Maryland Offshore Wind Workforce Training Program - FY 2020

MEA will consider applications for new or existing workforce development training centers utilized by the offshore wind industry. Training centers must provide the education of a technical trade skill(s) and safety standards utilized for the development, construction, and operations & maintenance phases of an offshore wind project. The training center must provide technical and safety training at no cost to all participating students. Applicants must provide an outreach plan to prospective students from historically underserved communities, including but not limited to minorities, women, and veterans of the US Armed Forces. Applicants must demonstrate how project proposals will benefit Maryland’s Emerging Businesses, including minority-owned Emerging Businesses. 

The Program has a budget of $1.2 million for Fiscal Year 2020. MEA may increase or decrease the Program budget at its sole discretion and without notice.  Grants are calculated as 75 percent of total project costs up to $300,000.  Applicants must contribute at least 25 percent of the total project costs. Please read the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for additional information before starting your application.

Training Centers Requirements

1. The training center must provide the education and training of technical trade skills and safety skills related to the development, fabrication, installation/construction, and operations & maintenance phases of an offshore wind project. The training center must provide the technical and safety training at no cost to all participating students.
   
   
2. Grant Funds may be used to offset costs associated with developing and providing the technical and safety training course(s), such as curriculum development, instructor salaries, training supplies/materials, and overhead. 
   
   
3. Grant Funds may be used to offset capital expenditure costs such as acquiring or maintaining fixed assets, such as land, buildings, and equipment necessary for providing technical and safety skills training to participating students. Grant funds may not be used for the purchase of land or buildings; however, Grantees’ 25 percent cost share may be used for this purpose.
    
4. Examples of skilled trades utilized for the construction, installation, and operations & maintenance of an offshore wind industry include, but are not limited to, welding, metal fabrication, computer numerical control machining, electrical work, millwrighting, port logistics, crane operations, rigging, and pile driving.
   
   
5. MEA will give priority to applications proposing training centers for skilled trades required for the development, fabrication, and installation/construction phases of an offshore wind project. 
   
   
6. Grantees will be required to ensure all of the training center’s graduating students complete, at a minimum, the United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) 10-Hour safety course for general construction.
   
   
7. Grantees will be required to demonstrate outreach and recruitment efforts to minorities, as defined in Md. Code Ann., State Government § 9-20C-01(g), and veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
   
   
8. Grantees will be required to demonstrate outreach and recruitment efforts to individuals who are unemployed, under-employed, currently incarcerated, and/or returning from incarceration.
   
   
9. Grantees will be required to demonstrate efforts to maintain records of professional progress for all students including, but not limited to, work history, certifications obtained, and post training employment for up to one year after graduation from the training center.
   
   
10. The training center must benefit Maryland’s Emerging Businesses, including minority-owned Emerging Businesses entering the offshore wind industry. 
    
    
11. If a project includes the construction or renovation of a facility, the applicant will be required to ensure the facility meets current energy codes required by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) within the State of Maryland.  
    
    
12. If a project includes procuring new equipment, applicants will be required to make reasonable efforts to ensure the equipment is cost effective and energy efficient.
    
    
13. Applicants that received a grant award from the Program in previous Fiscal Years may apply for an additional grant in Fiscal Year 2020.