approves an extension in writing.

Attachment A v.3 February 2022

3. Extensions

An extension may be requested in writing by the Grantee in advance of a deadline but is not guaranteed. The MEA Program Manager may extend a deadline in writing up to 60 days, for good cause shown, such as circumstances outside of the Grantee’s control.

4. Retention of documents

The Grantee shall retain bills of sale or other satisfactory evidence of the acquisition of any real or personal property, as well as reports, activity logs, timelines, estimated energy savings and/or generation, supporting documentation for any other expenses that are covered in whole or in part by any Grant funds, and any other information related to Grant activities for at least three years from the date that the Grantee receives final reimbursement from MEA. MEA, MEA’s representatives, the Department of Budget and Management, the State Comptroller, and the Legislative Auditor may examine and audit this evidence on request, at any reasonable time within the retention period. In addition, the Grantee shall also make the worksite available to MEA or its representatives, upon request at any reasonable time, for at least three years from the date that the Grantee receives final reimbursement from MEA.

5. Communications with MEA; Updating IRS W-9 form

A. The Grantee shall submit to MEA all reimbursement requests and other documentation required under the Grant Agreement at the MEA email address specified in the Grant Agreement, unless MEA has received as part of the application process notification that the Grantee has opted out of electronic communications. If the Grantee has opted out of electronic communications, the Grantee shall submit all reimbursement requests and other documentation required under the Grant Agreement by mail or hand-delivery to the applicable program at MEA.

B. The Grantee shall promptly provide MEA with an updated IRS W-9 form when information on a prior IRS W-9 form has changed.

6. Subject to Funding Availability

Prior to execution of the Grant Agreement, Grant funds are subject to change in amount and availability.

7. Location within Maryland

A Project must be located in Maryland or undertaken for the direct benefit of a Maryland resident, business, community, campus, or facility located entirely within the State of Maryland.

8. Payment of Grant Funds

A. After review of the reports, requests for reimbursement, and any supporting documents or information requested by MEA, MEA shall make a final determination whether the Grantee has

Attachment A v.3 February 2022 met all Program requirements, terms, and conditions, and shall process the Grant Award for payment as promptly as possible, if warranted.

B. MEA payments to Grantee are not assignable and all grant funds will be disbursed to the Grantee consistent with the Grant Agreement.

9. Non-payment of Grant Funds; Disallowance of Grant Funds for Violation of Grant Agreement; Reconsideration of Non-payment or Disallowance of Grant Funds

A. Unless otherwise specified in the Grant Agreement, MEA will not disburse grant funds for work that has yet to be performed; costs that have yet to be incurred or are not sufficiently documented; or costs that are inconsistent with the purpose, terms, and conditions of the Grant, as determined by MEA.

B. Any expenditure of Grant funds that is not consistent with the purposes of the Program, or that violates any requirement, term, or condition of a Program or the Grant Agreement, may, in the sole judgment of MEA, be disallowed. If MEA determines any expenditure to be ineligible after MEA has disbursed funds to the Grantee, the State may require repayment to MEA for reimbursement of the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, an offset from any State grant to the Grantee in the current or succeeding fiscal year, or other appropriate action. The Grantee shall immediately repay to the State any part of the Grant that is not used for the purposes of the Program.

C. If MEA withholds or disallows payment of Grant funds, MEA shall provide Grantee with its determination in writing and set forth a summary of the reasons for its determination. A Grantee may request reconsideration of a determination by MEA to withhold or disallow payment of Grant funds within 15 business days of the date of the written determination notifying the Grantee of the decision.

10. Nondiscrimination Provision

The Grantee may not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other characteristic forbidden as a basis for discrimination by applicable laws, and certifies that its Constitution, by-laws, or policies prohibit discrimination consistent with the Governor’s Code of Fair Employment Practices.

11. Compliance with Relevant Certifications, Licenses, And Requirements

A. The Grantee shall be responsible for compliance with the following:

(1) All work performed on behalf of the Grantee pursuant to a Grant Agreement shall be carried out by the Grantee’s staff and contractors holding all necessary Maryland certifications and licenses.

Attachment A v.3 February 2022

(2) Any business or non-profit organization operating in Maryland with which the Grantee contracts or partners to carry out the purposes of the Grant shall be registered and in good standing with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation, if applicable.

(3) All work performed pursuant to a Grant shall comply with all applicable local, State, and federal building codes and other applicable laws and regulations.

B. If MEA determines that any activity undertaken under the Grant Agreement is inconsistent with subsection A of this section, MEA may rescind the Grant or take any other appropriate action, as determined by MEA.

12. False Statement or Report

A person may not knowingly make or cause to be made any false statement or report in any document required to be furnished by MEA in relation to the Program. For a SEIF-funded Grant, any violation of this provision is a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $50,000.00 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both, as specified in State Government Article §9-20B-11 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

13. Historic Preservation Review

For each project being funded in whole or in part through a Grant Agreement, a historic preservation review must first be completed by the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) or MEA’s historic preservation expert. This review ensures that no historic property is “adversely affected” through building improvements, equipment installations, and related property modifications proposed for Projects funded wholly or in-part by a Program. Prior to starting construction, the Grantee shall ensure that MEA has received documentation from MHT or MEA’s historic preservation expert indicating that the Project will have no adverse effect on a historic property.

14. Maryland Saved Harmless he Grantee is a Maryland State agency or local government, then each party shall be responsible for its own liability associated with the Grant, and neither party waives any applicable immunities.

15. Environmental Standards and Liability

A. As relevant to the Project, the Grantee shall ascertain and comply with all applicable Environmental Standards, monitor compliance, and immediately halt and correct any incident of non-compliance. The Grantee is solely responsible for all steps in obtaining any required permits including, but not limited to, those related to air quality requirements, as applicable.

Attachment A v.3 February 2022

B. In the event of any incident of non-compliance with Environmental Standards, the Grantee shall:

(1) Immediately notify the MEA Program Manager or designee of the incident, providing as much detail as possible;

(2) If requested by MEA, submit a written report to MEA, identifying the source or cause of the non-compliance and the method or action required to correct the problem; and

(3) Cooperate with MEA and its designated representatives or contractors with respect to investigation of the incident.

C. Subject to Section 14 and to the limits allowed by Maryland law, the Grantee shall be liable for:

(1) All environmental losses, including but not limited to, costs, expenses, losses, damages, actions, claims, penalties, fines and remedial or cleanup obligations arising from its failure to comply with Environmental Standards; and

(2) Any hazardous material located or placed in the Project and any requirements imposed by any governmental authority with respect to hazardous materials, arising in connection with the Grant or the Project.

16. Liability Insurance

Self-Insurance

The Grantee is self-insured pursuant to Annotated Code of Maryland, State Finance and Procurement Article, Title 9, as amended from time to time. will be responsible for its own negligence in accordance with the Maryland Tort Claims Act.

The Grantee shall include in all of its contracts for work that is to be funded in whole or in part with grant funds provided by MEA a provision or provisions requiring all contractors to purchase and maintain comprehensive third-party legal liability insurance and other such insurance as is appropriate for the work to be performed, with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 per occurrence.

All insurance provided by the contractor must name MEA as an additional insured.

17. Monitoring and Evaluation

For monitoring and evaluation purposes, the Grantee shall make available to MEA or its representatives, during regular business hours, all applicable reports, activities logs, timelines, estimated energy savings and generated energy, operating hours, projected system efficiencies and other technical and engineering specifications, and other information related to the Grant.

18. MEA Access to Project Site

Attachment A v.3 February 2022

A. If a Project Site is controlled by the Grantee:

(1) Upon reasonable notice, the Grantee shall allow MEA employees or representatives access to the Project Site to monitor the Project and provide technical assistance to verify that Project requirements are fully satisfied.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection, the Grantee shall allow MEA employees or representatives access to the Project Site to take photographs or video of the Project for MEA use, upon request by MEA.

(3) Upon reasonable notice from MEA, the Grantee shall assist MEA in any efforts to remotely monitor and inspect the Project, including but not limited to supplying MEA with any relevant photograph or document.

(4) Except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection, the Grantee shall participate in recorded remote monitoring of the Project to verify that Project requirements are fully satisfied, upon request by MEA.

(5) MEA may in its sole discretion modify the requirements in paragraphs (2) and (4) of this subsection if the Grantee provides a written request due to concerns, including but not limited to security concerns.

Attachment A v.3 February 2022

B. If a Project Site is controlled by a third party at any time during the Grant period:

The Grantee shall be responsible for obtaining written permission from the third party to allow MEA access to the Project Site for all purposes described in the Grant Agreement. Unless the Grantee provides good cause, to be determined solely by MEA, MEA shall not provide any further reimbursement of funds under the Grant Agreement until the Grantee provides the required written permission.

19. Participation in Marketing and Public Events; Signage

A. To the extent possible, and as requested by MEA, the Grantee shall participate in MEA-organized press events and host State government officials for visits and tours of the Project Site.

MEA shall provide reasonable notice to the Grantee and coordinate with the Grantee prior to scheduling a press event or official visit.

B. The Grantee shall invite MEA in writing, which can include email, to any Grantee-organized media event regarding the Project.

C. The Grantee shall notify MEA prior to any media coverage regarding the Project including but not limited to press releases and announcements; and, unless otherwise specified in the Grant Agreement, shall reference MEA grant funds under the Grant Agreement in any such media coverage.

D. Within 90 days following the effective date of the Grant Agreement, the Grantee shall consult with MEA regarding the feasibility of displaying signage indicating MEA sponsorship of the Project. Based upon this consultation, MEA may require the Grantee to place signage indicating MEA’s role in the Project in a prominent location and, if applicable, near the Project.

If applicable, MEA may provide the official MEA logo for incorporation on existing Grantee-produced project signage and may elect to provide any required signage.

20. Maryland Public Information Act; Use of Project Information

A. All information submitted to MEA is subject to the Maryland Public Information Act, Md. Code Ann., General Provisions §§ 4-101 to 4-601, (“PIA”). If a grantee believes information is confidential and therefore should be exempt from disclosure under the PIA, the grantee should clearly mark this information and identify it by page and section or line number.

Upon request for information from a third party, MEA is required to make an independent determination whether the information must be disclosed under the PIA. Designating information as confidential does not guarantee that it will be exempt from disclosure.

B. The Grantee understands and agrees that MEA may use information about the Project for reporting and marketing purposes, including but not limited to the project description, building type, energy measures, project costs, leveraged funds, energy and financial savings, and pictures and videos of the premises. MEA shall provide the Grantee an opportunity to review and consult

Attachment A v.3 February 2022 with MEA to ensure that a written case study, photo, or video taken of its facility will not disclose confidential personal and/or business information.

21. Project Location Workforce Requirement

The Grant shall comply with State Government Article § 9-20B-05, Annotated of Maryland, which requires that at least 80 percent of workers participating in a project or program that receives money from the SEIF must reside within 50 miles of the project or program. As the Program is a statewide program, MEA will determine compliance based on whether at least 80 percent of worksite workers reside in Maryland, or within 50 miles of Maryland's borders.

22. American Manufactured Goods

If the Grantee is a unit of State or local government, the Grant must comply with State Finance and Procurement Article §§ 14-416 and 17-303, Annotated Code of Maryland.

23. Maryland Law Prevails

The internal laws of Maryland shall govern the interpretation and enforcement of the Grant Agreement, except for any choice of law provisions utilized by Maryland.

24. Grant Agreement Binding on Successors and Assigns

The Grant Agreement shall bind the respective successors and assigns of the parties.

25. Transfer of Grant Agreement

The Grantee may not sell, transfer, or delegate any of its obligations under the Grant Agreement to another entity without prior written consent of MEA. Consent is not guaranteed and is at the sole discretion of MEA. Examples of factors that might lead to a denial of consent include a change in the Grantee’s federal tax identification number, or a requested modification that is inconsistent with the requirements of the Program.

26. Amendments to the Grant Agreement

Other than an extension of up to 60 days approved pursuant to Section 3 of these General Provisions, no amendment to the Grant Agreement is binding unless it is in writing and signed by both parties.

27. Merger

The Grant Agreement and any terms and conditions expressly incorporated by reference herein embodies the whole agreement of the parties. There are no promises, terms, conditions, or

Attachment A v.3 February 2022 obligations referring to the subject matter, other than those contained herein or incorporated herein by reference.

28. Non-waiver of Rights; Remedies

No failure on the part of the State or MEA to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right under the Grant Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude the State or MEA from further exercising that or any other right. The remedies provided under the Grant Agreement are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

29. Attestations

A person executing an Agreement on behalf of the Grantee certifies, to the best of that person’s knowledge and belief, that:

A. The person is authorized to sign the Agreement on behalf of the Grantee and to commit the Grantee to the obligations set forth in the Agreement;

B. Neither the Grantee, nor any of its officers or directors, nor any employee of the Grantee involved in obtaining contracts with or grants from the State or any subdivision of the State, has engaged in collusion with respect to the Grantee’s application for the Grant or this Agreement or has been convicted of bribery, attempted bribery, or conspiracy to bribe under the laws of any state or the United States;

C. Neither the Grantee, nor any of its officers or directors, nor any employee of the Grantee has engaged in any practice regarding this Grant that is inconsistent with General Provisions Article § 5-502, Annotated Code of Maryland;

D. The Grantee has not employed or retained any person, partnership, corporation, or other entity, other than a bona fide employee or agent working for the Grantee, to solicit or secure the Grant or the Agreement, and the Grantee has not paid or agreed to pay any such entity any fee or other consideration contingent on the making of the Grant or the Agreement;

E. The Grantee, if a health or social welfare organization as defined by State Finance and Procurement Article § 7-403, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall keep financial records in accordance with uniform accounting standards, as more fully described in Section 7-403;

F. Neither the Grantee, nor any of its officers or directors, nor any person substantially involved in the contracting or fund-raising activities of the Grantee, is currently suspended or debarred from contracting with the State or any other public entity or subject to debarment under Regulation 21.08.04.04 of the Code of Maryland Regulations; and

G. The Grantee is not in default on any financial obligation to the State or MEA.

Wes Moore, Governor Aruna Miller, Lt. Governor Paul G. Pinsky, Director

Funding Opportunity Announcement Higher Education Clean Energy Grant Pilot Program FY 2025 Grant Program Program Description:

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) proudly presents the FY2025 Higher Education Clean Energy Grant Pilot Program, aimed at Maryland's Institutions of Higher Education (i.e., accredited two and four year colleges and universities). This competitive - statewide program is designed to foster a holistic approach to sustainability by supporting the adoption of on-site renewable energy technologies, the integration of strategic energy planning into operations and academic curricula, and the advancement of workforce development in the renewable energy sector.

The FY25 Program’s focus will support the installation of solar panel installations on campuses that complement strategic energy planning, sustainable curricula, and workforce development.

The program seeks to create sustainable, energy-efficient campuses that serve as practical learning environments and hubs for renewable energy education and job creation. Projects under this Program should not only contribute to the institution's sustainability goals but also ensure that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the sustainability and renewable energy sectors.

Type of Grant Program: Competitive - statewide

Application Deadline: 3:00 P.M. EST, Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Anticipated Funding: A total of $9,200,000 is anticipated to be available from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (“SEIF”). The amount awarded may be more or less, depending on the quantity and quality of applications received. On average, MEA expects to provide approximately $1.15 Million per project.

Eligible Applicants: Funding is available to Maryland’s Institutions of Higher Education that are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (campus” or “campuses.”

Each Campus, including its satellite locations, may only receive one grant.

Eligible Activities:

Funding is available for Solar Panel Installation and is anticipated to be approximately $1 Million per eligible applicant. Funding may be used for the installation of roof mounted solar, ground mounted solar, or solar canopies over existing parking lots, parking garages, or other permanent impervious areas (e.g. athletic courts) owned or controlled by a Campus. In addition to the Solar Panel Installation, a Campus shall also develop a comprehensive Campus Clean Energy Master

Plan (“CCEMP”) to identify clear targets for the Campus, per Maryland’s clean energy goals, and define strategies and options available to achieve these targets. Funding to support the CCEMP is anticipated to be approximately up to $145,000 per eligible applicant. Additionally, a bonus of up to $5,000 per student intern can be applied to support the cost of utilizing one or more student intern(s) to assist the campus Sustainability and Facilities Offices in completing the plan (maximum of five interns per award).

A Campus may also apply for additional funding under Category 1: Clean Energy Sector Training Programing. Funding is available for this optional category, anticipated to be approximately up to $145,000 per eligible applicant, for the development of courses to develop a workforce to design, develop and install solar arrays and installations, to include energy storage associated with the installation. A bonus of up to $5,000 per student intern can be applied to support student intern(s) to assist the campus Sustainability Office and appropriate Academic Department(s) to develop course curriculum based on best practices.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Thirty-six (36) months, beginning with the effective date of the executed grant agreement. An extension for good cause may be requested by a grantee and must be justified with written documentation explaining the need for an extension. Extensions are granted by and at the sole discretion of MEA.

SCOPE OF WORK

1) Solar Panel Installation

○ Solar purchased by Campus: For the installation of a solar system purchased/owned by the Campus, up to $2,500/kW of grant funds are available with a cap of $1,000,000 per project. On a case-by-case basis, MEA may consider increasing the grant to $3,000/kW with the cap remaining at $1,000,000 per project when unique circumstances or a compelling reason is specified in the application.

■ To be eligible, applicants must leverage funds from federal incentive programs (or provide a compelling reason to waive this requirement).

■ Leveraging funding from state and local programs will also make an application more competitive.

○ 3rd Party-Owned Solar System: For the installation of a 3rd party-owned solar canopy system, up to $600/kW of grant funds are available, with a cap of $750,000.

■ To be eligible, a system must be net metered.

■ To be eligible, the 3rd party owner must leverage funds from federal incentive programs.

2) Campus Clean Energy Master Plan

○ The scope of this initiative encompasses comprehensive sustainability and workforce development, including but not limited to, the deployment of renewable energy systems, enhancement of energy efficiency, and facilitation of energy education and job training.

○ CCEMPs should focus on integrating renewable energy installations with strategic planning and analysis, aimed at not only reducing the campus carbon footprint but also fostering a skilled workforce in the clean energy sector.

■ CEMPs should identify impactful projects that synergize with existing campus sustainability plans, expand clean energy installations beyond the Solar Canopy award, and contribute to the state's broader clean energy objectives, with a focus on equitable distribution and effective utilization.

○ Collaborative efforts with industry partners for practical training, alongside meticulous energy consumption and economic analyses, are encouraged to ensure the feasibility and success of these initiatives.

3) Category 1 Clean Energy Sector Training Programing

○ The scope of this initiative encompasses comprehensive sustainability and workforce development through the integration of renewable energy and sustainability into the curriculum.

○ Educational Program Development that is designed to expand and enhance efforts to develop a clean energy ready workforce including but not limited to:

■ Creating a course program (i.e. major, minor, or certificate) for Clean Energy Sector Education and Training

■ Course creation for renewable energy design and installation

■ Integration of energy storage systems in the curriculum.

4) Optional Student Internship Bonus

○ Student engagement is encouraged. A bonus of $5,000 per student intern, may be applied to support the cost of utilizing a student intern(s) to assist in the completion of either the CEMP or Category 1. Each applicant may apply for up to $25,000 total, to support a maximum of 5 interns.

○ The use of student interns is strongly encouraged to support the execution of the Project, as appropriate. Student internships can provide valuable learning opportunities for students. Student interns are required to provide a final report on the tasks they completed relevant to the Project, which should be submitted as part of the final report.

○ Student intern(s) must be managed by a staff or faculty member employed by the Campus. The designated supervisor will be responsible for coordinating directly with and ensuring the student intern(s) is effectively supporting the completion of the Project.

● Funding Exclusions

○ Activities ineligible for funding include:

■ Commissioning reports

■ Energy Audits

■ Activities lacking a clear link to Greenhouse Gas emission reductions

■ Academic Research

■ Travel to conferences

■ Professional Staffing

■ Activities related to the Program already completed

COST AND PERFORMANCE METRICS

MEA will evaluate each complete application received based on the value of the project to the taxpayer, which is determined, in part, by using the Application Review Checklist. Due to the complexity of the selection process, MEA may request additional information after all applications have been submitted to facilitate the evaluation process. MEA reserves the right to adjust project standings to obtain reasonable geographic diversity of projects or to provide a reasonable distribution of projects.

Solar Panel Installation: The primary element for evaluation is the Greenhouse Gas saved per dollar of grant funding. As a proxy, the calculation evaluates the energy generation (kWh) per dollar of grant funding (kWh/$).

While institutions may apply for additional MEA grant funding under MEA’s Solar Canopy Program, the Public Facility Solar Grant Program, and this program, MEA will only issue one award for an individual project.

Campus Clean Energy Master Plan: The primary element for evaluation is a detailed plan that identifies specific and actionable opportunities, for renewable and cleaner energy generation, including the following:

● Identify locations on campus conducive for solar arrays and other renewable energy opportunities;

● Identify opportunities for third-party ownership, for example power purchase agreements (PPAs), that can be used to access distributed energy resources such as solar;

● Identify alternative sources of financing, including federal, state, and local incentives including bonds and leases supported by energy savings;

● Identify opportunities for Energy as a Service (EaaS) agreements;

● Develop plans and procurement options to solicit PPAs.

● Identify ways to increase energy efficiency in building envelopes during renovation and roof projects;

● Make recommendations for consideration of energy efficient equipment in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning replacement projects;

● Develop policies for evaluating energy efficiency during the planning phases of systemic renovation projects; and

● Develop design standards for incorporating energy efficiency into these projects.

Category 1 Clean Energy Sector Training Programing The primary element for evaluation is the number and types of courses developed and offered to students. The institution must commit to offering the course to students within 2 years of course approval by the institution to receive points.

● Developing a major, minor, or certificate program to enhance Clean Energy Sector Training and/or Education;

● Courses designed to prepare students for NABCEP Associate and various NABCEP certifications

● Courses designed to support students in a renewable energy related apprenticeship programs

● Courses designed to support bachelor and graduate level engineering students (e.g. electrical engineering, systems engineering, or similar) develop skills to design solar panels, inverters, charge controllers, microgrid controllers,etc.)

● Courses designed to prepare students to become solar installers, wind technicians and/or geothermal technicians

● Courses designed to prepare students to become solar system designers (residential, commercial, utility scale)

MINIMUM APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

A checklist of required documents, as described below, can be found appended to this FOA in “Attachment A: Documents Checklist”.

● A signature applied to the application by a Campus officer with the authority to commit the Campus to execute the grant’s requirements (e.g. President, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Sustainability Officer, etc.). This individual should have sufficient authority to identify, authorize, and provide the necessary resources to perform the following activities:

o A system diagram detailing locations, dimensions, and orientations of the proposed system on the property;

o A site map exhibiting the location of the system on the property;

o Construction schedule;

o Output(s) from a Solar Energy Calculator (i.e. National Renewable Energy

Laboratory’s (NREL) PVWatts Calculator, or PVsyst’s Photovoltaic Software, or equivalent) document showing expected energy production;

o A basic electrical schematic of the facility’s electrical system (a one-line diagram is acceptable) and where/how the solar array connects to it;

o For a purchased system, calculate and provide the simple payback period.

For a 3rd party-owned system, show the cost savings to the site owner over a 15-year period;

o Develop institutional master plans;

o Create and implement new programs of study, courses, and certifications;

o A brief page narrative describing the anticipated scope of work and how this will complement existing campus facilities, utilities, sustainability and/or climate action plan;

https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ https://pvwatts.nrel.gov/ https://www.pvsyst.com/pvsyst-team/

● A signed IRS Form W-9;

● A prospective schedule and plan for Campus design and construction of the solar panel system;

● A prospective schedule and plan for Campus Clean Energy Master Plan;

o including a brief narrative describing how the CCEMP will identify specific and actionable opportunities for renewable energy generation and energy efficiency to reduce the campus’ carbon footprint

● A project budget showing full costs and requested funding from MEA. All non-capital costs that may be incurred must be submitted individually with a description of proposed use of the funding request.

o Applicants must leverage funds from federal incentive programs, including the Inflation Reduction Act’s Direct Pay incentives for clean energy technologies. Leveraging funding from state and local programs will also make an application more competitive. Projects that do not leverage additional federal, state, or local funding sources, must provide a compelling reason to waive this requirement or they will not be eligible to receive an award from this program.

● Consistent with the intent to develop capacity for ongoing efforts, applicants shall identify a Campus staff person who will be responsible for overseeing the continuation of the activities outlined in this grant announcement after the end of the award’s period of performance;

● Competitive Procurement Required, if the applicant must conduct a competitive procurement for the project, the Campus must provide documentation showing that it understands the current pricing for a solar canopy, or if a Power Purchase Agreement is contemplated, provide documentation that the Campus believes that a satisfactory PPA rate may be negotiated/achieved. If a PPA is contemplated, a copy of a signed contract or Letter of Intent (LOI) between the Site Owner and System Owner; or

● Non-Competitive Procurement Required If a competitive procurement is not required, provide a LOI between the Campus and the installer (for a purchased system) or a LOI between the institute and the system owner (for a PPA system).

o The LOI must, at a minimum, include:

• The all of the documentation required in this FOA to satisfy the minimum application requirements,

• For systems not requiring a competitive procurement, evidence of project finance in the form of a financier's Letter of Commitment, or a signed letter by the proposed system owner confirming its ability to self-finance the project;

https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/directpay/

• For a purchased system, calculate and provide the simple payback period. For a 3rd party-owned system, show the cost savings to the site owner over a 15-year period.

COMPETITIVE APPLICATION CRITERIA

Award selection will prioritize campuses that demonstrate the greatest cost-benefit and greenhouse gas (GHG) savings per dollar spent. As a proxy, the calculation evaluates the energy generation (kWh) per dollar of MEA grant funding (kWh/$). All evaluation criteria will be considered concurrently, with kWh per MEA grant dollars having the highest weight.

Applications will be considered based on all of the following weighted criteria (please see Attachment B: Competitive Documents Checklist):

● Energy generation (kWh) per dollar of MEA grant funding (kWh / $)

● Justification of how funds will be used to advance or expand activities consistent with the Scope of Work;

● Maximum benefit to Campus and their students (energy reductions, cost savings and leveraging factors). Leveraging factor is the total cost of the project divided by the total grant and loan funds from all sources (including other federal, state, and local incentive programs); and,

● Service and programming for students and communities from designated census tracts, as defined by Maryland's House Bill 550 in the 2023 Acts of Maryland, and identified by the Maryland Department of the Environment as "overburdened," with measurable outcomes.; and,

● Engagement plan demonstrating how students, staff, faculty and the surrounding communities are involved with the solar project, Campus Clean Energy Master Plan and, if applicable, the Clean Energy Sector Training including:

communications and opportunities to include the project in educational (curricular or otherwise) activities; and,

● Pursuit of the optional student internship bonus; and,

● Applicant actively teaches (i.e. has offered at least one course in the last four semesters) solar energy courses and would utilize the solar array for educational value ; and,

● Applicant is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as Minority Serving Institution (MSI).

EVALUATION & RANKING METHODOLOGY

Each application will be evaluated and ranked based on the following methodology. Energy generation (kWh) per dollar of MEA grant funding (kWh / $) will have the highest weight among all criteria but will be considered concurrently with other criteria to ensure a comprehensive assessment. Table 1 and Table 2 (pages 7-8) provide the criteria, maximum points available for each criteria, and the weight of each criteria toward the overall score. Attachment C provides an example of how these calculations will be made.

1) Solar Panel Installation & Campus Clean Energy Master Plan Table 1: Evaluation Criteria for Solar and CCEMP

Scope Component Description

Evaluation Type:

Required or

Competitiv e Criteria

Points Weight

Solar Panel Installation All required solar documentation submitted Required N/A

Solar Panel Installation Project and Construction schedule with estimated timeline to completion Required N/A

Solar Panel Installation Identification of campus staff person who will be responsible for overseeing the continuation of the activities outlined

Required N/A

CCEMP

1 page narrative describing the anticipated scope of work and how this will complement existing campus facilities, utilities, sustainability and/or climate action plan

Required N/A

CCEMP

1 page narrative describing how the CCEMP will identify specific and actionable opportunities for renewable energy generation and energy efficiency. and reduce the campus carb footprint

Required N/A

CCEMP

Identification of campus staff person who will be responsible for overseeing the continuation of the activities outlined

Required N/A

Financing Project budget showing full costs and requested funding from MEA. Required N/A

Financing Procurement Strategy documentation Required N/A

Leveraged Funds Brief narrative description demonstrating how federal incentives will be leveraged and explaining any additional leveraged funding.

Required N/A

Cost-Effective Climate Impact Energy generated per MEA dollar awarded

Competitive Calculated 65

Engagement Plan 1-2 page engagement plan demonstrating involvement of students, staff, faculty, and surrounding communities in the project and

Competitive 0-2 5 educational activities.

Courses Point awarded for institutions providing documentation to show they are actively teaching solar energy courses Competitive 0-1 5

MSI

Point awarded if the applicant is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a

Minority Serving Institution (MSI).

Competitive 0-1 5

Environmental Justice Consideration of projects benefiting overburdened communities as defined by Maryland's House Bill 550.

Competitive 0-1 5

Justification

Brief narrative description with a justification of how funds will be used to advance or expand activities consistent with the Scope of Work

Competitive 0-1 5

Student Internship Utilization

Bonus points for utilizing student interns in the completion of the CCEMP Competitive 0-1 5

Category 1 Pursuit Pursuit of Clean Energy Sector Training

Programing Funding Competitive 0-1 5

2) Evaluation for Clean Energy Sector Training Programing (Optional)

Table 2: Evaluation for Clean Energy Sector Training Programing

Scope Component Description

Evaluation Type:

Required or Competitive Criteria

Points Weight

Workforce Development Plan

Brief narrative description outlining the development of courses and programs to train students in the clean energy sector, including creating major, minor, or certificate programs.

Maximum of 4 points available, 1 point for each novel course or program developed.

Required & Competitive 0-4 25

Educational Program Implementation

Brief narrative description of plan to implement the developed educational programs and ensure their sustainability.

Required & Competitive 0-1 25

Financing Project budget showing full costs and requested funding from MEA.

Required & Competitive 0-1 25

Student Internship Utilization Bonus points for utilizing student interns Clean Energy Sector Training Program. Competitive 0-1 12.5

Justification Brief narrative description with a justification of how funds will be used to advance or expand activities consistent with the Scope of Work

Competitive 0-1 12.5

DELIVERABLES

The following deliverables are anticipated to document activities conducted during the grant period:

● A grant implementation plan to include the following:

o Identification of any key Campus position(s) relevant to overseeing activities required by the grant, as well as the role(s) of individuals, consultants, etc. who will be responsible for completing the grant-funded work;

o Outline of the process, including a timeline, by August 1st, 2025; and o Explanation of how funding from this grant will be used to meet the scope and deliverables of this grant award

● Final close-out report outlining progress, identification of next steps occurring after the grant performance period, and a summary of lessons learned and recommended best practices.

● Quarterly progress reports and invoices submitted to MEA.

FUNDING

A total of $9,200,000 is anticipated to be available for this program. The amount awarded may vary depending on the quantity and quality of applications received.

Project funding is required to be combined with other incentives, including the Inflation Reduction Act’s Direct Pay incentives for clean energy technologies. Projects must leverage federal and utility incentives wherever possible. If applicants cannot leverage federal incentives, applicants must provide a narrative justifying that. Applicants that leverage additional funding will also score more competitively on the highest weighted factor - energy generated per MEA dollar awarded. MEA will not provide grant funds for costs that exceed the project cost minus all incentives.

Participation in MEA grant programs is voluntary. If awarded a grant and to ensure the secure transmission of grant funds, grantee recipients of MEA funding are generally required to receive electronic payments from the State of Maryland. Electronic payments are set up through the State of Maryland's Comptroller's Office. Grantee must fill out and submit the "ACH/Direct Deposit Authorization for Vendor Payments Form X-10” to the Comptroller’s Office via the submission methods outlined on the X-10 form. ACH/Direct Deposit Authorization for Vendor Payment Form X-10 should not be sent to MEA.

Failure to submit ACH/Direct Deposit Authorization Form X-10 may result in award reimbursement being delayed.

If an applicant is unable to receive ACH/Direct Deposit payments, MEA may provide an https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/directpay/ https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/forms/state-accounting/static-files/GADX10Form.pdf exception to this requirement on a case-by-case basis, at the sole discretion of MEA.

REVIEW PROCESS:

Applications will be reviewed by a team that may include individuals from MEA and other entities with experience in energy, construction, and capital development. Applications will be reviewed using the evaluation criteria and priority factors outlined in this FOA.

PARTIAL AWARDS:

In general, partial awards are anticipated under this program. Awards will be distributed until funds are exhausted. In the case where the remaining funds are insufficient to fully fund an additional qualified project, a partial award will be offered to the Campus based on budget availability. If the partial award is not accepted, MEA will offer the remaining funding to the remaining approved but unfunded applications.

EQUITABLE FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND APPROACH:

MEA recognizes that Higher Education Institutions across Maryland are diverse in their needs, priorities, and financial constraints. Understanding this variability, it is a fundamental objective of the FY25 Program to provide equitable funding opportunities to all Colleges and Universities across the state, regardless of their circumstances.

To this end, MEA is committed to ensuring that the allocation of funds under this Program helps to foster a holistic approach to sustainability by supporting the adoption of on-site renewable energy technologies, the integration of strategic energy planning into operations and academic curricula, and the advancement of workforce development in the renewable energy sector.

To effectively support communities in Maryland that are disproportionately affected by environmental harms, MEA prioritizes equity. This is particularly relevant in the context of delivering benefits from numerous environmental programs. In Maryland, an “Overburdened Community” is defined as any census tract where at least three environmental health indicators are above the 75th percentile statewide, in accordance with the criteria established by Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 (Ch. 38 of the 2022 Laws of Maryland). MEA aims to use such designations to help guide policy and allocation decisions to promote health and sustainability.

GRANT PROGRAM SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Projects that include fossil-fuel or other combustion technologies that produce greenhouse gas emissions are typically not eligible for funding.

● Specific examples of projects that would not be eligible for funding under the Program include:

○ Efforts that expand the use of fossil fuel or natural gas technologies, except where meeting one of the exemptions or those efforts are technically infeasible;

○ Expansion of infrastructure that results in an expansion of fossil fuel delivery volume;

○ New installations of fossil fuel or natural gas fired technologies;

○ Projects that result in significant life extension of fossil fuel fired systems, beyond basic health and safety repairs or efforts that enhance efficiency but do not extend the gas system/or fossil fueled fired equipment life. Note: Limited exceptions may be considered where there is no other technically feasible technology or where a source can be demonstrated to be zero emission. Any applications for projects involving fossil fuel should provide evidence that a technical analysis of why electrified or other zero emission alternatives cannot be implemented, this analysis should not be on the basis of operating or capital costs alone.

Exemptions: All exemption requests will be in writing and provide a thorough technical analysis of why electrification and other zero emission technologies cannot be applied from a technical perspective and consider the following:

● Currently available commercialized technologies,

● Ability of locationally specific existing utility infrastructure to support non-fossil fuel applications,

● Thorough evaluation of alternatives,

● Mitigation efforts to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of fossil fuel use,

● A description of any efforts to make infrastructure ready for future technologies, such as green hydrogen, or phase out fossil fueled technology in the future, and

● Statutorily directed activities.

Operating and capital costs alone will not be considered justification for any exemption and exemptions will not be approved purely on cost saving opportunities alone.

GRANT PROGRAM GENERAL PROVISIONS:

MEA grant programs, including pilot programs, are covered by general requirements (“General Provisions”) that will be made part of the grant agreement between MEA and a grantee. The General Provisions are available for review on MEA’s website. These General Provisions, Version 3.0, are incorporated into all MEA FY25 Grant Agreements. In addition to the General Provisions, the following funding qualifications apply to the program:

● Funds may be used for physical construction activities, the purchase of materials, or equipment.

● Funds must be used for additional capacity and may not be used to supplant existing activities, including staffing, systems, and other efforts already implemented or contracted for previously. In the review of grant activities for a grantee, MEA may request documentation to demonstrate that activities are unique and distinct from a Campus’s baseline activities.

● Funding may not be used for activities already completed but may be used to supplement or expand on those activities.

● Under most circumstances, costs a grantee has incurred prior to the effective date of the Grant Agreement are not reimbursable.