a. GRANTS IDENTIFICATION, TRAINING AND TOOLS to design and implement a corporate grants function according to industry best practices, tailored to the size and nature of our organization. Potential services may include evaluation of existing grant processes and the provision of trainings and tools to track external funding opportunities from identification through application and award. PGW also seeks services for the research and identification of external funding opportunities: i. Identify targeted funding opportunities announcements matched to PGW business interests. ii. Quickly assess PGW’s eligibility, and the application requirements and submission guidelines for funding opportunities. iii. Summarizes the data required for a complete application and the level of effort involved for PGW to apply. iv. Development of standard PGW profile information, data and documents as determined to standardize application processes, where possible. v. Identify partnership opportunities with outside agencies. vi. Establish framework for internal evaluation and decision-making on pursuing grant opportunities, considering criteria such as level of funding, award likelihood, availability of requisite application information, level of effort, strategic fit, and available resources and capacity. b. GRANTS APPLICATION services, as requested, including application writing and submission for external funding opportunities. The selected Proposer will initially likely be requested to provide support for PGW’s RISE PA application for decarbonization projects at PGW’s facilities. All activities to be performed in close coordination with PGW and will likely include: i. Reviewing Application Criteria: Understanding and interpreting the specific requirements outlined in the grant application. ii. Providing Guidance: Offering clear instructions and guidance on the application process, including eligibility criteria and submission guidelines. iii. Draft Project Narratives: With input from PGW, gather, write and organize documentation and information required for the application. iv. Develop and Analyze Technical Data: When required, compile and review any necessary data required for a complete application. v. Reviewing Drafts: Offering feedback and reviewing draft applications to ensure completeness, accuracy, and alignment with grant objectives. vi. Ensuring Compliance: Verifying that the application complies with all relevant regulations, guidelines, and legal requirements. vii. Deadline Management: Managing timelines and deadlines for application submission, ensuring timely completion and submission of all required materials. viii. General: Providing recommendations based on lessons learned from prior client experiences. The PGW business units you can expect to work with are Legal, Risk, Corporate Communications/External Affairs, Finance and Corporate Planning. ix. Grant Submission Support: Assistance to help prepare, organize, and submit a grant proposal to the funding agency. c. ONGOING GRANT MANAGEMENT services, as requested, providing post-award support to ensure all grant requirements are addressed. Activities could include advising and supporting PGW on establishing front-end protocols and ongoing compliance management, monitoring, and reporting of grant funding; preparation of financial statements; and provision of accounting services in compliance with grant requirements. One potential example could be supporting PGW’s compliance requirements per its participation as a MACH2 sub-recipient in the DOE H2 Hubs grant program. Compliance for this example program would include the terms of the Award from Department of Energy, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 C.F.R 200) and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (“FAR”) (48 C.F.R. 31.2), and Build America, Buy America Act (“BABA”) requirements, among others. The selected Proposer will oversee compliance with all applicable cost principles and ensure timely submission of required documentation. i. Provide PGW with a schedule and a plan for all reporting, and any other administrative support as identified post-award. ii. Ensuring overall proper controls and compliance. Requires thorough understanding and interpretation of requirements and regulations such as, but not limited to, in-depth understanding of FAR, CFR 200, and BABA. iii. Setting up documentation and reporting systems to track documentation, support audits, and ensure compliance with grant reporting requirements. iv. Ensuring completion of all required steps for grant reimbursement, including preparing reports, tracking all documentation to support audits, and proactively monitoring and managing grant progress to ensure PGW’s compliance. v. Providing financial management and budget oversight, including coordination with PGW accounting. Proactively monitor post-award administration/grants disbursements and manage grant progress. vi. Providing training, technical assistance on identified topics related to grants management as needed. vii. Reaching out to external stakeholders, such as vendors/manufacturers, as needed, to confirm compliance.
