In early February HB728/SB641 was introduced to help several state agencies work more closely with nonprofit organizations on preservation projects through cooperative agreements. Unlike the federal government, state agencies are often prohibited by antiquated procurement rules from working directly with nonprofit organizations unless there is a specific, delineated grant program.
This bill would allow select agencies and nonprofits to support each other in cooperative efforts on projects pertaining to historic preservation, archaeology and conservation. The agencies included under this new measure are the Maryland Department of General Services, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland Department of Transportation, and Maryland Department of Planning.
The bill is sponsored by Del. Dylan Behler in the house, and co-sponsored by Del. Matthew Schindler, Del. Courtney Watson, & Del. Natalie Ziegler – each representing a diverse and unique part of the state which underscores the bill’s broad appeal. In the Senate, Sen. Paul Corderman is the primary sponsor.
Why Now?
As federal and state resources become more limited, this small change would allow Maryland to stretch dollars further by working with mission-aligned nonprofit partners on shared goals, avoiding duplicative procurement processes and unnecessary administrative overhead.
Additionally, the legislation includes several key requirements to make any subcontracting associated with the projects competitive, engage and market to local communities for project planning, and transparently report on partnership outcomes. The outcome is a win-win for state government and historic preservation.
In Simple Terms What Does This All Mean?
A state agency could provide a small nonprofit with a cooperative agreement and funds to work on a mutually beneficial task – a study, a rehab project, an interpretive marker – that otherwise the agency might consider too small to procure through a cumbersome and expensive Request for Proposals (RFP).
Will It Cost the State More Money?
No. Any funding, if necessary, provided through a cooperative agreement would come from existing agency funds. This is meant to expedite and make government more efficient with existing dollars – not new appropriations.
How You Can Help?
Send a note to your legislator and ask them to support HB728/SB641. Use our quick contact link here to tell your legislator now.