In this Article, the following terms have the meanings indicated: Director means the director of the Office, or the Director’s designee. Grant means an agreement in which a grantor transfers money or something of value to a grantee to support a public purpose. Office means the Office of Grants Management. Racial equity and social justice means changes in policy, practice and allocation of County resources so that race or social justice constructs do not predict one’s success, while also improving opportunities and outcomes for all people.

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), this Article applies to any grant: (1) received by the County as a grantee; or (2) offered by the County as a grantor. (b) This Article does not apply to any: (1) purchase of goods or services by the County for the direct use or benefit of the County; (2) franchise under Sections 8A-9 or 49-20; (3) license or permit; (4) conveyance or use of real property; (5) bond; (6) loan; (7) tax credit; or (8) individual right or benefit.

(a) The Office must maintain a grants database that includes current information regarding: (1) each grant opportunity offered by the County; (2) the purpose, date, amount, and grantor of each grant received by the County; and (3) the purpose, date, amount, and grantee of each grant awarded by the County. (b) The grants database must be available to the public under Section 2-154(b).

(a) The Office, in coordination with the Office of Procurement, must develop countywide policies and procedures to: (1) implement best practices regarding grants management; (2) maximize the County’s use of federal, State, and non-governmental grant opportunities; (3) maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of grants awarded by the County; (4) ensure public transparency and ethical practice in grants management; and (5) ensure that grants management in the County is consistent with the County’s racial equity and social justice goals. (b) The Executive may adopt method (1) regulations to implement policies and procedures under subsection (a).

The Director must submit a quarterly report on the activities of the Office to the Executive and the Council. The report must include: (1) an overview of the grants process and awards; (2) data regarding grants received by the County; (3) data regarding grants awarded by the County; (4) public outreach activities of the Office and the outcomes of the outreach activities; (5) progress in racial equity and social justice goals; and (6) any recommendations to improve policies and procedures regarding grants management in the County.